Innovation for Biwater is the process of converting experience, knowledge and ideas into savings and benefit.
Examples of our innovation are categorised into the sections of Corporate Responsibility, Health and Safety, Supply Chain, Solution Development, Construction and Commissioning.
Corporate Responsibility has its own section and all innovation and achievements for Corporate Responsibility can be found here.
Health and Safety
Continually improving H&S performance is central to everything we do and stands above all else. Improvement can only be achieved through change and we constantly seek new innovations internally but also crucially with our client, supply chain and partners.
Measuring the effect of individual H&S innovation can be problematic but we have seen a significant improvement during AMP4.
Re-Thinking Safety - Behavioural Awareness
We have launched innovative "Re-Thinking Safety" training to understand and address culture and habits within a job.
The course has been taken by STW managers, our suppliers and our senior managers. It focuses on the mind states that influence hazard awareness and habit in forming safe behaviours. We have embraced this innovation and are looking to champion it within the industry.
Following the seminars there are a number of outputs being implemented including ‘10 seconds for safety’ encouraging operatives to carry out a quick risk assessment before starting work; and taking ‘immediate corrective action’ to eliminate hazards.
Behavioral safety management is new to the construction industry. From ongoing review, feedback and progressive introduction of initiatives we believe we can make significant further reduction in accidents using this innovative approach.
Collaboration with Clients, Suppliers and 'Competitors'
Biwater hosted a H&S workshop for STW, subcontractors and suppliers with the purpose to educate, inform and encourage collaboration throughout the total supply chain.
Subcontractors and suppliers demonstrated products relevant to improving H&S. Our occupational nurse provided well person checks.
Our Best Practice Presentation was delivered and discussion groups were held.
Workshop feedback was collated and initiatives have already been implemented including:
Following this training near miss reports rose by 39%.
Attendees ranged from site operatives to directors and included ‘competitors’ and partners.
In addition Biwater continues its bi-annual H&S workshops involving clients and suppliers focussing on supply chain issues.
This years workshop will be a 3 day event at Wanlip, theme Re-thinking Safety – June 2008