News

GUERNSEY Electricity’s achievements in reducing accidents at work to an all-time low have been recognised with a prestigious award.

The company has implemented a range of new measures in recent years that have lead to in a 75% reduction in staff absence due to accidents at work. Most recently, this has included a comprehensive review of health and safety procedures and the introduction of new policies last year that the company hopes will result in further reductions.

As a result, the company has been rewarded with a 2005 International Safety Award from the British Safety Council.

Tom Woodford, who chairs Guernsey Electricity’s health and safety committee, said the award was a testimony to the company’s commitment to provide a safer working environment for all staff. This was being achieved through a combination of education and prevention, and involved the entire organisation.

‘Obviously we are delighted with the award, as it recognises the enormous efforts made by both the management and all the staff of Guernsey Electricity to improve safety in the workplace,’ he said.

‘We take the view that even one accident is one too many, so we will never be entirely satisfied. However what we have succeeded in achieving is a sustained, continual improvement, and we have done this by developing a real health and safety culture throughout Guernsey Electricity.’

The British Safety Council awards recognise companies that have made notable improvements in health and safety. Only firms who achieve accident incidence rates better than the industry average for their sector are eligible.

Each company is assessed by independent experts, and must be able to demonstrate board level commitment to health and safety, as well as details of significant advances.

The awards have been endorsed by UK Prime Minister Tony Blair. In the announcement sent to all recipients of an award for 2005, he congratulated them on their achievement.

‘These awards recognise the success of these organisations and their employees have achieved in their pursuit of excellence in the management of health, safety and environmental matters,’ said Mr Blair.

British Safety Council chief executive David Ballard said it was a prestigious achievement.

‘For nearly 50 years we have led the way in promoting health, safety and environmental best practice in society. By achieving an International Safety Award, Guernsey Electricity is helping to make our vision of a safe working environment a reality,’ he said.

Guernsey Electricity began implementing a new health and safety management system last year, which included a full review of its existing policies and procedures. This has resulted in a number of new initiatives, many of which will be introduced during 2006.

Managing director Ian Watson said that the nature of the electricity industry meant that many staff were working in a potentially dangerous environment. The company therefore had a duty to ensure any risks are minimised, and took this responsibility very seriously.

‘You must never be complacent in an industry like ours. However I am confident that we are moving in the right direction, and we are still to see the benefit of work which began in 2005 aimed at achieving further reductions,’ he said.

The Awards will be presented at a special dinner at Grosvenor House hotel in London on 10 May.