- HTM Named as Finalists at the Highways Awards for Worker and Site Safety Initiative
Highway Traffic Management has been announced as a finalist for the Highways Awards 2024, making a shortlist at the awards for the second year running, this time within the Worker and Site Safety Initative category.
The Highways Awards are renowned for celebrating the best in the highways industry, recognizing outstanding contributions to road safety, innovation, and operational excellence. The Worker and Site Safety Initiative category looks at organisiations that have “implemented a new initiative or working process or delivered a best practice scheme that contributed significantly to tackling the dangers personnel face while working in the highway environment.”
HTM’s entry was based upon their Development programme. Launched internally within the business, the programme has staggered training support for employees at different levels within the business, with an initial 2-week competency assessment card issued to trainees when they join, to be completed in their first two weeks covering key safety and site awareness criteria, signifcantly enhancing their awareness and knowledge beyond the mandatory TTMBC LANTRA qualifiaction.
A Competency Assessment Book (CAB) is issued to trainees once they have completed the card, with Lead Operatives, Development Champions and Development staff members mentoring trainees through 3 observations each for over 180 competancies. There is a CAB document for both National Highway Sector Scheme (NHSS)12AB and 12D training paths, each with a dedicated supporting document which brings together a wealth of information including legislation, guidance and best practices which can be referred to alongside industry guidance such as the Red Book and Chapter 8, which they have access to via an app. This is complemeted with other bitesize training material and tools, including AI videos and practical exercises used to develop trainees and staff at all levels. “We are thrilled to be recognized by the Highways Awards for our commitment to worker and site safety,” said Managing Director, Greg Baldwin. “A lot of time and effort has gone into the Development Programme and its various components, so it’s great to see it not only making a positive impact within the business by improving understanding and knowledge of safety on site, but also being recognised by the industry by making the shortlist.”
Head of Development, Danny Thorn, explains more about the programme:
“The Development Programme is designed to provide a clear path for trainees to improve their temporary traffic management knowledge, skills, behaviours and safety for all stakeholders. This is delivered and administered using a variety of modes to ensure we meet all learning styles, empowering staff to make good decisions concerning delivery and safety on site from very early in their career and development which has an impact on the whole company culture.”
Simon Wilson, LTMO and Development Champion at HTM, said, ““The CAB has been a great source of training and guidance, providing a structure for new members to the team and making it easier for them to understand what is expected of them and their mentor or lead op. Also from the mentor or lead ops point of view knowing what is required of them to make sure new starters get the best experience and knowledge before going for their first tickets is helpful.”
Senior HSEQ Manager, Matt Higgs, commented, “We have various touchpoints in place to educate operatives about the importance of health and safety onsite. The Development Programme helps break down the different elements of onsite safety, meaning the workforce can have a deeper understanding of how this impacts each of their jobs and helps them to keep safety at the forefront of their decision making.
“Operatives and trainees get the chance to learn out onsite in real-life situations under the supervision of experienced Development Champions or the Training & Development department. Understanding the ‘why?’ drives good decision-making with an ‘everybody gets home safe’ mindset, building upon their LANTRA qualifications and learning.”
Denis Padmore, HTM’s Training and Development Cpprdinator, has worked closely with operatives and mentors who have been using the Development Programme and CAB’s.
“We have seen great engagement with our workforce, from both the Development Champions and the trainees within the programme. Employees and client are seeing the benefit of this with improved quality and standards in relation to safety, compliance and best practices. Many trainees have progressed to become very competent and highly skilled lead operatives, helping mentor and develop the next generation, nurturing a supportive, development focused culture.”
The team will be heading to the Highways Awards on 24th September 2024 at Park Plaza, Westminster Bridge, where the winners will be announced, as industry leaders and professionals will come together to celebrate the achievements and advancements in the highways sector.
For more information about HTM Ltd and our safety initiatives, please visit https://htmltd.co.uk/safety/
