Much focus on shared security awareness

Specialist deploys professionals

Many professionals are involved in the construction of the IJmuiden salt dam, both in front of and behind the scenes. Some of the executive personnel are flexibly deployed through Employ BV from Hoogeveen, the specialist in the supply of professionals in concrete construction. Oleg Grooten, co-owner of Employ: "For the Selective Withdrawal project, we selected skilled workers based on their knowledge of and experience in working at height, among other things."

At the start of the Selective Withdrawal project, Employ used professionals who have been working for Van Hattum en Blankevoort for some time. Oleg: "We deliberately did this to get off to a good start. After all, the people are already familiar with the way of working, communication and mutual cooperation." Employ previously deployed people in the construction of Sea Lock IJmuiden. "The cooperation has been going very well for many years. As a result, we are already involved by the construction team at an early stage of the construction of the salt dam. A major advantage of this is that the hiring needs of the project were known well in advance, in addition to the deployment of Van Hattum and Blankevoort's own personnel."

Great security awareness

The biggest challenge during construction is safety. Especially in and around the narrow and high piers, this is of great importance. Van Hattum en Blankevoort and Employ pay a lot of attention to joint safety awareness on the pre-construction site during the construction of the Selective Withdrawal. Oleg: "This starts already with the extensive introduction before the start of work and then recurring toolboxes are given by construction site coordinator Marius Dinca in the native language of the tradesmen. The safety awareness of the crew is very high and also necessary on the two 27.5-meter-high piers, because the weather conditions have not been easy in recent months with strong and mostly cold wind, rain, storm and heat. This also requires the necessary coordination between all parties: project management, (main) execution, Volker Steel and Foundations (VSF), iron braiders, scaffold builders, riggers and crane operator." Simultaneously with the construction of the piers, craftsmen from Employ began the assembly and concrete pouring of tubular piles. These, together with the sheet pile walls, ensure that both banks of the Binnenspuikanaal remain in place. After several months, construction also began on the large concrete screens that will eventually be placed between the piers in the salt dam. "In varying compositions, regular safety rounds are held with client Rijkswaterstaat, the execution, project management and safety officer, during which all our tradesmen are actively asked for input about safety on the construction site and possible improvements. This is actively followed up. Ideas are rewarded with incentive; it should be the most normal thing at every construction site nationwide!"

Good for the working atmosphere

Oleg is very pleased with the cooperation, "All parties on the project work very well together which certainly benefits the quality and speed of construction. Regular meals are organized for and by all involved. This is very much appreciated by everyone and is good for the mutual atmosphere!"