At First Principles Constructors (FPC), safety is more than a checklist – it’s a mindset. And sometimes, the most powerful innovations come from the ground up, sparked by creativity, collaboration and a shared commitment to doing things better.
That’s exactly what happened at our Tokoroa site, where a simple idea has grown into a company-wide initiative that’s changing how we think about safety spaces. Our Project Director Jason Armstrong and subcontractor crew Paremata had seen some table top gameboards on another project and saw an opportunity to engage our site teams, whilst also reinforcing our key safety messages.
From t-shirt to tabletops
From there, the team’s creative thinking was sparked by a photo; our logo captured from a colleague’s t-shirt. Health and Safety Advisor Mark Kenny-Beveridge used it to mock up a concept for custom FPC tabletops combining our brand and a gameboard, with the tables utilised in our shared communal space.
Project Manager Warren Puha added a creative twist: why not expand the concept and include a wider range of games, giving people something to do while they soak up our safety messages?
Then came the magic. We brought the concept to life with help from design agency Scratch, turning a rough idea into a practical, engaging solution. The gameboards include old school favourites Snakes & Ladders, a chess board, and even an outline of how to fold a paper kite!
More than just a surface
These tabletops are more than just functional – they’re fun, interactive, and community-driven. They offer a space for workers to take a break, connect over a game of chess, and engage with safety messaging in a way that feels natural and meaningful.
As GM Construction, Andy Rowden notes, to deliver a successful project everyone on site needs to work together.
“When our teams are truly connected to one another we see better safety, quality and programme outcomes. This seemingly small initiative allows the teams to connect in a fun and different way that builds bonds that continue out to the workface, where collaboration is better than we have ever seen.
The overall outcome? A direct improvement in health & safety reporting and collaboration in the workspace.”
The gameboards are a great example of how innovation at FPC is driven by people. From concept to execution, this was a collaborative effort that brought together ideas, skills, and passion from across the team.
And in true FPC spirit, the blueprints are available to share – with a small donation to the Tokoroa site BBQ fund. It’s a simple gesture that reflects the generosity and camaraderie that define our culture.
Setting a new standard
Health & Safety Manager Lee Caplin summed it up perfectly: “Let’s make these the standard across all our projects where we manage the ring fence.” It’s a testament to how a grassroots idea can become a best practice – one that’s already reshaping how we think about safety, wellbeing, and site culture.
Expanding the vision: Health, safety and innovation across FPC
FPC’s commitment to safety and innovation doesn’t stop at Tokoroa. Across the organisation, we’re embedding these values into every layer of our operations:
- Site safe membership: FPC’s alignment with Site Safe New Zealand provides access to best practice guides, training, and industry events. This partnership strengthens our internal safety culture and ensures we stay ahead of regulatory and operational standards.
- Marketing with purpose: Our health and safety messaging is repurposed across newsletters, social media, and case studies. These communications not only inform but also inspire, reinforcing our safety-first culture in every channel – from tool box talks, to LinkedIn posts, to capability statement development.
- Leadership in innovation: Our leadership team is actively engaged in promoting thought leadership and operational excellence. From project planning to cost management, their focus on innovation is reflected in every build and every safety initiative.
We’re proud to see our teams leading the way and our people turning ideas into impact, one project at a time – proving safety can be smart, social, and strategic.
