educating professionals creating and applying knowledge engaging our communities whs consultation:...
TRANSCRIPT
• Educating Professionals • Creating and Applying Knowledge • Engaging our Communities
WHS consultation: why it is important and how to make it more effective.Jane Clarke
Safe Work SA funded project
Identify features of effective consultation:
Aged careConstruction Hospitality
What difference does it make?
Participation of workers = improved HS systems + reduction in injuries and illness.
Why?
• Critical knowledge held by workers;
• Increased trust and ownership.
What do we mean by consultation?
Meaningful inputinto decision making
Providing information
What does the act say?
48 (1)
Consultation requires that workers be given the opportunity to:
b (ii) contribute to the decision-making process relating to the matter
It is not just if you have a committee….
The extent and nature of consultation is a critical factor in the effect on illness and injury outcomes. (Eaton and Nocerino in Walters D, 2010)
Table discussion
What would meaningful and effective consultation look like in your workplace?
Does it matter how they consult?
Direct versus representative.
it’s a question of power….
Role of WHS Representatives
• Independent (not management nominees)• Clear about your role • Respected by those who you represent• Time• Support to do the role• Training• Protection from discrimination• Access to advice and support from unions
Table discussion
What support do you need to be able to consult effectively?
Management culture matters….
Trust
Respect
Support of participation
Ayres, Culvenor, Sillitoe and ElseMeaningful and effective consultation and the construction industry of Victoria, Australia
.
Pathological
Reactive
Calculative
Proactive
Generative
Disturbingly….
The topic of consultation remained the same … trouble shooting or execution rather than strategic long term and design issues.
who controls the agenda???
Challenges….
Growth in precarious employment; direct casuals and labour hire;
Sub-contracting
Outsourcing
Waiting for safety:Responses by young Canadian workers to unsafe work, by Tucker and Turner
Teenage workers in our study seemed reluctant to speak out when they have concerns and instead wait things out, reflecting an understanding of the managerial constraints on their action.
…unless collective concern
Table discussion…
What challenges do you face in your industries or worksites?
What examples of success do you have?
HSR
Management
culture
Union support
Regulation
Jane ClarkeProject Officer
Centre for Work + LifeUniversity of South Australia(08) 8302 4234
www.unisa.edu.au/Research/Centre-for-Work-Life/