educating professionals creating and applying knowledge engaging our communities whs consultation:...

• 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

jane.clarke@unisa.edu.au

www.unisa.edu.au/Research/Centre-for-Work-Life/