Driving Safety and the Choices That Keep Us Alive
By Liam Challinder — Safety Trainer, Australian Well Control Centre (AWCC)
October is National Safe Work Month, a time to shine a light on the importance of creating safer, healthier workplaces across Australia. For me, safety isn’t just about following procedures, it’s about making choices that protect myself and those I work with.
Driving is a big part of what we do, and it’s one of the most common risks we face in the field. According to Safe Work Australia, vehicle incidents continue to account for around 40% of workplace fatalities each year. That number always hits me, because every one of those lives could be someone’s workmate, friend, or family member.
At AWCC, we place a strong focus on driving safety and journey management because these are often overlooked parts of workplace safety culture. It’s not just about wearing PPE or following checklists, it’s about awareness, preparation, and accountability. Simple actions like checking your vehicle before a trip, planning your route, taking regular breaks, and managing fatigue can make all the difference.
Over the years, my outlook on safety has changed. I used to see it as a box-ticking exercise, something we had to do because it was required. But now, I see it for what it really is: a mindset. True safety is about being present, making conscious decisions, and caring enough to step in when something doesn’t look right.
The oil and gas industry can be unpredictable, and conditions can change quickly. That’s why ongoing safety training and risk awareness are so important. At AWCC, we work hard to ensure our team, and everyone we train, understands not just the what, but the why behind every safety measure. When you understand the risks, you respect them. And that’s what keeps us safe.
As we recognise National Safe Work Month, it’s a good reminder that safety doesn’t start with policies, it starts with people. Every safe choice we make, no matter how small, helps ensure we all go home safely to our families. That’s what matters most.
Learn more about AWCC’s nationally recognised safety and oil and gas training programs here.
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