The Lakesmere Group’s new Accident Frequency Rate (AFR) figure has outperformed the industry average, which the company says is a sign of its commitment to upholding an exemplary health and safety record.
Lakesmere’s current AFR figure is 1.8, which is lower than both the industry standard of 2.5 and the Health and Safety Commission target of 2.0, with no fatalities or major instances recorded since 2007.
The AFR follows a period of investment within the company’s dedicated SHEQ (safety, health, environmental and quality) management team. Louise Cookson, group compliance manager, said: “Although our current AFR is actually slightly higher than the previous year, this is due to an increased focus on the reporting of incidents. By making it as easy as possible for site teams to report minor incidents and near misses, this increased reporting will ultimately reduce the chance of serious injuries. Despite a consistently low AFR figure we are not complacent and the ultimate target is always zero!”
She added: “We have worked very hard over the last year to improve vigilance across the regional network and are extremely proud of the results. This includes supporting client SHEQ initiatives and our site operatives are regularly recognised for this through client award schemes.”
Lakesmere says a number of new appointments has further helped to strengthen it’s SHEQ department, which now numbers 13 across the group, with the additions of Vicky Tyler as SHEQ coordinator; John Wilson and Wayne Wilkes as health & safety advisors and auditors; Sam Smith, quality technician; and Ashley Richardson, trainee health & safety advisor and auditor.
As the company continues to grow its market share and secure larger, more complex contracts, Lakesmere says the expansion of the team has played a vital role in providing support to its regional operations across the UK.
As well as being responsible for managing health and safety, the SHEQ department also oversees Lakesmere’s quality and environmental procedures to identify ways to minimise the company’s environmental impacts and ensure a high level of customer service throughout the construction programme. A major project for the SHEQ team currently is ESOS (Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme), compliance to which will see Lakesmere devise and enforce a series of energy audits to reduce its carbon footprint.
