Working in an industry that is hazardous by nature, we recognise and acknowledge health, safety and environmental management as an integral part of business performance, and take our responsibilities in this discipline very seriously. To this end, Ken Gillespie is the nominated Executive Director responsible for Health, Safety and Environment, ensuring that all relevant matters are appropriately covered in the governance process. Through the commitment and leadership of the Group Board, responsibility for health, safety and environment in Galliford Try extends to each and every individual, including our contractors and suppliers.
We maintain a structured risk-based approach to health, safety and environmental management to ensure a positive culture throughout the organisation. We have developed an organisational structure appropriate to the particular requirements of the Group and management teams within each business unit remain committed and focused on continual improvement of all aspects of health, safety and environment on our sites.
The number of accidents and incidents within the Group continues to fall and the Group Accident Incident Rate finished 2007 at 6.74. This remains significantly below the construction industry average as reported by HSE and below the Major Contractors Group December average of 7.48. Notwithstanding strong performance, commitment remains strong in terms of accident prevention and we will continue to ensure positive steps are taking place within all business units in working towards targeted reductions in workplace accidents.
Our management system, having undertaken extensive review in line with increased Group activities, continues to provide updated policy and guidance on all aspects of health, safety and environment requirements. Improved standards on internal communication have meant that working groups from all Group business units meet regularly to discuss key issues, such as occupational health and site safety and environmental best practice. We have also taken positive steps to ensure we consult with, and listen to, our workforce in a bid to guarantee all risks are assessed, controlled and regularly reviewed.
In terms of environment, our management system remains committed to the principles of sustainability, environmental protection, continual improvement in business performance, prevention of pollution, minimisation of waste, and effective management and disposal of waste.
We have run a number of successful environmental initiatives, including sustainable site waste management plans, waste segregation programmes and new internal environmental alert systems. Environmental training also remains a priority, with individual needs being assessed as part of each Business Units’ training plan. This has included a number of personnel successfully completing the 4-Day Environmental Managers’ Course through the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health.
We remain an active member of the Major Contractors Group, Home Builders Federation and other specialist health, safety and environmental forums and remain committed to their associated Charters.
Good performance in health, safety and environment should not breed complacency and the Group remains committed to an active programme of continuous improvement. A business plan is in place to maintain our momentum for health, safety and environmental improvement. The plan concentrates around the key Group principles for industry leading health, safety and environmental management, including leadership, planning, teamwork, communication, control and behaviour.
