Safecontractor accreditation

Safecontractor is a leading third party accreditation scheme which recognises very high standards in health and safety management amongst UK contractors.

Established in 2007 by Steve McGloin and Steve Foster, AMS offers a total production solution from the supply of woodworking machines and equipment to training and a rapid response service/spares team. The company's application for Safecontractor accreditation was driven by the need for a uniform standard across the business.

"The woodworking industry in the UK has changed dramatically in recent years," explains Steve McGloin, joint managing director of AMS. "Intense global competition has forced woodworking shops to invest in sophisticated machinery to ensure they remain competitive.

"It has become apparent that safe working procedures haven't necessarily kept pace with technology and it is something that we, at AMS, care passionately about. In October this year, we hosted a health and safety day at our Skeffington Mill showroom in conjunction with the British Woodworking Federation.

"It proved to be a popular event and drew attention to the need for our industry to up its game when it comes to the health and safety of the people working in it.

"Our accreditation as a Safecontractor underlines our commitment to this vital aspect of manufacturing and we encourage others in the industry to join the scheme," concludes McGloin.

Safecontractor accreditation enhances a company's ability to attract new contracts and its commitment to safety will be viewed positively by its insurers when the company liability policy is up for renewal.

Under the Safecontractor scheme, businesses submit to a vetting process which examines health and safety procedures and their track record for safe practice.