Steering a Culture of Safety
WORDS BY SODEXO At Sodexo Australia, we work in some of the most remote and challenging locations across the country. With a team of over 5,000 people, we run more than 100 camps and villages, looking after over 20,000 Energy and Resources workers daily with meals, facilities, and a place that feels like home. When you’ re away from home, it’ s the little things that matter most – a clean room, fresh sheets, a hot shower, and food that reminds you of home.
The same goes for the daily commute; it needs to be safe, reliable, and comfortable. That’ s where our mass transport team comes in. Together, we’ re nearly 300 people including drivers, supervisors, and office-based staff. This dedicated team operates a fleet of over 500 vehicles, including 205 buses and more than 300 light vehicles, making 800 trips every day and covering 8.6 million kilometres annually to get people to and from more than 20 worksites.
Having worked as a tradesperson and longdistance driver myself, I understand the very real dangers of driver fatigue. I had an experience early in my career while driving a morning shift in the UK. After starting work at 3 AM, I fell asleep behind the wheel for just a couple of seconds. When I woke, I had swerved three lanes on the highway. Thankfully, it was early, and the road was clear of other vehicles. However, it was a close call that could have ended in disaster. When I reported the incident to my supervisor, the response was dismissive, suggesting I simply drink coffee and carry on.
That experience stayed with me and shaped how I approach safety today. When I joined Sodexo Australia, I saw challenges and opportunities to make a real difference. Siloed working practices presented a chance to improve operational efficiency, while enhancing on-site culture and addressing staff turnover became key drivers for building stronger client relationships. By focusing on a people-first approach, I made safety the foundation of every initiative, creating a workplace that prioritises both wellbeing and success.
FIFO drivers take on demanding schedules, working 11-hour shifts on 14-day rotations, often navigating some of Australia’ s most remote areas with challenging road conditions and harsh weather. To support them and prioritise their wellbeing, we introduced the Guardian Driver
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