In 2014, we launched MOUSE (Memorable, Outstanding, Unique, Service Experience), a unique customer service-driven initiative. Each month, we focus on a different person or department to find about how that part of the business contributes to the performance of the Group as a whole.
This month we talk to Terry Wilcock, Group Director of Health and Safety. Terry has been with PTSG since 2010 and leads on all matters relating to the health, safety and welfare of the 1,200 employees and those affected by its actions. Under Terry’s leadership, PTSG became an eight-time RoSPA Gold winner in 2019. The Group also achieved an International Safety Award with Distinction from the British Safety Council.
“Awards mean a lot as they underline the way in which all our teams are dedicated to upholding the highest standards of health, safety and wellbeing – at every single one of our worksites,” says Terry.
“PTSG is a multi-disciplinary services provider and therefore different safety measures are required in different areas of the business. However, much of our work is done at height and it has been highlighted by the Health and Safety Executive that falls from height are the most common type of injury experienced by the UK’s workforce. Therefore, we are highly seasoned in taking the necessary precautions to protect the safety of employees carrying out work at height and up until now our record has been excellent.”
PTSG is growing daily. At the end of 2018, there were 850 people. At the end of March 2019, the workforce grew by a further 350 people with 10 new office locations. Integration of new businesses means making sure that those who join the business adapt to and adopt the Group’s no-nonsense approach to safety, which is underpinned by the philosophy: ‘If we can’t do it safely, we don’t do it’.
Talking about the biggest challenges facing PTSG, Terry said: “Aside from obsessing on ensuring that everyone arrives home safely every day, it is our mission to continue to address the negative image associated with mental health problems, which affect one in ten of all workers in the UK. By breaking down and ultimately removing any stigma, people in the company with issues will feel able to come forward for help.
“Another big challenge is to ensure Clarity, our unique (in-house developed proprietary software system) continues to be fully rolled out amongst all employees, including recent inductees. PTSG’s intuitive new software system, is bringing some transformational benefits to our people and clients alike.
“It gives real-time locations and progress reports of engineers out on site. Clarity is operated by the on-site engineer using a tablet. They are often lone workers, which is potentially problematic for people with pre-existing mental health conditions. Clarity is our employees’ vital point of contact and ensures lone workers not only are safer but feel safer.”
