IN SAFE HANDSSAFETY
Tees consultants ’ wind farm safety role means more jobs for local workers
All eyes on safety – Steel River Consultants will provide health and safety services at the Sofia Offshore Wind Farm .
Renewable industry specialist Steel River Consultants ( SRC ) is planning a recruitment drive at its Teesside head office after winning a major contract at the huge Sofia Offshore Wind Farm , owned by global energy leader RWE .
SRC was established in 2010 to offer the renewable industry a cost-effective alternative to larger corporations . The company provides health and safety support and project management services to a wide range of clients .
Over the years , SRC has built an enviable reputation in both the renewable and industrial sectors .
And having gained vast experience working for multinational consultancies , major companies , contractors and private organisations , SRC can transfer its expertise from one sector to another .
That means its clients benefit from comprehensive knowledge and first-hand experience of best-practice solutions .
SRC has now been engaged by RWE to provide health and safety support , including advice related to all onshore and offshore construction activity by all parties engaged in the project . The onshore works are now under way in Redcar , while the offshore site is 195km from the North-East coast on Dogger Bank in the North Sea .
The consultancy will also provide professional health and safety support to RWE in its pivotal roles as principal designer during pre-construction and as principal contractor for offshore construction .
SRC ’ s work aims to ensure the safety and wellbeing of those directly involved in the project as well as those who may be affected by it , such as landowners and members of the public .
Its activities support compliance with legal requirements and advise on best practice to enable Sofia to achieve an
exemplary health and safety performance . " We are delighted to be working on another project with RWE and are proud to be part of the team , especially as it ' s close to our home in the North-East ,” said SRC ’ s managing director Graham Tyerman .
" SRC welcomes the fantastic opportunity to be significantly involved in the Sofia project , working with RWE and its suppliers to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all those who will work on the wind farm during its development , construction and into its operational phase .
“ Our team understands the benefits of continued professional development ”
“ We recognise the importance of delivering a successful project and are committed to ensuring our team of professionals deliver the high standard of services expected of us ."
Services are delivered via a team of inhouse professionals , including several who have broad experience within the offshore wind sector .
And SRC will take on new team members as its involvement with the Sofia project progresses . The work will also provide excellent opportunities for the consultancy ' s existing health and safety professionals to gain invaluable experience in a sector that is rapidly growing in the region .
“ Our team understands the benefits of continued professional development and all team members are encouraged to
Below : Steel River Consultants ’ managing director Graham Tyerman .
take opportunities to improve and expand their skills ,” said Mr Tyerman .
“ This includes undertaking further qualifications in health and safety , as well as allied subjects such as environmental risk management and general management courses .”
SRC also takes its responsibility to help develop the next generation of health and safety professionals extremely seriously .
Team members who joined as apprentices have recently started their professional careers in health and safety , having been supported as they attained the necessary qualifications and gained valuable experience in all aspects of the profession .
The company has worked to ensure they developed the skills needed to provide effective advice to clients and stakeholders and will continue to help their development as they gain more experience .
During preconstruction , SRC will work with RWE to ensure health and safety risks are considered and either eliminated or effectively managed from the start before any work is undertaken on site .
Once the project moves into the offshore construction phase , the consultancy will work closely with RWE , the Sofia team and others on the project to ensure arrangements are in place to effectively plan and manage health and safety through a phase that involves high-risk activities in a challenging marine environment .
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