For inquiries about our business case studies, client testimonials, or success stories, please reach out to us at support@shewoolf.co.uk.
Case Studies
Ferrybridge Flue Gas Desulphurisation Project 2008
As a Health Safety and Environment Advisor on the flue-gas desulphurisation (FGD) unit at the Ferrybridge power station, I was involved in a significant carbon capture pilot project. My role was to assist the construction teams in installing a corrosion protection system that would support the FGD unit, acting as their competent person in relation to the CDM delivery of the project. This undertaking emphasized the control of CoSHH due to the chemicals, solvents, and associated equipment necessary for the installation of the corrosion protection system.
The FGD system serves as a crucial final flue-gas polishing stage, effectively reducing SO2 and particulate concentrations to meet required levels before the flue gas is directed to a downstream post-combustion carbon capture unit. This unit is designed to remove an impressive 100 tonnes of carbon daily from the flue gases emitted by the Ferrybridge coal-fired power station.
The primary components of the ERG system include a two-stage polishing tray scrubber and a direct contact packed-tower cooler. Additionally, ERG has supplied crucial equipment such as recirculation pumps, a fan, scrubbing liquor storage tanks, and ancillary instrumentation and control equipment.
When operational, the unit treated approximately 30,000m³/hr of flue gas, achieving an impressive removal rate of 80% to 90% of the SO2 and particulates present. This initiative not only stood out as Europe’s largest post carbon capture project of its type but also served as a key example in various business case studies, showcasing the commitment of the participants to clean coal technology. The success stories from this project, along with client testimonials, underline the impact it had on advancing sustainable energy solutions.
Staythorpe CCGT 2009 to 2010
In my role as Health, Safety and Environment Training Manager, I was responsible for organising and managing the allocation of training resources for the construction of the 1,650MW CCGT (Combined Cycle Gas Turbine) power plant located in Staythorpe, Nottinghamshire. This project serves as one of the key business case studies highlighting how multi-cultural teams were trained to construct the new CCGT while ensuring they were sufficiently competent to undertake works safely in accordance with UK legislation. Training included (but was not limited to):
· Accredited CCNSG Passport to Safety, CCNSG Supervisor, IOSH Managing Safely, and associated NPORS plant training for telescopic handlers, mobile elevating work platforms, dumpers, etc.
· Bespoke delivery of Abrasive Wheels, Achieving Behavioral Change, CAT Scanning, Confined Space including escape sets, Face Fit (Qualitative), Fire Management and Risk, Manual Handling, Work at Height (Harness and Lanyard), etc.
The power plant consists of four combined cycle units, each around 400MW, equipped with individual advanced class GT26 gas turbines that offer high operational flexibility and the lowest in-class emissions.
Additionally, the plant features a compact state-of-the-art reheat steam turbine, a high-efficiency hydrogen-cooled TOPGAS generator, and one triple pressure reheat recovery steam generator.
The Staythorpe power plant ensures smooth power output while maintaining low emissions and high efficiency, adeptly catering to daily variations in electricity demand and producing four times as much electricity.
This project was part of RWE’s plan to renew its generation portfolio with more efficient and environmentally friendly plants, and the plant became operational in the fourth quarter of 2010.
Furthermore, the CCGT was expected to bring around £10m into the local economy every year, generating enough power to supply about two million homes. Client testimonials from this project highlight its success and the positive impact it had on the local community, making it a true success story.
Olkilouto Nuclear Power Station Reactor 3 2011
I served as the Health, Safety and Environment Manager for the installation of a corrosion protection system for the deionised water pools 1, 2, 3, and 4 at the Olkiluoto reactor 3 build, a nuclear power station in Finland. This project is a prime example of business case studies highlighting the importance of specialized expertise in such critical environments.
Given the specialized nature of the work, it was determined that a UK health and safety specialist would be best positioned to support the delivery of CDM standards and ensure the maintenance of control documentation in line with stringent ISO protocols. During my tenure, I was proud to receive two consecutive health, safety, and environment awards for outstanding practice and standards from Areva-Siemens. This recognition was particularly gratifying, especially in light of the Fukushima nuclear accident, which increased scrutiny and pressure on delivering a safe power plant at Olkiluoto, particularly considering the critical work my team was undertaking.
Deionised water pools in nuclear reactors serve several essential purposes:
1. Cooling: The water acts as a coolant, helping to regulate the reactor's temperature and prevent overheating.
2. Neutron Moderator: The water functions as a neutron moderator, absorbing neutrons and assisting in controlling the nuclear fission process.
3. Radiation Shield: The water provides a radiation shield, protecting the reactor and its personnel from harmful radiation.
4. Maintenance Access: The open pool design allows for easy access for maintenance and inspections, which is vital for the safe operation of the reactor.
These functions are critical for the safe and efficient operation of nuclear reactors, ensuring they can be utilized for research, training, and other non-power generation purposes while upholding safety standards. Client testimonials regarding our safety measures and protocols further affirm the effectiveness of our strategies.
Olkiluoto 3 marked the first EPR (European Pressurised Water Reactor) under construction, symbolizing a significant advancement in nuclear power technology. This reactor build is a crucial component of Finland’s energy strategy, showcasing successful implementation and management in the field of nuclear energy.
Gosforth Shaft Collapse 2015
A mine shaft that caused a ground collapse near homes and garages in Gosforth was made safe for residents. As Construction SHE Manager, I supported the team through each stage of the CDM process from concept to completion, designing a permanent solution that required over 65 cubic metres of reinforced concrete to repair an area in Craster Square which collapsed in 2015. This project serves as one of our key business case studies demonstrating effective management and innovative solutions in challenging situations.
My involvement was to support the CDM process, from initially securing the area and making it safe for the public by responding within our SLAs, to challenging the design from a safety and construction perspective. Emergency CDM response protocols were initiated with our regional construction teams, showcasing our commitment to safety and efficiency, which is often highlighted in our client testimonials.
The initial response to the ground collapse led to immediately securing and fencing the area. The void was then filled to ensure safety and prevent further movement or settlement. This allowed us time to implement our CDM process, undertaking ground investigations by drilling boreholes to better understand the mine shaft’s structure, the fill materials required, and the surrounding ground and underground conditions.
With space to breathe, we were able to obtain invaluable information to ensure a data-driven management approach to securing the shaft. This investigative information was utilized by our designers to create a permanent solution.
Typical shaft caps were constructed in either a square or rectangle shape, which meant a significant amount of concrete and reinforcement. By asking whether we could design the cap differently while still ensuring design life and security, the designers developed an octagonal design that reduced the amount of concrete and reinforcement required. This included 35 cubic metres of resin grout into the shaft to ensure the area was stabilized and residents protected.
This project had multiple positives: reduction in embedded carbon, reduction in steel fixings (manual handling), reduction in deliveries to site (less traffic, less pollution, less risk to the public), and ultimately, these reductions led to a more efficient project that reduced costs to the taxpayer. This success story illustrates how collaboration among teams can yield significant benefits, build confidence with internal and external stakeholders, and demonstrate our expertise.
Kilbowie Road Shaft Collapse 2017
Following notification of a collapse in a busy residential road, where a 6-metre-deep hole was visible at the road surface, leading to a shaft that extended down a further 56 metres to a total depth of 62 metres—equivalent to 14 double-decker buses stacked on top of one another—our project serves as one of the critical business case studies in urban infrastructure management.
The construction team took full responsibility for the site, ensuring that the complete CDM process was implemented, which included a fully designed temporary works solution to provide our teams with a safe working platform. Work commenced with 140 tonnes of stone fill, 217 tonnes of pressurised grout, and the construction of a reinforced concrete cap to stabilize the ground prior to reconstructing the road. This project has been highlighted in client testimonials for our meticulous approach and successful outcomes.
The temporary works solution provided access that spanned the potential collapse zone, enabling sheet piling to be installed for stabilization grouting works aimed at securing the immediate collapse.
During the works, exposed utility services in the void presented an increased risk. A fractured foul water sewer and stormwater drain within the ground collapse complicated the repairs, necessitating the pumping of water over 150 metres around the void.
Additionally, the temporary works platform included secure stropping of utility cables for gas and electric, as well as access for local authority and utility teams to ensure safe inspection of the services while stabilization works were underway. The project took 6 to 8 weeks to complete and was subject to rigorous health and safety inspection and monitoring throughout, showcasing our commitment to excellence in our success stories.
The Importance of SME Utilisation for Agility and Scalability 2018
It is possible to be both flexible and compliant when it comes to procurement and health, safety, and environmental regulations. Regulations are not there to stop work; they are there to ensure that work is undertaken safely. A small project, which had wider implications for flood management in a remote location of the UK, serves as one of the compelling business case studies that highlight my collaborative approach in engaging and coaching Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) through the construction process.
With the procurement team, we ‘went local’ for works at a remote location after it was found that it was not covered by any existing procurement framework. The team I led was instructed to “think outside of the box,” ensuring we never ruled out smaller contractors or restricted their chances if they were willing to engage and implement standards expected of larger companies.
Having a spread of contractors that can support your delivery requirements allows you to be agile and act at pace. Larger contractors sometimes will not bid for work they do not see enough margin in when it is put out to tender, so flexibility to scale is crucial.
Local contractors, particularly those with under ten full-time employees and/or partners, should be invited to participate in tenders. For this project, which initially attracted interest from seven different contractors—either expressing an interest or attending the site to view the requirement—the local contractor was the only one that submitted a bid. Feedback was as expected: a combination of the project's size, its location, and the timescale deterred others from bidding.
In this and other cases, when working for larger entities and corporates, I have always supported smaller organizations to make the step up where possible. By showing a willingness to implement all the necessary due diligence, SMEs become both a valuable resource for your organization and a benefit to local economies, as reflected in several client testimonials.
After due diligence was completed, the bid was deemed commercially acceptable, and a member of my team visited the contractor. The work alleviated flooding of land surrounding the pumping station near Berwick-upon-Tweed. During periods of heavy rainfall, flows from the land drain overwhelmed the pump capacity, resulting in adjacent land drains backing up and subsequent flooding upstream.
The aim of the project was to locate and disconnect the land drains from the pumping station’s wet well and divert the surface water flows to the nearby Burn. Other minor works included the installation of drainage at the site entrance and the replacement of the access track fence.
The project involved the installation of large diameter twin-walled pipes, manhole chambers, and a pre-cast headwall, effectively diverting surface water flows from the adjacent farmland into the brook and bypassing the wet-well at the pumping station. This prevented flooding of the access track to the scheme as well as land owned by two landowners.
New dry-stone walling was built to match the existing walling, utilizing skilled local tradesmen. Since the removal of the surface water, flows from the pumping station’s wet well have seen an average monthly decrease in pumping electricity costs of 37% compared to the previous year, making this project a notable success story.
Carrshield Tailings Dam, Garrigill Culvert and Nenthead Car Park 2014 to 2019
I supported early stakeholder engagement and the management of CDM across three projects aimed at addressing the water pollution caused by historical metal mining in the North Pennines. These efforts—focused on the Carrshield tailings dam, Garrigill culvert, and Nenthead car park—were part of the Water and Abandoned Metal Mines (WAMM) programme with the Environment Agency. These projects serve as valuable business case studies, showcasing effective approaches to environmental remediation.
The works included stabilizing riverbanks, reconnecting culverts, and reshaping spoil heaps to prevent tonnes of lead, zinc, and cadmium from entering the River Tyne each year. Client testimonials from these projects highlight their importance in improving local water quality.
Metal mines have significantly impacted Britain’s history, but abandoned mines now pollute our rivers and threaten aquatic wildlife, such as fish and river flies. In the Northumbria River Basin District, they affect around 340 km of watercourse, including the River Tyne, River Tees, and River Wear, along with their tributaries.
One of my favorite projects was the Carrshield tailings dam, which took nearly five years from concept to completion due to the number of stakeholders involved and the project's complexity. Collaborating with partners helped us address the impacts and legacy of metal mining. The tailings dam had every designation except RAMSAR. This project delivered an estimated £6 million in diffuse pollution benefits through stone wall repair, capping, and re-grading of a historic tailings dam, which contributed 5% of the River Tyne's metal pollution from this single point source. These success stories reflect our commitment to restoring and protecting the environment.
Crossens Pumping Station Ground Based Solar Array 2022
Following an acquisition, I was seconded to the team to provide CDM and environmental support as we finalized the design for a £2.48m ground-based solar array aimed at significantly cutting carbon emissions in collaboration with the Environment Agency. This project exemplifies one of our key business case studies showcasing innovative solutions in sustainability.
Early risk identification and intervention included the use of a bridge, which was the only access in or out to the scheme, and had no structural surveys or tests completed to confirm whether the plant and equipment required for the project could safely access the site. Working proactively around the clock with experts, we were able to mobilize a team quickly to enable a workable solution, preventing any delays from taking place.
The installation of a 1MWp ground mount, with excess energy produced being stored via a 525kWh containerized battery system, feeds directly into the asset at 11kV for use across other agency operations, including solar-powered electric vehicle charging points for agency vehicles. This solar array is a testament to our commitment to enabling the UK’s transition to a low-carbon economy and reflects the success stories of our collaborative efforts.
The array provides power to an existing pumping station protecting 8000 homes situated in a floodplain, contributing 95% less greenhouse gases than the existing system. Site BAPs have been completed with the project also increasing biodiversity on the site, featuring new planting around the solar panels, new semi-mature hedgerows, and a native woodland created. Local wildlife, such as nesting barn owls, are protected, and we ensured ecological briefings during the construction phase, safeguarding homes and farmland. Client testimonials have highlighted the positive impact of this initiative on both the environment and the community.
HSE Buxton presentation on the Effects and Implications of a Serious Accident on an Organisation 2023
It was a pleasure and a privilege to be asked to present, as one of the guest speakers, on the Effects and Implications of a Serious Accident on an Organisation at the Health and Safety Executive headquarters in Buxton.
The presentation I developed and delivered to the Health and Safety Executive and invited guests was informed by my experience with accident investigation and claims defensibility, particularly in relation to a fatality investigation I was involved with. This experience has contributed to various business case studies demonstrating how competent advice can mitigate risks.
The expert guidance I provided helped the company avoid prosecution from both criminal and civil liabilities.
There were invariably thought-provoking discussions around learning lessons and improving health, safety, and well-being in the aftermath of such a significant event. It was great to meet industry professionals and former colleagues, and I appreciated the client testimonials about the importance of applying these lessons across various sectors.
The feedback I received for my presentation and the delivery of sobering content was overwhelmingly positive. Given that many attendees were not from the construction industry, the session was even more impactful. The message was simple and transferable to any industry: risk assessment and risk management are crucial, but without regular inspection and review, complacency often creeps in, sometimes with catastrophic consequences. These success stories reinforce the need for vigilance in all areas of business.