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Bluestone

Health and Safety at Bluestone

“Perhaps the most powerful effect has been the long-term changes to people’s behaviour on site. In my experience most traditional training methods have an immediate, short-term effect that subsides and dilutes over time. The methods used by the highly professional CragRats team were unique; from a personal viewpoint they caused me to look at the way training is approached in our whole organisation.”

David Thompson, Regional Health and Safety Advisor, BLUESTONE PLC

/challenge

Bluestone plc represents the construction division of the Morgan Sindall Group, a UK top 10 construction provider. The scope of Bluestone’s work is widespread, incorporating both new build and refurbishment. Construction is a high-risk industry and one of the foundations of Bluestone’s ethos is their health and safety performance. Statistical evidence from their accident books and site observation showed that many basic site requirements were not being followed. The objective of the project was to establish the concept of “Hazard Free Sites” throughout the hearts and minds of the Bluestone workforce.

The learning objective was to raise awareness of health and safety on construction sites, promoting it as every individual’s responsibility. They asked CragRats to create a significant emotional impact on delegates to illustrate the importance of preventing accidents.

/approach

CragRats delivered a two day programme to Bluestone’s Site Managers, Regional Health and Safety Advisors and Site Health and Safety Advisors. Using drama-based scenarios, a series of serious health and safety issues were demonstrated. The progression of learning throughout the day looked at personal values, human behaviour, the culture of the workplace and communication skills.

The second day was designed to put the learning of the first day into practice and make it relevant to all the delegates. Participants had to deal with the after effects of an accident on site – coping with the demands of the media, the Health and Safety Executive and a public inquiry. Building on the emotional engagement of the delegates, the day finished with a hardhitting performance to inspire the participants to recognise their responsibility in changing the Health and Safety culture.

/results

• Bluestone’s accident ratio for cuts and bruises has been reduced by 26%
• Overall accidents are down
• Increased safety on site due to the working community feeling
• A more steady regular workforce wishing to work on Bluestone contracts
• People’s awareness of safety issues increased
• A noticeable increase in individual responsibility for on site safety
• Results are still on-going and show no sign of receding

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