Workplace Health and Safety Strategy

What is working well and should be continued or expanded?

Recognising excellence in health and safety, and awarding and rewarding industry through awards, such as the annual Safeguard awards, is making an impact.
Increased media coverage was noted by many attendees. Initiatives such as the Special Investigators reality TV series are improving the profile of occupational health and safety.
The value of regular networking events for those working in health and safety was highlighted and encouraged.
Businesses working to support others to improve their health and safety performance (through formal or informal mentoring relationships) were seen as positive.

Many attendees felt that existing health and safety representative training is working well and should continue to be funded. There is a need for a national register of trained health and safety representatives.
Some workplaces have effective health and safety committees.
Areas of possible expansion could be training for supervisors and managers, and more health and safety induction training.
Good industry specific initiatives such as SiteSafe should be encouraged.
Several attendees noted that Passport to Safety is a valuable training resource to up-skill students in health and safety as they prepare to enter the workforce. Others noted that some trade/industry apprentices are getting a good grounding in health and safety in their training.

Better understanding of prevention and recovery is needed.
Attendees observed an increased emphasis on work/life balance, and individuals taking responsibility for their own wellness/safety. Some attendees felt there needed to be a stronger focus on health.
The NOHSAC reports have provided a valuable knowledge base - but the findings and recommendations need more take-up.

Many referred to the value of ACC incentive programmes - encouraging wider coverage. Many supported Workplace Safety Management Practices (WSMP), recognising the need for audit standards, while others felt WSMP is too much a tick-box process and that we need to move towards more industry-driven standards.
Ongoing reviews of publications and Approved Codes of Practice are crucial to ensure that information remains relevant.
Many felt they wanted better relationships with health and safety inspectors - and more workplace visits.
A number of attendees felt the performance-based structure of the Health Safety and Employment Act is helpful in ensuring that minimum requirements are met.