H&S approach praised by assessors

May Gurney's approach to health and safety has been praised by a team of assessors working on behalf of the Highways Agency (HA), who have been evaluating the company.

The assessment team complimented May Gurney on its 'clearly defined strategy for the future' and 'remarkable track record on delivering projects on time and within budget'.

The team also said that 'all of the indicators associated with relationships scored particularly well', but that 'the most impressive score has been achieved for health and safety - the MAD methodology is based on world best practice, and is implemented with thought, impact and pace'.

The team concluded that the company has a 'committed and loyal workforce', and that 'the approaches to developing people are a significant vote of confidence in the current workforce'.

The HA has recently completed the first phase of its latest capability assessment (CAT) of the services offered by 33 major project and maintenance organisations (including May Gurney) that support the Agency in delivering its network operator role on motorways and major trunk roads in England.

The CAT assessment is designed to help the organisations to identify strengths and areas for development in the capabilities needed for a wide range of work, including the maintenance and improvement of roads.

Archie Robertson, Chief Executive of the Highways Agency, said: "The capability assessments represent a significant investment in the continued development and improvement of our supply chain.

"We are very pleased with the commitment and positive approach demonstrated by all our suppliers, both in developing the assessment tool kit and the steps they have taken to progress their own services to focus on making improvements and achieving best practice in delivering customer services."

May Gurney will use the CAT model to drive business improvement through the whole company, not simply those sectors that do business with HA.