In July 2015 SA Power Networks hosted the first NRSPP Utility Forum in Adelaide. The 16 participating companies account for nearly 26,000 fleet vehicles operating across Australia from the electrical, gas, telecommunications and water sector.
The Utility Forum consisted of senior representatives from SA Power Networks, AGL, APA Group, Ergon, ElectraNet, Energex, Horizon, Optus, Origin Energy, SA Water, Sydney Water, Tasmanian Hydro, Telstra, Water Corporation, Western Power, ARRB Group and Motor Accident Commission.
Before attending the forum each company had to supply a detailed template which formed the basis of the day. The template was based on the framework developed for the NRSPP National Benchmarking Project. Completing the template itself tested many internal systems for those who attended. What it allowed on the day was for organisations to compare their road safety performance, identify their key risks and how they manage them.
Size of the company did not matter, it was a chance for similar organisations to compare risks and share learnings in collaborative open manner. Interestingly when it comes to risk management the risks are relatively the same, how different organisations manage the risks varies and that was one of the key benefits from the day.
The key risks identified were:
- Fatigue
- Heavy vehicle operations / cargo
- Remote operations
- Driver behaviour
- Driver distraction
It was decided on the day that the key focus of the group is to focus on the lead indicators, strengthening how to measure them and what is being done to reduce the road safety risks that influence them.
By taking a pro-active position it is hoped the lag indicators will then decline. The issue though is ensuring that those key measures which really do influence serious incidents are the focus and the ‘noise’ created by lesser risks does not divert attention from them. The focus is on the holistic safe system approach so when an incident occurs it is not fatal.
The NRSPP would like to thank SA Power Networks for hosting the day, and AGL, APA Group, Origin Energy, Tasmanian Hydro and Water Corporation who helped organise the forum and then those utility sector companies who took the time to attend.
A report will be produced from the day once approved by the attendees.
