Autumn Bulletin

occupational health & safety
In the Safety Zone
this segment is designed to show the human faces behind workplace safety,
as well as giving some insight into the role of health and safety professionals.
in the Safety Zone this quarter is Bob Gilpin, risk Manager with racing Victoria.
My name is… Bob Gilpin
My title is… risk Manager
I work for… racing Victoria
A typical day at the office would include: There is no typical day! My job
generally involves a lot of communication with the racing clubs in the city and
country clubs regarding any race day incidents, hazards involving jockeys and
track riders, as well as issues relating to any other industry official or member
of the public.
My day could also involve things like liaising with racing stewards, race day
medical teams, and our capital works infrastructure team. I might also follow
up on safety audits or site inspections, or follow up with insurers. I also catch
up regularly with the rest of the risk Management team, and interact with
senior managers throughout the business.
My most memorable safety moment happened when I was just a youngster.
We had migrated to Australia from Scotland and friends of our family who
worked on the West gate Bridge as riggers and welders were injured or killed
when the bridge collapsed in 1970. I witnessed the terrible impact on the
immediate families and how much distress and anguish the families had to
cope with as a result of the accident. It made me aware at an early age of the
importance of workplace safety.
My greatest achievement in safety so far has been educating and mentoring
senior managers and team members and helping to change their behaviour
and values when it comes to safety in the workplace. When you see senior
managers place safety as the number one item on the agenda for their
meetings, it is very satisfying to know that you have played an important role in
fostering the mindset that safety is an integral part of the way the organisation
does business.
the most valuable lesson i have learned about being a safety professional
is to keep it simple and practical. Work closely with the business to support the
needs of the business, and be a good listener.
Another valuable lesson I learned from a previous role at Toyota was “Genchi
Genbutsu” which basically means to observe and experience first hand at the
coal face so you understand the issues.
If you are patient and have a safety strategy supported by senior management
you will be able to make continuous sustainable improvements in safety.
I think you need to have a good sense of humour as well.
if i could send one message about safety to racing Victoria’s Board it
would be to continue the commitment and focus on risk management.
We are very fortunate to have a Board and senior management team
committed to improving safety in the workplace.
When i am not at work, i most enjoy spending time with my beautiful wife and
children. I am also a soccer (football) tragic. I played soccer (badly) many years
ago for Melbourne Juventus and follow the game with a passion.
i am passionate about safety because you are in a position where you can
influence and educate senior management. This cascades down throughout the
organisation and sends a strong message that we care about our employees
which, in turn, flows on to their immediate and extended families and friends.
Autumn 2011 l Workplace Relations & Safety l Page 13