Winning organisations lead by example! They walk the talk. They welcome bad news.
For effective Work Health & Safety (WHS), the management team needs to lead by example. Demonstrate to the staff that you’re committed to creating a safe, productive workplace and they will follow your lead.
"What interests my manager, fascinates me"
There are various ways management can display their commitment to WHS, including visual demonstrations of policy adherence, personal initiatives by managers, recognition of contributions to WHS, and the resolution of conflicts between WHS priorities and other business objectives.
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All managers should demonstrate a visible and proactive commitment to WHS issues. This should include:
- Open communication of WHS issues to personnel;
- Encouragement and leadership in the implementation of WHS systems, procedures and initiatives and in the facilitation of improvement programmes;
- Personal initiatives and pro-active involvement in the direction and support of improved WHS performance; and
- Encouragement of the involvement of workers in the improvement of WHS performance.
Guidance should be provided to your managers as appropriate, on specific initiatives that can be undertaken. We recommend all Managers and Supervisors participate in WHS Training for Managers and Supervisors.
Personal Initiatives
Personal initiatives of managers in the promotion of WHS improvement should include:
- Setting clear WHS objectives;
- Conducting site visits, safety walks, and participating in WHS activities;
- Participating in WHS audits, inspections, hazard identification and incident investigations;
- Encouraging accountability for WHS issues;
- Putting WHS first on the agenda at meetings;
- Participating in, and chairing, WHS meetings;
- Promoting WHS initiatives;
- Encouraging open communication on WHS issues;
- Involving the workforce in addressing WHS issues; and
- Encouraging continuous improvement of WHS issues.
Recognition
Arrangements should be in place to recognise outstanding WHS performance by your personnel.
Recognition may be made for a specific contribution to WHS (e.g. identifying and rectifying a significant hazard) or for long-term contribution. In addition, recognition may be given to individuals or to teams.
Recognition may be given in a number of ways, such as:
- Monthly Awards
- Praise (e.g. at a meeting of the person’s co-workers);
- A monetary reward;
- A certificate presented by a senior manager;
- A valuable item (e.g. a watch, a pen, a household appliance, etc);
- Other rewards (e.g. a weekend in a hotel or a resort)
Managers should be given guidance on the appropriate recognition for various contributions, so as to ensure a consistent approach throughout the organisation.
In all instances, details of the recognition should be well publicised and communicated to all workers.
Where conflicts exist between WHS objectives and other business objectives, managers should resolve such conflicts so that, as far as reasonably practicable, outcomes are consistent with the organisation’s WHS Policy.
General advice warning
The information on this site is of a general nature only. It does not take your specific needs or circumstances into consideration. You should look at your own situation and requirements before making any decisions.
