In July, the Applied Environment & Safety team headed to Maroochydore, rolled up our sleeves, and stepped into the OzHarvest kitchen for a volunteer day of purpose-driven teamwork. In just a few hours, the team prepared 80 nutritious meals destined for people in need across the community.

This hands-on experience was part of OzHarvest’s Cooking for a Cause program, which transforms rescued ingredients into wholesome meals for vulnerable Australians. Guided by the incredible OzHarvest volunteers our team learned not only how to cook with creativity and minimal waste, but also how small actions can have meaningful impact.

OzHarvest is Australia’s leading food rescue organisation, founded on the mission to nourish our nation while combating food waste. Every week, the charity collects quality surplus food from commercial outlets and delivers it to charities supporting people experiencing food insecurity. Since its inception, OzHarvest has delivered over 200 million meals and rescues 250 tonnes of food from landfill each week.

The day was more than a team-building exercise, it was a powerful reminder of the impact of community, compassion and sustainability. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Lynda, Gemma and Annette for their warmth, guidance and infectious enthusiasm. Their dedication embodies the spirit of OzHarvest and left a lasting impression on us all.

As environmental professionals, we’re proud to support an organisation so deeply aligned with our values. We left the kitchen not just with full hearts, but with a renewed commitment to reducing waste and giving back.

Use of drone technology for rehabilitation monitoring

Drone technology was used at our client’s site at Tin Can Bay, Queensland to support the planning and future monitoring of vegetation restoration following a clearing event. High-resolution orthomosaic imagery and a digital elevation model (DEM) were generated from the drone flight data by Biodiverse Environmental, enabling accurate assessment of site conditions and disturbance extent.

The DEM provided a basis for comparing landform conditions before and after clearing. It confirmed that the terrain remained largely unaltered, with hydrological patterns intact, suggesting strong potential for natural regeneration. The elevation data also helped verify vegetation mapping in low-lying areas that were otherwise inaccessible during ground surveys.

The orthomosaic image, created from post-clearing drone imagery, shows areas of high and low density vegetation canopy removal across the site as per the image below. These visual differences were used to assess the spatial extent and intensity of clearing. Concurrent field surveys were carried out by Applied Environment & Safety and Biodiverse Environmental, enabling real-time validation of drone observations and confirming the presence of retained woody debris, which offered insight into past vegetation structure and regeneration potential.

Rehabilitation monitoring through drone survey

This imagery provides a spatial baseline for restoration planning. Annual drone surveys will capture consistent data, enabling direct year-to-year comparison of vegetation recovery. Where specific Regional Ecosystems lack the required species composition, precision reseeding such as dispersal via seed bombing by drones will be used to support natural regeneration. This dual application of drone technology supports adaptive management, guides maintenance priorities, and documents restoration outcomes over time.

This project demonstrates the value of close collaboration between aerial and on-ground survey methods. The partnership with Biodiverse Environmental highlights how integrated data collection can enhance ecological planning and strengthen long-term restoration outcomes.

Environmental Monitoring

We offer integrated environmental monitoring and management services, combining on-ground ecological expertise to support accurate planning, compliance tracking, and adaptive site management. Our team delivers tailored management plans backed by spatial data and field validation. This ensures our clients achieve regulatory outcomes and management measures for long-term ecosystem resilience. For more information, see our services page here.

How felled timber is powering streambank rehabilitation in South East Queensland

When you think of streambank rehabilitation, timber waste might not come to mind as a solution; but at a recent International Erosion Control Association Australasia (IECA) Australasia workshop, that thinking was turned on its head.

Hosted by the IECA and Healthy Land and Water, the workshop titled Using Wood in Streambank Recovery and Resilience brought together a passionate community of environmental specialists, consultants, and practitioners. Their mission? To explore how the humble tree, often cleared and discarded during construction, can play a vital role in protecting and rejuvenating our waterways.

From Waste to Wonder

Too often, vegetation felled during construction is mulched or hauled away. But what if, instead of seeing it as waste, we viewed it as a resource?

That’s exactly what the workshop demonstrated. With insightful presentations and real-world case studies, attendees learned how timber, when used strategically, becomes a powerful tool for erosion control and habitat creation. Timber piles, log jams, and woody debris structures not only stabilise banks, they also slow water flow, form pools, and foster biodiversity by reconnecting fragmented ecosystems.

A Blueprint for Smarter Rehabilitation

One of the standout messages from the day was the importance of forward planning. Rehabilitation begins long before boots hit the ground. With the right design approach, felled trees can be repurposed on-site, reducing costs, waste, and environmental impact. It’s a sustainable, circular model that benefits both projects and the planet.

Even better? These natural methods don’t stand alone. Workshop examples showcased blended techniques – combining timber structures with rock armouring and extensive revegetation to deliver stability today and resilience tomorrow.

Real Voices, Real Impact

What made the workshop truly impactful were the stories shared by on-the-ground practitioners. Their candid insights into the challenges and rewards of working with natural materials gave depth to the day’s learning. It’s one thing to talk about theory, it’s another to hear how local teams are putting it into practice and making a tangible difference in South East Queensland.

Key Takeaways

  • Natural materials like timber offer both structural integrity and ecological value.
  • Smart planning can turn cleared vegetation into a powerful restoration asset.
  • A whole-of-ecosystem approach leads to more resilient, long-term outcomes.
  • Blending natural and engineered methods results in better, more sustainable solutions.

Rewriting the Rehabilitation Playbook

This workshop was more than an educational event it was a call to action. It reminded us that rehabilitation isn’t just about repairing damage; it’s about shifting our mindset to work with nature, not against it. And it showed that, with the right approach, what we once saw as “waste” could be the key to healthier waterways and stronger communities.

Streambank rehabilitation

Photo credit: Ipswich City Council / Healthy Land & Water

At Applied Environment & Safety, we are proud to support this type of planning and rehabilitation. Whether you’re planning clearing vegetation or rehabilitation, our team can help identify solutions, such as reusable timber to integrate it into erosion control strategies, and oversee the implementation. Together, we can design solutions that are smart, sustainable, and ecosystem-friendly from day one. For more information on how we can support you, click here.

Applied Environment & Safety is looking for a new team member. Our range of projects continues to grow and so we are seeking an environmental consultant to join our team.

About the job

Drive environmental outcomes & be part of our sustainable business
Are you passionate about environmental compliance and looking to work on large construction projects? Do you want to be part of a consultancy that leads by example and leads real change?

Applied Environment & Safety is growing, and we are looking for an environmental consultant to part of our team. This is an exciting opportunity to collaborate with experts, deliver practical solutions and make a real impact.

Why join our team?
– Work on important renewable energy & infrastructure projects
– Be part of a team committed to sustainability & environmental excellence
– Enjoy a flexible & supportive work environment with remote working options
– Access mentoring and support with our collaborative team
– Competitive salary, performance incentives & work-life balance

What will do
– Lead environmental onsite compliance support for major infrastructure projects
– Manage project approvals, risk assessments, and compliance strategies
– Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams
– Engage in business development by supporting proposals and client relationships
– Stay ahead of legislation & policy changes, shaping sustainable project outcomes

What we are looking for
– 5+ years of experience in environmental approvals or planning in the infrastructure or energy sectors
– Previous onsite environmental construction experience is highly desirable
– Passion for environmental excellence
– Strong project management, problem solving and stakeholder engagement skills

What we offer
Flexibility – Work-from-home options & additional purchased leave
Incentives & perks – Performance bonuses, wellness days & professional memberships
Impact-driven work – Help drive the transition to clean energy & sustainable solutions

At Applied Environment & Safety, environmental excellence and sustainability is at the core of everything we do.

If you are ready to make a difference and grow your career, we want to hear from you!

Send your resume and cover letter to: info@appliedes.com.au

Applied Environment & Safety has been working in the field with Biodiverse Environmental to validate our desktop flora and fauna review through a targeted ecological and weed survey. Findings from this fieldwork will assist us with the development of specific management plans for flora and fauna, biosecurity, and rehabilitation for the Fraser Coast Solar Farm project.

This renewable energy project comprises of a 350 mW solar facility. The project involves reconfiguration of four rural lots to facilitate the construction of 900,000 solar collector panels. The solar panels, arranged as modules and supported by inverters, will be installed alongside power stations to feed electricity generated directly into the existing adjoining substation.

Our support to the project includes the development of the Construction Environmental Management Plan and environmental aspect specific sub-plans for Council approval. As well as the management of additional studies and secondary approvals.

Following the targeted ecology and weed survey, a nocturnal survey will be undertaken to develop a Species Management Program. This survey will target the identification of any project activities that have the potential to impact on breeding places of protected fauna such as amphibians in billabongs and dams as well as microbats in trees.

Species Management Program

A Species Management Program is required if development activities have the potential to impact on a breeding place of an animal classified as critically endangered, endangered, vulnerable, near threatened, special least concern, colonial breeder or least concern. Under the Nature Conservation Act 1992 and Nature Conservation (Animals) Regulation 2020, significant penalties apply if development works impact a breeding place without an approved Species Management Program.

This is an exciting opportunity for Applied Environment & Safety to be supporting Global Power Generation Australia in the development of their environmental management plans and supporting their Council approval. We are very happy to be supporting this local project and be part of the growing renewable infrastructure on the Fraser Coast.

For more information on the services that we provide, visit our What We Do page.

Applied Environment & Safety is providing support to the Powerlink Genex Kidson Connection project with environmental management and property access. Specifically, this includes biosecurity requirements of an organic and biodynamic property.

Organic, and to a greater extent biodynamic, certification of this property sets a high standard regarding biosecurity management and material inputs. These agricultural systems focus on preservation and development of the natural environment, especially the soil, to support natural metabolic functions that enable the production of high quality product from a closed system. This closed system does not allow the input of external and non-organic products such as herbicides and fertilisers.

This has led to specific biosecurity requirements given that chemicals to treat weeds and pests cannot be used. Prevention is key to biosecurity management in this property. 

Biosecurity Concerns and Controls

The types of biosecurity concerns for this property are:

– Import of weeds from outside of the property

– Spread of existing weeds within the property

– Cattle diseases

– Exotic pest species including ants

Extensive planning for entry and construction of the transmission line within this property has been implemented. For biosecurity this includes:

– Pre-construction inspection for onsite weeds

– Establishment of a quarantine entry area

– Washing and inspecting all materials, equipment, and vehicles prior to access

– Specific induction and declarations for all personnel

– Physical removal and management of weeds prior to clearing

– Progressive rehabilitation of disturbed areas

For more general information on biosecurity management refer our article on Biosecurity Prevention & Management.

Washdown for Biosecurity Management

Weed and disease hygiene controls in the form of vehicle and machinery washdown are particularly important for construction sites. Designated areas are setup where vehicles and equipment are thoroughly cleaned, and if required disinfected, to remove any weeds or diseases that may be present.

Equipment and vehicles are washed down using a combination of a high-pressure hose and a hard bristled brush to remove dirt and debris from the wheels and undercarriage. In instances where there is the potential for pathogens, such as cattle diseases, a disinfectant solution is then applied to the vehicle. Any plant or pathogen material is collected within the sump of the washdown bay for later disposal.

Washdown Options

To deal with number and different types of vehicles that are required to enter this property for construction, various options for washdown and inspection of vehicles was investigated. This included:

Temporary washdown mats

Self-contained washdown facilities

Permanent washdown facilities

It was decided for time efficiency for washdown of each vehicle and portability at the end of the project that an automated, wheel wash system would be utilised. This high volume water cleaning system targets the under carriage and wheels of vehicles.

The effectiveness of this choice of washdown will be monitored by the onsite Biosecurity Inspector who will be certifying vehicles as clean and allowed to enter the property.

How We Can Help Your Project

At Applied Environment and Safety, we are committed to providing our clients with industry leading best practice. This includes using our technical knowledge and industry experience from planning through to implementation and compliance. Our team is dedicated to identifying environmental risks, providing practical solutions and improving project outcomes.

For more information on our services, visit our Services Page.

Wheel wash

Preventing the Introduction and Spread of Invasive Weed, Pest and Diseases on Project Sites

Construction and ground disturbance works have the potential to introduce and spread of weed and pest species and diseases that can have damaging effects on land use, the natural landscape and biodiversity. As well as have a negative impact on the environment, economy, landowners and surrounding communities. Effective biosecurity management is crucial in preventing the introduction and spread of weed and pest species and diseases.

Biosecurity Management Starts with Planning

The first step in preventing the spread of weeds, pest species and diseases is to identify which species are present onsite and regionally. A site survey can be conducted to determine which weed species are present and where they are located. Once this is done, exclusion zones and appropriate control measures can be planned. Exclusion zones can be established around areas of highly invasive weed species to prevent their spread. These zones should be clearly marked, and all personnel should be made aware of these zones.

Preventing the introduction of new species is a highly effective control measure. All equipment, vehicles, and materials should be free of potential weed, pest and disease containing materials. Thorough cleaning and inspection procedures can achieve this requirement.

Implementation and Monitoring of Biosecurity Control Measures

Weed and disease hygiene controls in the form of washdown bays are particularly important for sites located near sensitive environmental and agricultural areas. These are designated areas where vehicles and equipment are thoroughly cleaned, and if required disinfected, to remove any weeds or diseases that may be present.

Equipment and vehicles are washed down using a combination of a high-pressure hose and a hard bristled brush to remove dirt and debris from the wheels and undercarriage. In instances where there is the potential for pathogens, such as Phytophthora, a disinfectant solution is then applied to the vehicle. Any plant or pathogen material is collected within the sump of the washdown bay for later disposal.

Other key biosecurity control measures include:

– Minimising disturbance to the minimum areas required for safe access and works. Also prevent further ground disturbance which can encourage the growth and spread of weed species;

– Control measures such as the use of herbicides and physical removal for weeds; 

– Work areas and laydown areas should be kept clean and tidy. This reduces the opportunities for pest animals to shelter and source food;

– Progressive rehabilitation of disturbed areas to reduce the establishment of weeds; and

– Regular inspections to identify the present or spread of weed and pest species. Then monitor control measures are being implemented and are effective.

How We Can Help Your Project

At Applied Environment and Safety, we are committed to providing our clients with industry leading best practice. This includes using our technical knowledge and industry experience from planning through to implementation and compliance. Our team is dedicated to identifying environmental risks, providing practical solutions and improving project outcomes.

For more information on our services, visit our Services Page.

Claire Taylor has recently joined Applied Environment & Safety, adding her practical and effective environmental management to the team.

Claire completed a Master of Science, Freshwater Ecology in 2010 and since then has gained broad field-based experience, both in aquatic and terrestrial environments.

Claire has previously worked in both the public and private sector in many aspects of environmental management, including stakeholder engagement, risk assessment, data management, report writing, public communications, policy development and project management of environmental incidents.

She has recently completed a role as the Environmental Advisor for a large-scale transmission line construction project in South Australia. As the client representative, she was responsible for ongoing compliance, reporting and management of all environmental and cultural heritage aspects of the project.

In her spare time, Claire enjoys heading out for a hike and discovering all the sites that Queensland has to offer after recently moving to the Sunshine Coast. She enjoys travelling, camping, experimenting with new foods and sampling local cuisine. Her weaknesses are chilli sauce and local gin. 

Claire will be providing Applied Environment & Safety’s clients with onsite environmental management and compliance support for our upcoming power, transmission and transport projects.

Applied Environment & Safety is proud to again be awarded 3-Star Partnership with the Business Chamber Queensland ecoBiz program. For almost ten years, we have been active participants in the ecoBiz program and recognised as Star Partners.

The ecoBiz Star Partner program is focussed on sustainable business practices to reduce energy and water use, and minimise waste. ecoBiz is a free program, funded by the Queensland Government, that helps businesses save money through reducing energy, water and waste. ecoBiz has been a very successful program working with thousands of Queensland businesses.

Our business sustainability initiatives have been recognised through this program. 

Our ecoBiz Star Partner achievements for 2023-2024 regarding energy, water and waste are:

Energy

  • Recertified as a Carbon Neutral business through Climate Active in May 2024
  • Less travel for work with new local clients and providing remote support
  • Calculated 20% reduction in energy use with 6,294.08 kWhs of electricity fed back into the grid from home solar

Water

  • Ongoing member of local catchment group
  • Ongoing volunteer for Noosa River Catchment group undertaking monthly water sampling

Waste

  • Ongoing support for container recycling program by our company and client initiatives
  • Ongoing use of reusable containers while travelling
  • Additional measures to reduce waste while travelling for work, such as less takeaways

You can read more about business sustainability at Applied Environment & Safety HERE.

Tracking of our carbon offsets, container recycling and donations are reported on our website HERE.

We are setting new energy, water and waste initiatives for the next financial year. We will keep you updated on the progress of these initiatives. 

An introduction to AS/NZS ISO 45001:2018 Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems.

What are Management Systems?

What is a Health & Safety Management System (HSMS)?

Importance of Health and Safety Management Systems

Developing a certified Health and Safety Management System

Do you need assistance?

What are Management Systems?

A management system provides structured policies and processes designed to help companies manage their impacts and improve their performance. A management system defines how a company will identify, assess, monitor and maintain their interactions with their workers and the working environment.

Management systems are made up of a series of interconnected elements that drive continual improvement. In order to deliver continual improvement consistently across a company, management processes are typically based on a four-phase cycle: Plan, Do, Check, Act.

1. Plan for an activity

2. Do the activity

3. Check effectiveness of controls

4 Act on implementing the process with the effective controls

Occupational Health & Safety Management Systems -  Plan Do Check Act Diagram
Management Systems Plan Do Check Act – PDCA Diagram

For further information on the Plan, Do, Check, Act cycle see our Management Systems article.

What is a Health & Safety Management System (HSMS)?

A Health & Safety Management System (HSMS) provides a systematic approach to managing health and safety. A HSMS helps an organisation to establish, implement, and maintain policies and processes to eliminate hazards, minimise risks including system deficiencies, and address nonconformities.

The purpose of a HSMS is to set out, in a structured and organised way, the particular aspects of your operations that influence the health and safety outcomes of your workers and other people at your worksites.

HSMS Structure

The size and the complexity of your company will influence how your HSMS is developed; that is the format of the system and level of information that is included. For small companies undertaking lower risk operations to health and safety, the structure of the HSMS may be organised into one document. For large organisations with multiple sites and various operations and/or high-risk activities then various policies, standards, procedures and plans may be required to ensure an effective management system.

The HSMS will document the following:

Safety policy: this will outline the company’s intentions in relation to how health and safety outcomes will be managed

Management structure: this ensures that the people who have particular responsibilities for safety are clearly identified

Safe work procedures: these procedures describe how risks arising from particular hazards will be controlled

Processes for providing information and training and appropriate inductions for workers

Other procedural issues such as reporting of incidents, record keeping and maintenance of the safety management system

Emergency procedures

ISO 45001:2018 Occupational Health and Safety Management System

There are internationally recognised standards for management systems including ISO 45001:2018 Occupational Health and Safety. This Standard helps organisations to establish, implement, and maintain processes to eliminate hazards, minimise risks and address nonconformities. It provides guidance on how to use management processes to prevent work-related injuries and ill health, as well as how to proactively improve workplace health and safety performance.

Importance of Health and Safety Management Systems

The establishment and implementation of a HSMS is key to identifying your health and safety risks and requirements to ensure effective controls are implemented. A management system is an effective method of documenting processes and ensuring consistency in implementation as well as identifying opportunities for improvement.

The benefits of an effective HSMS include:

  • Improved risk management and protection of workers
  • Ensuring compliance with regulatory and compliance obligations
  • Streamline safety hazard and risk management with efficient use of resources
  • Improve employee reporting, communication, and overall safety culture
  • Centralisation of documentation and monitoring for continuous improvement

Developing a certified Health and Safety Management System

We can assist you with the development of a certified HSMS. Our steps for the development of a certified HSMS are:

1. Health and safety review

2. System development

3. System implementation

4. Internal audit

5. Certification audit

These steps are detailed below.

Health and Safety Review

Before we start, we will provide you with background information about the standard, AS/NZS ISO 45001:2018 , that the system is being developed in accordance with.

During the review your consultant will:

  • Explain the requirements of the Standard
  • Work with you to identify and assess of all hazards and relevant risks
  • Demonstrate the use of a Risk Assessment Model to assess and prioritise risks
  • Work with you to establish health and safety objectives and targets

System Development

Your HSMS, including all procedures and documentation required for certification will be developed by an experienced consultant. If you already have health and safety documents and processes, these will be integrated into the management system.

You will review the system and provide us with feedback. If necessary, we will change the system based on your feedback.

Implementation

Your consultant will provide you with clear guidance on how to implement the system into your business. We will help you understand the everyday requirements of your HSMS and its applicability and alignment with your health and safety objectives and targets.

We will provide assistance with any issue, query or request you may have to assist you with implementing the system in your business.

Internal Audit

Before certification, an internal audit of the system is required. The internal audit will be conducted by your Applied Environment & Safety consultant to ensure the successful implementation of the management system. A detailed audit report with recommendations will be provided.

Certification Audit

We will help you to select a certification body appropriate to your needs and liaise with them regarding the timing of the certification audit to ensure that you are prepared and that your timescales are met.

The management system will be certified for conformance with the Standard by a third-party certifying body.  Your Applied Environment & Safety consultant will be available, generally by phone, during Stage 1 of the certification audit.

Do you need assistance?

We have vast experience in the review, development and implementation of health and safety management systems.

Our experience includes:

  • Management system compliance review 
  • Review and development of management systems to Standards and other regulatory requirements
  • Management system documents development including policies, standards, and safe operating procedures development
  • Auditing of management system for compliance and opportunities for improvement

Contact us if you need further support or have detailed question for our team of experts.

This article provides an in-depth understanding of an ISO 14001 internal audit checklist while diving into the following topics:

What is ISO 14001

Why is ISO 14001 Important

Implementation of ISO 14001

Audits for Compliance

ISO 14001 Certification

What is ISO 14001?

ISO 14001 is an internationally-recognised framework that provides organisations with the requirements of an environmental management system. An environmental management system (EMS) aligned with the ISO 14001 Standard allows an organisation to identify their environmental risks, and implement processes to ensure continual improvement.

Want to better understand what a management system is? Take a look at our management systems: Introduction article.

An effectively implemented EMS allows an organisation to minimise its impact on the environment, and optimise environmental opportunities through a systematic framework. This is achieved through mapping out organisational strategic objectives and aligning them with goals and outcomes that are environmentally sustainable.

In essence, ISO 14001 provides a framework that determines how your organisation is currently impacting the environment, identifying areas of improvement and potential risks along the way.

Why is ISO 14001 Important? 

There are many reasons why an organisation should take a strategic approach to improve its environmental performance.

Users of the standard have reported that ISO 14001 helps: 

– Demonstrate compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements 

– Increase leadership involvement and engagement of employees 

– Improve company reputation and confidence of stakeholders through strategic communication 

– Achieve strategic business aims by incorporating environmental issues into business management 

– Provide a competitive and financial advantage through improved efficiencies and reduced costs 

– Encourage improved environmental performance of suppliers by integrating them into the organisation’s business systems 

Implementation of ISO 14001

Below are some key considerations for the implementation of an EMS aligned to ISO 14001.

Context of the Organisation:

Consideration of the external and internal issues that can affect the intended outcomes of the system need to be included in your EMS. The needs and expectations of interested parties should also be considered in regard to environmental management.

Emphasis on Leadership and Commitment:

It is widely recognised that a successful management system requires commitment and support from top management. Emphasis on leadership by top management is required in the Standard. This includes the integration of environmental management into the organisation’s core strategies, processes and priorities.

Risk Approach to Management:

The Standard requires the identification, determination and inclusion of aspects that can have a significant environmental impact as part of a risk based management approach. This includes the requirement for organisations to specify the criteria used to determine risk.

Life Cycle Perspective:

Thinking of each stage of a product or service as part of a lifecycle perspective is required under the Standard. This includes considering the organisation’s control or influence during procurement through to end-of-life treatments.

Audits For Compliance

An audit is a systematic, independent and documented process for determining whether your management systems and processes effectively address specific risks and are being implemented in accordance with internal and external requirements. 

The objective of an ISO 14001 audit is to assess operations to identify strengths and weaknesses, determine effectiveness and compliance, and measure progress. This will be in relation to:

– Compliance with statutory and ISO standard requirements

– Implementation of policies, standards and procedures

– Management control of environmental practices

– Staff awareness of risks and controls

– Maintaining accreditation or other external stakeholder requirements

– Exploring improvement opportunities

For more information on environmental audits, see A Guide To Environmental Audits & Inspections

ISO 14001 Internal Audit Checklist

An ISO internal audit checklist can be used as an effective tool for checking the implementation of your EMS. Self-auditing can help to define a high-level overview of your organisation’s performance, and determine the effectiveness of the management system. It can also help to identify problem areas and successfully apply principles of continuous improvement.

Self-auditing is best used as a tool to discover the potential opportunities for innovation and continuous improvement. This is not a replacement for a third party certified body audit and will not necessarily result in ISO certification.

Further details on ISO certification is provided in the next section.

ISO 14001 Certification

Accredited certification of your EMS to ISO 14001 is not a requirement, and organisations can enjoy many of the benefits from using the standard without going through the accredited certification process. 

However, third-party certification – where an independent certification body audits your practices against the requirements of the standard – is a way of signalling to your buyers, customers, suppliers and other stakeholders that you have implemented the standard properly. What’s more, for some organisations, it helps to show how they meet regulatory or contractual requirements. 

How to get Certified to ISO 14001? 

If you would like more information on how to undertake an internal audit to be become certified, we would be happy to arrange a call to talk about your options, Contact Us

Further Resources:

Reference Article 1 – ISO 14001

Reference Article 2 – ISO 14001 Audit Checklist

Applied Environment & Safety provided construction environment management plan and inspection support to PCA Ground Engineering during the road embankment stabilisation project at Sunrise Beach, Noosa, Queensland. Geotechnical investigations detected evidence of slope instability within the parkland adjacent to the road. This was due to the loose sandy material and the steep topography of the site. Works were required to stabilise the bank and prevent damage to the road.

The scope of the project required stabilisation of the slope with minimal impact to the existing vegetated slope and surrounding areas. The works are vital to maintaining the long-term serviceability of the road and drainage infrastructure at this location. The works included:

– Slope stabilisation

– Revegetation following stabilisation

– Repairs to the stormwater culvert

Our role on this project was to provide technical environmental support. This included the development of a construction Environment Management Plan; Sediment and Erosion Control Plan; and Rehabilitation Plan. Then during construction, we undertook inspections of the works to ensure compliance with the controls for each of the environmental aspects. The environmental aspects of the project included:

– Erosion and sediment control

– Biosecurity management 

– Waste management

– Rehabilitation

We believe in using our expertise and knowledge to add value and improve project outcomes for our clients. We use our extensive construction project knowledge to identify environmental risks and provide practical solutions.

Environmental controls were effectively implemented by PCA Ground Engineering during this project. We believe in working closely with our clients to build supportive relationships. By working together, we have been able to ensure environmental risks were mitigated during this project.