Leigh-Anne Turner, Health & Safety Officer explains why she’s so passionate about ensuring the safety of all Shortridge staff and the positive changes that have led to a culture shift across the business.
How long have you worked at Shortridge?
I’ve worked in my health and safety role for one year but before then I worked in production and customer services. My passion for health and safety began after I completed my IOSH Managing Safely course. After that, I knew I wanted to learn more.
What does a typical day involve for you?
In my role, every day is different – that’s what I love. During my morning walk-through of the sites, I check for any hazards and that the team are wearing their PPE. I ensure all paperwork is up-to-date. I speak to the heads of each department to address any safety concerns to help eliminate or reduce potential hazards.
I host annual staff training at all of our main sites in addition to supplementary training when, for example, legislation changes. It’s important that everyone knows the most up-to-date information.
As I’ve received my teaching qualification, I offer one-on-one training focused on manual handling. An important part of the induction process for any new team member is health and safety, which I enjoy. The new staff member is then buddied with a member of the team until they feel competent and comfortable operating the machinery and they’ve completed their Safe System of Work steps.
Tell me more about NEBOSH and the process you went through?
As I said before, my passion for health and safety was ignited after I completed my IOSH qualification. NEBOSH was the next step in my development.
It’s a very intense 3 month course ending in a 12 hour exam which I’ve just found out that I passed with flying colours – I’m so proud of myself and that all the late nights have paid off!
Since completing the course, I’m now seeing everything differently. I’m in the process of reviewing all of our risk assessments. My knowledge and confidence is continuing to grow. I’ve subscribed to the Health & Safety Executive newsletter to keep me up-to-date on the latest advice and guidance.
How important is health & safety at Shortridge?
Health and safety is a top priority at Shortridge. A commercial laundry can be a potentially dangerous environment so it’s important that everyone knows how to work safely. Most of our supervisors have completed the IOSH Working Safely course and others have expressed an interest in completing the course.
I think everyone can see how passionate I am. I love to share my knowledge and I’m delighted to see how engaged everyone is to ensure we’re all working in a safe environment.
I encourage staff to approach me to highlight any safety concerns and we make changes quickly – it’s important that they see that their concerns are being addressed and actioned.
We’ve all worked hard to change the health and safety culture at Shortridge – I’m so proud of everyone!
