
Workers at Barrier Group have helped raise important funds for Freeman Hospital Children’s Heart Unit after reaching a landmark safety achievement. To mark the company reaching 500,000 hours without a Lost Time Accident it has donated £1,000 to the hospital unit.
Working on projects for OGN Group, the North East-England offshore engineering, procurement and construction specialist, staff from Barrier’s painting, scaffolding, fireproofing and insulation disciplines have maintained a strong safety culture.
Led by Graham Brooks, Head of Construction at OGN and David Cairns, who manages the site for Barrier, the collaborative approach has seen best practices shared between the two companies resulting in a safety first, zero tolerance approach.
Whilst construction works are underway day-to-day operations present numerous hazards. By keeping work stations tidy and embracing a policy where every incident no matter how small is reported, areas that are of concern or could be improved are easily identified.
The Freeman Hospital Children’s Heart Unit is one of only two centres in the UK offering paediatric heart transplant and bridge to transplant. It currently provides almost half of the UK’s paediatric transplants and has the expertise and support systems to undertake high-risk surgery.
Barrier Group, which is based in Wallsend on Tyneside, is a leading specialist in the field of corrosion and fire protection in offshore, petrochemical and construction projects.
Robert Bowles, Chairman of Barrier Group, said: “I am very proud of this achievement and is particularly impressive when taking into account the nature of the construction industry. Working alongside OGN we have managed to create a workplace where staff can go about their duties without safety concerns.
“It also allows us to make contributions to great causes such as Freeman Hospital Children’s Heart Unit that is thoroughly deserving of this donation.”
Pauline Buglass, Head of Fundraising for Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Charity, said: “We are very grateful to Barrier for this generous donation. The Unit provides lifesaving treatment and donations like this go a long way to help children in need of specialist care.”
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