How well are you managing WHS?

If you are managing a small business, probably not that well, according to a new report from Safe Work Australia (SWA).

SWA surveyed businesses to learn how employers perceive their own approach to safety within their organisation. In particular, SWA wanted to look at issues of empowerment and justice — how Australian employers believe they empower their workers to influence health and safety, and whether they believe that they deal with health and safety incidents in a fair and just manner.

Overall, most employers perceived that they managed health and safety empowerment and justice well and frequently in their businesses. However, up to one-quarter of employers indicated they did not frequently empower their workers through active consultation around safety and did not always treat their workers justly, especially when investigating accidents. This thinking is more common in small businesses.

SWA CEO Michelle Baxter said that small businesses account for more than 95% of all Australian businesses and are responsible for the health and safety of approximately 4.8 million workers.

“State and territory work health and safety regulators all have a range of resources to assist small business owners, including free advisory services, information sessions, rebates, fact sheets and tools,” said Baxter.

“Any small business looking for help with their health and safety obligations can contact their local regulator to discuss practical approaches to improving their safety practices,” she said.

A full copy of the report can be downloaded here.