Michael Hartley is CEO of SiteApp Pro and Storm MacDonald is Executive Sales Manager. They tell the story of how a 12 person software development house became a health and safety software company working across Australia, New Zealand, the United States and Canada.
This one was recorded at their head office in Birkenhead, Auckland. We talk about what customers of every size ask for, from the man in a van who wants something simple through to large project teams. Michael explains the engagement score, why toolbox talks have got more in-depth and the behavioural science behind getting people to take part. He also compares Canada's Certificate of Recognition with what we have here. They finish with contractor prequalification and where AI and asset tracking are heading.
What we cover in this episode
- How a software development house ended up in health and safety
- What customers ask for, from sole traders to large project teams
- Engagement scores and why people learn differently
- Toolbox talks that go deeper than three questions
- How New Zealand, Australia and Canada compare
- Contractor prequalification and approvals
- AI, imaging and tracking tools on site
Episode chapters
- 0:00 Introduction
- 1:04 Meet Michael Hartley and Storm MacDonald
- 2:25 How it started
- 6:25 Australia, New Zealand, the US and Canada
- 9:27 What customers ask for
- 13:38 AI and smarter documents
- 16:44 Engagement and learning styles
- 17:46 The engagement score
- 22:57 Toolbox talks
- 24:02 Engagement and culture
- 27:13 Behavioural science
- 28:15 Certificate of Recognition in Canada
- 30:23 Lessons for the safety community
- 38:39 Comparing NZ, Australia and Canada
- 46:00 Contractor prequalification
- 51:21 AI, imaging and asset tracking
- 54:22 Wrap up
Connect with Michael Hartley and Storm MacDonald
SiteApp Pro: siteapppro.com
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About the host
Matt Jones is the founder of Advanced Safety and a HASANZ-registered health and safety consultant. He's a Professional Member of NZISM, holds a Graduate Diploma in Occupational Safety and Health and founded the New Zealand Health and Safety Professionals community. His book is Raise the Standard: Why Good Organisations Go Blind and How Leaders Restore Visibility.
Guests share their own views and experience. This page is general information, not legal advice. Latest update: 13 November 2026
