Meet the Safety First Team

We offer comprehensive services in Occupational Hygiene, Legionella Control, DSEAR and Health and Safety, including monitoring, consultancy, training, hire, and product solutions. Our clients range from ambitious SMEs to established blue-chip corporations, trusting us as their turnkey service provider in these fields.

With 15 years of experience in business development, sales, and strategic planning, I have had the pleasure of guiding various companies toward safer and more efficient operations.

My approach is driven by the unwavering belief that safety should always come first. This principle is not just a mantra; it’s a commitment to ensuring businesses prioritise the welfare and well-being of their workers above all else.

Certified Occupational Hygienist and Legionella Control expert with many years of experience in these fields.
Licentiate for the faculty of Occupational Hygiene, British Occupational Hygiene Society (CertOH, LFOH).
Member of the Water Management Society (A.WMSoc).

I’ve supported thousands of business’s from SMEs through to large blue chip corporations. Provided services nationally and internationally, across a vast range of industries in the private and public sector.

Today I’m the co-founder, major shareholder and Managing Director of Safety First Group. Offering comprehensive assessments, monitoring, consultancy, training, equipment hire and product services in Occupational Hygiene, Legionella Control, Environmental, Health and Safety. We are a respected and trusted provider of turnkey services in these fields. Everything we do is driven by our belief that Safety always comes First!

Andy Whitehead is an experienced occupational hygienist and LEV (Local Exhaust Ventilation) specialist with 18 years of experience in workplace health and safety. As the Operations Director of Safety First Group, he plays a vital leadership role in designing, implementing, and overseeing occupational hygiene and LEV programs aimed at protecting employee health and ensuring regulatory compliance. Over nearly two decades, Andy has developed deep expertise in assessing workplace exposures, evaluating LEV systems, and advising on practical controls to reduce airborne hazards. His hands‑on approach helps organisations across various industries build safer work environments.

Andy is also an Associate Member of the British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS), reinforcing his commitment to professional standards, continuous learning, and staying current with best practices in hygiene and ventilation.

Luke Butler is a seasoned sales and technical professional with deep experience in occupational health, hygiene, and safety management. In his role as Sales Director at Safety First Group Limited, Luke leads client engagement, strategic partnerships, and the development of safety-focused service offerings, drawing from both his industry knowledge and consultative sales expertise.

In addition to his sales leadership role, Luke is an Associate Member of the British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS), reflecting his technical involvement and background in occupational health and safety. This association underscores his capacity to navigate both commercial and technical aspects of workplace hygiene and safety.

Paul Johnson is the Environment, Health & Safety Manager at Safety First Group Limited, bringing over 25 years of expert leadership in workplace safety, environmental compliance, and health management across diverse industries. A Chartered Member of the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (CMIOSH), Paul is a recognized authority on DSEAR (Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations) and has extensive experience in implementing robust safety systems tailored to high-risk environments.

Known for his hands-on approach and strategic insight, Paul has successfully designed and led numerous risk control initiatives, safety audits, and emergency response frameworks that have significantly reduced incidents and improved safety culture within organizations. He also plays a key role in regulatory compliance, ensuring that Safety First Group stays ahead of evolving legislation and best practices.

Tim Lees serves as the Water Hygiene Manager at Safety First Group Limited, where he leads the company’s growing Legionella and water hygiene services team. Bringing over ten years of dedicated experience in water hygiene and Legionella prevention, Tim is responsible for overseeing risk assessments, compliance monitoring, remedial programmes, and bespoke solutions tailored to client needs. His leadership and expertise support the company’s ambition to be at the forefront of industry best practice.

Tim is also proud to be an Associate Member of the Water Management Society (WMSoc), a respected UK professional body dedicated to enhancing water safety and hygiene through technical training, scientific knowledge-sharing, and practical guidance.

Leanne Dooley is the HR Advisor and Office Manager at Safety First Group, joining the company in early 2018, the same year that the group expanded its team to include key roles.

In her role, Leanne brings structure, clarity and professional warmth to daily operations. She oversees all human resources functions and the administration team—managing everything from recruitment, employee onboarding and HR processes to office logistics, supplier coordination and team welfare. Her contributions ensure that Safety First Group runs smoothly both for its clients and its internal team.

Leanne is an associate member of the CIPD, holding a Level 5 Associate Diploma in People Management. She regularly undergoes continual professional development activities to meet regulatory requirements and demonstrating commitment, personal and profession growth and competence.

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