Introduction (case study)
Since October 2020, our building company has been committed to implementing and sustaining the actions outlined in the Enforceable Undertaking (EU) agreed upon with SafeWork NSW. This agreement followed an incident on one of our project sites. Several actions were presented to and accepted by SafeWork NSW, with formal acceptance published in October 2020.
SafeWork NSW EU Evaluation
In 2022, SafeWork NSW commissioned an evaluation of the EU program. We are pleased to report that our company has not only met the original commitments but has also extended the initiative to achieve several strategic outcomes. These outcomes add substantial benefits and learnings to the original “Skills Ecosystem.”
Background
The major component of the EU involved implementing the MYSKILLSmanager Workforce Development and Risk Management software to create a WHS Skills Ecosystem. This ecosystem connects our company with 23 high-risk PCBUs (trades) that provide services to our residential home construction sites.
The purpose of the Skills Ecosystem was to standardise WHS processes through a digital framework, establishing common language and WHS data sets. This was designed to engage workers, increase WHS risk vigilance, and promote proactive collaboration on residential home building projects.
A key feature of adopting MYSKILLSmanager was the implementation of transparent learning processes, reflected in simplified onboarding, induction, and learning procedures. The digital framework also introduced nationally endorsed competency standards through learning guide packages and competency logbooks, aiming to create a more engaged and informed workforce.
Stage 1: Implementation
MYSKILLSmanager specialists developed specific resource packages relevant to our workforce and the workforces of each trade area involved in our projects.
Implementation:
- Our company and each PCBU operate within their own High-Performance Workforce Academy, sharing resource packages with their workers. Each worker has their own login and access to personalised data.
- Our company confirmed the principle that 80-90% of learning occurs in the workplace. However, there has been no way to recognise this workplace learning until now.
- Resource packages were shared through induction and onboarding processes.
- Our company sponsored (paid for) the creation of “Academies” for all PCBUs selected for the project.
In summary, our company, through the EU, created an innovative Skills Ecosystem connected by digital technology, including:
- A framework of digital WHS systems and tools for all organisations and their workers.
- Resources developed and shared across all PCBUs, including:
- Policies designed by our company.
- Basic safety instruction plans (micro syllabus) in line with SafeWork NSW codes of practice.
- Learning guides based on relevant nationally endorsed competency standards.
- Competency logbooks.
- Digital onboarding followed by resource activation. Upon completion, the PCBU would confirm completion in the learning manager.
Stage 2: Adjustments and Challenges
The MYSKILLSmanager software was configured to provide specialised WHS tools, allowing workers to record their daily project work on digital devices. A workshop was held to demonstrate tool usage, but it did not achieve the desired level of engagement.
COVID Impact: During this stage, our project sites were shut down due to COVID-19, causing a significant loss of momentum. Slow work opportunities during the lockdown required considerable effort to return to pre-COVID workflow levels.
The MYSKILLSmanager team suggested modifications, including:
- Functionality for our company to share projects with PCBU Academy project sites.
- Simplified project check-in/check-out and hazard recognition processes using QR codes.
In 2024, MYSKILLSmanager’s User Experience (UX) was simplified to enhance user experience.
In September 2024, our company will focus on key PCBUs using their Academy Systems and Tools to the expected level, achieving ongoing EU activities.
