Seven contractors came together for the Contractor Collaboration Day at King’s Cross in London this week, with a focus on health, safety and wellbeing. McLaren, Kier, Alandale Logistics, Bam, ISG, Midgard and Lendlease collaborated to put on the event, with support from customer Argent. The day was hosted at Lewis Cubitt Square and included over 35 suppliers, showcasing their services to the contractors’ workforces. Over 600 people attended the event.
The event ran alongside national Mental Health Awareness Week, so the emphasis was on good mental health and wellbeing in the workplace. Mental health awareness talks took place throughout the day, there was an opportunity to use bicycle power to make a healthy smoothie drink and to enjoy ten-minute massage sessions. Healthcare providers were there to provide mini health MOT checks.
Other suppliers provided information about PPE, tools and plant hire, as well as National Vocational Qualifications, apprenticeships and language courses. There was an opportunity to be in a tower crane or on scaffolding using virtual reality. A PPE drop off station meant that the workforce could bring in their old items of PPE; good-quality items will be sent off to developing countries and the rest will be recycled.
Guest speaker for the day was Madeline Abas, a leading safety lawyer, whose presentation was very informative and thought provoking. The Met Police and TFL were also there to bring attention to road and cycle safety.
Alastair Mitchell from Argent commented:
“Argent would like to thank all the King’s Cross contractors – Kier, BAM, McLaren, Midgard, and Lendlease together with ISG and Alandale Logistics for working so closely with their suppliers. They planned and delivered an exceptional event based around safety initiatives, mental health, wellbeing and environmental issues.”
Alan Blanchett, Group SHEQ Director at McLaren, said:
“Wellbeing is an integral part of our everyday lives. It was great to be part of this important collaboration and we are pleased that McLaren was able to support such a worthwhile event during Mental Health Awareness Week.”
