Chris has been with us full-time for just over a month – and his work is already having a positive impact on the team and the business as a whole.

We spoke to Chris to learn more about his daily role and responsibilities and get a feel for the kinds of changes he’s planning to implement here at Leyton Group.

How have you ended up in your current role, Chris?

I’ve been in the health and safety industry for 19 years now. I kind of fell into it, but I seemed to excel at it naturally. 

I have actually worked with Leyton Group in an advisory capacity since 2017, so I’m very familiar with the types of works the company carries out. Until 2020, I was employed by a larger safety consultancy firm as an Associate Director – but I decided to set up my own business just before Covid hit, and Leyton decided to come along for the ride with me!

Now, I’ve been appointed as Leyton’s permanent Head of Health & Safety, and I’m responsible for growing our in-house department.

I’m a member of IOSH and IIRSM; I’ve achieved various certifications (including a City and Guilds qualification); I’ve delivered training in the past; and I’ve got specific experience in safe lifting activities. So, all in all, I’ve been able to hit the ground running here with no problems whatsoever.

What are your goals for health and safety at Leyton Group?

I’m looking forward to improving the safety culture here even further and cementing Leyton’s reputation as a leading force in stair installations. By and large, the attitude of Leyton staff towards health and safety is fantastic – but my main aim is to provide team members with the knowledge and confidence to make faster decisions on site if they think something isn’t quite right or could pose a risk, without worrying about causing delays or stepping on other people’s toes.

The types of lifts we undertake are often complex, so the more control measures that are in place, the better. Being an Appointed Person for lifting operations, it’s my job to make sure these manoeuvres are safely and successfully executed – but everyone has their part to play in making sure the right procedures are being followed.

There will be a heavy emphasis on training (and refreshing previous training), and I am planning to develop our in-house systems. Generally, I want to both improve and maintain standards across the board.

In the past few weeks, our operative team at our flagship site won the safety award and were treated to a free breakfast from the main contractor as a result. It was great to see Leyton already being recognised for our meticulous approach.

What challenges are you expecting to face?

I want to develop great relationships with our staff and our wider teams, so they don’t just understand what needs to be done, but why it needs to be done. Getting buy-in from everybody is the most important thing.

What’s a little bit different this time around is that, as Head of Health & Safety, I am responsible for not only advising on solutions, but implementing them. Personally, I’m excited to be able to oversee our processes from start to finish and manage our safety requirements in the workshop and the office, as well as at our construction sites.

What do you like to get up to outside of work?

I’m a family man, and I love spending time with my wife and my two children, who are 8 and 4.

I’ve been a rugby player for more than 25 years, so I like to get out onto the pitch whenever I can – and I enjoy gigs, music festivals, socialising with friends and family, and going on holiday as much as the next person. I think it’s important to make the distinction between life and work, and I try to make the most of my free time.