CIAG endorses Code of Conduct for Safe Construction of Digital Infrastructure

The construction and expansion of data and telecom networks is in full swing. Due to high time pressure and sometimes a shortage of technical professionals, safety at our project sites is under pressure.

Safety under pressure at telecom yards

"By the fast progress that we and other contractors make every day for our clients, comes our number one priority while working -security- sometimes under pressure to stand.", explains Fred Leverman, COO. "Our telecom sector really experienced a peak last year in terms of fibre orders. As a result, our staff at CIAG experience more pressure, so there is also more risk of losing sight of a security measure.", continues Fabian de Bruin, Director Delivery FttH.

That is why NLconnect, the trade association of the fibre and broadband industry in the Netherlands, and Technology Netherlands with the initiative to create a common code of conduct to be drawn up for all builders of data and telecom networks. This is modelled on and in consultation with infrastructure builders from the water and energy sectors. Mathieu Andriessen, director of NLConnect, summarises: "With fast fibre, 5G and cable networks, our country is an international forerunner in terms of connectivity. But the rollout also comes with challenges. Only together can we ensure the safety of employees during the construction of telecom networks."

That is why CIAG, part of APK Group, to Fort Altena in Gorinchem on 23 November 2023 to attend the Code of Conduct for the Safe Construction of Digital Infrastructure (GVAD) signing. There, Fred Leverman, Fabian de Bruin, Richard Hogendoorn, technical director, and Nik van Giessen, KAM manager, reaffirmed CIAG's commitment to prevent accidents together. Earlier, nine other infrastructure and telecom companies already put their signatures to the GVAD code. With their signatures, they all promise to intensify cooperation to the risks of the profession as much as possible. limit.

Getting home safely remains a priority

The ultimate goal of the code of conduct is to avoid (risks of) accidents when building our digital infrastructure. "But it is not just about preventing accidents among our employees, but more about the improving the entire safety culture, quality and cooperation across the sector.", says Nik van Giessen. "Thanks to the GVAD code, we have a common basis in the sector with the same core values and principles to take the sense of responsibility regarding safety in every employee and grow further.”

Uniform is one of the principles in the code of conduct. This standardisation ensures more uniformity, which improves compliance with safety measures. The basic values established in the GVAD Code to further improve safety culture and behaviour are:

"Every accident is one too many. Every employee must get home safely at the end of the working day, that goes without saying.", concludes Nik.