Dean Cipolla (left) and Tom Fisher, Federal Safety Commissioner, with the 2007 IFAWAPCA Atsumi Award.
Dean Cipolla, project leader of Construction Innovation's Construction Site Safety Culture project which developed the award-winning national safety competency Framework, has won the International Federation of Asian and Western Pacific Contractors' Associations (IFAWPCA) 2007 Atsumi award.
The IFAWPCA-Atsumi Award, named after the late Mr Takeo Atsumi, former President of Overseas Construction Association of Japan, is presented to an individual who has played a significant role in the national development of the construction industry in member countries.
Dean, Group Safety Leader for John Holland Group, was recognised for his work with Construction Innovation which delivered a comprehensive data set of current competencies, skills, knowledge, attitudes, behavioural competencies and norms and standardised safety critical positions to drive and improve the safety culture, and ultimately performance across the Australian construction industry.
A national framework for safety in the Australian construction industry enhances the value of Australia's construction services. Dean's research will contribute to improved safety performance in an industry where workplace deaths and injuries are costing the nation $3.6 billion each year.
John Holland Group has used the Framework to develop its Passport to Safety Excellence Program. Around 600 staff have completed the Program, resulting in a dramatic decrease in Workers Compensation Claims since that times from 20 claims per 1000 workers in 2003 to less than 5 claims per 1000 workers in 2006-07. Another industry leader in safety, Bovis Lend Lease, who also participated in the research, are customising the Framework for use in their organisation and other companies are using the Framework to inform their recruitment selection, professional development, safety skills training and R&D practices.
Dean's work has received recognition within the Asia Pacific region. He has presented outcomes of his safety work to the Hong Kong Constructors' Association and Leighton Asia is reviewing the Framework for adoption in their organisation.
In Australia the research has been widely recognised. The project won the 2007 AIB Professional Excellence Award in the Research and Development category in September 2007. It also won the Judges High Commendation in August 2007 at the Victorian Chapter Australian Institute of Project Management.
Dean remains a committed and energetic project leader in safety research. He currently heads a Construction Innovation team undertaking a national consultative process to develop Safety Effectiveness Indicators and pilot them on a number of construction projects throughout Australia.
The John Holland Group also won Best Workplace Health and Safety Management System at the Australian Government Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Commission National Awards.
Congratulations Dean!