The Human Side of Safety - Chat Safety

The company Chat Safety was formed from the ashes of a workplace accident in where I lost might right dominant arm. I now conduct 45 minute to (1) hour presentations about my experience from the day of the incident to present day, covering subjects such as: •Workplace accident • Hospital to rehabilitation • The effect on family and friends • Coping with a prosthetic limb • Workplace culture • Worksafe investigation • Communication in the workplace • Light at the end of the tunnel • Workplace complacency

What was the issue/s at the workplace?

My presentation confronts workers from the shop floor to the CEO. From the presentation we confront issues from the non reporting of near misses, no communication, plant and machinery safety, complacency and much more. To the human side of safety which is the injured party, work colleges, family friends and the flow on effects.

What did you do to control it/resolve it?

I ask representatives from all levels of a company or business to see the presentation. By this I get all who are there to see the ramifications of a workplace accident. This promotes discussions on any issue someone might have. The result is people talking and listening to each other. This has the flow on affect of solutions being discussed and implemented, thus reducing the risk and creating a safer work environment.

Who did you talk to about the issue/s or who helped you resolve it?

I always chat with workers from the shop floor, to the CEO and everyone in between to gauge their view and any issues they may have about their own working environment and what they wish to achieve. By this I am able to tailor my presentations for maximum affect and benefit to all concerned. This same process is repeated all around the country at my presentations, helping to create a safer workplace.

What was the outcome? How is the workplace better now?

My presentations have sent near miss reporting to record levels at most companies I have visited, it refocuses management and workers on what can happen if they don't get safety right. I am able to do this by bring and confronting people with the human face of safety. My presentations promote discussions about safety issues in the workplace which leads to solutions being created. This leads to a safer workplace with the reward of people going home from work the way they went to work, SAFELY!!!!!!!

*Disclaimer:
The publishing of entries on the WorkSafe Awards website and or/the granting of an award does not constitute any endorsement by WorkSafe Victoria of a product, method or service, or the occupational health and safety performance of the workplace. Monthly Champions must undergo expert review to progress through to the stringent validation and judging process and can only progress to the next stage of entry once WorkSafe are satisfied that the entry/entrant has met the relevant award category criteria and terms and condition of entry.

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