As part of their latest safety campaign, WEL Networks are urging the public to slow down through its work sites to keep their teams safe.
The campaign aims to remind drivers of the importance of adhering to traffic management instructions which are in place to protect the important work that is being done on-site.
Each year 60 per cent of the jobs WEL carries out are roadside across its 6,800km network.
Chief Executive Garth Dibley says the company needs the community’s help to bring
their teams’ home safely.
“Here at WEL, we prioritise the safety of our staff and our community so please slow down through our work sites. It only takes a speeding driver to lose control or a moment’s inattention to have tragic consequences. Help us keep our teams safe and follow all traffic management instructions. We want everyone to get home safe, every day.”
Between 2015 to 2019, WorkSafe reports that 69 per cent of New Zealand’s work-related acute fatalities were linked to vehicles.
Driven to Upskill
“Upskilling is encouraged at WEL Networks,” Electrical Fitter Bernard Muzengeza says.
Bernard, who joined WEL in July 2017, is currently completing his Bachelor of Engineering Technology (Electrical) (Level 7).
“My ultimate goal is to be part of the engineering team. Whether that’s commissioning or part of maintenance services. Once I am focused on my goal, I will achieve it,” he says.
In 2019, Bernard completed his New Zealand Certificate in Electricity Supply (Power Technician) Level 5 and in 2020, his New Zealand Diploma in Engineering (Electrical) Level 6.
“It’s a large workload but I wouldn’t have it any other way. Still working fulltime, you have assignment deadlines to meet, you’re on call and you have family commitments . . . it’s a juggling act but it’s a worthwhile one,” he says. The qualifications and continued learning has extended Bernard’s skill set which he applies daily in the field.
“I have learned so much. I look at every project or job that I am given from a different perspective which adds to the challenge. I’d encourage others considering further studies to pursue them. Any other course you can do to benefit you in your day-to-day role, go for it. Don’t just settle – life has more to offer,” he says.
In 2019, Bernard was named Trainee of the Year for New Zealand’s Energy and Telecommunications industries. He also won the Connexis ITO Advanced Trainee of the Year award.
“It makes the hard work worth it. It was humbling. I didn’t expect it . . . it was a great achievement just to be recognised as a finalist. I was thrilled and excited. It was humbling. I’m really proud of myself and my team.
“When you see your hard work recognised, you’re given this renewed energy to keep going. It gives you that drive to perform and do well. As much as you are the one taking the front and accepting the awards . . . it’s just as much a reflection on the team. They have supported me the entire way and they continue to do so,” he says.
The challenge and satisfaction of achieving the results are just two of the many aspects he enjoys about his role.
“Conquering those challenges keeps your adrenaline going. It keeps your job interesting. The people I get to work with are amazing. It’s a great team to be part of and everyone is really easy to get along with at WEL,” he says.
Check out vacancies at careers.wel.co.nz
