The Wates Group has appointed John Dunne as director of health & safety in a move to underpin its 2020 vision of a zero harm culture.

Reporting to group production director, John Howell, Dunne will be responsible for the Wates Group’s SHE team, with a specific remit to drive and embed behavioural change resulting in an industry-leading SHE performance.

Dunne joins Wates from Balfour Beatty where he forged a highly successful career over 14 years, serving as group head of health, safety and environment since 2005.

Prior to this he was director of special projects for health and safety consultancy Hurst Setter and Associates where he provided SHE consultancy services to such organisations as Van Oord Offshore, Toyota GB plc, Coca Cola, Siemens, Nordex Wind Turbines, and Stena Shipping.

John Dunne is a chartered member of the Institute of Occupational Safety and Health and holds a postgraduate diploma in Health, Safety and Environmental Management.

Andrew Davies, chief executive, Wates Group, said: “Working safely is our main priority at the Wates Group and we are extremely proud of our health and safety record. However, we cannot be complacent and our 2020 vision is our commitment to continually improve our performance and change our behaviour. John’s appointment will add substantial weight to these efforts as we strive to achieve a zero harm culture.”