Vision for safety in Australia

By the late George Robotham

 

My vision for what an excellent approach to OHS in Australia looks like:

1. We get rid of emotive terminology such as accident, cause and blame. Alternatives are available
2. Get rid of Zero Harm approaches
3. We finally come to the realization that the focus must be on Class 1, permanently life altering personal damage. Minor damage is not a good predictor of major damage
4. We come to the realization that enterprise personal damage occurrence analysis is limiting and it is much better done on an industry basis. Industry taxonomies of Class 1 personal damage are the way to go
5. We use modern adult learning principles to facilitate learning. Safety people must have excellent presentation skills and skills in facilitating problem solving groups
6. We lose the focus on A.S. / N.Z.S. 4801 and develop robust safety management systems
7. We have a well developed body of OHS knowledge to guide learning facilitation. Whilst the Safety Institute of Australia is to be commended for starting the process what has been developed so far needs more work
8. We get rid of displacement activities in OHS. A displacement activity is something we do, something we put a lot of effort into but which there is no valid reason for doing it. Examination of the history of the industrial safety movement will reveal many examples of displacement activities.
9. We develop sensible safety legislation that adds value and is easily interpreted
10. All stakeholders are involved in decisions about OHS
11. OHS paperwork is focused and succinct
12. OHS approaches are simple and reality tested with the workforce
13. Formal and informal leaders are trained in and practice Safety Leadership
14. We realize the limitations of the risk assessment process
15. Safety people need to realize they have to be lifelong learners
16. Safety people need to realize the importance of and develop their communications and interpersonal skills. Safety people need an empathetic approach to others
17. The impact of psychological and sociological approaches on safety need to be realized and learnt
18. Teambuilding needs to be practiced in safety approaches
19. There is a highly visible commitment to safety from many companies
20. Audits are thorough and searching unlike the common cursory approach now
21. Safety committees and representatives have meaty jobs to do and actually achieve something
22. Communication must be face to face and relevant to the receiver
23. Decrease the reliance on the Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate and use positive performance indicators
24. Safe working procedures are succinct and the workforce is involved in their development
25. Safety people are committed to high ethical standards and excellence
26. Safety people have skills in management of organizational change, quality management and project management
27. Safety people have the skills to recognize and not be sucked in by the various safety fads that come along.