23 Oct National Safe Work Month – Winner 3
We are excited to announce this week’s competition winner which was centred around Working together to support all workers. It was very difficult to choose a winner as there were quite a few excellent entries but there can only be one prize each week. The winning entry was submitted by Margaret S from Hawks Nest and she now has free enrolment to a BSB41419 Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety qualification.
The winning entry is:
Every worker regardless of their position, needs the support of those around them, (even those that think they do not). The healthiest teams are generally that way as the individuals work together as a team to support each other. Tell us about when you were involved in a similar situation. Explain what the initial situation was and what the outcome looked like.
In our organisation, every worker, regardless of their role, relies on the support of their colleagues. Our WHS team hasn’t always been a “healthy” team. Things have changed we have shifted from an environment where people took delight in highlighting problems and blaming people to a workplace that recognized fostering a culture of collaboration and mutual assistance was crucial for maintaining a safe work environment. Here’s how we applied this principle:
1. Policies and Procedures:
– We developed clear procedures and guidelines that emphasised teamwork and collective responsibility. These policies outlined safety protocols, reporting procedures, and emergency response guidelines.
– Regular team meetings ensured that everyone understood their roles and responsibilities. We encouraged open discussions about safety concerns.
2. Audits and Inspections:
– Our WHS reps conduct routine inspections to identify hazards. Instead of working in isolation, they collaborated with workers from different departments.
– When an issue was detected (e.g., faulty machinery or blocked emergency exits), the team collectively addressed it rather than playing the blame game. This collaborative approach improved our safety record.
3. Safety Training Management:
– We maintain a comprehensive training register for all employees.
– Colleagues supported each other during training sessions, clarifying questions and reinforcing key safety practices.
4. Risk Management:
– Our risk assessments involved training on the risk register and all levels of staff collaborated to identify potential risks.
– Together, we prioritized corrective actions
5. Incident Management:
– When incidents occurred (near misses or injuries), we didn’t blame individuals. Instead, we investigated collectively to understand root causes.
– Staff now report incidents promptly, allowing us to take corrective measures swiftly.
6. Asset Management:
– Our asset register includes machinery, vehicles, and tools. Proactive maintenance schedules are shared among teams, so they know when something is due or overdue.
– If someone noticed equipment malfunctioning, they alert others to prevent accidents and have repairs or maintenance tasks logged.
7. Chemical Management:
– staff handling chemicals collaborated closely to prepare a chemical register. They shared safety data sheets and communicated spill response procedures.
– Regular checks ensured compliance with chemical storage regulations.
Congratulations Margaret and to all the other wonderful people who sent in entries. You can see some of the entries HERE.
You have one more chance to win a free BSB41419 Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety!
This week’s competition is on the subject of Working together to ensure a safe and healthy workplace so get your entry in and share your story with the WHS world, You have until this Friday the 27th to submit your story. All you need to do is email your experience to [email protected]. Please put your name and suburb you live in, plus the theme you are entering for.
You may just save a life and win yourself a free WHS qualification.