First City Care is one of the latest successful companies to join the leading-edge SAFEcontractor scheme, which is specifically designed to help industry improve its safety record.
The Welwyn Garden City-based company recently received accreditation from SAFEcontractor, a programme which recognises very high standards of Health and Safety practise among UK contractors.
Employing 87 people, First City Care is principally involved in the installation and servicing of electronic security systems for a range of blue chip clients.
Specialising in the integrated security systems industry and boasting a very healthy GB pound 10.2 million turnover, the company enjoys successful working relationships with clients including some of the leading financial and legal institutions.
The company’s application for SAFEcontractor accreditation was driven by a commitment to continually improve its safety culture and strive for excellence.
Striving for continual improvement
Chris Richards, managing director at First City Care, told info4security: “We are pleased to have received this important accreditation. However, we will strive for continual improvement. In 2011, we’ll be developing our safe systems further with the aim of sustaining a working environment where employee and customer safety is our first priority.”
SAFEcontractor accreditation is expected to enhance the company’s ability to attract new contracts, while its commitment to safety will be viewed positively by insurers when the company’s liability policy is up for renewal.
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.”
Kinge added: “More companies need to understand the importance of adopting good risk management in the way that First City Care has done. The firms’ high standard has set an example. Hopefully, this will be followed by other companies within the sector.”
Under the SAFEcontractor system, businesses undergo a vetting process which examines Health and Safety procedures and their track record for safe practice.
