IN THIS ISSUE
SEPTEMBER 2013 EDITION
> New faces to EPSA > Welcome to MWM Employees > Recognition of Excellence Award – December 2012 Recipient > Access EAP – Your Employee Assistance Provider > EPSA Advantage – EPSA’s re-vamped Employee Benefits Program > Getting to know you… Abbie Moss, Finance Administrative Officer > Service Recognition > Spotlight on EPSA’s Parental Leave Policy > Health & Wellbeing – R U OK? > Health, Safety & Environment Snapshot
MWM - A Special Welcome Following the November 2011 acquisition of MWM GmbH, Mannheim, Germany, Caterpillar has announced that EPSA has been named as a distributor of Cat CG advanced gas fueled electric power systems sourced from Mannheim for its territories of Australia, Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. In addition, effective September 1, 2013, EPSA is awarded the parts and service support role for the MWM and Cat CG products. EPSA simultaneously announces the hiring of MWM Energy Australia Pty Ltd service personnel and the acquisition of certain assets in order to provide service to customers with existing MWM brand power generation equipment. Customers previously working with MWM Australia can expect to receive from EPSA the same high quality parts and outstanding services to which they have become accustomed. With the MWM division reporting to Stephen Lupi, General Manager Engines, we warmly welcome twelve MWM employees to EPSA, effective 1 September. We hope your time with EPSA is most enjoyable. Glenn Butcher
Business Unit Manager
Mulgrave VIC
Kathryn Archer
Office Administrator
Mulgrave VIC
Brian Hawksworth
Service Manager
Mulgrave VIC
James Cork
Parts Manager
Mulgrave VIC
Hans Eggers
Inventory / Parts Support Officer
Mulgrave VIC
Mark McCracken
Service Technician
Mulgrave VIC
Tom Lazarowicz
Service Technician
Mulgrave VIC
Callum Gemmell
Service Supervisor
Malaga, WA
Colin French
Service Technician
Malaga, WA
Chris Hewes
Service Supervisor
Seven Hills, NSW
Shane Wooller
Service Technician
Seven Hills, NSW
Stephen Morton
Service Technician
Seven Hills, NSW
MWM
VIC Back Row L to R: James Cork , Hans Eggers, Kathryn Archer, Brian Hawksworth Front Row L to R: Glenn Butcher, Tom Lazarowicz and Mark McCr acken
MWM NSW
Morton ooller and Stephen L to R: Shane W
MWM NSW Chris Hewes
SEPTEMBER 2013 EDITION
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MWM WA
L to R: Colin French and Callum Gemmell
Recognition of Excellence Award – December 2013 The nominees for the December 2012 Recognition of Excellence Award are to be congratulated for being recognised by their peers under the Operational Excellence and Safety and Environment categories:
Brian Harrex
Applications Engineer - Engines Perth
Operational Excellence
Michael Worthy
Monika Hill
Office Administrator - Engines Sydney
Operational Excellence
Clyde “Cotch” Cotchin Service Technician - Rental Darwin
John Fitzpatrick
Yard Person - Rental Sunshine
Operational Excellence
Gary Humphreys
Bus. Process Improvement Mgr. - Engines Perth Operational Excellence
Belinda Stevenson
Parts Coordinator - Rental Sunshine
Operational Excellence
Jenni Sharp
Branch Administrator - Rental Darwin
Phil Campbell
Sales Representative - Rental Sunshine
Operational Excellence
“Cotch, Dave & Mike” Service Team - Rental Darwin
Operational Excellence
Bob King
Senior Projects Manager - Engines Brisbane
Operational Excellence
Cathy Revolon
Branch Administrator - Rental Townsville
Safety & Environment
Stuart Adam
Financial Accountant - Finance, Head Office
Operational Excellence
Mark Griffin
Service Technician - Rental Townsville
Operational Excellence
Rachel Hitchman
Branch Administrator - Rental Adelaide
Operational Excellence
Mark Rooney
Field Technician - Engineering, Head Office
Operational Excellence
Greg Rocke
Applications Engineer - Rental Operations
Operational Excellence
Ed Douez
Contracts Manager - Engines Melbourne
Operational Excellence
Huy Vuong
EPG Sales Engineer - Engines Sydney
Operational Excellence
Lee Ho Ong
Project Mgr / Electrical Engineer - Engines Perth Operational Excellence
Sharyn Sullivan
Office Manager - Engines Brisbane
Operational Excellence
Donna Conway
Project Administrator - Rental Wheatstone
Infrastructure Engineer - IT, Head Office
Operational Excellence Safety & Environment
Operational Excellence
Operational Excellence
Congratulations to Clyde “Cotch” Cotchin, Service Technician – Rental Darwin who was the chosen recipient of the December 2012 EPSA Recognition of Excellence Award. Cotch received the award under the Safety and Environment category. Cotch has been an important part of the CAT Rental Power Darwin team for almost three years and during his time with EPSA, has progressed from the role of Yardperson to Service Technician. Cotch was nominated by his peers for proactively ensuring the health and safety procedures and policies were adhered to within the branch, and for his exceptional customer service skills.
Some of the comments we received about Cotch: •
“Exceptional operator, dedicated service technician that provides outstanding customer service to all customers. Everyone loves Cotch, he is great at what he does and respectful to every person in the business.”
•
“The JHA and SWMS prepared for Power and Water were top notch, Cotch ensured the customer was well prepared, knew the layout and design of the project and the safety procedures and risks associated with the equipment. Cotch always takes the time to make sure safety is recognised as important and the customer is aware of our safe operating procedures. Cotch always ensures Phil (Branch Manager) has a copy of the planned works layout, JHA and SWMS for every project.”
•
•
Customer feedback: “Cotch is a no-nonsense kind of guy. He comes to our site, knows exactly what needs to be done and teaches us the safety information in regards to the equipment. He shows us what to do – takes the time to explain things clearly. We enjoy working with Cotch as we know he will get the problem sorted. He is a very likeable, person and sets a good example for EPSA and the Cat Rental Power Darwin branch. Cotch is great; we enjoy seeing him on site.” “Cotch is the first to raise a safety issue, but he raises it after the fact – when he has resolved the issue himself. Safety is everybody’s responsibility and Cotch is “Mr. Safety.” We know we will get the right answer and helpful advice when we approach Cotch on any safety issue. He leads by example and is so meticulous with his servicing of equipment.”
As part of the Recognition of Exc ellence Award, Cotch receives a framed certificate and a $100 0 cash/voucher prize. The process of shortlisting nominees was difficult, but deciding on a recipient proved even more challenging. A special mention must go to the following people who were runners up and received a $300 travel accommodation gift certificate in recognition of their achievement: Mark Griffin
Service Technician
Rental Townsville
Lee Ho Ong
Project Mgr / Electrical Engineer
Engines Perth
Mark and Lee - a fantastic effort. Thank you for your dedication to our business and being recongised by your peers under the operational excellence category. Congratulations to Cotch for being our Award recipient in December 2012.
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Access EAP Did you know EPSA utilises Access EAP as our Employee Assistance Program provider? Access EAP partners with EPSA to promote positive organisational behavior, enhance employee well-being and improve workplace productivity. As an Australian owned provider with a
EPSA’s Employee Assistance Program is
not for profit orientation, Access EAP’s
designed to support you and is completely
emphasis is on understanding the needs of
confidential. EPSA is not able to obtain
EPSA and tailoring their services to support
any details of who has used the service or
and prevent mental health issues in the
what was discussed, nor would we want to.
workplace based upon these unique needs.
The purpose of this service is to encourage
Professional counselling is the key service that Access EAP offer. They have a large
staff to access counselling quickly and conveniently.
Australian EAP network and are able
We have taken this initiative because
to provide qualified and experienced
we care for the wellbeing and mental
counselling support throughout Australia.
health of our employees. We recognise
Internationally they have a network of
that there may be challenging times in
affiliate counsellors to support EPSA’s team
life and some of these issues may be
in Papua New Guinea.
effectively addressed by an external,
Access EAP’s depth of experience and training allows them to address and manage the wide variety of issues our employees are facing.
professional, counselling service. Mental health service providers affirm that the best mental health outcomes are achieved by addressing issues early, therefore we want to encourage you to use this service, should you be experiencing any difficulties.
Common issues clients bring to a counselling session include: •
Personal issues
•
Work / life balance
•
Relationship issues
•
Interpersonal conflict
•
Working relationships
•
Substance abuse problems
•
Gambling
•
Trauma
•
Depression
•
Grief and Loss
•
Financial Problems
•
Anxiety and Stress
•
Parenting
•
Legal / Financial difficulties
SEPTEMBER 2013 EDITION
To arrange a confidential session with an Access EAP counsellor at a convenient time and location, call the toll free number 1800 818 728 inside Australia, and, outside of Australia, dial the country code followed by 800 5004 0000.
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SIGN UP BETWEEN TH E 1ST OCTOBER AND THE 31ST OCTOBE R AND GO INTO THE DR AW TO
WIN A $200 GIFT CARD!
EPSA Advantage – EPSA’s revamped Employee Benefits Program We're really pleased to announce the launch of EPSA Advantage, the new discounts platform for all EPSA Employees - designed to save you and your family money on your shopping and make your salary go further. From 1 October 2013, you will have access to a wealth of specially arranged
If you spend $200 a week in Woolworths, you'll save over $520 per year on
discounts and savings at all of your favourite retailers such as Woolworths,
these alone. If you need a new TV or laptop this year you'll save 5% at The
Big W, Expedia.com.au, JB-HIFI, Coles, Vodafone, The Apple Store, Rebel
Good Guys - even on top of sale prices! When your mobile phone contract
Sport, The Good Guys, StrawberryNet and many more. These are available
comes to an end, get a new one with Vodafone through EPSA Advantage and
online and in-store and most are on top of sale prices and existing promotions
you’ll get over $100 Cashback.
- so they are a genuinely unbeatable deal.
LOOK FOR YOUR BROCHURE AND SPECIAL LAUNCH GIFT AND A “HOW TO” GUIDE TO ACCESS EPSA ADVANTAGE.
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Getting to know… Abbie Moss, Finance Administrative Officer Abbie Moss commenced with EPSA in a contract role early 2013, and recently joined the Finance team to provide adminsistrative support for Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable and CAT claims. 60 seconds with Abbie: 1. What’s the smartest thing you’ve been told? To always be yourself 2. What’s the one simple thing you’re really good at? Singing 3. A talent you wish you had? I wish I could play guitar 4. What smells take you back? Youth Dew by Estee Lauder - this was my Nan's perfume. Also, the smell of my Dad's lasagne and shepherd's pie, makes me think of my childhood. 5. Most prized possession? My smurf collection, and my Nan's Country Roses dinner set. 6. Favourite colour and why? Purple - not sure why, I'm just drawn to it. 7. Favourite holiday destination? New Zealand
Around EPSA Community Support Programme Kelly, Ted and Kleon from EPSA Kewdale supporting the Salvation Army Perth's weekend soup run. Abbie Moss
SEPTEMBER 2013 EDITION
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Service Recognition
Congratulations to the following employees who have achieved significant service milestones in the last twelve months. We reward and thank you for your efforts and dedication to EPSA and look forward to many more years of your contributions.
amer Robert E rs Service 20 Yea
Jeremy Cannon 10 Years Service
Jan Warner 15 Years Service
Donna Warren 10 Years Service
And y L imnios 10 Years Servic
e
Josh B unthong 10 Years Se
rvice
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Spotlight on EPSA’s Parental Leave Policy EPSA is committed to providing a pleasant, harmonious working environment for all employees, and offers flexible working arrangements and work/life balance initiatives for those wishing to take Parental Leave. EPSA encourages parents to utilise all available parental leave benefits to ensure they return to work motivated and ready to once again contribute to the success of EPSA.
As of the 1st June 2013, EPSA’s Parental Leave Policy has changed. Here are the facts: •
The Australian Government currently pays 18 weeks paid parental leave at the national minimum wage amount of $622.20 per week (before tax).
•
As part of this initiative, EPSA will support the government Paid Parental Leave contribution scheme by paying 9 weeks’ pay at $622.20 per week (before tax) upon completion of the government paid parental leave scheme, to those employees in full-time care of their child.*
*Conditions apply, please refer to the policy located on the intranet or contact Megan Carmody, HR Manager for more information.
SEPTEMBER 2013 EDITION
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Health & Wellbeing
R U OK? Day is a national day of action on the
Their Mission? To encourage and empower all
2. Promoting action, so that all people commit to
12th September 2013, dedicated to reminding
people to regularly and meaningfully ask 'are you ok?'
having regular, meaningful conversations
people to regularly check in with family, friends and
to support those struggling with life.
colleagues. The R U OK? Foundation is a not-for-profit
3. Inspiring behavioural change, so that all people
The R U OK? Foundation endeavours to do this by:
have regular, meaningful conversations
1. Proving value and build capacity, so that all people
At EPSA, we are asking you to ask your
Their Vision? A world where all people are
value and know how to have regular, meaningful
colleagues, “R U OK?� A simple conversation
connected and are protected from suicide.
conversations
could change a life.
organisation dedicated to encouraging conversations to prevent suicide.
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Health, Safety, Environment
Article written by Shane Cadan, HSE Advisor (Wheatstone Project)
The Equipment Hire Industry is one that is constantly evolving to meet the demands of both its current and potential customers. Noting the high risk climate that the industries we support operate in, the need to be ‘living safety’ is a non-negotiable requirement. Further, a majority of our customers also have the power to drive the same standards that they achieve, onto their contractors and suppliers. This also generally extends to the subcontractor/supplier’s home/branch locations. Price, quality and commitment are not always the key enduring factors that will win customer hearts and minds; a hire company’s commitment to safety is a key value proposition which can be the difference between winning and losing a contract. In upselling an organisation’s safety culture, systems, projects and programs it is important that the company values are completely understood and lived by all within the organisation. It takes little work in terms of candid observations to identify whether an organisation is ‘living’ its advertised safety values or not. It is quite easy to champion particular values such as strategies, goals and philosophies, yet even easier again to identify that actions don’t quite align with these. In the hire game it is particularly difficult when trying to achieve maximum financial utilisation out of the equipment. It is a tough leadership decision in putting aside some of the more ‘trivial’ safety policies in a world of competing priorities. Such an approach is fundamentally the same as giving rewards for increase in production, which in itself diminishes any emphasis on doing the job safely.
SEPTEMBER 2013 EDITION
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There has been significant research suggesting that an organisation’s safety culture is influential in shaping the health and safety related behaviours (climate) of employees. Whilst there can be many differences between hire companies’ operating procedures, there are many similarities in terms of the various roles that make up the organisation yardmen/drivers, tradesmen, counter staff, operations staff, sales professionals, analysts and management. It could be suggested that individuals operating in these roles would in their own right have a differing perspectives on organisational safety culture. So, rather than preaching about how a particular branch can better their culture, it would be prudent of us to first make an attempt at reflection of where we sit, individually or collectively in terms of being a ‘good’ culture. Firstly, how do we define a ‘good’ culture – well that is about as difficult a question as ‘what is the meaning of life’ as perspectives differ. Of all the literature on culture theory and organisational behaviour, the most appropriate model that could be applied to the equipment hire industry is that of Patrick Hudson’s Evolutionary Safety Culture Model. The reason this particular model is suited is that it is quite easy to identify a benchmark as well as setting a goal in where you want to be. When reviewing this model, it is important to keep in the back of your mind that as indicated earlier, you may judge yourself/branch on where you think you may sit, however it is actions that really identify the actual
Hudson Safety Culture Maturity Model Take a moment if you will, to review these particular steps within the model and have a think about where you or even your branch sit. In terms of viewing this as an evolutionary model it is important to understand that any change in culture will not happen overnight, it takes years of application to progress. Simply talking about it now and making an attempt to identify your local culture is a solid first step. So, where do you think you, your branch or even EPSA on the evolutionary model? Perhaps even make comment on the online forum.
Safety First, Work Second.
GENERATIVE (HRO)
HSE is how we do business round here
PROACTIVE
ed
ly ing
Safety leadership and values drive continous improvement
rm nfo
I
s
a cre
CALCULATIVE
In
We have systems in place to manage all hazards
y
REACTIVE
c
Safety is important, we do a lot every time we have an accident
PATHOLOGICAL
Who cares as long as we're not caught
n ou
t rus T g
c dA
an
in
s rea
Inc
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ta
it bil
New Faces A very warm welcome to our new employees and a very special welcome back to Darryl Bull and Paul Walter who return to the CAT Rental Power team in Adelaide. We hope your time at EPSA is most enjoyable.
March 2013 Paul Walter James Easom
Branch Manager
Rental
Adelaide
Energy Sales Consultant
Rental
Darwin
April 2013 Gary Cawley Naomi Pokana Shane Cadan Sean Liew
e m o c l e W
July 2013 Project Manager
Engines
Receptionist
Engines PNG
Brisbane
HSE Advisor
Rental
Wheatstone
Electrical Technician
Engines
Perth
June 2013 Lindsay Anderson Service Technician Mandi McKenna Executive Assistant to MD David Bahu Electrical Technician
Tas Topalidis Mike Osborne David Barrow Darryl Bull
Branch Manager
Rental
Melbourne
Branch Manager
Rental
Kalgoorlie
Energy Sales Consultant
Rental
Karratha
Product Manager – Compressed Air Rental
Adelaide
August 2013 Rental
Karratha
Head Office Hallam Engines
PNG
Yong Wan Sudhir Kamath Abbie Moss Ashley Gilmartin Emily Nash Perry Fulton
Supply Chain Planner / Analyst
Head Office Hallam
Distribution Manager
Head Office Hallam
Finance Administrative Assistant Finance
Hallam
Energy Sales Consultant
Rental
Darwin
Branch Administrator
Rental
Darwin
Energy Sales Consultant
Rental
Perth
Like what you see or want to see something specific? Email your feedback to megan.carmody@energypower.com.au and/or any articles you wish to see included in the next edition of HR EmPower.
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