Jason Zhou awarded as Emerging Leader in Rail Safety

01/05/2024

At the 2024 RISSB Rail Safety Conference Awards, Jason Zhou awarded Emerging Leader, while the Rail & Transit Systems team were finalists in two further categories.

With only four years of experience in the rail industry, Jason Zhou is already making a name for himself. Joining Downer’s Graduate Program after graduating with first class honours from Monash, Jason is now a Technology Strategy Engineer for Rail & Transit Systems leading innovation projects.

Heading up Downer’s development of a world-first autonomous cleaning robot, Jason works across the business and with partners to innovate this technology.

At the 2024 RISSB Rail Safety Conference Awards, Jason was recognised in the Emerging Leader category, taking home the award. 

Also on the night, the wider Rail & Transit Systems team were finalists in two further categories: Safety Leadership Program and Frontline Worker Safety Initiative. You can read more about all of these initiatives below.

Congratulations to all of the winners and finalists showcasing safety in the rail industry.

Our Rail & Transit Systems team

Winner – Jason Zhou for the Emerging Leader category

In just four years within the rail industry, Jason has exemplified dedication, innovation, and leadership. 

Graduating with First Class Honours from Monash University, Jason's passion for advancing transport solutions led him to Downer's Graduate Program, where he honed his skills and expertise. He now spearheads the development and integration of cutting-edge technology, notably pioneering the world's first floor and surface autonomous train cleaning robot which is poised to revolutionise rail maintenance, showcasing Australia's leadership in innovation on a global scale. 

Jason's commitment extends beyond technical innovation; he serves as a mentor and advocate for young professionals in the industry, showcasing the possibilities and impact of rail technology at conferences and providing invaluable guidance to aspiring engineers.

Finalist – Our Safety Focus for the Safety Leadership Program category

Each year, we take part in a Downer-wide initiative to strengthen our safety leadership capabilities across the board, from frontline workers to senior executives. Called Our Safety Focus (OSF), this important program helps to reinforce our safety approach, increase awareness and empower our team to identify and address risks. 

In 2024 RTS created a bespoke program, focusing on the people, hazards and risks in our rail business. With a partnership between our Zero Harm and Communications team, OSF heavily utilised employee engagement, high end video production and animation to drive home safety leadership across our workforce. 

You can watch the trailer for Our Safety Focus here: 

Finalist – East Preston Team for the Frontline Worker Safety Initiative Award category

At Downer's East Preston site, we undertake the world's largest refurbishment project.

In late 2020, our East Preston Leadership Team, alongside the Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) Committee, came together to carefully review incident performance data. To address areas of concern, they initiated a preventative program that actively involves frontline workers in driving safety and operational improvements. 

With engagement front of mind, they established a transparent process for raising issues and proposing solutions openly. Most of these solutions were subsequently implemented. 

The program has delivered notable results, with significant reductions in both incidents and injuries. Additionally, it has fostered a culture of trust, innovation, and proactive reporting among our team members.