Realistic Drill, Real Results: SSEN Transmission and Morgan Sindall Infrastructure Set Safety Standard with Sandwater Emergency Simulation

SSEN Transmission and their contractor Morgan Sindall Infrastructure successfully conducted a high-stakes emergency rescue drill on one of their construction sites near Sandwater, simulating a potentially life-threatening incident on-site.

The exercise, designed to test response capabilities in a potential real-life scenario, involved a casualty stranded on a scaffolding tower supporting a wood pole used in the ongoing Gremista connection project - a situation that could mirror a real site accident.

To help make the drill feel as realistic as possible, crews from Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and Scottish Ambulance Service were brought in to play their role in simulating potential challenges in remote, high-risk environments – giving the site teams a chance to work with them in a staged emergency setting.

Teams from Morgan Sindall Infrastructure were required to assess the situation, administer emergency first aid, plan the means of rescue, and above all prioritise the safety of all involved – all while keeping emergency services updated and ensuring clear communication with all parties throughout.  The role of a casualty was played by SSEN Transmission’s Health and Safety Advisor Roderick Morrison, and the emergency safety simulation helped to put the team’s robust emergency site response plan to the test.

Sean Mackenzie, Construction Manager at SSEN Transmission, is also a retained firefighter for Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. When not helping to deliver the new Kergord to Gremista connection project, which will play a major role in connecting Shetland to the GB energy system for the first time, he is often on stand-by to respond to whatever emergency situation requires his help across Shetland.  After speaking with colleagues at site and with the Fire Service, Sean came up with the idea of staging a multi-agency simulation to allow teams from all parties to experience a realistic emergency scenario.

Sean emphasised the importance of safety and preparation:
“Safety is a top priority for SSEN Transmission, and to ensure we are ready for any incident, we work with our site teams to regularly conduct simulations to help everyone on site respond effectively to emergencies. Saturday’s training exercise provided a stark reminder of the potential risks on-site and highlighted the critical need for rapid response and multi-agency cooperation.

“It’s also important to highlight how SSEN Transmission provides the support for individuals such as myself to continue their roles in emergency services alongside their usual “day jobs” – allowing me to continue to provide essential support to the community in which I live and work while also delivering essential energy projects to help reach net zero.” 

Mackenzie continued, “We would like to extend our gratitude to Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and Scottish Ambulance Services for their invaluable support and expertise during this drill. Their guidance and feedback were essential in helping us fine-tune our emergency site response capabilities, and I think everyone really took something away which will help us all be more prepared for any incident.”

Paul Smith, Construction Director at Morgan Sindall Infrastructure, said:
"As a responsible business, Morgan Sindall Infrastructure is committed to protecting people. Our team at Gremista work in a challenging environment and often difficult conditions. Keeping people safe is a value that our colleagues at SSEN Transmission, our suppliers and our subcontractors are all equally committed to.

"The recent rescue drill involved colleagues from all parties, and also the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and Scottish Ambulance Service. It was a huge success for collaboration and provided us with lots of potentially lifesaving skills and learnings, which we’ll take away and use across all our sites. Thank you to everyone who took part."

The successful completion of the drill reinforced the readiness and efficiency of SSEN Transmission and Morgan Sindall Infrastructures’ emergency responses, underlining the critical role of collaboration with local emergency services. The exercise highlights both team’s commitment to ensuring the safety of all people working on its sites and maintaining the highest standards of emergency preparedness.

A special thanks is extended to Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and Scottish Ambulance Services for their continued support and willingness to get involved in Saturday’s exercise. 

The drill involved teams working on the ongoing Kergord-Gremista connection project. Once complete, the Kergord-Gremista link will provide a connection to Shetland’s local electricity distribution network, connecting the islands to the GB energy system for the first time and helping to secure Shetland’s future electricity supply.

Read more about the project here:  https://www.ssen-transmission.co.uk/projects/project-map/gremista-gsp-grid-supply-point-and-132kv-connection/