Mentor program to improve safety

Large and small businesses from throughout Sydney and the Illawarra have come together to improve safety and productivity as part of the WorkCover Mentor Program.

General Manager of WorkCover’s Work Health and Safety Division John Watson said 27 large businesses had been enlisted by WorkCover to help 39 small businesses create safer workplaces. The businesses were welcomed to the program by the Minister for Finance and Services, Greg Pearce, at a launch held at the Sydney Mint.

“Small business can find it challenging dedicating resources to work health and safety while concentrating on their day-to-day business needs,” Watson said.

“The WorkCover Mentor Program provides a small business with industry-specific advice from a large business on how to meet their workplace safety, injury management and workers’ compensation obligations.

“The program also includes a series of site visits, advisory sessions and workshops.

“Importantly, mentors understand the work health and safety challenges mentees face and, through their expert advice and assistance, can suggest innovative solutions to everyday problems that in many instances would not be identified.”

Watson said there was significant interest in this year’s program and that it was a sign that Sydney small business wanted to improve safety and productivity.

“The WorkCover Mentor Program is now in its fifth year and has helped more than 330 businesses reduce injuries and build sustainable safety cultures.

“In fact, 95% of last year’s mentees implemented work health and safety improvements after participating in the program."

Following the Sydney and Illawarra launch, the Mentor Program will be rolled-out to other NSW regions during 2013.

Mentees are eligible to apply for a $500 WorkCover Small Business Rebate after making a safety improvement in their workplace. For more information on the WorkCover Mentor Program 2012-13, visit www.workcover.nsw.gov.au or call 13 10 50.