Embracing Change in Workplace Safety

Times are changing, and while safety measures have always been crucial, there is a growing recognition of the importance of prioritising health alongside safety. Historically, safety took the forefront, focusing on preventing immediate harm or incidents. However, it’s not just about avoiding visible injuries; it’s about safeguarding our long-term health. For example, acknowledging health risks such as hearing loss from working in loud environments. For those who work in these types of settings, it was almost the norm to accept that losing your hearing comes with the nature of the job. However, there is now an increased focus on creating safer, healthier workplaces that prioritise our health both now and in the future.

Holistic Approaches to Worker Safety and Health

This shift reflects a broader trend toward holistic approaches to worker safety and health. It’s about integrating health considerations into our risk assessments and safety protocols.

For example, in an engineering setting, a holistic approach might involve implementing comprehensive noise reduction strategies in addition to providing personal protective equipment like earplugs. This could include opting for quieter machinery, designing workspaces to minimise noise production, and creating designated quiet zones for breaks. By addressing the root causes of noise pollution, rather than just the symptoms, this approach helps to safeguard workers’ hearing and overall well-being, ensuring a healthier and safer working environment.

Long-term Health Risks

Long-term health risks in the workplace can significantly impact employees’ well-being, encompassing a wide range of issues from chronic diseases to mental health disorders. Prolonged exposure to loud noise in industrial settings can lead to permanent hearing loss, while repetitive motion tasks in office environments can cause musculoskeletal disorders like carpal tunnel syndrome. Inhaling harmful chemicals or wood dust particles in manufacturing can result in respiratory diseases or cancer, and constant stress in high-pressure jobs can lead to cardiovascular problems and mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.

Mitigating these risks involves a comprehensive approach that includes regular health screenings, ergonomic assessments, providing protective equipment, and implementing effective ventilation systems. With an increased focus on mental health, more employers promote a healthy work-life balance, with mental health support becoming increasingly available. By addressing these areas, organisations can protect their employees’ health and enhance overall productivity and job satisfaction.

Safety & Health Management

Health Re-focus

Health and Safety Executives (HSEs) are dedicated to prioritising employee welfare. They assist businesses in enforcing standards to prevent workplace hazards and promote best practices that support both physical and mental health, in line with guidelines set by global committees. Recently, there has been a clear shift toward focusing on long-term health.

ISO 45001 Compliance: Taking the Next Step in Workplace Safety and Health

For businesses looking to take the next step in prioritising health and safety, ISO 45001 compliance offers a clear and effective pathway. ISO 45001 is an international standard for occupational health and safety management systems that encourages a comprehensive approach to creating safer workplaces. By adhering to this standard, organisations can systematically identify and mitigate risks while promoting overall worker well-being.

To comply with ISO 45001, companies must implement systematic processes to manage both safety and health risks. This involves regular risk assessments, thorough employee training, and continuous improvement processes that ensure preventive measures are ingrained in everyday operations. Our engineers undergo random audits to ensure we meet these requirements.

Businesses that adopt ISO 45001 not only enhance the safety and health of their workforce but also demonstrate a strong commitment to employee well-being. This compliance can lead to improved morale, increased productivity, and a better overall work environment. Moreover, it positions companies as leaders in workplace safety and health, showcasing their dedication to creating a happier, healthier future for their employees.

Summary

The evolving approach to workplace safety recognises the importance of prioritising health alongside traditional safety measures. By adopting holistic approaches, addressing long-term health risks, and adhering to standards like ISO 45001, organisations can create safer, healthier, and more productive work environments. This shift towards prioritising health reflects a broader commitment to ensuring the well-being of employees, both now and in the future.

Shenton Group announces the internal restructuring of departments and the addition of a new increased management team to help broaden expertise, enable growth, and help support our thriving team.

As part of the revised structure, the existing Board of Directors will now form the C-suite leadership team, who will work together towards achieving our vision as a business whilst ensuring we continue providing a working environment that empowers our employees.

Curtis Meek will become the new CEO overseeing the corporate strategy, leaving Jody Meek to focus all his attention on the operations department as the new COO.

With those changes in place, we can now focus on delivering our growth plan, making Shenton Group fit for the future by simplifying our business and investing focused efforts in building market leadership through technical expertise, innovation, excellent customer service and efficiency.

As the COO of Shenton Group Jody Meek says: “What we are trying to accomplish with restructuring is to continue to provide industry-leading critical power solutions and exceed our customers’ expectations whilst preparing the company for rapid growth moving forward.”

About Shenton Group:

Since 1982 we have provided trusted power solutions to public and private organisations. We supply, install and maintain all aspects of Standby Power, Uninterruptible Power Supplies and Combined Heat & Power Systems. From feasibility and design advice, through to integration and commissioning, we provide peace of mind with a turn-key solution.

With a strong and established track record in innovation and manufacturing excellence, our mission is to provide the most trusted energy solutions, in an unpredictable world.

Shenton Group has been designing, supplying, installing and maintaining reliable power solutions to a variety of sectors for the last 40 years. Supporting organisations across the UK, such as H&M, the NHS and Royal Airforce, with backup power solutions that they can depend on in a power outage.

The increased vulnerability of the grid has put more pressure on businesses to have power continuity plans in place to ensure operations can continue throughout these power cuts. The energy crisis has also added further pressure on organisations to review their power supplies leading to increased demand.

Our priority is to provide a first-class service to our clients, so if you have the drive and passion ‘to provide the most trusted energy solutions in an unpredictable world’, get in touch. Shenton Group is recruiting!

Growing Team

To support Shenton Group’s growing team, we have recently expanded the board and employed a new Finance Director and HR Director!

Craig Lewendon – Finance Director

A qualified chartered accountant with 20+ years of experience in finance. Craig has worked across various industries, including Education, Security, IT Services and BMS Systems, and brings the knowledge and expertise to drive better finance governance and control across the business.

Tara Lawson – HR Director

With 20 years + of HR background in both Ftse 100 companies and scaling businesses, Tara has a passion for developing commercial success through engaged employees and excellent people practices. Her experience with premium brands lends itself well to Shenton Group’s focus on quality, technical expertise and customer experience. 

The addition of these two new members and the skills and experience that they both bring further complements senior leadership and the company’s development opportunities.

Shenton Group is Recruiting

To ensure we provide the best possible service to our clients, we start by creating a company culture that will attract high-calibre individuals. As an employer, Shenton Group has been described as a corporate company with family values. Our goal is to offer a supportive and enriching environment that allows our employees to thrive! But dont take our word for it… hear what our newest employees have to say:

Isla joined us straight from college and works as a Service Sales Support, assisting our generator and UPS department with setting up service contracts and winning new business. Isla was attracted to Shenton Group ‘s ‘company culture and values’ and has worked for the company for two and a half months now. 

We asked Isla how she has found working at Shenton Group so far.

 “Awesome, I feel very welcomed; it’s like a second family where everyone supports each other.” 

Mark joined Shenton Group 2 months ago as a Project Manager for Generator installations and has worked in the industry for over 30 years. 

Does Shenton Group stand out in any way compared to your other employers?

“It’s definitely a more welcoming company and seems to be a very pleasant employee-orientated company.

I love the independence of working remotely, yet having the back up of a company like Shenton”

Support the Nation’s Backup Power Requirments 

Our team of experienced professionals is dedicated to delivering high-quality, reliable power solutions that help keep businesses running smoothly through even the most unpredictable of power outages. Whether you’re looking for generator maintenance, installation, or repair services, our team is here to help.

Got what it takes?

If you have drive, passion and a sense of humour and are looking to take the next step in your career, Shenton Group could be the place for you. 

Please email your CV and cover letter to [email protected]

Together we are delivering the very best power solutions nationwide.