NSG logs a million accident free man hours

Scaffolding company NSG UK has hit a safety goal of one million man hours with no lost time accidents.

The Deeside, UK based company employs 450 people at sites across the UK, offering scaffolding, painting and blasting, thermal insulation and a range of other industrial services. Managing director Mike Carr put the absence of any lost time accidents - an injury requiring time off from work - down to NSG's commitment to safety, extensive employee involvement, and accountability.

He said that the firm's health and safety success stems from a behavioural safety scheme called Watch What You're Doing, which was created and implemented by shop floor staff.

"Watch What You're Doing started from the workers on the ground, as we wanted them to take responsibility for their colleagues' and their own safety," said Mr Carr. "They are the ones who are on-site, where the vast majority of accidents can happen, so we had to get them involved from the start and let them manage the scheme in essence.

"Scaffolding operatives are trained to monitor the safe and unsafe actions of their colleagues. They then make recommendations for improvements. Workers are engaged in frequent safety updates and we meet with our on-site health and safety supervisors on a regular basis to discuss any issues they have."

Mr Carr added: "Safety is our priority and this is a significant achievement for our people and the company.. "Ultimately, we are striving to eliminate all accidents and injuries, and the procedures we have in place are testament to this. NSG UK has proved itself as a leader in safety and performance in the scaffolding and industrial works sector. Without robust health and safety procedures, scaffolding and our other industrial services could be extremely dangerous, both to our employees and to the general public. However, we strive to ensure that everything that can possibly be done to reduce risk is actioned."

To celebrate the milestone, workers were given £5000 to donate to a charity of their choice, with the Shrewsbury House Youth and Community Centre in Everton being picked to receive the cash windfall.

The centre provides activities for young people and helps them back into employment. NSG also engaged with the centre in a training and apprenticeship scheme throughout 2010. Members were offered 12 weeks of free training by NSG and were then able to seek work within NSG or other scaffolding companies. Two club members have so far completed the course and both have been taken on into full time employment with NSG.