Communication is key for safety and savings
In 2009, Siemens was awarded the HVDC Pole 3 contract in Haywards, New Zealand, commissioned by the national electricity grid operator Transpower NZ Limited. Haywards is a brownfield site with major interaction and operational requirements.
working-hours resulted in zero lost-time injuries in the HVDC Pole 3 project in New Zealand, thanks to our safety management.
“Complete transparency on safety hazards and incidents is essential at a site like this,” says Andrew Gard, Project Director at Transpower NZ Limited.
Every day, some 150 workers perform tasks in close proximity to extra high voltage electricity. There are also extreme weather conditions with high winds and driving rain. As the primary contractor, Siemens must also coordinate the activities of three subcontractors – a daunting task, not only in terms of the safety issues. Lee Thorne, Siemens EHS Manager of the project, is responsible for upholding a “Zero Harm” culture at the site.
Getting everyone on the same page
The inter-island electricity link called for the construction of a Pole 3 valve hall and control room; installation of five transformers and switchgear across four switchyards; bus bar work at heights; erection of six significant steel structures and the hanging of three sets of thyristor valves and a smoothing reactor. Ensuring safe work zones, clear vehicle and pedestrian access and smooth progress required strong coordination among the three main subcontractors Mainzeal, Transfield Projects and Brian Perry Civil.
To make sure that everybody involved in the project is aware of the safety situation, safety issues are regularly addressed in meetings.
Getting the message out
For the project to succeed, communication would be crucial. It was imperative that all parties on site were aware of the overall safety picture and notified in advance of issues. An open book policy on hazards, near misses and incidents was adopted by all stakeholders.
Bottom line impact
The Haywards project illustrates the degree to which efficient safety management procedures can influence the overall success of a business venture. Over 593,000 combined working hours at the site by July 2012 had resulted in zero lost-time injuries. Those are cost savings that keep projects well within budget.
