The new chief executive of the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) has spent his first day on site with the Olympic Park workforce to launch a new safety programme.
Dennis Hone, who was previously director of finance and corporate services at the Authority for more than four years, succeeds David Higgins, who has taken over the helm at Network Rail.
Since 2006, the Olympic Park site has achieved 17 sets of a million hours worked without a reportable incident. Speaking at the site yesterday (1 February), Mr Hone said: “The change in leadership at the ODA does not mean there is any change in direction. In 2011 we will continue to focus on hitting our milestones, bearing down on costs, and completing the venue construction on time.
“We will also continue to prioritise the health and safety of the 12,000-strong workforce who are building world-class sporting venues, new bridges, roads and infrastructure, parklands and housing.”
Under the tagline ‘The countdown is on’ the new safety campaign encourages workers to remain focused on their personal safety and that of their colleagues as the number of workers peaks and the type of work changes from heavy construction to fitting out the venues.
It will be rolled out to all site workers via posters, special safety briefings, branded Oyster travelcard wallets featuring safety messages, and scratch cards on which London 2012 merchandise can be won.
Concluded Hone: “I am determined to carry on the ODA’s relentless emphasis on delivering the biggest construction project in Europe, on time, on budget and to the highest safety standards.”
