National Safe Work Month: The Importance of the Take 5 Initiative in Apprentice Safety
In celebration of National Safe Work Month, Ai Group Apprentice and Trainee Centre (ATC) is placing a spotlight on the Take 5 initiative, a hazard identification and risk assessment tool that is integral to keeping apprentices safe on the job. This simple yet effective process helps apprentices like Tia Gutteridge, a mechanical fitting apprentice hosted to Global Pumps Australia in Adelaide, ensure safety is a priority in every task.
As part of an apprentice short-term rotation to Siemens Energy, Tia has been praised for her dedication to the Take 5 safety process. “I really like the Take 5 system. It is a great mechanism to keep everyone accountable in the workshop. It’s easy to become complacent with risks, but the process ensures a consistent approach to hazards like slips, trips, and falls—sometimes the most common risks, but ones that are also the most overlooked,” Tia explains. Through Take 5, she regularly assesses her work environment, ensuring all hazards are identified and controlled before proceeding with any task.
Encouraging other apprentices and new workers to embrace the process, Tia adds, “Take 5 is a great habit to build early in your career. It only takes a few minutes but makes a huge difference in keeping yourself and your team safe. It helps you to spot the small things that can easily be missed but can cause major accidents if left unchecked.”
The Take 5 process encourages apprentices to slow down, evaluate their surroundings, and make informed decisions about safety. Joel, the EHS/QA Coordinator at Siemens Energy, commended Tia’s strong safety mindset and its impact on the workplace. “Fresh eyes and consistent safety practices like Take 5 create better safety outcomes by encouraging workers to think beyond the obvious and address all potential risks,” he said.
This commitment to safety is fostered through resources provided to apprentices during their induction at Ai Group ATC. Having apprentices learn the method ensures that if they are provided an opportunity to work in a new environment, they carry the initiative with them. The Take 5 initiative is adopted by many host companies and plays a crucial role in developing a safety-first culture among apprentices and employees alike.
For more information on Safe Work Month 2024, visit www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au. If you have any concerns or would like more information about staying safe in the workplace, contact your ETC or email our WHS team at Aigts.safety@aigroup.com.au.