At Port Marlborough, the Hauora (Health, Safety and Wellbeing) of all people in our workplaces is our highest priority. Our Critical Risk Programme focuses on the activities and hazards that have the potential to cause the most serious harm in our operations.
This programme sets clear expectations and standards for how we identify, manage and control high-risk work across our port and marina environments. It brings together proven safety behaviours, operational controls and leadership accountability to prevent serious injuries and fatalities. Critical Risks sit within our wider operational risk landscape, but we place particular emphasis on them because they carry the highest potential for serious injury or fatality. While all risks are managed, Critical Risks are prioritised because they relate to the types of work and hazards that, if not properly controlled, can have the most severe consequences. This focus helps us direct attention and resources to where it matters most.
By focusing on what matters most, the Critical Risk Programme ensures:
Consistent, high standards of safety across all high-risk activities
A shared understanding of risks and controls among staff, contractors and port users
A strong safety culture where everyone is empowered to take responsibility for doing the right thing, every time
Whether working at height, around moving plant, near the water, or in confined spaces, all people in our port are supported by the tools, training and systems they need to manage risk effectively, and this is how we deliver on our commitment to providing a safe port environment for our people, our partners and our region.
Our Critical Risk Framework is the continuous improvement cycle that we use to identify, assess, control and monitor the Critical Risks facing our people across our areas of operation.
These are the Critical Risks that can be associated with most work undertaken in our port and marinas.
We focus on managing Critical Risks because these are risks that have the potential to cause life-altering injuries or fatalities if not properly managed. They require heightened awareness, clear controls, and consistent application of safety procedures. Please make sure you are familiar with each of these risks and think about when you are potentially exposed to them. Being aware of your surroundings and the tasks underway – whether by you or others – is key to staying safe.
The Critical Risks may be generated by Port Marlborough work activities or by port and marina users within common user areas. If you see work taking place that may involve a Critical Risk, take a moment to assess whether appropriate controls are in place, and if in doubt – speak up.
Staying aware of Critical Risks helps keep everyone safe.
LIFESAVERS are behaviours and ways of working to help us to prevent serious injuries in our workplaces. These can span across multiple critical risks.
If you are involved in Critical Risk work activities, please ask yourself and your team mates – are all the LIFESAVERS in place?
If ever you think that LIFESAVERS relevant to your work activity are not in place please stop, reassess, speak to your manager and/or Port Marlborough’s HSW Team.
Critical Risk Standards have been developed for each Critical Risk.
These are detailed protocols designed to manage risks that have the potential to cause severe harm or fatality in the workplace. These standards outline clear, actionable steps to eliminate or minimise exposure to these risks and serve as a framework to ensure that everyone understands their role in managing critical risks and that we look after the Hauora of all people in our workplaces.
Mobile Plant & Vehicles Critical Risk Standard
Mooring Operations Critical Risk Standard
Suspended Loads Critical Risk Standard
Uncontrolled Ignition Source Critical Risk Standard
Working at Height Critical Risk Standard
Working Over-In Water Critical Risk Standard
Confined Space Entry Critical Risk Standard
Hazardous Energy Critical Risk Standard
For any queries, please get in touch with our Health, Safety and Wellbeing team here
