Engaging with Workers

Did you know?

Engaging with Workers under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015

Engaging workers is not just good practice, it is a legal requirement under HSWA 2015. When workers are involved in identifying risks and shaping safety solutions, the result is a safer, more responsive workplace where risks are managed more effectively and people feel respected and heard.

Here is how HSWA 2015 frames worker engagement and participation:

1. Consultation

   PCBUs must consult with workers who are, or are likely to be, directly affected by a health and safety matter. This includes talking with them about proposed changes, seeking their views before decisions are made, and genuinely considering their feedback on policies, procedures, and controls.

2. Participation

   You must give workers real opportunities to be involved in health and safety decisions. That includes involving them in risk assessments, incident reviews, development of safe work procedures, and problem-solving discussions around control measures. Their input is a key part of building practical, effective solutions.

3. Representation

   Workers have the right to elect health and safety representatives or form health and safety committees. These roles are supported by law and help ensure worker voices are represented. Representatives can raise concerns, take part in inspections, and must be consulted on changes that could affect health and safety in the workplace.

4. Information Sharing

   You are required to make sure workers receive relevant and timely information about hazards, risks, and controls. This includes information about changes to processes, emergency procedures, and anything else that could affect their health or safety at work. Information should be clear, accessible, and easy to act on.

5. Training and Education

   Workers must be trained to do their jobs safely. This includes induction training, refresher sessions, task-specific training, and education around the correct use of personal protective equipment. It is not a one-off exercise, but an ongoing process to ensure skills and awareness remain up to date.

6. Feedback and Communication

   A positive safety culture relies on two-way communication. Encourage workers to report hazards, incidents, and near misses, and make sure they know how to raise concerns without fear of blame or reprisal. When workers speak up, listen, respond, and show that their input makes a difference.

By actively engaging with workers in these ways, businesses can strengthen their approach to health and safety, improve performance, and build trust. In the end, it is about working together to protect what matters most — the health, safety, and wellbeing of everyone involved in the work.