VAE Safety (HSEQ)

Health … Safety … Environment … Quality

Our Three- Cornered Approach to Safety


VAE takes every measure to ensure employees and sub-contractors are never exposed to unnecessary risk, which is why we have a three-cornered approach to safety.

Safe at Work

Our employees are well-trained and well-equipped and competent. We ensure our team are able to identify and treat risk before it happens.

Safe at Home

It's critical that our employees get to and from home safely. VAE emphasises vehicle maintenance, proper licenses, and that our staff are fit and capable no matter where they are. We encourage that safety skills learned on the job are also used at home.

Mental Health

Workers in our industry are six times more likely to die from suicide than from a construction related injury. We recognise that safety starts with being mentally fit for work and we offer professional support to all our employees.

Making HSEQ a priority ...

VAE's active SLAMS risk assessment
Stop ... Look ... Assess ... Manage ... Start

At VAE Group we embed safety into all facets of what we do. Our Risk Assessment process ‘SLAMS’ is a simple effective methodology use in the business to proactively manage health and safety issues.

  • Stop & think, understand the tasks and it’s requirements
  • Look for hazards, what can cause harm to yourself and others
  • Assess the risk, identify what could go wrong
  • Manage the risk, what control strategies are needed
  • Start only after the risk is being managed so far as is reasonably practicable

VAE’s approach to health and safety is people first. We believe that every person at VAE has the right and responsibility to stop work if they believe the work is unsafe.

All staff are empowered by this principle.

VAE's Commitment to HSEQ

At VAE Group, our commitment to Health, Safety, Environment and Quality (HSEQ) is embedded in everything we do. We take a proactive, people-first approach that prioritises the wellbeing of our employees, contractors, and the communities we work in. Our three-cornered approach to safety focuses on strong leadership, worker engagement, and continuous improvement. By empowering our teams and fostering a safety-first culture, we ensure every person goes home safely — every day.

We support our people beyond the worksite through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP), which offers confidential support services to help manage work, personal, or mental health challenges. On-site, we maintain high engagement through regular tool talks, where team members come together to discuss key safety topics, raise concerns, and stay informed about current site conditions. These daily conversations help keep safety front of mind while building a strong, supportive team environment that’s central to our success.

Tool Box talks and training

Compliance, Licences and Regulation

At VAE Group, compliance is a cornerstone of how we deliver Built in Certainty. We maintain a robust framework of accreditations, licenses, and certifications that ensure every project meets the highest standards of quality, safety, and environmental responsibility. Our operations are underpinned by a certified Integrated Management System that aligns with ISO standards across Quality (ISO 9001), Safety (ISO 45001), and Environmental Management —providing our clients with confidence in our systems and outcomes.

VAE also holds the relevant contractor licenses across all operating states and territories, including Queensland, New South Wales, ACT, and the Northern Territory, as well as New Zealand. These licenses, along with our compliance with specific industry codes such as Australia’s National Construction Code (NCC) and New Zealand’s Sight Safe, mechanical services regulations, and safety standards, allow us to deliver complex HVAC and building technology projects in highly regulated sectors like healthcare, government, and education. Whether it’s design, construction, commissioning, or ongoing maintenance, our commitment to compliance ensures that every solution is safe, efficient, and fully certified—true to our promise of Built in Certainty.

Complience

Career Opportunities

At VAE Group, we offer diverse and rewarding career opportunities across a wide range of disciplines—from engineering and project delivery to support services and safety leadership. Whether you’re an experienced professional or just starting out, joining VAE means becoming part of a team that values innovation, collaboration, and continuous growth. We pride ourselves on fostering a culture where every employee feels empowered to develop their skills, contribute meaningfully to projects, and grow their career within a supportive and high-performing environment.

There are exciting opportunities available across our business, including roles in Health, Safety, Environment and Quality (HSEQ), where you can help lead and shape our proactive safety culture across multiple job sites. We also offer career paths for mechanical service technicians, mechanical engineers, draftspersons, project managers, and roles in administration, finance, HR, and technology. No matter the position, you’ll be part of a company committed to delivering smarter, more sustainable buildings while investing in the people who make it all possible. Join us and experience the VAE difference—where your career is built with certainty.

How we Care

At VAE, we believe that a strong, successful business starts with taking care of our people. We’ve built a culture of care that supports not only the professional growth of our team but also their personal wellbeing. Whether it’s on-site safety, mental health, or work-life balance, we are committed to ensuring that every team member feels valued, supported, and empowered.

That’s why we’ve built meaningful recognition programs that honour the dedication, loyalty, and cultural values demonstrated by our team. Our tenure awards celebrate long-term commitment with exciting prizes that grow in value the longer you stay—a small way of saying thank you for being part of the journey and shaping the VAE story.

We also proudly run our Bleed Orange program, which recognises team members who truly embody the VAE culture and non-negotiables in their daily work. Whether it’s showing leadership, living our safety-first mindset, or going above and beyond for their team, these individuals represent what VAE is all about. Because when we recognise and reward the values that make us strong, we build a workplace that people are proud to be part of.

In addition to this commitment, we offer access to a confidential Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for all employees and their immediate family members, providing professional support for personal, family, or work-related challenges. We’ve also partnered with a range of retailers and health providers to give our employees exclusive discounts on everyday essentials, health services, and lifestyle products. These benefits are just one way we say thank you and ensure our people have access to tools and resources that improve their quality of life—both in and out of work. Because when our people thrive, so does our business.

Great Teams

Design and Technology Teams for a Greener Future

VAE are dedicated to improving our built environments one building at a time

At VAE Group, our commitment to environmental responsibility is embedded in everything we do. Our experienced team of engineers and technicians are continually advancing their knowledge to stay ahead in the evolving landscape of high-performance, sustainable building solutions. Through every stage of design, construction, and operation, we prioritise environmental impact, energy efficiency, and long-term value—ensuring the buildings we deliver are not only high performing but future ready.

Incorporating VAE’s Green Star and NABERS expertise into your next building upgrade means aligning your project with the industry’s best practices in environmental sustainability. With decades of experience and a portfolio of 5 and 6 Star rated projects, our team understands the strategic planning and technical precision required to meet and exceed rating targets. From smart HVAC design to energy-efficient delivery and lifecycle optimisation, VAE provides a seamless, end-to-end solution that supports your ESG goals and contributes to a healthier planet. When it comes to building better environments—for people and the planet, VAE delivers.

Click image to view some of our great projects to date ➡️

Hear from our customers ...

Joel Bennett

Safety News