Associated British Ports has entered a new research partnership with the University of Hull to examine the factors shaping safety performance across its UK port network. The work will explore how safety culture is experienced by employees and how it can be strengthened in complex operational environments.
The collaboration brings together ABP and psychologists from the Centre for Human Factors, which is based within Lampada Digital Solutions, a subsidiary of the University of Hull. The project will involve the rollout of a diagnostic safety climate survey across all 21 ABP ports, as well as other group locations, to build a clearer picture of safety practices and perceptions.
The survey uses a safety climate tool designed to help organisations assess and improve their safety culture. It focuses on employee views of workplace safety, including organisational commitment and how usable procedures are in day to day operations. The approach follows best practice guidance from the Health and Safety Executive.
ABP port safety research is intended to support ongoing efforts to reduce risk and improve outcomes for employees working across the group’s extensive port estate. The findings will be used to identify strengths, areas for development and opportunities for targeted interventions.
Sally Ford, Group Head of Health Safety and Environment for ABP, said “Safety is a core value for ABP. We are committed to doing all we can to make sure each of our colleagues goes home safe every day. We’ve made good progress over recent years but we know our focus must be relentless. That’s why we’ve partnered with the Centre for Human Factors – to bring a new perspective firmly grounded in rigour and evidence.
“We’re also particularly pleased to be working with a University in one of our port locations, Hull. Working with a local university in Hull is about more than research, it’s about investing in our community, developing lasting partnerships and supporting the local innovation ecosystem.”
The Centre for Human Factors specialises in applying evidence based research to real world workplace challenges. Its work considers how people interact with systems, environments and organisational processes, with the aim of improving health, safety and wellbeing.
Professor Fiona Earle, Chartered Occupational Psychologist and Director of the Centre for Human Factors, said “Our focus at the Centre is on creating healthier and safer working environments. Over the past two decades, we have developed extensive expertise in translating research into practical, industry-relevant solutions. We understand that effective safety goes far beyond policies and formal processes—it requires a deep understanding of the unique context within each organisation.
“We’re delighted to be working with ABP, a major employer in a key industrial sector across the Humber region. Our collaboration is already well underway as we analyse survey results from 21 UK ports and explore emerging issues facing the business. Drawing on our in-depth expertise in human factors, we will work with ABP to develop interventions that drive positive shifts in safety culture.”
Further analysis will be carried out by Professor Earle and Dr Léa Fréour through a series of detailed reviews of key survey outcomes. These deep dives will examine attitudes and behaviours in more detail and are intended to generate practical insights that ABP can use to improve safety performance.
The partnership also reflects ABP’s long standing presence in the Humber region. In addition to Hull, the group operates ports at Immingham, Grimsby and Goole. Together, these sites handle more than 50 million tonnes of freight each year and form the UK’s largest gateway for global trade by volume, while also supporting critical energy and manufacturing activities.As
