CASE STUDY

Safety leadership training

In 2022 an integral part of Link Alliance H&S continuous improvement programme was the start of an industry-leading H&S training programme to 150 frontline Link Alliance leaders and supervisors.

Frontline managers have a critical role in ensuring a safe work area and leading the team on the safe delivery of work. Given the size and scale of the project, not all frontline leaders have had previous formal supervisor training, and some have recently been promoted into positions of responsibility.

Working closely with Construction Health and Safety NZ, which undertook an in-depth assessment of the different safety courses available for front line leaders, Link Alliance participated in a trial in late 2021 to decide which training course delivered the maximum benefit to Link Alliance leaders.

Safety Futures, an international safety training consultancy which works worldwide across high hazard industries, was chosen as a Link Alliance partner. A programme providing comprehensive and practical training specifically targeted at supervisors and was highly relevant for the complex activities and environments found on the CRL project was selected. The content is delivered through a series of online lectures with an accompanying weekly ‘mission’ for the workers to apply to the work site over a 12-week period. Progressive learning builds over the three months, and is in a flexible format. Lectures are recorded to allow workers to watch in their own time if they cannot dial into the module live. Individuals are supported through the programme, with help accessing the material online and time away from their day-to-day duties.

The programme extends to suppliers and subcontractors. Link Alliance recognises that we will only achieve industry leading standards of H&S if everyone works together and invests in all workers. He waka eke noa – we are one team. Frontline supervisors will take this knowledge with them, thereby contributing towards a positive legacy for the construction industry in New Zealand.