Hearing aid manufacturer Widex has just moved into its new climate-friendly premises following two years of building work and one million man hours. Yet Widex was focused on creating a good environment long before the first brick was laid. In partnership with building contractor ASON, Widex hired consulting company ALECTIA as safety co-ordinator, which resulted in an accident frequency that was 75% lower than the industry average.

The Danish company Widex is the sixth largest manufacturer of hearing aids in the world. The company’s new and spectacular future-proof premises with an area of 36,600 m2 in Vassingerød in North Zealand and its production have been made CO2 negative. As well as protecting the environment, ensuring the health and safety of employees on the building site was a priority. Supervisor Per Markussen from the Danish Working Environment Authority says:

“It is of course worth highlighting a project with an accident frequency that is 75% lower than the building industry average. However, this should not be seen as the exception, because this example quite clearly shows that with the right approach and priorities it is possible to have far fewer accidents. We should be at this level on all building sites.

That said, we have experienced an increased focus on safety on the building sites. It is important to have a developer such as Widex who ‘REALLY WANTS’ a good working environment. Not to be underestimated either is the effect of having experienced people such as Ronni Birch from ASON, Project Manager René Christiansen and Safety Co-ordinator Bo Damgaard Hovmand from ALECTIA. Their job was to point out any problems, and their involvement, teamwork and productive dialogue with everyone on site has contributed to a notably low accident statistic."

During peak times, 350-400 people were employed by Widex over a construction period of two years. An accident frequency was recorded of eight per one million manhours, which led to 35 sick days. The Danish Working Environment Authority visited the site 10-12 times, as during the last two years they have been running a campaign that focuses on the physical and psychological working environment on large building sites. A few minor orders were given along the way, which were dealt with immediately as part of the constructive dialogue with the Danish Working Environment Authority.

Safety-oriented construction secures bottom line
There are numerous benefits to focusing on safety-oriented construction, where the working environment becomes an integrated part of the entire construction process and thereby creates a good working environment and prevents accidents. René Christiansen, former Project Manager for ASON (currently employed by ALECTIA), explains:

“A good working environment provides many benefits and added bonuses. With Widex it has to a high degree been possible to create a building site that everyone enjoys being on. I have never before experienced such committed employees, which means everyone works towards a common goal and does their best. If the building site is tidy, you are reminded about the safety aspect, and if people are taken seriously when they work, they make less mess themselves and give that bit extra; they are more co-operative, careful and think about preventing accidents.

The extra investment in a full-time external safety co-ordinator paid for itself many times over. Bo from ALECTIA attended all the meetings and safety was incorporated into all phases and work processes. It is my clear opinion that we have saved money overall, as everything has run impeccably. Not just because of zero serious accidents, fewer minor accidents and sickness days, but also because of the hidden costs and added bonuses. It proves that it simply does not pay to opt for the cheapest solution in the short term.”

Good advice about safety on building sites
Safety Co-ordinator Bo Damgaard Hovmand, ALECTIA, Supervisor Per Markussen, Danish Working Environment Authority, Project Manager René Christiansen, ASON (currently employed by ALECTIA) have the following advice about safety-oriented construction:

• The developer must focus on the working environment - also preferably in the contract to ensure clear lines and areas of responsibility. 
• Set a goal for safety: Focus on safety leads to fewer accidents. 
• The person responsible for safety must be involved in all construction phases from start to finish. The working environment must be an integrated part of the entire construction process and must be discussed at all meetings.
• Think safety and overall finances from the start: Focusing on safety and a good working environment pays – also on the bottom line. The cheapest solution is often the most expensive in the long run.
• Safety work is not a staff function that only comes into effect once an accident has already happened. Safety is a full-time job, which requires following the process closely, retaining an overview, being involved and at the forefront.
• Make responsibility for safety visible. Experience, commitment and authority are important for safety work.
• Ensure you have a good level of information about safety: Safety courses for all who spend longer periods of time on the building site – also in different languages if required.
• Ensure that safety and people responsible for safety have significant visibility, so that everyone knows who to contact. It is important to visit the site every day in the morning to greet everyone and prevent any issues.
• The working environment is everyone’s responsibility: Identifying problems should come naturally to everyone. 
• All parties: Developers, advisers, architects, builders etc, must work together on safety on site. There are many places where the chain can break, so everyone should be informed and should focus on a good working environment. 
• Start all meetings by talking about safety, so that everyone takes it seriously and things can be caught at an early stage. Meetings should not just be held every 14 days and safety discussed only if there is enough time. 
• If the company does not have any safety management experience, be sure to hire experienced experts. 
• People responsible for safety must focus on the required prevention and not spend unnecessary time on paperwork – just for paperwork’s sake.