Toolbox talks: Big Red’s latest defib installation

Throughout July and August, our SHEQC team has been busy installing automatic external defibrillators (AED) across all of Big Red Construction’s sites, with staff also being trained on how to use the machines and the best way to act in the unfortunate and unlikely event that they’re needed.   

Sudden cardiac arrest is the leading cause of premature death in the UK, and according to the British Heart Foundation, more than 30,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur per year, with 15% of these happening in the workplace.  

For every minute that defibrillation is delayed, a person’s chance of survival reduces by 10%. Which is why it’s essential that all members of staff working on site are confident that they can locate a defibrillator in an emergency.  

To be certain each employee is aware of the new AED machines, our SHEQC team have ensured each defibrillator is kept in the same visible location on each of our sites. In the event of a medical emergency, call points would be used to contact the Big Red management team, who will bring the defib machine to the required area. This stops it being moved around site, and so it is not lost or misplaced.  

Here’s what our SHEQC Manager, Ellie Morrice, has to say on the installation of the defibrillator machines: “While AEDs are available in public areas and in some workplaces, construction sites still aren’t required by law to have defibrillation equipment on site. However, Big Red’s Ducie Street and Peelers Yard project management teams brought it to our attention that it would be a sensible idea to have AED equipment installed, should a member of staff endure a heart attack while at work. 

“It’s our responsibility keep Big Red’s employees safe whilst working on site, and the addition of the defibrillators means we’re in a better position to save a life.” 

Prior to Big Red having its own AED equipment, each site detailed the location of the nearest defibrillators, and this process was explained to employees during their induction. For many of our city centre sites, they were in close proximity. However, opening times often did not match up to when our sites were operational, which is why our SHEQC team recommended each site have its own defibrillation equipment.  

To keep up to date with our latest Toolbox Talks or to find out more about our defibrillation machines on site, please visit Big Red’s LinkedIn and Twitter.