The Kenton Group is one of the latest groups of successful companies to join a leading edge scheme, designed to help the industry improve its safety record. The Kent-based firm recently received accreditation from SAFEcontractor, a programme that recognises exceptional standards of health and safety practice amongst UK companies and contractors.

The Kenton Group’s application for SAFEcontractor accreditation was driven by the need for a uniform standard across the business. The Kenton Group is principally involved in the design, supply, Installation and maintenance of Network Access products in many varied environments from schools to Telecom Exchanges. Some of The Kenton Group’s most recent clients have included major UK and International customers such as Kcom, Virgin Media, Talk-Talk, BT, Telstra International and Interoute.

Barrie Corfield, Health and Safety Manager at The Kenton Group, says: “With this accreditation we expect to enhance our ability to attract new contracts for both installation and support services. It also demonstrates our commitment to the health and safety of our employees.”

SAFEcontractor covers most business sectors and many of the country’s leading companies have worked to obtain this accreditation. These include Kcom, HSBC Bank, British Gas Virgin Atlantic, The Carphone Warehouse and Marks and Spencer. The Kenton Group are proud to have achieved this accreditation and be associated in such illustrious company.

John Kinge, Head of Risk at SAFEcontractor, adds: “Major organisations can no longer run the risk of employing contractors who are not able to prove that they have sound health and safety policies.

“More companies need to understand the importance of adopting effective risk management in the way that The Kenton Group has. The firm’s high standard has set an example, which hopefully will be followed by other companies within the sector.”

Under the SAFEcontractor system, businesses undergo a vetting process, which examines health and safety procedures and their track record for safe practice. Those companies are then added to an online database, accessible to registered users only via the SAFEcontractor website.

Employer-organisations who sign up to the scheme can access the database, enabling them to vet potential contractors. These employers agree that, as users of the scheme, they will engage only those who have received accreditation. Over 150 major nation-wide businesses, from several key sectors, have already signed up to the scheme for services such as building, cleaning, maintenance, telecommunications, refurbishment, electrical and mechanical work.