Millions of young Australians have unequal access to education

The stark reality of ‘free’ public education is that it is rarely free. Uniforms, school shoes, textbooks, tuition, excursions and internet access are just some of the educational essentials that come at an added cost.

Inadequate access to these educational necessities not only alienates young Australians from their peers but prevents them from making the most of their educational experience.

When you consider the fact that one in six young Australians is living in poverty, the magnitude of this disparity becomes clear.

Many of the economic difficulties being experienced by disadvantaged families have been amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic, further affecting the livelihoods and education of children in need.

Intervention is needed now more than ever to help protect the futures of our young Australians and ensure they are all given a chance, regardless of their financial situation.

Learning for Life: bringing educational support to the disadvantaged

Dedicated to tackling this problem, The Smith Family is Australia’s leading children’s education charity. Its flagship program, Learning for Life, provides more than 57,000 young Australians with the support they need to secure a brighter future through education.

The program supports students financially so they can afford school essentials, educationally through the provision of additional learning programs before and after school, and emotionally through dedicated one on one support and guidance.

The Smith Family’s Head of Strategy and Philanthropy, Judy Barraclough, said this proven three-pronged approach is allowing children across Australia to participate fully in their education and set themselves up for continued success after they leave school.

“Thanks to the amazing combined support of individual donors, the contributions of corporate partners, and the valued support of our volunteers we are able to provide a hand up to help more children facing disadvantage, to succeed at school, go on to complete Year 12 and create better futures for themselves,” she said.

Levelling the playing field

The Smith Family’s corporate partners are committed to helping the organisation eradicate poverty through the power of education.

One of the companies supporting The Smith Family’s work is leading water infrastructure company, Interflow. With a longstanding history of supporting the professional development of emerging STEM professionals, Interflow understands the life-changing power of educational support.

Interflow’s liaison for The Smith Family, Debbie Alston, explains the importance of their corporate partnership.

“We believe that education is a fundamental right that no child should be denied,” she stated.

“Our partnership with The Smith Family has enabled us to live true to this belief and support our communities through more than just the restoration of their water networks.”

Hope is on the horizon

Learning not only promotes empowerment on an individual level but has the power to uplift society as a whole. From a micro perspective, this can be seen through heightened self-awareness, improved decision-making and the acquisition of new skills. Through a macro lens, an educated society can minimise poverty, improve health and eliminate inequalities.

Particularly now as students and their families prepare for the new school year, support of organisations like The Smith Family is crucial.

By working together, The Smith Family and their corporate sponsors are changing the lives of thousands of children and young adults annually.

Judy Barraclough shares why this mission is so important.

“Education impacts a child’s life well beyond their school years,” she said.

“One in six Australian children and young people live in poverty today, yet with critical community support, including from our corporate partners, our Learning for Life program is able to run in partnership with over 740 schools across Australia.”

She added, this enables us to provide students with the wrap-around learning and mentoring support they need to stay engaged in their education and realise their full potential.

“It has the power to break the cycle of poverty and improve the lives of Australians for generations to come.”

Echoing Judy’s thoughts, Debbie emphasises the powerful role of business partnerships when working towards change.

“We’re proud to play our part in uplifting young Australians and supporting their educational development through this partnership,” she said.

“Together, we’re creating the future of education.”

Learn more about how you can get involved today.

The post Creating the Future of Education for Australia’s Disadvantaged Youth appeared first on Interflow.

 A holistic approach to investing in future STEM professionals happens at all levels, from primary school students right through to university level and beyond. Pipeline repair, restoration and renewal provider, Interflow, is one of the companies leading the way when it comes to creating opportunities for young, innovative minds.

Starting young

Saadia Ali, a Project Manager at Interflow in New Zealand, can trace her love of STEM back to her childhood. A love of building things, along with a flair for maths and physics, led her into engineering studies at university and on to a successful career in STEM.

Interflow is working alongside Engineering New Zealand on initiatives such as the Wonder Project, which is a free program for schools designed to get more young students excited about STEM subjects. For Ms Ali, this is an opportunity to pass on her passion for engineering.

“I spend an hour a week in a classroom at a local school. They take soda bottles and build rockets out of them, and they learn the concepts of physics and what will make their rockets fly well and what will make them fail,” Ms Ali said.

“It’s about getting kids excited about things that might seem nerdy or not cool to do at school. For me, it’s really nice to think you’ve got a fifty-fifty split of boys and girls. You see the girls that come in and they’re really shy, they don’t want to learn about science and maths, but then they go home and research things and come back and ask questions the next week.”

While the majority of STEM roles are still filled by men, initiatives like this are paving the way for a greater number of young women to pursue STEM careers.

“Part of the Wonder Project’s aim is to get kids excited who need a push from female ambassadors. There’s a definite push for those young females who are coming through school to know that they can do it if they’re female, it’s not just a boys’ club,” Ms Ali said.

With traditional practices in engineering and other areas of STEM being replaced by computer-based automation, there’s an even greater need for current STEM professionals to encourage a love of basic principles to adequately prepare the next generation.

“My generation isn’t doing half the calculations or drawings that the generation before us did. The more automated and computer-oriented things are, the more the ability to problem-solve becomes a challenge,” Ms Ali said.

Education stemming from experience

To provide budding STEM professionals with these basic skills and opportunities, Interflow has partnered with university students to offer mentoring and paid internships, many of which lead to permanent work.

One of the reasons this is so important is because Interflow operates in a specialist area of civil engineering where knowledge is not widespread. John Monro, Technical Support Officer at Interflow, said that because the area of trenchless technology is not taught in STEM degree courses, specific teaching and training must be developed by practitioners.

“Undergraduate STEM interns arriving at Interflow require training in both the industry and the specifics of Interflow’s practices – training which is not available externally,” Mr Monro said.

Interns are exposed to technologies and concepts that are an extension of those encountered in their studies. Mr Monro said this means they have the opportunity to apply their basic knowledge to the needs of a fast-developing industry characterised by constant innovation.

“In doing this, they are exposed to thinking outside the square, exploring the potential for thinking beyond merely applying known formulae and standard methods. The skills they can develop can be beneficially applied in whatever STEM-related career path they ultimately follow,” Mr Monro said.

When it comes to practically addressing important world issues such as climate change, STEM professionals must practise innovative thinking and operate outside of traditional practices.

“STEM knowledge and skills will provide major opportunities to be involved in exciting changes that will make a critical difference to the world’s future,” Mr Monro said.

Keith Gover, a Human Relations Business Partner at Interflow, said Interflow’s internships provide the perfect opportunity to learn about and be involved in making these critical differences a reality.

The Interflow internships started through an association with the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) which runs a five year engineering course requiring a junior and senior internship.

“We’ve had a steady flow of students from UTS that come to the business, typically for their senior internship and lately we’ve taken on junior interns as well. If things work out, we typically extend the internship into part-time work and beyond that we have offered some of those students work projects that have doubled as thesis topics,” Mr Gover said.

With practical support and training from Interflow, Mr Gover said he has watched many interns develop into graduate engineers and later into project engineers.

“We support the students and they help build our organisation. It’s a win-win,” he said.

While many companies offer unpaid internships, Interflow has mandated that all interns be paid to give them a real working experience. Mr Gover said that this changes the relationship to a typical employee and employer relationship rather than simply doing students a favour.

“We’re not looking to take advantage of students who want to get ahead, so we offer paid internships in Melbourne and Sydney – with plans to extend the opportunity for internships in other office locations as the business grows – and that’s really increasing our support of the next generation of STEM professionals,” Mr Gover said.

“I’m really proud of the people who have worked their way up the company after coming to us as interns, and for the contribution they’ve made to Interflow.”

The post Equipping the next generation in STEM appeared first on Interflow.

Reshaping traditional customer relationships

The notion of co-creation is facilitating a major shift in the way industries transfer knowledge and communicate. When companies co-create, they invite third parties such as consumers, suppliers and service providers to collaborate on industry initiatives or projects.

This concept is redefining contractor relationships within the water industry, paving the way for robust and dynamic discussions that provide new insights into community wants and needs.

Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) is a prime example of co-creation in action: it facilitates collaboration between service providers, contractors and their customers at the earliest stage of a project. As a result, the service provider can harness the asset owner’s intimate knowledge of the surrounding environment, existing infrastructure and community requirements to tailor their solution and drive innovation.

Cooperative involvement is enabling water authorities, government bodies and local councils to play an active role in reshaping their communities through collaboration with their industry partners, as well as key community stakeholders. This enables delivery partners including leading water infrastructure company, Interflow, to develop ‘customer-centric’ solutions to complex water network projects.

Keeping the community front of mind

Coliban Water’s region covers 49 towns across 16,500km² of regional Victoria, including the Bendigo district. Since its establishment in 1992, the organisation has maintained its focus on delivering appropriate water and wastewater services to communities within the growing region.

A 900mm sewer trunk main that traverses the Bendigo suburbs of White Hills and Epsom was recently identified and prioritised for work after it was found to be in poor condition. The trunk main was discovered to have significant erosion and partial blockages, which meant the pipe had limited capacity for the area it serviced.

The sewer trunk main was first built in the 1960s and the section that was renewed is almost 2km long. It travels under parks, footpaths, roads and private backyards – and is a key piece of sewer infrastructure for that local community.

It was important to find a long-term solution for the ageing sewer trunk main, while also ensuring any impacts on the community were minimised.

Two heads are better than one

Interflow and Coliban Water worked together to establish the most effective way to renew the sewer main. From a planning perspective, the development of a suitable flow management plan was a crucial element of the project.

Interflow staff were able to gain insight about existing infrastructure and the local landscape to help with the planning and design process.

Interflow’s Project Manager, Fergus Meyer, shared how the active collaboration expedited the planning and design phase to deliver the community with a winning solution.

“Coliban Water’s flow data and network analysis were crucial to successfully modelling a viable solution that prioritised community wellbeing and cost reduction.”

“Studying the network infrastructure, we identified a neighbouring pipeline that presented an unanticipated yet promising bypass alternative,” he continued.

Although the neighbouring pipeline was smaller in diameter and unable to accommodate all of the flow from the ageing sewer trunk main, Interflow was able to channel a carefully calculated portion of flow through it. This allowed the sewer trunk main to be relined whilst operating at a reduced capacity.

Co-creation: a recipe for success

This solution would not have been realised without the collaboration and knowledge sharing between Coliban Water and Interflow.

Coliban Water’s Infrastructure Manager, Corey Bourne, said the sewer main’s lifespan had been extended by 50 years and a costly full bypass had been avoided. The sewer relining works were carried out during the day which had meant less disruption for customers and also eliminated safety risks associated with night works.

“A combination of practical experience and hydraulic modelling expertise enabled this plan to be developed.”

Before the relining of the sewer main, approximately 300 tonnes of sludge were removed from it.

“The capacity of the sewer trunk main has been significantly improved thanks to these works, and it has also reduced the chance of a sewer spill during a heavy rainfall event,” Mr Bourne said.

Fergus Meyer said co-creation is an important role within projects such as this one.

“Coliban Water’s willingness to be involved in the process reflects their dedication to uphold the interests of the community and achieve a long-term solution,” he said.

“As more companies realise the potential for productivity and innovation that co-creation presents, innovations within the water sector will continue to bloom.”

Learn more about how this collaborative project benefited the Bendigo community:

The post Co-creation: enabling innovation to thrive in the Water Sector appeared first on Interflow.

A charitable challenge

Throughout COVID-19, charities are being relied on more than ever to assist vulnerable communities around the world. However, the pandemic has abruptly shifted our social and cultural landscape, rendering these organisations vulnerable during a time when they are needed most: from donation tins at coffee shops, to gala dinners, the traditional methods of fundraising have been challenged by stringent social distancing requirements.

In response, charities are adapting the ways they generate donations. One such example of this is WaterAid Australia. The organisation’s mission is to provide disadvantaged communities globally with clean water, decent sanitation and good hygiene. A vital source of its annual revenue stems from WaterAid Balls, charitable galas held in Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria annually.

Historically, key players within the industry have united at these events each year, raising tens of thousands of dollars to support WaterAid’s work throughout the Asia-Pacific. With social distancing restrictions in full effect, all galas were cancelled. To maintain its life-changing work of providing essential water and sanitation to communities in need, WaterAid worked with its partners to develop an alternative solution to generate donations.

A creative solution

Every year, WaterAid invites Australians and New Zealanders to walk in solidarity with the thousands of individuals in developing communities, who walk incredibly long distances each day to collect fresh water.

With all Australian States subject to various stages of lockdown, the walkathon, aptly named “Walk for Water,” was the perfect fit given the allowances for outdoor exercise. The initiative was embraced by thousands, giving people a purpose to emerge from isolation, lace up their sneakers and walk for global water equality.

Picking up the pace literally and taking this challenge in its stride was leading water infrastructure company, Interflow.

A proud supporter of WaterAid’s work for over 15 years, Interflow’s Managing Director, Geoff Weaver, shared how close this initiative was to the Company’s heart.

“Clean water and sanitation are essential utilities that can greatly enhance the prosperity and quality of life of disadvantaged communities globally,” he said.

“Participating in a virtual walkathon was the perfect opportunity for our people, partners and suppliers from across Australia and New Zealand to get involved in the WaterAid journey and have a tangible, positive impact on communities in need.”

Walking for Water equality

Determined to make a difference, Interflow’s people strapped on their walking shoes and stepped up to the challenge. Setting an ambitious goal to walk 6 million steps and raise $40,000 throughout the week, the initiative received tremendous support from the Company’s extended network.

“Although our people are spread across two nations, we harnessed the power of technology to stay connected and keep each other motivated throughout the week-long event,” Geoff recalled.

Whether they were getting their steps up on-site throughout the day, rising with the sun to get their steps in before work, or walking through the cool spring nights, Interflow’s people embraced their new active lifestyle. The support received from their friends and family along the way was truly astounding.

Their efforts, along with the additional support of Interflow’s suppliers, helped the organisation to walk a staggering 12 million steps throughout the week and raise over $46,000 for WaterAid Australia.

“The overwhelming support we received was a humbling reminder that despite the personal hardships of COVID-19, the power of unity is undoubtable, both within the Interflow family and the broader Australian and New Zealand communities.”

The future of charitable giving

While the pandemic has brought with it an era of uncertainty for many Australian and New Zealand households and charities, the future is looking bright. Digital events, walkathons and online fundraising all provide an exciting opportunity for communities and organisations to transcend borders and extend the reach of their charitable efforts.

As we ease out of restrictions and embrace this new era of social distancing, households can return to supporting the charities that they hold dear, which help to elevate them in the  broader community.

“With community support, WaterAid, like many charities, has continued its work tirelessly throughout the COVID-19 pandemic,” Geoff said.

“I’m honoured that Interflow’s people, partners and suppliers were able to play a part in supporting WaterAid through this time, helping to drive global change.”

The post Many feet make light work: community walkathon makes strides towards water equality appeared first on Interflow.

When it rains, it pours

Stormwater comes from any form of precipitation including rain, sleet, or melting snow. Prior to industrialisation, stormwater would naturally infiltrate the soil or contribute to surface runoff via natural waterways such as streams, beaches and bays.

Impervious surfaces such as roadways and rooftops prevent stormwater from filtering into the ground as it would in natural landscapes. Increased urbanisation has therefore created a challenge for cities looking to control run-off from hard surfaces and safeguard the surrounding environment.

Within this challenge lies an opportunity to develop robust systems that improve the climate resiliency of our towns and support the growing infrastructure needs of our communities now and into the future.

The problem with a ‘one-size fits all’ approach

During a major stormwater program, it was discovered that a stormwater drainage culvert running beneath the bustling Brisbane Corso was reaching the end of its structural lifespan. To extend its safe operation and environmental efficacy, the asset required structural relining. The asset owner engaged leading water infrastructure company, Interflow, to perform this critical renewal.

Opening into the Brisbane River, the pipeline was exposed to the river’s rising tides. The traditional concrete rehabilitation method often utilised for projects of this nature would require the construction of a cofferdam to keep the stormwater outlet clear of river water while concrete was poured and cured. This would be a costly exercise with a large construction and environmental footprint.

Interflow’s Business Development Manager from Queensland, Steve Latimer, explained that although traditional methodologies often meet structural requirements, other considerations need to be made when planning critical stormwater infrastructure repairs.

“Our customers want to know that we have considered all the factors including community, safety, environment and quality and have proposed the best solution for their specific site.”

“Adopting a standard approach to a unique situation often neglects these important factors,” he continued.

Optimal results through tailored solutions

Working closely with the asset owner, Interflow proposed the use of Channeline, a fully customisable and modular lining solution that could be installed quickly, safely, and with minimal community impact. This innovative product also allowed crew members to deliver project works around tidal movements, which avoided the need to build a costly cofferdam.

The smooth interior surface of this bespoke solution offers reduced pipe wall friction which reduces flow resistance and improves the conduit’s self-cleaning properties. This makes it a smart solution to enhance the operational capacity of the pipeline with minimal maintenance.

This was the first time Interflow has installed a Channeline solution in Queensland. By listening to the unique needs of its customer and looking to the future, Interflow’s new system will service the community for the next expected 50 -100 years.

The future of stormwater management

With increased frequency, we are beginning to see stormwater asset owners requesting solutions that are not only cost-effective, but also create multiple community benefits. These benefits could come in the form of increased flow capacity, reducing pollutants, and safeguarding the community from flooding.

If one thing is clear, strong and vibrant communities rely on stormwater management techniques that continually evolve based on new science, experience and technical innovation.

These smart stormwater solutions have the potential to maximise the flow capacity and efficiency, allowing the system to support a growing community as opposed to necessitating further urban sprawl.

“Solutions like these are boosting the climate resiliency of cities by working with the landscape, not against it,” Steve said.

“The future will be seeking innovative means to slow the flow of stormwater, filter and remove pollutants, resulting in cleaner waterways and happier communities.”

The post One-size does not fit all: bespoke stormwater solutions are making our cities more resilient appeared first on Interflow.

Making a commitment to safe working conditions  

This year, Australia’s National Safe Work Month will focus on Work Health and Safety through COVID-19. Throughout the month of October, employees and employers alike are encouraged to acknowledge and reflect on the wide-reaching impacts of COVID-19.

Since the onset of the pandemic, workplaces have had to quickly adapt their practices to protect against the infection risks associated with COVID-19. Apart from the issues related to physical health, the virus has also had a profound psychological effect on many.

In a bid to highlight the pandemic’s ‘intangible’ ramifications, this year’s theme will enable us to discuss workplace health and safety (WHS) through a psychological lens, focusing on how the pandemic has affected the mental health of Australia’s essential workforce. It will also highlight the critical role that mental health programs play in keeping workers safe.

Navigating mental health through COVID-19

Prior to COVID-19, the topic of mental health was already a pressing issue for Australian communities, with mental illness affecting one in five Australians in any given year.

In addition to the social, emotional and financial challenges that COVID-19 has presented, many front line workers who provide essential services have experienced public scrutiny and abuse during the pandemic. This emphasises the importance of developing a robust WHS and mental health framework to support Australia’s front line employees.

With a workforce of almost 600 people distributed across Australia and New Zealand, leading water infrastructure company, Interflow, is aware of the role that a mentally healthy workplace plays in supporting its people through this difficult time.

For Interflow, the key to addressing mental health within the workplace has been establishing open two-way communication with its people in the office and field.

Interflow’s Senior HSE Business Partner, Troy Dawson, explains how the Company has adapted its mental health strategy to account for the additional challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“A key focus for Interflow throughout the COVID-19 period has been promoting our Employee Assistance Program (EAP), holding Stop and Reset Toolbox Talks, and providing resilience training as part of our Mentally Healthy Workplace Project,” he said.

“Not only do these programs help our workforce feel recognised, engaged and supported – but they enable our people to recognise the warning signs that someone may need assistance and then point them in the right direction.”

Keeping WHS a priority in the water sector

The unique size, composition and geographical distribution of Australia’s and New Zealand’s water industry places significant challenges on its members when handling mental health issues.

As the second wave impacts of COVID-19 continue to emerge, the challenge for employers will be implementing meaningful solutions to support the mental health of Australia’s and New Zealand’s essential workforce in the long-term.

The water sector has adopted a collaborative approach to solving this issue, promoting the importance of mental health on an industry-wide scale through a combination of working groups, creative initiatives and information sharing. This camaraderie has not only sparked meaningful conversations about this critical topic but highlighted the fundamental desire for connection and community that we all share as humans.

“The Company’s approach has dug deep to the heart of the issue, which is that mental health issues can affect anyone at any time,” Troy said.

“It’s in everyone’s best interests to hold ourselves accountable and prioritise the creation of a mentally healthy workplace for all.”

The post Leading positive change: how the water sector has made strides in work health and safety through COVID-19 appeared first on Interflow.

This NEC4 Contract will enable the renewal and maintenance of Sydney Water’s existing water, wastewater and stormwater networks and related infrastructure.

This is a fast-paced program requiring 24/7 response to a range of planned and reactive maintenance and repair works using an array of methodologies ranging across excavation, trenchless technologies and robotics.

The scope of works includes:

• Excavation repairs of water, wastewater and stormwater systems.
• Rebuilding or construction of wastewater maintenance holes.
• Emergency site attendance to incidents.
• Emergency repairs to pressure assets such as water or wastewater rising mains.
• Pumping Station repairs, including emergency work.

True to its reputation of being a trusted Delivery Partner, Interflow will strive to continue to provide the best service for Sydney Water by being flexible and agile, whilst drawing on the skills and expertise of the Company’s specialist crews.

The Company has partnered on many projects with Sydney Water’s Customer Delivery Team, including the delivery of both planned and reactive Network Repairs Services since 2008.

Interflow’s Executive General Manager of Operations, Daniel Weaver says, “I am very proud to be continuing our journey with Sydney Water and its customers.”

Interflow’s Executive General Manager of Operations, Daniel Weaver.

“This is a testament to our team’s ability to be flexible, whilst providing certainty and a trusted pair of hands 24/7, no matter how big or small the job,” he added.

The Network Repairs Contract is vital to maintaining essential sanitation services. Efficient delivery of this contract over the next 5 years will contribute to driving value for Sydney Water’s customers into the future.

The post Interflow secures major contract with Sydney Water appeared first on Interflow.

Culverts: supporting the community’s critical infrastructure

Road and rail culverts play a crucial role in providing drainage, enabling traffic to travel over waterways, preventing erosion and providing safe and natural passage for fish and other aquatic wildlife. Often located in environmentally sensitive areas or beneath high-volume traffic flows, their integrity is vital to the health of the road and rail networks above, as well as the wellbeing of the surrounding environment and community.

When these structures fail, the results can be catastrophic. The City of Onkaparinga Council learnt this firsthand, when a quad-barrel culvert located under a high-traffic section of road partially collapsed.

The four corrugated iron culvert tunnels had deteriorated to such an extent that they posed a risk to the structural integrity of the road above and some 6000 commuter vehicles that used the road daily.

Understanding that time was of the essence, Onkaparinga Council engaged specialist in water infrastructure, Interflow, to address this emergency situation.

Prioritising crew safety whilst balancing customer goals  

With two culverts collapsed, and the integrity of the remaining two in question, the Council decided to proactively reline all four culverts, bolstering their structural integrity to protect the community’s critical infrastructure going forward.

Considering the level of deterioration and the questionable stability of the road above, any man entry to the structures was strictly prohibited until the new structural lining was safely in place.

Interflow’s Project Manager on the contract, Peter Button, describes the challenges associated with this non-man entry approach.

“Traditionally, a project of this nature would require either some form of entry into the unlined pipe or excavation and re-lay,” he said.

“Any approach that required man-entry was immediately ruled out as the risk of road collapse was far too high. However, the community and environmental impacts of excavation methods were also high.”

Determined to challenge the traditional methods of culvert rehabilitation, Peter’s team undertook the lining works, and all necessary cleaning and preparations, without excavation and without stepping foot inside the tunnels.

“We wanted to find a solution that could prioritise our commitment to safety whilst delivering favourable project outcomes to our customer and the community,” he explained.

South Australian Project Manager, Peter Button.

Challenging the traditional use of Rotaloc technology

Delivering a tailored response to their customer’s unique situation, Interflow’s team identified Rotaloc, a spiral-wound PVC liner, as the best solution to balance the safety and community requirements of the project.

The Rotaloc machine is usually directly controlled from inside the pipeline. In order to properly prioritise crew safety, this aspect of the machine’s operation would require modification. Interflow’s Product Development crew developed an innovative solution and altered the machinery’s hydraulics to enable remote operation.

Interflow’s Development Manager for South Australia, Boris Graljuk, explains how he got the crew up to speed on the machinery’s enhanced application and capabilities.

“I developed the new system to function in a similar manor to the conventional man-entry system that our team was already familiar with,” he said.

“We then ran through an intensive two-day training course in the workshop before the crew commenced work on site,” Boris continued.

Innovation paves the way for a safer future

With Boris’ training fresh in mind and a hunger to challenge the status quo, Interflow’s crew commenced lining the quad-barrel structure via the enhanced ‘remote Rotaloc’ technique.

Once the robust new liners were in place, the void between the new pipe and the host pipe was backfilled with grout, creating a secure, renewed asset that will service commuters and the local community for years to come.

By challenging the conventional use of Rotaloc technology, Interflow’s South Australian crew was able to eliminate the risk to their personal safety throughout the duration of the project.

The Company’s Project Manager, Peter Button emphasised that safety and efficiency are key to developing high-tech innovations for customers.

“Projects like these are redefining what we once thought to be the limitations of pipeline rehabilitation,” Peter said.

“It is a prime example of how the innovative use of technology can be used to enhance our commitment to the safety of not only our people, but the safety of the broader community.”

The post Prioritising safety through high-tech innovation appeared first on Interflow.

A national conversation about mental health during times of hardship

Mental health is as crucial to our wellbeing as physical health. Throughout COVID-19, the world had been plunged into a period of uncertainty. Foreign concepts like ‘social distancing’ and ‘social isolation’ have become the new norm, completely shifting our sense of community.

As we have been thrown into a state of isolation, the importance of mental health is being highlighted. This has prompted people to find new and innovative ways to stay emotionally and socially connected with their friends, families and communities, whilst remaining physically apart.

Thanks to the Internet, people have developed communities of a different kind – communities that break through the barriers of geographical constraints through the power of digital.

The #InThisTogether movement started as a collection of tips to help people stay connected and stay positive through these trying times. It soon evolved into a social movement of solidarity and support for those in need. The movement has also sparked much needed conversation about the importance of mental health, particularly for essential service workers.

Under pressure: mental health and essential service workers

In addition to the social, emotional and financial burden that COVID-19 has placed on many, the experience of Australia’s essential workforce in the water sector is coloured by unique challenges.

With teams on the frontline servicing critical community assets such as water, wastewater and stormwater networks, specialist in water infrastructure, Interflow, understands the importance of mental health during this time.

Interflow’s Project Manager for Regional Victoria, Fergus Meyer, describes some of the challenges that he and his team have encountered on site throughout the COVID-19 period.

“Although we have robust community management and engagement plans, there will always be individuals who do not understand the importance or criticality of the work we’re performing,” he said.

“There have unfortunately been instances of verbal abuse on-site from community members who disagree with the concept of essential services. That can have an impact on the wellbeing or morale of our teams in the field,” Fergus continues.

This is a common trend for workers in the broader construction industry, with several reports coming to light of unacceptable abuse suffered by construction workers during lockdown.

Staying ‘mentally’ connected for wellbeing

As the second wave of COVID-19 took hold over certain regions of Victoria, mental health and wellbeing were thrust back into the spotlight. For frontline workers in the construction industry, keeping ‘mentally’ connected through virtual means has had a significant impact on people’s wellbeing. For Interflow, virtual communities have created a sense of unity that has seen significant uplift among workers in Victoria, as well as across Australia and New Zealand.

In an act of solidarity, Interflow’s people, like others across the water sector, came together to extend their support to their teammates who were operating under heightened COVID-19 restrictions.

By sharing their #InThisTogether messages across digital platforms, Interflow’s employees were able to transcend borders and provide emotional support for one another, demonstrating the power technology has to unite those who are physically apart.

“It honestly meant a lot to our teams in the field who had been performing essential works under strict lockdown regulations,” Fergus said.

“Their messages acted as a vital reminder that we’re not alone and we have an Interflow family more than 600 strong to lean on throughout these difficult times.”

The tangible benefits of virtual support

Social movements like these have the power to inspire and empower people to meaningfully connect with one another. While our innate need for social interaction has greatly shifted, people have developed new and innovative ways to remain digitally connected and openly talk about their mental health and wellbeing during times of physical isolation.

“This movement has brought together more people than ever thought possible,” Fergus said.

“Imagine having the support of 600 of your co-workers, and the broader water industry to help spur you on when you’re feeling down… it’s powerful stuff.”

The post #InThisTogether: How a social movement united the water sector appeared first on Interflow.

Living in the age of climate crisis

The construction sector is responsible for approximately 20% of Australia’s total carbon footprint. The largest contributors to these emissions are electricity, water and waste sectors, as well as the materials used on related sites. In an era where 94 Australian councils, home to over 34% of the population, have declared climate emergencies, it is now critical for them to embed environmentally conscious decision making into their infrastructure planning.

Specialist in water infrastructure, Interflow, has collaborated with the Australasian Society of Trenchless Technology (ASTT) and engineering consultancy, Mott MacDonald New Zealand, to give all ASTT members access to a specialised carbon calculator.

The calculator will enable water authorities, local councils and engineers to easily compare trenchless solutions to conventional ‘dig and replace’ methods. It will also provide them with visibility of the associated greenhouse gas emissions for water infrastructure projects across the board.

This provides water authorities and local councils with the power to make more informed decisions when designing their water solutions. It is also hoped the tool will encourage more companies to invest in sustainable methods and embrace the move towards trenchless technology.

A sustainable solution

As one of the driving forces behind this initiative, Interflow is committed to initiating positive change in the industry. This involves conducting in-depth research and trialling new technologies to find the most sustainable ways to solve its customers’ problems.

Interflow’s Environment and Sustainability Manager, Anthony Ogilvie, explains how the calculator would work in practice.

“It will compare the efficacy of trenchless technologies with traditional ‘dig and replace’ methods and also help water authorities and local councils choose between the growing selection of trenchless technologies available,” he said.

Used in conjunction with other environmental management tools, it is predicted the calculator will improve the decision-making process of designers, constructors and entire supply chains, resulting in a reduction of infrastructure carbon.

The benefits add up

Being customer focused and environmentally aware requires service providers to take an adaptable approach to installing and maintaining their customers’ services. Trenchless technology enables this flexibility, whilst reducing emissions.

By saving the time and costs associated with excavation, trenchless technologies are quickly becoming the preferred construction methods of choice for local councils and water authorities across Australia and New Zealand.

With over 84 years’ experience in the water industry, Interflow has honed its trenchless capabilities over four generations to deliver its customers with bespoke solutions across what the Company has coined the 4 Waters: water, wastewater, stormwater and culverts.

“Trenchless technology is the way of the future with many benefits for our customers,” Anthony said.

“Interflow has been a market leader in water infrastructure solutions since 1936. It seemed only right that we helped the ASTT collaborate with its members to develop a tool that empirically showcased the environmental benefits of trenchless technology.”

Creating the future of sustainability

By developing tools that support reducing our customers’ construction related greenhouse gas emissions, Interflow and the ASTT members are spearheading ‘green’ innovation in the industry. Both organisations are constantly working to develop sustainable water networks to service the growing needs of Australasian communities for generations to come.

The ASTT has approved the business case and is currently working to make the tool available to its members.

To learn more about Interflow’s commitment to continuous improvement within the environmental management and sustainability space, read more here.

The post New tool to demonstrate how trenchless technology cuts carbon emissions in the water sector appeared first on Interflow.

The boost to outdoor exercise

While sport and recreational activities are part of the Australian way of life, COVID-19 has restricted access to many of the indoor facilities that enable these activities. As a result, the use of ‘green spaces’ has increased dramatically as people have been forced out of gyms, sports centres and public swimming pools to stay active.

Understanding the social health benefits associated with community sport infrastructure, local governments are putting immense efforts into ensuring Australia’s green spaces are operating safely to sustain the increased demand. This involves not only maintaining what’s on the surface but also managing the critical infrastructure that lies beneath.

A swift response through early intervention

Given the critical nature of essential infrastructure, assets such as water, wastewater and stormwater pipelines require regular condition assessment. This provides in-depth information about an asset’s overall health and can avoid catastrophic social, economic and safety ramifications through early remedial intervention.

After completing a condition assessment of its stormwater assets, Ipswich City Council contacted specialist in water infrastructure, Interflow, to restore a failing section of pipeline beneath the busy outdoor recreational space, Timothy Molony Oval.

Keeping the safety and wellbeing of park goers a primary focus, Interflow and Ipswich City Council worked collaboratively to repair the underground deteriorated section before it was able to pose a risk to the community.

Steve Latimer, one of Interflow’s Business Development Managers in Queensland, describes the importance of proactive asset management.

“Condition assessments allow councils to prioritise the maintenance and repair of their underground assets,” he said.

“By developing a proactive program of works, councils can address weaknesses within their network before something goes wrong and they require emergency repair.”

Community reaps the benefits of trenchless technology

The early remedial intervention of the asset avoided community disruption and the cost of major construction works. The works were further streamlined by Interflow’s use of trenchless technology, a type of underground construction that requires the use of few or no trenches on the surface or at street level.

The Company’s trenchless Rotaloc relining solution, halved the expected project time of traditional ‘dig and replace’ methods, whilst maintaining a small site footprint. As a result, Ipswich’s Timothy Molony Oval could continue to support the sports and recreation needs of its local community throughout one of the toughest periods the world has faced.

“It’s moments like these that make us realise the value of the work we do,” Steve said.

“By helping our customers manage their critical assets in the most efficient ways, we are creating the best future for the communities we serve.”

The post Keeping Queensland’s ‘green spaces’ in check: how a critical infrastructure project restored park safety prior to COVID-19 appeared first on Interflow.

Getting one step ahead

While infrastructure maintenance and repair remain essential, no one enjoys the disruption that results from bridge, road, and utility construction work. By developing a planned program of works, authorities can avoid excessive traffic congestion or complete road closures that would otherwise affect thousands of commuters.

Adopting a tailored approach to help its customers proactively manage their culvert assets, specialist in water infrastructure, Interflow, provides alternative methods to traditional culvert construction and maintenance that address weaknesses within a network without the complete structural overhaul of a road or railway.

Avoid a congested commuter conundrum

Traffic snarls caused by construction have a huge impact on the community. However, it is possible to undergo a major culvert renewal project with little or no impact to traffic. Often referred to as ‘no dig’ construction and/or rehabilitation, a trenchless approach may be the answer to overcoming the notorious congested commuter conundrum caused by major construction works.

This cutting-edge methodology can streamline a project and enhance community safety by reducing or eliminating excavation and can be conducted at any point in the culvert asset’s lifecycle.

Interflow can employ a number of construction techniques for installing or rehabilitating culverts and other underground water infrastructure with minimal disruption to surface traffic, businesses, and residents. Adding to its end-to-end asset management capabilities, the Company also uses technologies for inspection, leak location, and leak detection.

To find out more about how Interflow can keep both your networks and traffic flowing through a well-planned asset management program, visit www.interflow.com.au.

The post Proactive culvert management solutions that keep traffic flowing appeared first on Interflow.

Extending a helping hand

COVID-19 has underlined the importance of hygiene and sanitation on a global scale and WaterAid‘s work through these difficult times has played an enormous role in preserving the health of vulnerable communities.

The pandemic has highlighted the inequity of access to healthcare and sanitation services for many developing countries around the world. As a strong supporter of WaterAid’s work for over 15 years, specialist in water infrastructure, Interflow, recognises that helping these less fortunate communities is now more important than ever.

Having witnessed the difference that easy access to clean water and sanitation can make first-hand, Interflow’s Managing Director, Geoff Weaver, reflects on why the organisation’s mission means so much to him.

“Supporting our customers’ local communities through the provision of safe drinking water and sanitation is a big part of what we do every day across Australia and New Zealand, but a lot of our neighbours throughout the Asia-Pacific region aren’t as fortunate,” he stated.

“Access to these services is vital to enhancing the general prosperity and quality of life of communities and can even impact a child’s access to healthcare and education. We want to do our part to ensure that all families, businesses and communities gain access to such utilities, regardless of the circumstances they were born into.”

By making these services easily accessible, WaterAid and its partners are giving local leaders and townships the tools they need to support the growth of healthy communities for generations to come.

Delivering tailored support

By providing national communications, information, materials and training on water, sanitation and hygiene, WaterAid’s volunteers are not only protecting rural communities from mass infection but improving the health of future generations.

Geoff explains how uniting behind this cause has enabled members of the Australian Water Industry to amplify their positive impact.

“Without an intimate knowledge of the social or political systems in these regions, or what the needs of various local communities are, the impact of an organisation looking to make a difference on its own would be limited.”

“The people at WaterAid have the specialist knowledge and local resources to be able to put our money where it’s needed. They’re channeling the collective power of the Australian Water Industry and helping us all to achieve a greater good on a much larger scale.”

Stronger together

The combined approach of water authorities, government bodies and essential service providers such as Interflow, has enabled WaterAid Australia to leave a lasting impact in hundreds of communities throughout the Asia-Pacific.

Like Interflow, WaterAid’s sponsors have supported the organisation’s work in Cambodia, Papua New Guinea and Timor-Leste with an increased focus on hygiene education and promotion, which is vital to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

With a vision of supporting more community-based initiatives to further elevate the health of those in need, both during and after COVID-19, WaterAid’s work is a potent reminder of how by banding together, we can truly change lives for communities around the world.

The post Breathing life into communities with essential water services: Interflow and WaterAid unite appeared first on Interflow.

The largest water infrastructure project New Zealand has seen

Located under the coastal streets of Moa Point is one of Wellington’s most critical sewer pipelines that manages wastewater for over 200, 000 residents.

It was discovered that the pipeline was experiencing severe corrosion and was at risk of collapse. The corrosion had reached, and in places penetrated, the steel reinforcement of the pipeline, posing a threat to the health of the network, the community, and the environment.

Understanding that the health and longevity of this asset is a top priority, Wellington Water publicly tendered the works, seeking an innovative yet cost-effective solution that would prioritise the needs of the community and minimise disruption to residents.

The project was awarded to water infrastructure specialist, Interflow, renowned in the industry for its appetite for innovation and commitment to solving its customers’ problems.  The Moa Point wastewater rehabilitation would soon become the largest diameter sewer pipeline renewal project to take place on New Zealand’s shores and true to its reputation, Interflow approached the challenge head on.

Local project shaken by global pandemic

The contract was awarded in late February to reline 260m of Wellington’s main sewer but could not commence until April. Crews quickly learnt the importance of adaptability and agility when the now-global pandemic, COVID-19, emerged in New Zealand.

New Zealand’s lockdown regulations have been some of the strictest in the world however, Interflow’s classification as an essential service facilitated the continuance of critical repairs to the wastewater network, albeit with some changes to the workflow.

Interflow’s Project Engineer, Saadia Ali, describes some of the challenges the crews had to overcome to keep the project on schedule.

“The expectation that our colleagues from Australia would fly out and provide support was no longer a reality and required us to employ some unconventional approaches,” she says.

Interflow’s New Zealand crew had been expecting assistance from their Australian counterparts through training from experienced Rotaloc staff. Once travel restrictions were put in place by both the Australian and New Zealand governments, in a business first, Interflow’s crews turned to virtual channels to bridge the training gap.

Tenacity and determination shine

Saadia also explained how the utilisation of digital technologies enabled the crew to develop the necessary skills needed to deliver these works.

“The solution was a remote Rotaloc training session held via video link to bring our team up to speed on the patented technology’s application and operations,” she explained.

The Rotaloc installation of a new liner into the pipe provides a durable, long-term solution that will protect Wellington’s wastewater Interceptor from corrosion and support the needs of the community for at least another 50 years.

“Our team worked extremely hard to overcome the challenges faced due to the pandemic. We were working away from our families in an ‘Interflow bubble’ and had to rethink the way we collaborated with our customers, contractors, and the broader community,” Saadia said.

Commitment to the community

Through collaboration and forward thinking, Wellington Water and Interflow rebuilt the city’s critical wastewater link before any serious harmful effects impacted the city. Should this swift approach not have been applied before collapse of the pipe, the social, environmental and health ramifications may have been catastrophic.

The works have now been completed and Wellington’s residents can rest easy knowing that the wastewater network that services their homes, local businesses and community is fully operational.

Interflow’s flexibility during the rapidly evolving pandemic enabled the Company to tackle the challenges of COVID-19 head on and deliver the project to an exceptional standard. The virtual training and collaboration that took place during this project demonstrate the Company’s innovative approach to problem solving.  Furthermore, the solution is now incorporated into the New Zealand team’s service offering moving forward, enhancing their ability to respond to challenges of this type in the future.

The post Critical wastewater project at Moa Point succeeds against the odds appeared first on Interflow.

Interflow is a self-performing contractor employing over 600 people, providing end-to-end solutions for water networks across Australia and New Zealand. The Company carries out works in the planning, design, construction and maintenance phases of pipeline infrastructure within water, wastewater, stormwater and road and rail culverts.

The COVID-19 pandemic has compelled essential service providers like Interflow to develop swift and innovative methods to meet the water infrastructure needs of the region. The Company’s crews are constantly on the frontline, performing complex engineering solutions in the most extreme conditions. As such, the ability to rapidly respond to urgent infrastructure requirements is now more important than ever.

Ready to mobilise

Interflow’s Business Development Manager for Western Australia, Steven Paradiss, emphasises how ‘shovel ready’ projects can boost the economy, even in the most remote regions in Western Australia.

“Very often, the types of projects we deliver are a sub-section of our clients’ ‘shovel ready’ programs. This means there is very little upfront design and we are able to immediately mobilise at any time,” he said.

“This allows us to provide essential water and sanitation services to rural, regional, peri-urban and urban areas in Western Australia.”

Interflow’s fully resourced team has the capacity to commence an infrastructure project’s start-up phase without compromising the contract’s commencement date.

“Our team’s ability to hit the ground running will enable us to build and renew essential water infrastructure for the Western Australia community before Australia reopens,” Steven explained.

A smart approach to stimulus funding

For asbestos cement (AC) pipe relining programs, current forecasts estimate that the capital expenditure necessary to keep up with failure rates of ageing AC pipes is expected to increase in both Australia and New Zealand over the next 20 years.

“An AC pipe, or any deteriorated or leaking pipe for that matter, can be relined using trenchless methods. This means there is no dig-up required and our customers’ assets are left in the ground undisturbed,” Steven said.

Referred to as a ‘smart solution’, Interflow’s trenchless approach allows a utility’s asset to be renewed with no open excavation and minimal disruption to the environment and the community. It also avoids potentially hazardous waste disposal issues in situations where these may be encountered.

Steven also emphasised that by avoiding traditional open-cut excavation methods, Interflow’s trenchless solutions provide local governments with an economically viable solution.

“Our trenchless method of pipe renewal is a prime example of a quick initiative to help re-boot the economy; it reduces costly excavation, halves the completion time compared to traditional open-cut methods and enables businesses and communities to carry out their regular activities undisturbed,” he explained.

This complements some of Interflow’s other service offerings including access chamber and packaged pump station installation, water tank construction, pipe/culvert CCTV and cleaning, as well as emergency civil works.

Harnessing innovation

As an essential service provider, Interflow has had to adapt quickly to changing environments through innovation and process development.

When considering this approach through a ‘smart spending’ lens, the Company is consistently developing end-to-end solutions that extend the operational life of customers’ water infrastructure networks for generations to come.

“We take a holistic approach when solving our customers’ problems.” Steven said.

“If customers have an emergency, we’re here. If they need a bespoke solution, we can design it, and if they need a long-term plan that will get the most value out of their stimulus plans, we’ll help them.”

The post ‘Shovel ready’ essential services make headway during COVID-19 appeared first on Interflow.

The birth of a movement

While many people in Australia and New Zealand have been compelled to stay at home to comply with evolving COVID-19 government regulations, a select group of workers have remained on the frontline, providing essential services for their communities and country.

These workers have had to change their working procedures to incorporate new safety measures such as social distancing, wearing advanced personal protective equipment (PPE) and adopting stringent hygiene practices, whilst completing infrastructure work that cannot be done remotely.

A cross industry initiative, #IStayAtWork, was initiated to demonstrate solidarity among those essential workers who strive to keep their communities happy, healthy and hygienic.

Staying connected

The initiative inspired people to stay virtually connected using the hashtag and has been embraced by a myriad of frontline workers and essential service men and women, all united by one key motivation: to uplift and support their teams, peers and affected residents during this time.

Specialist in water networks and essential service provider, Interflow, is one of the organisations spearheading this movement. Since the start of the pandemic, the Company’s workers from Australia and New Zealand have rallied together to share why they stay at work to provide essential water and sanitation services for their people, customers and communities.

“The initiative has really meant a lot to our team in the field,” said Nick Roth, Interflow’s Field Operations Manager.

“Seeing photos of their colleagues from around the country embracing social distancing and adapting their workflows has acted as a great motivator and helped reinforce to our team that they’re not going through this alone,” he continued.

Putting community safety first

Interflow’s crews are taking every precaution to operate safely and with consideration for the health and wellbeing of those around them.

Nick Roth explained that this commitment to serving the Company’s customers’ communities extends from the crews in the field to the teams back in the office.

“Even our office staff have gotten involved. They may be working from home, but they’re still working hard to support our team in the field and to provide our customers with solutions for the life of the water network.”

The #IStayAtWork movement has been groundbreaking in forging a sense of positivity and cohesion among essential workers in the construction field – it truly shows that the power of keeping connected has overcome  geographical boundaries, whilst allowing field workers to complete their jobs safely and stop the spread of COVID-19.

The post Keeping Australia’s essential service workers connected appeared first on Interflow.

Specialist in water infrastructure and essential service provider, Interflow, recognises that community relations is now more critical than ever to assist in maintaining a safe and harmonious environment for everyone.

One of Interflow’s Market Development Managers,  John Weaver, spoke with 2BOB Radio, a community radio station located in Mid North Coast, New South Wales in the heart of Taree about this challenge.

Hosted by longstanding community radio presenter, John Griggs, Mr. Weaver discussed how the large family-owned business works to keep communities running by providing essential water and sanitation services across urban, regional and rural areas of Australia and New Zealand.

“Serving the needs of our communities is not just a matter of repairing and maintaining their water, sewer and stormwater pipelines,” he said.

“The work we do is about engaging with residents along every step of the journey to ensure they remain informed and that interruptions to their water services are kept to a minimum.”

Taking safety to the next level

While COVID-19 continues to evolve, so too, have the health concerns of communities since the virus has taken centre stage around the world.

“Our crews have adapted the way they manage community relations in accordance with government regulations and the advice of health authorities,” stated Mr. Weaver.

“While this is all going on, there’s a nation-wide shortage of personal protective equipment such as face masks. We’ve seen amazing efforts from our team to not only conserve their PPE to extend its useful life, but engineering new solutions to ensure the safety of themselves, their teammates and the local communities they’re working in.”

Public perceptions of essential services

John revealed that by putting community relations at the forefront of their project management, Interflow’s crews have been able to strengthen public confidence in the essential services provided and reassure the community that all works are being carried out safely and with the community’s best interests in mind.

“As soon as we say that to residents, their minds are put at ease,” he said.

“People want to know why there’s a noisy truck outside their home. They want to know if their backyards will be dug up, and most importantly, they want to know they are safe.”

John also emphasised the importance of a strong company culture in successful community engagement.

“We’re here to help people. At Interflow, we all have that belief: whether we’re in the office, on-site or underground laying a pipe, we’re excited to show you what we’re doing and how it’s going to help you.”

Keeping communication open and clear

Interflow’s response has been centered around creating open conduits for timely communication, as well as managing its interactions with both its customers and the end consumer. Some of the additional steps the Company has taken include ensuring that its worksites are adequately signposted with relevant information so that community members can remain informed from a safe distance.

By prioritising the community’s needs in the safest and most sustainable ways, Interflow strives to continually raise their standards for delivering essential service works, whilst keeping people more informed and connected than ever before.

You can listen to the full interview here: 

The post Managing community relations during a pandemic appeared first on Interflow.

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, essential service businesses have had to adapt quickly to restrictions and new ways of doing things, while ensuring continuity for customers and that their employees remain safe.

Specialist in water infrastructure, Interflow, has adapted its operations to ensure it can continue to help solve customers’ problems out in the field, while taking the necessary steps to protect its people.

Adrian Smith, Executive Manager – Health Safety and Environment (HSE) at Interflow, explained that the Company was looking at the impacts of COVID-19 globally back in February, and then putting enterprise risk management plans in place.

“COVID-19 has created significant changes to the way we work. We’ve implemented a Business Continuity Plan with five Response Teams to identify and resolve critical issues around workforce protection, supply chain stabilisation, customer engagement, operational lead and lag management, and stress testing financials,” Adrian said.

Using similar parameters within its current health and safety strategy – Harm 2 Zero (H2O) – Interflow’s Response Teams meet twice a week to discuss any issues and actions that need to be taken. The Company’s Executive Team has become the nerve centre of its COVID-19 response.

Employee safety steps in the field 

In action, these additional safety and procedural policies include implementing social distancing, which involves rethinking the way crews work; reinforcing hygiene as a top consideration; providing COVID-19 appropriate level of PPE for workers; ensuring up-to-date signage across all sites; and giving teams the right information so they are across all new Company procedures.

“We’re currently developing a second communication pack for workers, with updated rules of engagement, and every week our Managing Director creates a video message to all employees,” Adrian said.

“In this current situation, we are classed as essential and the most important thing is having our field teams across the details of what we are doing to manage this crisis.”

Open communication has been key to Interflow’s response, with a focus on using appropriate channels to disseminate updates. The business also ensures that information not only cascades down to all frontline workers, but also any issues from work sites filter back up to management.

An example of the success of this process was seen recently in the ACT, when one of Interflow’s clients visited a site to talk to frontline workers and ask them what Interflow has been doing in response to COVID-19.

All workers on site knew exactly what additional safety and procedural policies had been put in place and everyone was able to give the client a consistent message, highlighting that the pandemic response isn’t just a high-level strategy, but something that has been implemented throughout the business.

Understand the issue and respond as one team 

With a workforce spanning Australia and New Zealand, Interflow has also been keeping on top of all health and government changes nationally, and in specific regions, to ensure the business remains compliant.

The aim is for these new safety procedures is to become routine, as the impact of COVID-19 is likely to be felt for at least the next few months.

“Our clients see us as a valuable business partner – as an essential function to assist with their continuity. We’re here to solve our customers’ problems, we’re able to adapt, and our response to COVID-19 has allowed us to connect as one team quickly and efficiently,” Mr Smith said.

Interflow will also be conducting a post-implementation review once operations return back to normal. Its response so far has allowed the Company to capture key information – what worked, what didn’t – which will provide vital learnings for the future.

The post COVID-19: Managing employee safety when you’re an essential service appeared first on Interflow.