Engaging with workers and having effective ways for workers to participate on an ongoing basis (worker participation practices) leads to healthier and safer workplaces.
Ongoing worker involvement in improving health and safety helps to:
– Raise issues that the PCBU may not be aware of
– Prioritise the health and safety matters that need to be addressed – Reduce work-related injuries and illnesses
– Increase productivity, efficiency and quality
– Motivate the workforce
– Boost cooperation and trust between workers and PCBUs – and
strengthen working relationships
Possible outcomes;-
– increase workers’ awareness about work health and safety matters
– strengthen worker commitment
– reduce operating costs
– improve health and safety standards
– improve decision-making
– result in practical solutions, because workers know their work environment well
– contribute to a positive workplace culture.
The above is taken from the Worksafe GPG (good practice guide). Ensuring your workforce is engaged will help you achieve the above outcomes. Having a health and safety plan that the staff either are not aware of or havent bought into will destroy all your good work on your journey to achieving a healthier and safer workplace.