Project aims

Delivering regular and actionable insights about WHS in an Australian context.

The Centre has launched the National WHS Radar, an initiative that will deliver the latest insights on work health and safety in Australian workplaces twice a year.

The National WHS Radar will empower Australian regulators, academics, and leaders to take a proactive approach to WHS, informing existing and future policies, practices, and research projects.

How does it work?

Every six months, the Centre’s Research Team will delve into a range of new WHS data and evidence.

The team will incorporate data from these five streams:

• existing data, including incidents, worker’s compensation, ABS, and prosecutions
• analysis of grey literature
• social media listening
• nationwide survey of WHS inspectors and experts
• nationwide survey of Australian workers across all industries

The Team will then analyse and synthesise this information into reports that will be made publicly available.

What’s the benefit?

This type of reporting has never been done at this scale and frequency in Australia.

The evidence and guidance that the National WHS Radar Reports will deliver relevant, local, and current information into the hands of the people who can effect real change, and ultimately create safer workplaces in Australia.

What comes out of it?

The latest reports will be shared every six months, and you can access the April 2023 reports below.

WHS Radar Report – April 2023

Highlights include:

• Continued financial pressures being felt across all industries are causing productivity and efficiency to be prioritised over WHS
• There is a concerning volume of psychosocial harms being felt by workers, including burnout and harassment
• An increase in flexible working arrangements is seeing benefits for worker mental health and increased feelings of isolation simultaneously
• Australian regulators are strengthening approaches to WHS issues, yet newer areas of concern (including AI, electric vehicles, and consideration of professional athletes) are causing challenges.

Australian WHS Survey – April 2023

Highlights include:

• Increasing reporting of psychosocial harm like burnout and stress shows the workload pressures being felt by workers
• Indication that the Healthcare sector needs to re-prioritise WHS in the aftermath of COVID impacts
• There is a large gap in worker and management WHS experiences that needs to be addressed
• There is a distinct difference in WHS experience of small and large businesses with unique concerns for each cohort
• Clearly identified vulnerability in at risk worker groups, including female identifying people, culturally and linguistically diverse workers, First Nations workers, the migrant workforce, LGBTQIA+ community, and people living with a different ability.

If you would like updates on the reports, head to our Engage with us page.