Why bother with worker engagement
It builds a culture of shared responsibility for health and safety
Engagement in health and safety builds a culture of shared responsibility by encouraging everyone to actively identify risks, speak up about concerns, and contribute to safer ways of working.
When employees are involved in health and safety decisions, safety becomes part of everyday behaviour rather than just a management requirement. Involving employees deliberately is key to boosting engagement in the workplace.
What is required by law
PCBUs (employers) must engage with employees on health and safety matters that directly affect them. Engagement must involve sharing information, consulting, and allowing workers to contribute to decision-making about health and safety. Employers must consider active engagement of employees when planning these steps.
There are prescriptive requirements relating to health and safety reps. If a workplace has 20 or more workers, a Health and Safety Committee must be established if requested to support employee engagement with health and safety.
Engagement – information
Employees should be provided with information on the following (in induction, noticeboards, team talks) to promote employee engagement and awareness.
- Workplace hazards and risks (induction / notice board)
- Emergency procedures (drills)
- H&S policies and procedures (induction)
- Recent incidents and lessons learned (team talk / notice board)
Worker Engagement – consultation
Involve employees that affect their health and safety, before decisions are made. This improves employee engagement and brings more voices to the discussion.
- Changes to work processes or facilities
- Introduction of new materials or machinery
Worker Engagement – participation
Provide means for employee to contribute: this approach increases engagement and builds a sense of ownership among employees.
- Reporting hazards and incidents and near misses
- Suggest improvements to controlling risk
Winsland can provide companies with guidance on how to meet their employee engagement requirements – it typically takes a phone call.
Worksafe information on engagement can be found here