Living and learning health and safety
K
eri Harrison has not only put herself through her B Grade Certificate of Competence; she’s helping some of her colleagues with their CoCs – and next year it’s her A Grade. The 41 year old is the Health & Safety Manager at Southern Screenworks, a mid-size quarry company operating from its base in Aylesbury less than an hour south west of Christchurch. Dunedin-born, Keri started her working life as medical secretary before working at the Selwyn District Council for 13 years, primarily looking after the council’s extensive gravel reserves and with a health and safety background. She was spotted by Southern Screenworks co-owner Brett Swain who brought her on board two years ago. Keri achieved her National Certificate in Extractive Industries (Mining Administration Surface Extraction B Grade) last year. When she started on her B Grade course, several Southern Screenworks co-workers turned to her for assistance. Some have been in the quarry industry all their working lives to date but had not had to do any training for many years. “The guys have done really well. I provide them with help and support when they need it. It is rewarding to see the guys succeed.” This hands-on approach is not limited to her work role. Keri, her partner Justin, Keri’s daughter Emily and Justin’s children Cody and Jemma all muck in to run the family’s 18 hectare block near Oxford. No doubt Keri’s hands-on role in both doing her own CoCs and helping others is having wider beneficial effects for her role as Health and Safety Manager at Southern Screenworks. Setting up and maintaining a health and safety management system is a big part of her job. She has created an individualised comprehensive safety plan that goes to each work site. The safety plan is returned after each job and reviewed by Keri. Visiting the site and carrying out safety checks during the work supports the safety systems in place. “We have a thorough but easy to follow safety system in place. The guys are understanding of how important it is we manage our risks and that we have a safe workplace.” Keri acknowledges that the new H+S law and accompanying regulations and guidelines can, on occasions, be difficult to interpret. Determining how staff can
Hands-on help – Keri Harrison with Gerard Halloran who is sitting his B Grade CoC this year.
best be supported to achieve this on the company’s quarry sites is a key part of her role. The sites extend as far as the West Coast, lower North Island and even the Chatham Islands. Keri is well supported in her role by Brett who also takes an active hands-on approach to health and safety. “We have been involved in helping other quarry partners with their CoC training requirements and developing quarry management plans,” says Brett. “This is a good reflection on how well respected and knowledgeable Screenworks are in the quarry industry.” The new legislation requires everyone involved with a quarry – from owner to operator and staff – to take responsibility. This sometimes comes as shock to staff,
councils, farmers and others with roles in quarries. “We all have the right to a safe and healthy working environment. There are no excuses. ‘The she will be right’ and ‘I thought it’d be OK’ is not a defence in court.” Keri accepts there is some extra work to do now on health and safety but says that’s what is required. “If it saves your life or that of someone else, isn’t it worthwhile?” For her, it comes down to one simple thing – and it’s what has motivated her to go well beyond what is required and do her B Grade CoC and now her A Grade. “I really care about the guys I work with and I really enjoy working for such a progressive quarry business that has health and safety at the top of its list.”
The Aggregate & Quarry Association appreciates the support of our associate members
www.aqa.org.nz August - September 37