BENEFITS OF WORKER PARTICIPATION IN HEALTH AND SAFETY

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Abstract
Recent Australian reforms in occupational health and safety are based on a fundamentally new approach centred on worker participation through worker-elected health and safety representatives. This paper presents the results of a survey of approximately 150 health and safety representative operating in a large state government organisation. Data was obtained on: background, experience, attitudes and activities of representatives, time spent on health and safety matters, sources of health and safety information, and support received from fellow workers. Recent health and safety issues and their resolution were explored, together with representatives' satisfaction with management, and their evaluation of the health and safety committees system and training program. The ability of representatives and management to work together in resolving issues, the development of more experienced representatives, and other achievements provide evidence of the benefits of worker participation in health and safety. The results suggest that the new approach, as well as improving health and safety, makes a positive contribution to industrial relations.