Safety refresher boosts preparedness

Almost 300 Darwin-based Power and Water Corporation crews will undertake a total of 900 assessments over coming weeks, as part of a Territory-wide safety refresher training exercise.

The training commenced last week and will see crews being assessed on a range of rescue techniques from poles, bucket trucks, tunnels and pits as well as off towers and transformers.

“As we come into the build-up and wet season, it’s important for our people to be prepared for every eventuality as part of carrying out their work safely,” Power and Water Chief Executive Michael Thomson said.

“We’re proud of our people and their commitment to safety.

“As our crews work in very challenging environments in the Territory, it’s our responsibility to provide them with the safest possible working conditions as well as the knowledge, support and confidence to get the job done.”

Mr Thomson said crews all over the Territory, from all parts of the business, would undergo the safety refresher training.

“October is also National Safe Work Month, and we are proud to have a safety culture where we demonstrate our values by developing and implementing safety initiatives,” Mr Thomson said.

“These initiatives help provide safe systems of work for our people and our contractors.

“We want to ensure our people go home in the same condition as they arrived for their shift.”

With build-up conditions in the Top End at 80 per cent humidity last week, Power and Water ensured all employees undertaking training had access to ice, water, slushies, cooling towels and misting fans.

The Corporation has also been working with occupational heat stress researcher and thermal physiologist Dr Matt Brearley to deliver information sessions on heat stress and hydration management in Darwin, Alice Springs, Tennant Creek, Katherine and Jabiru throughout October.

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