Improving Workplace Health and Safety: A Case Study in Business Growth
Discover how Gateway Motorway Services transformed its safety record, moving from high injury rates to award-winning performance, and how this directly led to significant business growth.
Gateway Motorway Services (GMS) is a contractor providing maintenance and traffic incident management for Brisbane’s Gateway Upgrade Project and the Logan Motorway. Historically, GMS faced challenges with high injury rates and a reputation for safety issues.
While management recognised these issues, the primary driver for change was the company's difficulty in securing new business.
Addressing a Challenging Safety Record
At its peak, GMS recorded a total recordable injury frequency rate of 150. The company's best record for LTI-free days was approximately 300. Furthermore, GMS experienced a culture where incidents and injuries were often underreported, and staff sometimes preferred time off work over reporting injuries.
Implementing a Positive Safety Culture
GMS initiated a comprehensive change programme focused on building a positive safety culture. Key elements of this programme included:
- Strong management commitment
- Appropriate staffing levels
- Targeted training
- Performance monitoring
- Clear communication strategies
- Proactive stakeholder engagement
These efforts led to substantial improvements. Staffing levels increased from 22 to 82 people within 12 months. The enhanced safety performance also rebuilt client confidence, resulting in contract renewal and the award of new business.
Recognised for Significant Improvement
In recognition of its dramatic turnaround, Gateway Motorway Services won the award for 'Most significant improvement to work health and safety performance' at the 2018 Queensland Safe Work and Return to Work Awards.
Brett Simpson, Service Delivery Manager at GMS, commented, “Whilst our safety journey felt like a long road at times, our people are now more motivated, more inspired and more capable in managing and maintaining a safe working environment. It is fantastic to see these outcomes recognised by the WorkSafe QLD Awards and by our client, with the contract renewed and new business awarded.”
RSURED's Commitment to Safety Excellence
RSURED proudly sponsored the 'Most significant improvement to work health and safety performance' category at the 2018 Queensland Safe Work and Return to Work Awards. The finalists for this category were:
- Gateway Motorway Services
- Mitchell Services
- NRG Gladstone Power Station
- Skyline Landscape Services
RSURED congratulates Gateway Motorway Services on their win and their significant achievement in improving safety performance. This case highlights how a dedicated focus on safety can drive not only better operational outcomes but also substantial business growth in high-risk, contractor-heavy environments.
To see how RSURED can support your organisation in achieving similar improvements in safety and compliance, explore our platform or book a demo today.
Related RSURED modules
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