Atkins has been awarded a ninth Gold Medal Award from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) in recognition of its deep ongoing commitment to providing and maintaining a safe and healthy working environment. 
The gold level standard was achieved by SNC-Lavalin’s Atkins business thanks to the organisation’s high level of performance and health and safety culture and the use of safety management systems. The prioritisation of health and safety at SNC-Lavalin’s Atkins business has led to a record low number of incidents in 2017.
New health and safety processes for 2018 include the StepBack procedure; a risk evaluation tool that can be used to identify hazards and apply appropriate controls. The process involves stepping back two metres and taking two minutes to think critically about the safety of the working environment. A Safeguarding framework has also been introduced, to add clarity to the policies and procedures already in place, and further enhance the health and safety of children visiting the offices for the likes of STEM workshops or on work experience placements.
Neil Thomas, technical and QSSE director for SNC-Lavalin’s Atkins business added: “Led by the leadership team, a strong safety culture is embedded in the company ethos. With ample resources and easy-to-follow reporting procedures, we value engagement, to ensure health, safety and wellbeing receive the attention they deserve. Being awarded a ninth Gold Medal Award from RoSPA is great recognition for our high standards, though we will continue to find ways to further improve our practices. A single incident or dangerous occurrence is too many; we all deserve to go home safe.”
