Whyalla steelworks brings emergency response services in-house

OneSteel Manufacturing has enhanced emergency response capabilities at its Whyalla Steelworks by bringing its Emergency Response Team services in-house, creating local jobs and boosting community skills.

The company announced on Monday it had transitioned from external providers to an internal emergency response model, removing reliance on outside services while improving quality and responsiveness.

The move has created full-time roles recruited from the local region, supporting the South Australian Government's drive to boost regional employment and skills development.

A key component is the Trainee Emergency Services Officer program established in March 2024, which recruited eight local residents as trainee emergency services officers.

The trainees undertake an 18-month development program culminating in a Certificate III in Public Safety (Firefighting and Emergency Operations) while working day-to-day in site access management, emergency monitoring and compliance support.

Head of Health, Safety and Risk Peter Worley said the program had been an outstanding success for operations, community and future capability.

“It's a meaningful extension of our careers pipeline, giving Whyalla locals the opportunity to gain real-world experience, on-the-job training and a pathway into long-term employment as Emergency Services Officers,” Worley said according to a statement on Monday.

The trainees recently completed final practical training components including vertical rope rescue, confined space rescue, hazardous material response, road crash rescue and firefighting operations.

Worley said the insourcing model represented a shift towards greater operational control, cost efficiency and long-term sustainability.

Picture: supplied