From Drayman to Health and Safety Manager: A Surprising Career Journey

As experienced through our in-house chartered Health and Safety Manager, John Bannon, entering the realm of health and safety management is a journey full of unexpected twists and useful lessons. He sees his employment as more than simply a job; it is an opportunity to influence the company's future while focusing on each employee's health and well-being. Here's his story:

You might be surprised to learn that I wasn't always involved in health and safety. Initially, I was responsible for vehicle movement and fleet management, which laid the groundwork for my future path. I eventually moved on to a position as a Drayman, where my primary goal was efficiency. While I enjoyed my job, I now realise how often I took shortcuts, assuming that my speed would compensate for potential risks. This was a risky mindset. Safety is more than just following regulations; it's about being proactive in ensuring that everyone arrives home safely.

As I look back on my career, I feel incredibly fortunate. When you're young and energetic, you might dismiss the importance of health and safety protocols. In my case, I zoomed through my day delivering beer, convinced I was maintaining a 'safe enough' environment. Fortunately, I never faced serious injuries, but several near misses taught me that luck can only carry you so far.

Now, I have a deep understanding of the extensive framework of health and safety regulations, including the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. There are up to 100 additional rules that shape our practices. My goal is to ensure these guidelines are followed and also internalised by everyone.

What many fail to recognise is that exceeding legal requirements is vital for cultivating a safety culture. This culture involves each employee acknowledging the risks of unsafe behaviours. For instance, companies with strong safety cultures experience up to 70% fewer injuries. If we can address harmful actions proactively, we can significantly increase the chance of everyone returning home safely each night.

In my role at B-engineering, I am committed to enhancing our safety culture. A crucial part of this process involves educating employees about the importance of regulations, not just for compliance with legal requirements, but also to ensure everyone's safety throughout the day.

Studies show that regular training can reduce incidents by up to 50%. We currently maintain a structured system for reporting incidents and near misses, which helps us learn continuously and drive improvements.

By actively involving staff in safety talks and giving real-life examples from my own experiences, we are breaking down barriers together. I am confident that making safety a shared responsibility will produce better results for everyone concerned.

Ultimately, we are committed to ensuring that everyone returns home safely and with peace of mind every day, thereby contributing to the continued success and growth of B-engineering in the years to come.