“Safety is production” says Sam Reid, Head of HSE Compliance at Paynter Dixon.

In a 40-year-career spanning multiple industries, including construction, heavy industry, telecommunications, and oil and gas, Sam has always focused on safety, mental health and welfare.

His motivation is personal.

“The most impactful event that started my dedicated journey into safety management occurred with the passing of my 17-year-old nephew, Selwyn Subritzky Wano, who was fatally injured by a scaffold collapse in Paddington in March 1994,” says Sam.

“To this day I wear my heart on my sleeve because I am passionate about safety. I am a straight shooter – what you see is what you get.”

In responding to serious incidents in the workplace, Sam has successfully implemented reforms to promote safety procedures and driving organisational change, through a proactive mindset of safety, mental health and welfare. This has included a significant involvement with the industry-based charity, Mates in Construction.

His work spans project types from large-scale infrastructure and greenfield developments to iconic sporting venues.

During the Sydney 2000 Olympics, Sam held the position of Venue Safety Manager for numerous major venues, including the International Aquatic Centre where an Australian teenager captured the world’s attention.

“I was standing pool side when Ian Thorpe won his first gold medal. It was an awesome time for showcasing our people, our culture and our country to the world.”

The road eventually led to Paynter Dixon in 2023.

“I have always known of Paynter Dixon through my work, so I welcomed the opportunity to meet with David Trethewy (Head of Construction) and James Boyd (Executive Chairman).

“I was impressed by their integrity and could see the company had a dedicated commitment to safety that reflected my own values.”

In his role, Sam oversees the management of quality, safety, and environmental aspects of all projects across the business.

His work will build on Paynter Dixon’s outstanding reputation for safety, which is reflected in accreditation with the Federal Safety Commission.

“I am hands-on in my approach to driving best practice across the business. Safety in production encompasses a broad range of activities which contribute to a truly safe workplace. I often say ‘Safety is production’, because it is the sum of these efforts.”

Key focus areas:

• People and community: “Where we are open to diversity and sharing other cultures.”
• Empowerment: “Ensuring we have a workplace synonymous with trust, respect and support for our people.”
• Mentoring, mental health and welfare: “Upskilling and supporting a workplace that will challenge, develop and satisfy our people.”
• Operational management systems: “Harnessing our project delivery systems such as Hammertech and Procore to ensure they constantly add value and support our collective work.”

If you are interested in joining Paynter Dixon and furthering your career, learn more about our diverse business and available job opportunities here.