‘Pipeline’ is the aptly named management system for plumbing and civil infrastructure services provider K&D, which has not only created a strong focus on workplace safety, but has revolutionised the way the company handles every facet of their business.
The Pipeline management system developed by K&D was recently awarded the 2014 Safe Work Award by WorkCover for best workplace health and safety management system.
WorkCover NSW CEO Vivek Bhatia said “K&D has gone above and beyond what is expected of a business their size and has built a safety framework that can grow and evolve with the business.
“I commend K&D for making safety a priority and for their ongoing commitment to reducing injuries, hazards and risks,” Mr Bhatia said.
Established in 1993, K&D is an Australian privately-owned company with over 20 years experience in water utility asset maintenance, including water main renewals, water meter replacements and main to meter repairs and replacements.
K&D uses the latest technology to make the Pipeline system available to all workers via smartphones and tablets. In an instant, workers can access safety training, risk management tools, safety alerts, legislation, plant and equipment safety records and return to work resources.
K&D General Manager Joanne Tonks said, “The most important thing is that our employees get home to their families at the end of each day safely. We are thrilled to be recognised by WorkCover in winning this award.
“Having worked with our key clients for a number of years, K&D has gained a depth of knowledge and experience in complying with legislative, client and internal requirements in developing Pipeline. Innovation, customer service and quality management is key to the genesis of why we developed our own integrated management system. Our clients love it.
“All staff have 24-hour access to Pipeline and all staff contribute to having input on system improvement through our Facebook consultation group.”
Pipeline in action
The Pipeline system has been used by a number of organisations around the country since being introduced to the market.
Water meter replacements
K&D recently completed a contract for Goulburn Mulwaree Council to replace 1,000 mixed age and worn domestic water meters. Real-time updates, photos to verify electrical safety, pre-changeover meter readings and post-changeover meter number and restoration ensure the highest standard in customer service, safety and quality.
“K&D’s professionalism and time management made for a quick easy project, which really in this industry is hard to find,” said Goulburn Mulwaree Council Project Manager Mathew Jones.
Water main renewals
Pipeline has allowed K&D to throw away the traditional site folder. All site and maintenance checks are completed on the system, and all Dial Before You Dig records, project management plans, drawings, and MSDS reports are accessed by all staff in the one place.
“Focusing on our system and processes has allowed us to streamline documentation and reporting to clients,” said Ms Tonks. “Crews can focus on delivery knowing that all documentation is in one place and is continuously updated with the most current information.”
Veolia Water Operations Manager Jean-François Viver said, “K&D is a proactive company that often brings new ways to deliver work and improve communication using the latest technologies for clients’ needs.”
Main to meter maintenance
Being the largest provider of main to meter repairs in Australia, K&D needs a safety system that could be relied upon to document tens of thousands of individual jobs on unique sites.
“With jobs spread over a vast geographical area, particularly for works for Sydney Water, a paperless system is a necessity,” said Ms Tonks.
K&D’s innovative and agile team deliver real-time job reporting directly integrated into Sydney Water’s CRM system so customers can be informed of progress as jobs are completed, 24 hours per day, 365 days a year.
For more information about K&D and the Pipeline safety management system, visit www.kandd.com.au or email info@kandd.com.au.
