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:
- Leadership in setting targets and expectations, training site based
staff and providing the resources to manage consultation effectively
- Put in place the methods of site based consultation which will lead
to effective engagement with the workforce
- 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
