October is National Safe Work Month and AGA Trainer and Assessor Lulu Waterhouse draws on her personal story to highlight the critical importance of workplace health and safety, emphasising the theme that ‘Safety is everyone’s business.’

Two decades ago, Lulu lost her father to a workplace fall, and today, she honours his memory by prioritising safety education in her teaching.

“When students come into the workshop, I always sober them up with a real-life story, that 20 years ago I lost my dad from falling off heights, and that always brings them right back into the present moment,” she said.

Taking up her father’s vocation, Lulu pursued a carpentry apprenticeship in her mid-twenties and worked in the industry before joining AGA (part of the IntoWork Group) as a dedicated trainer.

AGA, a leading provider of vocational training, specialising in equipping students with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in various trades, has a strong emphasis on safety. AGA ensures that its training programs not only meet industry standards but also go beyond to instil a culture of safety in every student.

AGA’s specialised trade training facility in Deer Park is designed to mirror real-world conditions, providing students with a practical and safe learning environment.

One of Lulu’s primary focuses is teaching AGA’s “Erect and Safely Working Platforms” unit, where students set up temporary scaffolding at the Deer Park training facility. While the unit is mandatory for most trade certifications, Lulu takes pride in teaching it conscientiously.

“At AGA, we’re not rushed. We don’t have to dismantle the scaffold by day’s end. We remove time pressures, creating a safety-focused learning environment that suits the student’s pace. If you don’t grasp it the first time, that’s okay. We’ll revisit it,” she said.

AGA Lead Carpentry Trainer George Aspros, with five decades of industry experience, has witnessed significant shifts in workplace safety, “In the past, we’d walk on thin planks without handrails. Now, proper handrailing is standard. The changes since health and safety regulations were introduced have been remarkable,” he said.

George stresses the importance of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and hazard recognition, “These days, accidents often result from a simple lapse in concentration,” he said.

His advice to the next generation? “Focus, take your time, wear PPE and identify hazards.”

Lulu understands all too well how one moment can change everything, “My story serves as a reminder that one incident can have lasting, widespread effects. I know what it’s like for someone not to come home from work one day. That’s why I’m passionate about safety and why I ensure each student is truly ready before I sign them off.”

Pictured L to R: AGA Trainer and Assessor Lulu Waterhouse and AGA Lead Carpentry Trainer George Aspros.