At Uniserve, maintaining a safe workplace is paramount. To report hazards, near misses, or accidents, log in to the Assure Employee Portal, navigate to Report a Hazard, Near Miss or Accident, complete the details, and submit your report. This streamlined process ensures that all incidents are documented and addressed promptly, contributing to a safer environment for everyone.
In addition to incident reporting, the Assure portals provide various forms for safety-related activities such as Talk Safety, Safety Tours, DSE (Display Screen Equipment) assessments, and other types of risk assessments. These tools help identify and mitigate potential hazards before they cause harm. For any assistance with the portals or safety procedures, please contact SHEQ Support. Together, we can ensure a safe and healthy workplace for all. JUST SOME OF THE FORMS AVAILABLE:
JUST SOME OF THE FORMS AVAILABLE:
TRAVEL PLAN SURVEY • TALK SAFETY • PRE USER CHECKS • CONTACTOR ONSITE FORM • DSE ASSESSMENTS • SUPPLIER CONTRACTOR APPROVAL • MHE PRE MEDICAL CHECK • AUTHORITY TO WORK
At Uniserve, the health, safety and well-being of our employees is our top priority. We are committed to providing a safe, healthy and supportive work environment where everyone feels protected and empowered to perform at their best. The HR team knows all too well the challenges that can arise when we don’t take safety seriously.
We have probably all noticed the media’s increased focus on mental health and personal well-being in recent years. This has certainly highlighted the power we all have to improve our daily experiences and reduce anxiety, stress and the inevitable health impacts that can follow. Incorporating positive lifestyle choices such as exercise, mindfulness, diet and communication can all support improved well-being in our everyday lives, both personally and professionally.
Additionally, leaders in our business are committed to creating environments that are low-stress and foster communication, collaboration and creative thinking. Of course, we all have a role to play in making that a reality—within our departments, offices and teams.
Personal safety is no different—it is not just a policy; it’s a shared responsibility. Whether you’re working on-site, mobile, or remotely, we all play a vital role in maintaining a culture of safety and accountability. We ask every employee to stay informed, follow established procedures, report hazards or incidents promptly and actively participate in ongoing health and safety training.
Our HR and Safety teams are here to support you. If you have any concerns, suggestions, or questions about workplace safety, personal safety, or well-being at work, please don’t hesitate to reach out to leaders, mental health first aiders, or our Safety and HR teams.
Let’s continue to look out for one another in everything we do and make safety and wellbeing a core part of our Uniserve culture.
JONI FORSDIKE-KING
GROUP HR DIRECTOR
It takes time, effort, and hard work to improve the health and safety culture within a workplace, and it deserves to be recognised and rewarded. All our Uniserve employees are key to improving the Health & Safety culture.
To promote Health & Safety at all levels, the H&S team has introduced the H&S MAD Award (Making A Difference). Winners of this award will receive a £25 “Just Eat” gift card along with their MAD Trophy. The award will be presented by the H&S team member for your site and featured in the next H&S newsletter.
Name: Kelly Brookes & Lindsey Day
Site: Uniserve Felixstowe
Detail: Improving Accident Investigations at Uniserve Felixstowe!
“We are proud to present Made a Difference Awards to Lindsey Day and Kelly Brookes for their dedication and commitment to enhancing accident investigations at Uniserve Felixstowe.
Following the 2-day accident investigation training, Kelly has received on-going support and guidance from Lindsey and the on-site SHEQ team which has helped strengthen our safety protocols, improve root cause analysis and create a safer workplace.
Thank you, Kelly and Lindsey for making a real difference in accident investigations at Uniserve Felixstowe!”
Nominated By Elaine Hornigold, Deputy Group Head SHEQ
GB Global Group Companies Receive “Commended” Rating at the Safety and Health Excellence Awards 2025
This year, we were proud to be shortlisted for two prestigious Safety and Health Excellence Awards, highlighting our commitment to sustainability and safety.
Uniserve Group’s SHEQ team recently attended the SHE Awards and were proud to receive a “Commended” rating in the Safer Logistics Award category.
This recognition highlights our group company, Seafast Logistics Limited, for its Cold Chain operations at our Felixstowe Mega DC. Seafast introduced an automated solution to replace the labour-intensive, manual process of devanning containers by utilising robots and automating tasks.
The new technology has resulted in a healthier and more comfortable working environment for employees, significantly reduced workplace injuries, and enhanced safety protocols.
We were also shortlisted for Sustainable Company of the Year.
In partnership with Beyondly, a GB Global Group company, we developed a sustainability model and set a 2050 emissions reduction target.
A huge congratulations to the team!
“I am pleased to announce that I will be leading the rollout of Evotix Learn across multiple locations, including Singapore, Chepstow, and Northampton. I will be delivering our successful and comprehensive 2-day Health and Safety course, Drug and Alcohol Awareness course, and Racking Inspection course.
In addition, I will continue to deliver MHE training courses and conduct abseil audits in collaboration with our in-house MHE instructors. I will also take the lead in delivering bespoke training to our newly recruited in-house MHE instructors, equipping them with the tools and confidence to lead with consistency and excellence.
At the FMDC site, I will maintain close collaboration with the operations team on incident reporting procedures and compliance, working diligently to ensure our Safe Working Procedures (SWPs) are regularly maintained, updated, and developed to reflect evolving best practices.”
“I am currently working on a project to monitor MHE driving behaviours using the Davis Derby system, focusing on high shocks that have been detected.
The aim is to establish the root cause—whether due to general ground conditions or operator driving techniques. This will be an ongoing process until sufficient data has been gathered to implement appropriate measures to help prevent recurrence.
I have introduced bi-weekly GM site tours, which are proving effective. I also attend LHB and LGT team meetings, where I provide feedback on any site incidents that are reviewed daily. These meetings are functioning well.”
“I’m thrilled to be moving into the role of Sustainability Manager within the SHEQ team, following my secondment to Beyondly earlier this year.
In addition to driving the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategy for the group, I’m looking forward to promoting a positive sustainability culture across our sites.
Keep an eye out for Uniserve’s 2024 ESG report, which is due to be published this quarter!”
We recently welcomed a visit from Expeditors, who are keen to utilise our container storage and cargo handling expertise. They were particularly focused on our compliance with CTPAT (Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism), which we have since demonstrated.
You may have noticed how busy our yards are, with JCBs, Range Rovers, HGV shipments, and solar power units all passing through for onward delivery or export worldwide. Most of our depots operate 24/7, making them a hive of activity.
Our bonded ETSF (External Temporary Storage Facility) continues to save customers money by shunting uncleared imports from quay to our government-approved depot, reinforcing the high standards we uphold.
Health and safety is at the heart of everything we do — from driver processing to cargo loading.
We’re proud of our strong safety culture, which emphasises:
Proactive accident prevention
Clear yard communication
• Daily incident reporting
• Continuous training of a highly skilled workforce
All office staff are fully trained in hazardous goods handling including the arragement of storage segregation.
Each lifter driver receives extensive initial and refresher training to operate our seven 85T container lifters, which can handle up to 45 metric tonnes. Their skill in placing containers and cargo with millimetre precision is certainly impressive. Navigating these machines demands full 360-degree awareness — always expect the unexpected and stay alert to the actions of visiting hauliers.
We were recently tasked with safely unloading 10T aluminium coils wound in cylindrical form — a challenge, as our 16T heavy forklift was too large to enter the container. Working collaboratively, the team devised an effective solution: chaining the cargo and manoeuvring it to the container door, where the lifter could safely remove it using its tines. For reloading, we used the forklift’s plinth base to push the coil back inside, using protective measures to avoid damage.
This innovation has been documented in a Safe System of Work, both to protect our teams and to showcase our solution to the H&S team — potentially opening the door to a new and regular business opportunity.
NICK HUGHS HEALTH & SAFETY
COMPLIANCE AND FACILITIES MANAGER
In the last year I have trained both full-time and agency drivers, continually improving the standard of drivers working for Uniserve.
The highlight of the year so far has been the introduction of 10 new LNG gas-powered Volvos. The real-world impact of these initiatives is impressive—just ten LNG tractors in Uniserve’s fleet save around 2,220 tonnes of CO₂ annually, representing a 79% reduction in emissions compared to diesel-powered trucks.
The introduction of the new fuel system and trucks also required the development of new Safe Working Procedures (SWPs). In conjunction with VIGO (our gas supplier), Volvo, and Adrian Richardson, Deputy Group Head SHEQ, we developed the SWPs for refueling the new trucks. This also included sourcing cryogenic gloves to protect drivers from the risks associated with handling fuel stored at temperatures as low as -150°C.
The big day arrived with the installation of the LNG tank, which took several weeks and involved engineers and technicians from Germany to complete the setup, and three weeks later the trucks arrived on low loaders.
Within two weeks, I had trained ninety people on refueling using LNG, as well as instructing drivers on how to get the best performance from Volvo’s I-Save technologies. VIGO also trained me on how to safely vent the main LNG tank if the internal pressure becomes too high. Due to the extreme noise levels during venting—exceeding 103 dB—they issued special ear protection to ensure safe operation.
GARETH MANGER DRIVER TRAINER - CHEPSTOW
Uniserve Norwich (formerly Regional Airfreight) has decided to join the wider group in achieving certification to the International Business Standards ISO 9001 & 14001.
The Norwich operation, led by Jason Thompson and supported by Charles and Emily Brient and their teams, is eager to have the certification in place this year.
Specialising in air, road, and ocean freight solutions—including (but not limited to) global carrier contracts, freight consolidation, freight management, customs clearance, courier, and delivery services—the Norwich team are well positioned for this next step.
Obtaining the ISO certifications will bring significant benefits to the operation, setting the business apart from competitors and providing existing and new customers with greater assurance and confidence in our services.
The Norwich team will be working closely with the SHEQ team to prepare everything for the upcoming audit scheduled for July this year.
We all wish the Norwich team well on their flight to ISO certification!
DAVID BOWDEN SHEQ CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT MANAGER
At the beginning of this year, the business made the decision to bring Uniserve Ireland on board to the sites certified to the International Business Standard ISO 9001.
Uniserve Ireland, headed up by Keith Homan got behind the initiative right from the starting grid, working with the SHEQ team to build an effective system, which was verified at Audit.
It was logical for Uniserve Ireland to jump aboard with ISO certification, joining other key areas of the group.
Keith’s team based in the Dublin office successfully achieved certification at end of April this year! All the staff at the Dublin office completed ISO awareness training and fully understand the benefits of having the certification.
Being ISO certified has set the business apart from other competitors, as it is industry recognised ISO standards gives our customers assurances, which ISO9001 delivers so well.
Our customers know our services consistency and the added value of the new certification will help growth as we continually demonstrate our commitment and delivery of a quality service.
Uniserve Ireland met the challenge head on and passed the chequered flag to reach top step of the podium! Now an integral part of the ISO Uniserve family, I am sure the benefits will very soon be realised. A big thank you to all at Uniserve Ireland!
DAVID BOWDEN SHEQ CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT MANAGER
“We are very pleased to achieve certification at the first time of asking, with zero minor Non Conformances and zero OFI’s identified during the audit which solidifies Uniserve Ireland’s working practices as of the levels expected for a member of our Group.
Many thanks to the SHEQ team for their support throughout the process, another example of how our various divisions / departments work together so well to achieve goals”
KEITH HOMAN DIRECTOR OF UNISERVE IRELAND
If everyone lived like me, we would already have used as much natural resource in 2025 than the Earth can renew in a year. It’s only May.
By looking at what I eat, where I live and how much I travel, the Global Footprint Network’s footprint calculator estimates that we would need 2.8 Earths to sustain a population living my lifestyle.
While it would be great have two spare Earths to rely on, here are some more realistic changes we can make to help carve out a sustainable future for us and the planet we call home:
• Reduce food waste - almost 10 million tonnes of food is wasted in the UK each year. Make a plan before you go shopping to prevent over-buying, store food at the right temperature, and eat your leftovers or freeze them for another day. Oh, and no need to peel your carrots or potatoes – it’s all edible!
• Drive less, fly less – if you can. Choose to walk, cycle, use public transport or carshare where possible to reduce CO2 emissions.
• Reuse or repurpose – did you know it takes ~2,500 litres of water to produce a single t-shirt? That’s roughly the amount you would drink in three years! Consider buying less, buying second-hand and donating or selling your unwanted clothing to extend its life.
I’m curious to find out if you’re kinder to the planet than I am, find out how many Earths it takes to sustain your lifestyle at: https://www.footprintcalculator.org/
REBEKAH STIFF SUSTAINABILITY MANAGER
A logistics company has been fined £1 million after an employee fell over 10 metres at DP World Southampton’s Terminal and sustained serious injuries.
Christopher Hooper, a 31-year-old, from Winchester suffered fractures to his skull, back, pelvis, arm, wrist and ankle after falling 11 metres through an open hole in the driver’s cab of a straddle carrier, landing on the concrete floor below.
The hole had been created by contractors that were replacing a glass floor, exposing Mr Hooper and other workers to the risk of falling from height.
Mr Hooper, who had worked for Southampton Container Terminals Limited since he was 17, had been undertaking routine maintenance work and was unaware of the open hole before falling onto the floor.
The HSE found that Southampton Container Terminals Limited had failed to ensure there was a system of work that ensured the replacement of the glass floor and routine maintenance work could be carried out safely at the same time. The company also failed to ensure there was a risk assessment in place and failed to implement its own policy for the use of permits to work whilst working at height.
Southampton Container Terminals Limited pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. The company was fined £1 million and ordered to pay £11,664.59 in costs at Southampton Magistrates’ Court on 2 August 2024.
HSE Inspector Francesca Arnold said: “This incident has resulted in severe life-changing injuries for Mr Hooper, who is lucky to be alive. His life has completely changed because of Southampton Container Terminals Limited’s failure to produce a suitable risk assessment and implement straightforward control measures.
“The hazards of working at height are well known and documented and this prosecution should now remind employers that a failure to manage and implement effective measures can have serious consequences and they will be held accountable for this failure. Information on working at height safely is freely available on HSE’s website.”
S A F E T
Stop it. Sort it. Report it
Always let your manager know of any safety issues
Follow you safety training
Ensure safety equipment is safe to use
Take care when moving around the site
Y You are responsible for the safety of yourself and your colleagues