Port Vale F.C., a prominent football club with a rich history based in Burslem, Stoke on Trent, prioritises maintaining a safe environment for all visitors and spectators attending matches and events. Recognising the critical importance of health and safety in their operations, Port Vale has partnered with Safety First Group for comprehensive water management services.
Health & Safety Challenges
The primary challenge in the sports and events industry is ensuring the safety of facilities for a large number of visitors on a regular basis. Effective water management is crucial to prevent health hazards like Legionella, which can pose serious health risks.
Port Vale has a longstanding relationship with Safety First Group. Hayley Lowe, Head of Stadium Operations, emphasises this partnership’s importance:
“We have worked with Safety First Group for many years now and we have a great working relationship with the team.”
Benefits of the Partnership
- Peace of Mind – Assurance that the water management system is professionally maintained.
- Regular Certification – Continuous updates and certifications reflecting system readings and issues.
- Comprehensive Reporting – Weekly and monthly reports that detail checks and findings, ensuring transparency and accountability.
These services not only enhance the safety of the facilities but also boost employee health and productivity. Staff members, from front-of-house to senior management, have confidence in the safety of their environment.
Hayley Lowe further praises Safety First Group, “Safety First is a fantastic, supportive company who are always there to help where they can. The team was extremely responsive and supportive throughout the process – whether that be via email or phone call, the team are always around to help.”
Pre-Implementation
Before partnering with Safety First Group, Port Vale did not encounter significant issues but lacked the assurance that their facilities were entirely safe for public use. The collaboration with Safety First Group provided the confidence and certainty needed to manage their water systems effectively.
What’s Next?
Looking ahead, Port Vale is considering expanding their use of Safety First Group’s services. William Dooley, Managing Director of Safety First Group, spoke on the Legionella services provided by Safety First:
“Our remedial actions are informed by continuous monitoring and reporting, allowing us to address any issues quickly and effectively, while thorough water sampling confirms that water hygiene standards are being met. We are committed to education and awareness, providing online Legionella awareness training through our e-learning portal, ensuring that this awareness training is stress-free and cost-effective.”
Port Vale has successfully managed the risks associated with water systems, ensuring low-risk levels through regular checks and reporting with the expert help of Safety First Group.
William Dooley continues, saying:
“Safety First Group have taken the grey cloud of responsibility away from the club, who have enough responsibilities to worry about without the additional burden of time and costs associated to managing legionella within a sports facility. We give back the reassurance and certainty that they are offering a safe facility for all visitors.”
Through their partnership with Safety First Group, Port Vale continues to uphold the highest standards of safety, ensuring a secure and enjoyable experience for everyone who visits their stadium.
To find out more about Safety First Group’s services, please get in touch.
Call: 0845 004 2133
Email: enquiries@safetyfirstgroup.co.uk
