The Challenge
Coastal Gas Link, Section 8 West presented the greatest technical challenges in the construction process due to the geographical obstacles posed by the Coastal Mountains. The numerous steep slopes required specialized installation techniques, and the elevation of the project varied by almost 1,500 meters over a span of 55 kilometers (34 miles).
Certain parts of the project necessitated the use of cable cranes for pipeline construction on slopes steeper than 45 degrees. The varied seasonal weather conditions added additional complexity to this multi-year endeavour, demanding careful construction planning. Ledcor collaborated with SICIM on the project, utilizing their expertise in constructing pipelines on steep and mountainous terrain.
These demanding conditions heightened exposure in several areas, including worker transportation and project driving in challenging terrain. All workers accessing the construction right of way had to traverse a range of steep and exposed resource roads over long distances in remote mountainous regions. Coupled with natural and construction-related exposure, the volume and variety of machinery operating on the rights of way were significant. Light-duty trucks, heavy-duty tracked equipment, and heavy haulage trucks all needed to function together safely.
For a major construction project, the net reward was astonishing. Seeing a large marked reduction in related incidents, equipment downtime and a reduced worker off work claims was clearly visible.
The Results
Post delivery assessments indicated that the training program was incredibly successful for a wide variety of factors:
- Efficient delivery as part of new worker onboarding and worksite orientation meant that all identified drivers and operators were able to take part throughout the project.
- Having a cohesive safety culture where the entire driving / operating workforce had participated in the same training provided by Tirion Safety Ltd ensured that everyone had the same messaging and learning outcomes.
- A cohesive driving culture on the rights of way where all drivers understood and used the same protocols and procedures.
- A marked reduction in vehicle / machinery damage and downtime.
- No major incidents or accidents related to driving activities.
- No worker downtime or injury claims related to driving activities.
The largest workplace in cab, in field driver training ever conducted for a single project.
