Effective HSE management: Ausclad group of companies

A multi-disciplined service provider

Based in Western Australia with regional offices nationally, Ausclad Group of Companies Limited (AGC) supplies total engineering solutions including fabrication, construction and maintenance services across a variety of industries throughout Australia and overseas. 

As a result of this diversity, AGC management has implemented a number of initiatives to reduce the impact of its operations on the health and safety of its people, the environment and the community.

Recently, AGC has been recognised for its commitment to health and safety, in particular, for the implementation of effective health and safety, and environmental management practices. 

One HSE management system

AGC’s commitment to the health and safety of its employees, contractors and visitors is demonstrated through the implementation and continuous improvement of the AGC Corporate Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) Management System.

AGC’s system provides a central standard for the management of health and safety issues, and is applied to all AGC business units across all sites and activities. 

Overall, the system incorporates executive and line management responsibilities and accountabilities, and seeks out workforce participation by demonstrating the responsibilities and accountabilities of all employees, including subcontractors.

The policies and procedures comprising the HSE system are developed through transparent and consultative processes. The policies are tabled at project and Group HSE Committee meetings, operational and management meetings, where they are reviewed for practicality and compliance. AGC’s Managing Director is the sign off point for all HSE policies, and is accountable for ensuring the policies are fully implemented and annually reviewed.

At the centre of AGC’s HSE system is the Corporate HSE Management Plan. The plan outlines AGC’s HSE framework and details the OHS objectives for the organisation. The plan forms part of AGC’s overall corporate strategy and is made available to all employees. 

A commitment to ZERO HARM 

To complement the HSE system, AGC has established a company value of ‘ZERO HARM’. This incorporates:

• no injuries to anyone—anytime; and
• care and respect for the environment and the community.

Through ZERO HARM, AGC has committed to ensuring that all incidents are prevented through effective hazard identification and risk management practices. This is reflected in all AGC’s HSE policies and procedures and forms part of AGC’s corporate values.

Ten HSE standards

AGC has introduced a set of ten HSE standards. The standards aim to assist employees and management in better understanding their HSE responsibilities and accountabilities. Further, they aim to provide information on the requirements needed for achieving the ultimate goal of ZERO HARM. 

The standards cover: 

• a demonstrated commitment to leadership and accountability in facilitating ZERO HARM 
• the continuous improvement and development of all HSE goals, objectives and targets
• the implementation of effective hazard identification and risk management practices
• competency and HSE training of all employees and subcontractors
• open and transparent communication and consultation arrangements
• the maintenance and inspection of all plant and equipment, and the implementation of procedures for correct operation and handling
• the implementation of health and hygiene initiatives, including effective rehabilitation management practices
• the evaluation and review of all purchasing, lease and hire arrangements
• the implementation of incident identification, investigation and reporting procedures
• the continual monitoring and evaluation of HSE systems and procedures.

Improved HSE performance 

By integrating a set of HSE standards and a commitment to ZERO HARM into their overall HSE framework, AGC has set a course to dramatically improve its health and safety performance. Importantly, AGC noted a 60 per cent reduction in lost time injury rates for 2006.

Award winning results

AGC received the 2006 Best Workplace Health and Safety Management System Award for its commitment to the effective management of health and safety.

The award was presented by the then Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, the

Hon Joe Hockey MP, and the Chairman of the Australian Safety and Compensation Council, Mr Bill Scales AO, at the 2006 Safe Work Australia Awards.

Commenting on AGC’s health and safety management, the judging panel remarked that the organisation would be considered exceptional if it continued on its present path.

For further information on AGC’s Corporate HSE Management System contact enquiries@ausclad.com.au

About these case studies

The Australian Government is committed to improving the WHS standards for all workers on building and construction projects. 

These case studies have been developed to share practical ideas that can be adopted by industry to assist in their own management of WHS issues.

The Federal Safety Commissioner consults widely with industry, WHS authorities and other relevant agencies to promote a cooperative approach to improving WHS performance.

The vision of the Federal Safety Commissioner is a building and construction industry where no one is harmed.

For further information:

• Contact the FSC Assist Line on 1800 652 500
• Contact the OFSC via email at ofsc@dewr.gov.au

Disclaimer

The Office of the Federal Safety Commissioner has prepared this case study to promote workplace health and safety (WHS) in the Building and Construction Industry. When developing WHS initiatives, businesses and individuals should consider the circumstances and requirements particular to them, and seek professional advice where required.

While the Commonwealth has exercised reasonable care in providing useful information, the Commonwealth makes no representations, express or implied, as to the accuracy of the information contained in this case study. The Commonwealth accepts no liability for any use of the information contained in this case study or any reliance placed on it.

This case study may list persons, organisations, products, or services, or may incorporate material sourced from third parties. Such lists or material are assembled in good faith. However, any such list or material does not necessarily constitute any form of endorsement by the Commonwealth of that person, organisation, product, service, or third party. The Commonwealth does not accept any responsibility for such lists or material.