active workers on the system
supply and contractor companies active
inductions completed through the system
Ausgrid partnered with Avetta to digitise training, streamline contractor management and standardise safety documentation – boosting safety visibility across 6,000+ workers.
For electricity providers, training, safety and compliance really matter. The scrutiny from regulators is tough, and the ‘product’ – millions of watts of electricity pumping through an expansive power grid – can injure or even kill. It’s essential to not only have the right people on the job, but also know that their accreditations are on point for the specific work they’re doing.
As the largest distributor of electricity on Australia’s east coast, Ausgrid is a complicated organisation that provides power to approximately 1.8 million people and businesses. Its network of substations, power lines, poles and underground cables spans 22,275 square kilometres.
A key step in pursuing its vision of reliability, affordability and sustainability came in December 2016, under a new long-term operating lease with the NSW Government, Australian Super and IFM Investors. Under this new ownership, Ausgrid maintained its focus on safe, reliable service while addressing major contractor and safety management issues.
Some of these procedural problems became clear early in its Health and Safety Reset. A process review uncovered significant gaps in how safety accreditation for contractors and ASPs was being approached.
‘In essence, we weren't asking key health and safety questions before contractors were awarded a piece of work.’
– Nelius Murphy, Health and Safety Manager – Network Development and Services, Ausgrid
The solution to Ausgrid’s problem was multifaceted. It required a holistic approach to certifying, training and managing employees, contractors and ASPs.
Step one was to understand exactly what Ausgrid needed. This discovery period allowed the developer to determine Ausgrid’s existing workflows and urgent requirements, while also revealing additional issues to solve.
Step two was customising, adapting and implementing Avetta’s SaaS platform to meet Ausgrid’s unique requirements:
Ausgrid had an inconsistent approach to ensuring that contractors were properly trained and certified. Now all contractors and ASPs are vetted in a consistent manner through a digitised matrix.
Avetta automated the checking processes to ensure that contractors and ASPs were qualified to undertake work, including independent SMS reviews of safety documentation.
The solution gave Ausgrid the ability to track and maintain all contractors’ and providers’ information in one mobile app. Staff can now instantly scan a contractor’s ID card and access their contracts, qualifications and certifications.
Ausgrid’s solution went into Business as Usual (BAU) mode and has been welcomed by employees, contractors and ASPs alike.
Key outcomes include:
Going forward, Avetta continues to work with Ausgrid to expand into more departments, including Security and Learning & Development. Together, they are creating a holistic solution for workplace safety and compliance, helping keep the lights on for nearly 2 million Australians.
Ausgrid is Australia’s largest distributor of electricity on the east coast, serving 1.8 million customers across Sydney, the Central Coast, Newcastle and the Hunter Valley. Its extensive network spans 22,275 square kilometres and includes substations, power lines, poles and underground cables. With a focus on reliability, affordability and sustainability, Ausgrid aims to connect communities and empower lives.
Avetta’s Workforce Management solution gives you real-time visibility and control over your workforce and assets. Easily verify worker qualifications, ensure only competent, trained personnel access your sites, and meet all safety and legislative requirements with confidence – all while reducing risk and improving operational efficiency.
