On Tuesday 15 July, 80 senior leaders from Premier Technical Services Group Ltd (PTSG) gathered at the Kingscroft Hotel in Pontefract for the 2025 Safety Leaders’ Conference – reaffirming the Group’s shared commitment to continuous safety improvement.
The conference brought together representatives from across all five of PTSG’s business divisions to share best practice, spotlight innovation, and reinforce the Group’s goal: that everyone arrives home safe, every day.
“Health and safety are central to everything we do,” said Group CEO, Dr Greg Ward when opening the conference. “By coming together to learn, reflect and act, we strengthen our safety culture and ensure we are looking after people in every aspect of our work.”
Performance, Proactivity and Priorities
An update from Group Senior HSE Director Heath Ralphson showed that although lost time injuries (LTIs) are reducing, the majority that do occur are related to manual handling and slips or trips. These, along with high-risk activities like working at height, chemical use, road safety and electrical work remain key areas of focus for the business.
A standout initiative within the Fire Solutions division – a proactive, cloud-based hazard reporting system – has recorded over 1,900 potential issues since 2022. By identifying risks (or near misses) early, our team can address hazards before they result in something untoward happening. This proactive safety culture forms part of our commitment to continuous learning and improvement.
Jim Dawson, HSE Leader for PTSG’s Building Access Specialists, reinforced the importance of visible feedback following hazard reports. “When people see reporting leads to action, culture changes,” he said, advocating for proactive risk reduction, not just control.
Training and Development
Paul Campbell, Group VQ Assessor and Trainer, encouraged teams to view training as a core part of professional development. Courses from bodies such as IOSH, ATLAS, IRATA and SSP equip engineers and operatives with skills that directly support PTSG’s safety-first culture. At PTSG, training is seen as fundamental to creating a safe and compliant culture because it empowers people with the knowledge, skills and mindset they need to work safely and responsibly, “Every day and in every situation,” Paul concluded.
Smarter Driving Through Telematics
PTSG’s ongoing fleet investment includes new hybrid vehicles and the rollout of Lightfoot Telematics across 1,600 vehicles. This technology is already improving safety, fuel efficiency and driver behaviour.
Group Fleet and Purchasing Manager, Steve Hardman, described the fleet management team’s work as: “Critically important to a business from a safety perspective because it directly influences the wellbeing of our drivers, passengers, other road users and the public.” He said that: “Proactive and responsible fleet management is improving efficiency and will ultimately reduce incidents and accidents.”
Dr Greg Ward said: “Fleet management isn’t just a logistical function, it’s a critical safety discipline. When done properly, it protects people, enhances operational performance and reinforces a culture where safety always comes first.”
Mental Health and Wellbeing
The final session, led by Group HSE Director Terry Wilcock, focused on mental health and well-being. Terry said: “Protecting our peoples’ mental health is every bit as vital as safeguarding their physical wellbeing – because unseen wounds can be just as life-altering, and sometimes even more enduring, than those we can see.”
He talked through tell-tale signs that show how someone might be struggling and highlighted all of the support that is available to each and every one of his c3,000 colleagues. He then went on to explain the role of the 62 trained Mental Health First Aiders across the Group (with more training planned). Terry concluded: “We are deeply committed to supporting our people’s mental health and well-being, recognising that a truly safe and healthy workplace is one where every individual feels seen, supported and able to thrive – both mentally and physically.”
Celebrating Outstanding Safety Leadership
Our Great Safety Leaders Awards are designed to recognise and celebrate individuals across PTSG who consistently go above and beyond to uphold the highest standards of safety. These awards highlight those who lead by example, drive continuous improvement and demonstrate an unwavering commitment to protecting the health, safety and well-being of their colleagues, customers and the public. By honouring these exceptional individuals, we aim to reinforce the vital role that leadership, vigilance and proactive behaviour play in building a strong and sustainable safety culture across our Group.
The two individuals who were recognised for their exceptional contributions in 2024-25, were:
- Richard Fernandez-Law –Great Safety Leadership Award, whose technical innovation and leadership by example have delivered measurable improvements, particularly at Heathrow Airport.
- Peter Gallagher –Individual Safety Contribution Award, for administering life-saving CPR at a client site (pictured receiving his award from Dr Greg Ward).
By coming together with a shared commitment to the highest standards of safety, PTSG has created a workplace where safe practices are second nature, not just mandated.
