A Hampshire firm has been shortlisted as a finalist in the most prestigious national award for the construction industry – in Health and Safety Excellence.
Merryhill Envirotec, based near Southampton, works in one of the most dangerous areas – the removal of asbestos.
MD Paul Fox is delighted that his company is now in the last seven of the Construction News Specialists’ Awards 2013 and up against some of the biggest players in the industry.
Merryhill’s work means that health and safety is of crucial importance and it’s even required that male staff shave before work so their face masks fit perfectly.
This attention to detail and perfect record of the 30-year-old firm impressed the distinguished panel of judges.
The winner of the award will be announced in late March and just being shortlisted is a major success for Merryhill.
The rigorous procedure to narrow down the thousands of applicants for the awards began back in the autumn with two rounds of investigations by the judges.
There followed a lengthy interview with Mr Fox by the experts who whittled the finalists down to just seven.
Mr Fox said: “This is really excellent news for all our staff who really have embraced a culture of safety at Merryhill.
“Health and safety is easily mocked, but when you are dealing with potentially lethal substances it is extremely important.
“Asbestos removal is a specialist area within the construction industry and to be recognised as one of the safest operators in that sector is a great reflection on our methods and our staff.
“The process to qualify for the last seven was rigorous and Merryhill was examined closely, but obviously we impressed the judging panel.
“I was informed about being shortlisted before Christmas, but was not allowed to inform anyone until now.
“We are all delighted and eagerly await the results when they are revealed on March 26.”
The Construction News Specialists’ Awards are divided into 16 categories and are the most sought after titles within the whole construction industry in the UK.
The shortlisting of Merryhill reflects its growth in recent years, working both across the UK and overseas.
The other finalists in its award are: Cantillon, Concrete Repairs, Gunite (Eastern), J. Murphy and Sons, Nationwide Platforms and PiLon.
