A new research project will see Edith Cowan University’s Centre for Workplace and Wellbeing aim to make health and safety a higher priority for Australia’s business leaders.
A new research project will see Edith Cowan University's Centre for Workplace and Wellbeing aim to make health and safety a higher priority for Australia's business leaders.
In partnership with the New South Wales Government's Centre for Work Health Safety, the $370,000 project will see a team of ECU researchers liaise with executives from large Australian corporations to promote commitment to workplace health and safety (WHS) within their organisations.
Through a series of interviews and workshops, the project aims to understand what factors may impact a company’s commitment to WHS, identify existing and potential barriers in implementing WHS schemes and the role Environmental and Social Governance may play in motivating decision makers to make WHS a priority.
Centre for Work and Wellbeing director Professor Tim Bentley said business leaders prioritising WHS is fundamental for employees within corporations to enjoy excellent health, safety and wellbeing performance.
"It is important to understand the external factors that drive such leader commitment, including the role of Environmental and Social Governance in elevating the importance of WHS," he said.
Centre for Work Health and Safety Director Skye Buatava said there are mutual benefits in lifting WHS standards.
"Working with senior leaders, we can identify the practicalities and advantages of making health and safety more of a priority," she said.
"We know that good practice drives efficiency, the value proposition, employee attraction, culture and the sustainability of an organisation."
Visit the project's homepage for more information, while those wanting to take part in the study can contact Professor Tim Bentley at t.bentley@ecu.edu.au .
