HSE International Issue 91 by HSE International Magazine

Health, Safety & Environment Worldwide

ISSUE 91 SEPTEMBER 2014

LUCION ENVIRONMENTAL SWALE BOROUGH COUNCIL BRITISH SAFETY COUNCIL

INTERNATIONAL SAFETY AWARDS 2014

UK POWER NETWORKS

ONE STOP HIRE

LAND SECURITIES

CROATIA

THE GARDEN, TISNO

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Contents: September 2014

News:

RoSPA Awards 2014:

Lucion Environmental

Swale Borough Council

British Safety Council International Safety Awards 2014:

Working at Height: One Stop Hire

Energy & Utilities: UK Power Networks

Real Estate: Land Securities

Leisure & Tourism: Croatia â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Adventures in the Adriatic

The Garden, Tisno

www.hseinternational.co.uk

Editor’s Comments : September 2014 This month in HSE International:

he Health and Safety at Work Act is one of the most important and successful pieces of workplace legislation ever. Thursday 31st July 2014 marked the 40th anniversary of the Act, which received royal assent on 31 July 1974. In the 40 years since the Act was passed, the number of fatalities in the workplace has fallen by 85% while the number of injuries at work has fallen by 77%. To celebrate this prestigious event, September’s issue of HSE International takes an in-depth look at the RoSPA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents) Awards 2014 and the British Safety Council International Safety Awards 2014. Sponsored by NEBOSH (the premier health and safety examining body), the RoSPA Safety Awards are internationally recognised and are one of the most sought after accolades by organisations from every industry sector. The awards recognise best practice and outstanding achievements in occupational health and safety management, offering organisations a prime opportunity to prove their ongoing commitment to raising health and safety standards. We speak to 2014 award winners Lucion Environmental and discuss how they are striving forward as an independent asbestos consultancy and how they deliver awardwinning hazard management. We also speak to Swale Borough Council about how they have become one of the leading local authorities in the country and discuss their awards success.

Equally as important as the RoSPA Awards are the British Safety Council International Safety Awards. They set health and safety standards and celebrate best practice. Highly regarded by those at the cutting edge of health, safety and environmental management, the awards recognise commitment to high standards and the achievement of exemplary performance. The awards allow applicants to measure their achievements against those of their peers around the globe. As well as rewarding the highest health and safety standards, the awards are a great way for organisations to publicise their company’s achievements and enhance their reputation. Elsewhere, we speak to One Stop Hire in our ‘Working at Height’ focus, discuss best practice with UK Power Networks in ‘Energy and Utilities’ and also take a look at what’s happening in the world of commercial property with Land Securities in the ‘Real Estate’ section. Rounding up this exciting issue is a special, international feature in our ‘Leisure & Tourism’ section on the latest up and coming tourist destination, Croatia. Roger Harker and Rosalie Clarke travelled to the Dalmatian coast to experience the Garden Festival, Tisno and to understand the management of health, safety and environmental challenges onsite.

Jonathan Seale Magazine Manager

Magazine Manager: Jonathan Seale Editor: Stuart Morrison Production Manager: Rosalie Clarke Magazine Design: Samuel Walker Senior Projects Manager: Roger Harker Projects Manager: Mike Williams Contributors: Colin Williams Dorotea Baresic Graham McDonald Kristijan Kotlar Sarah Lawton For more information, please contact a member of our team at: info@hseinternational.co.uk https://twitter.com/hse_int

HSE International Magazine is published by: Olympus Publishing Limited 22 Tudor Road Wilmslow SK9 2HB United Kingdom9 2HB All material is the copyright of Olympus Publishing Limited. HSE International Magazine is the property of Olympus Publishing Limited. The publication may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form whole or part without the written permission of a director of Olympus Publishing Limited. Liability: While every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, the publishers cannot be held responsible for the accuracy of information herein, or any consequence arising from it. In the case of company product reviews or comments, these have been based upon the true and honest opinion of the editor at the time of going to press.

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NEWS

Marking the anniversary of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 Fatal and major injuries at work dramatically reduced over past 40 years

hursday 31st July 2014 marked the 40th anniversary of the Health and Safety at Work Act receiving royal assent. The British Safety Council joined with many other organisations in placing on record their appreciation of this ground breaking legislation in helping to improve the regulation and management of workplace health and safety. The headline of the September 1974 edition of the British Safety Council’s then monthly publication, Safety and Rescue, read: “Work safety: A new era begins”. The evidence since then does indeed support this headline. The dramatic reduction in workplace injuries and ill health over the last 40 years is attributable to the creation of an independent and unified regulator, HSE, the duty placed on all employers to ensure the health, safety and welfare of all of their employees and the active involvement of employers and trade unions. This important legacy of the 1974 Act is still going strong 40 years later.

Alex Botha, Chief Executive of the British Safety Council, speaking of the improvements embedded in the 1974 Act’s approach over the years, commented: “This approach has been successful – we have seen an 80% plus reduction in fatal injuries in our workplaces. “At the heart of the 1974 Act is the principle that those who create the risk of injury and ill health in the workplace must manage the risks. The 1974 legislation has attracted admiration and emulation across the globe and provided the model for many other regulators.” He added: “Going forward we need a legal framework that is flexible and one that can adapt to changing risks. We cannot stand still. There remains so much to do including tackling the thorny issues around health and wellbeing – the sometimes forgotten part of the health and safety equation. The British Safety Council and its members are confident that the 1974 Act can continue to play a role in meeting present and future challenges.” To Lawrence Waterman OBE, Trustee of the British Safety Council and Director of Health and Safety at Battersea Power Station, the 1974 Act ushered in a new era: “With employers taking responsibility and later regulations embedding both worker engagement and risk assessment. This approach has been successful, driving down accident rates and encouraging the mind-set of zero harm.” Lawrence echoed the importance of not overlooking health issues: “About 10 times as many workers are damaged and their lives shortened by exposure to health risks than in accidents. Despite this, for too long we have shouted safety but whispered health. Now health is coming into focus, action is being taken and the necessary changes are starting to happen. “If health and safety is seen as a mark of civilized values and community benefit, despite the current fashion for deregulation, we can look forward to the next 40 years with confidence.” `

Original Source: https://www.britsafe.org/

The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) National Safety Symposium 2014 Staff wellbeing, occupational cancer and fatal accidents will be among the main topics for discussion at one of the UK’s biggest public sector health and safety events

T British Safety Council’s annual conference 2014: “Pushing health up the workplace agenda”

n 15 October 2014 the British Safety Council will be hosting its annual conference at the America Square Conference Centre, London EC3N 2LB. This year, the British Safety Council are focusing on occupational health. Absence from work owing to work-related illhealth far outweighs absence due to injury at work and as an issue overall, occupational health is generally perceived as being more difficult to manage than safety. The conference, which will be opened by the Chair of Trustees Lynda Armstrong OBE, will include keynote presentations from Lawrence Waterman OBE, Director of Health and Safety at Battersea Power Station, Trustee of the British Safety Council and Past President of IOSH; and Dr Lesley Rushton OBE, Reader in Occupational Epidemiology, Imperial College, London, one of the leading experts on work-related disease. There will also be presentations by Steve Perkins, Chief Executive, BOHS - The Chartered Society for Worker Health Protection and the Health and Safety Executive. These will be followed by a number of panel discussions on key issues in relation to occupational health and the experience gained from rolling out health and well-being programmes in workplaces. Neal Stone, Policy and Communications Director at the British Safety Council, said: “There have been significant improvements in the 40 years since the enactment of the Health and Safety at Work Act in 1974 in the reduction of fatal and major injuries at work. This achievement is a tribute to all of those involved in ensuring that the risk of workplace injury is effectively controlled. “However, occupational health has not had the same degree of attention and has not consequently experienced a similar improvement. With 1.8 million people suffering from ill health caused or made worse by work every year, according to the latest statistics from the Health and Safety Executive, this is without doubt a key risk that business needs to be focusing on. “Our conference will provide an opportunity for our members and others to hear from a range of experts in the field of occupational health and those who have contributed to putting successful programmes and initiatives in place including our member organisations. The conference will address a wide range of issues concerning occupational health from exposure to harmful substances and work environments to issues around mental health, rehabilitation, stress management and the health challenges of managing an ageing workforce.” In addition to the confirmed speakers there are a number of confirmed panellists from business and experts in occupational health taking part that include Sodexo, Mount Anvil, The Work Foundation, OECD, Health and Safety Laboratory, Loughborough University, Mind, Macmillan Cancer Support and the Royal College of Arts (RCA) as well as others. More information on the programme and the event can be found at www.britsafe.org/london2014, or by contacting the British Safety Council on +44 (0)20 8741 1231 or email customer.service@britsafe.org `

he Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) is preparing to host the National Safety Symposium 2014 in Nottingham this month. The event is in its 39th year and over 130 professionals from across the UK attended last year. A host of delegates who work with or in the public sector are once again expected to attend this year, including workers from public services, education, healthcare and environmental and waste management backgrounds. Experts from the sector will discuss the ever-important role safety practitioners play, especially at a time of continued pressure on local government spending. Steve Sumner, chair of the IOSH Public Services Group and the NSS Working Party, said: “In the public sector the expectation of doing more for less remains the mantra. “The issues around savings in local government and the wider public sector remain and are significant. So it’s important that safety practitioners focus on the real health and safety risks - those risks that are going to cause serious injury or ill health and they must be prioritised over and above the more trivial risks. We are very much promoting the message of sensible and proportionate health and safety. “The working group has focused very much on putting together a programme that provides practical advice to delegates. Hopefully the range of speakers at this year’s symposium will impart knowledge that people can then go on to use in their day jobs.” Kevin Myers, acting CEO of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), will give the event-opening keynote address, setting out the challenges and context in which health and safety is operating. Other experts set to speak at the symposium this year include Professor Sayeed Khan, chief medical adviser at manufacturers’ organisation EEF, Professor John W Cherrie, research director at the Institute of Occupational Medicine, and Steffan Groch, who is head of regulatory at legal experts DWF LLP and also chair of the UK Health and Safety Lawyers’ Association (HSLA). The agenda also features a live debate on the topic of fatal accidents, with panellists providing an HSE, legal and employer’s perspective as the events unfold. Elsewhere, delegates will be able to network and exchange knowledge with a host of exhibitors at the symposium. The National Safety Symposium, sponsored by international insurance company QBE, will take place at the Nottingham Belfry Hotel, Nottingham, on 7-8 September. To book a place, call the IOSH Bookings team on 0116 257 3197, or email bookings@iosh.co.uk. More details about the two-day event are also available online at: www.

iosh.co.uk/nss.

Original Source: http://www.hseinternational.co.uk/ukprofessionals-to-debate-public-sector-health-safety-issues-atnational-safety-symposium-2014/ `

HSE INTERNATIONAL

NEWS

UK and Germany break solar power records Sunny weather boosts solar power generation, providing estimated 7.8% of UK electricity in daylight hours of solstice

ritain and Germany have broken records for generating solar electricity in the last few months, according to new industry figures. Germany generated over half its electricity demand from solar for the first time ever on 9 June, and the UK, basking in the sunniest weather of summer during the longest days of the year, nearly doubled its 2013 peak solar power output at the solstice weekend. France, Italy, Denmark and other countries are also believed to have generated record amounts in June. According to UK trade body the Solar Trade association (STA), the total UK installed solar capacity generated from homes, buildings and solar farms is now about 4.7 gigawatts compared to 2.7GW in July last year. It is not possible to tell exactly how much solar power was generated in Britain because electricity from small-scale household units is not centrally measured, but the STA estimated on Monday that 3.9% of the UK’s electricity demand was met by solar photovoltaic systems (PV) over the 24 hours of Saturday. This means solar’s contribution peaked at a record 7.8% of daytime electricity, on 21 June, said the association. “Britain has virtually doubled its capacity in the last year, with 80,000 more installations, including several thousand larger scale commercial ones,” said Ray Noble, a consultant at the UK National Solar Centre. “There are now 530,000 installations in the UK, of which 510,000 are domestic small scale ones. Last weekend we estimate they generated about 8% of daytime electricity in total,” said Noble. “We think that this is likely to double again within a year. There is nothing to stop it getting to 30-40% of UK electricity at this time of year,” he said. The figures were welcomed by UK energy minister Greg Barker, who

was criticised in May for removing subsidies for large-scale solar farms. “We have put ourselves among the world leaders on solar and this ambitious strategy will place us right at the cutting edge. “There is massive potential to turn our large buildings into power stations and we must seize the opportunity this offers to boost our economy as part of our long term economic plan. “Solar not only benefits the environment, it will see British job creation and deliver the clean and reliable energy supplies that the country needs at the lowest possible cost to consumers.”

ermany, with 1.4m PV systems, generated a peak of 23.1GW hours at lunchtime on Monday 9 June, equivalent to 50.6% of its total electricity need. According to government development agency Germany trade and invest (GTAI), solar power grew 34% in the first five months of 2014 compared to last year. Europe added 10.9GW of PV capacity in 2013, said the European photovoltaic industry association (Epia), bringing the total installed capacity to over 81GW on the continent. “This represents a 16% increase compared to the year before and about 59% of the world’s cumulative photovoltaic capacity,” said a spokesman. “2013 was a record year for the UK, with 1.5GW installed last year. Germany installed 3.3GW, Italy 1.4GW, Romania 1.1GW and Greece 1.04GW.” But new figures from the Washington-based Earth Policy Institute suggest Europe is no longer the biggest market for solar power. In 2013, says the EPI report, China added “at least” 11.3GW and is now the second largest generator of solar power after Germany, and the US added some 4.8GW, increasing its total capacity by 65% to 12GW. “PV remains the most rapidly-growing energy technology by a wide margin. Indeed, global PV installations for 2014 should reach at least 40,000 megawatts, expanding world PV capacity by another 30 percent,” says author J Matthew Roney. California now has more than 240,000 small-scale solar installations on commercial and residential roofs across the state that amount to more than 2,200 MW of generation capacity. The US figure was greatly augmented by 25 new large-scale solar projects including the largest solar plant in the world in the Mojave Desert 40 miles southwest of Las Vegas. Elsewhere, Canada added 440 megawatts to reach 1.2GW in 2013, Mexico nearly doubled its PV capacity to 100MW and is expected to reach 240MW by the end of 2014 and Japan, spurred by the closure of nuclear power plants following Fukushima more than doubled its capacity by adding 6.9GW in 2013. According to the European photovoltaic industry report, solar power is expected to grow 20% a year over the next few years. `

Original Soure: http://bit.ly/1rqgLAN

The construction sector set to grow by 10% over the next two years The construction sector is set to grow by 10% and contribute nearly £11 billion to the UK economy over the next two years, according to the Construction Products Association (CPA)

“In the short-term, the activity will primarily be led by private housing, infrastructure and commercial. Notably, in the longterm, we expect this activity will be boosted by work on schools and hospitals.” Dr Francis concluded: “This represents the Association’s central forecast but there are risks on both the upside and downside. Forecasts continue to be revised up as the UK economy rebalances away from consumer spending and services towards manufacturing. Greater than expected UK economic growth could stimulate even more private sector construction. “Conversely, concerns regarding house price inflation may lead to the imposition of lending constraints. This, combined with interest rate rises, may have an adverse impact upon effective demand, and consequently, house building.” `

Original Source: http://www.hseinternational.co.uk/ construction-sector-to-grow-by-10-over-next-two-years/

Skilled construction T workers ‘in high demand’ Construction specialists have become the most highly sought-after workers in the UK employment market, according to new research

he CPA’s Summer Forecast highlights construction output will grow 4.7% in 2014 and 4.8% in 2015, with total output to rise 22.2% over the next five years. Private housing starts are expected to grow 18.0% in 2014 and 10.0% in 2015. Commercial offices output is predicted to grow 10.0% in 2014 and 8.0% in 2015. The forecasts reflect the increasing strength of the sector, according to Dr Noble Francis, economics director of the CPA, but warned that risks remain. Francis said: “We anticipate the recovery will continue through the forecast horizon in 2018 and broaden both across sectors and regions. Overall levels of activity will likely match their 2007 peak in 2017. “In the short-term, the activity will primarily be led by private housing, infrastructure and commercial. Notably, in the long-term, we expect this activity will be boosted by work on schools and hospitals.” Dr Francis concluded: “This represents the Association’s central forecast but there are risks on both the upside and downside. Forecasts continue to be revised up as the UK economy rebalances away from consumer spending and services towards manufacturing. Greater than expected UK economic growth could stimulate even more private sector construction. “Conversely, concerns regarding house price inflation may lead to the imposition of lending constraints. This, combined with interest rate rises, may have an adverse impact upon effective demand, and consequently, house building.” `

Original Source: http://www.hseinternational.co.uk/ construction-sector-to-grow-by-10-over-next-two-years/ HSE INTERNATIONAL

ROSPA AWARDS 2014

HSE INTERNATIONAL

ROSPA AWARDS 2014 Speaking up for Safety

The annual RoSPA Occupational Health and Safety Awards is one of the most prestigious events in the UK health and safety calendar. The awards ceremony acknowledges outstanding achievement in health and safety across all industry sectors and is internationally recognised as a standard of excellence. Graham McDonald discovers more about the ceremony and the organisation’s history

he Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) is a registered charity that has been at the heart of accident prevention in the UK and around the world for almost a hundred years. Across the UK, there are over 14,000 deaths per year caused by accidents plus millions of other injuries, many of which are preventable. RoSPA are dedicated to promoting safety and accident prevention at work, on the road, during leisure activities and at home, through safety education. The organisation’s mission is simple: save lives and reduce injuries. RoSPA began after a public meeting at Caxton Hall in 1916. It was decided that a London “Safety First” council should be elected to tackle the unacceptably high number of road accidents in the city (which were directly linked to the imposition of wartime black outs). The safety council evolved into the organisation that would become known as RoSPA. RoSPA has directed many high profile safety campaigns over the years including: producing a series of workplace safety posters during World War Two, aimed at

improving worker safety in the industrial factories and workshops supplying the war effort; the formation of the Tufty Club in 1961, a road safety club for the under-fives featuring the cartoon character Tufty Fluffytail (created in 1953 by the late Elsie Mills MBE). RoSPA tirelessly campaigned throughout the 1970’s to make car seatbelt use compulsory in the UK - a goal that was finally achieved in 1981 after years of delays and procedural setbacks. Other important landmarks in the organisation’s history include the introduction of The Highway Code in 1931, with RoSPA represented on the committee that compiled it and the publication of the first issue of Occupational Safety & Health in 1971. In 1991 after a RoSPA five year campaign, the government agreed to make it mandatory for all electrical appliances to be sold with fitted plugs and in 2001, RoSPA lobbied for a European directive of pedestrian-friendly fronts for new cars. Campaigns RoSPA has or is currently involved in include: Blind Cord Safety,

ROSPA AWARDS 2014

Electric Gates, Lighter Evenings, Young Drivers and Injury Data. RoSPA is a leading provider of safety training courses. It offers courses covering a diverse range of health and safety requirements including professional level NEBOSH and IOSH accredited courses.

he RoSPA Occupational Health and Safety Awards is internationally recognised as a benchmark of excellence in health and safety. For 55 years, the awards has seen a wide variety of organisations enter and achieve success. The awards are a key fixture in the health and safety calendar and have fast become the most sought after accolade by organisations from every industry sector. They offer a prime opportunity to demonstrate an ongoing commitment to raising health and safety standards and to be part of one of the most highly respected and the longest running occupational safety awards programmes. The 2014 RoSPA award dinners in Birmingham were compered by Heart FM radio presenter and personality Ed James. The organisation’s prestigious presentation parties included RoSPA’s President, Vice President and esteemed Trustees.

2014 saw the RoSPA Awards sponsored by NEBOSH and undergo an expansion that included the addition of new awards events. Alongside the established Birmingham and Glasgow events, celebrations were co-hosted at ExCel London in co-location with the Safety and Health Expo, giving winning companies and organisations even more opportunity to celebrate their success. Within the RoSPA Occupational Health and Safety Awards, there are a wide range of accreditations across the following categories: Achievement Awards, Industry Sector Awards, Environmental, Occupational Health, Workforce Involvement, RoSPA Scotland Trophy, Best New Entry and the Sir George Earle Trophy. The awards credited start at Merit grade, which acknowledges the winner’s commitment to establishing the foundations of health and safety management, up to Order of Distinction, a prestigious accolade awarded to those organisations that have achieved a minimum of 15 consecutive Gold Awards. A graded system of Bronze, Silver, Gold and Gold Medal Awards acknowledge winner’s continual commitment to improvement. The Gold Medal Award is presented

Winner of the Managing Occupational Road Risk Trophy RoSPA CEO Tom Mullarkey, driver trainer Peter Ward from CEMEX UK Operations Limited - Logistics, Lord Brougham & Vaux, CBE, RoSPA Vice President

to organisations who have received 5 to 9 consecutive Gold Awards and is succeeded by The President’s Awards for receipt of 1014 consecutive Gold Awards. This award is an important milestone on the journey to achieving the Order of Distinction. The Industry Sector Awards were introduced in 1993 and are presented annually for the most outstanding performance in health and safety by a company or organisation within a particular industry or sector. To be eligible, organisations must hold a minimum of 4 years of consistently excellent or continually improving health and safety performance. Each award is an engraved trophy to be held permanently by the winning organisation. 2014 winners include: Chemical Industry - Gulf Petrochemical; Commercial and Business Services - Home Retail Group, Argos and Homebase Stores; Construction and Commercial – Morrison Utility Services; Construction and Engineering – Magnox Limited. RoSPA Gold Award winners in 2014 include: 3M Chadderton: Traffic Safety and Security Division; BAE Systems – Munitions; Balfour Beatty Rail Ltd; NHS Supply Chain; United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority – Culham Centre for Atomic Energy and many more. `

Winner of the Electricity Industry Sector

RoSPA CEO Tom Mullarkey, RoSPA Archangel Award winner Elaine

RoSPA Vice President Lord Brougham & Vaux, CBE, health and

Davies, Lord McKenzie of Luton, RoSPA president

safety director Alan Feakins from EDF Energy, RoSPA CEO Tom Mullarkey

Winner of the Sir George Earle Trophy

Winner of the Chemical Industry Sector

RoSPA CEO Tom Mullarkey, managing director of Magnox

RoSPA Vice President Lord Brougham & Vaux, CBE, president of

Limited Neil Baldwin, Lord McKenzie of Luton, RoSPA president

Gulf Petrochemical Industries Company Dr. Abdulrahman Jawahery, RoSPA CEO Tom Mullarkey

Companies and organisations can enter next year’s RoSPA Awards by completing the following six steps: 1. Choose the award you would like to be entered for. 2. Register and pay online. 3. RoSPA will then respond with a login and password for the online RoSPA Award Entry Scheme.

RoSPA Vice President Lord Brougham & Vaux, CBE, RoSPA Archangel Award winner Joy Edwards, RoSPA CEO Tom Mullarkey

Winner of the Public Service & Local Government Sector RoSPA Vice President Lord Brougham & Vaux, CBE, health and safety development officer Helen Gillett from British Red Cross, UK Operations, RoSPA CEO Tom Mullarkey

4. Log in and compile your entry. 5. Keep a record of all the information you provide. 6. Submit your company or organisation’s entry by the relevant closing date. Applications for 2015 will be taken in the near future. For general enquiries and for more information, visit the RoSPA Awards home page: www.rospa.com/awards.

Winner of the Construction Commercial Industry Sector

Winner of the MORR Technology Trophy, Silver and MORR: Gold

RoSPA CEO Tom Mullarkey, Paul Kerridge from Morrison Utility

RoSPA Vice President Lord Brougham & Vaux, CBE, Andy Hohne CFO

Services, Lord McKenzie of Luton, RoSPA president

from Tristar Worldwide Chauffeur Services, RoSPA CEO Tom Mullarkey

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ROSPA: LUCION ENVIRONMENTAL

Trusted Industry Leaders Lucion Environmental Ltd are celebrating a double win at this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s RoSPA Awards. Their director Phil Rozier spoke to Graham McDonald about his award winning approach to health, safety and the environment

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ucion Environmental Ltd started in 2003, primarily as an asbestos consultancy. Initially, the company offered asbestos surveys, air monitoring and bulk materials analysis (in accordance with the newly issued Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 2002). They now have over 150 employees with offices throughout the UK. A new office has been opened in Singapore to cater for their rapidly growing Marine Division. Having a presence in the Far East allows the business to extend into newly emerging international markets. In response to changing market needs, Lucion now offer a complete range of bespoke hazardous materials management services. These include contaminated land remediation and the inventory of hazardous materials on board vessels. It was recognised some years ago that health and safety must be at the top of any company’s agenda in terms of operational performance. The decision was made at board level that directorial input was needed on Lucion’s health and safety systems.

Phil Rozier had some years experience at offering H&S advice to clients. He had also been involved in Lucion’s H&S culture form the beginning. It made sense that he should take on some additional training, starting with the NEBOSH General Certificate. This enabled Phil to offer some initial support at board level. By using their H&S Management Team, the H&S culture within the firm began to grow. The next logical step in showing clients and employees a commitment to health and safety was to achieve the ISO 18001 accreditation. Phil said: “Being involved in this process allowed me to see how accreditation boards view H&S and what they expect to see within the systems of a credible company.” He added: “What I think is great about the 18001 award is the continual commitment and improvement that it encourages. It actively encourages you to continually adapt and evolve as the business grows.” An awareness campaign to highlight the dangers of slips, trips and falls in the working environment has just been launched. Lucion will also continue to grow last year’s Safe Driver campaign. Phil told us: “H&S improvement is all about

“H&S improvement is all about identifying risk and taking all reasonable steps to ensure that it is kept to a minimum”

ROSPA: LUCION ENVIRONMENTAL

“The dedicated H&S team within Lucion oversee all activities and look for improvements all the time” identifying risk and taking all reasonable steps to ensure that it is kept to a minimum.”

ucion recently won two prestigious RoSPA Awards, a RoSPA MORR (Management of Occupational Road Risk) Gold Award and a RoSPA Silver Award. The achievement of these awards was a goal set as part of their drive towards continual improvement. 2012 statistics showed that Lucion’s main area for improvement was vehicle accidents. It is impossible to eliminate driving as it is integral to their service. The Board of Directors decided that an initiative was needed to make employees more aware of the potential risks whilst driving. The 12 month Safe Driver campaign was introduced to make this a reality. With over 100 road users employed by the business every day (and with that number set to grow), the risk continues to rise every week. Undertaking such initiatives allowed the RoSPA Awards committee to see the company’s continually improving standards of driver safety. The coming year will see Lucion continue their Take Care Be Aware campaign. This is a permanent feature within the organisation that is adapted each year to identify new areas of improvement. Slips, trips and falls are still a major risk in any workplace. With over 70% of Lucion’s workforce engaged on complex sites across the globe (be it a sub station in Yorkshire or an offshore platform in Brazil), all of their site teams need to understand the severity and potential risks of a slip or fall. Phil explained: “Within our business, H&S is considered at all levels. Our commercial teams are trained to be aware of the risks involved in our site works, as they need to plan for this when submitting project costs. Our office support needs to be equally aware of the risks they face each day.

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The dedicated H&S team within Lucion oversee all activities and look for improvements all the time. The reputation for safe service has benefited Lucion as our clients tend to be as equally committed as we are, making for an easier working relationship.” We asked Phil if he had any advice to offer other organisations that may be struggling to meet exemplary standards of safety. He said: “One thing that helped me was the accurate collation of data. H&S is not something to guess at. A company needs to seek feedback, complete audits and inspect what is expected. Using accurate data, informed decisions can be made that target areas in need of improvement. Once the decision has been implemented, continual checking is required to ensure that the outcome is sustainable. Engaging and empowering the workforce to have ownership of their own H&S responsibility gives you eyes on the ground, rather than an individual who is based in an office.”

here are four main values which are an integral part of the company: our people, our environment, our quality and our health and safety. Employees are encouraged to be their BEST: Brand values, Evolution and personal development, Specialising in their strengths, nurturing talents and effective Teamwork. Lucion also believe in equal opportunities and this is paramount when recruiting and retaining staff. One of Lucion’s key aims is providing the best quality of work to their clients. Phil said: “Trust is a staple of our vision statement and a key part of who we are. We are transparent with all clients and pride ourselves in ensuring that we keep them up to date with our ever evolving operations via monthly newsletters and bulletins.”

Ductclean (UK) Ltd ‘Right First Time’

Our services include: u Asbestos Removal and Remediation u Ductwork cleaning u Specialist Training u Building Refurbishment u Sensor Technology

Ductclean (UK) Ltd offer national coverage, with an experienced workforce mobilising from a number of different locations around the UK. We have been awarded with the Gold RoSPA Award for 10 consecutive years. Additionally we have also been awarded with The President’s Award, and The British Safety Council International Safety Award, due to our commitment to follow our Health & Safety Policy.

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ROSPA: LUCION ENVIRONMENTAL

Lucion Environmental sponsored Homeless charity Centrepoint’s Empty Homes Project by providing PPE wear to all young people involved. They also delivered asbestos awareness training

he final company value is keeping employees and the people they work with safe and healthy at all times. Take Care Be Aware comprises of a new H&S logo to help staff clearly identify communications. Monthly bulletins ensure staff and clients are constantly informed of new procedures and updated on employee accident statistics. Lucion aim to build a culture of care for environmental impacts through their Consider Your Steps initiative. This provides a good, environmentally sensitive service to clients. All surveyors are provided with BlueMotion Volkswagen vans. These are the most efficient on the market for their size, emitting 32g/km less C02 than their competitors. Fitting tyres with low rolling resistance reduces engine workload and improves efficiency. This is useful as company vans carry large loads to sites. Trackers are also fitted to all company vehicles which enable fuel consumption monitoring and identify areas of improvement. Alongside vehicle improvements, internal servers have been eliminated in favour of cloud-based technology. This has resulted in a massive 93% reduction in server energy consumption. Using paperless technology has further

boosted energy efficiency. All of the accreditations Lucion have achieved are extremely important to the organisation, as Phil explained: “Health and safety is integral to everything we do and is embedded in all our systems and accreditations. Membership to CHAS and Constructionline has been crucial to embedding health and safety matters into our services. Annual external auditing of these systems ensures their compliance with national standards and guidelines.” Accreditation to OHSAS 18001 by UKAS accredited certifying body BSI (British Standards Institute) is a further assurance to clients. It demonstrates that Lucion’s services will be delivered to the expected standards of safe working practices. The company have achieved a number of other ISO standards. Certified by UKAS, ISO 17020 is essential to the delivery of asbestos surveys and sampling, and is a standard held by the business since 2003. ISO 17025 accreditation includes the testing of soils, slurries and sediments and allows for all these requirements

Daniel Roberts, Regional Manager of Lucion North West and North Wales (right) and Technical Manager Luke Jones (left) Outside the North Wales Office

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Inside the laboratory at head office in Gateshead, where all Lucion Environmental samples are tested by Bulk Analysts

“Health and safety is integral to everything we do and is embedded in all our systems and accreditations” to be catered for in house. With 16 BOHS P401 qualified analysts in their accredited laboratory, Lucion are able to complete 4800 (1 point) samples per week, within UKAS guidelines. Lucion received the ISO 9001 accreditation from the BSI. It is the standard by which all of the company’s working practices are measured and assures clients that all of their services are of the highest international quality standard. ISO 14001 accreditation by BSI ensures that Lucion continue to make environmental considerations as a business, and that environmental initiatives and procedures are audited and improved on an annual basis.

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hil told us about career opportunities available at Lucion: “We are always on the look out for wellpresented, talented and energetic people to join our team across all of our UK offices. We hold national recruitment days on a regular basis which are open to all. They allow potential employees to find out more about working for Lucion and submit CVs for any current or future job opportunities.” “We also have a fully established learning and

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ROSPA: LUCION ENVIRONMENTAL

Company Directors of Lucion (l-r): Ross Boulton, Charles Pickles, Philip Rozier and Dr Patrick Morton at Asbestos The Truth Conference 2013

“Trust and quality have and always will be at the core of our business. Empirical, accurate data ensures we are right first time, every time” development team who will engage new and existing employees into a tailored professional development programme, allowing them to progress in their role at Lucion” Phil added.

n initiative to reduce carbon emissions has seen Lucion introduce a policy to only tender contracts within a 1 hour radius of each regional office. Employees are recruited locally for those contracts that fall outside of this radius. To service a recent contract awarded by Circle Group, Lucion opened an additional regional office in Cambridgeshire and recruited six new members of staff. Four of these recruits were previously unskilled trainees who took part in Lucion’s

Phil Rozier (right) giving a live demonstration at Tradewinds Ship Recycling Conference, Singapore

Learning and Development Programme to become fully qualified asbestos surveyors or analysts. They now hold national, industry standard qualifications that will form the basis of sustainable local careers, supporting the company’s commitment to social sustainability. We asked Phil what he would say to any prospective clients that may be reading this article and why they should use his company’s services. He said: “Trust and quality have and always will be at the core of our business. Empirical, accurate data ensures we are right first time, every time. Our data is generated using technology at the forefront of our industry and our personnel training is of the highest standard. Our latest client feedback survey showed that 98% of our clients rated the clarity of our reports and efficiency as excellent.” “Mitigating asbestos risks through approved codes of practice is not only essential practice in our workplace but is also commended by our clients. 93% of clients said our professionalism towards approved codes of practice sets us aside from our competitors” Phil added. Lucion Environmental Ltd are also the proud organisers of Asbestos The Truth, the UK’s biggest asbestos conference, this year taking place in Leeds on 2nd October. `

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ROSPA: SWALE BOROUGH COUNCIL

“Five years ago, Swale Borough Council was beginning to incorporate a health and safety culture. However, there remained a heart and minds job to convince people that it was something to take seriously” 22

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Serving the Community SARAH LAWTON ASKS CHIEF EXECUTIVE, ABDOOL KARA, HOW SWALE BOROUGH COUNCIL MAINTAINS ITS ROSPA GOLD STANDARD OF HEALTH AND SAFETY Chief Executive Abdool Kara

wale is a ‘shire district’ sitting on the North Kent coast between Medway and Canterbury, around 70 km from London. The Borough’s main towns are Faversham, Sheerness and Sittingbourne. Covering an area of around 360 square kms, the borough is home to around 140,000 people. The Borough has areas of rural affluence in the east and south, and deprivation in the west and north, the latter the result of long declining industries, primarily around paper and brick making. The Council has a gross revenue budget of around £25 million per annum, and a staff of around 320 to manage over 150 local services, including local housing, planning, revenues and benefits, waste collection and ground maintenance, as well as 47 councillors who are elected every four years to set policies and priorities. Although not a statutory duty, the Council also supports local companies to grow and succeed, and also leads the regeneration of the local area, particularly at this time focussed on Sittingbourne Town Centre. Like all councils, Swale Borough Council must work within the raft of statutes and regulations set out by Central Government. As part of this, the Council is responsible for the health and safety within the district’s public realm (including more than 60 parks and open spaces), its contractors and its own staff and, while government legislation covers health and safety, implementation is a council responsibility. This means, for example, that even where the council outsources service delivery to a private sector company, for example waste collection, the council retains responsibility for ensuring the health and safety of their workers.

bdool Kara, has been Chief Executive at Swale Borough Council for five years. He is head of paid service, so all officers of the council report to him. He is ultimately responsible for ensuring the Council delivers, which includes as a key duty making sure its health and safety system, approach and culture are as good as they can be. His twenty-five years’ experience in the local government sector includes stints with three London Boroughs, and also seven years with the Audit Commission. Health and Safety Officer, Jude Clarke, who brings ten years’ experience in the NHS to the role, explains that she is currently covering for Emma Larkins, who has worked for the Council for seven years but is currently on maternity leave. Kara said, “Five years ago, Swale Borough Council was beginning to incorporate a health and safety culture. However, there remained a heart and minds job to convince people that it was something to take seriously. There was also a systems and process job, to assess if we were doing the

right thing in the right way. It took a couple of years to win those battles. Since then it has been a case of implementing good practice and dealing with specific issues as they come up, such as last year dealing with asbestos that was and continues to be washed up on our beaches on the Isle of Sheppey.

ne of the main cultural issues was to persuade our staff and the staff of our contractors not to lose sight of health and safety issues while carrying out busy day jobs, and encouraging them to keep at least one eye on the ball. To do this, Emma collated our Health and Safety needs and we worked with our internal working group to create our own programs. We set up an annual work plan with specific actions and targets each year that aim to maintain our house in order but also driving

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ROSPA: SWALE BOROUGH COUNCIL

forwards good practice. By doing this over three to four years, we have managed to get into a good place.” Clarke said, “To implement our programs we have an agreed work plan and an H&S Committee. We have senior management buy-in, as well as, critically, buy-in from our work force. Two-way communication is very good here, which means it is easier to get good results. We use corporate meetings, work groups, poster campaigns where appropriate, and eNewsletters.”

s a 2014 RoSPA Gold Award winner, Swale Borough Council received recognition for its very high level of performance. All award winners must demonstrate welldeveloped occupational health and safety management systems and culture, outstanding control of risk, and very low levels of error, harm and loss. Kara added, “Having had over 30% budget reductions over the past few years, keeping health and safety at the forefront of everyone’s minds is a challenge, but we believe that health and safety is an important component of running any good business. In our 2014 work plan, we have particular targets around water safety, legionellae and asbestos. We also carry out several hundred risk assessments each year to ensure that our workplaces and public spaces are safe environments for the many thousands of people who use them. Also, having done a lot of work on safety, we now believe we need to focus more on health, so we have developed a joint Local Authority Healthy Workplaces project with Maidstone Borough Council coming up in the Autumn.” Swale Borough Council actively supports Child Safety Week (23 - 29 June 2014), a national awareness campaign run by the Child Accident Prevention Trust (CAPT). Katharine Davis, Designated Safeguarding Officer, explained, “As the Safeguarding Officer for Swale Borough Council part of my role is to promote the safeguarding and welfare of the children,

young people and vulnerable adults within the Swale Community. As part of this ongoing agenda, we support and promote various campaigns throughout the year that advise, inform and promote the safeguarding and welfare of Swale’s community. It is the first year that the Council promoted The Child Safety Week campaign. We used social media and our Swale.gov.uk website to raise awareness, and this led to a number of enquiries from the public regarding potential safeguarding / health and safety concerns as a result of the campaign. We will continue to promote this campaign on an annual basis.” Regeneration of the borough is also a priority for the Council. Swale’s first Regeneration Conference, Putting Swale On the Map took place on 4 June 2014, at the Coniston Hotel in Sittingbourne. The event showcased Swale and invited a mix of key investors, influencers and local businesses, to promote the significant opportunities for investment and regeneration that the Borough has to offer. Keynote speakers for the day included Rt. Hon Michael Fallon MP, Minister for Business and Enterprise; Richard Upton, Chief Executive of Cathedral Group Plc; and Lord Digby Jones. When asked what advice she would give to other organisations aiming for similarly high standards of health and safety, Clarke said, “The number one message would be to look at sensible risk control, rather than ‘health and safety gone mad’ headlines that that we tend to see in the papers. Also, getting buy-in from the people that actually have to work within these health and safety protocols is critical.” `

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BRITISH SAFETY COUNCIL INTERNATIONAL SAFETY AWARDS

Organisations and employees recognised for passion in management of health and safety across the globe

n March 2014, when the British Safety Council announced the winners of this year’s International Safety Awards, 521 organisations from across the globe had reason to celebrate. Recognising organisations that keep their workplaces and workers healthy and safe, the success criteria for these awards are challenging, so winners take the time to revel in their achievements. Held at the famous Grosvenor House Hotel in London on Friday 25 April 2014, the

• Charity; Royal Society of Chemistry, Cambridge • Construction and property management; Powertech Engineering LLC, Muscat • Education, health, housing, local government and public services; TTE Training Limited, New Bridge Road, Ellesmere Port • Energy generation and distribution and utilities; Wessex Water Operations, Bath • Financial, IT, legal, scientific and technical services; Telewings Communications Services Pvt Ltd, Gurgaon, India • Food and drink; Morrison Bowmore Distillers Ltd, Glasgow • Hotel, catering and hospitality; Sodexo Remote Sites Hotel, Aberdeen • Manufacturing; Gulf Petrochemical Industries Company, Bahrain • Oil, gas and mining; CAN Group, Aberdeen • Onshore major hazards; Kuwait National Petroleum Company, Mina Abdulla Refinery, Kuwait • Transport, distribution and motor trade; Unipart Aftermarket Logistics • Wholesale and retail services; Burnt Tree Vehicle Rental, Shrewsbury

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International Safety Awards Gala Dinner was a spectacular evening. Winners from all over the world were presented with their awards and enjoyed a superb dinner, fabulous entertainment and dancing.

The British Safety Council The British Safety Council is a not-for-profit membership organisation with a simple vision; that no-one should be injured or made ill at work. A truly international organisation, it operates in more than 60 countries. The British Safety Council champions good practice and continuous improvement in the management of health, safety and environmental risks. It does this by providing high quality professional training and accredited qualifications for managers and workers in all industries and through its health, safety and environmental audit and consultancy services for businesses and HS&E award schemes. In addition to the International Safety Awards, the British Safety Council also honours the ‘best of the best’ in HSE management with the annual Sword and Globe of Honour Awards. Both awards are open to organisations from all countries and business sectors who have achieved the maximum five stars in the British Safety Council’s independent Five Star health, safety and environmental management audits within the relevant year. The Five Star audits benchmark an organisation’s HS&E management systems against current

best practice, identifying areas of strength and weakness and providing a structured approach to continuous improvement. Past winners of the Sword and Globe of Honour Award include Mace MEP for the Shard project, Foster Wheeler Energy Limited, Aston Martin Lagonda Limited Gaydon site and Tata Motors Pune site. James Tye founded the British Safety Council in 1962. Charismatic, and with a love of bow-ties, Tye was not only a leading authority on accident prevention, but probably Britain’s best-known and most fearless safety champion. His efforts led directly to Britain’s 1974 Health and Safety at Work Act, as well as to the introduction of car seat belts. Under his leadership, the British Safety Council became one of the most influential occupational health and safety organisations in Europe. Sadly, Tye passed away in 1996. Alex Botha, the British Safety Council’s current Chief Executive, has been with the organisation since 2010. Botha brings to the role an impressive academic background covering accountancy, structured financing and development management, as well as experience in construction, global professional services and the third sector. The senior management team also includes Neal Stone, Policy and Communications Director; Martin Singfield, Finance and Resources Director; Richard Evans, Commercial Director; and Marianne Phillips, Products and Services Director.

ALEX BOTHA - CHIEF EXECUTIVE

BRITISH SAFETY COUNCIL INTERNATIONAL SAFETY AWARDS

Member training services An independent body, the British Safety Council offers expert advice, qualifications, training, award and audit services to help organisations meet their HS&E objectives, recognise their achievements and celebrate their success. Membership of the British Safety Council helps organisations to manage legislation and compliance, as well as helping them to systematically raise their health, safety and environmental standards. It also provides access to key information and expert training. The British Safety Council’s business management system conforms to ISO 9001 and the organisation is OHSAS 18001 accredited. In 2004, the British Safety Council

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became a government-regulated awarding organisation and has since developed a full suite of health and safety qualifications in the national framework. Ofqual, the UK awarding body, regulates all its qualifications and examinations. The British Safety Council’s health, safety and environmental training courses and qualifications are designed to meet the needs of people working at all levels and across all sectors. It also focuses on young workers, offering health and safety qualifications for school and college students and young people. Training courses are available in flexible formats, to suit individual requirements. Delivery formats include in-company, face-to-face, e-learning, blended and distance learning options.

Key training courses and qualifications offered include the IOSH Working Safely and Managing Safely courses; National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) in health and safety; IEMA environmental management and NEBOSH health, safety and fire safety qualifications; and the British Safety Council’s own range of health, safety and environmental courses and qualifications.

International Safety Awards 2014 key facts 2014 marks the 56th year of the International Safety Awards. The 527 applications enjoyed an overall pass rate of 88%, with 38 distinctions, 241 merits, and 186 passes. This year saw a new ‘Sector Award’ for outstanding sites and business units within their sector. Two, free to enter,

special individual awards also provide organisations with an opportunity to nominate employees for their contribution to the overall health, safety and welfare on site. This year Gary Parkinson from Clugston Construction won Health and Safety Champion of the Year while Ben Gordon, from BAE Systems Maritime Services, won Young Health and Safety Champion of the Year for 16-21-year olds.

How to enter the 2015 International Safety Awards The International Safety Awards are open to any organisation, whether a member of the British Safety Council or not. Awards relate to the health and safety management at a specific site or business unit. They benchmark an organisation’s health and safety

performance and offer international recognition of a company’s dedication and commitment to preventing injury and ill health at work. To enter, applicants must complete 12 questions on their approach to health and safety management. The site or business unit applying must not have suffered any fatalities, or been subject to any prohibition notices or convictions in relation to health and safety, in the qualifying year. In addition, there must be no ongoing criminal investigations or prosecutions pending in relation to health and safety at the site or business unit. The British Safety Council does not restrict the number of grades awarded. If all applicants score full marks, all applicants receive a distinction.

Independent expert adjudicators with experience in health and safety practice mark all award applications. Exceptional submissions receive distinctions, which are presented at the International Safety Awards Gala Dinner. Winners also receive a logo and certificate and can purchase a display plaque. Applications for the 2015 International Safety Awards will open in October 2014 – see www.britsafe. org/awards/international-safetyawards British Safety Council members will be automatically notified of the launch of the awards but other interested organisations should register their interest by emailing customer.

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WORKING AT HEIGHT: ONE STOP HIRE LTD

Your One Stop Shop One Stop Hire Ltd are leading the way in specialist tool, equipment and access rentals. The company have recently expanded their portfolio to include a competitive tool sales division. They also offer state of the art training facilities that comply with the latest health and safety standards and legislation. Graham McDonald spoke to their Managing Director Steve Hitchen about the history of the business and their goals for the future

ne Stop Hire Ltd was formed in 2009 by Steve and Danni Hitchen with a view to providing clients with a complete service solution. The couple purchased SJS Hire Tools Ltd and PSL Ltd, two tool hire companies based in the Northwest. These two businesses were merged into one then renamed and badged as the One Stop Hire Ltd brand. Steve and Danni were previously employed by Ainscough Crane Hire Ltd for 17 years. Steve was a Board Director and Danni worked as their Marketing Manager. The chairman of the company (and Danni’s father) Martin Ainscough sold the business in 2007 to a Management Buyout team funded by BOSIF (Bank of Scotland Integrated Finance). Steve remained on the board of the new Ainscough crane hire business until May 2009. One Stop Hire was originally conceived as a concept ‘virtual hire’ business in 2003 under the name onestophire. com, by Martin Ainscough. However, the project was put on hold when the family sold the crane business. Prior to his 17 year career at Ainscough, Steve Hitchen

worked in tool and plant hire for 7 years. Ironically, Steve worked for PSL, one of the companies he would later go on to buy. Steve and Danni later decided to set up their own business. The two tool hire companies came to market, and the couple saw purchasing them as the perfect business opportunity. As the family still owned the name Once Stop Hire Ltd, they decided that it was perfect for their new venture. One Stop Hire started off with 35 employees and this number has since grown to 85. The business was initially set up with 7 depots. This has now expanded to 9 depots across Lancashire, Cumbria, Merseyside, Cheshire and Greater Manchester. Two more depots are planned for 2014/15 in West Yorkshire and Staffordshire. The company’s 9 depots are strategically placed throughout the region and they are well stocked with the latest equipment the market has to offer. Coupled with a modern fleet of delivery and service vehicles, a rapid response and reliable service is assured for all their clients. The business continues to expand year on year. Turnover has grown from £1.5 in 2010 to £5.6m in 2013 and is on target to reach a projected £7m in 2014. Steve takes a hands on approach to his role as Managing Director. He liaises, helps with and oversees all key functions and departments within the business. These are: Sales and Marketing, Operations, Finance, and SHEQ (Safety, Health, Environmental and Quality). Steve is assisted by a Commercial Director, Sales Director and Finance Director. An Operations Director is in turn supported by a Quality Assurance Manager and a Safety, Training and Environmental Manager.

teve and his team take pride in exceeding their clients’ expectations in all that they do. They achieve exemplary standards of service by always staying up to date with their clients’ changing needs. He said: “The team I have put

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together is young and dynamic. We work well together and never stop innovating ideas to give our clients the best total solutions service available.” “We learn something new every day. Listening to our clients and employees has been key to our success so far.” Steve added. While growth and expansion are extremely important, it is always providing the highest quality of service that matters most to Steve. “We don’t want to be the biggest, we want to be the best. I would like all the people to want to work for us, the best suppliers to want to supply us and the best customers want to be served by us” he said. One Stop Hire stay true to their Mission Statement at all times: To provide a personalised service, superior quality and a unique ‘One Stop Solution’ to their clients – where the answer is always YES. They are a family owned and run business and value all of their customers, employees and suppliers. The safety of their people and products are given the highest priority at all times. They always endeavour to exceed clients’ expectations by adding value and continuously improving while listening, innovating and investing in their customer’s needs. The One Stop Core Company Values consist of 4 strategic

“The team I have put together is young and dynamic. We work well together and never stop innovating ideas to give our clients the best total solutions service available”

elements: People Matter, Safety First, Personalised Services and Environmental Awareness. One Stop Hire are the largest independent tool hire, equipment and access rental company in the North West. They currently have approximately 7,500 items in their fleet. The largest equipment the business operates are 1.5 ton mini-diggers and battery scissor lifts. The fleet is based on items that can be carried in a Transit van or on a trailer. Working at Height is gaining momentum across all sectors of the economy. One Stop Hire have capitalised on this opportunity and Access Systems are now a big part of their fleet. They are the fastest growing products the business offers. Traditional mini plant and power tools are still a major part of the business and account for 60 percent of the company’s turnover. In addition to their hire offering, One Stop Hire have developed a sales offering under the name builderstoolshop.com (which launched in October 2013). Many clients choose to hire high value capital items and items that require maintenance and testing. They tend to buy smaller, everyday items such as run of the mill power tools and accessories. One Stop Hire have the buying power in this area and can offer great value deals to clients who wish to buy. It saves them time in sourcing other suppliers

WORKING AT HEIGHT: ONE STOP HIRE LTD

“We don’t want to be the biggest, we want to be the best. I would like all the people to want to work for us, the best suppliers to want to supply us and the best customers want to be served by us”

and enhances the businesses relationship with them. The One Stop Builders Tool Shop stock a comprehensive range of these essential everyday items including: De-Walt Consumables, nails and cartridges, Diamond Products, abrasive products, bottled gas (ranging from 13kg Butane to 47kg Propane) and branded work wear. The Workshop Services department has been opened on the back of the new sales business. It offers services, repairs and testing. It also has the capability to calibrate customer’s own equipment and notifies them when items are due for service or compliance testing. One Stop have Workshop Services facilities at all their branches, staffed with well trained and experienced fitters. They offer competitively priced repairs for most major equipment manufacturers. They provide a free initial estimate before commencing repair work. This enables the client to decide whether to repair the item, replace it, or hire a similar item.

orkshop Services ensure that all clients who own equipment get the best possible lifetime use. Their highly trained technicians are available to carry out any repairs as required. Servicing, PAT (Portable Appliance Testing), LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations) and any other scheduled inspection requirements can also be catered for. In addition, a free Asset Management Service is available. Clients can even hire a replacement item, allowing them to keep working while theirs is being serviced or repaired. Workshop Services also offer a Collection and Delivery Service on all repairs, which makes things even more convenient for their customers. The needs of individual clients vary. Some prefer to buy their equipment outright, whilst others prefer to hire everything they require to complete their current project. Clients that have purchased equipment for specific projects may later find that they no longer require it once they are completed. The One Stop Equipment Buy Back Service can help recover some of the cost of these items. The service quotes clients a price to buy back their redundant equipment. It also offers clients trade-in options against other items and equipment which may be more relevant to their current needs. Clients who open a Trade Account with One Stop Hire benefit from 30 day credit terms

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WORKING AT HEIGHT: ONE STOP HIRE LTD

and no deposit hires. Trade Account customers also qualify for a discounted rate at all branches and access to the company’s online Hire Management System. They will also receive regular invoicing and statements. Companies and organisations interested in opening a Trade Account can download a simple credit check and application form from the One Stop website. Subject to credit status, they will then receive an information pack and details of their credit limit. The company recently appointed a Retail Manager. He operates out of a new Sales Store housed in a brand new 10,000 square foot depot in Blackpool. He manages the shop, answers online enquiries and processes online orders. He also helps the company’s salesmen and depots to fulfil customers’ technical requirements.

ne Stop Hire’s newest sales venture is supplying their clients with branded work wear and PPE (Personal Protective Equipment). They stock a full range of work wear from safety glasses and high visibility clothing to safety boots, helmets and respirator masks. Steve said: “The PPE in particular goes hand in hand with our products and training offerings. We hope to develop this through 2014.”

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During 2013, many of the company’s clients asked them about training, particularly in the growing field of Working at Height. They formed a partnership with a new company called WHS Safety Solutions, which was set up by one of their most loyal customers. In 2014, their client advised One Stop Hire that he would prefer to sell this training business as he needed to concentrate on his rapidly growing Dry Lining business. Steve told us: “We did a deal and One Stop Safety Training Solutions was added to our portfolio.”

HS were one of the company’s best suppliers and they always delivered a first-class service. When the company went on the market, it made perfect sense for One Stop to buy it and benefit from the expertise WHS had to offer. The addition of a dedicated training centre takes them another step closer to becoming a ‘Total Solutions Provider’ for their clients. The construction sector is growing again and employing more people. These new employees will all require training, which can only mean more growth for Steve and Danni’s business. They expect to see One Stop Safety Training Solutions contribute a million

“Personal Protective Equipment goes hand in hand with our products and training offerings. We hope to develop this through 2014” pounds worth of revenue to the organisation per annum within two years. One Stop Safety Training Solutions are able to deliver over 100 courses nationally from their Blackburn Training Centre. These include IPAF (International Powered Access Federation), PASMA (Prefabricated Access Suppliers and Manufacturers Association) and Harness Control courses. Confined Spaces, Face Fit Testing, Fire and First Aid courses are also available. The Training Centre is also a perfect environment in which to train the company’s own staff. It ensures that all employees have the training they need to be safe. One Stop offer a wide variety of IPAF Training Courses that can be tailored to clients’ exact needs and specifications. They are also registered as a PASMA training centre. This helps the business to ensure that their customers can meet health and safety compliance and remain cost effective. Complete one day courses are offered

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Pop Up Products Limited, Unit E1, Tenth Avenue, Deeside Industrial Park, Deeside CH5 2UA

+44 (0)1244 833 933 contact@popupproducts.co.uk

PRODUCTS LIMITED

popupproducts.co.uk

Garage Lane Industrial Estate, Setchey, King’s Lynn, Norfolk PE33 0BE

HSE INTERNATIONAL

WORKING AT HEIGHT: ONE STOP HIRE LTD

“They make the safety of their employees, customers and the public a number one priority at all times. A constantly improving health and safety culture, backed by regular staff training helps to make this a reality” to help client’s team members gain their PASMA certification quickly and without fuss. The most popular accredited courses provided are: Ladder and Stepladder Safety, First Aid at Work, Asbestos Awareness and Vehicle Banksman courses. All trainers have expert knowledge and a wealth of experience. Courses are delivered at a professional standard in state of the art facilities, using the latest training techniques. The aim is to improve health and safety knowledge and good practice in all relevant industry sectors. In turn, this promotes training and learning within their clients’ workforce which helps protect them and their employees. One Stop Safety Training fully understand the time constraints that businesses can often experience. With this in mind, they take a flexible approach to training. They offer evening and weekend courses alongside online access to certificates and training needs assessments. This allows employee training to take place alongside work

commitments without clients having to take time off. The company take pride in offering a personal and friendly service to all customers and make their training the number one priority. One Stop aim to become a ‘Total Solutions Provider’ for their client’s equipment needs and services. Steve told us more: “Each service group has its own dedicated experts employed. This helps us avoid falling into the trap of being a ‘Jack of All Trades but master of none’ organisation.”

he company currently have ISO 9001 2008 (Quality Systems), Link-Up, Constructionline and Acclaim accreditations. They are working towards their goal of achieving ISO 14001 Environmental Management and 18001 Occupational Health and Safety Management standards. These accreditations ensure that the highest standards of safety are maintained across all areas of the business. They offer clients the best and safest service available in their industry. Employees are given the latest training and have a safe, structured environment to work in. Safety is of paramount importance in all areas of industry and One Stop Hire Ltd are no exception. They make the safety of their employees, customers and the public a number one priority at all times. A constantly improving health and safety culture, backed by regular staff training helps to make this a reality. To further improve and maintain their excellent health and safety standards, One Stop have joined two safety groups back by the HSE (Health and Safety Executive): The Lancashire WWT (Working Well Together) and the NWCSG (North West Construction Safety Group). Membership of these organisations ensure that the business stays up to date with the latest safety legislation and legal information. One Stop attend monthly meetings. They actively support both groups by sourcing and demonstrating their equipment at open days and seminars. This helps them to

Preston Branch

Tel: 01772 699880

Email: preston@lg-uk.com

Manchester Branch

Liverpool Branch

Tel: 0161 7285656

Tel: 0151 236 6266

Email: Manchester@lg-uk.com

Email: liverpoool@lg-uk.com

• An extensive range of equipment for hire or sale from leading manufacturers at competitive prices, including; shackles, web slings, round slings, chain slings, wire rope slings, Genie lifts, Aluminium gantries, bumpa hoists, conveyors, electric hoists, pneumatic hoists, minifors, tirfors • LOLER inspection and certification services from our LEEA qualified personnel • Repair, service, bespoke fabrication and modification of equipment by our trained workshop technicians

Other Branches: Birmingham 0121 546 0001

West London 0208 1508885

East London 0207 4741111

LYTE LADDERS AND TOWERS

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understand the changing needs of the industry and allows them to invest in the most suitable equipment to help clients eradicate on site risk. A safety guide is attached to all equipment issued by One Stop Hire Ltd and a HAV (Hand Arm Vibration) guide is issued to all sites they visit. The HAV guide (alongside many other HSE and manufacturer guides) are available for viewing or download from their website. Steve Hitchen and his team provide ‘Total Service Solutions’ for the Construction, Industrial and DIY sectors. One call or visit is all any client needs to make to fulfil all their tool hire, purchasing, maintenance and training needs. As the business continues to grow, One Stop Hire Ltd can have confidence in calling themselves “Your One Stop Shop.” `

Glasgow 0141 2900901

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08/08/2014 HSE INTERNATIONAL

13:13:19

ENERGY & UTILITIES: UK POWER NETWORKS

“We have a simple vision for the company - to be an employer of choice, a respected corporate citizen and to be sustainably cost efficient”

HSE INTERNATIONAL

Delivering the Goods SARAH LAWTON ASKS MURDO ALLAN, UK POWER NETWORKS’ DIRECTOR OF HEALTH AND SAFETY, HOW HE LIT THE SPARK THAT ENGAGED 5,500 STAFF IN HSE

stablished in 2010, UK Power Networks owns, operates and manages three of the UK’s 14 electricity distribution networks. Covering approximately 30,000km across the East of England, London and the South East, UK Power Networks distributes 28% of all UK electricity. In addition to its eight million customers, the company is also responsible for supplying power to nonregulated commercial businesses including airports, defence and rail sectors. With 5,500 direct employees, UK Power Networks is one of the largest Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) in the UK. The company also employs some 3,000 contractors. All major contractors must be registered on the Achilles UVDB, a supplier pre-qualification system for the utilities sector that ensures compliance with EU regulations. Contractors must also undergo specific UK Power Networks safety auditing to ensure standards and site visits to ensure compliance. “We have a simple vision for the company - to be an employer of choice, a respected corporate citizen and to be sustainably cost efficient,” said Murdo Allan, Director of Health, Safety, Sustainability & Technical Training. “This vision incorporates the safety

ENERGY & UTILITIES: UK POWER NETWORKS

and health of our employees, the safety of the public around our assets and our environmental obligations. My aim for 2014 is to improve across all these and to be among the top third of DNOs for performance in these areas.”. Murdo is responsible for setting and monitoring health and safety policy for the whole UK Power Networks organisation. This includes administration of electricity distribution safety and occupational health contract support. He adds: “I also have a lead role in the sustainability direction for the company and set policy and monitor all environmental aspects. Finally, I have responsibility for technical training including engineering staff and more than 120 apprentices.” Having previously worked in the nuclear industry, Murdo took on a role with EDF Energy when they bought British Energy in 2009. With an honours degree in engineering, an MBA and a fellowship of the Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET), Murdo made the move to HSE management having experienced the importance for safety oversight while working in the nuclear sector. When he joined the company, EDF Energy had had a number of fatalities among distribution staff and they were specifically looking for someone capable of turning the safety of the business around. In July 2009 he took on the HSE directorship role just as the company was being sold and supported the sales process throughout his first year. In October 2010 the sale was complete and he was finally able to introduce some HSE initiatives to what was now UK Power Networks.

uring his first three years as HSE director, Murdo carried out an initial assessment and work was initiated on upgrading the technical training, retrained all staff and implemented a new framework of HSE policy and procedures. Having laid down these foundations, he then felt UK Power Networks was in a position to begin a safety culture journey. “In 2012 we carried out the HSL Climate Survey. This led to our ‘Stay Safe’ programme. The concept is simple - we want everyone to go home safely every day. “In January 2013 we attracted attention with a hardhitting video called ‘Stay Safe’ featuring a fatal incident. From February 2013 we began to roll out our safety culture programme. Since then, more than 3,500 employees have attended a launch day that delivered tools to recognise and deal with risk. We asked volunteers to be front-line coaches and now more than 750 employees have undergone training. We then trained 60 volunteers to become organisational coaches. This internal engagement is helping to improve our safety culture and increase trust around safety issues. “Maintaining standards is also important and we have extensive auditing and monitoring regimes in place. All operational staff undergo a full operational audit every two years and management exchanges at least twice a year.”

“Maintaining standards is also important and we have extensive auditing and monitoring regimes in place”

HELPING UK POWER NETWORKS REACH THEIR TARGETS

Do you have any corporate videos or press releases?

CAbLE EXPERTISE WORLDWIDE

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The new look HSE International website now has dedicated video and press release pages Send your files to info@hseinternational.co.uk and we will upload the material to our website, free of charge

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HSE INTERNATIONAL

ENERGY & UTILITIES: UK POWER NETWORKS

n addition to keeping its region’s lights on, UK Power Networks staff and contractors maintain and modernise their distribution networks and play an important role in the Government’s move to a low carbon economy. To meet increasing demand, the energy industry must accommodate new low carbon technologies such as electric vehicles, heat pumps and smart meters. Environment and sustainability are also fundamental to UK Power Networks current practices and future vision. “We want to be a respected corporate citizen so we are very aware of our corporate responsibilities around the built environment,” said Murdo.

“We ensure that all new projects are sympathetic to the environment. Our steering group, set up to support undergrounding of overhead lines in areas of outstanding natural beauty, is one example of this. We also recycle 98% of our spoil from excavations. We reuse insulating oil. We have also pioneered the use of the green filter bag to filter oil from excavations and allow us to pump out contaminated water in an environmentally-friendly manner.” In May 2014, UK Power Networks received a gold award in the City of London’s annual Considerate Contractor Streetworks Scheme for its overall management of road excavations, connected with running the City of London’s electricity network. The gold award recognises companies that exceed a code of good practice, reflecting a spirit of pride and awareness in the needs of the passing public and environment. UK Power Networks sought innovative ways to reduce the impact of its roadworks on the travelling public. A new IT system helps maintain a high standard of time management. Clearer information boards tell the public about the reason for and duration of works and contractors all comply with the City of London Code of Conduct on roadworks. When asked what advice he would give to other HSE managers, Murdo said: “I believe safety is all about people and communication. You can have all the procedures in the world but if no one adheres to them on site, they are not working. Open communication allows people to inform you of issues so they can be resolved. Keep it simple.” `

“We want to be a respected corporate citizen so we are very aware of our corporate responsibilities around the built environment”

HSE INTERNATIONAL

BROCKWELLS FORESTRY LTD SPECIALISING IN OVERHEAD UTILITY LINE CLEARANCE BSI QMS ISO 9001:2008 BSI EMS ISO 14001:2004 BSI OHSAS ISO 18001:2007

For more details find us at: www.brockwellsforestry.co.uk Contact us: Telephone: 01273 815 151 Email: info@brockwellsforestry.co.uk

Brockwells Indusrial Estate, Ringmer, East Sussex BN8 5GL

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REAL ESTATE: LAND SECURITIES

The Real Deal Sarah Lawton talks to Clive Johnson, Group Head of Health & Safety at Land Securities, on how to close the deal on HSE

and Securities is the largest commercial property company in the UK and a member of the FTSE 100. Founded in 1944, the company became a Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) in 2007 and now own and manage more than 24 million sq. ft. of property throughout the UK. The company’s retail portfolio covers 19 shopping centres, 16 retail parks, 17.5 million sq. ft. of retail accommodation and approximately 1,600 retailers. In London alone, Land Securities holds 8.1 million sq. ft. of office and retail space, accommodating around 50,000 people and 500 organisations. The company’s London portfolio also includes 5,000 acres of strategic land holdings ripe for regeneration. Clive Johnson is Group Head of Health & Safety at Land Securities. On a day-to-day basis, he and his team manage the H&S compliance of shopping centres, retail parks, leisure

“Land Securities transparent approach makes people realise that we are open and honest in everything we do. What you see is what you get. I’m really proud to be part of it”

HSE INTERNATIONAL

complexes and developments within Land Securities H&S policies and procedures. This includes over 700 Land Securities employees, its specialist service partners, development contractors and, most importantly, members of the public who use the company’s developments. As Johnson notes, “Best Practice retailing relies on the public having a safe and healthy experience so they will return to shop again. Best Practice developments means the public are not at risk form our activities” Land Securities takes a transparent approach to business and all policy documents and governance structures are available for public view on the company website (www.landsecurities. com). The company’s Health & Safety Policy is comprehensive and covers management control and scope, statements of intent, a full set of policy notes, from risk assessment and fire safety through to employee wellbeing, and a clear outline of internal structure, governance, roles and responsibilities and even consultation and communication protocols.

and Securities works with many service partners to help manage their Retail and Leisure Portfolio. Among others, these include security, concierge, and property maintenance experts such as mechanical and electrical engineers. While all these companies will have their own health and safety policies, they must also align with Land Securities’ Health & Safety Pledge and its ‘One Best Way’ program, which is a series of documented agreements outlining compliance requirements and commitments. Johnson himself finalised this system just over a year ago. Prior to joining Land Securities three years ago, Johnson headed up Health & Safety with Asda Walmart for five years. Prior to this, he was Head of Safety with British Airways Authority (BAA) on the Terminal 5 project. Johnson’s prior experience makes him an H&S expert in the field of major public development projects. He also chairs the Construction Excellence in the Built Environment’s Health and Safety Task Group, which aims to develop a common approach to health and safety across the construction industry. Johnson said, “Before I joined Land Securities there was two distinct parts to the business. There was a Safety Director for London and a Safety Director for our retail division. My role was to bring it all together and create a group H&S team and a set of policies and

REAL ESTATE: LAND SECURITIES

procedures that was applicable to the entire company. We were aiming for consistency of approach right across the business. I report directly to CEO, which demonstrates how seriously Land Securities takes health and safety very seriously, so gives it the appropriate level of support. To create this ‘one company’ approach, I began by building relationships with all the directors of Land Securities’ extensive portfolio. I then developed the policy and procedure documentation using my own experience. My time with BAA in particular provided a great deal of best practice that I was able to adapt, amend and introduce within Land Securities. I trickle-fed the new approach into existing company systems over time.”

n a joint venture with the Canary Wharf Group, Land Securities currently owns and manages the development of 20 Fenchurch Street in London’s EC3 district. Designed by Rafael Viñoly, and better known as the Walkie-Talkie building, the 525 ft. tall City tower incorporates premier office accommodation, a café and a unique publicly accessible Sky Garden, destined to be the highest public park in London. Johnson said, “In terms of the complexities associated with public development projects, such as 20 Fenchurch Street, we are dealing with very small project footprints that need a lot of measures to be put in place to ensure members of the public aren’t affected by our operations. We have to comply with the

London Borough and Westminster City Council’s local policies, such as noise restrictions, and maintaining good relationships with these stakeholders are key to a project’s success. Because of what we do and how we do it, Land Securities works with contractors, such as Skanska, McLaren Construction Group and Laing O´Rourke, who manage the project for us on a day-to-day basis. We are an informed and intelligent client and much of my work is about having the latitude to appoint the appropriate competencies to ensure contractors carry out the work correctly on our behalf. On our Development Projects, we carry out our ‘Safe Audits’ around Land Securities “One Best Way” to ensure contractors deliver to our expectation. It is all about continually raising the bar, setting the tone as a client, right across our industry sector. We score every audit and the pass mark is 85% but, because we have an excellent relationship with our contractors, and they know our expectations, failures are rare. Our contractors realise that working for Land Securities not only raises their H&S performance by making sure the sites are safer and healthier for everyone to work on, it raises their own company profile as well.” Land Securities H&S incident rate is currently well below the industry average and its development projects boast a Considerate Contractors’ Scheme average score across all it developments of 41 out of 50, which equates to Excellent. The minimum requirement is 38.2

“Our contractors realise that working for Land Securities not only raises their H&S performance by making sure the sites are safer and healthier for everyone to work on, it raises their own company profile as well”

HSE INTERNATIONAL

en Construction is now an approved Training Provider by the McLaren Construction is now an courses approvedalong Training onstruction Skills to deliver Site Safety Plus withProvider by the CITB Construction Skills istonow deliverapproved Site SafetyTraining Plus courses along with McLaren ability to deliver Level Construction 3 First Aid at Workan (QCF) through the Provider by the theConstruction ability to deliver 3 FirstSite AidSafety at Work through CITB SkillsLevel to deliver Plus(QCF) courses alongthe with industry the ability to deliver Level 3 industry First Aid at Work (QCF) through the industry

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more information, please visit www.mclarengroup.com

For more information, please visit www.mclarengroup.com

REAL ESTATE: LAND SECURITIES

hen asked what advice he would give other organisations aiming for equally high health and safety standards and culture, Johnson said, “The role of the client is crucial to the success of any construction project because they can set the tone of their expectations. Land Securities puts all those expectations in its tender documents so all contractors know what they need to align themselves with before they even put a spade in the ground. Land Securities transparent approach makes people realise that we are open and honest in everything we do. What you see is what you get. I’m really proud to be part of it.” Land Securities also believes in the importance of sustainability. Increasingly, general expectation requires shareholder value to be earned as a result of actions that are positive for all stakeholders. Land Securities knows that it can only achieve this by recognising its wider responsibility to employees, customers, communities, the government and wider society. The company applies the latest technology to ensure its developments are as environmentally sound and energy efficient as possible. Work in this area covers everything from using innovative new sources of energy in new sites, to promoting reuse and recycling in office buildings. 17,926 tonnes of waste is diverted from landfill, accounting for 100% of waste from the London Portfolio and 98% of waste from the Retail Portfolio. In addition to assessing the carbon footprint of all developments and major refurbishments, Land Securities has an in-house environmental / sustainability team who form part of the design team for all major projects and employs dedicated energy managers. With a company-wide environmental management system (EMS), which it applies to all projects, Land Securities aims to achieve the Forest Stewardship Council project-specific Chain of Custody Certification Standard on all developments and at least 20% recycled content. Johnson outlines his role within these activities, “With regards

HSE INTERNATIONAL

Mission Zero Identity Guidelines – 2013 • 1

1.0 MISSION ZERO – KEY PRINCIPLES

corporate responsibility and sustainability towards the built environment Land Securities policies include several health and safety targets. For example, every one of our development projects over six-weeks long has to sign up to an Occupational Health Scheme, for example ‘Constructing Better Health’. Constructing Better Health (CBH) is a national, non-profit membership scheme for the management of occupational health in the construction industry. The scheme aims to improve the health of the industry workforce by building upon consultation with Government, the construction industry and unions, and pilot scheme findings.

ohnson explains, “While the number of fatalities over the last 5 years in the construction industry has been reduced, from the hundreds in 80s and 90s, to 39 in 2012-2013 (which is still too many of course), there are also thousands of employees who suffer from occupational diseases as a result of working on construction sites. Respiratory issues caused by inhalation of silica dusts, diesel fumes, asbestos, or dermatitis and other skin conditions caused by chemicals, with the exception of Asbestos, don’t always get the attention they should because they are not immediate. Land Securities want to ensure that the people working on our projects are not exposed to the risks of occupational disease so they can enjoy longer, better, happier retirements. To do this we ask that our contractors have an occupational health provider in place to make sure everyone working within certain disciplines has had the appropriate occupational medical and training so the risks for occupational diseases are minimised. Certain occupations require more in-depth medicals than others and the national scheme has been setup to manage these.” Johnson’s final comment was, “As a construction industry

client we want to bring the ‘health’ back into ‘health and safety’. Occupational disease kills lots of people in our sector, so having shouted about safety for years, it is time to bring health back into the foreground too.” `

“Land Securities want to ensure that the people working on our projects are not exposed to the risks of occupational disease so they can enjoy longer, better, happier retirements”

HSE INTERNATIONAL

LEISURE & TOURISM: CROATIA – ADVENTURES IN THE ADRIATIC

Croatia:

Adventures in the Adriatic THIS SUMMER, HSE INTERNATIONAL’S ROGER HARKER AND ROSALIE CLARKE VISITED THE CITY OF ZADAR AND THE ŠIBENIK-KNIN COUNTY, LOCATED IN DALMATIA: THE EASTERN COASTLINE OF THE ADRIATIC. THEY INVESTIGATE THE HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES RELATING TO THIS RAPIDLY EMERGING TOURIST DESTINATION AND VISIT THE GARDEN, TISNO, TO SEE HOW THE HOME OF 5 SUMMER MUSIC FESTIVALS IS MANAGED AND MAINTAINED

ocated at the crossroads of Central Europe, Southeast Europe and the Mediterranean, in recent years, Croatia has quickly flourished into a definitive hotspot for tourists and travellers alike. The growth in popularity of Croatia as a must see destination can most certainly be attributed to its outstanding natural beauty, the hospitality of its people, and for an abundance of highly regarded summer music festivals. Croatia is home to seven UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) World Heritage Sites; the Episcopal Complex of the Euphrasian Basilica in the Historic Centre of Poreč, the Historic City of Trogir, the Historical Complex of Split with the Palace of Diocletian, the Old City of Dubrovnik, Stari Grad Plain (Hvar), The Cathedral of St James in Šibenik and Plitvice Lakes National Park (Plitvička Jezera). Six of the seven UNESCO sites are located in popular region of Dalmatia (on the west coast), and without doubt have assisted in the growth of interest in visiting this spectacularly beautiful country.

The Adriatic Sea The Adriatic Sea is famed for having the cleanest water in Europe, and quality control of swimming water off the coast of Croatia is extremely important. The sea is constantly monitored and on average, the water is checked every 15 days at over 900 control points; more than the European average. This testing involves determining physical, chemical and bacterial characteristics of the sea water, with the most important checks being bacterial parameters; the most significant sea pollution indicator. The tests are conducted and monitored with the aim to preserve bathers’ safety and health. Test results are the responsibility of local county councils, who if any issues arise, must undertake recovery programmes, especially relating to the management of sewage systems. Darius Vuksic from the Institute of Public Health said, “The reason for the strict criteria is so that we can quickly notice any negative processes in the marine environment, i.e. the deterioration of water quality, and we can quickly then find the cause and implement remedial measures.”

In 2013, the European Environment Agency (EEA) released the European Bathing Quality Report, detailing that among eight other European nations (including Cyprus, Malta and Greece), Croatia had reached compliance levels with excellent quality or guide values above 90%. In May this year, Croatia’s Environment Minister Mihael Zmajlović, presented results of the latest testing of swimming water quality. 779 beaches across 7 countries were tested, and in Croatia, 99% of tested waters rated ‘excellent’ or ‘good’. The results concluded that Croatia is home to the cleanest swimming water in Europe. “Croatia has for years been at the top in Europe for its clean sea, and that we can rightly be proud of. In the last four seasons our swimming water quality was excellent or good in as high as 99% points of measurement. Our obligation is to work to preserve this situation and to transform this potential into sustainable growth and development, especially in tourism,” Minister Zmajlović told a press conference about Croatia’s swimming water quality. Boat Safety Along with the importance of water quality control, boat safety in Croatia is also taken very seriously. There are strict guidelines relating to boat safety, and in the last three years, the Croatian coastal service has issued over 500 ticket fines to owners of boats and jet-ski vessels who were speeding in swimming areas. The dangers of such actions are a huge threat to bathers enjoying the beach and sea, so to protect their safety and as a preventative measure, the law states that propelling at high speed is forbidden at distances less than 300 meters from the shore. The law also states that if you want to rent and drive a vessel capable of high naval speeds, such as a motor yacht, sailing boat or speed boat, you must undertake a boating education course and carry a skipper license. At least one person on the vessel must possess a valid nautical and VHF license and all original relating paperwork must be held on board. It is impossible to charter a boat without the necessary licenses and documentation. The City of Zadar The picturesque City of Zadar is located on the Adriatic Coast at the centre of the Dalmatian region, with the population of approximately 75,000. A popular destination for tourists, the city

boasts original Roman architecture as well as several stunning churches, museums and art galleries. Two particular features of Zadar that have become landmarks of the city are The Sun Salutation and the Sea Organ, by the architect Nikola Bašic. These landmarks are situated on western point of the Zadar peninsular and within the quay, they can be noted as representing a contemporary addition to the cultural/historical and ambiencerelated values of this city.

ollowing devastation that this area of Zadar suffered during World War II, the quay was subject to speedy reconstruction work, and much of the sea front was turned into an unbroken, monotonous, concrete wall. In 2005, Nikola Bašic developed The Sea Organ (Morske orgulje), with the help of musician Ivan Stamać and engineer and water hydraulics expert Vladimir Andročec. Now, the specifically constructed marble steps, at approximately 70 meters in length, form several rows of protective yet inviting steps which descend into the sea. Built into the concrete beneath the steps is a system of 35 polyethylene tubes of different lengths, diameters and inclinations. The organ pipes contain whistles playing seven accords and five tunes, and powered by the wind and sea, result in a never-ending concert of numerous musical variations; the sounds of sea-driven air whereby the performer is nature itself.

HSE INTERNATIONAL

LEISURE & TOURISM: CROATIA – ADVENTURES IN THE ADRIATIC

Located next to the Sea Organ, the Sun Salutation is made up of 300 multi layered glass panels that are set on the same level as the quay paving. The panels are formed into a 22 meter in diameter circle and are built of photovoltaic solar modules. The panels absorb solar energy, transform it into electricity and deliver power into a voltaic distribution network. The lighting fixtures built into the circle panels are activated and produce a very impressive show of light. An information display reads the current electricity consumption, and there are now estimations that entire system will produce around 46,500 kWh per year. There are plans to utilise this resource to light of the entire quay, and it is predicted that this energy will be up to three times cheaper than existing energy sources. The project Nikola Bašic has created is a unique example of combining renewable energy sources, energy efficiency and urban space development. In 2006, the Sea Organ won the European Prize for Urban Public Space. Waste Management Waste management is considered to be one of the main issues affecting all components of the environment in Croatia. The ‘Waste Management Strategy for the Republic of Croatia’, the ‘Waste Management Plan’ and its implementation documents are strategies for continuous waste management. The planning process of these strategies is applied on all the levels, from local to national, and also appears as a segment in other sectors (e.g. water resources management, mining, veterinary medicine, health care, land-use planning, building, etc.). Recycling of municipal waste has started in recent years but as of 2013, the recycling rate was still low: at 4 %. The main challenge is to increase separate collection from municipal waste and to develop the infrastructure for recycling (e.g. waste management centres). It should be noted that the reported MSW (Municipal Solid Waste) recycling rates would be higher (and more realistic) if all recycled packaging waste from households was included in the reported MSW data. The establishment of the Environmental Protection Programmes and Energy Efficiency Fund in 2004 has been an important initiative to ensure additional resources for financing and monitoring projects and programmes for waste management. The ‘Waste Management Strategy for the Republic of Croatia’ and the ‘Waste Management Plan’ have set up a concept that focuses on waste avoidance, an increase in waste recovery and use of waste in power generation. Reduction in the quantity of material for final disposal will lower the risks of detrimental impact to environmental, climate and human health. There are plans to establish an integrated waste management system, with hopes to close official landfills, to open 21 regional/county recycle/waste management centres and to tackle illegal dump sites.

The Town Hall (centre) in Narodni trg (People’s Square), Zadar. Photographer Böhringer Friedrich

HSE INTERNATIONAL

ne area where a recycling plant has successfully been established is in the Municipality of Tisno, in the county of Šibenik-Knin. Supported by the Ministry of Environmental Protection and with financial assistance from FZOIE, the company named Ježina has developed an eco-garden, where the separation of waste is undertaken for recycling, in accordance with and as a continuation of the ‘20102018 Waste Management Plan for the Municipality of Tisno’. The eco-garden is located in Dazline, situated in the yard of an old school building, on a plot of 1,800 m2. The recycling plant is part of a plan to significantly reduce the pressure on the regional recycling centre, for the permanent disposal of waste and to also reduce the cost of the waste disposal processes. In July 2012, Ježina presented the development of ‘19 green islands’. It is a system of overhead-underground containers, intended for municipal waste, paper, plastic and metal. To conduct this initial phase of the ‘2010 – 2018 Waste Management Plan’, the Municipality of Tisno has invested around 1.5 million Kuna (approximately £150,000). The program is recognised for its quality and perspective by the Environmental Protection Fund, which provides 60% of the funds for its implementation. This strategy was implemented due to a massive influx of tourism in the area. With the introduction of The Garden Festival, Tisno, the Šibenik-Knin county has become a very popular destination for tourists and festival goers and the levels of recycling in the area is constantly improving. That said, Croatia needs to make an exceptional effort in order to fulfil the 50 % target of the Waste Framework Directive by 2020, as well as the diversion targets of the EU Landfill Directive. `

CROATIA: THE GARDEN, TISNO

The Garden, Tisno During July, Roger Harker and Rosalie Clarke made a special visit to site of The Garden Festival, which hosts five world renowned music festivals, including; Electric Elephant, Soundwave, Sunćebeat and Stop Making Sense. Roger and Rosalie spoke to Nick Colgan, founder of The Garden Festival, to see how the health, safety and environmental aspects of hosting a festival are managed and maintained

n 2012, The Garden Festival relocated after 6 years, from the village of Petrčane (10 km from the City of Zadar), to the apartment village complex Hostin Rastovac. The complex is positioned in a picturesque cove, approximately 80km from Zadar and 2km from the small town of Tisno, within the county of ŠibenikKnin. This location is ideal for festivals, with onsite accommodation including; an apartment village, a campsite with excellent facilities, a grocery shop, a restaurant with a large terrace, and a beach bar, located on the waterfront. The site also boasts several smaller bars, a beach volleyball area and a large secured car park. Each year, Nick and the team at The Garden work closely with the local authorities (Općina) to legally obtain the permits and operating licenses required to use the site for summer festivals. They work closely with the local fire service and police department to ensure the site is maintained to the necessary standards. Both before and after the festival season, a team of qualified divers are employed to clean the bay, ensuring optimal safety for swimmers, as well as protecting and maintaining the natural environment. Nick said, “In past years, particularly when we were in Petrčane, there has been a lot of rubbish our divers have pulled out of the sea; maybe 2 tonnes of waste including shopping trolleys and car tyres. Obviously, this wasn’t rubbish coming from the festival site, but we do a good job in helping to protect the natural order of the area. Fortunately this year, the rubbish wasn’t too bad at all. Also, every morning at 6am, during the season, we also send a team of cleaners around the whole site to pick up any rubbish.”

egarding the structure of the site, Nick and the team work with designers and developers who plan the construction of stages, etc. using CAD (Computer Aided Design.) These plans, as well as thorough sound checks, are rigorously examined to ensure compliance to safety and security standards. With the nature of the site as a host for music festivals, there are also several strategies in place to ensure the safety and security of electrical equipment. The electricity supply is mains generated, with a generator for back up. For the management of electricity, Nick told us, “We employ 35 qualified electricians who manage and maintain all electrical equipment across the site. This year, as a safety precaution, we had to bury the multi-core cable from generator to main stage. This was checked once a week by a certified electrician. Throughout the summer season, we have qualified professionals who monitor every aspect of the site, from equipment as I’ve mentioned, to the local environment. Surrounding the site there is a lot of dry forest and woodland. The fire brigade frequently check the area, so there are no fires caused by our equipment or discarded cigarettes, for example. We also have at least one unannounced inspection ever year – this can be for any part of the site including the bars or the sea water, so we must always work to the highest standard and must always be prepared. The first two weeks of the build are always the most difficult, but once everything is correctly in place, it gets much easier to manage and maintain.” This year saw the most rainfall that Croatia has seen, in any summer, for as long as the locals could remember. This caused

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CROATIA: THE GARDEN, TISNO

major issues on the site and especially during Soundwave Festival. During a particularly powerful electrical storm, the decision was made to shut down the site and cut off all electricity. Nick said, “Realistically, it just wasn’t safe to keep the site running during the storm. We had to look out for the safety of the people, and had to protect all the equipment and facilities by cutting off the electricity supply and covering everything with waterproof gear. We had to make sure that everything was completely dried out before reopening, and this was thoroughly checked by the electricians and support services on site.”

oger & Rosalie asked Nick about the capacity of the site and how the wellbeing of the festival goers is considered. Nick said, “The capacity at the moment is at about 2,500, but with the improvements we have planned, for next year which will be the 10th and final Garden Festival, we think the capacity will be increased to approximately 3,500. In terms of wellbeing, we have a team of fully trained first aiders who work from 3pm until 3am every day. We also have a full security team who’ve worked with us for the last 3 years and they are on site 24/7. The number of security guards we employ depends on the numbers at each festival.” As well as the several stages offering entertainment from DJs and live musicians, throughout each festival, the Garden, Tisno host the now famous ‘Argonaughty Boat Parties’. The Argonaught Boat is hired each year with a full team of staff and skippers, and is an exciting addition to the entertainment The Garden has to offer. For health and safety reasons, the capacity of each boat party is strictly limited to 150 persons, and the same procedures in terms of safety and security are applied to the management of the boat as on the festival site. There is also a yoga instructor, Staša Aras, who runs daily yoga classes on site, adding an alternative element of health and wellbeing support, for festival goers and staff alike. When asked about whether the festival site caters for the disabled, Nick said “Unfortunately, the site isn’t as disability friendly as we would like it to be. There are several ramps around the site so accessibility is fair, however the onsite apartments are not currently suitable for those with disabilities. We are currently speaking with the owners about installing ramps exactly where they need to be, so the whole site is accessible for everybody. We have a long way to go before it’s completely disabled friendly. C The will is there, it’s just that this type of development will take M time, effort and planning by everyone involved.” Y Although next year will be the final Garden Festival, Nick ensured us that there are big plans for the future of the site. CM Nick concluded, “The other festivals will of course continue and MY

CMY

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HSE INTERNATIONAL

Images by: Colin Williams www.realtimemedia.net

something new will be in place instead of The Garden. Moving forward, we will be focusing on the management of the venue and developing that aspect of the site. We are looking at developing a yoga retreat and also want to work on improving the infrastructure of the area. There are definitely a lot of exciting things in the pipeline for this amazing site.” HSE International would like to thank Nick & Charlotte Colgan, Eddie and Gail O’Callaghan, Staša Aras, Gavin Kendrick and Colin Williams (www.realtimemedia.net) for their cooperation in the production of this article. ` SUN6-Quarter-Page.pdf

12/08/2014

13:08

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