Reflection, leadership and action: APGA Mini Seminar sets the tone for safety excellence

The rooftop of Parliament House Brisbane provided a fitting backdrop for the APGA HSE Mini Seminar 2026 — a sold-out session that demonstrated the pipeline industry’s strong and growing commitment to health, safety and continuous improvement.

Presented by Phil Woodhouse, leader of the APGA HSE Committee and General Manager – Health, Safety & Plant at Spiecapag, the session offered a candid reflection on the committee’s progress throughout 2025. Attendees heard how the committee has focused its efforts on revising key documentation, rebuilding industry data collection capability, strengthening collaboration with Safer Together, welcoming new members, and setting clear priorities for 2026 and beyond.

A key discussion point centred on workplace fatality trends, particularly within construction environments. Phil challenged attendees with the principle of Genchi Genbutsu — “go and see for yourself.” His message was clear: meaningful safety leadership requires time spent at the coalface, observing real work conditions rather than relying solely on reports or prepared briefings.

The seminar was further enriched by insights from special guest Ken Singer, Acting Commissioner for Resources Safety and Health Queensland. Drawing on more than four decades across mining and resource sectors, Ken provided valuable cross-sector comparisons between mining and oil & gas. His perspective highlighted that strong safety cultures are built through consistent leadership presence in the field, open dialogue, and a shared commitment between operators, workers and regulators.

Together, the presentations underscored a common theme: progress is being made, but sustained improvement depends on translating reflection into practical action. The strong attendance and engaged discussion demonstrated that the industry is ready to continue this journey.

The seminar also provided a meaningful lead-in to the APGA Networking Event that followed, allowing attendees to continue conversations, share perspectives and strengthen relationships across the broader community.

APGA extends its thanks to all attendees and contributors who helped make the seminar such a success. Momentum is building — and the challenge now is to carry these insights back to workplaces across the country.