The KONE modernisation team were presented with the prestigious award on Monday 18th May 2009. There have only been 50 sites previously awarded Beacon Status and this is the first to be awarded to a contractor.
Tube Lines were particularly impressed with the site specific method statements that the team produced and their knowledge, awareness and compliance of COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) regulations. KONE were also praised for their excellent housekeeping on site; keeping the confined area clean, tidy and safe from hazards whilst performing a major modernisation.
“KONE is a company that prides itself on putting safety first,” Paul Hill, Modernisation manager says. ” Regular toolbox talks generated internally by KONE were held on site and dynamic risk assessments were performed continuously to ensure safety was always at the top of people’s minds. The team were on site for 18 weeks, including day and night shifts, and had no lost time accidents.”
“The KONE team was selected for beacon site status based on their proactive and cooperative approach to health and safety.” says Ben Hunt, Project Manager for JLE Escalator Capital Works, Tube Lines Limited. “The KONE and Tube Lines teams have worked in partnership at both management level and on site to raise the profile of health and safety issues and create a site that is a model of safe and considerate working. This award recognises the progress that has been made to date and the ongoing commitment of KONE to improve health and safety practices at work. This is the first Beacon Award to be awarded to a Tube Lines contractor and is a testament to the KONE teams’ commitment to working with Tube Lines to achieve an excellent health and safety record.”
During the modernisation, the escalator was stripped down to its truss and KONE specified several improvements to enhance the reliability of the machine, including a lower handrail drive, balustrade modernisations and the alignment of the drive motor and gearbox. KONE will continue to work at London Bridge Underground station, and begin modernising another escalator for Tube Lines in mid -June.