At CMV Truck & Bus, safety is our number one core value. A moving presentation from workplace safety advocate James “Woody” Wood has reinforced the importance of making safe choices every day, reminding the CMV Truck & Bus Albury/Wodonga team that a single decision can have lifelong consequences.
When it comes to workplace safety, policies, procedures and training are essential. But sometimes it takes a real-life story to truly bring home the impact of the choices we make every day. That was exactly the purpose behind a recent visit from workplace safety speaker James “Woody” Wood to the CMV Truck & Bus Albury/Wodonga dealership.
The Albury/Wodonga leadership team saw this as an opportunity to complement our ongoing safety awareness in a meaningful and memorable way. The team wanted staff to hear firsthand about the real-life consequences when safety procedures of not following safety procedures. After searching for a speaker with lived experience, Woody was invited to share his story.
Woody, a diesel mechanic by trade, knows all too well how quickly life can change. During a routine workday, he made a series of decisions that many workers can relate to. In a rush to finish a job and get back before smoko, he skipped important safety steps, failed to properly assess the risks and chose not to wear his seatbelt. Driving too quickly for the wet conditions, he lost control of his truck, which rolled several times down a hill. The accident left him with severe spinal injuries and permanent paralysis, changing his life forever.
In his presentation, Woody walked staff through the choices he made that day, why he made them, and the devastating consequences that followed. More importantly, he highlighted how workplace injuries extend far beyond the injured worker. He spoke candidly about the impact on his family, friends and relationships, and the emotional challenges that came with losing his independence. From needing assistance to reach items on supermarket shelves to navigating hills in a wheelchair, Woody shared the everyday realities that many people never stop to consider.
One of the most powerful messages that resonated with staff was Woody’s reminder that safety is not about avoiding trouble with your employer. As he explained, “It’s not about being safe for your boss, it’s about going home to your family and friends at the end of each day.”
The presentation struck a chord with employees across the dealership. Many team members were visibly emotional as they listened to his experiences. His story provided a powerful reminder about the importance of individual accountability and the long-term consequences that can arise from seemingly small decisions.
CMV Truck & Bus Albury/Wodonga Branch Manager, Kurt Grossrieder, said the session delivered exactly the impact the team had hoped for. “We wanted our people to hear from someone who has lived through the consequences of a workplace incident. Woody’s story created a genuine emotional connection and reinforced why every safety procedure exists. It’s a conversation our team will remember for a very long time.”
At CMV Truck & Bus, safety is more than a policy. Through the CMV Safe program, the business remains committed to creating a workplace where everyone understands their responsibility for keeping themselves and their team safe. Woody’s visit was a powerful reminder that safety is not about ticking boxes or following rules for the sake of compliance. It is about prevention, protecting one another, and ensuring everyone gets home safely at the end of every day.
As Woody’s story demonstrates, a single shortcut can change a life forever. By choosing to work safely, support each other and speak up when something isn’t right, every member of the CMV Truck & Bus team plays a role in building a stronger safety culture for the future.
Woody’s story is a reminder that every decision matters. Let’s continue to put safety first and look out for one another.
Learn more about our commitment to safety at cmvtb.com.au