Derbyshire manager promoted to pursue passion

James Langley, newly appointed head of health and safety at Forterra, has worked for the business for 14 years.

He has worked in a number of operational roles – most recently managing the firm’s Somercotes plant – and is familiar with many different aspects of the company, which employs more than 1,600 people in the UK.

His role will see him regularly visiting the company’s 18 UK sites, launching a fresh approach to health and safety, with a focus on improving incident analysis, risk management, safety engagement and training standards.

James, 36, said; “Though my background is in pre-cast concrete I have worked closely with our brick, block, paving and bespoke product facilities since 2002.

“During that time I also fostered an interest in health and safety which soon developed into something of a passion.

“Initially, I want to focus on sharing best-practice within this large, diverse company, while at the same time simplifying our health and safety procedures where possible, to get the basic fundamentals right and keep our staff safe.

“Health and safety is something I am very passionate about and I feel honoured and privileged to be taking this next step in my long career at Forterra.”

Stephen Harrison, CEO of Forterra plc, added; “The health, safety and well-being of our employees is of premium importance to us and something we take extremely seriously.

“We are committed to ensuring that all employees go home safe and healthy at the end of the day.

“James is dedicated to health and safety, and his experience of working within different divisions of our large company these past 14 years made him the ideal candidate. We wish him all the best in this vital role.”

Forterra is a leading manufacturer of a diverse range of concrete and clay building products. The company employs approximately 1,600 people in the UK, across 18 manufacturing facilities

For more information visit www.forterra.co.uk. You can also follow the company on Twitter via @ForterraUK and on LinkedIn.