Ploegam opts for safety that goes beyond the work itself

About Ploegam
With over 625 professionals and nearly 40 years of experience, the family-run company Ploegam is working towards a safer and more beautiful Netherlands. From dykes, bridges and rivers to nature reserves and infrastructure: the projects of Ploegam are visible throughout the country. Sustainability, innovation and responsibility for future generations are central to these efforts.

When it comes to safety, Ploegam takes that responsibility seriously. Many projects are located in rural areas, where professional help and an AED are not always immediately available. Therefore, the organization decided to invest in AEDs itself and in the knowledge to use them properly.

Safety as part of Ploegam
VGM program manager Annemarie Carlucci of Ploegam knows more than anyone how important safety is on and around projects. Over sixteen years ago, she started in a supporting project role. There she learned the trade and got to know the craftsmanship on the construction site up close. With the growth of Ploegam, her role also grew: she became responsible for managing and further developing certifications and management systems.

Today, it focuses on safety, health, and the environment within the entire Ploegam Group. One key principle is at the heart of this: the OH&S policy must continue to align with the core values and distinctive ‘PloegamPower’ of the organization. Outside of Ploegam as well, it contributes to a safer sector, including through industry working groups that work on up-to-date safety information and greater learning capacity. The shared goal is clear: to prevent serious accidents as much as possible.

Quick action when every second counts
In remote project locations, an AED is not a given. That is why Ploegam felt it was important to provide the right resources themselves. The organization chose the Mindray BeneHeart C1A semi-automatic AED: a reliable, user-friendly AED that guides emergency responders step by step during resuscitation.

Clear verbal instructions and support during resuscitation give staff the confidence to act quickly and effectively in an emergency. Especially in locations where ambulance services may not be immediately available, this can be invaluable.

Ploegam invests not only in equipment, but also in training. The AED training is provided by an experienced ambulance driver and certified AED trainer. This allows employees and entire project teams to be trained in a simple way. Not only is an AED present, but colleagues also know what to do when it comes down to it.

Personal advice and certainty in the long term
Through the AED trainer, Ploegam came into contact with AED Partner. Her positive experiences from ambulance care formed an important recommendation. The collaboration was subsequently perceived as personal and professional: from advice on choosing the AED to quick support through a dedicated contact point.

To ensure that the AEDs remain always operational, Ploegam also chose a service agreement. This guarantees structural maintenance, inspections and the timely replacement of parts. A reassuring thought, because in the event of a cardiac arrest, an AED must function reliably immediately.

An investment that gives confidence
The investment in AEDs and training is widely appreciated at Ploegam. Employees see that safety is not just a policy item, but is actually translated into concrete resources and practical knowledge.

Of course, everyone hopes that an AED will never be needed. But when every second counts, an available AED and well-trained colleagues can make the difference between life and death. For Ploegam, that is exactly why this investment is of incalculable value.

“We believe that good employer practices go beyond just the work itself. If an AED can save a life at the right time, then that investment is always the right choice.”

Annemarie Carlucci
VGM Program Manager