Work health and safety benchmark survey design and analysis

Summary

The research team was engaged by the ACT Government’s Chief Minister, Treasury and Economic Development Directorate through its Workplace Safety and Industrial Relations Division to undertake a study to provide:

• a baseline understanding of the culture of the ACT construction industry with regard to WHS, and
• evidence relating to the impact and effectiveness of changes introduced since implementing the recommended measures from the Getting Home Safely report.

A baseline safety climate survey mainly of frontline construction workers from companies of varying sizes was undertaken to understand the prevailing culture in the ACT construction industry. Focus groups were also conducted including participants representing industry associations, unions, government and construction industry employers.

Team

• Helen Lingard
• James Harley
• Rita Peihua Zhang
• Grainne Ryan

Partners

• This report was commissioned by the ACT Government’s Chief Minister, Treasury and Economic Development Directorate through its Workplace Safety and Industrial Relations Division.

Testimonial

RMIT successfully examined the safety culture of the ACT Construction Industry. This was a multifaceted review which involved consideration of WHS functions across public and private sector workplaces/workforces. In doing so, RMIT was required to consider adapting to internal government structures where the operational and policy sections responsible for WHS were not co-located nor in the same reporting lines. RMIT managed this element of the project with due consideration and professionalism. The response to the final report was extremely well received by all stakeholder groups and now form the basis of ongoing work to improve safety performance in the ACT construction industry.

Publications

• Report: Work Health and Safety Culture in the ACT Construction Industry (not circulated)