High response rate to study

By Louise Butcher

The first information gathering phase of the Behavioural Baseline Reserach (BBR) study which will measure Occupational Health and safety (OHS) behaviours and attitudes across the organisation, is now complete with organisers pleased with the high response rates.

Director of the Defence OHS Project GPCAPT David Richardson said that responses across full-time Defence personnel averaged more than 70 per cent of the sample target of about 12,000 responses.

“Responses are still being received from reservists and cadets.

We would like to express thanks to all those who took the time to participate, and who assisted with coordinating this activity,” GPCAPT Richardson said.

The Defence OHS Project (of the Defence Occupational Health, Safety and Compensation Branch, which is conducting the BBR), aims to establish a baseline of OHS behaviours and attitudes throughout Defence based on the overall results.

The BBR will enable Defence to take a “snapshot” of attitudes and practices on OHS and analyse and track changes.

With the first information gathering phase completed, organisers are now using focus groups across Defence to further analyse the information already attained from the initial phase and to identify the drivers of emerging trends.

“Focus groups commenced on May 27, and will continue until the end of June, involving all groups and services who participated in the initial quantitative survey.

A total of around 35 focus groups will be held, at locations across Australia and including ADF, Defence APS and contractors,” GPCAPT Richardson said.

On completion of the next phase, and after the data has been further studied, the Defence Occupational Health, Safety and Compensation Branch will use the information to inform corporate safety management system design, whilst Services/groups will be able to use the information in a variety of ways, specific to their needs.

Results of the study are due to be available in October.

The BBR began after the F111 Deseal/Reseal inquiry uncovered flaws in safety management applicable across all of Defence.

The BBR forms part of a broader Defence approach to develop a corporate health and safety system, under the guidance of the Defence Occupational Health and Safety Committee.

.