Commissioned by McConnell Dowell to provide both on site and off site 4WD training for all employees, Austracks had their work cut out for them. Coordinating training for around 300 staff was not an easy task especially when they were always on the move.

Austracks had to implement a number of training programs that were flexible enough to suit the changing conditions of the pipeline terrain while allowing McConnell Dowell to get on with their job. The best way to do this was to write a 4WD induction which included; driving on the ROW, roll over prevention, safe loading practices, rules and safety procedures, environmental practices, basic recovery techniques and explanation of the recovery equipment. Once the induction was completed by the staff, they were then put through a specially designed training circuit that met the competency standards expected by McConnell Dowell. Company environmental policies meant that driving off the ROW was not an option, so Austracks had to train the staff on the ROW, designated tracks and sand dune spoils. An accurate record-keeping process that could be viewed by McConnell Dowell at call was also introduced and each member was issued with a wallet card to verify their training was complete.

Steep red sand dunes, although an awesome sight to behold, do not have the same appeal when you are stuck axle deep in 50 degree heat. Likewise, being stuck in red mud is not an uplifting experience, so vehicle recovery was now the priority of the day. Austracks trained two dedicated recovery units to handle the task placing one unit at each end of the pipeline should any serious recovery be required.

Austracks spokesman Eric Green said that the contract with McConnell Dowell had been a great experience. He went on to say, “not only has it introduced us to a new industry, it has also made us aware of the need to develop specialised training aids such as the 4WD Induction. We have refined that induction presentation and married it to a list of competencies suited for the pipeline industry that we can now offer to other pipeliners. As well we recognised the need to broaden our scope in training and can now deliver Senior & Remote First Aid and Outback Survival courses. We now have a much stronger safe and responsible 4WD training package. I would also like to say that given the unforeseen problems that two cyclones placed on the companies involved with the project, it is fair to say that a good job was done by all.”