Topic 2: Barriers to OH&S consultation and communication.
Class Exercise – 31 March 2010
Objective: To identify barriers to effective OH&S consultation and
communication in the workplace for individuals or groups seeking information
and/or wishing to raise OH&S issues. Once these have been established, make
recommendations to address the identified barriers.
Method: Working in pairs, class members were asked to select a particular
group from a list of stakeholders and interested parties and discuss the barriers
and recommendations that may apply to their chosen group. Each workgroup
was to then report back their findings to the class.
List of stakeholders/interested parties:
1. Employees
2. Customers/Clients/Service Users
3. Management and Supervisors
4. Person/s in control of the workplace
5. Families of persons associated with the workplace
6. Members of the public
7. Visitors
8. Suppliers/Contactors
9. Unions
10. Regulatory services (e.g. WorkCover)
11. Building Managers/Landlords
Examples of Barriers:
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Ineffective communication methods
Non- compliance with legislation.
Poor Management/Leadership
Lack of time
Associated costs and resources
Poor consultation processes
Lack of information or knowledge of industry.
Insufficient education and training.
Lack of responsibility and accountability.
Cultural factors
Workgroup – Michael Fitzsimmons and Vanessa Akyol
Stakeholder – Management and Supervisors
Barrier
Recommendation
Communication
1. Review communication methods and identify areas for
improvement.
2. Ensure all staff have access to information disseminated by
Management.
3. Use a variety of communication methods to ensure staff are
being made aware of OH&S related matters i.e. emails,
staff memos, face to face meetings, noticeboards etc
4. Communication needs to be appropriate for staff with
linguistic and literacy difficulties.
Non-Compliance
with Legislation
1. Ensure all person/s in a supervisory role and HSR’s have
an understanding of their responsibilities, functions and
reporting requirements as per the legislative requirements.
2. All staff are to have the appropriate training and education
in OH&S required for their role.
3. OH&S for Managers Training is to be compulsory for all
Supervisors.
4. As part of their induction, all employees are to attend OH&S
workshop.
5. Access to OH&S documents, forms, information is to be
provided to all employees.
Time restraints
1. Simplify or streamline OH&S reporting procedures to make
them more efficient.
2. Prioritize OH&S related matters.
3. Highlight time that can be saved by tending to OH&S
matters prior to an incident, which could cost more time.
4. Delegate responsibilities if/when appropriate.
Associated
costs/resources
1. Become informed of costs of liability and/or compensation
compared to costs associated with correcting OH&S
practices.
2. Use pre-existing information and resources which can be
attained through WorkCover or other organizations in same
industry to minimize costs.
Workplace Culture
1. Managers need to assert their authority to ensure
employees are complying with OH&S requirements.
2. Recognize and reward employees that demonstrate
compliance and/or initiative with OH&S related matters.
3. Ensure all staff are aware of their individual responsibilities
and obligations in relation to workplace safety.
4. Identify key, influential employees and encourage peer
learning/education.