Dave Phillips

Team Member and Safety Champion

I have been with Orb Electrical Steels for over 36 years in a variety of manufacturing based roles. The plant has changed a great deal over that time, which has meant that there is always something new to learn. As well as working in the Service Centre, where our electrical steel coils are cut and packed for our customers, I have been a Safety Champion at Orb since the introduction of the role in 2002.

My role as a Safety Champion is to develop the focus on safety within my area of the plant and to encourage fellow employees to continuously improve their approach to safety at work. I have always encouraged people to make suggestions and think of new ways to undertake tasks or utilise new equipment and better ways of working.

It was great to see one of my own suggestions implemented in my area - it is the safety guard audit board. Now all our safety guards are checked on a daily basis and marked off on the guard audit board.

As part of my development, I have achieved IOSH qualifications and have trained in manual handling, lifting tackle inspections, as well as a remote control crane trainer. I have even been involved in running a one day training course for all employees on site.

Outside work, I still get involved in training others, but this time for a local junior football team where I am Secretary of the club. It is great that the company also get involved in local events and provide support to clubs like ours, where they recently helped to sponsor new kit.