Worker engagement and participation case studies

Northpower - overcoming the ‘forgetting curve’ through microlearning

When Northpower took up an invitation from one of its safety training partners to trial innovative continuous microlearning technology, the outcomes were exceptional.

MDA Experiences – putting Manaakitanga at the heart of business

The safety operation plan for Rotorua-based MDA Experiences was first developed in 1989 – and co-owner Takurua Mutu, of Te Arawa descent, says it’s continually evolving, with ongoing input from team members.

Timpack Industries - in tune with engaging workers in health and safety

Timpack Industries has introduced a range of effective and innovative measures to engage its 180-strong staff team in health and safety – including senior management dressing up as the Bee Gees in a ‘Stayin Alive’ themed roadshow.

Positive worker engagement on the Rydges airport hotel development

Positive worker engagement is at the heart of Wellington International Airport’s major new hotel construction project.

Building relationships to ‘supercharge’ health and safety representatives’ role

Air New Zealand launched an innovative approach to health and safety 18 months ago, using High Performance Engagement (HPE) the collaborative way of working the company has adopted business wide.

Getting to grips with health and safety - Andrew Morrison, Beef + Lamb NZ

Encouraging workers to feedback on health and safety risks has led to some innovative ideas for improvement on Beef + Lamb New Zealand Chairman Andrew Morrison’s farm.

Kimberly Contractors on what health and safety means to them in forestry

We talked to Kimberly Contractors, who are a log harvesting company in the Gisborne region, about what worker engagement means to them and treating workers like whānau.

Coaching colleagues cuts injury rates and boosts productivity

When leading supply chain solutions company CHEP New Zealand logged 35 manual handling injuries in one year, they knew they needed to start doing things differently.

From life-changing workplace accident to life-changing workplace attitude

After his own life-changing workplace accident, Doug Healey hasn’t so much changed the health and safety culture at his company as introduced a whole new one.

Involving everyone in learning reaps benefits

Bringing teams together to learn from incidents is transforming worker participation and engagement in health and safety at Contact Energy.

Health and safety is about planning together, not the paperwork

Turning down work for a major company because "their H&S requirements looked too arduous" led to major changes for Coughlan Construction.

Keeping it simple boosts on-site reporting

When it comes to getting their workers involved in health and safety, Goodmans' find the best approach is to keep it simple.

Joining the dots between leaders and workers

By placing a ‘Have your say’ board in the middle of the staff cafeteria, Livestock Improvement Corporation has provided a 'hotline' for workers to raise issues with senior leaders, significantly increasing worker participation.

Talking about risks together is Goud for business

Colouring pencils and barbecues are just some of the ways dairy farmers Jodie and Carl Goudswaard ensure worker engagement and participation with their small team.

Napier Port triggers safety chain reaction

Sharing a serious near-miss led to Napier Port launching a collaborative project which addressed a serious safety risk, while bringing unexpected ‘spill-over’ benefits.

Worker participation in risk management improves efficiency

Having practical, hands-on workshops is just one example of the strong ongoing focus on worker participation, which has transformed the H&S culture at Upper-Hutt based Real Steel.

Shared ownership of health and safety boosts staff retention

Involving workers has proved so successful for Waste Management in the Hutt Valley, that the waste sorting and recycling plant has significantly boosted staff retention, with zero turnover for the past four years.

Tikanga approach to health and safety builds a stronger business

James Fruean, of Wellington Pipelines, used to see health and safety as a ‘drag’. Today it’s a passion, with an approach based on tikanga principles boosting productivity through a strongly engaged workforce.

Empowering workers to become health and safety leaders

No-one gets more than a few steps onto the Wellington Pipelines worksite before someone appears, iPad in hand, to take you through
the safety induction kōrero.