Health and Safety

We work in the most demanding of environments; health and safety is the rock on which our operation is built.

From the precision of Aston Martin Formula One Team to the stringent requirements of HS2 and Hinkley Point C, our operations and health and safety teams work closely together to provide a seamless and safe working environment for everyone.

We deliver using our own fleet of vehicles and use our well-trained rigging teams to build every structure. Our list of accreditations demonstrates the level of commitment we devote to staff, client and public welfare around our structures and build sites.

From our overall policies to method statements for different structure types, risk assessments for all activities and documented inspection systems of our equipment, you can be sure that our tried and tested systems can be relied upon.

Our Structures

All of our structures conform to wind loading stipulations (BS6399) and special care is taken by us to heat structures in winter, to prevent build up of snow on the roofs of our structures.

The materials used in our structures are fire retardant to current British Standards (PVC flammability testing to BS7837) – Structural steelwork conforms to BS5950 and structural aluminium to BS8118. Linings are flammability tested to BS5867 and all electrical equipment is Portable Appliance Tested (PAT tested) annually.

Our People

Fews staff are amongst the most experienced, well trained and qualified in our industry.

We invest heavily in gaining the accreditations that allow us to work in the most challenging conditions, and this extends to all Fews employees and contractors.

Every person has a personal training plan designed to ensure that they have the necessary skills to complete their work in the most efficient and safe way possible.

Our comprehensive training matrix ensures that all our personnel from Senior Management through to office staff and  marquee riggers receive the very best training available.

This is a very fluid part of our Health and Safety training and Fews are always looking at ways to improve the skill base of their workforce. Our continuous improvement philosophy is ingrained in all our staff

Risk: What our Health and Safety means for you

Constructing temporary structures on operational sites requires a skilled workforce with specific qualifications. We provide a tailored service to such sites to make sure that all construction works are isolated and the public is safe. It is of critical importance that we reduce the risk of injury to the lowest possible levels to minimise your liability and protect all stakeholders.  You can trust us, and this is why:

Compliance & Accreditations

Maintaining high professional standards is fundamental to the Fews approach. We have many health and safety, process and environmental accreditations including CHAS Elite, SafeContractor, Constructionline Silver, ISO9001 and ISO14001.

DBS Checked Staff

All personnel involved in the construction process must undergo Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks to ensure a safe and secure working environment in proximity to the public.

Flexible Delivery Schedule

The ability to deliver materials outside of regular hours is essential to minimise disruptions to the ongoing educational activities and ensure the safety of the public and staff alike. This requires coordination and planning to ensure a seamless construction process.

Health and Safety

There are a number of essential accreditations that are required to work in any environment.  Fews also operate on numerous nuclear sites which means a much higher level of training and accreditation.  There is more information on our accreditations and training programmes.

Visibility of Staff and Vehicles

All of our site staff wear branded hi-viz clothing and all of our vehicles are clearly branded for easy identification to ensure the safety of the public and staff.

Safe Public. Safe Crew. Safe You.

Our Accreditations

Training Matrix Summary

Site Staff

Fews always ensure that all workers employed in any location on their behalf will be suitably qualified in line with the requirements of the site.

In addition, we ensure that they will be competent at the tasks that they are required to undertake.

The matrix here to the right shows the minimum levels that our on-site crew must attain, and the ambitions of Fews for them to achieve in the future. In many cases the ambitions have already been achieved.

This clearly demonstrates how Fews are able to operate on some of the most sensitive sites in the UK.

Yard and Warehouse Personnel

All of our yard and warehouse personnel undergo training in these areas, as well as more role specific courses:

• Manual handling
• Ladder safety
• Working at height
• Drug and alcohol awareness
• Banksman essentials
• Spill kit training
• Counterbalance Lift Truck up to and including 5 tonne
• Lorry Mounted Lift Truck Reach Attachments: Includes forks/shift & Four way

Office Staff

All office staff undergo regular training in role specific courses and general H&S related competences including:

• Manual handling
• Ladder safety
• Working at height
• Drug and alcohol awareness
• GDPR
• Cyber Essentials