“Communication works for those who work at it.” — John Powell, a film music composer and an Oscar winner in 2011 for the music in the movie: How to Train your Dragon.

Communication is the key piece to bring everyone together to achieve positive safety outcomes. It is crucial that managers, staff and Health and Safety Representatives (HSR) communicate and work together to resolve health and safety issues.

Case study:

HSR sought assistance from OHS & Wellbeing (OHSWB) team, raising concerns about the layout of the workplace being inadequate. A Victorian Health Incident Management System (VHIMS) report was not submitted prior to this.

Steps taken:

Through effective communication and working closely together as a team, issues can be resolved by reducing exposure to hazards and promoting health and wellbeing.

If you have any health and safety concerns, the following steps should be taken:

• Talk to your Nurse Unit Manager (NUM)/ Manager and Health and Safety Representative (HSR) about the concern/issue
• Submit a VHIMS report (where applicable)
• If the issue cannot be resolved or further supports are required, contact OHSWB
• Work together to resolve the issue

The OHSWB team are here to support you. Here is how you can contact us:

• General OHS & Wellbeing: ohswb@nh.org.au
• Occupational Violence and Aggression: nhova@nh.org.au
• Injury Management and Return to Work: rtw@nh.org.au
• Click here for more information on OHS

Pictured in featured image (L-R): Bessie Taitoko (PSO; HSR), Tamara Cannan (NUM), Rianna Cordina (Clinical Nurse Consultant), Owen Glassenbury (MHICAR senior clinician), Roopa Abrol (ECT coordinator; HSR).