EFFC Honours Safety Leadership and Innovation with 2025 Health & Safety Awards
Awards presented during the EFFC Executive Meeting in Haarlem recognise outstanding contributions to safety in the foundations industry
The European Federation of Foundation Contractors (EFFC) has announced the winners of the 2025 EFFC Health & Safety Awards, recognising individuals and organisations that have made an outstanding contribution to improving safety in the specialist foundations and geotechnical sector.
The awards were presented during the EFFC Executive Meeting held in Haarlem, the Netherlands, on 26 February 2026.
The EFFC Health & Safety Awards aim to promote continuous improvement in safety performance across the foundations industry. By highlighting leading initiatives and individuals within its member federations, EFFC encourages the sharing of best practices and the adoption of innovative solutions that help make worksites safer across Europe.
EFFC President said:
“Health and safety remains a top priority for the foundations industry. Through these awards we recognise individuals and organisations who are leading by example and developing practical solutions that help make our worksites safer. Their efforts contribute to raising safety standards across our entire sector.”
Two awards were presented this year: Safety Leader and Safety Initiative.
Safety Leader Award
The Safety Leader Award recognises individuals who demonstrate exceptional commitment to improving safety culture, standards and awareness within their organisation and the wider foundations industry.
Winner – Michał Nowakowski (PZWFS / Keller Polska)
The jury selected Michał Nowakowski as the winner of the 2025 Safety Leader Award for his long-standing dedication to improving health and safety standards in the geotechnical sector.
As founder and chairman of the Health & Safety Working Group of the Polish Federation of Construction Engineers (PZWFS), he has played a key role in strengthening safety culture across the Polish foundations industry. He has contributed to the development of safety standards, supported industry training initiatives and actively promoted the use of safe working platforms for heavy geotechnical equipment.
The jury also recognised his role in promoting innovative safety solutions, including the development of machine danger-zone warning systems, as well as his commitment to mentoring younger safety professionals.
Joint second place was awarded to Jim Blackwell and Andrew Vissier, both recognised for their dedication to improving safety practices and promoting health and safety awareness within the foundations sector.
Safety Initiative Award
The Safety Initiative Award recognises innovative technical solutions, programmes or initiatives that significantly improve safety in the foundations and geotechnical industry.
Winner – NVAF (Gebr. van ‘t Hek)
Failure Protection for Sheet Pile Wall ABI Vibratory Hammer
The jury selected the NVAF initiative (Gebr. van ‘t Hek) as the winner of the 2025 Safety Initiative Award for providing a practical engineering solution to a clearly identified safety risk when handling sheet piles with vibratory hammers.
Following an incident where a sheet pile broke through a lifting chain due to the direction of loading, a new lifting solution was developed to prevent chain failure. By introducing a specially designed lifting component between the chains, the load remains vertical during a fall, significantly reducing the risk of failure.
The jury highlighted the initiative’s clear problem identification, practical technical solution and strong potential for wider implementation across the foundations industry.
Second place was awarded to VOBU, while third place went to SOFFANS, both recognised for their contributions to improving safety practices within the sector.
You can find all entries via the following link.
Promoting Safety Across the Foundations Industry
The EFFC Health & Safety Awards underline the importance of leadership, innovation and collaboration in improving safety standards across the specialist foundations sector.
EFFC congratulates the winners and nominees for their commitment to making the industry safer and for sharing their knowledge and initiatives with the wider foundations community.