Giedre Visockaite is EHS and Sustainability Director at Kirby Group Engineering, a firm she joined 13 years ago. The Limerick-headquartered company is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year. It has experienced significant growth, currently employing over 1,800 people across Ireland, the UK, mainland Europe, and South Africa and is on track to achieve revenues exceeding €700 million in 2024.

“At Kirby, our growth trajectory is a testament to the relentless pursuit of excellence and commitment to safe and sustainable business practices. Throughout this growth, our core values – People, Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Value – continue to guide every aspect of our business,” Giedre said.

“At the heart of our EHS strategy is the Zero Harm programme, which was designed to cultivate a culture where safety is not just a priority, but an ingrained value across all our operations.

“Implementing the Zero Harm programme is not just an operational decision; it reflects our commitment to our people, their safety, health and wellbeing,” Giedre added. “Our approach is both proactive and inclusive, fostering a workplace where every team member feels empowered to contribute to safety practices.”

Kirby’s Zero Harm programme goes well beyond compliance: “We strive to be a world-class example of proactive and positive safety leadership. Our ultimate goal is to ensure that every member of our team goes home safely every day.” This dedication not only ensures the wellbeing of Kirby’s employees, but also contributes to attracting and retaining top talent who share Kirby’s vision of a safe and supportive work environment.

The company is also focusing on its sustainability efforts. “We are committed to protect the environment through responsible business practices. We continuously empower each employee to minimise their environmental impact while performing their duties,” Giedre said.

“Our focus includes reducing waste, promoting recycling and material reuse, and prioritising energy conservation. We are actively developing our sustainability roadmap to further integrate these practices into our everyday operations.”

Kirby has always been striving to promote diversity and inclusion and currently employs over 40 nationalities, which reflects the company’s dedication to creating an inclusive environment. These efforts have been recognised through Platinum accreditation from the international body Investors in People (IIP) and the Investors in Diversity Silver award in 2023.

Looking into the future, Kirby remains grounded in its core values while embracing the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Giedre’s vision for the future encapsulates this ethos: “We are dedicated to driving continuous improvement in our safety and sustainability practices. We want our employees to thrive within a workplace where they feel valued and supported. Above all, my focus is to ensure that our people go home safely every day.”

Kirby’s approach to EHS and Sustainability is a reflection of its commitment to excellence and respect for both its people and the environment. “Our journey is ongoing, and with a clear focus and vision, we aim to lead by example and continue making a positive impact,” Giedre concluded.

Read the full article in pdf format here.