Member Article

Alex wins Safety Initiative & Innovation Award

IT technician Alex Wiggins, from Chandlers Ford, has received a special award for an initiative that is improving safety awareness on construction sites.

Alex received the Safety Initiative and Innovation Award at the Civil Engineering Contractors Association (Southern) training awards in London, where he was among four young people recognised for exceptional performance and commitment to their chosen careers.

Alex won the award for his achievements working as an I.T. Technician with Southampton-based Dyer & Butler, for his work on the development of a close call reporting system to enhance and support the ongoing delivery of the company’s behavioural safety systems. He developed the system utilising a standard QR code to provide the link to a secure reporting website via a mobile app, ensuring that close calls can be easily reported via a smartphone.

With over 6000 close calls submitted since it was launched, Dyer & Butler has achieved 2.8 million-man hours of work and gone 18 months without a RIDDOR Reportable accident. Employees can now openly raise concerns and a number of accidents have been prevented.

David Allen, CECA (Southern) Executive Director, said that the success of Alex and the other winners highlighted the importance of encouraging more young people into civil engineering, because their drive and innovation will help to unlock some of the challenges faced by the industry.

Said David: “It is inspirational to see our next generation of civil engineers making such a difference even in the early stages in their careers.

“Alex has made a fantastic start to his working life and I hope his success will encourage others of his generation to find out more about the wide range of professional and vocational careers on offer. We are working hard to welcome more men and women from diverse backgrounds and other industries into our profession – it’s an exciting and rewarding sector with lots of opportunities for progression.”

Many previous winners of CECA (Southern) awards are now working on some of the most important infrastructure projects across the UK, which is a reflection of their skill and commitment and the extensive employer support provided for training and development.

The CECA (Southern) Training Awards are presented annually to trainee civil engineers, apprentices and lifetime achievers in recognition of exceptional performance and dedication. Alex received a trophy and cheque for £500 from Brian Crofton, Chairman of CECA (Southern), at the ceremony held at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Colin Bridgman .