Our History

A long-standing commitment to safety and support.

It began with the formation of two local groups: the Safety Association of Federated Employers and the North East Construction Safety Group, created in response to growing health and safety regulations affecting the construction industry.

Recognising the benefit of a shared approach, the two organisations merged in 1992 to form the Safety Association of Federated Employers (SAFE). The new, unified organisation continued the important work of its predecessors while maintaining its status as a not-for-profit.

From the beginning, SAFE has been run by its members, for its members, led by a voluntary Board of Directors made up of individuals from member companies. This independence allows SAFE to provide high-quality health and safety advice without commercial pressure, always acting in the best interests of its members.

Over the years, SAFE has grown its team and reputation, employing experienced Chartered Safety Practitioners and Technician Advisors to deliver tailored support across the region. Today, it remains a trusted partner for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) who value straightforward, cost-effective advice — without the need for a full-time in-house safety professional.