Builders Merchants from across Northern Ireland recently attended a British Merchant’s Federation Health and Safety day, hosted by Quinn Building Products. Before their formal Health and Safety Northern Ireland Sub-Committee meeting, which was held in the Quinn Innovation Academy.
Attendees were welcomed and addressed by Seamus McMahon, Sales and Marketing Director for Ireland with Quinn Building Products, before a briefing on several health and safety initiatives across Quinn’s operations from Gerry Clancy, Health and Safety Manager. These initiatives include upgraded operator safety standards which have been implemented in the Quinn Precast factory, such as the fitting an innovative safety cab to the mechanically powered saw, which has been specially designed to protect drivers. The new cab has resulted in reduced exposure to dust and flying particles, with a significant reduction in exposure to noise levels.
Merchants also heard about some additional projects currently underway, including an overhaul of all site inductions and training. The new system will use technology in the delivery of inductions, and in ongoing training and safety awareness. Quinn are also implementing an all-encompassing system for managing environmental, health and safety areas across the company, ensuring the health and safety of all workers and site visitors.
Speaking of the event, Gerry Clancy commented,
“We’re delighted to welcome the BMF Northern Ireland members and to showcase some of our health and safety initiatives to our local merchants. As new members of the BMF, this gives us an opportunity to further strengthen the relationships we have with Northern Ireland based merchants, and to emphasise our commitment to health and safety across all our operations.
We have a responsibility to our staff, visitors and the public to ensure every area of the business meets and exceeds all health and safety requirements. It’s a continually progressing area, and we’re keen to be at the forefront of this through the introduction of innovative practices, and the ongoing development of safety standards and equipment.”
BMF members enjoyed a tour of the Quinn Therm factory to see the facilities, health and safety standards, and the manufacture of PIR insulation, before engaging in a formal health and safety committee meeting.
