Mace man wins Health and Safety Champion of the Year 2008
Media
23/06/2008
Ken Woodward, who delivered a programme of health and safety presentations to Mace project site workers throughout 2007 has won the Health and Safety Champion of the Year at Building Magazine's 2008 Construction Health and Safety Awards. Ken, who lost his sight, smell and taste in a terrible accident back in 1990 has become a tireless campaigner for improvements in health and safety on sites, despite having to deal with his own day to day difficulties.
Throughout 2007 Ken delivered a series of presentations across Mace aviation projects including BAA's Terminal 5, Stansted, Gatwick & Heathrow Central Terminal Area (CTA) also DAA Dublin airports. During this time Mace invited clients, consultants and contractors to attend the sessions. As a result a number of contractors arranged their own presentations with Ken so by the time of his final presentation at Heathrow alone around 1000 people had heard his message.
A powerful message
Ken's unambiguous style means his message truly resonates with those he addresses. Typical feedback from the sessions ranged from:
"Ken is the best safety speaker I have ever heard - he makes you think"; "I've always thought health and safety was boring - until now"; "If this doesn't make us all think about safety - what will?" and "I'm always going to work safely from now on - for my family's sake."
Nigel Cole, Director for Aviation Sector at Mace, said: "The real life experience of Ken provides the listener with a true understanding of how the poor application of health and safety process can have extremely serious consequences. This along with the image of the dark glasses and white stick, sends a really strong message to all those who meet him and delivers a longlasting impression - it is important for our industry that we continue to encourage people such as Ken to commit their time and effort to improving the safety culture."
Mace was also a finalist in the following categories:
Health and Safety Site Worker of the Year: Kirk Grant, Mace Plus
Health and Safety Champion: Mike Armstrong, Mace Plus
Integrated Project Safety Award: BG Reading, Mace
Integrated Project Safety Award: Ropemaker Place, Mace
