Case Study # 1
Industry
Construction materials group (national)
Issue of Concern
This multi-divisional organisation required an external review and assessment function to be established in relation to its OHS function. This was driven by a strong risk management culture and active board participation desiring greater transparency of safety performance adn due responsibilities being assigned across each stream and thence through each division management team.
Timing
The initial activity commenced in July 2003 and is ongoing.
Agreed Resolution
A customised audit regime was to be designed, trialled and then implemented across teh organisation with such embracing due incorporation of Australian Standards such as AS4801. Further access to adhoc advice and active participation in management review sessions was to be an element of this appointment.
Outcomes
The organisation has been through a first and now second round of site auditing adn the results of these are made known across the company. This has driven improved compliance to the standards expected of divisions within the company. Concurrent with this focus on OHS is a rigorous regime around the management of claims adn return to work on injured employees. Combined as strategies this entity has enjoyed 22% reduction in overall premiums within the last 3 years.
Current Position Post Resolution
This organisation continues to pursue the various initiatives which brought about these outcomes. These are reviewed annually and various performance targets are set to seek to drive continued financial and operational benefits.
Case Study # 2
Industry
Property management group (national)
Issue of Concern
Client has a substantial property portfolio and has a range of "people safety" exposures of either an OHS or public safety nature. The need to maintain a high level of compliance to OHS rgulations across the country as well as to minimise risks associated with third parties into their various buildings required an external auditor to create and then undertake an inspection programme.
Timing
Initial involvement commenced 2001, with increased programme in 2006.
Agreed Resolution
The client retained RiskTech to develop a customised inspection regime that would duly consider both employee as well as "visitor" risk across the organisation. This was to involve an awareness regime to provide local management with "on the ground" training in various risk control strategies, assess their facility in line with best practice standards, provide the sites with a clear pathway for improvement as well as internally benchmark the sites.
Outcomes
The programme was developed as a rolling audit regime initially focusing on public safety and essential services. This was recently added to by a separate audit programme specifically for OH&S. RiskTech also provides senior management and insurers with an annual overview report which tracks the progress of the audit programme and includes an analysis of the recommendation implementation across the group. The overall programme assessment showed various levels of performance and the need for a greater level of consistency to accepted practices as well as to meet various compliance issues.
Current Position Post Resolution
This programme is ongoing.