ABSTRACT
Australian WHS regulators broadly take a responsive regulatory approach, utilizing a pyramid of enforcement which provides for sanctions, directing compliance and encouraging and assisting compliance. Responsive regulation is now framed in terms of restorative justice, which draws on the values, motivations, abilities and resources of the regulatee to bring about the change. An extension to this, the pyramid of supports, provides that maintaining compliance or encouraging higher performance requires a focus on what an organisation is doing well and provision of praise and recognition. The Queensland WHS regulator developed an innovative approach utilizing both pyramids and an understanding of industry risks and dynamics to address the pervasive issue of falls from trucks in the road freight industry. By working with the industry, specific issues were identified and practical tools were developed. Outcomes achieved include improved industry attitudes towards regulation and 39% decrease in workdays lost due to injuries from falls.
