As part of King Lifting’s ongoing commitment to safety and quality, all staff across the UK participated in a series of Behavioural Safety Stand Downs between December 2024 and March 2025. These in-person sessions were led by the company’s QEHS Director as part of a broader safety development initiative.
Reflecting on past projects and key lessons learned, this proactive programme examined the ‘Human Factors’ that have contributed to or could lead to unsafe acts or conditions. This aligns with King Lifting’s mission of Lifting Expectations and Prioritising Safety.
The initiative culminated in the rebranding, creation, and launch of a new Safety and Wellbeing programme: “Safety Starts with Me” (SSWM).
Core values
SSWM introduces a refreshed set of Core Values, reinforcing safety as a priority while also embedding key personal and business attributes essential to fostering a continually evolving and improving safety culture.
Safety
Integrity
Respect
Sustainability
Leadership
Ethical conduct
Tristan King, Managing Director of King Lifting, addressed all attendees, reinforcing a sense of empowerment and reaffirming his commitment to the workforce. He emphasised the importance of doing the right things, the right way, for the right reasons—while fostering a culture of care, looking out for one another, and keeping safety at the heart of everything we do, every day.
As part of SSWM, the company also introduced the “5 Safety Pillars”, also known as the “Safety Charter”. This framework highlights the collective commitment of all employees to actively manage and enhance every aspect of safety, supporting the company’s mission to ensure everyone remains safe at all times.
NEW Company Safety Charter
Speak up
If you notice something unsafe, or are unsure about the task you’re being asked to perform, speak up.
Stand down
Never compromise the safety of yourself or others. Stand down your activities, make it safe, follow your RAMS and inform your manager/client of any issues as soon as possible.
Step back
Step back and check everything is ok. Gain agreement from the client or appointed person for any amendments. Review your environment, remain safety-focused rather than solely job‑focused.
Skill up
Ensure you are trained on the task, plant and equipment before starting work. Skill up – continuously learn and attend courses, utilise these skills to become experts in your roles. Teach others to do things the right way, not the easy way.
Stay well
Take care of your health, both physically and mentally. Keep us informed on how you are, support each other, be kind, rest and together we can all stay well.
The programme was met with overwhelmingly positive feedback across all roles and divisions, marking a significant step toward embedding the new safety culture.
Looking ahead to 2025, the initiative will continue to evolve, delving deeper into each of the Core Values and Safety Pillars. Future plans include increased workforce engagement and the expansion of the programme to King Lifting’s international teams.