Mentor program embraced in North West NSW

A pilot safety mentor program involving businesses from across the north-west of NSW has been declared a success.

Fifteen businesses participated in SafeWork NSW’s Mentor Program, which involved experienced businesses helping small businesses identify new ways to address safety.

The program, which commenced in March 2017, ran for six months and involved eight mentors and seven mentees working together to not only improve safety but also their productivity.

Laurence Richey, SafeWork NSW director, regional north, said pairing local mentors and mentees together enabled far better results.

“Mentors understand the challenges mentees face on a daily basis,” Richey said.

“By bringing small businesses and the leading health and safety professionals from across the region together, new and innovative ways of tackling safety in north-west workplaces have been achieved.

“Mentees can now create a safety culture in their workplaces which will enhance both their reputation and profile.

“Every worker in this state has the right to a safe and healthy workplace, and safety is everyone’s responsibility. I congratulate the participants in the North West Mentor Program Pilot for their efforts towards achieving this goal.”

Mentors and mentees had one-on-one conversations, undertook on-site visits and participated in free SafeWork advisory and educational sessions across a variety of safety and injury management topics.

Mentees also qualified for SafeWork NSW’s $500 Small Business Rebate after making safety improvements in their workplaces.  

The pilot was supported by Northern Safety Network, Tamworth Business Chamber and NSW Farmers.

Since its commencement in 2006, 485 businesses have participated in the SafeWork NSW Mentor Program.