The culture within UGL shone through after a recent accident at home for Shaun Kay, UGL’s Signalling Construction Team Lead. Being supportive and caring is just part of the culture we’re proud of at UGL.
What is the background of your accident?
“It was on my day off from work last year, I had some tradesmen at my house, we were moving some laser light roofing. I stepped on the wrong part, slipped, and fell off the roof, landing on my elbow and shoulder. I was very lucky not to be more hurt considering it was a four metre fall, I didn’t even break a bone or have a dislocation. I did go to hospital as a precaution to make sure I was ok.
“Two weeks after the accident, I was on holiday with my wife for Christmas to see her family, I had the chance to go over what had occurred. I couldn’t help thinking how it could have turned out far worse.”
How did UGL support you through your recovery?
“My background before UGL was in construction where I had been for a length of time. When I was an apprentice as a young bloke, I hurt my knee on the weekend playing football. My employer at the time was worried that I had inconvenienced them as it would impact their job. It was not well received.
“In contrast, with UGL, everyone reached out to see if I was ok. My Construction Manager Jamie Baker, Chris Chambers the Senior Project Manager and Julian Williams Operations Manager for Rail Systems, all reached out repeatedly to check on me. I would receive a call daily, checking in to see if I was alright and there were also several people from the team checking in on my welfare. Everyone was a great support.”
“In my role I focus on safety conditions on site as it is something that I am passionate about. With safety it’s not worth risking your life, so don’t cut corners. Hence it was sort of embarrassing for me having a silly accident at home that could have been avoided. I was nervous about telling my team at UGL what had happened because of my previous experience with another employer, but then to be met with open arms and everyone caring about my health was a huge relief.”
Whilst Shaun’s primary role was field based, the UGL team wanted to ensure that Shaun remained mentally active whilst working through the physical recovery and rehabilitation. This meant ensuring that he was able to help support his field-based colleagues from the office through working on the planning, resourcing, and testing of upcoming works.
Have you found your experience at UGL to be managed effectively?
“It has been great, the support I received from everyone has been amazing. The contact I received from my direct manager and senior management highlights the level of care for the team, no matter the position. Recognising when someone has completed a great job or reaching out to see if you are ok, shows that the team at UGL provides great support for their workforce. “