Gaps & Codes - are you ready for the change?
The personal challenge was set on Day 1 of The Safety Conference Sydney. Be entertained and educated by the best in the industry whilst networking amongst colleagues and peers.
John Watson, General Manager WHS Division WorkCover NSW was the opening Keynote Address where he delivered an overview of what to expect in the lead up to harmonisation on 01 January 2012.
Watson said, "Harmonisation is a far more workable scenario than what we have now. By proactively managing the risks we are ensuring that workplaces are safe, and that people go home at the end of the day".
Consultation will be key as we move to national harmonised legislation with the Act allowing business to deal with the relationships between the employer and workers in a much more structured manner.
Second Keynote presenter Greg Pattison, General Manager Workplace Solutions, NSW Business Chamber highlighted "now is the time to look at what you are doing, and make sure it lines up with what's going to be required".
The change in employer, employee relationships will lead to support for the right safety culture starting from the top and stemming down.
"Clearly the intention of the new legislation is to get the board involved", he said.
However, the challenge? The safety professional will have simplify and break it down into language the board can understand and resonate with.
The Psychology of Safety - Experience & great skill does not make you immune to hazards
Adopting a human factor approach to safety was the theme of Session Two on Day 1 of the Safety Conference Sydney. Christopher Wales kicked off the morning with his interpretation of safety management.
We need to be conversing with the people on the floor. What are their attitudes and perceptions, for this is what will ultimately determine if they work unsafely, Wales said.
Wales described as lack of training; impatience; eagerness to finish; risk takers, staff shortages, workplace culture and not recognising an unsafe act as the most common reasons for working unsafely. Addressing this challenge according to Wales is simple. Change Management. The need to create an understanding of why we do what we do to provide practical ways to change behavior and create positive changes in attitudes in the workplace.
Managing Safety: Adapting to Change
A chance to raise the questions you want answered
WorkCover NSW held discussion groups on the afternoon of Day 1 of the Safety Conference Sydney, allowing delegates to have open dialogue with the people who have been working on the legislation and its impact on workplaces.
In true discussion group style, the sessions, facilitated by the likes of Michael Costello, and Sharron O'Neil were interactive and informative.
The Safety Institute of Australia Ltd. (SIA) is presenting The Safety Conference Sydney 2011 - One Small Step. It will be held from Tuesday 25 October to Thursday 27 October 2011 inclusive at the Sydney Showground - Sydney Olympic Park. This conference is designed to attract forward thinking managers and organisations looking at ways to continually improve the health and safety of their workplaces.
Our theme this year ‘One Small Step' will provide delegates with gap analysis, planning and action as we move towards harmonisation 01 January 2012.