Watt's up with SA Power Networks' safety strategy?

Safety is definitely your priority when you have key fatal risk areas like vehicle incidents/​crashes, electric shocks, falling from height, or being hit by moving plant or equipment.

The South Australian Business Chamber corporate member SA Power Networks have fully integrated its Safety Strategy into its 15-year Strategic Direction to tie all business objectives back into safety.

Head of Work Health Safety & Environment Michael Cornish has been very encouraged and impressed with the engagement in safety across all levels of the business, from the most recent starters through to the top. 

“We know we have been moving in the right direction, with steady safety improvements, including reducing the total recordable injury frequency rate over recent years.

“This new strategy helps sharpen our focus on the risks of severe injury or worse, without dropping the ball on reducing musculoskeletal injuries, slips and trips. 

“The strategy also targets mental health and wellbeing in recognition that these are powerful preventative measures that help to reduce the number of serious incidents and injuries and ensure our people have satisfying and fulfilling careers. 

“Our goal for the 2021 – 2025 Safety Strategy is simple: to see no serious safety incidents or harm to ourselves or the community. The values reflected in the new safety strategy are Communication, Teamwork, Ownership and Managing Risk. 

“If we always adhere to these, we have the best chance of success when it comes to safety.” 

The SA Power Networks 2021 – 2025 Safety Strategy includes five key objectives: 

• A focus on health and wellbeing — shifting from delivering programs to supporting and sustaining health and wellbeing, particularly mental health.
• Pursue operational excellence — integrating safety, designing out high-risk tasks, processes and equipment and cultivating a culture of professionalism.
• Strive to eliminate fatal risks — creating steadfast focus on critical safety controls for high risk tasks.
• Hold ourselves and others accountable — shifting from educating and monitoring workers to working with / supporting our people as part of the solution and accepting personal responsibility.
• Assure community safety —proactively protecting contractors and the community, and leading change and collaboration. 

The Safety Strategy is supported by annual action plans with specific deliverable and measures developed in collaboration with business units. 

The South Australian Business Chamber WHS consultant Deb Hegarty says that it is essential for businesses to set out their safety objectives and develop a strong plan of action.

“Safety is not one person’s job – it is an integrated process, right from designing the product or service to commissioning and ongoing maintenance. 

“The safety of your people is paramount, so it isn’t about cutting corners to make something happen faster or cheaper. In the long run, you’ve got to look after your people.

“Getting the right tools, equipment and training can save the wear and tear on your people.”

The South Australian Business Chamber offers a range of support to make sure your workers are home safe every day, including:

• our Business Advice Hotline is available for general health, safety and wellbeing advice
• developing a legally compliant WHS plan linked with your business objectives
• training your staff and management so they have the right skills and knowledge
• and if necessary, we can help navigate workplace injuries and workers compensation claims.

Visit our website for more details.