0800 Repair, the heating, insulation and renewables specialists, which is part of PHS, has been awarded a RoSPA Gold award for its health and safety efforts, further strengthening its commitment to ensuring the highest standards of safety.
The award further highlights 0800 Repair’s dedication to maintaining the best practices in health and safety for both its engineers and clients, across every aspect of its operations.
The RoSPA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents) Health and Safety Awards were established to honour companies and individuals worldwide for exceptional safety performance. With nearly 2,000 entries each year from almost 50 countries covering more than seven million employees, the awards are amongst the most prestigious and recognised globally.
Alongside its specialisation in renewable energy systems, North East-based 0800 Repair offers installation and maintenance services for home heating systems, as well as insulation services. The company serves a diverse range of clients, including utility companies, housebuilders, housing associations, and private customers, delivering sustainable and reliable solutions.
This award coincides with 0800 Repair’s partnership with North Shields-based health and safety consultants, Carney Consultancy Ltd, as well as its significant investment in advanced personal respiratory protective equipment (RPE) for its engineers.
Scott Birks, SHEQ Manager at PHS, said: “This award demonstrates not only the consistency of our approach to health and safety, but also how it is entrenched in our culture with every person playing their part to share best practice and apply it across all of our operations.”
0800 Repair is helping a Hartlepool resident advance his ambition to become the town’s greenest home and take his 1930s property ‘off grid’.
Alongside an extensive collection of solar panels fitted to the property by Andrew Mitchell, he has also received funding to install several energy-saving measures through the Home Upgrade Grant (HUG) scheme administered by Hartlepool Borough Council and installed by 0800 Repair.
Through the HUG scheme, the property, which does not have a gas connection, has been fitted with an air-source heat pump, as well as loft and cavity installation, double glazing and ventilation systems.
The air-source heat pump warms air extracted from outside to heat the home. The innovative pump is highly efficient, clean and can reduce energy bills by up to 40% for those who have had to rely on solid fuel in the past.
The electricity for the heat pump, along with the home’s other power requirements are provided by the solar panels fitted by Mr Mitchell. This enables him to reduce his reliance on electricity from an energy provider.
The Council was able to offer funding to Mr Mitchell through the HUG scheme which was a fund established by the government as part of their carbon reduction strategy. To qualify for a grant, eligible homes must have a low income, and have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating between D and G.
Mr Mitchell, an IT consultant and massage therapist, said: “I bought this house as a blank canvas, as it was built in the 1930s with no energy efficiency measures in mind.
“I wanted to go reduce my carbon footprint and go as green as possible, I was made aware that gas is responsible for 13% of all UK carbon emissions, so I decided to have the gas supply taken out.”
“I installed the solar panels myself, but gradually added to the house with the help of the government’s Home Upgrade Grant, which I didn’t know about until I chatted to a neighbour who also applied for funding.
“The eco-measures were taken before the energy crisis hit and I’m now in a lucky position where I generate more energy than I use. I hope this will help inform other people to take a similar approach in both saving money and being sustainable.”
Erik Coates, Energy Services Director at PHS Home Solutions, said: “We’re proud to have worked alongside Mr Mitchell and the council on this project.
“These grants can help people like Mr Mitchell to become more sustainable. What he is doing is commendable and forward-thinking.
“The installation of the air source heat pump together with the solar panels and other methods are an important step forward in ensuring his home will soon be off-grid and carbon neutral.”
Councillor Mike Young, Leader of Hartlepool Borough Council, said: “Mr Mitchell’s dynamic approach to being energy efficient and saving money is an example for us all, but also highlights the Government’s and the council’s commitment to energy efficiency and proactive approach to tackling the causes of climate change.”
0800 Repair, part of PHS, has formed a strategic partnership with health and safety experts, Carney Consultancy Ltd, to strengthen its commitment to ensuring the highest standards of safety.
This collaboration represents 0800 Repair’s dedication to maximising its knowledge and experience in health and safety, ensuring that all aspects of its renewable energy and gas processes adhere to the highest standards of care and compliance.
Carney Consultancy Ltd, based in North Shields, offers bespoke consultancy services and expertise in health and safety practices, particularly within the construction industry.
As part of the partnership, Carney Consultancy Ltd will provide 0800 Repair with external consultation services to ensure ongoing compliance and proactively review risk and methodology within 0800 repair.
Alongside its 16 years of expertise within the renewable energy sector, North East-based 0800 Repair offers installation and maintenance services for home heating systems, as well as insulation services. The company serves a diverse range of clients, including utility companies, housing associations, local authorities, and private customers, delivering sustainable and reliable solutions.
This partnership with Carney Consultancy Ltd coincides with 0800 Repair’s significant investment in advanced personal protective equipment (PPE) for its engineers. By combining cutting-edge PPE with the expertise of Carney Consultancy Ltd, 0800 Repair aims to ensure the utmost safety for its engineers and demonstrate its commitment to continuous improvement. They also hope to inspire other organisations to invest in the well-being of their workforce and create safer working environments.
Scott Birks, SHEQ manager at PHS, said: “Carney Consultancy is the perfect partner for 0800 Repair. We have a fantastic relationship with them and look forward to collaborating as we continue to grow and expand our operations.
“This partnership allows us to ensure best practices in health and safety and provide sustainable and reliable solutions. It serves as an extra level of commitment to our engineers, demonstrating that we are not resting on our laurels.”
Martin Crammond, technical director at Carney Consultancy Ltd, said: “We are pleased to support 0800 Repair in their mission to provide a safe working environment for their engineers and help drive their commitment to excellence, this highlights how high on the agenda Health and Safety is to both companies and to the operatives under their control.
“As part of our role with 0800 Repair, we undertake inspections including fire risk assessments at all their locations, we aid in safe system of work reviews, policy and procedure reviews and also in support for general health and safety related queries.”
0800 Repair, which is part of PHS Home Solutions, a North East company at the forefront of helping meet energy efficiency targets, has renewed its commitment to Health and Safety through a significant investment in advanced respiratory protective equipment (RPE) for its engineers.
The decision to enhance RPE measures comes as the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) launched its Dust Kills campaign, drawing attention to the long-term effects of dust inhalation on individuals working in the construction industry. 0800 Repair recognises the importance of protecting its engineers from this silent killer.
A central component of the new RPE is the Positive Pressure Mask. This innovative full-head mask continuously supplies fresh air to the user, effectively preventing dust inhalation. By adopting this cutting-edge technology, 0800 Repair is demonstrating its unwavering commitment to the well-being of its engineers and its determination to uphold the highest safety standards.
The company serves a diverse range of clients, including utility companies, housebuilders, housing associations, and private customers who rely on 0800 Repair for reliable and energy-efficient solutions.
Scott Birks, SHEQ Manager at 0800 Repair, said: “This investment in advanced RPE sets a benchmark for the industry, demonstrating our proactive approach to protecting our engineers and reinforcing its position as a leader in health and safety.
“This illustrates that we prioritise the well-being of our engineers and emphasise our dedication to upholding the highest safety standards in our operations. Our focus on renewable energy systems and sustainable solutions is built upon a foundation of safety, and we will continue to innovate and lead the industry in this regard.”
0800 Repair, which is part of PHS, has been recognised at the prestigious National Energy Efficiency Awards.
0800 Repair, which is at the forefront of helping meet energy efficiency targets, was crowned Social Responsibility Company of the Year, for addressing the requirements of the community it operates within.
The awards recognise best practice within the industry, with judges focusing on skills, expertise and quality of service.
The North East-based company’s partnership with Hartlepool Borough Council was also recognised. The local authority came third in the National Renewable Heat Project of the Year for its administration of the government’s Home Upgrade Grant (HUG) scheme.
Through the scheme, individuals were able to receive council funding to install energy-saving measures. It was managed by Hartlepool Borough Council and the measures installed by 0800 Repair.
0800 Repair was also acknowledged in other categories including National Boiler and Heating Project of the Year in conjunction with South Tyneside Council, and National Boiler & Heating Installer and Contractor of the Year; it came second and third respectively.
Erik Coates, Energy Services Director at PHS Home Solutions, said: “We are delighted to have received these awards, which are a testament to our dedication to energy efficiency and sustainability.
“We are committed to making a positive impact on the environment and these awards serve as a recognition of our continuous efforts to provide high-quality, energy-efficient solutions to our customers.”
The judges of the awards said: “This organisation [0800 Repair] not only delivers services for those in need but also gives so much back to the community. The ethos of the business and the work the staff do shows what a company can do working within the local area. It also supports the local economy and develops local skills through apprenticeships.