Healthy Together: Building a Culture of Holistic Safety, Health & Wellbeing within JJ Rhatigan

EMMET HYNES, Group Health & Safety Director of Construction Safety Campaign 2024 Gold Sponsor, JJ Rhatigan, discusses a more human-centric approach to managing critical risk, on and off site. 

JJ Rhatigan is proud to continue our longstanding support of the Construction Industry Federation’s (CIF) Safety Campaign. We welcome the partnership with the Irish Heart Foundation, highlighting the critical importance of heart health in our industry. Within JJ Rhatigan, we recognise that the health and wellbeing of our team – both employees and our supply chain – is a critical risk and it is one that we prioritise. Our approach to health and safety extends far beyond traditional site-specific hazards; we believe in nurturing a holistic and human-centred culture of wellbeing that addresses physical, mental, and social health. 

Comprehensive Health Screening 

In partnership with RediCare, JJ Rhatigan offers extensive health screening appointments to all employees across our sites and offices. These screenings include cholesterol checks, blood pressure measurements, diabetes tests, and body composition analysis. This proactive approach allows our team members to stay informed about their health status and take preventive measures where necessary. 

Continuous Learning and Awareness 

We believe that personal knowledge is power when it comes to health and safety. For this reason, we have implemented weekly webinars in partnership with RediCare ControlDTx. These 15-minute sessions cover a range of health topics, providing our team with valuable information and actionable insights to support their wellbeing journey. 

Mental Wellbeing Support 

Recognising the importance of mental health, we have partnered with Laya Healthcare to provide a 24/7 Mental Wellbeing Support Programme. This extensive service offers support across a wide range of areas, including stress management, grief counselling, addiction support, and career guidance. Our employees and their families can access face-to-face counselling sessions and a wealth of wellbeing content, ensuring they have the resources they need to maintain positive mental health. This dovetails with our long-standing JJR ‘Mind Your Head’ campaign. 

Employee-Led Initiatives 

One of our most successful initiatives has been our employee-led Sports & Social Club. This club, driven by the enthusiasm and creativity of our team, has been instrumental in promoting health, wellbeing, and team building across the company. From organising ‘Wellbeing Walks’ every Friday to running company-wide step challenges, our employees are taking the lead in encouraging a culture of health and camaraderie.  

Recognising Safety Excellence 

Our commitment to safety is further reinforced through our annual Safety Performer of the Year programme. This initiative not only rewards individuals for their commitment to safety but has also demonstrably improved our health and safety culture, resulting in fewer accidents and reduced lost time on site. We are also proud to participate in national initiatives like the National Workplace Wellbeing Day, organising walks and events across our sites in Ireland. These activities not only promote physical health but also strengthen our team bonds and connection to the broader community, which is part of the core ethos of JJ Rhatigan. 

A Holistic Approach to Critical Risks 

While we continue to focus on traditional site-specific safety measures, for example ensuring all works are risk assessed with method statements, we recognise that true safety encompasses much more. By addressing the physical and mental wellbeing of our team, we are tackling a critical risk that is often overlooked in our industry. 

While health and safety is an everyday and every task priority at JJ Rhatigan, we welcome this annual opportunity to reflect on how far the construction industry has come, and to reaffirm our commitment to the health and safety of our growing team. The message is clear: at JJ Rhatigan, your health matters. Whether it is through our health screenings, mental health support, or employee-led fitness initiatives, we are dedicated to ensuring that every member of our team has the resources and support they need to thrive both on and off site. 

JJ Rhatigan: Building a healthier, safer future for our industry and our people https://www.jjrhatigan.com/ 

Originally published in Construction Magazine Oct 2024 issue, available here: CIF Construction Magazine October 2024 by iQuest Ltd – Flipsnack