Invitation to Participate: Groundbreaking Studies at the University of Newcastle’s Centre for Construction Safety and Well-being

17 July, 2024

As part of our Enforceable Undertaking, we are pleased to introduce two exceptional PhD researchers, Anne Carman and Michelle Oberg, whose work at the newly established University of Newcastle’s Centre for Construction Safety and Well-being, which promises to revolutionise safety practices and leadership strategies in the construction industry. We encourage industry partners to participate in these innovative studies, which will provide invaluable insights and enhance safety outcomes.

Anne Carman: A visionary in strategic and organisational development

Anne Carman brings over 20 years of experience as the director of a consultancy specialising in strategic and organisational development projects across Australia, New Zealand, and Indonesia. Her expertise spans guiding organisations through strategic development, operational and cultural change initiatives. Anne has designed and executed numerous leadership development programs, ensuring sustained change, skill enhancement, and individual growth accountability. Her portfolio includes overseeing organisational transformations, fostering team engagement, assessing job and workforce impacts, and conducting risk analyses. Additionally, Anne is an executive coach, supporting team talent and performance management.

Anne holds a Bachelor of Arts, a Graduate Diploma in Psychology, a Master of HRM and Coaching, and a Diploma in Training Design and Development. Over the next three years, she will pursue her PhD studies at the University of Newcastle’s Centre for Construction Safety and Well-being. Her research will examine learning interventions’ impact on leadership and communication strategies and measure supervisors’ safety behaviour patterns pre-and post-intervention. Anne’s study will explore incorporating AI in the learning environment, culture change, and project team leadership.

Michelle Oberg: A Leader in Human and Organisational Performance

Michelle Oberg is a dedicated Human and Organisational Performance Specialist with over 10 years of experience driving safety and organisational culture improvements across various industries. Her expertise in ‘Safety Differently’ and Human and Organisational Performance (HOP) has successfully implemented strategic safety programs that prioritise understanding the context and conditions of work. Michelle’s innovative approach has significantly improved safety metrics and operational excellence.

Michelle’s professional journey includes notable achievements, such as her role as Human and Operational Performance Manager and Safety Innovation Lead at Downer Utilities, where she spearheaded initiatives like the Learning Teams program and the Safety Pulse program. Her efforts led to remarkable incident reductions and enhancements in operational efficiency. Michelle has received numerous accolades, including the AWA’s National Safety Excellence Award and recognition as the Best Individual Contribution to Safety by WHSQ in 2021.

Michelle holds a Bachelor of Psychological Science from the University of Queensland and a Certificate IV in Leadership and Management from Leadership Dimensions. She is also a renowned Learning Team facilitator and has contributed to the field through numerous publications and conference presentations.

Over the next three years, Michelle will pursue her PhD studies at the University of Newcastle’s Centre for Construction Safety and Well-being. Her research will assess the effectiveness of two diverse safety management learning interventions—workplace safety animations and simulated coaching on facilitating Worker Insights. Additionally, she will examine the application of an artificial intelligence-enabled Worker Insights tool for improving health and safety management practices and outcomes on construction sites. This research, involving participation from Hansen Yuncken managers and up to ten other industry participants over 12 months, will measure workers’ safety behaviour patterns before and after implementing these learning interventions, aiming to provide valuable insights for enhancing safety in the construction industry.

Click to view Michelle Oberg: Setting People Up For Success +

 

Join Us in Pioneering Safety and Leadership Research

We invite construction companies of all sizes to participate in these groundbreaking research studies and be part of shaping the future of safety and leadership in our industry.

Benefits of Participating:

  • Access to Cutting-Edge Safety Technology: Gain firsthand experience with innovative tools and interventions designed to improve health and safety practices.
  • Enhance Organisational Safety: Implement proven safety strategies that can lead to significant reductions in incidents and improvements in operational efficiency.
  • Leadership Development: Benefit from advanced leadership training and communication strategies that foster a culture of safety and well-being.
  • Industry Leadership: Position your company as a leader in construction safety and innovation.
  • Contribute to Research: Play an integral role in groundbreaking studies that aim to better the future of safety in the construction industry.

For more details and to express interest in participating, please contact Kurt Warren, National HSE&Q & Sustainability Manager at Hansen Yuncken.

Together, let’s lead the way in enhancing safety and well-being in the construction industry.

We would like to extend our gratitude to our Enforceable Undertaking project partners, who have supported the development of our tools to share with the broader industry.