Staged approach drives award-winning move to proactive safety

Aug. 21, 2025
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3 min

If you made a list of possible workplace driving risks a company operating a light and heavy vehicle fleet could face, Sodexo Australia (Sodexo) would tick almost every box.

The food and facilities management company, which services the Australian energy and resources sector, transports up to 4 million resource workers a year on its mass transport bus fleet to and from 20 remote mine sites across the Pilbara region. So, tick being responsible for the safety of many in addition to their own workers, as well as their own drivers negotiating difficult and often unfamiliar conditions.

Drivers work long hours, and, in addition, Sodexo support personnel are on call. So, tick fatigue as a significant risk to be managed across its light vehicle as well as mass transport fleet.

In addition to fatigue, sun glare, poorly-lit and unsealed roads, animal strikes and rapidly-changing weather can be added to the list.

The results of the shift to prevention have been immediate and astounding, to the point where fatigue events reduced by 96 per cent in its mass transport fleet and, within three months of introduction, 52 per cent in its light vehicle fleet. Speeding over 120kmh was virtually eliminated along with 93 per cent of distraction events.

The proactive approach has also contributed to building a stronger safety culture. Safety has always been a strong value for Sodexo, exemplified by a Senior Leadership- backed authority to stop work if workers do not feel safe, but the recognition of safety has grown among bus and light vehicle drivers and their local onsite supervisors.

The wider industry has also taken notice, with the company awarded the 2025 AfMA Fleet Safety Award.