Presented with the Queensland project safety excellence award, the company was recognised for safety innovation on its Australia Pacific LNG upstream phase 1 water treatment facilities project.

In presenting the award, specific mention was made of the company’s implementation of prevention strategies during the project including its heat stress management program – identified as a critical risk due to the project’s geographical location and works package exposing workers to high temperatures and an increased risk of heat stress.

Leighton Contractors managing director Craig Laslett said the project’s management of the health and wellbeing of workers was its number one priority.

“In the planning, development and delivery of projects our values define our priorities – none more important than the health and safety of our people,” he said.

“The water treatment facilities project’s heat stress management program is a great example of this commitment – the program targets zero heat stress-related incidents.

“It has reduced the risk of heat stress, despite air temperatures of 45 degrees and radiating temperatures of 57 degrees and the project to date has had no instances of heat stress-related injuries.

“This prestigious award is a testament to the strong client relationship allowing development and implementation of the strategies on this world class project.”

QMCA judging panel chair Harold Downes said the company’s entry demonstrated a combination of innovation, simplicity and executive commitment.

Leighton Contractor’s $350 million contract on the APLNG upstream phase 1 water treatment facilities project will see the company construct water treatment facilities, as well as storage ponds to treat water produced by APLNG’s coal seam gas wells.

The project is under construction and slated to reach completion in mid-2014.