Safe Work Australia releases Research and Evaluation Strategy

Safe Work Australia (SWA), Australia’s national policy body for WHS and workers compensation, has released its Research and Evaluation Strategy, which sets out the focus areas, goals and priorities governing the agency’s collaboration with the wider WHS research community. As industries and demographics shift, technologies advance and WHS changes, SWA said that the world of work faces complex challenges — saying that this release “signals a reinvigorated research and evaluation focus for the Agency and its commitment to coordinated, collaborative national research”.

“Making informed decisions on the actions and policies needed to reduce worker fatalities, injuries and illnesses requires a strong evidence base — which means rigorous data and research,” SWA CEO Marie Boland said. “Our Research and Evaluation Strategy demonstrates how we will forge stronger connections with those in the research community, build consensus on persistent and emerging challenges, and co-design a research agenda focused on practical outcomes to address them.

“Each year, around 200 people lose their lives across Australia due to work-related injuries and thousands more are injured or made sick by the work they do. Research plays a vital role in improving work health and safety and return-to-work outcomes. By identifying the most pressing issues and turning evidence into meaningful real-world improvements, we can create safe workplaces and save lives.” The strategy is available at www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/doc/research-and-evaluation-strategy.

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