Staff Highlight: Health & Safety Advisor Nihal Sonmez
In the bustling, dynamic field of construction, safety is not just a consideration—it's an absolute priority. It’s an ethos that the team at Ant Yapi, a leading construction company and one of the top 100 contractors in the UK, truly stands by. This blog post delves into the robust health and safety measures, Our advisor Nihal and how we have embedded into our operations, and how these measures contribute to our reputation as a high-end residential contractor.
At Ant Yapi UK, safety is more than a priority and not viewed as a box to be ticked or a regulatory demand to be met - it's a fundamental principle embedded into every facet of our operations. Our Health and Safety Advisor Nihal Somnez plays an instrumental role in safeguarding our workforce and shaping a culture of safety, fulfilling key responsibilities that not only comply with legal standards but go above and beyond to ensure the well-being of our team. Our goal is clear and unwavering: to ensure that every employee and subcontractor goes home safe at the end of the day.
To foster a culture of safety, Ant Yapi invests heavily in comprehensive health and safety training for all employees and subcontractors. This involves a mixture of theoretical and practical sessions, covering everything from risk assessment to the correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE). The objective is to ensure that everyone on a construction site understands their role in maintaining safety, fostering a collective responsibility for preventing accidents and injuries.
Assisting, advising, and coaching contractors and our team forms the foundation of our safety-oriented culture. Our Health and Safety Advisor (Nihal Somnez) ensures the efficient and effective delivery of our health, safety, and environment strategy, fostering a spirit of cooperation and communication across all departments. She also plays an active role in following up on audits, inspections, risk assessments, and near misses, promoting transparency and diligence in these processes.
At Ant Yapi, we believe in continuous improvement, particularly in safe working methods. Our commitment to health and safety is apparent on every construction site. You'll see meticulous organisation, clear signage, and dedicated pedestrian walkways, to prevent any accidental injuries. You'll notice workers equipped with appropriate PPE—helmets, gloves, boots, and high-visibility jackets. Our Advisor Nihal is devoted to enhancing safety and productivity while remaining cognizant of legal requirements that affect safety, health, and welfare. She proactively implements necessary measures and monitor changes in legislation, providing valuable insights into their implications for our business.
“It has been an honor to be a part of such an organization that not only values its workforce but goes above and beyond to ensure their well-being. Throughout my time at Ant Yapi UK Ltd, I have been continuously impressed by the unwavering commitment displayed towards maintaining a safe and healthy work environment. The management team’s dedication to implementing comprehensive health and safety policies, providing regular training programs, and fostering a culture of awareness has been truly remarkable.”
Before commencing any new contracts, our Advisor Nihal meticulously identifies potential hazards, ensuring an appropriate safety organization and fire precautions are in place. She collaborates closely with department directors, developing an annual safety plan aligned with the project needs. Her role also extends to advising on the application and maintenance of our Health, Safety, and Welfare Policy arrangements and encouraging its high-profile visibility throughout the organisation. Ant Yapi is not just focused on meeting the existing safety standards but on exceeding them. The company continually explores new technologies that can improve safety. This includes the use of advanced safety equipment, digital safety inspections, and incident reporting apps, allowing the company to quickly identify and address any potential risks.
Our Health and Safety Advisor assesses training needs to ensure our employees & contractors are competent and well-equipped to carry out their duties effectively. They take the initiative in reviewing and implementing valuable health and safety suggestions from employees, fostering an environment of trust and shared responsibility.
Routine activities play an equally essential part in maintaining safety standards. Nihal conducts daily site visits, meticulously monitoring the work permit system, and performs periodic site inspections and internal audits. Weekly sub-contractor QSHE meetings are held to address safety concerns and foster collaboration. She also facilitate pre-start meetings, reviewing RAMS for new operations right from the pre-qualification stage.
Our Advisor Nihal supports the establishment and implementation of our Health & Safety Management System and spearheads initiatives to raise awareness about health, safety, and environmental practices. They structure HSE training programs, review HSE legislation, and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
Their responsibilities further include conducting thorough risk assessments, implementing a comprehensive work permit system, and organizing health and safety training sessions. They take the lead in establishing robust fire and emergency action plans and continuously improve our HSE management system in alignment with company objectives and relevant legislation. In the unlikely event of an emergency, Ant Yapi UK has robust plans in place to ensure a swift and effective response. Emergency drills are conducted regularly to ensure everyone knows their role in an emergency situation, and first aid kits and trained personnel are available across all sites.
By maintaining a comprehensive legal and risk register, our Health and Safety Advisor Nihal ensures compliance and effectively manages potential risks. Through her unwavering commitment and proactive approach to health and safety, Ant Yapi UK strives to create an environment where everyone feels secure and supported, reinforcing our position as a leader in safe construction practices.
Safety is a non-negotiable aspect of Ant Yapi's operations. As a leading construction company, Ant Yapi is dedicated to maintaining the highest safety standards, investing in training, technology, and wellbeing initiatives to protect its workforce. Through its unwavering commitment to health and safety, Ant Yapi is not just building structures—it's building a safer construction industry.