Rumm Energy Management

Rumm Energy Management (now part of RWE npower) is a specialist energy management company that uses the latest innovations in cloud-based data analytics to help businesses monitor and control their energy in real time. Since launching in 2005, they have helped customers save over £43 million. 

Company Objective for Health and Safety

Rumm has a specialist team involved in activities including installation and maintenance, data analysis and energy audit and assessments. In 2017, serious incidents at two separate jeopardised the safety of employees and Rumm’s reputation, causing them to suspend installation operations until their safety procedures could be improved. They identified 4 goals in which to improve their health and safety management:

• A review of risk assessment method statements (RAMS) with the aim of moving away from generic RAMS. 
• A review of safe operating procedures for installations and maintenance.
• A review and update of current Isolation and Electrical working procedures.
• RAMS training for Rumm Installation Engineers.

Solution 

Astutis designed a two-stage approach to assist Rumm with their health and safety objectives and develop their risk management procedures. Astutis consultant Andrew Froude visited Rumm offices in South Wales to conduct an assessment of Rumm’s existing procedures and their implementation in the workplace. The assessment included a visit of the premises and interviews with key members of staff. 

The visit revealed that Rumm’s health and safety management was driven by a computer software system which generated Risk Assessments and Method Statements for electrical work. Although the current system had its advantages in terms of consistency and time, it also imposed missing or inappropriate controls for certain tasks that were non-generic. In addition, it left installation engineers unclear about the variety of hazards they need consider, as well as the procedures to follow. A detailed report of the findings including a prioritised action plan was provided to Rumm to review. 

Following this, Astutis’ specialist consultants worked closely with management at Rumm to review and develop their policies and procedure to address the shortcomings addressed in the visit. The key area of focus was a substantial review of live work arrangements to bring Rumm up to best standards, and restore customer confidence.

To support the changes, a Risk Assessment in Practice training course was delivered to installation engineers. The course was designed to provide staff an understanding of risk assessment theory, developing the skills to carry out risk assessments in the workplace. It was also tailored to include Rumm’s newly designed RAMS and health and safety policies to help support their new process. IOSH Managing Safely was also delivered. 

Results

The suspension of installation operations meant Rumm faced a substantial business loss as well as damage to their reputation. Our Account Management team worked closely with Rumm to schedule a prompt site visit and risk assessment training. Our large team of full-time health, safety and environmental consultants meant our resources team was able to source the most suitable consultant with electrical industry experience to review and amend Rumm’s procedures. As a result, down time was minimised and businesses costs reduced. The ongoing safety of staff and customer assets were secured and the reputation damage was repaired.