Safety Recognition

Our New Generation Rolling Stock (NGRS) Maintenance Centre project has received recognition at prestigious industry safety awards.

Laing O'Rourke is shifting an industry-leading safety culture to an even higher level.

PAUL BARRIE
PROJECT DIRECTOR

The Ipswich-based team received a special commendation at the QMCA 2015 Queensland Project Safety Excellence Awards held in Brisbane – for its outstanding contribution to workplace health and safety at a project level, and to recognise innovation and leadership in progressing the safety agenda.

In January 2014, Laing O’Rourke was awarded the contract to deliver the purpose-built $190 million train maintenance centre at Wulkuraka, west of Brisbane, as part of the Queensland Government’s New Generation Rolling Stock (NGRS) Project.

From the outset, the leadership team agreed safety would be the key to the transport link’s successful delivery.

Project Director Paul Barrie said Laing O’Rourke’s MZ Next Gear programme was fully embedded in the NGRS project, including with the client and stakeholders, and was shifting an industry-leading safety culture to an even higher level.

“This special commendation proves the first principle of Next Gear: people are the solution,” Mr Barrie said.

“We all agreed that while challenging traditional thinking about safety management could be uncomfortable, it would position us at the forefront of safety leadership.

“While focusing on detailed design solutions to reduce risks, the team also put Laing O’Rourke’s cutting-edge Digital Engineering platforms to work to bring safety lessons to life through inductions, planning and other tutorials.

“They also embraced a back-to-basics culture of engagement with everyone who set foot on the project, ensuring safety was at the heart of every decision.”

As part of the award nomination, a ‘day in the life’ of the NGRS project was produced by the project team, as seen through the eyes of those on the frontline. It highlight’s the team’s safety mantra – People, Positives and Pride.

The NGRS depot will be finished later this year.