Trigger Alert…...The following article may cause distress to some readers.
I’m a bit angry while writing this newsletter, and I might upset a few people by saying what I’m about to say….. But I’m going to say it!
We need to do something about FIFO Rosters. Four and One is killing people! I read today that another worker committed suicide on a FIFO site.
As someone who spends time away from their
family and their home I know how difficult it can be. I’ve had my kids ring me when I’m on the other side of the country crying to me and asking me to come home. I’ve had my wife ring me and ask how to start the lawn mower or that there is a Bat flying around the house and she is locking herself in the bedroom until it dies!!! I’ve also been away when I’ve felt down or lonely and just need company but all I have is the room I’m in with a single bed, a TV and a fridge that makes a horrible noise all night!
It’s not normal to be away from your family and “Comfort” zone for long periods of time. And I personally don’t
believe that companies are doing enough to support FIFO workers that are struggling with it.
There has to be better ways to deal with FIFO, and there has to be more support from employers. I personally could not cope with more than a two week roster, that is more than enough time to be away from family and friends. And one week on and one week off or any other “Even time” roster would be better. I have worked with companies that run an even time roster, they are happier, more productive, more positive and safer workplaces.
I have also been to sites that run an EAP or an Employee Assistance Program. The problem with this is that most people don’t use them! And when I ask why the answer I get is “The company pays for it.” Now I know that the EAP providers do a great job, but you won’t get people to use them if they think there is even a slight chance that it will get back to the employer.
One of the other things that I have seen that I believe is a good idea is a Chaplain on site full time. Now I’m not a religious person, but the fact that this site had a chaplain that was on
site and available 24/7 would be comforting to some people.
Look I’m just venting my frustration at this. These are only a few of my thoughts and views. Surely we have much smarter people than me that can get together and work this shit out because I believe it is going to get worse and more people will suffer!
I don’t know how to feel about this?.... One of our team has just been fitted with world's first technology. A Bionic Arm…
Now I have to acknowledge that Alan lost his arm in a workplace accident. And I know for a fact that he would rather have his arm back than anything that technology can provide him.
But on the other hand (No pun intended) he has been lucky enough to be part of this
amazing medical and technological breakthrough.
I won’t go into too much detail here but the arm actually moves by him “Thinking”..... Seriously!
If you would like to hear Alan’s safety message and ask him about his new arm please get in touch with us today. Check out Alan’s arm working here….
I was recently asked to share my story with Bouygues Construction as part of their World Safety Day. And that is exactly what it was. A WORLD WIDE Safety Day. Now Bouygues only has a small presence in Australia at the moment but it is a huge company in other parts of the world. Once a year they
stop all of their jobs everywhere in the world to have a focus on safety.
Now just think about that for a minute.
Every single Bouygues site all over the planet shuts down for a Safety Day! I’m impressed Bouygues, maybe some of the other construction companies in Australia and around the world should follow your lead.
I’m looking forward to working more with this mob.
Woody's Words Competition
If you haven’t been watching Woody’s Words you need to start NOW…
Some great safety messages shared by your truly! Check it out here...
But Woody is running out of things to talk about. So if you have a suggestion for a Woody’s Words send it through to us and you will go into the draw for a FREE CHOICES The James Wood Storytraining package. This is ideal for reinforcing the importance of taking responsibility for your own safety and for looking out for each other.
The package is valued at $1980.00 and will be drawn at the end of June. Send your suggestions to woody@cnbsafe.com.au
Here is Week 48, 49, 50 & 51 if you missed it....
Week 52 - One Year of Woody's Words will be out next Wednesday...
Week 48 Week 49
Week 50 Week 51
Click below and you will be automatically signed up to the
We are approaching the End of the Financial Year and like most businesses we want to tidy things up before we close the books for the year. We have a limited number of CHOICES The James Wood Story DVD packages available for a discount price if you
Book a Speaker before the end of June.
The package is ideal for use in inductions, safety training days, workshops or even to loan to employees to take home and show their teenage kids! So the deal is Book a Safety Speaker before the end of June and we will provide you with a Safety Training Package for 70% off the retail
price……
Yes 70% off! 8 days left to take this offer!!
Let us help you to continue your safety journey with real life stories.
Contact Vanessa at vanessa@cnbsafe.com.au to get someone out to your workplace and be eligible for this SUPER discount.
P.S. We have moved offices, our new contact details are: C&B Safe Pty Ltd Mailing: PO Box 310 Yarra Glen Vic 3775 Office: 68 Bell Street Yarra Glen Vic 3775 Ph: 03 9730 2900
CNBSAFE Safety Speakers, PO Box 310, Yarra Glen Victoria 3775, Australia