CHEP (Commonwealth Handling Equipment Pool) is a prominent provider of pallet and container pooling services within industrial and retail supply chains across Australia and New Zealand. A subsidiary of Brambles, CHEP offers a variety of products, including wooden and plastic pallets, small display pallets, crates, and Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs). They also handle the supply, repair, and cleaning of these products, maintaining multiple sites throughout the region.
CHEP faced a significant challenge: effectively managing site traffic hazards. They had conducted internal assessments following their CHEP Global Safety Standard and assessment tool, but these internal evaluations needed an external, unbiased review to ensure thoroughness and effectiveness. The goal was a complete scope of works to achieve 100% score in their audit tool and segregation between mobile plant and people.
TEG Risk was chosen for this critical task of assessment and Scope or Works development with our sister company TEG Projects running the RFQ and CAPEX and implementation programme due to our extensive industry experience and the presence of our assessors across New Zealand and Australia. TEG Risk’s team brought a high level of expertise, process and systems in risk management. While TEG Projects has an existing and effective relationship with CHEP and were deeply familiar with CHEP processes., CHEP recognised the TEG team (Risk and Projects) reputation for excellence in risk assessment and management as well as integrated project management, making them the ideal partner for this project.
TEG Risk approached the problem methodically, breaking down the project into several key phases to ensure a comprehensive solution: site inspection, developing site presentations with conceptual designs for consultation with stakeholders and developing Scope of Works for approved contractors to quote too. At this point TEG Risk handed the project over to the TEG Projects team who led a RFQ process to ensure cost competitive quotes were obtained from which business cases and capex were prepared for executive sign off.
Site Inspection
Our assessors conducted thorough site assessments, comparing the actual traffic management practices with CHEP’s internal assessment tool. This phase involved detailed inspections to identify any gaps or inconsistencies. The team worked closely with site management and staff to understand existing practices and collaboratively develop suitable risk-reduction strategies.
Developing Site Presentations
Following the assessments, TEG Risk developed detailed PowerPoint presentations summarising the findings. These presentations were tailored for site management and the senior project team, ensuring clear communication of identified hazards and proposed solutions to allow stakeholder consultation and modification prior to approval and sign off.
Developing Scope of Works (SOW)
TEG Risk then developed a comprehensive Scope of Works (SOW) document. This detailed all recommended improvements and standardised solutions, providing TEG Projects with the necessary information to obtain precise quotes from contractors. The SOW included specific instructions and standards to reduce ambiguity and increase the likelihood of a right first time installation.
RFQ and Business Case Development
With well developed SoW’s the TEG Projects team lead the RFQ process to ensure cost effective and appropriate solutions were costed. Business cases and CPAEX’s were prepared for Senior Management to tight financial deadlines to review and approve the significant spend. This was done with a high degree of transparency so all aspects being committed to were understood.
Implementation and Verification
TEG Projects coordinated and led the implementation of the approved scope of work at the site, utilising TEG Risk’s expertise in verification and validation. By verifying each solution in a staged process, they ensured that CHEP received exactly what was expected, achieving their goals of a 100% score on the assessment tool and complete pedestrian segregation.
As with any project several challenges emerged. These included the need to travel to multiple, remote sites in Australia and New Zealand. Operational constraints, as assessments had to be conducted on fully operational sites, which typically run two shifts (20 hours per day) and six days a week, leaving minimal downtime for inspections. The coordination of frequent online meetings were necessary to finalise findings and solutions, requiring efficient coordination between site staff and CHEP project managers. As well as developing a SOW with enough detail to allow contractors to provide accurate quotes demanded meticulous attention to detail.
Outcomes
The project yielded significant positive outcomes for CHEP by implementing consistent solutions for traffic management hazards across multiple sites, ensuring a uniform approach to safety. The independent assessment and subsequent improvements increased overall site safety, reducing the risk of accidents and associated costs. Additionally, the project facilitated smoother verification and validation processes when the improvements were commissioned. This brought greater clarity around scope and standards, simplifying the process of managing variations and ensuring that contractors had a clear understanding of expectations.
The enhanced traffic management systems not only improved safety but also had a broader impact on CHEP’s operations. With a clear and consistent approach to risk management, CHEP experienced cost efficiencies in managing their sites. The improvements ensured minimal disruption to site operations, maintaining high productivity levels. By proactively addressing safety hazards, CHEP reinforced their commitment to safety and operational excellence, enhancing their reputation in the industry.
The partnership between CHEP and TEG highlights how expert external assessments can provide valuable insights and combined with TEG Projects Project Management skills drive significant improvements in safety and efficiency. Through planning, thorough assessments, and clear communication, our TEGteam helped CHEP enhance their site traffic management, demonstrating the critical role of expertise in overcoming complex challenges in industrial environments.
Have a similar project that requires independent inspection? Call Hamish to talk through how TEG Risk can bring safety to your site traffic management.
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