Calvary Cessnock Employee Kim Skeffington nominated for a 2017 Hunter Safety Award

1st February 2017

WHS Coordinator Kim Skeffington has recently been recognised as a finalist in the Hunter Safety Awards.

Kim was nominated for her proactive approach to WHS at Calvary Cessnock Retirement Community. Calvary Cessnock General Manager Kristin Smith said “Kim has a high level of engagement with front line staff, this in turn has created trust and a can do attitude with staff now self-identifying WHS Actions.” Kristin continued, “She has an extensive understanding of legislation and always goes to extra mile to ensure our staff are supported”.

Launched in 2016, the Hunter Safety Awards were developed to highlight and acknowledge companies and individuals within the Hunter region who are demonstrating best-practice and innovative approaches when it comes to workplace health and safety (WHS).

In 2015 Kim was the winner of the Calvary WHS best solution award for her Tug and Trailers project. This project involved finding a solution to the identified issue of unsafe operation of tugs with long and unstable lines of trailers driving around the facility. Kim’s actions included:

  • Installation of speedometers
  • Speed limit reduced to 5km/hour through the facility
  • Reduction of trailer loads to a safe level
  • Mirrors, horn and flashing light installed
  • Purchasing of a more purpose built trailer for bin loads
  • New seat and roster changes to prevent back issues for tug drivers

This project had a positive impact on the site with tugs being driven safely and workers been given relief from constant driving.

In 2016 Kim organised several safety events for the team at Calvary Cessnock. Kim took part in Steptember in 2016 to raise vital funds for the Cerebral Palsy Alliance. During the month of September Kim took 10,000 steps a day and motivated her colleagues to do so as well. With Kim’s support Calvary was the 4th company in Australia for the number of steps taken and Calvary raised over $38,000 for the charity.

During National Safe Work Month (October) Kim organised a Fluro Day where staff dressed in bright clothes to remind the community of safe work practices. She also initiated a healthy breakfast for staff to enjoy as a trigger for discussions around the impact of diet and sleep on health and safety. Kristin Smith said “She is fun! It’s really important as it allows her to connect with others”.

Kim has been able to reduce the number of incidents on site and therefore has reduced the number of worker’s compensation claim by 40% in the last 12 months. National Injury Management and Wellbeing Advisor Joanna Rai said “Even though Kim has managed to bring down the number of incidents more importantly Kim provides superior care to the workers who do suffer workplace injuries.” Kristin Smith emphasised “Her empathy and professionalism is evident in her work and she is always transparent and fair in her processes”.

Calvary would like to congratulate Kim on her nomination and wish her good luck for the awards ceremony in March. If you would like more information on the awards please visit www.huntersafetyawards.com.au.