Kanchan Damithendra
Stanhope Gardens,New South Wales
Summary
Dedicated and results-driven Safety and Environment Manager with 14 years of extensive experience in developing and implementing comprehensive safety protocols. Proven track record in reducing workplace incidents and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations. Adept at conducting risk assessments, leading safety audits, and training staff on best practices. Strong leadership skills with the ability to foster a culture of safety and environmental responsibility. Demonstrated success in collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance safety protocols and achieve organizational goals.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Safety & Environment Assurance Lead
National Broadband Network of Australia
01.2022 - Current
- Continuously improve and maintain accredited management systems to ensure compliance and excellence (ISO 45001/14001)
- Oversee systems related to Health & Safety and Environment (HSE) risk management, business operations, legal compliance, emergency response, training, and document control.
- Lead regular compliance meetings, providing strategic advice and insights to management.
- Perform comprehensive internal audits, including system audits, project audits, and file inspections, to ensure adherence to standards.
- Prepare detailed monthly HSE reports and present findings and recommendations in meetings.
- Work in alignment with scheduled HSE improvement plans to drive continuous enhancement of safety and quality practices.
- Provide expert advice to field staff and review critical documentation such as project risk registers and safe work method statements.
- Ensure the maintenance of multiple third-party accreditations, including ISNetworld, CM3, and Avetta.
- Assist staff with tender preparations, ensuring all safety and quality requirements are met.
- Support the organization with investigations, subcontractor management, on-boarding, training recommendations, and other key requirements
Management Systems Auditor (Quality, Environmental & WHS)
SAI Global
01.2022 - 12.2022
- Responsible for planning & conducting Safety & Environment Management System audits in construction & manufacturing industries reporting to JAS-ANZ and other global accreditation bodies
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to address identified risks, resulting in improved overall risk management.
- Developed customized audit plans for each client, addressing their unique needs and requirements for optimal results.
- Conducted routine follow-up assessments to ensure successful implementation of recommended changes after initial audits.
Senior QA & WHS Specialist
Henry Schein Australia
01.2019 - 12.2022
- Design and implement Quality, Environment & Safety management system to ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations (ISO 9001/45001/13485)
- Perform site inspections, contractor audits and document reviews to assess compliance against the standards
- Collect & analyse the KPI data to identify trends, root causes and opportunities for improvement
- Develop and deliver training programs to all levels on compliance and best practise
- Collaborate with key internal and external stakeholders to integrate compliance measures into all aspects of operations
- Manage and evaluate the contractor/supplier performance to resolve quality and safety issues
- Investigate incidents related to quality, environmental and safety issues preparing detailed reports with corrective actions and recommendations
- Conduct risk assessments to identify the potential risks to operations and develop treatment plans
- Develop and manager emergency response plans, conduct regular drills and ensure all staff are trained and prepared for potential emergencies
- Liaise with regulatory bodies and manage audits and inspections (TGA, Safework NSW, NSW Health)
- Improved customer satisfaction rates through proactive problem-solving and efficient complaint resolution.
- Implemented new training programs for staff, leading to higher employee retention rates and better overall performance.
- Initiated sustainability program, reducing company's environmental impact.
- Maintained overall safe work environment with employee training programs and enforcement of safety procedures.
- Conducted regular reviews of operations and identified areas for improvement.
- Led quality assurance efforts, maintaining high standards for all products and services.
- Optimized inventory management, minimizing waste and reducing costs.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to achieve project goals on time and within budget.
Quality Associate
ALDI
11.2018 - 03.2019
- Responsible for quality audits of ALDI products
QHSE Manager
Daya Group of Companies (Pvt) Ltd
12.2013 - 11.2018
- Maintain permits and certifications required for site operations, including ISO 14001, 45001 & 9001 certifications. Act as the site management representative for these systems
- Ensure compliance with all SHE-related governmental regulations and Submit required reports to regulatory agencies in a timely and accurate manner
- Conduct site audits and inspections to ensure the QHSE protocols are compliant
- Manage incident investigations in collaboration with site managers, by developing corrective and preventive action plans to mitigate future risks.
- Identify and deliver HSE training programs to ensure the team is informed, prepared, and aligned with best practices.
- Handle emergency responses as the primary contact for site emergencies, including spills, fires, or injuries.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives in process quality, safety, health, and environmental protection.
- Established key performance indicators for monitoring QHSE progress, driving accountability and measurable results.
- Reviewed contractor safety documentation to ensure alignment with company policies prior to project commencement.
- Championed quality improvement initiatives that led to increased customer satisfaction ratings while reducing non-conformance costs.
- Improved QHSE performance by conducting regular audits and implementing corrective actions.
Lead Auditor-Management Systems/ISO
SGS Lanka (Pvt) Ltd
12.2010 - 12.2013
- Perform comprehensive ISO systems audits in manufacturing, construction, and engineering organizations, covering ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 18001, and ISO 50001 standards
- Review and evaluate manuals, policies, procedures, work instructions, and records to ensure compliance and effectiveness
- Address and resolve queries from certification bodies and customers regarding ISO standards and compliance
- Train employees on ISO standards, enhancing the awareness on relevant protocols
- Lead and guide team members during audits, collaboratively preparing detailed audit reports
- Developed strong relationships with clients by maintaining open lines of communication throughout the audit process.
- Assisted in the development of junior auditors by providing training, mentorship, and ongoing support as needed.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure comprehensive audits and accurate reporting.
Education
MBA - Business Administration And Management
University of Colombo
Bachelor of Science (Hons) - Statistics
Certificate IV - Work Health & Safety
Certificate IV - Training & Assessment (Reading)
Skills
- Regulatory & ISO Compliance
- Risk Assessments & SWMS
- Management System Documentation & Policies
- Contractor Management & Governance
- Incident Investigation
- Audits & Inspections
- Sustainability Frameworks & Planning
- Communication & Stakeholder Engagement
- Data Analytics & Management Reporting
- Training & Development
- ISO 9001/14001/45001 Qualified Auditor
Personal Information
Citizenship: Australian Citizen
Certification
- ISO 9001 Lead Auditor Qualification
- ISO 14001 Lead Auditor Qualification
- ISO 45001 Lead Auditor Qualification
Timeline
Safety & Environment Assurance Lead
National Broadband Network of Australia
01.2022 - Current
Management Systems Auditor (Quality, Environmental & WHS)
SAI Global
01.2022 - 12.2022
Senior QA & WHS Specialist
Henry Schein Australia
01.2019 - 12.2022
Quality Associate
ALDI
11.2018 - 03.2019
QHSE Manager
Daya Group of Companies (Pvt) Ltd
12.2013 - 11.2018
Lead Auditor-Management Systems/ISO
SGS Lanka (Pvt) Ltd
12.2010 - 12.2013
Bachelor of Science (Hons) - Statistics
Certificate IV - Work Health & Safety
Certificate IV - Training & Assessment (Reading)
- ISO 9001 Lead Auditor Qualification
- ISO 14001 Lead Auditor Qualification
- ISO 45001 Lead Auditor Qualification
MBA - Business Administration And Management
University of Colombo
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