Local Truck-Bus Service puts safety first

16/2/00
Labour Relations Minister Cheryl Edwardes today presented GPR Truck-Bus Service with a Silver WorkSafe Plan Certificate of Achievement for its exemplary standards in work safety.
Mrs Edwardes said GPR Truck-Bus Service had evolved from a single-man operation to become one of the fastest growing transport maintenance and repair companies in Western Australia.
"The company, which started out as a modest operation with one van less than 15 years ago, is an inspiration to other aspiring businesses," she said.
" The GPR Truck-Bus Service now employs 30 staff and is one of the largest commercial vehicle repair facilities in the State, with the WA Fire Brigade, Australia Post and Metrobus among its client base."
Mrs Edwardes said over the past two years, the service had reduced lost time injuries by 66 per cent, including a 95 per cent reduction in injuries requiring medical intervention.
"Initiatives to improve health and safety practices, include implementing an Occupational Safety and Health Management System (Safety First Program) and the development of a mission statement to provide a safe and healthy environment for all employees and workplace visitors."
Specific safety and environmental measures have included:

• the crushing and recycling of oil filter cartridges into scrap metal;
• storage and removal of oil waste for off-site disposal;
• wash bays and service pits fully compliable with EPA legislation and regulations; and -
• environmentally friendly parts for cleaning, maintenance and waste disposal.

The WorkSafe Plan is a strict assessment process launched by WorkSafe Western Australia in 1994 to promote, monitor and rate excellence in occupational safety and health management systems and workplace performance.
Certificates are presented at two levels - Silver for organisations that meet minimum standards through a checklist of some 50 indicators, and gold for those progressing closely towards best practice in safety management.
To qualify, enterprises must achieve a reduction in lost time injuries as well as meet a minimum of scores in the five key areas of:

• management commitment to a safe and healthy work environment;
• occupational safety and health policies, plans and procedures;
• consultation between employers and employees;
• systems to identify workplace hazards and assess/control risks; and -
• safety and health training at all staff levels.

Mrs Edwardes said the WorkSafe Plan was a vital way for business to think about, discuss and improve methods of health and safety and congratulated GPR for its dedication extending from ground floor operations to the highest levels of management.
Business can obtain information about the WorkSafe Plan at the SafetyLine Online website at http://www.safetyline.wa.gov.au
Media contact: Carole Cowling 9421 7707