Aptus reintroduces Summer Safety Stand Down

This year we reintroduced our Summer Safety Stand Downs to allow us to provide updates on the business and discuss key aspects of health, safety, environment and quality with the whole team. This also provides a valuable platform for the exchange of feedback and recommendations for improving safety, among other topics.

As Aptus expands and colleagues join throughout the year, the events give Managing Director Lisa Kerford a valuable opportunity to meet newcomers across our regions and welcome them to the company.

What happens at Safety Stand Down?

The summer events adhered to the traditional stand down format, commencing with a business briefing from Lisa, followed by an assessment of health and safety performance, presented by HSQE Manager Delicia Maxwell and Advisor Jack Berry.

The stand downs, which were held in May and June, also included an operational update which focused on our Gas and Water services. These sessions, led by Gas Engineer Peter Cairns and Water Connections Manager Paul Noon, were designed to strengthen internal briefings, encourage questions from participants, and ensure messages around quality and safety are clearly communicated within the business.

In the North West, our operatives participated in Breathing Apparatus Safety refresher training, which was delivered by specialists from Independent Environmental Safety Services Ltd (IESS). This training was prioritised due to the rising cases of silicosis in the construction industry and underscores our commitment to safeguarding our workforce.

Driver awareness training

Our safety culture extends to our fleet. With over 200 vehicles it’s essential to protect our drivers by keeping them up-to-date and informed on road safety. This is a vital part of our responsibility to make the roads safer for everyone.

Building upon the success of our driver awareness training in January, we were delighted to welcome back Road Risk Consultant Andrew Drewary from Road Safety Smart, and Specialist Criminal & Road Regulatory Lawyer Charlotte Le Maire from LMP Legal to host sessions at our North East and Midlands events.

Our teams were fully engaged in the presentation which highlighted the legal responsibilities of drivers and the effects of drugs, alcohol, and prescription medication on driving ability. A range of interactive virtual reality activities were used to demonstrate how alcohol and drugs can alter our perceptions.

Separate stand downs were held for our colleagues in the North West and North East, and those based at our depots in Normanton in Yorkshire, Penrith in Cumbria, and Burntwood in the Midlands.

The response to the events has been overwhelmingly positive and we plan to maintain the biannual format as part of our commitment to the safety and development of everyone at Aptus.

Published on 1st July 2024