You can make it! Bringing a Human-Centred Approach to Manufacturing Safety

Rebecca Linwood

In the industrial heart of Maryborough’s rail manufacturing facility, Rebecca Linwood moves confidently between office spaces and production floors as Zero Harm Advisor at Downer, embodying a new generation of manufacturing professionals.

“I work in zero harm at Downer,” Rebecca explains simply. “If someone asks what that is, I would say its to advocate for people to have a safe workplace.”

In just two years in manufacturing, Rebecca has brought a fresh perspective to an established industry.

“I think it’s good because it’s a different era of manufacturing now and I bring a more people-focused lens,” she explains. “We’re building on what’s already there and having a more holistic approach to safety rather than just ‘don’t do this, you will hurt yourself.’”

Finding Her Path to Manufacturing

Rebecca’s background was in disability advocacy services, where she assisted people with vocational barriers. This experience shaped her people-first approach to workplace safety.

“I always knew I was going to help someone or be in an advocacy role,” she reflects.

The spark came during a careers expo when she was in Year 10. “They were talking about what people needed in home… And I thought, ‘I can really make a difference to someone.’”

That desire led her to Downer, where she started as a training coordinator before advancing to her current role.

Bridging Worlds

Rebecca’s position uniquely bridges administrative and manufacturing environments. “I get a good mix of both—office administration and people contact. But I also have my foot in manufacturing because my position requires me to know what’s going on.”

For Rebecca, manufacturing is fundamentally about transformation. “Raw material comes in and something useful goes out,” she explains. “The manufacturing industry exists because someone needs something.”

Navigating Challenges as a Young Woman

Being young and female in a male-dominated industry presents challenges that Rebecca acknowledges openly.

“Rail manufacturing is such a male dominated industry,” she admits. “Often being a young female in a very subject matter expert environment is challenging.”

Yet she’s quick to recognise the support she’s received: “Men have completely supported me in my career journey.”

Still, there are moments when being the only woman in the room is palpable. “It is disempowering when you know you’re the odd one out.”

Her strategy includes preparation and building alliances. “I’ll have a quick conversation with my manager before meetings… Because then I know when I go in there, I’m backed.”

The Thrill of Creation

One of Rebecca’s most exciting experiences has been witnessing the Queensland Train Manufacturing Program come to life.

“To actually physically see a mock-up of what we’re going to build was absolutely wild to me,” she recalls. “I stand out and watch a 40-tonne wagon be lifted. I don’t think there will ever be a day when I won’t be shocked by that.”

Looking Forward

Rebecca is now starting her diploma in Workplace Health and Safety and is excited about implementing technological changes. “Our plan is to take things from paper into technology-based systems.”

A Message for Future Generations

When asked what advice she would give to young women considering manufacturing, Rebecca is emphatic:

“Get a trade. Do the stepping stones to get it first. Go and get a cert two in engineering. Pick those subjects at school, get things started early.”

She sees these skills as valuable regardless of one’s ultimate career path. “Even if you don’t end up pursuing a trade, these are life skills.”

Communication and confidence are equally important in her view. “I think you can always tell the difference when people have played team sports or have been involved with different teams.”

Rebecca’s journey exemplifies how manufacturing is evolving to incorporate diverse perspectives. Through her work, she’s helping to create not just safer workplaces, but more human-centred ones.

“People get in their minds that you do the trade and then you’re there forever. It can also be a stepping stone,” she observes—a perspective that encapsulates her view of manufacturing as a dynamic field of opportunity.