AirconMech’s commitment to Health & Safety was recognised by its success at the 2022 National Irish Safety Organisation / Northern Ireland Safety Group (NISO / NISG) Safety Awards which took place at the Galmont Hotel, Galway on November 11 last.
Engineering intelligent solutions in heating, ventilation and air conditioning since 1996, AirconMech was delighted to receive a ‘Distinction’ Award which follows on from its ‘Highly Commended’ Award win in 2019. The accolades reflect the high standards of Health & Safety at the Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford-headquartered company whose workforce more than doubled from 70 to 150 during the Covid-19 pandemic due to an unprecedented demand for its services within the pharmaceutical sector.
The NISO / NISG Awards were established in 1992 with just 20 entries and have grown to become Ireland’s premier safety awards. The Awards scheme recognises achievement in Health & Safety Management Systems, including practices such as leadership and workforce involvement. The Awards are also a way of auditing company’s Health & Safety Management Systems and finding out how well they’re performing against other companies within the construction sector.
To achieve a NISO Health & Safety Award, companies have to submit information and examples of how Health & Safety is managed on a day-to-day basis in the following areas: Health & Safety Management, Hazard Identification & Risk Management, Implementation and Operation of Health & Safety Policies and Procedures, Health & Safety Communication and Consultation, Proactive Health & Safety Management, Occupational Health & Hygiene, Workplace Health & Wellbeing, Health & Safety Training, Reactive Health & Safety Management, Emergency Preparedness and Response, and Work-Related Vehicle Safety, including Driving for Work.
“We were thrilled to win another NISO Award. It means a lot to us,” says EHS Director Sean Rath, who is joined on the AirconMech Safety team by Senior EHS Advisor Pat Guckian, Lead Safety Manager for Pharmaceutical Works Anthony McMonagle and HR Advisor & Safety Coordinator Ailbhe O’Neill.
The core of the AirconMech Health & Safety Management System is the Safety Leadership Team (SLT) who meet on a monthly basis and is chaired by Managing Directors Jim Mullett and John Dempsey. Comprising senior management from all business functions, the SLT agrees on the Health & Development Plan which includes – Visual Safety Standards; Leadership; Occupational Health Awareness; Monitoring and Auditing; Lessons Learned.
The SLT ensures the company provides safe and healthy working conditions for the prevention of work-related injury and ill-health. The SLT is committed to supporting and driving continuous improvement across the business, reinforcing their visible commitment to everyone going home safely, driving safety best practice, listening and acting on good initiatives, and meeting monthly to assess Health & Safety performance against trends and objectives.
An example of good safety practice at AirconMech is the use of bandsaws across site to cut the bracketry. The bandsaws are battery-operated which means there are no trailing leads. They have reduced the noise levels significantly, meaning they can be used without affecting adjacent trades.
The feedback from the workforce is that the bandsaws are extremely efficient. Furthermore, the workstations are set up with hazard signage, while safety operating procedures are clearly visible to remind the user of the essential safety tips before use.
AirconMech also prides itself on Quality Management, Innovation, Excellence and the Environment. The company achieved ISO 9001 accreditation in 2016 which was upgraded to 9001:2015 in 2017. It implements a Quality Project Plan for all major projects. A satisfied client means not just repeat business, but opens referral and maintenance avenues.
When it comes to protecting the environment, AirconMech minimises waste in all operations, especially hazardous waste. It disposes of all waste through safe and responsible methods, and promotes, researches and adopts principles of sustainability in all works undertaken.
AirconMech’s greatest asset is its people. Training is implemented to ensure all relevant regulatory, developmental and product-related enhancements are provided. Its site supervisors have extensive knowledge and experience, and ensure site staff embrace the quality measure twice cut once philosophy. The company’s supply chain and subcontractors are selected carefully and managed through specific quality, safety and environmental criteria.
The key focus for achieving excellence is the delivery of a quality installation which is the best value-for-money. AirconMech is aligned to the Zero Philosophy campaign, and plans and delivers all works with safety as the number one priority. Its dedicated team ensures all project elements are planned, procured, constructed, integrated and delivered for total reliability and functionality.
Specialising in the installation and maintenance of heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, AirconMech has consistently delivered on large-scale complex projects for world-class customers over the past quarter of a century. The company provides mechanical solutions to a host of industries, including pharmaceutical, food processing, medical, office, residential developments, retail, student accommodation, leisure, Government buildings and more.
Clients range from IVAX Pharmaceuticals, SISK Healthcare, Allergan, Genzyme, SAFC Pharma, Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals, Abbott Laboratories, Bausch & Lomb, Elan, Bimeda and Bristol-Myers Squibb and a large Dundalk pharmaceutical company to John Paul Construction, Walls, Beacon Hospital, Tirlán, Danone, Coca-Cola and DCU.
“While we operate nationwide and in the UK, we have a particularly strong presence in Dublin and Cork where we also have offices,” Sean continues.
“Along with our maintenance division AMV Systems, we continue to go from strength to strength. We invest heavily in our apprenticeship programme to enhance our growing team. Our commitment to the development of our team ensures we attract top industry talent to our company.”
AirconMech would like to take this opportunity to thank its clients and suppliers for their continued support as well as its staff for their hard work, dedication and expertise.
AirconMech
Aircon House,
Kilcannon Business Park,
Old Dublin Road,
Enniscorthy,
Co. Wexford.
Telephone: 053 923 8888
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.airconmech.com
This article was published in Building Ireland Magazine, April 2023, Vol 9 No 4
