Safety Ambassador Viki Coad
Background information
I was born in Whyalla, South Australia, where the main industry and lifeline of the city was BHP iron ore processing, steelworks and shipyards.
I am a mother of one and grandmother of two.
I moved from Whyalla to the South East (Mt.Gambier) in 1990 to seek improved employment opportunities for myself and improved future employment opportunities for my son.
I had many occupations over my working life until my current employment, including:
Supermarket checkout operator, Supermarket nightfill manager, Apprentice panel beater, Car detailer, Farm hand, Kitchen hand, Vineyard hand, and not least of all, Sole parent.
I am currently undertaking study to complete Certificate IV in OHS and hope to undertake more study when that is completed.
I have been at my current place of employment, Katnook Estate Vineyards, for 11 years, starting in 1998 as part of a casual vineyard pruning crew, moving to permanent employment and machine operation in 2002, and elected the Vineyard OHS representative in 2005.
In November 2008 I was nominated by my employer for the South Australian Safe Work Awards for which I received an award for ‘Health and Safety Representative of the Year 2008’, and in April 2009 I was further awarded the Safework Australia Award 2008 for ‘Best Individual Contribution to Occupational Health and Safety’.
Why workplace safety is important to me
What an odd question!
Safety is important to me regardless of where I am.
Confidence in my ability to be able to move about freely in the environment I am in and perform tasks without harm to myself, or anyone around me, with the knowledge, tools and equipment I have available, makes me a more willing and less doubting participant.
I have suffered a workplace injury and know the devastation, anger and frustration it caused when I had to adapt my life to suit my injury when all I wanted to do was go to work and make enough money to support myself and my family.
I hope never to go there again, and if I can help to prevent other people having to suffer an injury at work then I am more than willing to contribute.
My plans for national Safe Work Australia Week
Participate in the Safe Work Week Launch.
Attend safety presentations and workshops in my local area.
Hold an event for all staff.
Details still to be confirmed.
Why I accepted the role as a national Safe Work Australia Week Safety Ambassador
I have placed a lot of time and effort over the last 4 years into understanding OHS regulations and requirements to assist my workplace in improving its OHS standards and meeting its obligations, and the rewards I have reaped from that have been immense.
The changes in our workplace safety culture and practices have not only led to a reduction in reported incidents, but have genuinely made our workplace a better place to be.
A growing respect and regard for the opinion and safety of our workmates, management and selves has led to an increase in the willingness to be involved in the continual improvement of workplace safety standards.
This is something I am pleased to share with, and promote to other people and workplaces. By accepting the invitation to be a Safe Work Australia Week Safety Ambassador I have the opportunity to increase the audience I can promote that message to.
Page last updated: 18/10/2009