On 3rd April 2024, we held the inaugural SHiFT Conference, at the Heart of England Events & Conferencing Centre in Fillongley, Coventry. Nearly 300 people attended the event, where we had a variety of very interesting and informative presentations and a total of 27 exhibitor stands.
During the conference, Lesley Barr, CEO of Smart Awards presented trophies to the winners of the first SHiFT Group Safety Awards.
The Rising Star Award
Helena Aspinall
The Rising Star Award was won by Helena Aspinall from Full Fibre.
This award is to commend a person early in their career who has exhibited great energy, drive and dedication to improving safety. A future fibre Health and Safety leader, Helena got 8 separate votes as one of her nominators explained she took her organisation from being data challenged in the H&S space to a true world class position.
The Fibre Contractor Safety Culture Award
CASS LTD
The Fibre Contractor Safety Culture Award was won by CASS Ltd. The award was collected by Andrew Moxey, Head of H&S for CASS, on behalf of CASS.
This award is for a contractor who has demonstrated significant commitment towards improving their Health and Safety culture. CASS won the award for their significant investment in their training academy helping novice engineers to enter the industry and for their focus on employee engagement and continual improvement.
The Most Influential Award
Derek Stevenson
The Most Influential Award was won by Derek Stevenson of Full Fibre.
This award is for the person who has been most influential in terms of improving Health and Safety standards across the Fibre Industry in 2023. Derek got a number of votes from within his own business and contractors alike and was described as a driving force behind values and standards for H&S.
The Best Safety Innovation in Fibre Telecoms Award
PJ Keary Ltd
The Best Safety Innovation in Fibre Telecoms Award was won by PJ Keary Ltd. Patrick Keary collected the award, on behalf of his organisation.
This award is for the individual or team that has most challenged the status quo and developed an innovative product or approach that improves Health and Safety in fibre. Consistent with our theme of protecting the communities in which we are operating, PJ Keary created an app that assists engineers in setting up their streetworks sites. The app has received great reviews from Engineers.
The Legacy Award
Donagh Kelly
The Legacy Award was won by Donagh Kelly of CEO of Circet. Barry Robertson can be seen collecting the award on behalf of Donagh.
This award is for an individual who has dedicated themselves to improving Health and Safety in fibre over a longer period, without whose efforts, Health and Safety standards would be much the poorer. Donagh is recognised as someone who has led from the front, exhibited felt safety leadership and has put safety first over the course of his career.
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