M6 team mark a health and safety milestone

Eight years without a RIDDOR reportable accident is quite an achievement.

And that's exactly the milestone our highly experienced M6 team achieved early last month.

The M6 scheme involves the routine operation and maintenance of 90km of the M6 from Millbank to Carlisle, our team working in all weathers to keep the road open and safe for the travelling public.

Commenting on this latest safety milestone, Project Manager Trish Turner said: “Our belief in safety is at the forefront of everything we do, supported by an open culture where feedback is encouraged at every level.

“The support we receive from the regional Health and Safety team is supplemented by weekly surveillances from gangers, foremen and supervisors. Monthly NEBOSH audits are also carried out by several staff members, giving different perspectives and keeping the focus on safety improvements. Some of the team’s tasks are repetitive so avoiding complacency is obviously key.”

As elsewhere, COVID-19 is also having its impact, according to Trish.

“The current low traffic flow means we are seeing fewer accidents, but more people speeding. One motorist was recently charged with driving at nearly 140mph.

“People acting in this way is obviously out of our control but it does mean that we need to continually consider the things that we can influence.

“We’ve recently introduced matrix signage to our pickups which has helped raise public awareness of our activities.

“We also take part in regular police liaison meetings which, as well as being great for knowledge sharing, ensure we are all focused on the challenges at hand and working in partnership to influence the behaviour of the travelling public.

​“For me, it is this strong safety culture that underpins the project reaching this milestone of eight years without a RIDDOR.

“I’d just like to say thank you to the whole team for their focus and commitment, they really are a credit to Sir Robert McAlpine. I know I’m biased but I think we should all be incredibly proud of them."

Regional Managing Director Mark Gibson added: "This project just goes from strength to strength in operational excellence which is all down to strong safety leadership and the dedication and commitment that everyone shows in everything they do. The team should be hugely proud of this fantastic achievement and long may it continue."