SHEQ Manager Andy Rafton has been a member of the Howard Civil Engineering team for 17 years out of the company’s 19 years trading, and it’s fair to say we couldn’t imagine the company without him.
Although now a valued member of the Senior Management Team, Andy originally started out as a labourer.
Why did you decide to join Howard Civil Engineering?
Before I started working here, I was a technician working on vehicles, and I just wanted a change in direction. I’d always wanted to get into the construction industry, so when the opportunity came about to be a site labourer, I took it.
What interested you about construction?
Honestly, every element of construction interests me. There are so many facets to the industry, especially in terms of groundworks, and I’ve always been fascinated by the construction process of a project from the start of it to the very end.
How did you go from a site labourer to Health and Safety Manager?
I gradually worked my way from site labourer to general foreman and then to site manager. Throughout my time within the industry my interest in the intricacies of health and safety grew. After an incident on one of our sites that I was involved in, this intensified my interest in safety. At the time of the incident, I was already involved in the safety sides of things, doing risk assessments and method statements for the company. In 2012, I did by NEBOSH training and became the SHEQ Manager for Howard Civil Engineering. From there I have undertaken various training courses, further developing my skills and knowledge.
What is your favourite part about health and safety?
The reward of getting to a site and seeing it’s looking a million dollars! When a site is looking smart, it’s an achievement for me and it’s very rewarding.
Where do you see Health and Safety at Howard Civil Engineering going in the next few years?
Techno! I see us going digital and therefore paperless, I see us using HAVS monitors to expand our occupational health program for our employees, and I see us expanding our use of cordless tools, which reduce slips trips and falls and increases efficiency in the way we operate. I definitely see the department growing. Exciting times ahead as we transition into the future world of health and safety!
Why have you stayed at Howard Civil Engineering for 17 years?
The company has been very good to me, very loyal. I’ve always been looked after and what more can you ask for than that? The culture is right, Mick’s [Michael Howard, managing director] door is always open, and I feel like I am supported. I enjoy the common ideal of the company – it’s good ethos, and the Senior Management Team all share the same values which makes it enjoyable.
I’ve worked with Mick now for 17 years now, so I’ve seen us grow from the £1,5m, £2m turnover we had at the time to approaching probably £50m – it’s been a journey!
What advice would you give to someone considering entering the construction industry?
I’d say, prepare to work hard and prepare to put the time in. If you’re prepared to work for it, show commitment and show loyalty to the company, you’ll be rewarded for it.
