Hume City Council (Victoria)
Category 1: Best workplace health and safety management system
Hume City Council’s OHS management system relates to its OHS consultation and participation procedures – a fully integrated OHS strategy that incorporates policies, procedures, structures, programs and mechanisms for consultation and participation.
The OHS strategy is based on staff identifying issues and being involved in developing the solutions. The principles underlying the strategy are adaptability, opportunity for involvement and commitment from the top. It is regarded as central to day to day operations and is integrated across all sections of council allowing unions to work with executive management.
The system has evolved over the five years it has been in place. The impetus for change came from a change in senior management, with a commitment to reduce the human cost and cut their premium.
The CEO, executive management, HR, HSRs and deputy HSRs, union representatives and general staff have all been involved.
The system has been implemented across the Council’s entire operation. It has applicability across government and non-government business, especially those with a large, dispersed workforce.
Holistic approach ensures all employees have the opportunity to report on and discuss OHS issues with confidence that they will be addressed. The system is integral to the Council’s operations and it continually seeks ways to keep OHS messages fresh and interesting. Employee involvement has been instrumental to the success of the system – moral and involvement has improved and the program continues to evolve. There are awards for OHS ideas and ‘employee of the month’. On occasions union and management jointly reward positive achievement.
OHS issues are taken seriously and dealt with immediately. Consultation is active, and the system is under constant review. An annual staff survey, premium and incident/injury reports are also assessed.
The Council demonstrates considerable enthusiasm in sharing the system with other councils, VECCI and ASU. It has also budgeted significant amounts for training, its health and wellbeing program and ergonomic furniture.
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Page last updated: 03/05/2007