Safety. Think about it.
Most serious incidents don’t happen because people ignore safety. They happen because something small is missed - a change in conditions, an assumption, or pressure to just “get on with it.”
That’s why today we’re launching our Safety Starts Here campaign - a simple but powerful reminder that the way we start a job can determine how it ends.
The campaign reinforces the importance of pausing before you start work, taking 5, and asking yourself – “is everything in place for this to be done safely?”
Is the job what I expected?
Are the right controls in place?
Do the conditions feel right?
Every job can look routine - until it isn't.
That pause before you start can be the difference between a job done safely and a serious incident.
Australian campaign video
New Zealand campaign video
Take 5 - What the pause means in practice
Take 5 means stopping for a few minutes before you start work to switch on to safety and think about the job, the risks, and the controls.
Trust your judgement and speak up
If something doesn't look right: Stop the task, raise the concern, and reassess before continuing.
Stopping work is not a failure or over-reacting - it shows good judgement and care for yourself and your workmates.
Speaking up is a strength
Pausing work is responsible
Asking questions is professional
You will always be supported for choosing safety.
We encourage all teams to use the toolbox talk linked below to start conversations about what “Take 5” means in your day-to-day work.
Together, let's start safe to end safe.
A moment’s pause can prevent a lifetime of impact.
Stay safe,
David Smith, APAC Regional Director - Risk & Compliance and the HSEQ Team