Safety Ambassador Matthew Parker
Background information
I have worked with Tasmanian Alkaloids for 9 yearssince graduating from the University of Tasmania with a science degree majoring in chemistry. I graduated on a Saturday and began work on the Monday (not a great deal of time for partying!). Tasmanian Alkaloids is a pharmaceutical company growing and processing the opium poppy Papaver Somniferum and are the world’s largest exporter of the alkaloids codeine and thebaine.
My first role with the company was in chemical research & development investigating new processing techniques and scaling up new and improved processes from the laboratory to full scale manufacture. After relishing that role for 5 and a half years I took up an opportunity to join the environment health & safety department as an environmental officer managing and monitoring the sites waste streams and water usage andauditing internal and external service providers. These roles eventually lead to a greater focus on the sites safety systems and I was promoted to the position of EHS Advisor co-ordinating Tasmanian Alkaloids process safety management and occupational hygiene programs. I am currently undertaking tertiary studies in occupational hygiene through Deakin University and hope to complete my diploma in 2010.
For the past 2 years I have been responsible for compiling the entries for the states Workcover safety awards. In 2008 Tasmanian Alkaloids was fortunate enough to win 2 categories which allowed us to attend the National safety awards, definitely a highlight in not only my career but for all of those involved with the projects that have increased the safety of workers at our facility.
I am married and have three beautiful children and enjoy playing basketball and kicking back to watch good action or science fiction film.
Why workplace safety important to me
In past history Tasmanian Alkaloids has experienced work place accidents that resulted in life changing consequences for the employees involved and their families. Unfortunate as these experiences were they have paved the way for Tasmanian Alkaloids to become pioneers and contributors to many safety systems now used by us and many of the contractors we employ and other businesses we have shared ideas and experiences with. The safety batten has been passed to me by my predecessors and I am committed to ensuring that our employees are kept safe, are encouraged to, and want to work safe, so their families and friends can always expect them to return home safely at the end of the day.
My plans for national Safe Work Australia Week
The site is planning a BBQ for all those available to attend onsite. At the BBQ we will be aiming to set (or break, if one exists!!) the world record for the most amount of people wearing at least 2-3 items of personal protective equipment (PPE), e.g. safety boots, glasses, overall, helmets, safety vest etc in one location. We realise that PPE is low on the hierarchy of control for safety hazards, however PPE does symbolise safe work and everyone can participate. If we can BBQ safely we can work safely!
Tasmanian Alkaloids has also entered the Tasmanian Workcover safety awards and a contingent from our EHS committee will be in attendance at the ceremony in Hobart to mark the occasion.
Why I accepted the role as national Safe Work Australia Week Safety Ambassador
I am always up for a challenge and would like an opportunity to share my experiences with other safety professionals and businessesthat are looking to improve work place safety at their facility. Being relatively new to the safety profession I am also eager to grasp the chance to learn from others working in the same field and bring any new ideas that could increase safety and safety awareness at Tasmanian Alkaloids.
Accepting the role as a safety ambassador for Safe Work Australia week also presents an excellent opportunity to further increase safety awareness within my own working community and bring greater emphasis to the well known philosophy; ‘safety is everyone’s responsibility’.
Page last updated: 18/10/2009