16 June 2005
Kiwi Rail Workers’ Projects Lead to Major Change in Rail Maintenance Industry in New Zealand and Australia
Kiwi ingenuity is leading the way in the rail maintenance industry, with major safety initiatives developed by local
rail maintenance workers being implemented not just on New Zealand’s rail network – but on the Australian network as
well.
The safety initiatives were developed by Transfield Services’ employees as part of a training programme and were so
impressive that the company is already in the process of introducing them in New Zealand, with plans to roll them out in
Australia. They include a new Hirail braking system, which has reduced stopping distances by 50% and is already the
recipient of a major national safety award, as well as a study into hand arm vibration injuries. This study has since
led to a major initiative that has not only increased worker safety but improved productivity.
Transfield Services, the company that maintains New Zealand’s entire rail network, introduced the Agents of Change
training programme to encourage rail employees to develop and implement safety initiatives to promote and facilitate
safe behaviours.
The hand arm vibration project involves replacing the poinjar hand held tampers with mini tampers imported from China
and never before used in New Zealand. Poinjars are widely used in track maintenance work to pack the stones under the
railway sleepers, however they vibrate heavily and can cause injuries, and so time limitations are put on their use.
Mini tampers are also man-operated, but are larger machines that run along the tracks and do not transfer vibrations to
the rail employee, enabling track work to be carried out safely, efficiently and effectively.
The catalyst for change was an Agents of Change research project by Palmerston North track maintainer, Brendon
Gutschlag. Brendon investigated the awareness and incidence of symptoms of hand arm vibration injuries caused through
excessive use of hand tampers. His findings showed that 80% of his fellow workers were experiencing symptoms of hand arm
vibration injuries.
“The prevention of nerve damage resulting from excessive use of heavy hand held tools is an ongoing problem within this
and other heavy industries,” said Mr Gutschlag. “These tools are used frequently; however there is a limitation on their
use of 60 minutes per person per day.”
The introduction of mini tampers eliminates the health hazards associated with the use hand tampers. By the end of June
2005, Transfield Services will be significantly reducing the numbers and usage of handheld tampers currently in the
workforce through the introduction of the new mini tamper technology.
More…/2 Tony Fisher general manager of Transfield Services New Zealand Ltd, said that this is a significant development
for the industry.
“Brendon’s research has made workers more aware of the incidence of hand arm vibration injuries, and through the
subsequent introduction of mini tampers we have created a safer working environment,” said Mr Fisher. “We have also seen
a significant increase in productivity. Not only are mini tampers relatively inexpensive, they do a more consistent job
than the hand tampers in less time and have no time restrictions set on the use of them.
Another initiative that has been implemented as a result of the Agents of Change programme is a new Hirail truck braking
system, which improves stopping distance by 50% and is now fitted to all new Hirail trucks.
This initiative was recently awarded the Safeguard and Department of Labour Workplace Health & Safety Award for Best Design or Technology Initiative, which best demonstrates effective solutions to health and safety
issues. The project was carried out by Transfield Services’ Dunedin Area Coordinator, Brian McAllister.
“This award, along with Transfield Services’ recent achievement of 750,000 hours Lost Time Injury Free, is a fitting
tribute to the work we have all done to improve safety within our rail business in New Zealand,” said Mr Fisher.
“These projects are superb examples of how a significant difference can be made to safety through the passion and
determination of individuals realising they can make a difference. It is great to see that the Agents of Change training
programme has resulted in some tangible benefits to the workers and the rail maintenance industry.”
About Transfield Services :
Transfield Services, an ASX listed company, is the provider of operations, maintenance and asset management services in
New Zealand, Australia, South East Asia and the Gulf Region across a broad range of industries including mining and
process, hydrocarbons, roads, rail and public transport, utilities, facilities management, defence, telecommunications
and power.
In New Zealand, Transfield Services employs over 3000 people and has more than 100 offices and depots throughout the
country. In 2004 it acquired the public services company, Serco Group NZ who provide service contracts in the public and
private sector. Transfield Services also recently acquired Areva T, increasing its capability in electrical and telecommunication services.
ENDS