With disbelief, we received the sad news that our colleague Kees Ezinga passed away unexpectedly on December 22, 2024. In recent years, Kees was responsible for A.Hak International's projects in the United Kingdom. In Kees, we lose a valued and professional colleague. Read the article about his work here.

From The Netherlands to England

Kees Ezinga worked for A.Hak in England, along with three other Dutch colleagues. Proudly, he said: “The idea was to prepare the UK for the energy transition that is bound to happen here as well. I started with a small team and focused on establishing a management system and a sustainable supply chain. When A.Hak acquired the company I was working for at the time, the question arose of whether to expand our operations in England further. Three years ago, I took on the challenge of managing A.Hak’s work in the UK. It’s ideal that I already knew the people because it’s not just about technical expertise; it’s also about relationships. It’s important that people trust you and know what you can deliver.”

Falling Behind on Sustainability

Since leaving the EU, the UK has had to organize many things independently. In terms of sustainability, they are significantly behind compared to the Netherlands. “Clients want to move forward, but due to Brexit, they’re at a 1-0 disadvantage. For example, a license is still required to transport hydrogen through pipelines, and this hasn’t been legally arranged yet. The government is working on it, but it’s not there yet.”

Safety as the Top Priority

Another core focus is safety. Kees said: “Safe working practices are a top priority in England. At A.Hak UK, safety is central to all activities. In England, safety is taken very seriously. Every meeting starts with a safety moment. The day begins with a safety briefing that everyone signs off on. We also hold weekly toolbox meetings to review risks and make agreements.”

In the early stages of any work, safety drives all agreements, meetings, and processes. Behavior plays a crucial role, and the company culture has a significant influence. “People must feel free to speak up if they see an unsafe situation,” Kees emphasized.

Everyone receives an induction, clearly stating that they have both the right and responsibility to stop work if it’s not safe. Employees are often afraid they might lose their job if they speak up, but the opposite is true. Reporting an unsafe situation ensures that problems are identified and addressed in time.

Key Safety Focus Areas

The working methods at A.Hak UK differ from the Dutch approach to safety. There is much to learn from one another.

1. Temporary Work Design
   Even for temporary work, such as installing fences or supports, strict requirements are imposed in England. For example, fences must always be securely anchored into the ground to prevent them from blowing over. While it may seem excessive, it prevents accidents.
2. Risk Awareness
   Everyone undergoes a safety induction training. This program explains that all employees are legally obligated to stop work if it’s unsafe. Through training, workers learn to assess situations accurately and act accordingly. It starts with observation: noticing what could go wrong and speaking up immediately if something seems unsafe.
3. Safety Training Competencies
   Anyone working on a project must demonstrate their competence beforehand. This is documented in a file outlining their experience, training, and responsibilities. This ensures that everyone knows what they’re doing. In England, submitting this documentation to the client in advance is mandatory.

Knowledge Transfer

At the project in Cumbria, the UK team successfully applied a new method for constructing access roads: Soil Stabilization. This technique involves mixing the existing ground with a stabilizing material, which hardens it. With a thin layer of gravel or stones, a sturdy road can then be created. While slightly more expensive, the method offers key advantages. The work is less dependent on weather conditions, and fewer trucks are needed. Kees remarked: “This method has proven to be a sustainable and valuable addition to our approach.”

Although Kees planned to retire in a year, he remained involved in two major projects in Wales and Cumbria. Additionally, he worked on knowledge transfer within the team. “Laura, a colleague here, is gradually taking over more of my responsibilities, such as preparing quotes. The idea is for her to take over much of my role in the future.”

Living and Working in England

For Kees, England felt like a second home. “I’ve fully adapted here, but I also regularly commute to the Netherlands. Daily life in England suits me well. Of course, there are challenges, but that’s what makes it interesting. As we often joke: ‘It’s not always coffee and cake,’ a Dutch expression we frequently use. With a motivated team and a supply of Dutch coffee, I’ve had a great time here.”