What does a typical day look like for you at Simian International?
A normal day is making sure quality is delivered in the training and the staff are safe (especially under the new normal). We are complying with all accreditations, sales and finance.
What aspect do you enjoy most about your role at Simian International?
Everything over the past 10 years! The education I have received on different cultures, the travel and the food from West Africa to eastern China. I also enjoy seeing us give life skills to third world scaffolders knowing it will improve their lives.
In your opinion what is the most crucial aspect of scaffolding safety?
Training is my main focus; everyone thinks scaffolding is not a skill but it can collapse, kill and injure many people in one go. Training helps remove bad habits and ensures good practice is known.
How did you come to work in the scaffolding industry?
I am from a family of scaffolders so it was only natural I would end up in the industry, I tried to avoid it but like a magnet the pull was too much.
What is your career highlight so far?
I have had many, from working on the rigs to becoming a chartered safety professional then having training centres worldwide and projects around the world. I have hit many personal targets and seeing people still achieving more in their 70s means I still have another 20 years in me.
What’s the most interesting project you’ve worked on?
I have had 2, one is in Basra where we began from scratch and achieved 6 years accident free. Two is the Shell Prelude project that was the largest ship ever built to drill for gas off Western Australia. Both were exciting and we walked away with no incidents or accidents on both.
What do you like to do in your free time?
Spend time with my wife, 3 daughters and my 2 granddaughters, after 30 years of working away the lockdowns and closed borders have changed my outlook. We also like to travel around the UK sampling restaurants.