A research blueprint has been published today in a bid to help reduce deaths, serious injuries and illness in NSW workplaces.

The NSW Government’s Centre for Work Health and Safety blueprint sets out the scope of its research over the next four years.

Executive Director of SafeWork NSW, Peter Dunphy said the centre reflected the government’s commitment to new and innovative approaches to help solve work health and safety issues.

“The centre is a collaborative research body that creates a new perspective and smarter approach to the way we think about work health and safety in NSW,” Mr Dunphy said.

“By taking a different approach to understanding and solving workplace issues, we believe we can have a positive impact on the day-to-day health and safety of workers across the state

“The blueprint spells out how the centre will undertake research, measure progress and judge success,” Mr Dunphy said.

It adopts a ‘human centred design’ approach that involves stakeholder experiences and needs, as well as engagement with peak bodies and community leaders.

Mr Dunphy said this approach will help address a number of societal and economic trends affecting workplace health and safety.

“Technological advances, the emergence of the ‘gig’ economy, and an aging workforce are just some of the current and emerging issues requiring creative solutions to work health and safety challenges,” Mr Dunphy said.

“By seeking a holistic understanding of a topic, we can better respond to the challenges these issues present.

“I’m confident the results will help improve health and safety in NSW.”

Future projects to be undertaken by the centre include investigating effective engagement between workers, industry and regulators; new ways to manage health in the workplace; and, drawing upon evidence to inform best practice regulation.

“This centre is just one of the ways NSW is leading the nation in smarter, more innovative harm-prevention initiatives,” Mr Dunphy said.

The centre is supported by a research foundation, which guides investment in cutting-edge academic research. For more information go to www.centreforwhs.nsw.gov.au or call 13 10 50.