Organisation: Office of Industrial Relations
Job Title: Senior Inspector (Industrial)
Word Limit: 5 times KSC (3 page Max)
Location: Queensland
- Demonstrated ability to identify workplace hazards by analysing building and construction or industrial workplace processes, plant and equipment, scheduling, technical drawings and work practices and to provide practical guidance and advice on the application of workplace health and safety legislation, technical standards and codes of practice.
I am fully accomplished performing the role of Senior Inspector due to my exceptional capabilities and skills which are broad and diverse. This is demonstrated through my work, in the past four years, for the CER (Clean Energy Regulator) in the capacity of, Federal Inspector performing solar installation inspections assessing the compliance with current and past standards and CEC recommendations. These inspections require investigation into the overall and intimate compliance of the installation in both documentation and electrical. This role encompasses high responsibilities and accountabilities. I have performed in this role outstandingly well and have received excellent feedback.
Hazards are naturally located on every workplace. In my role as a business owner, my staff and are fully qualified to reliably evaluate site safety when we are quoting or attending a meeting onsite such as ladder placement, materials location, and tools being used by tradesman. For example, when I was walking into an aged care persons’ home I observed a tradesman’s ladder in the middle of the room with tools and equipment all around him. I instructed the tradesman to put all the tools under or as close to the ladder as possible and to take all the unrequired materials to his vehicle. This was to avoid any resident from tripping or becoming curious with our actions. I documented the non-conformance as a record. When reviewing technical drawings, I ensure that I evaluate potential risks as well as errors. If either are identified, I ensure the process is revaluated or the drawings are modified.
Another example is, while walking onto a site I found trip hazards and materials laying on the ground with sharp ends unprotected. I arranged the safety barriers around the hazards and placed the reflective cones in highly visible locations. With the responsibility of an Inspector I stay up to date with the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 and the Electrical Safety Act 2002 to ensure up to date information is divulged and presented to staff. I have always aligned my business practices to the code of conduct policies. For example, I promote equity and diversity in the workplace ensuring that my staff and I uphold an ethos of respect that takes account of the spiritual, moral, social and physical health and wellbeing of all cultures.
My 30-year experience within the electrical industry, has given me extensive knowledge of a large and varied nature from industrial breakdown design and installation, commercial design and installation, solar grid connect, standalone power systems, and the domestic arena.
- Demonstrated ability to apply risk management principles and to generate and implement creative strategies to control hazards and improve health and safety outcomes in building and construction or industrial workplaces.
With 16 years’ experience running my own business I am extremely capable of staying vigilant to changes in state-wide compliance programs and legislation.
As an Inspector I have proven my business success through meeting targets and contribute to successful business plan outcomes. I am qualified to audit the workplace, documenting and reporting on breaches and providing recommendations. For example, I am cognisant of the fact that the Queensland Government Chief Information Office governs a whole of state Risk Management Methodology such as Australian Standards – AS/NZS 4360:1999 – Risk management or Australian Standards or HB:143:1999 – Guidelines for managing risk in the Australian and New Zealand public sector. I follow these principles of identity/assess, evaluate, manage and measure which aid in developing my reports.
An example, as part of our HSEQ implementation, risk assessments were designed to cover all possible scenarios backed up by Safe Work Methods Statement (SWMS) for each risk. Serious risks or hazards also require the owner or manager to be aware and sign our risk assessment which is an example of my companies strategic risk control. I am extremely conscious that mistakes with risk assessment/management could result in loss of life or lives which is why I place a high level of importance on this element. I believe my company has been so successful due to my ability to stay abreast of upcoming changes and to continually evolve with new initiatives. As an inspector I am able to manage high risk situations by following current legislative requirements and guidelines for example, when entering a building that needs an emergency electrical review and there was a risk of exposure to unsafe chemicals, I would follow the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 and the Electrical Safety Act 2002 utilising such things as hazmat suits and breathing apparatus to ensure the safety of staff and the community.
Well-developed analytical, conceptual and investigative reasoning skills with proven ability to gather evidence and determine the circumstances and outcomes arising from workplace incidents.
My business and trade experience enables me to analyse and convert technical concepts into realistic outputs. I relate to and help staff understand their role and value within the organisation, for example, I take a very collaborative approach to the development and implementation of strategies and plans to ensure targeted outputs are achieved. I use my investigative skills to produce reports regarding status, risks, issues and mitigation strategies as an outcome from identified incidents or recommendations. Communicating with influence is a skill that I have developed and refined over my career. All my training and experience are attributed to my capabilities of nurturing internal and external relationships, facilitating co-operation and partnerships, valuing differences and diversity as well as guiding, mentoring and developing staff. Ultimately my investment in customer satisfaction is crucial.
As Inspector I gather and conduct investigations into work incidents, injuries and complaints while following protocol and legislative requirements. When I identify non-compliance I act immediately according to existing policies and procedures and implement the most effective enforcement options. My staff are fully trained in ensuring checklists are followed explicitly. As a business owner I am well accustomed to making high level decisions that may involve shutting down a job or building at the risk of losing revenue. However, safety is and always has been a priority for me. For example whilst onsite at Emmanuel College, installing the 2nd 100 kw of their 200KW solar system, the scissor lift was set up outside the hall, partially blocking clear access to the hallway via the side entry stairs. Upon arrival, I observed people walking near the scissor lift and accessing the building through that doorway. Staff were directed to stop work immediately and move the location of the scissor lift away from an entry point and set up safety cones as a barrier to defer access away from our working area. Subsequently I organised retraining for some of the staff.
- Highly developed interpersonal and communication skills with proven ability to develop and deliver appropriate advisory, education and information services to clients, resolve disputes constructively, and prepare timely and accurate technical reports.
In my role as a CER Federal Inspector I compile reports on all aspects from electrical safety to Australian Standards compliance. I have owned and operated my own small business since 2000 employing up to 16 staff members. In my capacity as the Owner and Managing Director of A+K Lievesley Electrical and Solar, I have dealt with many situations including personnel management and, training of staff tradesman and apprentices. Continually building relationships with current new and prospective clients, I also engage in personal professional development undertaking extra courses to maintain and expand my own qualifications and knowledge to meet all the industry needs for my business. Over the previous 16 years I have worked within the community demonstrating my ability to effectively communicate with people from diverse backgrounds. Running site meetings, board room meetings, and tool box and safety presentations demonstrates my ability to speak in and conduct group discussions and presentations. Undertaking the management of my business and performing diverse roles such as Business Manager, HR Manager, Staff Liaison Officer and demonstrates my ability to communicate effectively with staff and clients for example, I use my negotiation skills to influence clients and staff by listening, suggesting options and agreeing on a mutual solution. I use several communication channels to disseminate information to staff, the community, stakeholders, and business alliances. I often cross reference systems to obtain information and personally enjoy engaging people in active conversation, as it is a good listening exercise and helps to develop interpersonal skills further. Furthermore when working within the community I am able to confidently communicate with superiors, dignitaries and people of relative importance. However, it is my ability to communicate with culturally, linguistically, socially and economically diverse clients that I am adept in. With above average communication skills, I have developed, written, and updated my company’s policies, procedures, methods, and guidelines using word processing and spread sheet programs such as Microsoft Word and Excel. I possess the ability to express myself clearly and logically, both orally and in writing. For example when giving a presentation to staff on dangerous chemicals. I manage my accounts using Xero as well as Simpro Software for our customer database. It is my ability to learn new systems fast that is beneficial to prospective employers.
I have been involved with conflict resolution with clients that are unhappy with the job that has been completed by one of my staff as well as clients who didn’t want to pay their bill for various reasons. One example was a customer who wanted a power point installed for their wall mounted TV. Unfortunately the technician was unable to install the power point where they wanted. Once I met the customer onsite and discussed that the issue was due to the wall structure and the position of the studs, he understood. In good faith a discount was offered and accepted.
Proven ability to work independently and contribute constructively to a multi-disciplinary team by setting priorities, planning, monitoring and evaluating work flow and creating and implementing continuous improvements in work practices and procedures.
My excellent interpersonal and liaison skills have enabled me to foster trust and co-operation within a team. As Inspector I share my knowledge with team members and strive to continue to learn and be innovative. As a business owner I am experienced in guiding, coaching and mentoring staff and ensure staff are trained in up to date technologies and information. I set priorities according to relevance with regards to budget, risk, client assessments. I receive weekly reports of work activities, changes made to the original requirements, and any issues raised. These reports are then compiled and produced at our staff meetings for feedback and discussions. This review, allows us to update any documentation requiring changes as well as assisting in meeting planned targets. From a HR component, if I am aware of individuals who act contrary to the rules and procedures, I take the necessary actions for them to be brought up to date with relevant processes which may entail updated training. Due to the high risks that are eminent in this line of work, team work is crucial. For example, work instructions need to be continually reviewed so that staff perform duties safely and thus contributing to the permanency of the team. I have updated procedures to assist our daily workload which included implementing and maintaining our HSEQ accreditation through SAI Global, introducing cloud based technology to enable immediate access to files and having schedules and job details. This reduction of paperwork has created more time and assisted in developing good administration habits hence resulting in a significant cost reduction to the business.
Additionally as Inspector and team leader I ensure all my team stay abreast of any changes to Work Health and Safety Act 2011 and the Electrical Safety Act 2002 or relevant legislation or policy.
Ultimately I can work independently or within the team. I am committed to my employer and encourage my staff to achieve targets and their own personal goals. As Senior Inspector I am aware that the role contributes to the strategic goals of the organisation of which I would be proud to be part of.
