Every October, our industry focuses in on safety, and for two weeks this year, our teams will go “Back to Basics” as part of the CIF Safety Campaign.
In this #PeopleFirst, we interview Luka Putrić, Senior EHS Advisor on our high-profile data centre project in London. He tells us what it means to lead in safety and explores the unique approach Kirby has developed to coach and empower its people.
Zero Harm: Leadership in Safety
“We are not asking and telling, we are supporting and training,” says Luka when we ask what sets Kirby’s approach to safety apart. “Kirby’s approach to continuously driving safety is different compared to others.
“We do it naturally. We support people to make sure they are not alone, making sure that safety becomes part of their daily habit.”
“My role is here to guide and support, not to shout and dictate,” he says.
Luka joined Kirby three years ago from the renewables sector. With a degree in Safety and Protection Engineering he’s been working in the specialism for 10 years.
He initially joined us in Milan, and his career has now brought him to London, where he is working on a Kirby’s next-generation data centre project as it moves into the commissioning stage.
Kirby’s Zero Harm programme takes a comprehensive approach to enhancing safety and performance, encompassing eight core leading indicators, including engagement, communication, skills and wills, and leadership.
These indicators serve as fundamental pillars in the pursuit of improved safety and operational excellence.
A Day in the Life of an EHS Advisor
Luka’s day typically starts with a 7am pre-start meeting. The team runs through the daily plan, updates the whiteboard with high-risk activities, and highlights any new changes on site.
Inductions follow. “Every single person working for Kirby will wear our PPE after their induction. We explain what that means and what we expect of them in terms of leading in safety,” he adds.
Luka will then walk the site: “Zero Harm is designed as a two-way programme, with listening built in as standard. It is designed to evolve naturally, rather than being imposed on our people, and they are integral to its integration, adoption, and evolution.”
“Spotter and working at height training have been particularly important for this site given the type of work we are carrying out,” says Luka, who supports the team, engineers, and subcontractors to design risk out of activities on site, as well as delivering training and completing risk assessments.
CIF Safety Campaign
We ask what the team in London will focus on as part of the CIF Safety Campaign. Luka explains “We will look at recurring tasks together, including risks and hazards.
“We are working on the mechanical aspect at the moment on site, so pressure testing and lifting operations with the crane and chain blocks are a key area of attention. There are various initiatives and sessions organised on that to make sure there is no complacency.”
“As part of the Construction Industry Federation’s (CIF) Back to Basics campaign, an initiative focused on reinforcing safety and health standards across the construction sector – Kirby Group Engineering continues to invest in cultivating the next generation of EHS professionals.
“One standout example of this commitment is Luka Putrić, a Senior EHS Advisor who has been with Kirby for over three years. Luka exemplifies the qualities of a well-rounded, forward-thinking safety leader. His work on complex projects in Milan and London has consistently demonstrated his ability to navigate high-pressure environments while upholding the highest standards of compliance and safety.
“Throughout the full lifecycle of each project, Luka has shown remarkable drive and ambition not only in advancing his own career within Kirby, but also in supporting the development of others. His mentorship of junior team members has helped foster a culture of accountability and continuous learning, ensuring that safety remains a shared responsibility across every site.”
Ryan Scott, Kirby Senior EHS Manager, ROI/UK
Coaching the Team on Site
“The strong collaboration and positive experience on site often lead subcontracted labour to want to return, and many have taken that experience to improve other projects. There’s also a strong focus on development within both the trade and specific roles, with clear opportunities to grow and progress within the wider group,” adds Luka.
Life in London
It’s not all work. Luka is keen to emphasise the team bonding opportunities, “We have set up a five-a-side soccer match once a week in Shepherds Bush with the client and subcontractors on site. It’s relaxed and we have good craic.
“There’s equality there on the pitch – just like on site – we are one team, cheering each other on.”
