10 December 2013

Costain is recognising safer working at its Severn Trent framework sites through the launch of a ‘green cards’ initiative.
 
Part of the Costain Behavioural Safety (CBS) programme, the initiative follows on from the introduction of yellow and red cards for site staff demonstrating risky or unsafe behaviours. In contrast green cards are given to staff who exhibit better, safer ways of working.
 
At Wanlip Inlet, a £16 million project to deliver a new inlet works and storm handling facility, three green cards have been issued since the scheme was launched in October. Steve Kracher, Operative, was given a green card for well-maintained stores; metalwork subcontractor EPSL earned one for high-quality workmanship; and Jason Philips, Operative at subcontractor STAM Construction, gained his card for excellent standard of hand digging around services. Jason was also judged Star of the Month at Wanlip by his peers and Costain staff and was awarded a £25 voucher – another new initiative at the site.
 
“We already operated a red and yellow card system but we felt a more positive approach was also required to get people doing things because they wanted to,” said Mark Tootell, Project Manager. “Warren Mitchell, Senior Foreman, has driven through the initiative, but the idea was originally brought to site by SHE Advisor, Kayleigh McIntyre, who used it in her previous role at the Bidston Moss viaduct upgrade.”
 
A similar scheme has also been introduced at Frankley Water Treatment Works where Costain is carrying out a £20 million modernization. So far two green cards have been awarded. Dean Owen, Operative with subcontractor Drapers Civil Engineering, gained a card for finding and repairing uncoupled joints in the site dewatering system. Operative Andy Mayne, also with Drapers, noticed a number of Severn Trent services had been exposed by a land slippage following a main burst. He reported the problem to Costain staff who alerted Severn Trent and helped them secure the services.
 
 

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