HERE is a hypothetical situation which, while fictional, illustrates the dated way in which some Army members still handle OH&S issues.

Scenario I
A soldier is seen on Army property acting in a reckless manner, endangering himself and others. He is observed by the unit’s safety adviser, but is apparently not seen or is ignored by NCOs and officers.

The adviser tells the soldier to stop what he is doing, pointing out numerous breaches of safety, SOPs and OHS legislation. The adviser then reports the event – as he is obliged to do – as an unsafe incident, in an AC 563. The form arrives at the Commonwealth regulator, Comcare, which then conducts an investigation. What messages is the unit’s chain of command sending to the soldier?

The unit’s OC hears of the incident and not only counsels the soldier but also the safety advisor – the latter for bringing the unit’s name into disrepute.

Scenario II
A soldier is seen on Army property acting in a reckless and unsafe manner, endangering himself and others. He is observed by his platoon corporal and the unit safety adviser.

The NCO tells the soldier to stop what he is doing and to explain his actions. The soldier is referred to the unit safety adviser, who points out the soldier’s numerous breaches of safety, SOPs and OHS legislation.

An investigation is begun to determine why the soldier acted the way he did, why he thought his actions were acceptable and what, if any, training or other measures could have been instituted to prevent the incident.

Causes are subsequently identified and several steps are initiated to prevent similar breaches recurring.

The result is a safer unit with fewer of its members operating in potentially harmful work environments. The unit’s OC commends the corporal and the safety adviser for a job well done.

Where we are
Over the past two years, the Army has seen significant advances in attitudes to safety. OH&S is no longer seen as a burden but as a combat multiplier.

Similarly, when reviewing incidents, we talk much more about systems and risk management rather than the blaming of individuals.
The use of safety personnel is also increasingly seen as a means to enhance capability.

These are positive advances, inculcated in a relatively short period of time across the Army’s large and diversified workforce.

However, getting from Scenario I to II still requires many more members to reconsider their OH&S thinking.