Meet Phil, HSE and Systems Manager
Why did you join KI?
I joined Knauf Insulation in November 2014 when I was looking for a new challenge in my professional career. I was very much drawn to the business’ approach to applying HSE requirements through engagement rather than relying on instruction and enforcement which is very much the stale and stereotypical safety professional image. A huge part of this was and still is the company’s full commitment to Continuous Improvement (CI) which works alongside and in conjunction with HSE principles and their application
What does your role involve?
My role overall is to ensure ongoing compliance with regulatory requirements alongside implementing and maintaining KI policies and procedures and involves working with all relevant stakeholders within and outside the business ranging from enforcement regulators such as the HSE and EA to site management and the wider workforce. I ensure that HSE systems are being followed, are effective and support plant functions where necessary. I am largely responsible for waste removal from site as well as overseeing background processes such as the site access system, the fire alarm system and FLT user requirements. In addition, I work alongside the HR and OH departments to ensure employees’ health and wellbeing needs are also met.
What do you like most about your job?
I enjoy the fact that each day is different and varied! One day it could be giving a
presentation to senior management or meeting local residents, the next it could be climbing fifty metres up the LD WESP to assist in emissions monitoring. Importantly, my job allows me to indulge the reason I chose HSE as a career and that’s to work with and for all members of the organisation to ensure a safe working environment is maintained through dialogue, conversation and an appreciation and respect of opinions. I enjoy that safety is seen as everybody’s responsibility and not just mine as it’s in my job title.
How would you describe the Culture at KI?
I believe that there is a very positive and proactive culture at KI STH and not just in respect to safety. There is a real passion amongst employees for ensuring continued and future success and a huge pride when accomplishments are achieved, be it in terms of safety results, product quality or manufacturing output. The people are the heartbeat of the organisation and it is this collaborative approach, aligned with a commitment to the stated values of Partnership, Commitment, Entrepreneurship and Menschlichkeit which makes KI an interesting and exciting place to work at.