Our safety commitment

At Coates, providing a safe workplace for our employees, suppliers, contractors, customers and visitors is central to our safety vision and culture.  

We believe a robust safety culture is achieved through strong leadership, a mutual respect and a clear understanding of everyone’s role. We foster a mindset that is curious and prepared for the unexpected, with a desire for continuous learning and a just and fair culture that prioritises health and wellbeing. 

Coates’ safety culture is anchored by six Lifesaving Commitments and ten identified Critical Risks

To drive these commitments, we have established guidelines for expected safety behaviours in the workplace. To manage our critical risks, Coates has developed Hazard Control Procedures that establish baseline, non-negotiable rules and safe work practices.  

By adhering to these essential control methods and embodying our desired safety behaviours, we can create and maintain healthy and safe workplaces.

Assess risk
Assess risk

I will assess all risks before I start work.

Fit for work
Fit for work

I commit to only working when I am fit to do so.

Competency
Competency

I have the right training and qualifications to do my work safely.

Tools & equipment
Tools & equipment

I will use the right tools and equipment to do my work.

Personal responsibility
Personal responsibility

I will follow procedures and not place myself in danger.

Leadership
Leadership

I have the authority to and will stop work if it is unsafe.

Prioritising safety in every operation

Prioritising safety in every operation

Our commitment to safety is unwavering. We implement comprehensive safety-driven processes to protect our people, our customers and our assets. These include:

  • Hazard Control Procedure and Safe Work Method Statements for Coates’ Critical Risks 
  • Daily pre-start meetings 
  • Take 5 risk assessments and risk management processes  
  • Itemised maintenance checklists 
  • Equipment and transport logbooks 
  • Load restraint guidelines 
  • Supplier and contractor compliance and induction programs  
  • Annual Quality Assurance HSEQ Program  
  • Safety induction processes 

Our maintenance system

Our maintenance system

We understand the impact of delays on site, which is why our equipment is regularly serviced by our own expert maintenance team. Servicing is managed and documented through our proprietary maintenance system that integrates OEM requirements with years of Coates’ experience and knowledge. 

Each machine has a service sticker detailing its service history, including service dates, location and technician.

High-risk equipment is also fitted with logbooks, enabling operators to conduct pre-start safety checks and record any faults, promoting a strong culture of safety and accountability.

Full compliance support

Full compliance support

Coates proudly collaborates with our suppliers and customers to drive high safety standards. We believe that when we work together, we can improve safety outcomes in partnership.

To support our suppliers, customers and contractors, we prioritise transparency and information sharing, providing all necessary safety documentation, such as risk assessments, Safe Work Method Statements, certifications, service history and equipment specifications. 

We understand that our suppliers have varying operating hours and flexibility is key to efficient and streamlined contractor onboarding.

Our SafetyHub system allows our valued suppliers and contractors to self-register, upload insurances, licence and safety compliance documentation, and complete Coates inductions 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We also provide dedicated telephone support during business hours. 

Load Restraint Guide

Under the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL), anyone in the supply chain who conducts, controls or influences transport-related activities must comply with load restraint laws. Our Load Restraint Guide (2023 Edition) outlines the restraint methods required to achieve the performance standards listed in Schedule 7 of the Heavy Vehicle (Mass, Dimension and Loading) National Regulation 2021.