We’re powered by our people
Our business success is dependent on the performance and achievements of our people and we won’t compromise on their health, safety and wellbeing.
Port Waratah’s value of caring drives our overriding commitment to the health and safety of our people. All employees, contractors and visitors are covered by our Health and Safety Management System and ISO 45001 certification.
We reported two recordable injuries during 2023, which is a decrease of five compared to 2022. Our ongoing focus is to continue to provide a workplace where everyone can work without being harmed as a result of activities or operations.
Key Achievements
- Achieved a low all-injury frequency rate of 1.88 per 1,000,000 hours worked.
- Increased participation in our Peer Support Network to 66 members, now 20% of employees.
In 2023, Port Waratah met the targets of zero fatalities and zero significant health exposures during the year. There were two incidents identified that posed a risk of high-consequence injury. Actions have subsequently been implemented to prevent recurrence. No incidents of ill health were reported during the year.
We completed a comprehensive, risk-based occupational hygiene exposure monitoring programme across both terminals. No significant health risks were identified and no additional control measures were required.
The ‘Live Better, Work Better’ programme continued to provide information and awareness for our employees through monthly focus topics during the year.
Case Study
Hearing and respiratory protection device fit testing campaign
As a part of the 2023 Medical Surveillance Programme, we focused on embedding audiometric and respiratory surveillance, implementing a new suite of hearing protection, and reviewing the suite of respiratory protection and its suitability to the work environment at Port Waratah.
We championed a three-month fit-testing campaign, targeting employees that experience increased exposure to high dust content particles and higher noise volumes based on their work environment and day-to-day tasks. Our employees completed 223 fit tests, predominantly operator and trade roles.
Fit testing and employee education for respiratory and hearing protection proved to be a simple, non-invasive way for our people to be confident the devices they choose to wear, and how it is worn, protects their health.
This campaign played a crucial part in our commitment to the occupational health and safety of our workers and remains a key focus for 2024.
Case Study
Managing psychosocial hazards at Port Waratah
This year, Port Waratah conducted a review of our existing Mental Health Framework, which is used to identify and control psychosocial hazards in the workplace.
Psychosocial hazards at work are situations that may cause a stress response, that in turn can lead to psychological or physical harm. One of the ways that Port Waratah manages these psychosocial hazards is with a volunteer employee Peer Support Network. Since its introduction in 2020, the number of Peer Support volunteers has grown to 66 members across the business, representing 20 per cent of our employees, supporting their workmates when they need it.
In November 2023, our Peer Support volunteers participated in two forums on psychosocial hazards presented by SafeWork NSW.