Gas workers in Guernsey, Jersey and the Isle of Man have gone two years without sustaining a lost time injury.
International Energy Group today revealed that it had reached more than half a million working hours without a single member of staff losing a day or shift through an injury sustained at work.
‘It’s a fantastic achievement and one that we are very proud of. All of our colleagues across all three islands have spent a lot of time and effort making everyone aware of the potential dangers, with workplace risk assessments and hazard spotting initiatives,’ said group director, Stuart Crossman.
‘Our staff are encouraged to “stop for safety”, which means that will all stop work and seek advice if we are unsure or uncertain that we have the knowledge or ability to continue. We are all then encouraged to ask for assistance before continuing with the task. This has certainly helped raise awareness, along with improved access to information on health and safety through specially themed days and training.’
Mr Crossman added that International Energy Group’s achievement was even more significant as the company’s criteria for a lost time injury (LTI) was stricter than the industry normal.
‘Across the industry an LTI is normally classed as an injury that takes an employee out of action for five days or more. In our businesses in Guernsey, Jersey and the Isle of Man we define an LTI as any injury that results in an employee losing a single shift or day at work, which is significantly more stringent,’ he said.
‘To go two years without an LTI is unusual for an industry as diverse as ours – we are a 24/7, 365 days of the year business, working in all in all environments and conditions. So it’s a milestone we are very happy to have reached and shows that our colleagues are both aware of their responsibilities and take great care of themselves, their colleagues and everyone who may be impacted on our day-to-day work.
‘It’s also reassuring for islanders, I’m sure, to know that we, as an organisation, strive to look after the welfare of the their gas supply safely and consistently.’
