2009/2010 HRINZ HR Initiative of the Year Distinction Awards

Downer EDI Works

Creating a new culture of safety leads to measurable results for Downer EDI Works.

As a major player in the infrastructure sector, Downer EDI Works (Works) wanted to tackle behavioural issues that were the final obstacle to a true ‘safety culture’ amongst its 3,500 employees. So it created a company-wide programme – Team Up To Safety (TUTS) – to challenge ingrained attitudes and tap the willingness of Works teams to start owning the issue of site safety.

Launched by the CEO and delivered by 82 employee safety champions, TUTS engaged workers at all levels and gave them unique tools to take back on the job. The results were dramatic:

• 50% reduction in plant incidents.
• 68% reduction in Medical Treatment Injuries.
• 84% drop in Lost Time Injuries.

These improvements were reflected in a drop in injury-related costs from $69 to $39 per employee over one financial year.

The strategic aim was to move from a compliance-based regime to a behavioural culture that encourages individual and team values. This results in sustainable change, delivering benefits to the organisation, our people and their communities year after year.

By empowering workers to manage their own safety more effectively, TUTS has created a workforce that is more capable and confident – and one that is measurably safer.