Do companies learn from their mistakes and implement changes?

Last week saw an article on Demolition News that reported that Thomas Vale and CMR Demolitions Ltd had been prosecuted for failings on a demolition project at Stoke on Trent that left one of CMR’s workforce seriously injured.

The HSE required CMR to take action and to change the way that they dealt with similar works so did CMR take that action?

Yes.

Immediately following the accident CMR implemented the following:-

• All CMR and specific Thomas Vale personnel attended a one day demolition structural awareness course written especially to address the issues and delivered by John Woodward and John Harris of Stewart & Harris Structural Engineers. The course content included some of the elements of the structural module of the NDTG Demolition Manager Course (delivered by John & John) and specific focus on modular buildings and included a group exercise on why buildings collapse and how removal of what appear to be minor components, can seriously compromise the structural integrity of a structure.

• CMR engaged Duncan Rudall of DCS Training via the NDTG to deliver CCDO and CPCS assessments for all machine operators and relevant employees and supervisors to “upskill” the workforce.

• CMR implemented “Super Toolbox Talks” from senior management to emphasise the need for additional diligence on demolition projects and the need for a comprehensive RAMS regime to be in place.

These steps plus additional auditing from CMR’s in house H&S Department have made a difference to the safety culture of the company from Directors down to the workforce and instilled a desire to never again be involved in an accident.

CMR cannot turn back the clock, even though they wish that they could, to make their employee safe but they have learnt from the mistake and taken positive steps to prevent a reoccurrence.