Melbourne’s Pound Road West Upgrade and Frankston-Dandenong Road Bridge Upgrade project has been recognised for Occupational Health and Safety Leadership at the prestigious 2024 WorkSafe Victoria Awards in Melbourne on 27 February 2025.
The infrastructure upgrade project, awarded to Seymour Whyte through an Incentivised Target Cost Design and Construct contract with Major Road Projects Victoria (MRPV) in May 2021, has significantly improved traffic flow, enhanced road safety, and strengthened pedestrian and cyclist connectivity. However, what truly sets the project apart is its exceptional safety culture, demonstrating innovative safety solutions, proactive risk management, and an industry-leading approach to worker safety and wellbeing.
The project’s exceptional safety record stands as a testament to an unwavering commitment to Occupational Health and Safety (OHS).
Seymour Whyte was recognised for its outstanding initiatives on the Pound Road upgrade – which included a dedicated wellbeing room, a mental health app, and portable safety stations to reduce health and safety risks.
Michelle Nation, Seymour Whyte’s General Manager of Health, Safety, Environment, and Quality (HSEQ), said as a result, the team completed more than 400,000 labour hours without any lost-time injuries, major incidents, infringement notices, penalties, or public safety complaints.
“You don’t get fantastic safety outcomes and a really strong culture by luck; you get it by having a very strategic focus and some very good leadership”
Michelle Nation
Operating in a challenging brownfield environment, the Pound Road team prioritised risk elimination, technological innovation, and a robust safety culture—ensuring the wellbeing of workers and the community.
“Seymour Whyte’s proactive safety leadership and adoption of industry-best practices made the Pound Road project a standout nominee for the WorkSafe Awards. This achievement reflects our commitment to creating safer worksites for our employees, partners, and the broader community”, Michelle added.
A benchmark for safety excellence
Seymour Whyte’s approach to safety at Pound Road yielded remarkable results, including:
- 417,290 labour hours with zero lost-time injuries (LTIs)
- Zero rail safety incidents and public safety complaints
- Two safety and wellbeing culture surveys with 86% and 88% positive responses
- Zero regulatory infringements or penalties during four separate inspections
- 237 drug and alcohol tests conducted with zero positive results
- 93% average contractor safety performance score
- Implementation of portable safety stations to enhance first aid capabilities
- Pilot of Unmind – a mental health app supporting workforce wellbeing
Innovative solutions to overcome safety challenges
Faced with complex project conditions, Seymour Whyte deployed proactive safety solutions:
1) Adapting to the COVID-19 pandemic
Recognising the impact of COVID-19 on worker wellbeing, Seymour Whyte introduced a dedicated wellbeing room, supported the Unmind mental health app, and provided flexible working arrangements. These measures maintained team morale and ensured the project was delivered ahead of schedule.
2) Managing complex underground and rail safety risks
The project’s proximity to underground gas pipelines, sewer mains, and the Cranbourne Rail line required precise coordination with authorities. Seymour Whyte used 3D mapping technology to enhance safety planning and asset protection.
3) Enhancing traffic management for 51,000 daily road users
Through sophisticated traffic staging strategies, Seymour Whyte minimised disruption and ensured safe access for both commercial and public vehicles.
4) Protecting pedestrians in a high-risk construction zone
Seymour Whyte implemented recycled plastic ‘red carpet’ walkways, improving pedestrian safety, inspired by the ‘Christopher’s Law’ campaign advocating for better safety in high-risk industries.
5) Implementing portable safety stations for emergency preparedness
Seymour Whyte introduced portable safety stations to enhance first aid capabilities, ensuring quick emergency response across all work zones.
6) Introducing automated traffic control measures
Automatic boom gates eliminated manual labour risks and improved traffic safety.
Industry leadership in safety culture
The Pound Road project has established new safety standards, with key programs now adopted company-wide:
- ‘Behind the Barriers’ Female Students Engagement Initiative
- Partnering with NAWIC and Major Road Projects Victoria (MRPV), Seymour Whyte launched an educational program to introduce female students to construction careers. Following its success, the initiative has expanded to other projects.
- Seymour Whyte’s Safety Graduate Program
- This first-of-its-kind program, initiated at Pound Road, now cultivates future safety leaders nationwide.
Integrating cutting-edge safety technology and fostering a culture of accountability in construction safety leadership—demonstrates what’s possible for the future of our industry.
