By
Louise Butcher
HIGH
response rates to the Behavioural Baseline Research (BBR) study
measuring Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) behaviours and
attitudes in Defence have pleased its organisers.
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 examine the information
from the initial phase and to identify 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
analysed, the Defence Occupational Health, Safety and Compensation
Branch will use the information for safety management system design,
while 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 F-111 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.
For more information, phone (02) 6266 8496 or visit http://defcare.dcb.defence.gov.au/main/dohsp/dohspdefault.htm
