10 September 2013

The Costain MWH framework team working on the Minworth Sewage Works with Severn Trent Water has excelled in the latest assessment by the Considerate Constructors Scheme (CCS).

The success of any project is greatly dependent on working with stakeholders to ensure that the construction site runs as smoothly as possible and progress is being made to bring the project to completion. As part of that process, the CCS aims to improve the image of construction by assessing and monitoring sites against a code of practice.

The team achieved a score of 42 out of a possible 50, securing scores of eight or nine out of 10 in the five areas measured which included enhancing the appearance, respecting the community, protecting the environment, securing everyone’s safety and caring for the workforce. A score of eight in any category shows excellent measures are in place, while a nine acknowledges the exceptional measures are being taken in that category.

The team achieved exceptional scores in ‘respecting the community’ and ‘securing everyone’s safety’, reflecting the positive influence Costain’s Behavioural Safety programme has had on everyone’s attitude towards health and safety, and the team’s outstanding outreach work with schools and colleges through the Costain Skills Academy, said Andy Mellor, the Site Agent.

Minworth is Severn Trent Water’s largest sewage works and the second largest in the UK. It serves a population of 1.7 million people within the Birmingham and Black Country area but treats sludge from a population equivalent of 2.5 million due to the large volume of imports it receives from the surrounding areas.

The current AMP5 phase of investment is due to deliver an Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive to further reduce phosphorous levels in the River Tame by September 2014.

Commenting on the site, Barry Brettell, the CCS Monitor, said: “It is always good to visit a site where, although achieving an excellent standard on my first visit, have successfully endeavoured to further explore and improve on the high level of service already achieved.”

Barry also noted the worthwhile links established with the wider community to be of very high standard, with particular encouragement for students to consider construction as a career option.

Costain’s Andy Mellor added: “We are delighted with our latest CCS score and the Monitor’s comments, which reflect the sense of ownership and shared responsibility we enjoy across the whole team. It’s been great to have everyone involved in welcoming young people to site to motivate and inspire them to consider construction as a genuine career choice for the future.”

 

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