Top Safety Accreditation for Intelect UK

Intelect UK has become the latest in a line of successful companies to join a leading edge scheme designed to help the industry improve its safety record.

The Middlesbrough-based firm has received accreditation from SAFE contractor, a programme which recognises very high standards of health and safety practice among UK contractors.

Intelect is one of the leading electrical and mechanical engineering companies in the North East, employing more than 100 staff at their Riverside Park headquarters. Earlier this year, the company launched Intelect Engineering Limited at Grimsby, working primarily in the food processing sector.

Intelect’s application for SAFE contractor accreditation was driven by the need for a uniform standard across the business.

Director John Thompson said: “It’s vital for us to recognise the importance of health and safety issues within a company like ours, and to be recognised for our efforts gives us the incentive to maintain such high standards in the long term.”

SAFE contractor accreditation is expected to enhance the company’s ability to attract new contracts and its commitment to safety will be viewed positively by its insurers.

John Kinge, Head of Risk at SAFEcontractor said: “Major organisations can no longer run the risk of employing contractors who are not able to prove that they have sound health and safety policies.”

“More companies need to understand the importance of adopting good risk management in the way that Intelect has done. The firm’s high standard has set an example, which hopefully will be followed by other companies within the sector.”

Under the SAFE contractor system, businesses undergo a vetting process which examines the health and safety procedures and their track record for safe practice. Those with a high standard are included in a database, which can then be accessed by registered users via the website www.safecontractor.com

Organisations who sign up to the scheme can access the database and vet potential contractors, giving them the opportunity to only engage with those who have accreditation.

Over 150 major nationwide businesses, from several key sectors, have signed up to use the scheme so far.

Intelect UK has also received accreditation from the Contractors Health and Safety Scheme having demonstrated compliance with and sound management of current basic health and safety legislation.