Woolworths slashes manager bonuses after devastating workplace tragedies
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Disclaimer: This article explicitly mentions workplace death, which some readers may find distressing. Discretion is advised.
Woolworths is determined to ensure its workplaces remain safe and has now taken action against those found to be liable after two heartbreaking workplace deaths.
In December, tragedy unfolded as 39-year-old contract cleaner Malerato Harrison met her untimely demise. She was pinned against a wall by a rogue floor polisher while servicing a Woolworths store located in Newcastle.
Then, just a few months later, on June 27, 35-year-old Basel ‘Baz’ Brikha was was caught in a fatal incident that also left two other workers injured when a pallet stacker unexpectedly released its load and crushed the worker at a distribution centre in Western Sydney. You can read more on this story here.
Woolworths CEO Brad Banducci faced tough questions from Bank of America Analyst David Arrington, who highlighted the need for improved safety measures during an earnings call.
'Forget about productivity–we’re talking about the basic essentials of keeping workers safe. What should we as investors expect?' Arrington said.
'I’m assuming, in the least, none of your management team are going to get bonuses this year?'
In his ten years with the company, Banducci said the fatalities were the only two he could remember, although there were also two near-misses during the financial year.
He did, however, confirm that the demise of Malerato Harrison was under investigation.
‘There’s a lot of extenuating circumstances, but we feel accountable for what happened.’
Woolworths has strengthened its safety protocols across all its stores and distribution centres and has set up a cleaning service which it uses in 76 of its supermarkets. They also no longer have the pallet-stacker involved in the Sydney accident.
Furthermore, to prevent more of these tragic incidents from happening, Woolworths has reviewed every piece of equipment they use in all their chains and services as both deaths were equipment-related, according to Banducci.
‘We’re coming back more broadly on the topic of safety and how we validate all of our safety procedures,’ he said.
Lastly, as a way to show their commitment to a safe workplace, Woolworths has decided to reduce the bonuses of senior management by 10 per cent this financial year. These consequences may become more severe if further investigations uncover any lapses in safety procedures.
The Role of Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) in Preventing Such Incidents
Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) protocols are an absolute workplace necessity. These guidelines assist in identifying possible hazards and defining appropriate mitigation actions. As per Safe Work Australia, a 13 per cent decrease in serious workers' compensation claims was noted from 2000 to 2019, highlighting the impact of effective OHS measures at a national level.
The relevance of continual safety training and effective risk communication cannot be stressed enough. Regular safety drills, easy access to safety equipment, and mandatory safety orientations for recruits are a few elements that shape a secure workplace.
In the wake of these tragic events, businesses must scrutinise their health and safety protocols to ensure a risk-free workspace.
What are your thoughts on this story? Is Woolworths doing enough to prevent further tragedies? Let us know in the comments below!
Woolworths is determined to ensure its workplaces remain safe and has now taken action against those found to be liable after two heartbreaking workplace deaths.
In December, tragedy unfolded as 39-year-old contract cleaner Malerato Harrison met her untimely demise. She was pinned against a wall by a rogue floor polisher while servicing a Woolworths store located in Newcastle.
Then, just a few months later, on June 27, 35-year-old Basel ‘Baz’ Brikha was was caught in a fatal incident that also left two other workers injured when a pallet stacker unexpectedly released its load and crushed the worker at a distribution centre in Western Sydney. You can read more on this story here.
Woolworths workplace safety questioned after two tragic workplace deaths. Image source: Wikimedia/Orderinchaos.
Woolworths CEO Brad Banducci faced tough questions from Bank of America Analyst David Arrington, who highlighted the need for improved safety measures during an earnings call.
'Forget about productivity–we’re talking about the basic essentials of keeping workers safe. What should we as investors expect?' Arrington said.
'I’m assuming, in the least, none of your management team are going to get bonuses this year?'
In his ten years with the company, Banducci said the fatalities were the only two he could remember, although there were also two near-misses during the financial year.
He did, however, confirm that the demise of Malerato Harrison was under investigation.
‘There’s a lot of extenuating circumstances, but we feel accountable for what happened.’
Woolworths has strengthened its safety protocols across all its stores and distribution centres and has set up a cleaning service which it uses in 76 of its supermarkets. They also no longer have the pallet-stacker involved in the Sydney accident.
Furthermore, to prevent more of these tragic incidents from happening, Woolworths has reviewed every piece of equipment they use in all their chains and services as both deaths were equipment-related, according to Banducci.
‘We’re coming back more broadly on the topic of safety and how we validate all of our safety procedures,’ he said.
Lastly, as a way to show their commitment to a safe workplace, Woolworths has decided to reduce the bonuses of senior management by 10 per cent this financial year. These consequences may become more severe if further investigations uncover any lapses in safety procedures.
The Role of Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) in Preventing Such Incidents
Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) protocols are an absolute workplace necessity. These guidelines assist in identifying possible hazards and defining appropriate mitigation actions. As per Safe Work Australia, a 13 per cent decrease in serious workers' compensation claims was noted from 2000 to 2019, highlighting the impact of effective OHS measures at a national level.
The relevance of continual safety training and effective risk communication cannot be stressed enough. Regular safety drills, easy access to safety equipment, and mandatory safety orientations for recruits are a few elements that shape a secure workplace.
In the wake of these tragic events, businesses must scrutinise their health and safety protocols to ensure a risk-free workspace.
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