Roy Lovelock Grad IOSH HeadofTraining&HSEQ roy.lovelock@watkin.co.uk 07741906634
Kane Scott JuniorHSEQTechnician kane scott@watkins co uk 07554831291
Megan Place JuniorTraining&ConsultancyAdvisor megan place@watkins co uk 07557833975
Lauren Place H&SandApprenticeAdministrator lauren.place@watkins.co.uk
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FFP1 masks only protect the wearer for 80% of particles in the environment.
What percentage do FFP3 masks protect from?
Let us know at enquiries@watkins-academy.co.uk to be entered into a prize draw to win a £25 Amazon gift card!
A massive thank you and congratulations to the team at our Royal Eden Docks, Excel site, for receiving the highest average percentage on safety audits this quarter
Keep up the great work!
We now have a defibrillator at our Head Office
It is located in the main walkway outside of the ground floor meeting room.
All of our first aiders are trained on how to use in the case of an emergency
Epi-pen training is now part of our scheme of works when carrying out First Aid at Work
We have several training epi-pens to practice with so first aiders are prepared if they ever need to assist someone having an allergic reaction
In the HSEQ office, we have set up a standing desk
Studies have shown that standing desks help to ease lower back, shoulder and neck discomfort.
Feel free to pop in with your laptop if you need a break from your desk!
Watkins joined Hill Group at our Rochester site for a clean up of the creek, organised by the local council
They were joined by some local residents and other companies on site to collect litter to help the local community
Over the past few months, our HSEQ Technician Kane has been liaising with our FM Solutions department, assisting them to ensure the plant rooms that their engineers maintain and service are safe to work in and mitigate the hazards and risks that our engineers may come across.
This has been done by attending Plant Rooms with Luke Mansell (FM Solutions Project Engineer), the aim is to visit different Plant Rooms every month to ensure compliance across the board and improve the overall safety of the work areas and assist in closing out any actions and issues they may come across. By Kane having an overall involvement in this area of work it will also assist to improve the relationships that we need to with clients, as this allows us to assist the client where needed.
These plant room audits are a vital part of keeping Watkins compliant with up-to-date health and safety regulations and by completing the audits we are able to keep our operatives safe. By liaising with Luke, it has assisted Kane understand the works that our operatives complete in the plant rooms and has also been able to improve Luke’s understanding of the safety requirements that we need to uphold in order to stay compliant with regulations. Therefore, will help to assist with both of their professional developments.
Our new QR Asset Management System is underway now with our first asset tagged up and ready to go.
The tag is used by scanning the QR code that’s on the item, to the ‘Plant & Personnel Scanner App’ via Power Apps From here you can obtain and see the latest thorough examination records just by scanning the QR code on the item.
Thank you to Certags: Identification and Inspection Products for creating the unique tags for us!
Silica is a natural substance found in varying amounts in most rocks, sand, and clay. For example, sandstone contains more than 70% silica.
Silica is also a major constituent of construction materials such as bricks, tiles, concrete and mortar
Silica dust particles become trapped in lung tissue causing inflammation and scarring, these particles also reduce the lungs' ability to take in oxygen
This condition is called silicosis which results in permanent lung damage and is a progressive, debilitating, and sometimes fatal disease.
Silicosis usually develops after being exposed to silica for 10-20 years, although it can sometimes develop after 5-10 years of exposure.
Occasionally, it can occur after only a few months of very heavy exposure.
Watch WorkSafeBC's short YouTube video on silica exposure here
You generate dust from these materials during many common construction tasks, these include cutting, drilling, grinding and nailing.
Some of this dust is fine enough to get deep into your lungs, the fine dust is known as respirable crystalline silica (RCS) and is too fine to see with normal lighting
It is commonly called silica or silica dust
We should always try and eliminate the exposure to silica, however when tasks can’t be avoided, reduce the amount that is released, by using a Class M vacuum, or on tool dust extraction, if you can use water suppressant this will assist.
Last resort should be a tightly sealed, face fitted mask with at least an FFP3 rating for dust.
The pre-employability programmes serves as a way to upskill individuals and assisting them in finding employment in the construction industry.
Not only does this assist with creating opportunities for learners to help fill the skills gap in the industry, there is a moral obligation for Watkins to contribute to there social value and create opportunities for the wider community.
Over the past few months
Watkins has had the pleasure of working with some fantastic organisations, in addition to our ongoing relationship with North Kent College.
Watkins Academy recently completed a preemployment programme with Wates, for residents in East London.
With the help of the Academy team, the learners gained qualifications in Health and Safety in Construction and First Aid and will be sitting their CSCS tests in the coming weeks.
Social Value plays a major part in business engaging with local communities and creating opportunities for residents.
Watkins teamed up with the Hill Group UK and invited Liberty Training college learners to get a first-hand experience of a working site.
We are also very excited to announce that Roy Lovelock is also now on the board of Governors for Liberty!
“Both learners and staff had a thoroughly enjoyable day, and this was a fantastic learning opportunity for us all, providing learners with real-life, hands-on experiences Learners left motivated and excited about their future careers in construction We are very grateful to the team for accommodating our visit ”
A fantastic, enjoyable and thoroughly rewarding 5 day pre-employability programme run alongside the Prince Trust, engaging with 12 superb learners, working towards obtaining their IOSH Safety, Health and Environment for Construction Workers Certificate and CSCS card, to enable them to find employment in the construction industry.
I didn't feel alienated as the only woman on the course, very welcoming, helpful, and you can see the passion from the trainers.
Qattara C.
The training provided was excellent with a teacher that kept everything interesting. The new information learnt and the possibilityofearningaCSCScardwasgreat. KarolB.Emily Hollis MBE FCCT at Liberty Training
Mechanical Electrical Plumbing
I’m Jack Leggatt, 26 years old, a 4th year apprentice for Watkins, doing my domestic plumbing and gas qualification I've finished my level 2 and 3 plumbing just finishing the gas section now, which is hopefully done before Christmas this year
I like doing this job, because of the every day challenge you get when working within the industry, all the different sides of plumbing and pipe fitting there is. The different sites, the different people. As an apprentice you always are testing your knowledge and pushing yourself to be a better installer.
I'm currently working at Patchworks in Walthamstow. I'm in my 4th year in electrical, having completed my level 3 earlier this year. I've just finished and passed my portfolio in the last few weeks and have got my final AM2 exam left which I'm looking to do within the next couple of months.
I chose the job as I enjoy solving problems, being creative alongside taking pride in my work. There's so much to electrical and constant room for progression.
I am currently working at Royal Eden Docks close to the Excel centre undertaking mechanical install, Risers and run outs, boosted cold water and heating supply.
I Attend Croydon College doing Heating and Ventilation Level 3.
My course is due to finish this year so in a few months time.
I enjoy working within the construction industry. I feel that the most satisfying aspect of my job and the work that I do is seeing the progress each and every day, whether that's the installations of sanitary ware or pipe work - it's rewarding seeing the end project once it's complete.
Jack Leggatt Plumbing
Robert Urbonas
Electrical
Aaron Hayward Mechanical
