As a business leader, how often do you stop to consider whether your employees are truly engaged in your Work Health and Safety (WHS) initiatives? Have you noticed if they see the value in safety training, or do they treat it as just another tick-box exercise?
Engaging employees in WHS training and building a safety culture is not just about compliance, it’s about creating a work environment where safety is embedded into the daily mindset, making employees feel empowered, secure, and part of the company’s success. By fostering this culture, you can see improvements in productivity, employee satisfaction, and overall business success.
More than compliance
Western Australia’s Work Health and Safety Act 2020 (WHS Act) outlines a clear duty of care for employers to protect the health and safety of their workers. It mandates that employers must not only provide a safe working environment but also ensure that employees are well-trained in identifying and managing hazards, including psychosocial and physical risks. However, achieving compliance is just the start. A true safety-first culture can lead to greater employee engagement, satisfaction, and retention.
According to a 2019 Safe Work Australia report, companies that foster a positive safety culture experience 25% fewer injuries compared to those that don't. This reduces absenteeism and compensation claims, directly impacting productivity and reducing financial risk. A safety-first culture ensures that employees understand that safety is everyone’s responsibility, reducing accidents and creating a more harmonious workplace.
Building a safety-first culture
Employers in Western Australia are legally required to ensure that workplaces are free from hazards and that training is ongoing and comprehensive. Here’s how to cultivate a safety-first culture:
1. Leadership commitment to safety
The WHS Act places the onus on employers to take proactive measures in maintaining safety. Employers must take steps to mitigate risks, ensure training is completed, and potentially most impactful: model safe behaviours, ensuring that workers see safety as a company-wide priority. A study by The Australian Safety Institute (2018) found that companies with strong leadership involvement in safety initiatives reported a 35% reduction in workplace injuries and improved employee trust in the organisation’s commitment to health and safety, proving a real impact through leadership.
2. Creating an open, inclusive communication channel
Employees need to feel comfortable reporting hazards without fear of retaliation. Employers should create systems where safety issues are taken seriously and acted upon promptly. Providing employees with clear, accessible ways to report safety issues, such as anonymous reporting systems or regular safety meetings, fosters a culture of transparency and trust.
3. Addressing psychosocial hazards
The WHS Act also addresses the need to identify and manage psychosocial risks such as stress, bullying, and mental health concerns. Addressing these issues through training on managing psychosocial hazards in the workplace, open communication, and offering mental health resources is critical for maintaining overall workplace safety.
A report by Safe Work Australia (2019) showed that workplaces that actively address these issues experience lower absenteeism and improved worker well-being. In fact, organisations that implement mental health programs and stress management training report a 25% reduction in mental health-related absenteeism.
4. Cultural safety: a key to inclusivity
Given Australia’s multicultural workforce, cultural safety is vital in creating an inclusive environment. Western Australia’s WHS Act mandates that employers must ensure the workplace is free from any discrimination or harassment, creating a culture where all employees feel valued. Cultural safety training helps employees respect different backgrounds, beliefs, and perspectives, fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued. This contributes not only to a safer workplace but also to higher retention rates and improved team dynamics.
5. Recognition and rewards for safety engagement
Recognising and rewarding employees for their safety efforts can drive engagement. WorkSafe Victoria reported in 2019 that workplaces that implemented employee recognition programs for safety behaviour saw 20% higher engagement in safety initiatives. Recognising employees for reporting hazards, completing training, and practicing safe behaviours helps reinforce the importance of safety and encourages ongoing participation.
Engaging Employees: make training fun and relevant
Employee engagement in WHS training is essential to building a lasting culture of safety. To make safety training more than just an obligation, businesses need to consider how to make it interactive, enjoyable, and tailored to the unique needs of their workforce.
Engaging a provider who specialises in quality, engaging and compliant training is key. A Registered Training Organisation (RTO) meets the requirements of the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) for training components, but a quality RTO provider goes beyond that to ensure impact back at the workplace.
Key ways RTO’s like Aveling accomplish this include:
- Incorporating industry knowledge – requirements for WHS training can differ depending on industry, and so as well as ensuring your people are educated on the right topics, for example chemical spills, fatigue management, or manual handling; knowing your training has been developed with input from industry experts ensures your people will receive relevant and up-to-date training.
- Making learning interactive - incorporating elements like quizzes, challenges, and interactive simulations make the learning process more enjoyable. Whether training is in the classroom or online, adding an element of interactivity makes learning fun, and in turn, content more memorable.
- Real-world scenarios - training should focus on realistic, relatable scenarios that employees may encounter in their day-to-day tasks. This helps make it more meaningful and easier to apply back in the workplace. Where situations and requirements are particularly niche, bespoke courses make sure your people get the understanding of organisation specific challenges and processes they need.
- Varied delivery mode - short, bite-sized sessions delivered via digital platforms is great for key topics needed in inductions or for employees to refresh their knowledge. For in-depth topics, particularly Nationally Recognised courses, ASQA has strict requirements to make sure students receive all the information they need and are assessed correctly. This might require time in the classroom, whether that be facilitated at the workplace or a training facility. A choice of modes also helps employers provide the right training for their people.
A win-win for employers and employees
By prioritising WHS training, fostering a safety-first culture, and ensuring compliance with WA’s Work Health and Safety Act 2020, employers create a safer, more productive work environment. Engaged employees, who enjoy and value safety training, contribute to a workplace culture that reduces incidents, boosts morale, and improves business outcomes. The result is not just legal compliance but also a sustainable business model with higher productivity, lower costs, and improved employee retention. In the end, a strong safety culture is a win-win for both employers and employees.
If you’d like to engage a quality RTO with nearly three decades specialising in WHS in WA, look no further than Aveling. Find out more on our website www.aveling.com.au or call our team to discuss your needs: +61 8 9379 9999
