52 | Contact Energy - Tauhara Geothermal Station INFRASTRUCTURE Workplace wellbeing a top priority T T Karen Phelps When Contact Energy began construction on its $924 million Tauhara geothermal power station it took an unconventional approach: replacing security guards with wellness coordinators and building a multicultural construction village complete with a prayer room. “We recognised early that worker engagement would be pivotal in securing a safe and successful delivery of this complex and challenging project,” says Craig Woolacott, Contact Energy senior project manager. The strategy has paid off. The project recently won the Wellbeing Award at the New Zealand Workplace Health & Safety Awards, recognising its innovative approach to worker care during the massive construction effort. With 4000 people inducted, from 27 countries more than 2.68 million work hours were clocked up for the project. . At its peak, 652 people were on site in a single day. Instead of treating this as a challenge, Contact Energy embraced it. At the heart of the wellbeing initiative is the Wellbeing Reception, staffed by Cheal is an award-winning multi-disciplinary consultancy providing engineering, surveying, and planning services throughout New Zealand. Experience our energy, passion and commitment to bringing projects and ideas to life with innovative thinking. Ph: +64 7 378 6405 Level 1, 4 Horomatangi St, Taupo
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