5 August 2013

Costain’s commitment to safety has been illustrated once again by the team working on the Evaporator D project at Sellafield, which has achieved 1 million hours without a Lost Time Injury.

This is the second time over the life of the project that the 1 million hour milestone has been passed.

The latest landmark represents an injury-free period from October 2011, which is particularly notable considering the risk profile of the work undertaken over that period.

The achievement – which would be significant on any project – has been reached against a backdrop of complex working conditions at the Evap D site.

“We have significant heavy lifting using gantry cranes, we’ve got welding, pipe-fitting, steel erection, civil engineering and electrical works, all within very close confines,” explained Project Director, Rob Phillips.

“It’s a huge project but it’s happening in a building just 60 metres long by 30 metres wide at its widest point.”

Combined with the limited space is the large number of personnel working on the job – around 400 people. 

Costain’s attention paid to health and safety was further recognised by client Sellafield Ltd, whose Management & Oversight of Contractors Department handed Costain the Most Improved Safety Performance award in May. This was in recognition of year-on-year improvements in safety performance since 2010 and the successful management of the multiple potentially high-risk activities.

“That has been down to continuous improvement,” explained Rob.

“This achievement has required a major effort from the team, taking into account the working environment in which they’re operating,” added Costain’s SHE Director, Peter Fisher. “It’s a testament to the skill and effort they’ve put in to cope with a notably complex worksite.”

Ends