Roy Lovelock CMIOSH Head of Training & HSEQ roy.lovelock@watkins.co.uk 07741906634
Megan Place TechIOSH Compliancy & Development Advisor megan.place@watkins.co.uk 07557833975
Helen Harris Community & Apprenticeship Coordinator helen.harris@watkins.co.uk 07955284240
Maddie Simon HSEQ Administrator madeline.simon@watkins.co.uk
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In 2025 we will be launching Watkins Insights Hub, an interactive dashboard featuring key statistics, news and knowledge resources.
NearMiss Reporting
A near miss can be defined as an unplanned event that has the potential to cause, but does not actually result in human injury, environmental or equipment damage, or an interruption to normal operation.
Examples could include poor lighting levels, inadequate pedestrian/vehicle segregation, and absence of working at height inspections
By being vigilant and reporting these unsafe working conditions, we are able to ensure a PROACTIVE approach to implementing control measures and avoiding an accident taking place.
It is the duty of every member of staff to report any near misses or unsafe working conditions to the HSEQ team. We all play an important role in keeping ourselves and our colleagues safe.
AccidentTriangle
Known commonly as Heinrichs
Accident Triangle or Bird’s
Accident Pyramid, the theory shows the relationship between near misses, actual accidents and serious incidents or fatalities.
Heinrich had suggested that for every 300 near misses, there is one serious accident. However, recent research has shown that for approximately every 90 near misses reported, you could avoid 1 serious accident in the workplace.
This underlines the importance of why we have a duty to report a near miss.
NewPowerAppsReportingFeature
Reporting near miss incidents and unsafe working conditions are a vital tool in preventing accidentsandidentifyingareasofimprovement
When in the app, click the + button in the bottom left of the screen.
Input: Site, Date, Time, Location, detailsandaphoto.
ClickSubmit
FUNDRAISING Events 2024
In 2024 we managed to raise almost £1,500 for two fantastic charities; Macmillan Cancer Support and Pilgrims Hospice.
Thank you to all those who organised, donated, walked, ran, baked or bought and everything in between!
Watkins Employees Support Thanet Food Link Foodbank for Christmas
The collective effort of Watkins employees has made a significant impact. Their contributions have included a wide variety of non-perishable food items, ensuring that families in the community can enjoy nutritious meals and seasonal treats over the festive season
This Christmas, Watkins employees have shown their usual remarkable generosity by contributing to the Thanet Food Link foodbank. The response has been overwhelmingly positive, with numerous donations coming in to support those in need.
Watkins as a company has also made a substantial contribution, further amplifying the impact of their employees' efforts. This combined support highlights the company's commitment to giving back to the community and making a difference to the lives of those who are less fortunate in Thanet.
The collaboration between Watkins and Thanet Food Link exemplifies the spirit of Christmas coming together to support and show kindness to one another. Thanks to the generosity of Watkins employees and the company's contribution, many families will experience a brighter and more joyful Christmas this year so thank you all! ��
Brent Community Boxing Club
In a display of community support, Watkins has donated essential electrical equipment to help refit a community boxing club in Brent, Greater London This initiative is part of Watkins' ongoing commitment to social value and community development.
The donation, made in collaboration with Wates, underscores the importance of corporate partnerships in driving positive change By providing the necessary electrical equipment, Watkins is ensuring that the boxing club can continue to serve as a vital resource for local youth and community members.
The refit will enhance the club's facilities, making it a safer and more welcoming environment for all. This upgrade is expected to attract more participants, fostering a sense of community and promoting physical fitness and well-being
Watkins' contribution is a testament to the company's dedication to giving back and supporting local initiatives. By working together with Wates, Watkins is helping to create a lasting impact in Brent, demonstrating the power of collaboration in achieving social good This project not only benefits the boxing club but also strengthens the community, providing a positive outlet for young people and encouraging a healthy, active lifestyle
Across CSCS and ECS there are over 100 different types of skill card which act as a form of proof that those working on construction sites have the correct qualifications and training to carry out their job role. It is crucial that everyone has the right card for the job they are carrying out.
A P P R E N T I
C E & T R A I N E E S U P E R V I S O R & M A N A G E R O T H E R D I S C I P L I N E S C R A F T & O P E R A T I V E
Issued free of charge for individuals with recognised apprenticeships. The card is valid for 4 years and 6 months, with the idea that the cardholders would have completed their apprenticeship by the time of expiry This card cannot be renewed
Valid for 5 years. Available to those who have achieved a construction related NVQ or apprenticeship in the relevant trade
For CSCS cards a blue card is for those who have obtained a Level 2, whereas Level 3's can apply for a gold card
Valid for 5 years. Available to those who have achieved a construction related qualification showing that they have been trained to oversee works on site
CSCS card holders require an additional NVQ in either Supervision or Management depending on the card being applied for.
There are a wide range of further general and specialist cards available and further information on CSCS and ECS’ respective websites
In light of CSCS removing Industry Accreditation/ Grandfathers Rights as an option for obtaining a CSCS card for supervisors, we are pleased to announce that 8 members of staff at Watkins have successfully completed their relevant NVQs, with more planned for 2025.
Steve Brown
Plamen Dimitrov
Justin Gallagher
Lee Griffiths
Kyle Hough
Carlo Pererano
Dmitri Shura, and Aaron Wilks
Congratulations to Roy and Megs in HSEQ who have successfully achieved CMIOSH and TechIOSH status this year!
We have enrolled the first cohort of employees on to complete the NICEIC 18th Edition Second Amendment
WatkinsSupervisorWorkshops
Commencing from January 13th 2025, and continuing on alternate Mondays, for a 12-week period, six groups will attend London workshops to discuss Watkins policies and working procedures as outlined below.
The scope of these subjects will outline company working procedures, and enable the HSEQ manager to coach and prepare Watkins supervisors in how to achieve compliance for current working practices, and in addition educate those in how to achieve best practice for all occupations completed.
This will be via small group discussions, which will include power point, handouts and verbal communication, more information will be available in the dedicated lesson plan created for the workshops
Hot Works procedures including dedicated safe systems of work
Stakeholder discussions including Friday packs and inductions
Plant & equipment maintenance and monitoring procedure
Daily task briefings
Competency; including how to achieve and Skills cards (CSCS, ECS etc.)
Watkins Safety Committee
Our committee will be restarting in 2025!
WHAT?
PPE, RPE and protective equipment A safety committee brings together management and workers to help create and maintain a safe workplace
WHY? WHO?
The main role of the safety committee is to help to maintain workplace safety and it will participate in the development, implementation and monitoring of company health and safety
We are looking for representatives from various areas of the business. If you feel you can play a proactive role and support the committee please let us know safety@watkins.co.uk
SPOTLIGHT ON...
Noise, any unwanted sound, is pervasive and impacts large populations worldwide especially in construction, however, are you aware that noise not only causes hearing loss and tinnitus, Investigations and research suggest that prolonged noise exposure can lead to damage to various organ system dysfunctions. studies have revealed that noise exposure impacts other organs including the liver, kidneys, pancreas and lungs, and raise the risk of cardiovascular disease!
Researchers studied nearly 500 adults over a five-year period and gathered traffic and aircraft noise data for each person's home address After adjusting for other factors that contribute to cardiovascular risk (including air pollution), they found that every 5-decibel increase in the average 24-hour noise level was associated with a 34% increase in heart attacks, strokes, and other serious heartrelated problems.
Heart Health
Noise exposure may also result in Coronary Heart Diseases (CHD) a World Health Organisation report showed an 8% elevation in risk of CHDs for every 10 dB (A) increase in traffic
Noise exposure and Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs) have been linked in studies, where Hypertension is a significantly prevalent CVD with approximately one in four adults developing hypertension in the United Kingdom.
Brain Health
The brain is the central organ for detecting, interpreting, discriminating, and responding to environmental signals and efficient communication among neurons is necessary for achieving these functions. Any stressor that interrupts neuronal communication might result in brain dysfunction Similar to other organs, noise-stress may affect the brain
Noise exposure was shown to impact adults in the form of mental illnesses such as anxiety or depression and cognitive impairment Analysis findings demonstrated strong associations between traffic noise and mental illnesses, with an elevated risk ranging from 4% to 12%
lipid and glucose metabolism, metabolism of exogenous drugs and toxicants, and protein synthesis amongst others However, these functions may be disrupted by stress It is well known that the liver is susceptible to stress-induced responses, including over-influx of harmful substances from the gut, hypoxia, reperfusion, and increased stress hormones, Thus, noise exposurean environmental stressor, is also known to induce liver damage
Data also suggested that noise might exert an impact on other organs, such as the pancreas, lungs, and gut.
Noise sensitivity and sleep disturbance further add to the implications noise has to the human anatomy…
Wear your hearing protection, its always available, and will greatly reduce the risk of exposing yourself to the harm as outlined above.
yThe kidney is responsible for several biological functions, including maintaining glomerular filtration rate (GFR), and hemodynamic, Stress has been strongly suggested as a risk factor for kidney disease, its progression, and its complications Considering that noise exposure initiates stress responses, it is reasonable to suspect that noise exposure might lead to kidney diseases. studies have directly examined the influence of noise on the kidney
Construction & The Environment
A future requirement for all Watkins supervisors will be holding an environmental qualification.
With this in mind, Watkins Academy will be looking to add CITB Site Environmental Awareness Training Scheme (SEATS) training to our approved training portfolio.
Our HSEQ Manager Roy Lovelock is currently completing hsi certification in Institute of Environmental Management Assessment. Once completed, this should enable to academy to begin training those required.
The IEMA Foundation Certificate is for any person or business looking to make an impact in an environment or sustainability role. It focuses on environmental management so it's perfect for collecting and collating environmental or sustainability data through to providing routine checks on legislative or pollution prevention measures.
As part of our ongoing commitment to reduce our environmental impact, we have recently sent 2 boxes of damaged and old PPE to the SMI Recycling Scheme.
In 2024, 91 Watkins employees successfully carried out an Environmental Awareness course on iHASCO
We are pleased to announce that Watkins are members of the Supply Chain Sustainability School, having achieved Silver level status.
WATKINS APPRENTICESHIP SCHEME
WATKINS APPRENTICESHIP SCHEME WELCOMES NEW RECRUITS
In 2024, our apprenticeship scheme has seen remarkable growth, welcoming a diverse group of new recruits who are eager to embark on their professional journeys. This year, we have successfully onboarded nine apprentices across various sites in London.
MORE OPPORTUNITIES TO COME
As we look to the future, we are excited to announce that our apprenticeship scheme will continue to expand. We plan to take on more apprentices throughout 2025, providing additional opportunities for young people entering the construction industry to join our team and grow with us. This expansion reflects our commitment to nurturing talent and investing in the future of our industry
A COMMITMENT TO DEVELOPMENT
A BRIGHT FUTURE
The success of our apprenticeship scheme is a testament to the hard work and dedication of both our apprentices and all the people that support them including supervisors, sub-contractors, project coordinators, mentors, payroll and HR. We are proud of the progress made so far and look forward to seeing our new recruits develop and grow in confidence and knowledge. With more apprentices set to join us, the future looks bright for the talented individuals who are part of our apprenticeship scheme
Our apprenticeship scheme is designed to provide hands-on experience and comprehensive training, ensuring that each apprentice gains valuable insights and practical knowledge in their chosen field. The new recruits have already begun to make significant contributions, demonstrating their enthusiasm and dedication to learning.
SUPPORT AND MENTORSHIP
One of the key elements of our apprenticeship scheme is the strong support network we provide Each apprentice is paired with a mentor who guides them through their training, offering advice, feedback, and encouragement. This mentorship is crucial in helping apprentices navigate their roles and develop their professional skills
