Giltrap Group’s culture of health and safety excellence
“One of the major risks we’ve had to address is the unique safety concerns surrounding EV batteries.” – Paul Gallagher
“When you’re dealing with high-performance vehicles, risk management becomes even more critical.” – Paul Gallagher
From developing a robust risk management framework to addressing the emerging challenges of EVs and motorsports, Paul Gallagher explains how he leads a culture of health and safety excellence at Giltrap Group.
Overview
Paul Gallagher, Group Health and Safety Manager at Giltrap Group, has been at the forefront of implementing robust safety measures across the company’s diverse operations.
With a background as a commercial chartered accountant and extensive experience in risk management, Gallagher has played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s approach to health and safety.
His workplace health and safety journey began while working in the roading industry, where he identified key risks that required immediate attention.
This perspective led him to work on developing operational frameworks, following the implementation of the Health and Safety at Work Act in 2015.
In 2016, while applying for a commercial accounting role with Giltrap Group, the company instead recognised his skillset in health and safety.
“The company saw a need for a more structured approach to compliance and created a new role for me,” he says.
In 2018, Giltrap sponsored him to undertake the Employers and Manufacturers Association’s NZ Diploma in Workplace Health & Safety Management (Level 6).
Completing the diploma within an impressive 18-month period, his work was submitted to NZQA as a ‘quality of education’ benchmark performed by a student under EMA training.
Over the past eight years, he has expanded health and safety initiatives across Giltrap Group, which includes retail, rental car, and wholesale operations, as well as the company’s hugely successful motorsport team.
To build a strong safety culture, Gallagher focused on education and certification.
Collaboration with the EMA has been a key element in providing training and professional development for staff.
“We have up to a dozen health and safety representatives now, with several having completed Level 4 and 5 health and safety certifications with the EMA,” he says.
Governance and guidance
Cox joined Pelco in early 2019 and signed the company up to the EMA’s services.
She moved to New Zealand from the United Kingdom 14 years ago, and early on in her work life met EMA Employment Relations Consultant Chris Longman, who has provided useful guidance throughout her career here.
She says Longman is someone who understands the industry and she relies on him for advice on what can best be described as quirky employment relations issues as well as his ability to deliver coaching and development on quality and compliance.
“I’m currently coaching one of Pelco’s managers, and I regularly advise on employment queries such as leave and the development of employment agreements and policies tailored to Pelco’s industry needs,” says Longman.
“Being an essential needs business, I also provided a lot of support through the COVID-19 period, including on changes to work hours, risk assessments and vaccination processes.”
Cox says Longman is a “straight shooter” who understands what Pelco is trying to achieve and how to communicate effectively with the various divisions.
“Chris is my go-to man and always provide us prompt and sage advice.”
Pelco also has a seat on the BOP ExportNZ Advisory Committee where a range of established Export businesses from the Bay of Plenty Region come together bi-monthly to share successes and pain points in the export space.
Wellbeing and Safety First
Commercial fishing is a high-risk environment and requires sound health and safety procedures in what at times can be a very unforgiving platform.
Back on shore, there are risks particular to Pelco’s unloading facility based at the Port of Tauranga, as well as its factory, cold store and marine engineering teams, which need to be addressed and closely monitored.
Cox says Pelco takes its commitment to wellbeing and safety seriously and is just one reason for using the services of EMA training for the team.
Team members have attended the EMA’s Health and Safety Representative Stage 1 (Essential Training) and Health and Safety Representative Stage 2 (Advanced Training) run by experienced health and safety facilitator Mike Peterson.
“Mike is perfect for what we need,” says Cox.
“We need trainers that can deliver to our audience, get their attention and get through to them to help them learn.”
Pelco also has Petersen conducting an independent two-day health and safety audit in the coming weeks.
“From past experience, I know Pelco will receive an honest and fair assessment of how we are currently positioned with the implementation and continuation of our wellbeing plans and health and safety systems,” says Cox.
“Pelco is open to fresh eyes, and we want to know what we do well, what we should be doing and are not, as well as suggestions on areas we can improve on.”
She says Pelco always looks to promote and develop within the ranks and the company has used the EMA’s Supervision, An Introduction and Managing Machinery Risk courses to show future leaders how to handle issues themselves and when to escalate.
“It’s about building confidence.”
