2005 Workplace Safe Awards - Winners and Finalists
Overall Winner of the 2005 Workplace Safe Awards
D Williams Builders Pty Ltd, North Hobart
(L to R) David Williams and David Charlton of D Williams Builders
In 1999, D Williams Builders instigated the development of an OHS Management System to improve the overall health and safety practices of the organisation as well as ensuring all work safety standards were being met and maintained.
The system is underpinned by job safety analyses, safe work method statements and loss prevention observations. D Williams employs less than five workers but works with sub-contractors statewide, who must meet the company’s safety standards and work within the system.
D Williams has seen a reduction in incident/injuries, workers compensation claims and premiums since the introduction of the safety system.
Winner: Best workplace health and safety management system
Shaw Contracting, Whitemore
(L – R) Back: Fiona Murnane, Michael Stone, Stuart Murnane, Gary Mason
Front: Chris Plumbridge, Angela Plumbridge, Robyn Stone, Annette Mason, Donna Reardon and Craig Reardon of Shaw Contracting
Shaw Contracting is a civil contracting and mining company employing approximately 100 workers.
Shaw Contracting developed a generic safety management plan that is used in all of the company’s projects to ensure every worker is provided with a safe work environment.
The organisation has developed safe work practices and sites through training and constant attention to the safety of workers, contractors and the general public.
Through implementation of the generic safety plan, there has been a reduction in injuries and incidents while the reporting of safety hazards has dramatically increased, ensuring a safer workplace for all.
Finalist - Best workplace health and safety management system
Amcor Fibre Packaging, Mowbray
(L- R) Karen McCarroll and Heinrich Zietsman of Amcor Fibre Packaging accept the company’s award from Bryan Green MHA, Minister for Infrastructure, Energy and Resources
Amcor Fibre Packaging manufactures cardboard cartons and employs 64 workers.
Amcor Fibre Packaging has introduced an integrated safety management system that includes a weekly site safety audit system that involves the participation of all employees. Identified high risk issues from these audits are actioned immediately and all information is entered into a database and discussed by management on a monthly basis.
Amcor has also implemented an OHS Strategic Rolling Plan which includes ‘now analysis’, strategies, action plans, responsibilities and timing. Risk assessments, internal audits and OHS inspections are also conducted on a regular basis.
Since the introduction of this integrated approach, results have included improved injury statistics, reduction in medically treated injuries and a higher level of reporting of incidents from Amcor workers to management.
Finalist - Best workplace health and safety management system
Works Infrastructure, Austins Ferry
(L- R) Shane Gregory of Works Infrastructure with Minister Bryan Green MHA
Works Infrastructure conducts road construction and maintenance, bridge operation and maintenance, waste management and forestry operations, employing 90 workers statewide.
Works Infrastructure developed a certified Integrated Management System comprising policy statements, guide manuals, safety forms and check sheets, work instructions and handbooks. Prior to any works being undertaken, evidence of a thorough document planning phase that incorporates all potential risks of injury to workers, subcontractors and the public, is required.
The Management System is integrated into the organisation’s daily operations and has the potential for broader application across industry.
Finalist - Best workplace health and safety management system
Zinifex Hobart Smelter
(L-R) Greg McMillan of Zinifex Hobart Smelter with Minister Bryan Green MHA
Zinifex Hobart Smelter is a zinc smelter that converts zinc concentrate into zinc metal for export to Asia. The smelter employs 560 workers.
Zinifex Hobart Smelter has developed a new health and safety management system that focuses on systems and behavior. This new approach has resulted in an 82 per cent drop in injuries compared with the previous year.
Winner: Best solution to an identified workplace health and safety issue
Australian Paper Tasmania, Wesley Vale
Representatives of Australian Paper Tasmania with their awards: (L-R) Peter Broomhall, Kate Smith, Simon Talbot, Ian Alston and Robert Van Trolen
Australian Paper manufactures pulp and paper products at two mills in Tasmania and employs over 650 people.
The organisation developed a butt stripping device to reduce a high risk manual handling task that previously required operators to strip paper from large machine spindles, risking body strain as well as injuries from the sharp equipment being used.
The introduction of the new butt stripping device has effectively eliminated the high risk activities associated with the task.
Finalist - Best solution to an identified workplace health and safety issue
Amcor Fibre Packaging, Mowbray
(L- R) Karen McCarroll and Heinrich Zeitsman of Amcor Fibre Packaging, Mowbray, receiving the company’s award from Bryan Green MHA
Amcor Fibre Packaging manufactures cardboard cartons and employs 64 people.
Amcor Fibre Packaging identified two manual handling issues in their strapping line and in the stacking process. A risk assessment was completed and a decision was made to eliminate the entire manual handling process by installing automatic equipment.
The installation of the automatic strapping line and automated take off end has reduced the potential for manual handling injuries as well as the potential for limbs being caught in the machinery.
No back or shoulder injuries have been reported since the installation of both machines.
Finalist - Best solution to an identified workplace health and safety issue
Davies Brothers Pty Ltd, Hobart
Ian Webster of Davies Brothers Pty Ltd with Bryan Green MHA
Davies Brothers is a newspaper publishing and production company, employing 360 people.
Davies Brothers identified ergonomic hazards in the organisation’s editorial art department due to the increased use of computers, scanners and printers. As a result, a risk assessment was conducted that identified an unacceptable level of risk. A decision was then made to strip the editorial art department office and redesign it, offering employees a safe and ergonomic workplace. The redesign included custom made workstations including desks, chairs, document holders and monitor stands.
Since the upgrading of the editorial artists’ room in February this year, the work rate has improved and morale has been elevated.
Finalist - Best solution to an identified workplace health and safety issue
D&L Morrison Machinery Spares Pty Ltd, Newstead
David Morrison of D & L Morrison Machinery Spares Pty Ltd with Bryan Green MHA
D&L Morrison Machinery Spares Pty Ltd is a machinery dealership and mechanical repair company, employing 11 people.
D&L Morrison Machinery Spares became aware of the unsafe practice of manual handling when lifting large and extremely heavy sheets of glass. To eliminate this risk, the company designed and engineered an excavator-mounted hydraulic sliding jib specifically for the task.
The Glass Handling Jib reduces the risk of work-related injury from manual handling and severe lacerations caused by falling sheets of glass in the manufacturing and construction industry. Instead of a large number of employees being required for each job to lift and position these large sheets of glass, now all that is required is a guiding hand.
Finalist - Best solution to an identified workplace health and safety issue
Hobart Water, Goodwood
Christine Mucha receives Hobart Water’s award from Bryan Green MHA
Hobart Water supplies bulk water to Hobart and southern Tasmanian local councils, and employs 80 workers.
Hobart Water completed a risk assessment that identified that pipes both below and above ground may contain non-friable asbestos. Hobart Water staff, in consultation with management, developed initiatives that provide a program for mapping pipe locations that contain asbestos and an innovative solution to contain asbestos dust when removing small sections of pipe.
These new procedures have reduced the likelihood of exposure to asbestos for all Hobart Water employees.
Finalist - Best solution to an identified workplace health and safety issue
Huon Valley Council, Huonville
In 2003, Huon Valley Council identified a manual handling hazard at the Port Huon Sports Centre in southern Tasmania.
The Centre facilities include a 25 metre heated indoor swimming pool which is covered by two heavy PVC thermal covers to prevent heat loss. These covers needed to be manually placed and replaced. It was during this process that the manual handling hazard was identified.
To remove the hazard, Huon Valley Council developed an electronic winch winder to roll out the heavy covers. This innovation has completely removed the need for manual handling.
Finalist - Best workplace health and safety management system
Lactos Pty Ltd, Burnie
Wayne Davis of Lactos Pty Ltd is presented with the company’s award by Bryan Green, MHA
Lactos is a cheese manufacturer employing 295 workers.
Lactos identified a manual handling hazard in the Soft Ripened Cheese Wrapping area that caused workers to over-reach and bend. Eighteen incident reports were lodged in the 2003–2004 financial year, associated with manual handling, knocks and strains.
Once the hazard was identified, Lactos designed and implemented a device to tilt stacks of cheese towards workers in the Soft Ripened Cheese Wrapping area, therefore stopping them from over-reaching to do their work and reducing the risk of body strain injuries.
Finalist - Best solution to an identified workplace health and safety issue
Metro Tasmania Pty Ltd, Moonah
Geoff Young is presented with Metro Tasmania’s award by Bryan Green MHA
Metro Tasmania is a public transport organization employing 450 people.
Metro enhanced its procedures for reporting near misses and hazards by developing a user-friendly, comprehensive report booklet. The near miss hazard report booklet is given to all employees giving them the opportunity to assist in identifying all items, activities and situations that could cause a workplace injury.
The introduction of the reporting procedure has enhanced communication between employees at all levels and has assisted in making Metro Tasmania a safer operational environment.
Finalist - Best solution to an identified workplace health and safety issue
Norske Skog Paper Mills (Australia) Ltd, Boyer
Kim Brown of Norske Skog with Bryan Green MHA
Norske Skog is a newsprint manufacturer employing 400 people.
In 2003, an incident occurred in an interstate company’s newsprint plant, where a worker suffered a serious injury and died shortly after. This incident highlighted the need to conduct a risk assessment around operator and machine interactions at all sites.
In response to the risk assessment, Norske Skog implemented a guarding strategy for all rotating equipment on paper machines.
Since the implementation of the machine guarding project, no injuries related to rotating equipment have been reported.
Finalist - Best solution to an identified workplace health and safety issue
School of Chemistry, University of Tasmania, Sandy Bay
Greg Dicinoski of the School of Chemistry, UTAS receives the award from Bryan Green MHA
The School of Chemistry has 45 employees and 500 students.
The School of Chemistry identified a hazard in the risk assessment process that a student must complete before commencing a research project. In response, the School developed a secure, simple and comprehensive electronic risk assessment system.
The implementation of this new system has streamlined the risk assessment process within the School and has had a positive impact on safe laboratory work.
Finalist - Best solution to an identified workplace health and safety issue
Tattersall’s Hobart Aquatic Centre, Hobart
Steven Spinks of Tattersall’s Hobart Aquatic Centre with Bryan Green MHA
The Tattersall’s Hobart Aquatic Centre identified a manual handling hazard in the moving of a boom that divides the 50 metre pool in half. This operation was done on a wet and slippery pool concourse and the potential for back, shoulder, hand and arm injuries was high, as was the potential for staff to slip and fall.
To remove this hazard, a number of solutions were considered, with the final solution being the design of two aluminum outriggers placed at each end of the boom.
The movement of the boom is now a two-person operation (in contrast to four previously) that moves the boom quickly into the correct position in a safe and efficient manner. Since the introduction of the new boom movement system, no injuries have been sustained during its movement.
Finalist - Best solution to an identified workplace health and safety issue
Wiggies Radiators and Welding, Devonport
David Stone of Wiggies Radiators and Welding is presented with the company’s award by Bryan Green MHA
Wiggies Radiators and Welding is an engineering and mechanical firm employing two workers.
Wiggies Radiators and Welding identified a hazard when refueling truck tanks with tanker drivers having to climb ladders to fill the tanks.
The company designed a filler kit that eliminates the need for ladders when filling farm fuel tanks, as the drivers can stay on the ground. Drivers no longer need to climb unstable or unfixed ladders to feed hoses to the filler port on top of the tank.
No incidents have been reported since the installation of the filler kit.
Finalist - Best solution to an identified workplace health and safety issue
Wrest Point Casino, Sandy Bay
Danielle Clark of Wrest Point is presented with a finalist award by Bryan Green MHA
Wrest Point Casino is a casino gaming, hospitality and entertainment venue that employs around 850 people.
After a number of manual handling hazards were identified within the table gaming area, Wrest Point Casino embarked on a long-term project to remove these hazards.
The Casino has implemented over 20 solutions to identified health and safety issues in the table gaming section ranging from engineering controls with table redesign to administrative controls involving the role of the dealer.
Wrest Point Casino recently achieved a two year milestone with zero workers compensation claims in the table gaming area.
Finalist - Best solution to an identified workplace health and safety issue
Zinifex Rosebery Mine, Rosebery
Greg Doherty of Zinifex Rosebery Mine receives the award from Bryan Green MHA
Zinifex Rosebery Mine is a deep zinc, lead, copper, silver and gold mining operation that employs over 250 people.
Through routine hazard identification processes, the company identified that the risk of failure of the timber support blocks it was using in workshops and yards to temporarily support heavy loads (over 30 tonnes) was considered to be extreme.
Alternative supports were trialed and assessed by the mine maintenance department, with input from employees, contractors and external service providers and support from mine management.
The result was the development of laminated timber support blocks with a range of superior qualities to alternative support products and materials. These new machinery safety supports are now a standard tool in workshop areas at the mine and there have been no reports of support failure, near misses or reports of hand injuries since implementation.
Winner : Best workplace health and safety practices in small business
D Williams Builders Pty Ltd, North Hobart
(L- R) David Williams and David Charlton of D Williams Builders with their awards
In 1999, D Williams Builders instigated the development of an OHS Management System to improve the overall health and safety practices of the organisation as well as ensuring all work safety standards were being met and maintained.
The system is underpinned by job safety analyses, safe work method statements and loss prevention observations. D Williams employs less than five workers but works with sub-contractors statewide, who must meet the company’s safety standards and work within the system.
D Williams has seen a reduction in incident/injuries, workers compensation claims and premiums since the introduction of the safety system.
Winner: Best return-to-work program
Zinifex Hobart Smelter, Lutana
(L- R) Peter Wheatley (representing Peopleworks) with Ken Holmes, Greg McMillan and Andrew Viney of Zinifex Hobart Smelter
Zinifex Hobart Smelter is a zinc smelter that converts zinc concentrates into zinc metal for export to Asia and employs 560 people.
Zinifex Hobart Smelter has a policy of providing occupational rehabilitation for employees who suffer illness or injury regardless of whether or not it is work related. Return-to-work programs are developed to assist the employee back to their job in a consultative process that includes the employee, the rehabilitation advisor, the employee’s immediate supervisor, manager and the employee’s doctor.
Close involvement of line managers ensures that the business operations can be flexible to accommodate changes in work duties if required when the injured employee returns to work.
Finalist - Best return-to-work program
Nothrop Logging Pty Ltd, Mooreville
John Kirwan representing Nothrop Logging Pty Ltd receives the company’s award from Bryan Green MHA
Nothrop Logging operates a mechanised harvesting business in the forest industry and employs 20 people.
After consultation with staff, Nothrop Logging implemented a rehabilitation policy as part of its Safety Management System to ensure that the skill base of its employees was maintained through an effective return-to-work program in the event of an accident.
The return-to-work program allows Nothrop Logging to ensure employees return to the workplace as soon as possible subject to appropriate medical advice, with the end goal being a return to their original duties.
Winner: Best ‘new worker’ program
Caterpillar Elphinstone Pty Ltd, South Burnie
(L- R) Peter Newton and Mark Jacklyn of Caterpillar Elphinstone Pty Ltd, Burnie with the company’s awards
In consultation with the general workforce, supervisors and management, a new worker package was compiled to ensure the health and safety of new employees.
The new worker package includes an initial induction and safety training session covering elements such as manual handling, rigging and gantry crane use, mechanical tooling and machine operation skills. Assembly apprentices are also paired with a senior tradesperson in a mentoring role. Caterpillar Elphinstone currently has 102 apprentices at various stages in the program.
The introduction of the new worker program has lead to a dramatic reduction (92 per cent in two years) in lost time injuries.
Finalist - Best ‘new worker’ program
Beaconsfield Mine Joint Venture, Beaconsfield
Beaconsfield Mine Joint Venture representative, Peter Hampton (left) is presented with an award by Bryan Green MHA
Beaconsfield Mine developed a training program for mine employees who are new to the mining environment called the Greenhorn program.
The program guides new workers through a process of skills and experience acquisition, including site familiarisation, explosives handling, ground reading, shaft procedures and 4WD light vehicle operations. On completion of the program, new workers have the confidence and ability to work efficiently and safely in the mine, armed with the basic mining skills essential for further development.
Since the Greenhorn program was implemented, no new workers have been injured.
Finalist - Best ‘new worker’ program
Cradle Coast Water, Forth
Michael Higginson of Cradle Coast with Bryan Green MHA
Cradle Coast Water is the bulk supplier of water to six local councils along the North West coast of Tasmania.
Cradle Coast Water developed a new worker program addressing all issues of safety in the workplace, including day-to-day activities and the well-being of the employee. All new workers at Cradle Coast Water undergo a comprehensive one day ‘new worker’ program during the first week of their employment, covering issues such as policies, responsible officers, accountable persons, hazard identification and risk assessments.
The new worker program has helped Cradle Coast Water to reduce injuries and illness in the workplace.
Finalist - Best ‘new worker’ program
The Department of Education, Hobart
David Salisbury of the Department of Education is presented with the award by Bryan Green MHA
The Department of Education developed a strategy in 2004 to integrate safety training into the curriculum for Materials, Design and Technology students.
The project aims to promote safety in schools for students, teachers and other school employees as well as specifically educating students in workshop safety while they are undergoing formal education, prior to entering the workforce.
Early indications have shown an 18 per cent reduction in incidents in Tasmanian Government Schools.
Finalist - Best ‘new worker’ program
Scolyer Bros, Forth
Scolyer Bros is an agricultural contracting company that harvests and transports potatoes and onions along the North West coast and through the midlands of Tasmania.
As a preventative measure, Scolyer Bros introduced an induction program for all new workers, ensuring they are aware of all potential dangers while working with machinery as well as the rules and regulations of the organisation. An annual refresher session is also conducted with all employees.
Since the introduction of the formal induction program, only minor workplace accidents such as sprains and bruises have been reported.
Finalist - Best ‘new worker’ program
Tasmanian Alkaloids, Westbury
Doug Blackaby of Tasmanian Alkaloids with Bryan Green MHA
Tasmanian Alkaloids is a fully integrated manufacturer of controlled substances providing medicinal substances from poppies grown on farms across Tasmania.
Given the highly regulated nature of the business and the potential hazards onsite, Tasmanian Alkaloids has developed and refined a comprehensive program for new workers. The new worker program includes an induction program, training, competency tests, mentors and a worker buddy system.
The improvements made to the new worker program have resulted in a substantial decrease in not only the total number of workplace injuries (75 per cent), but also the severity (80 per cent).