Justin Manley was a highly skilled pipe technician and team leader in the utilities industry until a life-changing incident on 28th October 2015. While repairing a burst water main, a miscommunication led to the mains being switched back on too soon, propelling a torque wrench into his face at high speed. Knocked unconscious and submerged in rapidly rising water, Justin was saved by his colleague and a passing St John Ambulance volunteer.

He underwent multiple operations and lost vision in his right eye. More devastatingly, he was told his head injury would likely lead to a fatal infection within four years. Choosing to take a 50% risk operation, Justin defied the odds.

During recovery, he returned to his former depot to share his story, emphasising the importance of safety and being prepared for the unexpected. The impact of his talk inspired him to become a safety speaker. In 2019, he launched his own public speaking business, aiming to prevent similar incidents and raise awareness around mental wellbeing.

Justin has since won two awards for his powerful presentations—the Construction Excellence Award and the Chairman’s Award at the Future Water Awards—and continues to push himself to make a lasting difference.