The Group had 1,643 employees at 31 March 2009 (2008 - 1,594). 1,525 employees are employed in Northern Ireland and 118 in the RoI.
Health and safety
A principal Corporate Social Responsibility priority for the Group is to ensure the safety of employees, contractors and the general public through the promotion of a positive health and safety culture and adherence to legislation and recognised safety standards. The Group’s health and safety policy aims to promote high standards and is supported by specific safety principles, rules, policies and procedures.
The Group health and safety management system is based upon the principles of the Health and Safety Executive guidance ‘Successful Health and Safety Management’ and the Institute of Directors/Health and Safety Commission guidance ‘Leading Health and Safety at Work’. The Group’s approach to employment-related performance, such as safety and sickness absence, is to set targets in line with best practice. Safety performance is reported to the Energy Networks Association and the Group regularly engages with other relevant organisations including the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (DETI).
During the year there were eight reportable accidents compared to seven in the previous year. There were four lost time incidents compared to two in the previous year. The LTIR, which measures the number of lost time incidents per 100 employees, increased to 0.25 (2008 - 0.13).
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KPI
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2009
Number
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2008
Number
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|
LTIR (per 100 employees)
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0.25
|
|
0.13
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Formal processes for incident investigation and analysis are in place.
Both Powerteam Electrical Services and Huntstown 1 and 2 are accredited to OHSAS 18001:2007 for their occupational health and safety management systems. Contractors must adhere to the same safety rules and requirements as Group employees.
During the year NIE’s electrical and mechanical safety rules were updated in line with current legislation and best practice with all relevant employees receiving extensive formal training.
www.niesafety.co.uk