The cement national laboratory team, based in Waterhouses in the Peak District, is responsible for turning promising ideas into real-world products and solutions. The nature of the team’s work, however, means that safety is of paramount importance.
Simon Chudley, Tarmac’s national commercial technical manager, said: “This safety record is exemplary – particularly as the team is exposed to what could be extremely hazardous equipment and chemicals on a daily basis. It has been achieved not by luck but by maintaining constant vigilance to ensure that any potential safety risks are neutralised.”
In the 15 years since the ‘Natlab’, as it’s more commonly known, was developed as the successor to the Greenhithe Technical Centre, there have been no lost time incidents (LTIs) and no medical treatment cases (MTCs) reported.
However, the team is not resting on its laurels. It uses the record as a best practice example of how adopting and adapting the right behaviours among employees creates a safe working environment.
Chudley added: “The team is always looking for new and safer ways of doing tasks. Because of the nature of the work and the equipment that the team use, there is no room for error. It’s the behaviours seen at the Natlab which have enabled the team to make some fantastic breakthroughs that have revolutionised safety in the workplace.
“For instance, our Natlab team developed a microwave digestion system which can dissolve cement without the use of hydrofluoric acid – a highly corrosive compound that can cause lasting damage if it comes into contact with human skin. Measures like this demonstrate the dedication that the team has to continuing to innovate in a safe and protected way. Tarmac not only provides first-class products but is also a safe and supportive place to work.”
Greg Lacey, health, safety and environment manager for Tarmac’s cement, lime and packed products business, added: “At Tarmac, we always prioritise the safety and wellbeing of our employees – but often our environment can be a dangerous place in which to work. The positive team culture at the Natlab enables constant vigilance to ensure that any potential safety risks are controlled.”
