Creating a Safe and Welcoming Environment for Female Engineers at HF

At HF Group, we are proud to support a diverse team of skilled professionals, including a growing number of women who have chosen to work as electricians, plumbers, gas engineers, and fire & security engineers.

Recognising that these industries have traditionally been male-dominated, we are committed to fostering an inclusive, welcoming, and—most importantly—safe environment for all our employees. Whether working on a routine project or responding to a late-night callout, our team’s safety is our highest priority, and we are continuously implementing and evolving our practices to ensure that every engineer can work confidently and securely.

Prioritising Safety on Every Level

For us, safety is more than just a policy, it’s a culture and it is one of our four core company values. Our commitment to safety extends beyond the physical requirements of on-site work and includes fostering a secure and supportive environment for our employees. From the tools and equipment we provide to the policies we enforce, every part of our operation is designed to minimise risk and ensure that our engineers, regardless of gender, have the resources and support they need to stay safe.

Safety Training and Preparedness

Every member of our team, from apprentices to senior engineers, undergoes comprehensive safety training as soon as they join HF Group. This includes mandatory instruction on safe practices for handling tools, operating machinery and working in hazardous environments. For all our engineers, we ensure additional resources/emergency contacts are available to address specific safety concerns, such as solo call-outs or night shifts. We regularly update our training modules to incorporate the latest safety protocols, ensuring our team is equipped with up-to-date knowledge and best practices.

We also recognise that preparation, awareness and mindfulness are essential in unpredictable situations. All engineers are trained to assess risk before beginning any project, especially those involving potentially dangerous materials, electricity or combustible substances. This training helps our employees to approach every job with a strong understanding of how to identify and mitigate hazards.

Policies for Late-Night and Solo Callouts

As a 24/7 contractor, we are often called to jobs during late or off-peak hours. We understand the importance of maintaining a robust safety framework that protects our employees, particularly for female engineers who may feel more vulnerable in these situations. To this end, we have established strict protocols for night and solo callouts:

• Team Tracking and Check-Ins: Before any engineer leaves for a job, they are required to log their location and expected time of return with our dispatch team. For night shifts or locations that are more isolated, we implement additional check-ins so that our team can monitor their status and act quickly if any issues arise.
• Accompaniment Policy: For engineers who would feel more comfortable with a companion during a late-night or higher-risk callout, we provide options for them to bring a second team member. This not only adds a layer of security but also ensures that any unexpected challenges can be managed collaboratively.
• Emergency Protocols and Rapid Response: In the event of an emergency, our engineers are trained to prioritise their safety above all else. If an incident occurs, they have access to a dedicated emergency contact line and our team is prepared to provide immediate assistance. We work with local authorities and have a rapid-response plan to ensure that our team members can feel confident in knowing help is always just a call away.

Creating an Inclusive Workplace for Women in Engineering

At HF, we recognise that having female engineers brings a diverse range of perspectives and skills to our team, enhancing our service and strengthening our community. However, we also acknowledge the unique challenges that female engineers may face in an industry where men have historically dominated the workforce. To address these challenges, we actively work to create an inclusive and supportive work environment that champions diversity.

Support and Mentorship Programs

We believe that providing female engineers with mentors and role models within HF is essential for their growth and development. Our mentorship programs connect new female hires with experienced engineers, offering a source of guidance, support and advice as they advance in their careers. These mentors provide invaluable insights into navigating workplace challenges, honing technical skills and building a rewarding career in engineering.

Additionally, we hold regular workshops and open forums where female engineers can voice their concerns, share experiences, and collaborate on initiatives to improve safety and workplace culture. We are committed to continually listening to our team, learning from their feedback, and implementing changes that foster a safer and more supportive environment.

Promoting Gender Equality and Addressing Bias

We are committed to ensuring that gender is never a barrier to success. From fair hiring practices to equal opportunities for promotion, we are dedicated to fostering a workplace where everyone can thrive.  Moreover, we celebrate the achievements of our female engineers, showcasing their contributions and expertise both within our company and in the wider industry. By actively recognising their successes, we hope to inspire more women to consider a career as an electrician, plumber, gas engineer or fire & security engineer and to see us as a company that values their talents.

Investing in Tools and Technology for Enhanced Safety

To further ensure our employees’ safety, we provide the latest safety equipment and technology. Every engineer has access to personal protective equipment (PPE), GPS-enabled devices and communication tools that enable constant connectivity, even in remote areas. This technology helps us monitor our team’s safety in real-time, ensuring that they are never left without support or assistance.

We also use data and analytics to continually assess safety on job sites and make informed improvements. Our health & safety team regularly reviews callout patterns, incident reports, and feedback from our engineers to identify potential risks and take proactive measures. This data-driven approach helps us create safer work environments and refine our policies and procedures.

We always encourage our engineers to report safety observations for continuous improvement to our safety standards.  Safety first, now and always.

Looking Ahead: Continuing to Foster Growth and Safety for Female Engineers

At HF, we believe that the future of engineering is one of diversity, inclusion, and innovation. As we move forward, we are dedicated to expanding our team with talented female engineers and fostering an environment where everyone feels safe, supported, and valued. We are proud of the contributions of our female employees and remain committed to ensuring their safety and well-being every step of the way.

By prioritising safety and inclusivity, we hope to attract more women to our field and inspire a new generation of female engineers. Safety and the people at HF are not just values to us—they are the foundation upon which we build our work and our team. Together, we are stronger, safer and ready for whatever challenges lie ahead.