Transmission infrastructure sector launches comprehensive safety campaign

Transgrid and its supply chain partners are leading the unprecedented sector-wide approach including HumeLink delivery partners UGL, CPB Contractors, ACCIONA and Genus, and EnergyConnect construction partner Elecnor Australia.

The campaign was launched following a CEO Safety Roundtable and a Transmission Safety Forum in Sydney attended by senior representatives from Transgrid, delivery contractors, design consultants, and relevant industry bodies including the Australian Constructors Association.

In a powerful demonstration of industry leadership, core safety priorities have been identified and expert working groups formed to actively develop and implement practical solutions that provide communities, workers and landowners with safe, world-leading meaningful support in this critical aspect of the energy transition.

Transgrid Executive General Manager of Major Projects Gordon Taylor said: “Australia’s transmission infrastructure sector has a lot to be proud of in terms of our safety record and we are now taking our commitment even further. This sector-wide approach will strengthen safety across major transmission projects being delivered in complex and remote environments as the nation’s energy transition accelerates.

“Safety is a shared responsibility and one that our industry leaders are committed to owning together.

“This joint charter represents a shift in how transmission sector leaders are showing up, not just in boardrooms, but on the ground, in communities, shaping the future of safety in major projects that will power Australia’s energy transition.”

The core safety priorities include:

• Working on remote sites – including travel-related risks, camp life, mental health and cultural isolation
• Training and workforce development – including onboarding of new and international workers and building long-term industry capability
• Supervision and leadership on site – ensuring supervisors are qualified, adequately resourced and culturally equipped
• Design for constructability and safety – fostering greater collaboration between design and delivery teams
• Subcontractor management and integration – aligning expectations, systems and cultures across multiple tiers
• Community and stakeholder-related safety risks – recognising the human impact of delivering in contested or sensitive locations.

Expressing strong support for the campaign, Australian Constructors Association CEO Jon Davies said it is a great example of sector-wide collaboration leading to better outcomes.

“By working together – government, clients and contractors – we can drive change that leads to real improvements on-the-ground for workers delivering Australia’s energy transition,” Mr Davies said.

Mr Taylor said he looked forward to seeing best practice safety solutions continue to be rolled out across the transmission infrastructure sector.

“Transgrid is proud to lead this sector-wide campaign which marks the beginning of an enduring commitment to collaboration, continuous improvement, and tangible actions that elevate safety across our industry,” he said.

Charter signatories: Transgrid, ACCIONA, AECOM, AtkinsRealis, Beca, Consolidated Power Projects, CPB Contractors, Downer, Elecnor Australia, Genus, Ghella, Laing O’Rourke, Seymour Whyte, UGL, Zinfra.

Media enquiries: Mark Nolan 0429 047 136