A renewable energy specialist in the Midlands has joined a
leading-edge scheme, designed to help the industry improve its
safety record.
Kidderminster-based Eco2Solar Limited, with a team of 25
employees, has now received accreditation from SAFEcontractor,
which recognises very high standards of health and safety practice
amongst UK contractors.
The company's application for SAFEcontractor accreditation was
driven by the need for a uniform standard across the business.
Managing Director Paul Hutchens said: "We are delighted to
receive the SAFEcontractor accreditation, as it is an onerous and
important award. We at Eco2Solar take the welfare of our staff and
clients very seriously and welcome schemes such as this that help
us work more effectively and safely".
SAFEcontractor accreditation is expected to enhance the firm's
ability to attract new contracts and its commitment to safety will
be viewed positively by its insurers.
The accreditation is applicable to most sectors, although it is
particularly relevant to food manufacture, property, facilities
management, retail and leisure sectors, all of which are big users
of contract services.
John Kinge, Head of Risk at SAFEcontractor said: "Major
organisations can no longer run the risk of employing contractors
who are not able to prove that they have sound health and safety
policies".
"More companies need to understand the importance of adopting
good risk management in the way that Eco2Solar has done. The firm's
high standard has set an example, which hopefully will be followed
by other companies within the sector".
Under the SAFEcontractor system, businesses undergo a vetting
process, which examines health and safety procedures and their
track record for safe practice. Those companies meeting the high
standard are included on a database, which is accessible to
registered users only, via www.safecontractor.com
Employer-organisations who sign up to the scheme can access the
database, enabling them to vet potential contractors before they
even set foot on site. These employers agree that, as users of the
scheme, they will engage only those who have received
accreditation.
Over one hundred and fifty major nation-wide businesses, from
several key sectors, have signed up to use the scheme when
selecting contractors for services such as building, cleaning,
maintenance, refurbishment or electrical and mechanical work.
Specialising in the Solar PV, Solar Thermal and Heat Pump
industries, and with a £3 million turnover, Eco2Solar's most
recent clients have included major players such as the Environment
Agency, The NHS and Thomas Vale Construction.