Children attending the Newcastle Centre Summer Scheme, organised by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council got a lesson in site safety from Phoenix Energy as the company undertakes work to extend the natural gas pipeline and bring the benefits of natural gas to an additional 28,000 properties across County Down.
The ‘Play Safe, Stay Safe’ schools programme aims to help local children understand the hazards of playing on or near construction sites and was launched last year for primary schools within the area.
Adrian McNeilly, Health, Safety and Environmental Manager at Phoenix Energy said, “As a construction company, safety is our number one priority and our ‘Play Safe, Stay Safe’ programme has been instrumental in educating young children across County Down about natural gas and keeping safe in areas where we are working, which are often residential streets.
“Construction sites are hazardous places, particularly for children, who may not be aware of the threats they pose. Our sessions are designed to be interactive, fun and engaging, whilst delivering a serious message that helps protect children in our local communities.”
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Charlie Casey said, “I am pleased that, with Phoenix Energy working in the Newcastle area, children were able to take advantage of a programme to make them aware of the dangers of construction sites. All the children really enjoyed the session and learned more about natural gas in the process. Understanding the special ‘Safety Sam Safety Code’ will also help them avoid any potential dangers associated with all types of construction sites in our area.
“We appreciate Phoenix’s commitment to educating local children on these dangers and I would recommend this programme to other children’s groups and schools in the area.”
Phoenix Energy is committed to upholding the very highest standards in health and safety, which has been recognised internationally through numerous awards. The company recently won an International Safety Award with Merit from the British Safety Council and the company was also one of only 64 organisations worldwide to receive a prestigious Sword of Honour award, accepting the accolade for the third time in 2016.