
Rail Safety Week – a shared responsibility
As we mark Rail Safety Week 2020, our teams are taking the opportunity to reflect on health and safety at a unique time in our industry, when the COVID-19...
As we mark Rail Safety Week 2020, our teams are taking the opportunity to reflect on health and safety at a unique time in our industry, when the COVID-19 pandemic is requiring a more rigorous and focused approach to work health and safety, while we continue to deliver some of Australia’s largest rail projects.
“SMEC is striving to keep one step ahead during this pandemic, by setting clear minimum requirements for all our employees, whether they are working in the field, in the office or on a project site such as a rail corridor”, says Erica Griffith, Senior Health & Safety Advisor (NSW/ACT).
“Rail safety is a shared responsibility, and we’re committed to partnering with our clients, contractors and communities to promote and support rail safety,” comments Ray Murphy, National Manager – Rail. “Ensuring the health and safety of all our employees, especially those who are still delivering essential rail and metro projects during this pandemic, means conducting ongoing and real time reviews.”
To ensure all projects are appropriately supported, SMEC has implemented a range of measures including issuing its Site Activity Protocol, which details steps to minimise the risk of infection during field work. These steps include Project Managers identifying project-critical tasks and roles; identifying ‘back up’ resources; and ensuring COVID-19 discussions are a part of all team meetings, monthly meetings and field/site pre-start meetings.
“In addition to strict compliance with any official health directives, we’ve also issued a Project COVID-19 Plan template, providing a project-specific approach for managing the risk of COVID-19 transmission,” says Erica.
At SMEC, safety in rail starts from project inception. As engineers and designers, it is our job to create railway systems that are both safe and efficient. Before a rail project is constructed or operational, there are significant gains to be made for the future safety of workers and passengers by developing designs that consider the end user.
“As technology continues to change at a rapid rate and we move towards an automated transport future, our teams are laying the groundwork for a revolutionised rail network where safety will continue to be of the highest priority,” says Ray.
Hosted by the TrackSAFE Foundation, Rail Safety Week is an annual community awareness week held in Australia and New Zealand, designed to highlight the importance of safe rail practices.
SMEC partners with Deakin University to drive infrastructure research and development
SMEC has partnered with Deakin University, a member of the innovative Australian Technology Network of Universities, to undertake research and development to improve urban sustainability in Australia and abroad.
Read MoreSMEC-Jacobs JV to deliver detailed design for Rockhampton Ring Road
Jacobs and SMEC have been awarded the detailed design and contract documentation for the AUD $1 Billion Rockhampton Ring Road (RRR) project in central Queensland, Australia.
Read MoreSMEC supporting the development of 11ha wetlands at The Grove, Tarneit
Our Urban Communities team in Victoria, Australia has been supporting the development of a new wetlands system at The Grove community in Tarneit.
Read MoreSMEC Wins Contract for Brisbane’s Inner City Bypass Upgrade, Australia
SMEC will help to improve traffic congestion along one of Brisbane's busiest roadways.
Read More