Disaster averted as new safety initiative is launched

Published by Kelly Elliott for Frank Haslam Milan in Housing and also in Communities

A new campaign to improve safety at a North East company has already had its first success after disaster was averted following a power line collapse on a County Durham housing estate.

Community regeneration specialist Frank Haslam Milan (FHM) North East launched its ‘See It, Sort It, Report It’ initiative at the beginning of September, with the aim of challenging employees attitudes towards health and safety.

Just a week later, a dramatic incident saw power cables on one of the firm’s sites blown down during 80mph winds, leaving the high voltage cables exposed to the public.

But thanks to the quick actions of employee Julie Milne, disaster was averted and nobody was injured.

The drama took place after the tail end of hurricane Katia hit Britain recently, resulting in gale-force winds.

A power line on a housing estate in Sacriston,  where FHM is carrying out renovation work on behalf of Chester-le-Street-based Cestria Community Housing, was blown over, resulting in power cables from a nearby house being ripped from the wall.

These were left lying across scaffolding and into the garden of the house next door.

Thankfully Julie, who works as a Resident Liaison Officer for FHM, put the ‘See It, Sort It, Report It’, scheme into action and immediately contacted electricity company NEDL, as well as alerting local residents.

Her actions have been praised by Cestria Community Housing, which owns the affected homes.

The Association’s Technical Officer Dave Tate said: “Julie’s swift action in calling the NEDL emergency line and getting their emergency teams organised prevented a possibly catastrophic situation.

“She contacted our residents living in the properties involved to make sure they were aware of the problem.

“The situation was further calmed by her informing the residents that the services were already urgently requested and were due to attend within the hour.”

FHM Health and Safety Manager Darren Ellis has also praised Julie for her swift actions.

He said: “The aims of the new program are to challenge behaviours and change attitudes to health and safety which ultimately will encourage a ‘don’t walk by’ culture.

“Julie is a perfect example of what we are aiming to achieve with this campaign - her quick actions averted disaster and we hope her story will encourage all our staff to embrace this new initiative.

“We believe this will ultimately result in improved standards and lower accident rates.”

FHM already has an excellent health and safety record, understood to be one of the best in the industry.

However, the company strives for continuous improvements and the ‘See It, Sort It, Report It’ initiative is now being targeted at all FHM staff regardless of role or job title.

As well as preventing accidents, the scheme will focus on the open reporting of hazards and near miss situations.

This will be achieved through a new data collection system, regular monitoring meetings, education and coaching and the campaign logo being featured on all high visibility clothing.