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

Entering the world of health and safety management is a journey filled with unexpected turns and valuable lessons, as seen through John Bannon, our in-house, chartered Health and Safety Manager. He sees his role as more than just a job; it is a chance to shape the company’s future with a strong emphasis on the health and well-being of every employee. Here's his story:

You might be surprised to learn that I didn't always work in health and safety. Initially, I managed vehicle movement and fleets, laying a solid foundation for my later adventures. Eventually, I transitioned to a role as a Drayman, where my focus was solely on efficiency. While I enjoyed the job, I now see how I often took shortcuts, hoping my speed offset potential risks. This mindset was reckless. Safety is not just about following rules; it’s about being proactive to ensure everyone arrives home safely.

As I look back on my career, I feel incredibly fortunate. When you're young and energetic, you might brush off the seriousness 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 regulations 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 determined to build upon our safety culture. A crucial part of this process involves educating employees about the significance of regulations, not just for legal requirements but to ensure everyone is safe throughout the day.

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

By actively engaging employees in discussions about safety and sharing real-life examples from my experiences, we are breaking down barriers together. I firmly believe that making safety a shared responsibility will yield better outcomes for everyone involved.

Ultimately, together, we are committed to ensuring that everyone goes home safely each day, free from harm and with peace of mind, contributing to the continued success and growth of B-Engineering in the years ahead.