VAHS: A Focus on the Workforce
Victorian Aboriginal Health Service (VAHS)
Who funded the project
Karabena Consulting worked with VAHS to design and implement a comprehensive strategy to enhance workplace safety, health, and inclusion for Aboriginal staff. The project was part of VAHS's broader efforts to promote respectful environments for their staff in Victoria and address cultural safety.
The project provided VAHS with practical tools and strategies to ensure compliance with occupational health and safety (OHS) standards and to promote a safer, more inclusive environment for employees.
Summary
The primary aim of this project was to develop and implement a comprehensive OHS strategy tailored to the specific needs of staff working in Family and Counselling Services.
The project sought to:
enhance cultural safety and inclusion
provide VAHS with ongoing tools and resources to address trauma in the workplace, and
develop internal policies, procedures, and strategies to involve managers and staff in the consultation process for OHS matters.
Project Aims
The methodologies employed for this project included:
Cultural Consultation: We engaged Aboriginal staff in consultations to identify specific OHS concerns, with a focus on cultural safety and inclusion.
Indigenous Methodologies: We applied Indigenous methodologies to ensure that Aboriginal voices and perspectives were central to the development of OHS strategies.
Co-design Workshops: We facilitated co-design workshops with VAHS stakeholders and Aboriginal community representatives to collaboratively develop and tailor OHS policies and materials.
Document Review and Analysis: We reviewed VAHS’ existing OHS policies and procedures, incorporating updates to reflect best practices and compliance requirements.
Workforce Training: We developed training programs for VAHS staff to ensure a deep understanding of OHS responsibilities, vicarious trauma, and mental health concerns.
Methodologies
The project resulted in the following key outputs:
Updated OHS Induction Materials: We created comprehensive induction materials that clearly outline the roles, responsibilities, and expectations regarding OHS for both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal employees.
Leadership Guide: We developed a leadership guide to support managers in maintaining a safe, culturally respectful work environment.
Workplace Hazard Guidelines: We provided specific guidance on identifying workplace hazards, with a focus on vicarious trauma and mental health.
Reporting Mechanisms: We developed enhanced reporting mechanisms for incidents and OHS concerns, ensuring transparency and accountability.
Consultation Structures: We established clear consultation processes for Aboriginal staff on OHS matters, ensuring their voices are part of the decision-making process.
Outputs
The project achieved the following outcomes:
Improved Safety: VAHS now has a stronger focus on safety in OHS practices, creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for Family and Counselling Services employees.
Enhanced OHS Compliance: VAHS is better equipped to meet the requirements of the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004, addressing both physical and mental health hazards.
Engaged Aboriginal Workforce: Aboriginal staff are more involved in OHS matters, creating a sense of ownership and empowerment over their working conditions.
Sustainable Practices: The tools and strategies developed as part of this project have been embedded within VAHS' ongoing workplace practices, ensuring long-term sustainability and compliance.
Project Outcomes
#OccupationalHealthAndSafety #CulturalSafety #IndigenousMethodologies #AboriginalWorkforce #VicariousTrauma #WorkplaceHazards #ConsultationAndEngagement #VAHS #KarabenaConsulting