Safe for work: Scotty Watson

Lattey Group have recently been accredited with ISO 45001 for Health and Safety management.

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While this is undoubtedly a team effort, the process was driven by our Health Safety and Compliance Manager, Scotty Watson.

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“It’s something that our clients increasingly expect." says Scotty. "Today, health and safety leads organisational capability, and a Site Specific Safety Plan (SSSP) supports all project proposals and tenders.”

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As a career, health and safety has also come of age, with accreditation through the Health and Safety Association of New Zealand (HASANZ) and training, mentoring and professional development through the New Zealand Institute of Safety Management (NZISM).

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Scotty has gained plenty of real-world experience in a wide range of work conditions. He has 10 years experience in the military, fire service, corrections and local government.

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At Lattey Group, Scotty has taken health and safety management systems from paper to online, and site foremen and key staff now use tablets and SiteApp Pro to manage hazard control measures on site and to prepare JSEAs.

 

Systems are important. But people make it happen. “The key is staff buy in” says Scotty. “You have to respect the skill and experience of your team. My approach is to ask: "OK. here is the problem, how would you fix it?”

 

“Improvement is continual. We have regular toolbox talks at both plants. For the guys on the ground, it’s about taking responsibility for yourself, and looking after each other.”