Former FirstGroup Chief Executive becomes first person to receive three separate awards from world’s leading safety bodies
Sir Moir Lockhead, former Chief Executive of Aberdeen based FirstGroup, received three special awards from three of the world’s leading safety bodies in recognition of his contribution to safety.
Sir Moir was presented with the awards last night (19 April) at First’s internal Safety and Environment Awards, which recognise the achievements of its people and companies throughout the UK.
Sir Moir received the following:
* An Honorary Fellowship from the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH);
* A President’s Commendation from the International Institute of Risk and Safety Management (IIRSM);
* And the British Safety Council presented Sir Moir with an award, “in recognition of his leadership and success in improving safety in the passenger transport industry.”
It is thought that in receiving the three awards Sir Moir has become the first person in history to hold all three simultaneously.
Sir Moir delivered a speech following the presentations and dedicated the accolades to his former colleagues at First across the UK and North America.
He said: “Receiving these awards is a real highlight of my career. During my 21 years at the helm of our company, we made sure that the safety of our people and our customers took precedence over all else.
“Injury Prevention at FirstGroup put simply means, ‘IF YOU CANNOT DO IT SAFELY, DON’T DO IT,’ and this demonstrates our relentless approach to safety. Thanks to the efforts of everyone involved, safety is now a way of life within the company and I dedicate the awards to my former colleagues.”
Brian Nimick, Chief Executive of IIRSM, said: “IIRSM places great importance on leadership in health and safety. This leadership has to be both visible and felt and the Board of IIRSM feels that Moir’s leadership within FirstGroup sets an exemplar that others should aspire to. Without doubt, his very public commitment has enabled FirstGroup to develop a positive health and safety culture that impacts on all part of the organisation both within UK and internationally. FirstGroup’s success in incident reduction is inspired by Moir and delivered by all employees.”
Julie Nerney, Chief Executive of the British Safety Council said: “The most effective leaders are those who live and breathe safety, who are influential in getting across the economic, social and ethical case and who inspire their managers and workers to follow their lead.
“True leaders on safety are all too rare. These are the individuals who can not only tell you what needs to be done but will work with you to make it happen. Sir Moir is that man. We need more leaders like Sir Moir in businesses of all sizes across all sectors. The British Safety Council is proud to honour Sir Moir for his inspirational leadership.”
Steve Granger, President of IOSH, said: “Our Honorary Fellowships are only given to those who have made absolutely crucial contributions to the world of health and safety – they exemplify the IOSH vision and we feel it’s hugely important that they become a part of the Institution.
“Sir Moir’s tireless work to improve the safety of both staff and customers has not only provided a sustainable way of working for the future for FirstGroup, but it’s also a best practice template for our members and the rail industry as a whole. For that, we believed he was due our highest form of recognition.”
Tim O’Toole, who succeeded Sir Moir as Chief Executive of FirstGroup, said: “Sir Moir is a colossus in the transport industry. One of the most impressive legacies he leaves behind is First’s approach to safety. Moir’s overwhelming determination and steadfast resolve helped shake up the safety culture not just in First, but throughout the entire transport industry. I can think of no-one more deserving than Sir Moir to receive such a remarkable hat-trick of tributes.”