If we look at the evolution of systems in the workplace, first it was quality, then it was safety, then environment. Over time they have all been the leader and front runner of business thinking, and underpinned the design of work. At the start od 2024 Australian Treasury released the Exposure Draft Treasury Laws Amendment Bill 2024: Climate-related financial disclosure (Exposure Draft legislation).  It’s objective is to improve the transparency and comparability of information available to investors regarding Australian entities exposures to climate-related financial risks and opportunities as well as their plans and strategies in response to those exposures. You ask yourself how does this relate to safety?

Businesses will be required to focus on, or increase this focus on social issues. Social issues are just as important as health and safety issues, and we must make sure that the focus remains on both of these issues and not one or the other. In some instances organisations will be surprised to learn that they have processes, resources and frameworks in place to address social issues, which have evolved from workplace health and safety. Workplace health and safety teams should leverage this opportunity with the ESG reporting to bring together social efforts and to also highlight the strategic thinking and mindsets in place.

Link: PWC ESG Reporting

Tip: If you responsible for safety corporate governance reporting, if you haven’t already, start thinking about this reporting and how safety frameworks can be leveraged and replicated in your business.