Charter Commitment – Worker Engagement

This month’s commitment is all about involving workers in the process of risk and hazard management, and why this is critical for establishing a safe workplace culture. We all know intuitively that the best people to make health and safety decisions are the ones most likely to be hurt, and also have the knowledge about the intricacies of the work they are doing. Workers who are engaged and involved in health and safety initiatives are more likely to report hazards and incidents, take appropriate actions to prevent accidents, and promote safe working practices.

There are several reasons why WEPR is important for health and safety outcomes. Firstly, engaged workers are more likely to follow safety protocols and procedures. When employees feel like they have a say in the safety policies and procedures, they are more likely to take ownership and comply with them. This reduces the likelihood of accidents and injuries.

Secondly, involving workers in the health and safety process allows them to identify hazards that may be overlooked by management. Employees are often the first to identify hazards on the job and may have ideas for mitigating risks that management may not have thought of. When workers are encouraged to report hazards and near-misses, it creates a culture of transparency and continuous improvement.

Thirdly, WEPR can help create a positive safety culture within the workplace. When employees feel like their safety is a priority, they are more likely to be engaged in their work and feel valued. This can lead to increased productivity, job satisfaction, and employee retention. A positive safety culture can also attract new talent to the organisation and improve the organisation’s reputation.

Finally, involving workers in the health and safety process can improve communication and collaboration between workers and management. When workers feel like they have a say in the safety policies and procedures, they are more likely to communicate with management about potential hazards and work together to find solutions. This can improve trust and build better relationships between workers and management, ultimately leading to a more effective health and safety program.