Safety mentoring for small business

The successful completion of a trial mentoring program to help small businesses improve workplace safety will see it expand into the manufacturing and construction industries.

NSW Minister for Commerce, John Della Bosca announced the expansion of WorkCover's Safe Business Mentoring Program yesterday. The pilot program saw Bovis Lend Lease mentor nine small construction companies over a six-month period.

The aim of the program is to provide small businesses with professional and practical safety advice from industry leaders.

The safety issues faced by small businesses have often already been addressed and solved by big business, said Della Bosca. The program aims to share knowledge and experience to prevent injuries and lift productivity.

The small businesses participating in the pilot took part in workshops, discussions and site visits with Bovis Lend Lease OHS officers to discuss specific areas of concern.

The program is already earmarked for expansion into the manufacturing and construction industries in 2007 and could further extend into rural, health and community services.