'Compressed programmes and lack of resources across the industry is applying pressure throughout the value chain'

What's your name?

Damien Petticrew

What position do you hold and what are your day to day responsibilities?

As Managing Director of CJK Engineering, my main role is supporting the growth and development of the company. We are an M&E services contractor supplying services to the construction industry in the industrial, commercial and public sectors. Our focus is on the safe delivery of quality projects on time and within budget.

What is your professional background?

I originally qualified as an electrician, serving my time with Guinness. I studied Electrical Engineering and later Industrial Engineering and I’m an MBA graduate from UCD. I’ve worked internationally in the US, the tUK, Australia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia and Vietnam.

You are speaking at the 2018 CIF Health & Safety Summit. What are you speaking about?

I’m participating in a panel discussion on preventing mental ill-health. We feel that it is important for us as a company to be there to support all employees, whenever they need help.

I’ll be sharing our experience on dealing with this this issue in the workplace and on our recently introduced Employee Assistance Programme for all employees and their immediate families to support them 24hrs a day, 365 days a year. This is a professional counselling service that can help an individual who feels under stress and the help is given in complete confidence. Help is given, but not limited to issues around alcohol, drugs, gambling, relationships, bereavement, financial advice etc. It’s a completely confidential service for employees - the only feedback the company gets on this service is how many times it was used and no information is shared with us in relation to the identity of who used it.

What challenges do you see for health and safety in the construction sector?

Generally, the demands on time is presently an issue. Compressed programmes and lack of resources across the industry is applying pressure throughout the value chain.

Where would you like to see the health and safety industry in 10 years time?

Specifically, I would like to see more engagement in the area of mental health and well-being. Prevention is better than cure and as employers we need to reach out to our people to ensure that we recognise and acknowledge the warning signs of poor mental health.

Tell me about yourself away from work?

I’m married and have 3 grown up kids. I’m a dog lover and like to travel. I love most sports and am a social golfer.

Damien Pettigrew is speaking at the CIF’s National Health & Safety Summit on November 28th in Croke Park. Seewww.cifsafety.ie for full details