WINNER - Category 1 Best workplace health and safety system
Private sector – Transfield Services
Transfield Services delivers essential services to key industries in the resources and industrial sectors as well as infrastructure, property and facilities management services. Transfield is a provider of operations, maintenance, asset and project management services, with an employment network of more than 29,000 globally.
Initiative
As part of an alliance partnership, Transfield Services and Blue Scope Steel manage the maintenance of the Port Kembla steelworks. The alliance employs 35 subcontractors and can have up to 400 subcontractors on site at any given time. Transfield Services noticed that their subcontractor’s safety management systems varied in maturity and lacked consistency – with many subcontractors unaware of their OHS obligations.
To ensure that all subcontractors apply the same set of safety standards, Transfield Services developed an audit process to determine and encourage a consistent approach to safety. The audit tool is provided to the subcontractors by Transfield and measures and identifies OHS faults as well as giving preventative advice and timeframes to address deficiencies. The audit tool comprises of ten elements, including leadership, selection and competency, field execution, incident behaviour analysis and risk management.
The results of these audits allow Transfield and the subcontractors to identify areas for improvement and advance their safety performance. The improvements include advanced training, safety lectures and information about risk management (identification, assessment and control measures) for all tasks on sites. The training and information is reinforced by safety mentors who actively help subcontractors enhance their OHS management and performance.
WINNER - Category 1 Best workplace health and safety management system
Public sector – Roads and Traffic Authority NSW
The Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA) is the NSW State Government agency responsible for the improvement of road safety, motor registration and licensing, as well as the management of 17,932 kilometres of road networks. The RTA serves the large and diverse population of NSW and employs 6929 staff in more than 180 offices, including 129 motor registries.
Initiative
The RTA’s health and safety management system has been developed over eight years incorporating the compliance requirements of the NSW public sector and the unique demands of its large business operations. These unique demands require a multi-faceted approach to managing safety; all involving staff members to plan and participate in order to deliver strong safety outcomes for the Authority.
The RTA’s commitment to OHS is set out in their strategic policies and plans, such as the ‘OHS Management Standard’. The document identifies the organisational structures, planning activities, responsibilities, processes and resources necessary for continuous OHS improvement. The OHS Management Standard is an umbrella document that is applied across the whole organisation.
Comprising of 12 elements, the system provides guidance and self assessment processes to drive OHS improvements. Each of the elements have defined responsibilities, implementation strategies and timing constraints to ensure effective OHS management.
The Management Standard sets out how OHS requirements are integrated into the day to day business practices, procedures and performance of the RTA. The OHS Branch works with regional OHS facilitators, line managers and their staff to put the system into action. Managers and supervisors work cooperatively with the branch, allowing workers to take ownership of OHS activities within local workplaces.
HIGHLY COMMENDED - Category 1 Best workplace health and safety management system
Shoalhaven City Council
Shoalhaven City Council supplies a range of services to 90,000 permanent residents, overseeing 49 towns and villages over 4,660 square kilometres. From Broughton to North Durras, the Council provides a number of services to its citizens – including water and sewerage, development, planning advice, road maintenance and construction, reserves and parks.
Initiative
Shoalhaven City Council’s workplace health and safety management system comprises of comprehensive safety documentation, education and training materials. The system is continuously being reviewed to ensure workers are knowledgeable, trained and qualified in undertaking a range of tasks safely.
The system is integrated into the functions of the Council through the Employee Development Discussions (EDD). EDD discuses staff authority, safety responsibility and accountability, encouraging staff to identify hazards in their immediate work area and initiate appropriate control measures with the support of their managers.
HIGHLY COMMENDED - Best workplace health and safety management system
OneSteel
OneSteel is a global manufacturer and distributor of steel and finished steel products. The organisation services more than 30,000 customers, offering over 40,000 products globally and employing in excess of 11,500 people. OneSteel operates 74 sites across NSW with major centres in Newcastle and Sydney.
Initiative
OneSteel has integrated their mature OHS management system over a period of three years, with clear commitment from senior executives driving the safe work message. The system has built-in accountability where prior to each code of practice’s approval, it is subject to a series of review sessions throughout the business.
The system employs a number of training presentations and sessions – from code of practice overviews to specific role safety practices – improving processes and safety standards. By clearly defining safety processes, the management system enables staff to have greater contribution and ownership of the safety material, ensuring that these measures are practical in the workplace.