Meet the LMD team: Ian Buchanan – Health and Safety Manager

Ian Buchanan joined LMD Vacuum Excavation in 2020 as Health and Safety Manager.

Ian has a wealth of experience in both operations management and health and safety within the construction and utilities sectors. Prior to joining LMD, Ian spent twelve years at Morrison Utility Service (MUS) looking after health and safety on MUS’ National Grid Gas Contract in the East Midlands. Ian is NEBOSH qualified.

The MUS Contract involved the widespread use of vacuum excavation, but it wasn’t Ian’s first exposure to the technology. Ian was Operations Manager at Conroys in 2007 when it took delivery of two of the first vacuum excavators introduced into the UK:

‘I share the same health and safety philosophy as Mick (Mick Dysart, LMD Managing Director). Safety is the number one priority. It sets the foundations on which the business can grow and flourish.

The use of vacuum excavation is growing strongly, both in the UK and overseas. It is attracting a young workforce into the industry. This is a real strength – the UK has long had a problem with an ageing construction workforce – and an opportunity to reinforce a culture of safety.

I deliver a focussed health and safety training programme to all new starters at LMD. The aim is to ensure that everyone is CPCS-accredited as a minimum and then add further training and qualifications as required.’

For Mick Dysart, LMD Managing Director, Ian’s appointment is yet another signal to clients and the wider construction industry of LMD’s commitment to health and safety:

‘Whilst safety is paramount across all our activities, LMD is actively looking to grow its business in sectors which place a premium on safe working such as the nuclear industry and rail. Ian’s huge breadth of knowledge on health and safety matters will be a great benefit to LMD in these areas.

Our clients, employees and I appreciate Ian’s professionalism. This is complemented by his calm and reassuring approach; nothing ever seems to phase him.’

Prior to working in construction, Ian spent 22 years in the RAF as a telecomms controller. Highlights included time in the Falklands and three months inside the Arctic Circle on NATO exercises in Norway.