In a recent interview, our HSEQ Manager Lee Bannister talked about our reputation in the industry and our work to continue our successful growth and best practice in Health and Safety.
Standfirst: Drilcorp’s successful growth, which has witnessed it develop a broad range of services for a variety of clients incorporating its skill in drilling and borehole-related services, is the result of consistently operating safely.
Drilcorp, which was established in 1992 initially to serve the growing demand for an independent water supply to the public and commercial sectors throughout the UK, has always recognised the need to operate health, safety and environmental best practice.
Its successful growth, which has witnessed it offer a broader range of services for a variety of clients incorporating its specialist skill in drilling and borehole-related services, is the result of consistently operating safely. As a result of this, and the reliable qualities it possesses, Drilcorp has developed well-established relationships with major principle contractors and public sector clients.
Evidencing its credentials, Drilcorp is ISO9001 accredited and holds certification from ISOQAR, Safecontractor, CHAS and UVDB Verify. Drilcorp also maintains integrated systems for Quality, Environmental, Safety & Training (QEST). Yet, as QEST Manager Lee Bannister says, a successful health and safety approach goes beyond possessing these badges.
“We’ve had good engagement from the workforce, they’re willing to embrace health, safety and environmental policies that we implement. That culture within the business is important.
“Over the years I’ve seen other companies pay lip service to health and safety procedure but that’s not the case here. It’s important, and that is understood. You can’t go on major sites without having that attitude, that knowledge, that willingness to adopt and implement best practice.”
Every project is closely monitored with Lee carrying out site visits to oversee policy implementation. If any issues need addressing, these are brought to the attention of senior figures at the weekly management meeting. Any necessary improvement is applied and where required members of the workforce will have refresher training.
However, before anyone is allowed on site, all operatives are put through Drilcorp’s rigorous induction programme. They are given an employee handbook detailing policy and this is supported by pre-contract briefings and site-specific risk assessments and method statements. Policy is updated annually or in accordance with legislative developments, and updated training is provided accordingly.
Furthermore, specific training is provided depending on an operative’s role. Health and safety competence is therefore developed progressively as operatives are promoted up a tiered system. They are also put through a programme developed by the company’s Managing Director which provides plant-specific training to address the various challenges working with the different types of drilling rigs.
Bespoke to Drilcorp, this internal training programme developed by the Managing Director courtesy of his 40 years of experience in the drilling industry, is a huge benefit, says Lee. “The hands-on approach from our MD is helpful because of the knowledge he has. That has really driven our health and safety practices to reach higher levels. He’s proud of that programme and rightly so.”
Lee has been in the QEST role for a short time but says Drilcorp’s health and safety systems are strong. His immediate objectives are to enhance the company’s training programme and bring in relevant qualifications such as the CITB’s SSSTS for on-site managers.
The key motivation within the Drilcorp team is to provide an unrivalled level of service to clients delivering all their needs in a timely, professional, cost effective, and crucially, safe manner. The successful combination of these goals is a key reason why it continues to enjoy an enviable reputation.
Tel: 0191 527 3970
