ECA Members understand the importance of maintaining high standards and prioritising health and safety in everything they do. As part of their membership, they have access to a ECA's expert Safety, Health and Environment (SH&E) Team, whose guidance is backed by extensive industry experience, professional qualifications and practical expertise.

From understanding legal responsibilities and implementing day-to-day health and safety measures to keeping up with the latest industry regulations, the team is committed to helping Members navigate challenges and achieve long-term success.

In this Q&A, we're introducing the people behind these valuable support services. Meet Tony Sidwell and Paul Williams, discover more about their backgrounds and expertise, and learn how they help ECA Members create safer, more compliant and successful businesses.

What do you do?

Tony: I head up ECA’s Safety, Health and Environment (SHE) Department and provide Members with practical solutions to their issues. 

Paul: I support ECA Members with all things SHE, which could involve a call or visit to a site. 

What is your experience in this area?

Tony: I have 30 years’ experience in the Building Services, offsite Manufacture and Construction industries, in the past working for a number of ECA Member companies. 

Paul: I have worked in health and safety and pollution enforcement as well as providing in house advice and support and consultancy in the public, construction and social housing sectors. I have also worked in risk management insurance and business continuity so have a broad understanding of business risk. 

How long have you worked at ECA?

Tony: Just over 2 years. Over this time my role has evolved with more focus on getting out to see Members either at their offices or on site. I believe that face to face contact is the best way of delivering health and safety messages; it is all about communication with the people who are managing, supervising and installing equipment and systems. 

Paul: 8 years. 

What are the key benefits to ECA Members about the services that you and your team provide?

Tony: We are a very experienced team who can offer practical advice to Members. We deliver presentations to Members, compile a wide range of SHE documentation, conduct Site SHE Support visits and represent ECA at the Construction Industry Advisory Committee (CONIAC), Construction Leadership Council (CLC) and other industry committees. ECA attendance on these committees is useful for Members due to the guidance that is generated. It also gives electrical contractors and the electrical industry a voice at the highest level of the construction and engineering industries. 

Paul: Personal bespoke service to solve challenging SHE enquiries. Dealing with real issues and finding practical solutions. Keeping up to date on the latest changes and developments in the SHE sector to keep our members well informed. 

What sorts of matters do ECA Members contact you about?

Tony: A wide range of Health and Safety related issues, recently a big focus on Building Safety Act and Common Assessment Standard, which are both proving to be big issues for our Members. The majority of calls are Building Safety Act or Common Assessment Standard based, Members are generally finding it difficult to comply or answer question as required by the standard. ECA SHE and Technical Departments have compiled numerous guidance documents and carry out regular awareness presentations. 

Paul: Personal bespoke service to solve challenging SHE enquiries. Dealing with real issues and finding practical solutions. Keeping up tp date on the latest changes and developments in the SHE sector to keep our Members well informed. 

What is the best career advice you have been given?

Tony: Shy bairns get nowt! 

Paul: You spend a third of your adult life at work so it’s important to enjoy and feel rewarded for that third of the time you have. 

What’s one 'superpower' skill or trait you have that you think could really help our Members?

Tony: A wide ranging and practical knowledge of Health and Safety in the built environment, and an ability to communicate at all levels. 

Paul: Providing effective and meaningful mental health training. 

What do you do outside of work?

Tony: Play cricket and golf, listen to a wide range of music and spend time with my family. 

Paul: I volunteer locally, go walking, running, play chess, I’m in a book club and part of my family and friends network. 

Explore ECA's Safety, Health & Environment support webpage to access resources and guidance to find out how the team can help your business.