Supply chain risk management software company Avetta has revealed that 10% of workers say safety systems do not exist in their high-risk industries.
The nationwide survey reached people in the manufacturing, construction, mining, utilities, facilities management and other high-risk sectors to gauge employee confidence in workplace safety.
Avetta Vice President of Operations Luke Boyle says many workplaces in high-risk industries are “operating on fragile scaffolding when it comes to genuine protection”.
“The perception gap is not just about communication, it’s about governance,” Boyle says.
“When employees believe they’re safe, but organisations fail to adequately mitigate risks, leaders create ticking time bombs – rare but devastating failures that can cost lives, ruin reputations and expose companies to legal, financial and moral consequences.”
In Avetta’s report, the surveys leaned into contractor confidence for their high-risk, low-protection position, uncovering that 65% of the survey respondents were ‘somewhat confident’ or ‘not confident at all’ in relation to safety standards being verified before the contractors begin working.
“Contractors are not just filling labour gaps, they’re central to operations,” Boyle adds.
“If they’re under-protected, the entire workplace ecosystem is at risk.
“Ensuring contractors have the same level of safety standards and risk management as permanent staff isn’t just good practice, it’s essential for preventing incidents, protecting lives and safeguarding organisational integrity.”
The stigma behind speaking up on injustices for fair work is yet to change, with 38% of workers admitting they have previously refrained from reporting concerns due to repercussions or disbelief that things would change.
Safe Work Australia reports 184 workers lost their lives at work over the 2023-24 period in Australia.
Avetta helps clients manage supply chain risk and their suppliers become more qualified for jobs.
Write to Maddison Elliott at Mining.com.au
Images: Unsplash
