SAFETY at sea and on land is a top priority for Limestone Coast Fishermen’s Co-Operative operations, with the organisation recently awarded a prestigious state honour for its efforts.
The organization recently received the safety accolade at the 2019 South Australian Seafood Industry Awards, a bi-annual event which celebrates the state’s seafood industry achievements and excellence.
Co-op secretary Justin Phillips said the organisation’s board – largely comprised of industry directors – addressed workplace health and safety as a primary focus.
“We sought the assistance of consultant Alex Thomas to help in achieving the best service possible,” Mr Phillips said.
“The co-op wanted to ensure we were aiming to establish a new benchmark for workplace health and safety in our sector.
“We also wanted to influence safer outcomes for those who work with the co-op as well as the broader fishing community.”
Mr Phillips said work focus was not solely based on managing operational risk.
“We also focused on enhancing the ‘people factor’ of attitudes and beliefs that drive safer behaviours,” he said.
“We found this was a great fit with the nature of our business and our approach to dealing with people.
“We were able to achieve a user-driven approach in meeting these objectives through a process that was high-energy, engaging and understandable to everyone who participated.”
A “dynamic” set of tools and processes are now in place according to Mr Phillips, which will continue to develop.
“Our personnel will continue to take ownership of processes implemented and will address workplace health and safety responsibilities on an ongoing basis.
“We firmly believe engagement and ownership is key to a sustainable approach on workplace health and safety and we are seeking to genuinely effect change and awareness in our operation.”
