Occupational health and safety (OHS) experts from across Australia recently met for their annual summit to discuss and debate current trends, challenges and solutions within the industry. The summit was held on the Gold Coast from March 15 to 16 and the organisers described it as a huge success.

"We are really pleased with the turn out of the 6th annual OHS Leaders Summit Australia, from the incredible response and feedback we have had from delegates, sponsors and partners about the calibre of the program and the overall event," said David Witty, summit director.

Altogether, more than 150 of Australia's leading OHS professionals attended, including delegates from some of the country's largest organisations.

Speakers highlight new OHS technology and processes

Among the many presentations, workshops and roundtable discussions, many focused on innovations revolutionising the field of OHS. 

Matthew May, head of sales and operations at dorsaVi, hosted a workshop on wearable sensor technology and its potential for improving workplace health and safety. During the workshop, delegates were able to test novel wearable devices which are helping to reduce the risk of workplace injuries and improve productivity in large organisations such as Heathrow Airport, Coles, Monash Health.

Group HSSE Manager at Viva Energy Australia, Fiona Murfitt, discussed how the divide between OHS, a well established field that carries a comprehensive body of knowledge, and process safety, an engineering discipline that has evolved over the past 40 years. 

Delegates tested novel technologies being used by some companies to reduce workplace injuries.

In the OHS summit's closing keynote, Richard Coleman, former general manager HSE of Asciano, discussed key drivers of change within the OHS profession - such as changes to the organisation and structure of work, digital and technological disruption, and global political trends.

Mr Coleman said he foreseess the OHS profession undergoing major disruption in terms of the disappearance of jobs but, at the same time, increasing success in terms of its aims being met.

The two-day summit is was described as the best in the event's history

Is your company up to date with the latest in OHS? 

OHS in Australia is going through a period of great change, as new technologies, processes and regulations come in to effect. With that in mind, companies need to stay current with their procedures. 

If your organisation needs to review its current OHS/WHS management systems, consider signing up a member of your staff for Blackwoods national recognised OHS/WHS auditor training.

Browse our menu of available programmes today and find out how you can better prepare your organisation for a safer future.

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