Worker engagement initiative: background

The evidence base

"There is a growing body of evidence that

• indicates that effective worker involvement and consultation on health and safety has a positive impact on both individual workers and organisations as a whole.Workers who are involved are also more committed and feel more valued. This is reflected in greater job satisfaction and a lower likelihood of leaving the organisation.For the construction company the result is improved health and safety, which translates into reduced sickness absence, increased productivity and quality and reduced staff turnover."
• indicates that work sites with Union safety representatives and safety committees have fewer injuries and incidents of ill health than those without. Unions have a particular role to play in training safety representatives and in supporting effective worker engagement in health and safety on sites where they are recognised by employers"

A series of case studies on worker engagement is being developed, using examples which show the business benefits of developing good practice in worker engagement.

The business benefits

• Reduction in risk and accidents
• Improved retention of skilled staff
• Enhanced reputation and ability to attract quality work
• Better rating by insurers
• Demonstration of corporate social responsibility

The action plan - three steps to commit to:

1. Leadership in setting targets and expectations, training site based staff and providing the resources to manage consultation effectively
2. Put in place the methods of site based consultation which will lead to effective engagement with the workforce
3. Gather the evidence that effective consultation and engagement is taking place

How will improved worker engagement prevent accidents?

• By engaging workers fully in risk assessment
• By communicating effectively safe and healthy methods of work
• By briefing workers on the day-to-day risks of the job and checking that workers themselves understand how these are to be controlled.

Further information

• Construction Industry Advisory Committee (CONIAC) Declaration
• Worker engagement case studies