Welcome to STOPThink!

As we approach the end of another year, it’s a good time to reflect on the past year and plan for the future. This time of year is also a reminder to look after ourselves and each other.

I encourage all teams to focus on the STOPThink! Fundamentals. These eight principles—Induction, Fit for Work, Training and Competence, Risk Assessment, Safe Systems of Work, Permit to Work, Task Briefing, and Supervision—are critical to maintaining safety on our projects. Taking the time to review and discuss these with your teams is time well spent. All elements of the fundamentals must be in place before work begins. If you cannot ensure these are in place for safe delivery, the Octavius Leadership team will support your decision to stop work until all fundamentals are secured. If you have any questions or would like to discuss this further, please reach out to the SHEA team.

The holiday season can bring challenges, including feelings of loneliness and financial stress. Loneliness often stems from a gap between the connections we want and the ones we experience, leaving many feeling anxious or helpless. If you’re feeling this way, please consider confiding in someone, seeking support, or simply getting involved in an activity. Small actions, like helping someone else, can also make a meaningful difference. Remember, support is always available.

Financial pressures can also weigh heavily during this time. To help ease this stress, we’ve shared some practical tips on managing your finances over the holiday season—be sure to take a look.

Many of us will be traveling long distances to visit friends and family. Before you set off, take the time to carry out vehicle checks, especially during winter weather. Ensure your brakes, lights, and tires are in good condition, and pack a travel kit with essentials. Drive carefully, keeping to speed limits and maintaining safe distances in adverse conditions. If you’re working over the festive period, being “Fit for Work” is especially important. Arriving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is not only unsafe but will result in immediate removal from the site. Let’s all commit to keeping safety at the forefront.

Over the last period our teams have achieved many great successes. At the A38 Notter Bridge project, our Regional Civil Engineering team welcomed Anna Gelderd, MP for South East Cornwall, who praised the team’s work in transforming a flood-prone area into a safer environment. Another highlight was the completion of renewals work at West Drayton Station, delivered two weeks ahead of schedule. Also, our M25 team have now successfully completed the final phase of strengthening works at Swanley interchange, the team developed and installed an innovative solution of carbon fibre rods, a first for the M25 Network. This solution will ensure the key road network is safe and durable for many years.

In addition to delivering on key projects, I am particularly proud of the support our teams have provided to communities, in particular during the run up the festive period. From fundraising efforts to volunteering and donations, we’ve gone above and beyond to give back to those in need. Our first Leaving a Legacy project at Sunnyside Rural Trust in Hertfordshire was a shining example of this. Over three weeks, our people, in collaboration with teams from our supply chain partners and customers worked to refurbish their car park, creating a safer, more accessible space and helping the charity expand its services. Efforts like these, alongside countless other initiatives across the UK, reflect the incredible social value we bring by supporting and giving back to communities during this important time of year.

Finally, I just want to take this moment to wish you all a Happy Christmas, and a safe and prosperous New Year. Let’s continue to support each other and maintain our commitment to safety and excellence as we close out the year.  I especially want to take a moment to thank all our people who will be working over the festive period delivering valuable projects for our customers – thank you!