Faced with a series of spot fires and emergency scenarios, staff proved they were up to the challenge during TransGrid’s 2011 Safety Day in Newcastle.
The annual event, hosted by the NSW electricity transmission network owner in August, tested employees’ skills in first aid, fire fighting and risk-assessment competitions.
TransGrid health and safety manager, Ken McCall said more than 250 staff across 20 teams took part in the event at TransGrid’s Newcastle regional centre at Waratah, putting the organisation’s safety priority “stop and consider” into action.
“It’s about taking a step back from an emergency and assessing the situation to ensure the safety of yourself and others around you,” Mr McCall said.
“Although we haven’t had to call on these skills very often, getting hands-on, practical experience is invaluable in the energy industry,” he said.
“We are very proud of our health and safety record. Safety Day is a key initiative used to develop and enhance our staff skills and promote a positive safety culture in the workplace.”
This year’s event took on a “well-being” focus.
The well-being theme reflects TransGrid’s Wellbeing Program, which recognises the link between a safe workplace and a healthy, balanced workforce.
The event’s traditional favourites were also featured, including a showcase of innovative safety equipment, initiatives and an apprentice wiring challenge.
Each Safety Day participant walked away with enhanced safety skills, while TransGrid’s Newcastle team took home the day’s top gong, named the overall winner and awarded the Safety Day Shield.
