AN MSF Sugar initiative to improve safety in the workforce has had outstanding results achieving safety levels above the industry average at each of its sugar mills.
MSF Sugar mills achieved the largest improvement across all sugar milling companies in Australia and took out two awards at the inaugural Workplace Health and Safety Excellence Awards presented by the Australian Sugar Milling Council (ASMC).
Business Development General Manager for MSF Sugar Hywel Cook was named as Health and Safety Champion of the Year for demonstrating outstanding safety leadership.
He was recognised for his work in leading a review of a South Johnstone boiler explosion last year.
The Excellence in Stay at Work Programs award went to MSF Sugar Mulgrave Mill management team comprising chief engineer Brendan Slattery, cane supply manager Mike Huxley and factory manager Chris Hoare. The team manages programs to reduce injury rates at the mill.
Mr Slattery’s role is to ensure the mill machinery is operational, efficient and safe along with a high level of availability.
Mr Huxley is responsible for cane supply via the locomotive network while managing the logistics to ensure safety.
As factory manager, Mr Hoare oversees operations at Mulgrave Mill.
MSF Sugar company secretary Kelly Slattery was also nominated for Best Solution to a Specific Workplace Health and Safety Issue for the implementation of a Drug and Alcohol Policy.
Entries received by ASMC from all sugar milling member companies were reviewed by an independent panel.
MSF Sugar chief executive officer Mike Barry said the awards recognised the company’s culture of prioritising safety.
“Our goal is to create and maintain a healthy and safe working environment for all MSF Sugar employees, contractors, customers and visitors and we are progressively improving safety and health performance at our mills,” Mr Barry said.
“In the past year, our injury rate has halved which demonstrates our approach to workplace safety if on the right path.
“In real terms MSF Sugar’s goal is to be a leader in workplace health and safety and process safety in both the sugar industry and Australia’s broader manufacturing community.”