Greg Hackett

Background

I am a Health & Safety professional that has been in full time safety related roles since 2003.  I attained the Graduate Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety from Massey University in 2008.

I have been involved in safety management for several significant rail-related projects since 2003 when I was the Safety Advisor for the DART project, the re-construction and expansion of metro rail in Auckland.  This included verification and auditing of contractor worksites, investigation of incidents and providing rail specific safety training.  I attained a health and safety auditing qualification as part of this role.

Following this project I was the Safety Manager for the Auckland Electrification Project which involved the installation of overhead traction wires in Auckland for the new electric trains.  This role involved ensuring the multiple contracting companies involved in the project complied with KiwiRail’s safety case.  During this project I became certified to undertake drug and alcohol testing.

Since 2017 I have been working as the Safety Manager on the reconstruction of the railway through Kaikoura following the 2016 earthquake.  This role sees me working with the NCTIR alliance that is undertaking the major works and the KiwiRail maintenance staff who are seconded onto the project.  My role has been to ensure the contractors comply with the safety case requirements and documenting the safe working processes required.  I lead incident investigations and undertake regular site inspections and system audits.   I work alongside the risk and assurance team to identify the H&S risk control and ensure they are applied in the field.

During the course of my work in safety I have developed excellent communication and relationship-forming skills, which I have now carried into working in my own business.  I believe the key to a strong health and safety system is in taking the time to understand a business and creating a system that works for everyone, from executives to workers on the ground.  Integrated Safety specialises in rail safety, but has diversified across other industries – road and civil contracting, offices, retail and warehouse facilities, providing health and safety system support, incident investigations and coaching and mentoring of staff.