Raquel Fletcher
Tingalpa,QLD
Summary
Experienced leader with strong background in guiding teams, managing complex projects, and achieving strategic objectives. Excels in developing efficient processes, ensuring high standards, and aligning efforts with organizational goals. Known for collaborative approach and commitment to excellence.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
National Health & Safety Manager
Gallagher Bassett – Australia
05.2024 - Current
- Appointed to lead WHS operations nationally across WA, VIC, SA, NSW, NT (including Alice Springs), and QLD, supporting Gallagher Bassett's operations in self-insurance, general insurance, return-to-work, and risk consultancy services.
- Identified and closed critical compliance gaps through the design and implementation of a new national WHS framework, aligned to legal and regulatory obligations across all jurisdictions.
- Redeveloped internal WHS software platform to support new framework and improve reporting, visibility, and employee access via a streamlined SharePoint consultation hub.
- Developed and implemented a standalone annual WHS improvement plan, including atargeted psychosocial risk reduction project aimed at reducing soft tissue injury claims exceeding $2M over two years.
- Rolled out a national ergonomics initiative to reduce workstation-related injuries, achieving an initial 2% reduction in soft tissue incidents within the first 10 months.
- Implemented a new national audit and inspection program across all operational sites, ensuring alignment with internal standards and regulatory expectations.
- Partnered with external return-to-work providers to drive better claim outcomes for both employees and clients.
- Developed and deployed a comprehensive suite of WHS learning modules to close knowledge gaps and standardise safety capability across all employees.z
- Currently operating in a national capacity with limited travel, leading ongoing compliance monitoring and continuous improvement projects across the business.
Director, Zero Harm – Rail (Project-Based)
Downer Group
11.2023 - 04.2024
- Appointed to lead the Zero Harm function for a purpose-built manufacturing facilities project in Queensland, supporting early-stage construction and commissioning works within the rail corridor.
- Provided HSE leadership across project mobilisation, site audits, incident management, and stakeholder engagement in a high-risk, compliance-driven environment.
- Oversaw contractor pre-qualification systems to ensure readiness and compliance prior to engagement on the Queensland Rail network.
- Reviewed and assessed Rail Safety Management Plans to ensure alignment with Rail Safety National Law and ONRSR legislative requirements.
- Led incident investigations and site inspections in accordance with regulatory and client protocols, maintaining robust assurance across all phases of delivery.
- Successfully contributed to the extension of Downer's rail regulator certification, achieving key ONRSR compliance milestones within a tight project timeframe.
- Represented the project in strategic HSE forums with Queensland Rail and the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR), supporting risk governance and multi-stakeholder alignment.
- Role concluded following completion of early-stage project milestones.
National Health & Safety Manager – Oil & Gas
UGL
04.2021 - 11.2023
- Appointed to lead national WHS performance across a $145 million oil and gas services contract, supporting six clients and 25 sites across QLD, NSW, WA, SA, and TAS.
- Oversaw WHS for ~3,800 contractors (85% of operational tasks) and 380 direct staff across engineering, project management, asset maintenance, and terminal operations.
- Led a national team of Health and Safety Advisors, providing strategic direction, mentoring, and performance uplift across all client contracts and operational sites.
- Tasked with transforming a contract flagged for non-renewal due to poor safety performance, driving cultural reform, systems uplift, and regulatory alignment to secure extension.
- Conducted a full system review, aligning UGL's WHS framework with client systems and implementing Critical Risk Management protocols across all sites.
- Rolled out enhanced audit and inspection processes for high-risk activities, including confined space entry, working at heights, and Significant Lifting operations using cranes.
- Developed and implemented a Significant Lifting Procedure, aligned with Major Hazard Facility legislation, enabling safe and efficient crane operations without permitting delays.
- Led a national electrical compliance review in response to regulatory changes on arc flash and high-voltage exposure, updating PPE requirements, site procedures, and contractor awareness training.
- Revised documentation for practical field usability, including lifting, scaffolding, permit-to-work systems, and integrated training materials.
- Delivered monthly WHS performance reporting to the CEO and Executive Leadership Team, and facilitated quarterly business safety reviews.
- Implemented a national training and competency platform for high-risk work aligned with state regulatory requirements.
- Designed and led a contractor engagement program, including “mind and soul” workshops, recognition strategies, and collaborative improvement forums.
- Acted as lead WHS representative during critical incidents and high-risk audits; contract rectified with zero nonconformances.
- Earned positive feedback from the Queensland Union for enhanced safety outcomes and leadership of employee wellbeing.
- Achieved a reduction in LTIFR from 13.3 to 3.3 over 2.5 years.
- Travelled extensively during the first 18 months (70% travel), leading frontline engagement and building direct relationships with site and terminal managers to embed safety leadership.
Health & Safety Specialist (Project-Based)
Pacific National
01.2020 - 04.2021
- Engaged to lead the closure of a significant, long-standing nonconformance issued by the Federal Rail Regulator relating to national health and safety risk management.
- Project managed the end-to-end integration of a revised Critical Risk Framework, adapted from Downer's methodology and tailored to suit the rail sector under Rail Safety National Law (RSNL).
- Led cross-functional collaboration with internal stakeholders, subject matter experts, and software developers to build and implement a risk management platform aligned with regulatory requirements.
- Conducted gap analysis, developed content and workflows, and ensured technical specifications reflected legislative obligations and operational practicality.
- Designed and delivered risk awareness training for operational teams across the business, enhancing engagement and improving frontline risk decision-making.
- Acted as the liaison with the Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator (ONRSR), delivering progress updates, consultation sessions, and regulatory briefings that led to successful closure of the noncompliance.
- Extended project scope to deliver an enterprise-wide Occupational Health Lead Procedure, covering exposure risk, health monitoring, and state-specific legislative compliance.
- Developed internal tools and processes to support COVID-19 WHS management, including health monitoring, reporting protocols, and cross-functional safety support.
- Completed contract following successful delivery of all project outcomes; relocated to Brisbane for personal reasons.
Health & Safety Business Partner – NZ Integration
Downer (following Spotless Acquisition)
11.2018 - 07.2019
- Promoted to lead the rapid integration of Downer's WHS management system into the existing New Zealand Spotless framework following the acquisition.
- Reported to the National HSE Manager (who reported to the AGM) and led the successful implementation of safety systems, training, and reporting under tight timeframes and high visibility.
- Developed and executed a national integration strategy, collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to align systems, workflows, and compliance processes.
- Oversaw the full implementation of Downer's incident management platform, including reclassification of incident types and training delivery across the NZ Spotless workforce.
- Supported Downer's inclusion of Spotless NZ into its ACC Accredited Employer Programme, aligning incident response, injury management, and reporting systems to meet compliance thresholds.
- Led the rollout of Downer's Critical Risk Management (CRM) Framework across all NZ Spotless operations, including implementation of control verification activities and frontline adoption.
- Paired with operational leaders to guide real-time implementation and rollout of new systems, ensuring high uptake and consistency across diverse contract environments.
- Designed and implemented a new early intervention injury management framework, including national partnerships with medical providers to enable fast-track treatment and improved return-to-work outcomes.
- Appointed as Downer's WHS Lead in response to the 2019 Christchurch terrorist attack, managing trauma response, critical incident support, and employee welfare across impacted staff and operations.
- Implemented cost-saving initiatives, resulting in asignificant reduction in operational expenses.
Regional Corporate Health & Safety Advisor
Spotless Group
07.2016 - 11.2018
- Appointed to lead WHS transformation across Spotless' South Island operations, improving compliance, reducing injuries, and driving cultural change across a highly diverse portfolio.
- Provided regional WHS leadership across a broad range of contracts, including:
Hospitals – cleaning, food safety, and asset management
Airports – café and food service operations
Defence sites – full WHS oversight of high-security New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) contracts
Department of Corrections – asset and facility management services
Universities & private schools – food service and asset management
Mining & smelter sites – industrial services in high-risk environments
Council contracts – safety oversight for major public events (rugby matches, concerts, festivals), including event safety planning, traffic management, emergency response planning, and crowd control - Acted as the regional health and safety subject matter expert, providing strategic and operational guidance to senior leadership, contract managers, and frontline teams.
- Conducted comprehensive training needs analysis and delivered WHS training to line leaders and senior staff, aligned to risk profile and contract obligations.
- Designed and led a South Island WHS uplift program, integrating the international Spotless WHS framework into local operations and improving risk visibility and governance.
- Conducted audits against AS/NZS 4801, managed corrective actions, and ensured closure of compliance gaps in line with regulatory and internal requirements.
- Worked closely with regional managers to align safety strategy with operational delivery, embedding WHS priorities into business planning.
- Reduced injury rates and self-insurance premium costs, improved return-to-work outcomes, and contributed to sustained KPI performance across contracts.
- Awarded the CEO's Health & Safety Award for leadership in compliance transformation, culture change, and successful audit outcomes across all sectors.
Health & Safety Compliance Manager (Contract)
Power Joint Ltd
11.2015 - 07.2016
- Contracted to lead a WHS system overhaul for an electrical distribution contractor delivering high-voltage and low-voltage infrastructure projects across Christchurch, Waimakariri, and Hurunui districts.
- Engaged to address safety performance concerns raised by Orion, the regional electricity distribution provider, and assist in securing contract renewal.
- Reviewed and rebuilt the company's full safety management framework, aligning all practices with electrical safety legislation and network provider expectations.
- Led field safety audits, asset inspections, and developed procedures for fleet safety, tools, training, and compliance assurance.
- Supported insurance compliance by addressing risk exposures, upgrading documentation, and implementing controls across all operational areas.
- Conducted regular on-site inspections with Orion representatives and facilitated competency-based training across field crews.
- Successfully contributed to contract renewal and left the business operating under a compliant, performance-driven WHS model with reduced incident rates.
Health & Safety Compliance Manager (Fixed-Term)
Paul Smith Earthmoving
11.2014 - 11.2015
- Appointed to lead WHS compliance for demolition and civil construction works supporting Christchurch's post-earthquake rebuild, under the Stronger Christchurch Infrastructure Rebuild Team (SCIRT) program.
- Developed and submitted environmental and quality-based Safety Management Plans to Tier 1 contractors prior to work commencing, ensuring alignment with SCIRT and NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) requirements for road and infrastructure projects.
- Oversaw all pre-qualification documentation, contractor safety planning, and site-specific risk controls across multiple high-risk sites.
- Delivered frontline safety leadership through daily toolbox talks, pre-start meetings, and WHS committee facilitation.
- Led high-level incident investigations and maintained reporting protocols with relevant regulatory bodies.
- Role concluded due to an ethical misalignment regarding safety reporting expectations.
Health & Safety Advisor (Fixed-Term)
University of Canterbury
05.2014 - 11.2014
- Appointed to support WHS system implementation and compliance during the university's post-earthquake recovery and rebuild program.
- Developed and maintained WHS procedures, auditing tools, and supporting documentation in alignment with legislative obligations and university policy.
- Provided WHS support to academic, operational, and facilities teams during a period of significant restructure and campus redevelopment.
- Contributed to safety awareness initiatives and helped embed practical safety systems across multiple departments during infrastructure and organisational change.
- Role concluded as planned in accordance with fixed-term project requirements.
Health & Safety Advisor (Fixed-Term)
Christchurch International Airport
10.2013 - 05.2014
- Appointed on a fixed-term contract to support WHS operations during major infrastructure upgrades and capital works across the airport precinct.
- Provided WHS oversight for multiple infrastructure and construction projects, including contractor safety management plans, permit-to-work systems, and pre-start safety meetings.
- Delivered WHS input for bids and tenders, supporting alignment of contractor documentation and systems with airport compliance requirements.
- Developed and implemented a corporate wellbeing plan focused on psychological health, employee engagement, and workplace resilience for the airport's corporate team.
- Supported integration of WHS controls into asset management processes and worked closely with operational stakeholders to ensure safety continuity across high-security, active environments.
- Participated in emergency management planning and scenario testing to align safety protocols with airport-wide risk management procedures.
Regional Health & Safety Advisor
Department of Corrections
12.2008 - 10.2013
- Led WHS oversight for five prisons and 30 probation service sites across the South Island, supporting an estimated 2,500+ staff within complex, high-risk environments.
- Provided expert advisory support on the ACC Accredited Employer Programme, guiding the department from secondary to tertiary accreditation status under New Zealand's national scheme.
- Delivered targeted training for managers on third-party administrator (TPA) return-to-work processes, reporting obligations, and injury management compliance.
- Conducted regular WHS inspections and investigations, prepared regulator-facing root cause analyses, and developed practical risk mitigation strategies.
- Produced monthly performance reports and insights for the executive leadership team, contributing to national safety strategy development.
- Awarded by the National Manager for outstanding leadership in health and safety, based on significant compliance improvements and operational impact.
- Hand-picked for the role after being recognised for successfully leading regulatory rectification and system reform at Nelson Forests Ltd.
Health & Safety Coordinator
Nelson Forests Ltd
01.2004 - 11.2008
- Spearheaded the resolution of a major environmental compliance issue following a non-chemical spill into a local creek, avoiding up to $30K per day in regulatory fines.
- Led the successful closure of a complex ACC rectification process within 12 months, aligning with regional council requirements and mitigating high-risk reputational and financial exposure.
- Implemented new incident management controls and established a foundational WHS software system to ensure long-term compliance and improved reporting.
- Collaborated with operational leaders to introduce practical environmental safeguards and engage teams in preventative risk management practices.
- Built a strong base in regulatory compliance, stakeholder engagement, and WHS systems implementation that shaped future senior leadership roles.
Education
Certificate - Auditing
Lead Auditor
Perth, WA08-2022
Level 6 Diploma - Occupational Health And Safety
EMA
Auckland12-2020
Certificate IV - Occupational Health And Safety
Impact
Napier New Zealand06-2012
Certificate III - Work Health And Safety
Impact
Napier New Zealand06-2011
Certificate IV - Business Administration And Management
National Certificate
Nelson Marlborough Institute Of Technology01-2006
Skills
- Workplace Health And Safety Framework Development
- Safety Oversight for Contractors
- Critical Risk Management
- Management of Safety Strategy Execution
- Injury Risk Management
- Regulatory Compliance Expertise
- Accident Investigation Methodology (ICAM)
- Emergency & Crisis Response
- Workplace Inspection & Assurance
- Return-to-Work & Claims Management
- Effective Stakeholder Relations
Accomplishments
- Gallagher Bassett National Health & Safety Manager
- Designed and implemented a national WHS framework across multiple jurisdictions, resolving compliance gaps and aligning with legal and insurer expectations.
- Launched a national psychosocial and ergonomics initiative, driving down soft tissue injuries and reversing a $2M+ claim trend.
- Modernised WHS systems by redeveloping software and launching an employee-facing SharePoint consultation hub for full transparency and engagement.
- Delivered WHS performance uplift with minimal travel, demonstrating strong influence in dispersed, remote operational environments. Downer (AU) Director, Zero Harm – Rail
- Led Zero Harm for a purpose-built rail manufacturing project, contributing to the successful extension of ONRSR certification.
- Delivered project milestones under tight timeframes, exiting post-milestone due to structural changes. UGL National Health & Safety Manager (Oil & Gas)
- Transformed a high-risk, underperforming $145M contract across 25 sites and 6 clients, securing contract renewal through safety performance reform.
- Reduced LTIFR from 13.3 to 3.3 over 2.5 years via system redesign, contractor engagement, and critical risk framework implementation.
- Developed high-risk lifting, electrical, and training procedures tailored to Major Hazard Facility environments.
- Rolled out a national training platform and competency assurance system aligned to state legislation. Pacific National WHS Specialist
- Successfully closed a multi-year federal nonconformance through redesign of risk systems, alignment with RSNL, and regulator consultation.
- Partnered with developers to implement new WHS software and restructured incident classification to meet audit and compliance standards.
- Developed and implemented an Occupational Health Lead Processes to address exposure risks and improve health monitoring. Downer NZ Business Partner WHS Integration
- Led national integration of WHS systems post-acquisition of Spotless NZ, aligning frameworks with Downer's accredited standards.
- Implemented critical risk controls and injury management frameworks, including national medical provider partnerships for early intervention.
- Managed trauma and safety response during the Christchurch terror attack, leading critical incident support across impacted operations.
Affiliations
- HASANZ
- NZISM
- Institute of Occupational Safety and Health
- Australian Institute of Health & Safety
Certification
- Communicating with Impact and Establishing Presence
- Transport of Dangerous Goods by Road
- Working at Heights
- Lead Incident Investigator (ICAM methodology)
- Queensland Construction White Card (mandatory for working in construction across Australia)
- Rail Safety Access (Rail Corridor Card)
- First Aid and CPR
- Live Voltage Certificate
- Confined Space Rescue Certificate
Languages
English
Full Professional
Timeline
National Health & Safety Manager
Gallagher Bassett – Australia
05.2024 - Current
Director, Zero Harm – Rail (Project-Based)
Downer Group
11.2023 - 04.2024
National Health & Safety Manager – Oil & Gas
UGL
04.2021 - 11.2023
Health & Safety Specialist (Project-Based)
Pacific National
01.2020 - 04.2021
Health & Safety Business Partner – NZ Integration
Downer (following Spotless Acquisition)
11.2018 - 07.2019
Regional Corporate Health & Safety Advisor
Spotless Group
07.2016 - 11.2018
Health & Safety Compliance Manager (Contract)
Power Joint Ltd
11.2015 - 07.2016
Health & Safety Compliance Manager (Fixed-Term)
Paul Smith Earthmoving
11.2014 - 11.2015
Health & Safety Advisor (Fixed-Term)
University of Canterbury
05.2014 - 11.2014
Health & Safety Advisor (Fixed-Term)
Christchurch International Airport
10.2013 - 05.2014
Regional Health & Safety Advisor
Department of Corrections
12.2008 - 10.2013
Health & Safety Coordinator
Nelson Forests Ltd
01.2004 - 11.2008
Certificate - Auditing
Lead Auditor
Level 6 Diploma - Occupational Health And Safety
EMA
Certificate IV - Occupational Health And Safety
Impact
Certificate III - Work Health And Safety
Impact
Certificate IV - Business Administration And Management
National Certificate
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