Page 25 - W M Donald Newsletter - Edition Twelve

There was a difficult period on the canals when three contractors were killed in two separate incidents, this included a father and his 18-year-old son who were working together. Like many other Supervisors/ Managers, I was heavily involved for about 18-months supporting these investigations. Being interviewed by Police Detectives, Company Directors and HSE Inspectors under caution and being in the dock to give sworn evidence at the Coroners Court were experiences that I will never, ever forget.
All supervisors and managers accept this responsibility with their role but, believe me, there is absolutely nothing that can prepare you for it.
This experience sparked a fire in me that will never go out, I honestly believe that all accidents are avoidable, and that no one should go home to their families harmed. Because of my work through this time, and my desire to achieve safer workplaces, I was appointed as a Health and Safety Advisor and went on to complete the NEBOSH National Diploma and eventually become a Chartered Member of IOSH.
The roles that I had after leaving the canals included leading my first HS&E Team as the Health and Safety Business Partner for Severn Trent Water and I then became the Health and Safety Manager for South West Water. I returned to Scotland with May Gurney where I spent two years as their SHEQ Manager for Scotland based over at Blackdog.
In the Northeast the draw of the Oil & Gas industry proved to be too strong, and I started the next chapter of my career with ASCO. I worked there for seven years and was appointed as their Global Head of HSSEQ with responsibility for the UK and five other countries. This
role was incredibly challenging even before Covid-19 broke out. To get through the pandemic, all my teams delivered when it mattered most. Like a lot of people during the pandemic, I took time to reflect on what was truly important and I realised that I
really missed everything about civil engineering.
So, I took a very big decision to come back, and I am extremely grateful to WM Donald Ltd for that opportunity, and I have to say, its great to be back! It’s just as I remembered and everyone here has been
very welcoming, shared their knowledge freely and helped me settle in. I honestly feel like I have been here for years!
Footnote – Craig has a passion for photography of the great outdoors: landscapes, seascapes, flora and fauna. Some of Craig’s images are featured alongside his article.
WHAT DO YOU
WANT FOR
CHRISTMAS?!
W M Donald will shortly be taking delivery of its second suction excavator in time for Christmas. Manufactured by MTS in Germany, the suction excavator has just completed its journey through the MTS paint shop. When it arrives at Netherley, the suction excavator will receive its W M Donald livery.
Further details about the suction excavator will appear in the next edition of the newsletter.
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Sunset over W M Donald’s offices in Netherley captured by Sarah Herd