Top apprentice makes job safer

Queensland Rail employee Craig Bosel puts the finishing touches on a safety platform prototype which he designed.

MEGAN LEWIS

ROCKHAMPTON apprentice Craig Bosel was recognised for improving the safety conditions of his workmates when he was named Queensland Rail’s Construction and Allied Trades apprentice of the year.

The 24-year-old was honoured for his simple yet effective design for use when working underneath wagon stands.

“I had to design and construct a piece of equipment that would benefit Queensland Rail in the future and improve safety,” he explained.

Craig’s entry was an aluminium platform stabilised by box steel legs, which slides underneath the wagon stands; he said the previous stands were often unstable.

“When we work underneath the wagon stands, they stand 2m in the air and it’s a platform we can stand on,” he explained.

“I had an experience where I nearly injured myself and told the other workers. We talked about it and discussed it with the other tradesmen and figured it out.”

Craig’s design had to be approved by QR engineers and he was responsible for ordering materials, construction and testing the piece.

Since the awards Queensland Rail has ordered 20 more platforms for use on other worksites, with Craig to receive no payment for the order.

“I get no money or benefit,” he said.

“I’m just happy to improve the safety of my workmates. It was a good experience to realise what the process was to actually construct it.”

Starting his fourth year as an apprentice boilermaker next week, Craig is positive about his future in the trade, and his win.

QR chief executive Lance Hockridge congratulated the 600 eligible apprentices and trainees for their commitment to safety.