Northern Gas Networks (NGN), the North of England's gas distributors are just one of Gauged Solutions' clients continuing to provide essential services during the lockdown.
Just prior to the COVID-19 pandemic we had been invited by NGN to present a series of 1/2 day sessions to engineers, managers and contactors across the NGN region on elements of human factors within the workplace including risk perception, situation awareness and chronic unease i.e. being constantly alert to potential risks. Whilst NGN have an excellent safety record they constantly strive to maintain a safe place of work for their staff, contractors, customers and general public.
The sessions, delivered by behavioural safety specialists Glenn Ridsdale and Asgeir Nilsen, gave an insight into what drives human behaviour in the workplace and the key motivators that can, at times, contribute to incidents or unsafe practices. We hope that the training, which incorporated tools and routines for NGN to adopt, will stand the key workers in good stead during these difficult times - key workers like Chris Garside, who are required to respond rapidly when customers smell gas in homes or businesses and make essential repairs.
“Families need their gas supply more than ever during this crisis, so the work we do to keep people safe, and to keep supplies flowing, is absolutely vital.
“We recently attended a job where an elderly lady with a heart condition was extremely concerned about a smell of gas in the home. Although there were no gas readings in the property, we ended up moving her gas meter outside, and installing new pipework for her. The new meter location was a lot more convenient for her, but more than anything, it gave her some extra peace of mind".
“We have strict processes in place ...and although I do sometimes find myself reflecting on the extra risks that the job carries at the moment, I’m still going to go out there every time, to keep people safe. I think we all feel that sense of duty at Northern Gas Networks".
“It means that our colleagues have to go into homes where they know a customer could be infectious. They have to be alert to every little thing, such as avoiding touching a door frame when entering a room".
“As an extra precaution, before entering a property we also ask if anyone in the household is shielding, over 70, pregnant or has an underlying health condition. This ensures that we can follow the necessary safety precautions to protect these particularly vulnerable individuals", adds Andy Simcoe, Manager.
“It’s a tough ask of our engineers, but that’s what we’re here for, and it’s incredible to see how willing the engineers have been to just get on with the job.”
Our thanks go to Chris, Andy and all at NGN for continuing their hard and vital work during these difficult times. Stay safe.