78 | Health and safety is a fundamental value Jessie’s new initiative, along with her flair for operational excellence at every level have seen her take out the Graymont Health and Safety Award at the 2024 Groundspread NZ Industry Awards. Kelly Deeks Sandfords Rural Carriers HR superstar and head of Groundspread NZ Health and Safety portfolio Jessie Freer has enabled a cultural shift towards the prioritisation of health and safety as a fundamental value with the development of a new health and safety resource for Groundspread NZ members, which aims to close the gap between regulators and operators, and between regulation and practical implementation on the ground. Jessie says she took the health and safety manual that was available to groundspread operators and tried to align it with the Health and Safety at Work Act along with other member’s resources, and then filled in the gaps. “I looked at what health and safety could look like for an actively working business, what might need explaining a little bit more, and developed a template which Groundspread NZ members could use in their own businesses,” she says. “I don’t think the industry is lacking in health and safety. Operators are out there doing the right thing but from an auditing process, if something goes wrong and WorkSafe comes out, they want to see a paper trail. Using these templates, operators can create the right health and safety policy for their system.” Jessie’s new initiative, along with her flair for operational excellence at every level have seen her take out the Graymont Health and Safety Award at the 2024 Groundspread NZ Industry Awards. With the new template, she has been able to connect with individuals on a personal level, understand their motivations, and tailor health and safety messages to resonate deeply with them. At Sandfords, she has implemented a practical first aid course recommended by Pracmed, designed and run by ex-military personnel. This initiative not only equipped her team with essential skills but also instilled confidence among drivers who are often the first responders at accident scenes, given their extensive time on the road. Jessie has an unwavering commitment to enhancing industry standards and ensuring the well-being of every individual involved. Her vision for the groundspread industry is of a collaborative future where the people on the ground help to shape the policies that govern them. She can see a disconnect between regulators and operators, and what they actually do on the daily. She wants to bridge the gap for a better understanding of each by each. Her advocacy and proactive engagement highlight her relentless pursuit of a safer, more cohesive industry. RURAL SERVICES » Sandfords Rural Carriers “It’s about making sure the regulators understand what the operators are doing, and why their legislation should take these things in to account. Beginning at the top is really important and I try to advocate as best I can for how regulation in this industry can be better aligned from top to bottom.” Jessie’s impact resonates throughout the industry and inspires a culture of safety, collaboration, and continuous improvement. She was thrilled to be recognised for her work with the Graymont Health and Safety Award, amongst some exceptionally talented and high calibre applicants. She loves being part of Groundspread NZ and finds their collectiveness infectious. “With members who support and encourage each other all the way, it gives so much motivation for what can be achieved next!” BULK SPREADERS AND TRAILERS Peter Harrison 06 278 3054 or 027 448 0802 Regent Street, Hawera Made in NZ with NZ components for NZ conditions • Prompt backup service • Drawbeams • Roll bars • Bumpers • Chassis alteration • Repairs and Maintenance • Structure steel Fabrication For Buildings and Houses Proudly supporting Sandfords Rural Carriers Custom built bins and trailers & all associated truck and trailer work Proud to support the Sandfords team with driver training & licensing. • CLASS 2/3/4/5 COURSES • W/T/R ENDORSEMENTS • DANGEROUS GOODS • ADVANCED DRIVER TRAINING 027 591 5764 info@driveit.kiwi | driveit.kiwi DRIVER TRAINING DONE PROPERLY
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