Safety and expertise drive successful Omnia Boiler Project

At Babcock, our commitment to ensuring everyone goes home safe every day underpins everything we do. It is this commitment that guided the successful execution of the Omnia Boiler Project and earned Thabo, Mobile Crane Operator, and Rethabile, Truck Driver, recognition as Africa Safety Stars for August 2026.

The project involved the removal of an existing boiler and the installation of a new unit within a challenging operating environment. The work began with the assembly of a 550-tonne crane, followed by the safe removal of the existing boiler. The following day, the replacement boiler was lifted and positioned successfully, marking a significant milestone in the project.

Throughout the operation, Thabo and Rethabile demonstrated the planning, competence and safety mindset required to deliver complex lifting activities safely and efficiently.

Responsible for the critical lifting operation, Thabo operated the 550-tonne crane with precision and control, safely moving the boiler from within the building to the designated laydown area. Through careful execution and continuous focus on the task, he ensured the lift was completed safely and without incident.

Rethabile played an equally important role. Operating the White Elephant truck within the confined plant environment, he safely navigated restricted access routes and surrounding structures while positioning the vehicle accurately for loading and offloading activities. His attention to detail and situational awareness contributed significantly to the safe flow of operations across the site.

Together, Thabo and Rethabile demonstrated the behaviours that sit at the heart of Babcock's safety culture: planning work with safety in mind, assessing and controlling risks before starting work, using the correct equipment for the task and remaining focused on safe execution throughout.

Their professionalism and commitment to safety were also recognised by Omnia, who commended the team for the high standards demonstrated throughout the project.

Thabo and Rethabile's contribution is an excellent example of how technical expertise, operational discipline and a commitment to safety enable us to deliver for our customers while ensuring everyone goes home safe every day.