What is psychological safety?

Psychological safety refers to the belief that one can express themselves without fear of negative consequences such as humiliation, rejection, or punishment. It is the sense of security that people feel when they believe that their opinions, feelings and ideas will be respected and valued by others. As well as that they will not be subjected to ridicule, blame, or retaliation for expressing them.

Psychological safety is highly relevant to organisations and employers as it plays a significant role in shaping the culture and climate of the workplace.

What is a psychological hazard?

A psychosocial hazard is anything that could cause psychological harm which could for example impact on someone’s mental health. They arise from or are in relation to:

• The design or management of work;
• The working environment;
• Plant at a workplace such as machinery, equipment, appliances, containers, implements and tools; or
• Workplace interactions or behaviours.

Psychological hazards can create stress which can cause psychological or physical harm. Stress itself is not an injury, but if it becomes frequent, prolonged or severe it can cause psychological and physical harm.

Psychological harm may include anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder or sleep disorders. Physical harm may include musculoskeletal injuries, chronic disease or fatigue related injuries.

Psychosocial hazards may interact or combine to create new, changed or higher risks. It is important to consider all the psychosocial hazards workers may be exposed to when managing psychosocial risks.

Some hazards may not create psychosocial risks on their own, but may do so if combined with other hazards.

How do employers identify psychological hazards in workplaces?

Employers can identify psychological hazards in the workplace by conducting a risk assessment. Other methods that can be used to identify psychological hazards can include:

1. Worker and Employee Consultation
   • Engage with management, staff, key stakeholders, etc. through collaborative workshops to discuss operations and tasks to identify any issues or concens related to psychological health and safety in the workplace.
   • Encourage feedback. This is critically important for larger businesses where management cannot oversee all aspects of work. Front line workers are a great asset for identifying and reporting hazards.
2. Workplace Inspections and Audits
   • Regular workplace inspections, audits and observations help to identify potential hazards, such as unsafe working conditions, that may impact worker psychological health and safety.
3. Incident Reporting and Review
   • Review reports of hazards, incidents or complaints related to workplace bullying, harassment and stress to identify potential hazards.
4. Review Workplace Policies and Procedures
   • Employers, with the engagement of employees, can review workplace policies and procedures to identify any potential hazards or gaps in current practices.

Once potential psychological hazards have been identified, organisations and employers can take steps to eliminate or minimise their impact on workers. This may involve implementing new policies and procedures, providing training and education, and making changes to the physical work environment.

For further information on the four steps of hazard identification and risk management, refer to our Introduction to Hazard Identification and Risk Management article.

Approaches and examples of psychologically safety in the workplace

There are several key initiatives that organisations and employers can implement to create a psychologically safe workplace that promotes well-being and productivity of employees. The table below lists key approaches and examples of psychological safety initiatives.

Upcoming legislative changes in Queensland

From 1 April 2023, persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) in Queensland will have a positive duty under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Qld) to manage psychosocial risks in the workplace. Similar requirements are already in effect in New South Wales, with new duties to manage psychosocial risks commenced in the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2017 (NSW) on 1 October 2022.

This means that organisations and employers must be proactive in identifying and managing psychosocial hazards in the workplace, such as workplace bullying, harassment, and stress, and take steps to eliminate or minimise their impact on workers.

Overall, promoting psychological safety in the workplace can lead to a more positive and productive work environment, where employees feel valued, supported, and empowered to contribute to the success of the organisation.

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.

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.

Allison has recently joined Applied Environment & Safety, adding her passion for environmental sustainability to the team. Allison enjoys using her extensive practical experience to collaborate with project teams to develop innovative environment and sustainability solutions. 

Allison completed a Bachelor of Environmental Science in 2007 and has 15 years’ of experience working in environment and sustainability roles.  She has worked throughout Australia in transport, power, renewables, water and mining sectors across project planning, design, construction, operations and maintenance.  

Allison has diverse interests in compliance management and reporting, construction environmental management, infrastructure sustainability, environmental planning and approvals, and stakeholder management.  Allison strives on combining sound technical advice with extensive environmental knowledge and understanding of legislation and policy to support project delivery that minimises impacts and provides benefits to the surrounding communities and environment.   

Allison will be providing Applied Environment & Safety with senior environmental planning, compliance and management support for our upcoming power, transport and mining projects.

In her spare time, Allison strives to live sustainably by sourcing local produce, minimising food waste and keeping herbs and veggies in her garden alive.  She will also take any opportunity she gets to tell anyone about her dog, a 10 yr old cattle dog cross called BB, who loves snoozing, barking at the postie and slow daily walks.  

This article introduces the requirements of an Ecological Assessment in Queensland, which forms part of the development application process. We provide details on how we assist our clients through this process.

What is an Ecological Assessment?

The ecological assessment for developments in Queensland will vary according to the development approval pathway.

A small development, such as a residential development, is typically subject to the requirements of the local government planning scheme. The local Council will liaise with state government agencies as part of the assessment where State matters are triggered. Most local governments provide guidelines for ecological assessments to accompany development applications.

More complex developments may require submission to your local Council or maybe ‘called in’ by the State Assessment and Referral Agency (SARA) for assessment. Infrastructure projects, such as road, rail and energy infrastructure, are often subject to separate approvals processes and/or are exempt from some components of standard planning approvals processes. 

For developments where matters of National Environmental Significance (MNES) are present, depending on the scale of impact, it may be necessary to refer the development to the Commonwealth government. MNES include threatened species; threatened ecological communities; lands, waters or species subject to international agreements or treaties, including migratory shorebirds; World Heritage Areas and Ramsar wetlands. 

Why is ecological assessment critical?

An Ecological Assessment is part of the regulatory requirements for development applications in Queensland. An Ecological Assessment provides a means of identifying protected species or areas and determining the potential impacts of the development on these sensitivities.

How do you conduct an ecological assessment?

Qualified and experienced environmental professionals undertake Ecological Assessments. They are developed to include the relevant ecological information necessary for the development application. This will typically consist of the following:

– Description of the development

– Results of the ecological desktop assessments and field-based surveys

– An assessment of the impacts from the development on ecological values

– Recommendations to avoid or mitigate impacts of the development on ecological values

– Any further actions required

For a development application with minor disturbance, we assist our clients through the Ecological Assessment process through these steps:

– Undertake an onsite inspection of the proposed development and discussions about the works including clearing and other ground disturbance methodologies

– Inspection of disturbance area including vegetation to be cleared 

– Development of Ecological Assessment Report with details from supporting reports such as arborist reports or flora and fauna surveys

– Development of management measures and offsets to minimise and mitigate the impacts from the proposed development

– Submission to local Council

– Follow up with the Council on the lodgement of the Ecological Assessment Report and respond to any questions including updating the Plan as required

As part of the Ecological Assessment, planning and design considerations are firstly considered to minimise potential environmental impacts. This may include minimising the disturbance area, avoiding areas with high biodiversity values, using existing cleared areas, and locating new infrastructure near existing infrastructure. Management measures are developed to minimise impacts including managing the vegetation clearing process.

How can Applied Environment & Safety Help?

Applied Environment & Safety has been assisting local clients with ecological assessments for their proposed developments against the Noosa Plan 2020: Biodiversity, Waterways and Wetlands Overlay Code. We have diverse experience in development applications and environmental impact assessment. This allows us to identify potential impacts and develop practical mitigation and management measures.

Google Review from our local client

– Jeff Sly –

“I highly recommend, Applied Environment & Safety, the service I received, was above and beyond, what I expected when I requested their expertise in this field. Melanie, and her team, provided a comprehensive Environmental report for the approval process to progress; we had numerous issues satisfying council requirements. Melanie worked through the issues meticulously, until approval was granted. Tanya and Jeff.”

Lachlan has recently joined Applied Environment & Safety, adding his passion for environmental sustainability to the team. He enjoys researching environmental issues and collaborating with teams to develop innovative environmental solutions.

A lifelong fascination with the natural world inspired Lachlan to pursue a career in environment management. Lachlan completed a Bachelor of Science (Wildlife and Conservation Biology) with a Distinction in 2018 and has commenced a Master of Environment at the University of Melbourne.

Lachlan has diverse interests in research related to climate change adaptation, sustainable land management, conservation and regeneration. Through taking courses at Universities in Australia, Austria and Denmark, he was able to explore a broad spectrum of academic research in environmental sciences, which has provided him with an interdisciplinary and global understanding of these fields. Experiencing alternative systems to environmental management spurred his interest in the field, driving him to undertake further coursework and a career in environmental management. 

Over the past 5 years he has consolidated his practical knowledge through various field roles in environmental management, monitoring and regeneration.  Working in the civil construction industry and NFP sector has allowed him to work closely with various stakeholders from the State and Federal Government to community groups. Taking an active role in small teams, he facilitated projects from inception and design to implementation.

Lachlan has been assisting Applied Environment & Safety with environmental planning for the decommissioning of the Eyre Peninsula Transmission Line project, which commences early in the new year. 

In his spare time, Lachlan is a keen supporter of community environmental projects, notably waterways regeneration. Lachlan is also a keen trail runner and spends his weekends creating ceramics, his food garden and woodworking.

A Site Environmental Management Plan (SEMP) is a site-specific document identifying the environmental aspects of an activity; the potential impacts of the activity on these environmental aspect; and ways in which these impacts can be reduced through management strategies and site practices. 

In simple terms, the main focus of a SEMP is the development of a plan that is specific to an activity and outlines:

– The activity to be undertaken

– Relevant environmental aspects

– Potential impacts of the activity on these aspects

– How these impacts will be managed through implementation and monitoring

Description of Activity

The SEMP should describe the activity to be undertaken. This should define the nature and scope of the activity and include the location, phases of work and timing/scheduling. The level of detail of the activity description should be sufficient to provide an understanding of each process and allow determination of the environmental potential impacts. 

The SEMP should include a description of any relevant approval conditions and internal or client management requirements. The plan should distinguish between construction and operational activities, if relevant.

A site plan or drawing should also be included with the following:

– Location of work areas and access

– Environmental aspects such as waterways, native vegetation, residential housing etc

– Locations of environmental protection measures

Environmental Aspects

The SEMP should identify the environmental aspects located within or surrounding the activity area. The types of environmental aspects that need to be considered may include the following: 

– Erosion and sedimentation

– Water management including stormwater

– Dust and air quality management

– Noise and vibration

– Waste minimisation and management 

– Hazardous materials storage and use

– Flora and fauna including weeds

– Indigenous and non-indigenous heritage

– Rehabilitation 

Potential Impacts on Environmental Aspects

It is important to understand the link between the activities and environmental aspects. An assessment should be undertaken to identify potential environmental impacts of the activity including the nature and extent of the impacts; short-term and long-term effects; and any uncertainties regarding the predicted impacts. This assessment requires two steps as detailed below.

Step 1: Identify the environmental aspects 

The types of environmental aspects are listed above. There may be generic risks that relate to all of your activities, such as waste and chemical management, and then also site-specific aspects, such as surrounding vegetation, erosion and sediment and nearby houses.

Step 2: Undertake a risk assessment

Based on the environmental aspects, document the likelihood and consequence of impacts from the activity:

Likelihood

What is the likelihood that the aspect will impact the environment?

Certain = Will occur at a frequency greater than every week if preventative measures are not applied.

Likely = Will occur more than once or twice but less than weekly if preventative measures are not applied.

Unlikely = This might occur once or twice during the project if preventative measures are not applied.

Rare = Unlikely to occur during a project even if controls are missing.

Potential Impact

How severe will the potential impact be?

Catastrophic = Significant damage or impact on the environment or community

Major = Major adverse environmental or social impacts

Moderate = Moderate undesirable environmental or social impacts 

Minor = No or minimal adverse environmental or social impacts 

The level of risk to an environmental aspect will determine the type and amount of mitigation and management measures that will be required. Where a significant risk to the environment has been identified, environmental protection measures must be introduced to reduce the risk to an acceptable level. Aspects with a medium or low risk should also have practicable management measures implemented if these can further reduce risk. The types of management measures are detailed in the next Section.

Managing Environmental Impacts

The types of measures that may be implemented for controlling potential impacts on environmental aspects may include:

– Water diversion structures

– Soil stabilisation measures

– Sediment retention structures

– Vehicle, machinery and equipment cleaning mechanisms

– Waste separation and containment 

– Bunding and other spill prevention 

– Flora and fauna protection mechanisms

– Archaeological/heritage protection mechanisms

Monitoring the Effectiveness of Environmental Controls

The SEMP should specify how the effectiveness of environmental controls will be monitored. It should include the methodology, frequency and duration of monitoring activities. It should include trigger values or conditions under which corrective actions will be taken. The plan should also specify if, and when, follow-up action is required and how monitoring records will be maintained.

An example of environmental monitoring is the implementation of a Weekly Environmental Inspection to check environmental controls throughout the activity. The trigger point would be non-compliance with any of the requirements in the Weekly Environmental Inspection Checklist. This would then require an assessment of the effectiveness of the controls and the potential implementation of additional or revised controls.

Further Information on Environmental Management Plans

For information see our Environmental Management Plans article.

How We Can Help 

Applied Environment & Safety has vast experience in the development and implementation of Site Environmental Management Plans. We supported our client in the development and implementation of site-specific management plans.

PCA Ground Engineering was engaged by the local Council to undertake a road embankment stabilisation project at Sunrise Beach, Noosa, Queensland. The works were vital to maintaining the long-term serviceability of the road and drainage infrastructure at this location. 

We developed the Environmental Management Plan; Sediment and Erosion Control Plan; and Rehabilitation Plan. The environmental aspects of the project included:

– Erosion and sediment control

– Biosecurity management 

– Waste management

– Rehabilitation

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

Environmental plans and controls were effectively implemented during this project. We believe in working closely with our clients to build supportive relationships. By working together, we ensured environmental risks were mitigated during this project.

Context

THE ORGANISATION

• Have we determined internal and external issues that will impact on our environmental management system?

INTERESTED PARTIES

• Have we determined what internal and external interested parties are relevant to the environmental management system and what are their requirements?

SCOPE

• Have we determined the boundaries of the environmental management system and documented the scope?

Leadership

LEADERSHIP AND COMMITMENT

• Can we demonstrate top management is providing leadership and commitment to the environmental management system?

ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY

• Do we have a documented environmental policy that is communicated and available?

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Are roles and responsibilities for environmental management documented? 

Planning

RISKS AND OPPORTUNITIES

• Have we determined the environmental risks and opportunities related to our organisation?
• Do we have plans to address them? Have we maintained records?

ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECTS

• Have we determined our environmental aspects and impacts, including any significant aspects and our criteria for determining this?
• Do we have plans to address them? Have we maintained records?

COMPLIANCE OBLIGATIONS

• Have we determined our compliance obligations and how they apply to us? Do we have plans to address them?
• Have we maintained records?

ENVIRONMENTAL OBJECTIVES

• Have we established environmental objectives? 
• Do we monitor, measure and communicate them? 
• Do we have plans to address them?
• Have we maintained records? 

Support

RESOURCES

• Have we determined and ensured the necessary resources for the environmental management system?

COMPETENCE

• Do we ensure the training and competence of personnel?
• Do we maintain records?

AWARENESS

• Have we ensured that personnel are aware of our policy, significant aspects and processes relevant to them?

COMMUNICATION

• Have we determined processes for internal and external communication relevant to environmental management including staff, contractors, visitors, regulators and interested parties?
• Have we maintained records?

CONTROL OF DOCUMENTS

• Do we ensure documents and records are controlled? 

Operations

OPERATIONAL PLANNING AND CONTROL

• Have we established and maintained procedures to meet the requirements of the environmental management system?
• Do we maintain control and influence over outsourced processes?
• Consistent with a life cycle perspective do we consider environmental requirements in design processes and ensure impacts associated with transportation, use and end-of life treatment are controlled?
• Do we maintain records?

EMERGENCY

• Have we documented processes for emergency?
• Are they tested and do we evaluate effectiveness? Do we maintain records?

Improvement

NONCONFORMITY AND CORRECTIVE ACTION

• Do we have processes for reporting, investigating and taking action to manage incidents and corrective action?
• Do we maintain records?

CONTINUAL IMPROVEMENT

• Do we continually improve the environmental management system?

Applied Environment & Safety has been assisting local clients with ecological assessments for their proposed developments against the Noosa Plan 2020: Biodiversity, Waterways and Wetlands Overlay Code.

What is included in an ecological assessment?

In summary, assessment of the proposed development against Biodiversity Significance requirements under the Noosa Plan including:

– Biodiversity values which also includes Matters of State Environmental Significance (MSES) and Wildlife Habitat (endangered or vulnerable)

– Koala Habitat assessment against Koala Priority Areas and Core Koala Habitat Area.

As well as wetlands and waterways assessment in relation to riparian areas.

We assist our clients through the ecological assessment process in 6 steps:

1. Undertake an onsite inspection of the proposed development and discussions about the works including clearing methodology.

2. Inspection of disturbance area including vegetation to be cleared.

3. Development of Ecological Assessment Report with details from supporting reports such as Arborist Report.

4. Development of management measures and offsets to minimise and mitigate the impacts from the proposed development.

5. Submission to Noosa Council.

6. Follow up with Council on the lodgement of the Ecological Assessment Report and provide responses to any questions including updating the Plan as required.

For this type of development application, planning and design considerations are first developed to minimise potential environmental impacts. This may include minimising the disturbance area, avoiding areas with high biodiversity values, use of existing cleared areas, and locating new infrastructure near existing infrastructure. 

Then management measures are implemented to minimise impacts during vegetation clearing. This may include clearly delineating vegetation to be removed and those not to be impacted onsite; pre-clearing inspections; and engaging a qualified arborist to carry out clearing works.

Applied Environment & Safety has diverse experience in construction works and environmental impact assessment. This allows us to identify potential impacts and develop practical mitigation and management measures.

Local Client Testimonial

Jeff Sly

“I highly recommend, Applied Environment & Safety, The service I received, was above and beyond, what I expected when I requested their expertise in this field. Melanie, and her team, provided a comprehensive Environmental report for the approval process to progress, we had numerous issues to satisfy council requirements. Melanie worked through the issues meticulously, until approval was granted.“

Does your project need an ecological assessment? Contact our team – we would be happy to help!

Applied Environment & Safety are proud to be awarded 3-Star Partnership with the CCIQ ecoBiz program again this year. For eight years, we have been active participants in the ecoBiz program and a recognised Star Partner. The ecoBiz program is focussed on sustainable business practices to reduce energy and water use, and minimise waste. Our business sustainability initiatives have been recognised through this program. 

CCIQ 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.

Given that our business operates predominantly either from our home office or client locations, our ecoBiz assessment was completed on a qualitative assessment of energy, water and waste savings. 

Our achievements for 2021-2022 in regards to energy, water and waste are:

Energy

• Recertified as a Carbon Neutral business via Climate Active in July 2022
• Less travel for work with new local clients and providing remote support
• Set five year energy reduction targets – see below

Water

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

Waste

• Approx. 30,000 cans and bottles recycled through container recycling program by our company and client initiatives
• Ongoing use of reusable containers while travelling

Also, Melanie Dixon was a guest speaker for ecoBiz forum in Noosa promoting the ecoBiz program and energy, water and waste management practices.

We have been awarded 3-Star ecoBiz partnership through our energy, water and waste initiatives. Our assessment was based on our business practices and behaviours which demonstrate implementation of business sustainability, and minimisation of our environmental footprint. 

Our sustainable business initiatives for 2021-2022 are:

Energy

• Track additional travel related energy use such as hire cars and use of clients cars to offset in next Carbon Neutral assessment
• Join and participate in Zero Emissions Noosa
• Determine options for supporting other carbon neutral businesses

Water 

• Ongoing member of local catchment group and volunteer for monthly water sampling
• Up to $1,000 donation to support a water or catchment community group 

Waste

• Additional measures to reduce waste while travelling for work such as less takeaway
• Research waste minimisation and management initiatives outside of Australia and promote through News Posts on website

We will keep you updated on the progress of these initiatives. 

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

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.