Portview Nurse Highly Commended in International Health & Safety Awards
Norma McKibbin, Occupational Health Nurse for fit-out specialist, Portview, has been recognised at this year’s British Safety Council’s International Safety Awards by being highly commended in the ‘Health, Safety and Wellbeing Ambassador of the Year’ category for protecting staff.
Formerly an Occupational Health Nurse for the Belfast Trust, Norma McKibbin joined Portview in November 2019, a month before the first case of covid-19 was reported in Wuhan, China. Since then, Norma has proved instrumental in devising and implementing strict covid-19 health and safety procedures, in addition to providing in-house counselling, health advice and consultation services for all Portview staff.
“Although restrictions have eased, our priorities remain the same”
Commenting on her success, Norma McKibbin said:
“I am absolutely delighted to be recognized, especially after one of the most challenging years of my nursing career.
“Portview is one of very few companies within the construction sector – certainly the first in Northern Ireland – to have its own Occupational Health department, which is a testament to the company’s commitment to employee wellbeing, health and safety.
“When covid broke and society came to a close, I regularly updated employees to keep them informed of the latest regulatory changes, whilst decoding the many myths of covid-19 with evidence-based, public health information. I was always just a phone call away should anyone require my advice or support.
“Although restrictions have eased, our priorities remain the same – to ensure our team feel safe, supported and cared for in their roles no matter where they are or what they’re doing.”
Portview’s stringent site safety measures now include: covid age risk assessments; daily temperature checks and individual health questionnaires; cloud-based site inductions; regular site defogging and hand sanitisation; mandatory mask wearing and physical distancing marshals, to help deliver a high level of service for clients whilst protecting the health and safety of its people.
Portview has also recently partnered with the science-based mindfulness app, Headspace, to provide employees with unlimited access to daily mindfulness tips, podcasts, playlists and home-exercises to strengthen their mental resilience and aid sleep.
Norma concluded:
“I could not have achieved this without the support of my colleagues. As an Occupational Health Nurse I strongly believe that if you look after your employees then they will look after you, and Portview is an excellent example of this.”
In 2021, 387 organisations won an International Safety Award. They span all sectors and are drawn from the United Kingdom, Africa, Asia and the Middle East. 85 organisations were awarded a Distinction, 155 organisations were awarded a Merit and 147 organisations achieved a Pass.
Mike Robinson, Chief Executive of the British Safety Council, congratulated Norma and Portview on their success:
“The British Safety Council commends Norma and her employer, Portview, on this achievement in being recognized for their commitment to keeping employees and workplaces free of injury and ill health.”