In an era where innovation and sustainability intersect, Hume Doors & Timber stands as a testament to the power of forward-thinking and ethical manufacturing. For over sixty years, their journey has been marked not only by a commitment to creating high-quality timber doors but also by an unwavering dedication to the safety and wellbeing of their team. At the core of their ethos lies an understanding that true success is measured not just in the products they deliver but in the environment created for the employees. This recognition led Hume to identify a significant gap between the existing safety standards and the vision for a workplace that guarantees the highest levels of safety and wellbeing for every member of the team.
Embarking on a transformative journey, Hume partnered with Work Safety Hub, renowned for our 'Human Centred Design' philosophy. This collaboration was more than a strategic decision; it was a moral commitment to elevating safety practices to unprecedented levels. Together, we initiated an innovative project aimed at not just meeting but exceeding Australian safety standards, thereby redefining industry benchmarks. Our approach was holistic, integrating cutting-edge design and technology with a deep respect for human dignity, reflecting our values as an innovative, supportive, human, and ethical organisation.
As we dove deep into the heart of the operations in Dandenong, south of Melbourne, we confronted the challenges head-on. The bustling plant, a hub of creativity and manufacturing excellence, presented unique risks in any pioneering manufacturing process. The threats of fire, explosions, and machinery related hazards were compounded by the need to communicate safety protocols across a diverse, multilingual workforce effectively. Our response was to harness the power of a collective human spirit, leveraging every employee's insight and experience to forge a safer, more resilient workplace.
The introduction of learning teams marked a pivotal moment in safety transformation. These teams, guided by our expert consultants from Work Safety Hub, became the driving force behind a dynamic shift in safety culture. By prioritising open communication and collaborative problem-solving, we cultivated an environment where safety protocols are not just followed but evolved through continuous learning and adaptation. This human centered approach to safety management underscored our belief in the potential of every team member to contribute to a safer, more inclusive workplace.
The impact of the partnership with Work Safety Hub has been profound and multifaceted. Not only have Hume witnessed a significant reduction in injury rates, but the commitment to safety has also become a catalyst for remarkable business growth. This synergy between safety and success is a powerful affirmation of our belief that prioritising the wellbeing of employees is not just the right thing to do; it's the cornerstone of sustainable business practice. Hume's alignment with the Forest Stewardship Council and the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification Schemes further exemplifies their dedication to ethical and sustainable operations, now enhanced by our sophisticated safety management approach.
As we look to the future, our journey with Work Safety Hub continues to inspire a vision of safety that transcends conventional boundaries. By extending these groundbreaking safety practices across all our operations in Australia, we are not just leading the industry; we are setting a new standard for what it means to be a truly human centered, ethical, and innovative organisation. Our ongoing partnership, renewed with a further 12-month contract, solidifies our commitment to continuous improvement and exemplifies our leadership in safety and production capacity.
In the end, the collaboration with Work Safety Hub is more than a partnership; it's a shared mission to redefine the essence of workplace safety. As Hume leads with over 1,500 employees nationwide and the capacity to produce around 250,000 doors a month, the journey is a testament to the idea that integrating 'Human Centred Design' into business operations is not just beneficial but essential for driving both safety and success.
