Safety First, Every Time: Turning Knowledge into Action on the Jobsite

At Townmore, you’ll hear “Safety first!” on every site, every day. And it’s not just something we say – it is how we work. As one of Ireland’s fastest-growing main contractors, our approach is delivery-focused, putting safety at the heart of everything we do. Our ‘A’ grade in the Safe-T-Cert scheme for over a decade demonstrates the commitment of the team.

Understanding Safe-T-Cert: A Benchmark for Safety Management

Safe-T-Cert is more than just a certification; it is a comprehensive framework designed to elevate safety standards across the construction industry. Developed collaboratively by the Construction Industry Federation (CIF) in Dublin and the Construction Employers Federation (CEF) in Belfast, this scheme sets objective standards for safety management systems.

Key aspects of Safe-T-Cert include:

*Alignment with International Labour Office (ILO) Guidelines

*Focus on training and competence

*Emphasis on continuous improvement

*Compliance with national legislation

*Commitment to safety at all organisational levels

For contractors in Ireland, Safe-T-Cert certification is a mark of H&S distinction. It is recognised by the Government Construction Contracts Committee (GCCC) as meeting health and safety suitability requirements for public procurement. Furthermore, it is supported by the Construction Safety Partnership and included in the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) guidelines.

Townmore’s Journey: A Decade of Safety Excellence

Since joining the Safe-T-Cert scheme in 2011, Townmore has consistently achieved grade ‘A’ ratings, placing us at the forefront of industry safety standards. This achievement reflects our proactive approach to health and safety, which permeates every level of our organisation.

Our success in maintaining this high standard is built on several key factors:

Integrated Management Systems: We’ve developed comprehensive safety protocols that are seamlessly integrated into our day-to-day operations.

Continuous Improvement: We constantly evaluate and refine our safety practices, staying ahead of industry developments and best practices.

Team-wide Commitment: From senior management to site operatives, every member of the Townmore team is invested in maintaining a culture of safety.

Proactive Risk Management: We anticipate potential hazards and implement preventive measures before issues arise.

Regular Training and Education: We ensure our team stays up-to-date with the latest safety protocols and industry standards.

Turning Knowledge into Action – Safety on the Jobsite

While certifications and systems are crucial, true safety excellence is realised in the daily actions of our team on the jobsite. Here’s how we turn our safety knowledge into action:

Regular Safety Briefings: Each project site hosts regular safety briefings, ensuring all team members are aligned and aware of potential risks.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Compliance: We maintain strict adherence to PPE requirements, with regular checks and immediate addressing of any non-compliance.

Open Communication Channels: We encourage an environment where team members at all levels feel empowered to report safety concerns without fear of reprisal.

Regular Site Inspections: Our safety officers conduct frequent, thorough site inspections to identify and address potential hazards.

Emergency Response Preparedness: We conduct regular drills and maintain clear emergency protocols to ensure readiness for any situation.

Subcontractor Management: We extend our safety standards to all subcontractors, ensuring a unified approach to safety across our projects.

At Townmore, we view our Safe-T-Cert ‘A’ accreditation not as a final destination, but as a milestone in our ongoing journey towards ever-higher safety standards. As a team, we are committed to staying current on new tools and technologies that enhance jobsite safety, participating in industry forums to share best practices, regularly seeking feedback from our team, and investing in advanced safety training and equipment. Our decade-long success in maintaining the highest safety standards is a source of pride, but more importantly, it’s a responsibility we take seriously. We believe that every team member, from the boardroom to the building site, plays an important role in maintaining a safe work environment. Our people are our most valuable asset; by turning our safety knowledge into consistent, daily action, we not only protect our people, we also help to set a standard for the entire construction industry. At Townmore, safety truly does come first, every time.

www.townmore.ie