OHS Communication and Workplace Participation:
An important mechanism in place at McDonald's is that which calls for a multidirectional channel of communication which includes agents at the government level, leadership at the corporate level, management and personnel. Accordingly, McDonald's reports that "consultation with crew and managers is essential to create a safe workplace. We believe that employee involvement in developing and updating workplace safety systems is critical." (McDonald's, p. 59) Therefore, McDonald's reports, each restaurant location creates a safety staff of between 6 and 8 employees which include one manager and selected crew members. This promotes leadership at the crew level and creates a channel through which the crew can communicate concerns and complaints to higher levels of management.
OHS Induction and Training:
At the base of its prevention strategy is McDonald's preliminary investment in training of its personnel. In light of regulations imposed by OS&H, it is incumbent upon the company to invest significant and meaningful resources into training its personnel in both effective performance of job roles and adherence to safety regulations. Accordingly, McDonald's (2010) reports that "more that $40 million is spent annually on training crew, managers and corporate staff." (McDonald's, p. 45)
Today, training objectives are being channeled through a program that McDonald's called "New Look Workplace Safety." This centered significantly on re-engaging employees in the process of training and recognizing adherence. Here, the multidirectional communication strategy would be applied to the achievement of core training objectives. According to McDonald's, in surveys on the subject, 95% of managers agreed that they had been trained effectively in matters of workplace safety and 86% expressed the view that workplace safety was taken seriously by the company. These numbers were 85% and 88% respectively for those working at the crew level. (McDonald's, p. 59)
Part III
Specific Risk and Accident:
In the absence of proper training, significant risk abounds. This is demonstrated in instances where McDonald's personnel have been taken outside of familiar roles. So exhibits a case in 1998. Here, McDonald's pleaded guilty and settled for an amount of $180,000...
This occurred while the driver was unlocking the stage from a latch on the truck. According to Kirby (1998), "in handing down her penalty, JusticeTrish Kavanagh said McDonald's had failed to provide a safe system of work or sufficient training, and the associated risk to the safety of its employees was significant." (Kirby, p. 1)
Company Response:
The case above demonstrates the simultaneous importance of ensuring effective job definition and training that is compatible there with. The response to such incidences is highlighted in McDonald's company materials, which report that at present day, training techniques are aimed at "early intervention . . . including the provision of suitable duties." (McDonald's, p. 59) Between 2008 and 2009, McDonald's Australia would experience an 18% reduction in its injury rate.
Prevention Hierarchy:
The prevention hierarchy at McDonald's begins with managers on duty. It is incumbent upon management to see that policies are clearly explicated, that training has been effectively conducted, that personnel are compliant and that proper procedures are carried out in the event of violations, injuries or emergencies. This responsibility also extends through the safety teams that McDonald's uses to ensure that personnel feel a sense of involvement in policy design and implementation. Thereafter, it is the crew upon which responsibility falls for ultimate compliance.
Conclusion:
For McDonald's Australia, the regulations established by OS&H provide a suitable blueprint for how to maintain effective safety standards. Internal policy reflects the prioritization of compliance therewith.
Works Cited:
EFF. (2004). McDonald's Australia -- A Case Study of a Multinational Operating Within the Australian Economy. Austrade.gov.au.
Kirby, J. (1998). Officials Cases: McDonald's Fined $180,000 After Worker Left Paraplegic. UnionSafe.
McDonalds. (2010). Employment and Training. McDonald's Australia CR&S Report.
Victoria State Government. (VSG). (2005). Guide to the OHS Act 2004. Occupational Health and Safety.
Works Safe Victoria (WSV). (2000). Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment & Risk Control in the Workplace. Worksafe.vic.gov.au.
