Health, Safety and Environmental UpdateOctober 2015Purpose:

The intention of this briefing is to pull together and share both Optimise and other contractor information rather than issue in an ad-hoc manner. It is the briefing manager’s responsibility to ensure this information is put in context and explained in a manner suitable for their audience. They are also required to ensure the attendance sheet is completed (back page) and submitted to Louisa.Connelly@optimise.co.ukA copy of the whole briefing should also be displayed on office/depot and site notice boards.

Contents:

• Headlines

• Optimise News

• Service strike learning 011 –gas services from medium pressure mains

• Environmental alert - SSSI

• From the hub

• TW monthly safety focus – slips trips and falls

• External alert – MAP box lifting lug

• Briefing attendance record

HSE HeadlinesLast month we had an environmental incident where a team started to set up a site compound in an incorrect location, which was found to be a SSSI protected area (site of special scientific interest).

Once realised, our people made apologetic and proactive calls to the City of London and Natural England, to resolve the situation.

Our learning from this incident is outlined on the alert enclosed within this pack.

In addition, the really positive outcome from this has been the proactive response our people have taken to recover this situation. Please do not be afraid to escalate any problems you identify in a timely manner so that we can support you and resolve it together.

Environmental Alert

Sites of Special Scientific Interest

A recent incident occurred on an Optimise contract in North London. The site team commenced to set up a small site compound and work area within the Epping Forest SSSI without the necessary permissions being sought from Natural England. The location had been miss-identified due to inaccuracies in the written compound consent and insufficient checking against the construction plans and environmental management plan. A Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) is one of the country's very best wildlife and/or geological sites. There are over 4,100 Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) in England, covering around 8% of the country's land area.

Works within SSSI sites require consent from Natural England under the Wildlife and Country side act. Unauthorised work on SSSI sites can result in large fines or prison sentences.

All sites are reminded to not rely solely on a written licence agreement. Fully check site plans and verify the correct works location.

All site managers are reminded to ensure they fully understand the controls within their Environmental Plans. Particular attention needs to be undertaken when working in green areas.

Ensure Topsoil is protected from plant movement. Use protective matting or Strip/store separate from the subsoil.

Engage with the Optimise Environmental Advisor when working in environmentally sensitive areas.

Always comply with Environmental legislation and consent conditions.

Health and Safety Alerts from the ‘Health & Safety Hub’.

The Health & Safety Hub is an essential tool to share best practice and learn from other contractors.

The following slides include extracts and reminders from lessons learnt which should be shared

http://www.healthandsafetyhub.co.uk/