Excellence in Health and Safety at Auckland Airport

Sean Kenyon is a Site Manager on our Auckland Team, currently overseeing the DTB Sprinkler and Alarm Replacement Project at Auckland Airport (AIAL).

Recently, Sean was awarded the Ramp Up and Ready HSW Champion in recognition of his exceptional commitment to Health, Safety, and Wellbeing (HSW). His leadership, attention to detail, and proactive planning have established a new benchmark for safety and quality within the DTB Sprinkler Replacement Project.

Each day, Sean starts early by walking the site to assess conditions, review progress, and ensure that work areas are safe and well-prepared for terminal users. His dedication to effective coordination between shifts is evident in his thorough approach. He carefully reviews handover notes, addresses potential risks, and ensures that teams have what they need to operate efficiently.

In addition to daily operations, Sean is actively involved in the project's strategic planning. He adopts a forward-thinking approach, developing safe work methodologies, staging plans, and schedules that prioritise risk mitigation and operational efficiency. His ability to maintain high standards in a complex, live terminal environment is what sets him apart.

His nomination emphasised his rigorous approach to HSW, with his nominator stating:

"Sean has been the driving force behind a no-compromise approach to managing HSW throughout the sprinkler replacement project. When creating methodologies for each stage of the work, Sean focuses on safety in design and sets the highest standard for risk mitigation. He is not afraid to challenge anyone who does not meet that standard."

Sean’s leadership extends beyond individual responsibility; he has cultivated a strong team culture where safety and excellence are non-negotiable. His commitment has ensured a safe project and laid the foundation for a safer environment for everyone using the space in the future.

His nomination also recognised the vital contributions of Warren Marsh and Ashley Finn, who play key roles in managing night shift operations:

"Although Sean is the main individual responsible for planning and managing HSW on the project, we must also acknowledge Warren Marsh and Ashley Finn, who oversee the construction work overnight. Each day, Sean plans to set the night shift up for success, enabling Ash and Warren to focus on the unique challenges presented by night operations. They have established an incredible culture within the night team, encouraging people to volunteer for overnight shifts—an achievement that is not easily accomplished."

Congratulations to Sean, Ash, Warren and our wider team for their dedication to keeping each other safe, fostering collaboration, and raising the standards for HSSQ at the airport.