A health and safety advisor from Lowestoft has been recognised for 'outstanding performance and exceptional commitment' at a global awards ceremony.
Steve Loades, 46, works at industrial maintenance company Bilfinger Salamis UK, which is based at Lowestoft's Pinbush Way.
The company - which also has an office in Aberdeen, Scotland - provides its customers in the energy, chemical and process industries with a broad range of integrated maintenance services.
These include scaffolding construction, insulation and corrosion protection for offshore installations off the British coast, as well as servicing tasks and even major overhauls of oil and gas plants.
Mr Loades has his own office at Bilfinger Salamis UK's mobilisation unit in Norwich, close to the railway station, the airport and heliports. In his office, new recruits learn Bilfinger's HSEQ rules and the safety requirements of clients, including corporations like AJS, Shell, Perenco and ConocoPhillips.
Mr Loades is responsible for ensuring staff learn how to behave in a safe manner, understand the safety culture and are empowered to intervene if required.
The material delivered varies from company inductions to working safely offshore, and how to evacuate a platform in an emergency.
The judges commented that Mr Loades displays 'exceptional commitment so that new staff members are fully prepared for their work for Bilfinger, are excited to be part of it, and during the induction process understand safety as an integral part of all their actions'.
They concluded: 'The feedback is consistently positive and Steve receives very good ratings. This is mainly down to his enthusiasm, which is infectious. He is someone who goes the extra mile.'
He travelled to the Jagdschloss Kranichstein Seminar Hotel, near Darmstadt, Germany to receive his award from members of the executive board.
Mr Loades said: 'I enjoy my work and I'm lucky to be supported by good people. Of course it's always nice to be recognised.'
Bilfinger is a global engineering and services group, with more than 70,000 staff working across the world, and every two years.
The group celebrates its staff in its 'Bilfinger's Best' awards, which mark top employees for their outstanding performance and exceptional commitment. Only 54 have received accolades in 2014.
Do you know someone who has got recognition for their work? Tell The Journal by calling 01502 525825 or email lowestoft.journal@archant.co.uk
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