As part of a fibre installation project running alongside the canal, the team has had to find innovative ways to progress the work while keeping the public walkways fully open. One of the solutions generating the most interest is our modular pontoon walkway, an engineered access route that allows the towpath to remain operational while construction continues alongside it. How can fibre installation progress without closing public walkways? With several kilometres of new ducting being installed to support an expanding dark fibre network, the project team has been navigating tight access constraints, sensitive ecological areas, and varying ground conditions. The modular pontoon has become a key element in overcoming these challenges. Its stable, floating structure enables pedestrians to move safely along the canal while plant and crews work on the landward side, ensuring steady project progress without compromising public access.  What engineering methods were used in this constrained environment? To maintain towpath stability throughout the works, the team implemented a staged excavation and duct‑laying methodology. This approach limits ground disturbance at any one time, helping to preserve the integrity of the route and minimise impact on canal users. Our Safety & Environment team have made a number of inspection visits to the work area and our SHEQ Manager, Ian Halloway, had this to say: 
Wherever we need to work, JSM prides itself on setting up safe working areas with minimal disruption for the communities we work in. The canal work has shown how we can apply innovative solutions to protect people and the environment, whilst allowing us to get on with work. 
In areas where tree‑root protection was required, the construction sequence was further refined. Mechanical excavation was replaced with hand‑digging, carried out under the supervision of an arboricultural specialist to safeguard structural roots. These controls ensured that essential ducting works could progress without damaging mature trees or compromising long‑term habitat quality, reflecting best practice in civil engineering delivery. 

How was environmental protection integrated into the project?

Environmental responsibility has been another key driver of the project. All works were scheduled outside nesting‑bird season to ensure compliance with ecological requirements. The combined measures, controlled excavation, root‑protection procedures, and seasonal safeguarding, form an integrated methodology that respects the complexity of the canal’s natural surroundings.  Why is this a model of adaptive, responsible engineering? This phase of delivery demonstrates the strength of combining technical innovation with environmental stewardship. From the modular pontoon system that keeps people moving, to the carefully planned excavation strategy that protects the landscape, the project showcases what can be achieved when engineering precision meets ecological care.

JSM is proud to announce that we have been honoured with the RoSPA President’s Award for our health and safety performance. This prestigious accolade marks our tenth consecutive RoSPA Gold Achievement Award – a testament to our unwavering commitment to protecting lives and fostering a culture of safety excellence across all areas of our business.

The RoSPA Health and Safety Awards are internationally recognised as the ultimate symbol of achievement in safety and excellence. They celebrate organisations, teams, and projects that go above and beyond to ensure the well-being of their people, setting the benchmark for industry-wide admiration and inspiring others to follow suit.

Receiving the President’s Award places JSM among an elite group of organisations that consistently demonstrate a proactive and rigorous approach to health and safety. It reflects our dedication to creating a workplace where safety is embedded in every decision and action.

Stephen Evans-Howe, SHEQ Director at JSM, shared his thoughts on this milestone:

Achieving the RoSPA President’s Award is a proud moment for everyone at JSM. It recognises a decade of relentless focus, teamwork, and leadership in health and safety. This award is not just a reflection of our systems and processes, it’s a celebration of our people, whose commitment to safety ensures that we protect lives and deliver excellence every single day.

We extend our gratitude to all our employees, partners, and clients who have supported our journey. Together, we continue to build a safer, stronger future.

We recently launched a new standard and supporting catalogue of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) for our employees, reinforcing our commitment to safety, comfort, and inclusivity across all sites. The updated PPE reflects our proactive approach to ensuring every employee has access to the safest and most suitable protective equipment available, guided by thorough reviews of industry standards, client requirements, and most importantly employee feedback.

This upgrade marked a shift away from the outdated one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, we’ve introduced a minimum standard that works for everyone, with higher quality flame-retardant clothing, improved arc protection, and a brand-new range of women’s and maternity PPE. These changes were designed not only to enhance safety but also to ensure that all team members feel seen and supported.

Stephen Evans-Howe, SHEQ Director at JSM says:

Our ongoing commitment to pursuing a harm-free future and building a great place to work inspired the design of our new range of PPE and RPE and puts our employees’ voices and safety at the heart of what we do. Their feedback helped us identify the route to change, improving usability and ensuring everyone has access to high quality equipment.

 
Our range is designed to be all-inclusive, with the introduction of women’s and maternity wear ensuring everyone feels represented and protected.

Says Dawn Wright, JSM Power SHEQ Manager.

By investing in the high-quality PPE, carefully selected by the SHEQ team in response to employee feedback, JSM is setting a new benchmark for safety, comfort, and care. This is more than an upgrade; it’s a reflection of who we are and what we stand for.