Andrew Mernagh, based in Sydney, has had over 17 years experience in OHS and risk management. With degrees in Behavioural Science and Safety Management, his work experience has exposed him to a broad range of industries, including transport and logistics, major hazards facilities, waste, equipment hire, workers compensation insurance and rail.

Andrew began his safety career working for WorkCover NSW. During his 9 years at WorkCover he conducted research into OHS issues, was an authorised inspector, undertook investigations for prosecutions, carried out risk assessments on major industries, participated in OHS and workers compensation audits and occupational hygiene surveys of hazardous substance, noise, dust and industrial ventilation.

On leaving WorkCover, Andrew spent time working for a workers compensation insurer developing their risk assessment tools, undertaking OHS auditing and running a consultancy service for the insurer’s clients. His next role was working for NSW railways, developing safety strategies following the Glenbrook rail disaster.

More recently Andrew has held state and national safety, health and environment roles within the Brambles division Cleanaway. There he oversaw the development and implementation of a national HSE system and administration of Cleanaway’s self insurance (workers compensation, public liability and transport vehicles) program.

For the last 2 years Andrew was the Group Safety Manager for Coates Hire, Australia’s largest equipment rental company. Whilst there he implemented Coates group safety strategy, leading the development of a “culture of safety”, resulting in significant improvements in Coates safety compliance and a dramatic reduction in the cost of safety to the Business.

 From his various roles Andrew has developed extensive knowledge and experience in 

ü       OHS Regulation and compliance

ü       Occupational Hygiene

ü       Accident and incident investigation (utilising ICAM)

ü       OHS risk assessments

ü       OHS systems auditing

ü       Safety policy and procedure development and implementation

ü       Safety data analysis

ü       OHS and work compensation advisory services

ü       OHS training programs development and implementation

ü       Insurance risk mitigation

ü       Safety culture change