This case study examines how a mid-sized electrical contracting firm transformed its safety performance through systematic WHS improvements.
The Challenge
ElectroCorp (name changed) is an electrical contracting business with 45 employees working across commercial and residential projects. In 2023, they faced:
- High incident rate – 12 recordable injuries over 12 months
- Rising insurance premiums – Workers' compensation costs increasing 15% annually
- Client concerns – Losing tenders due to poor safety record
- Low morale – Workers concerned about safety culture
Management recognized that without change, the business faced growing costs and reputational damage.
The Approach
ElectroCorp engaged external support to review and rebuild their WHS system. The project included:
Phase 1: Assessment (Month 1-2)
- Full audit of existing safety documentation
- Worker surveys and focus groups
- Incident data analysis
- Benchmarking against industry standards
Key findings:
- SWMS documents were generic and not used on site
- Near misses were not being reported
- Toolbox talks were irregular and poorly documented
- No formal system for hazard identification
Phase 2: System Development (Month 3-4)
- New WHS management system aligned with AS/NZS ISO 45001
- Trade-specific SWMS for all common electrical tasks
- Simplified hazard and incident reporting process
- Structured toolbox talk program with pre-written topics
Phase 3: Training and Implementation (Month 5-6)
- All workers trained on new systems
- Supervisors trained on safety leadership
- New workers inducted with clear expectations
- Regular check-ins to address issues and refine processes
Phase 4: Monitoring and Improvement (Ongoing)
- Monthly safety KPI reporting
- Quarterly management reviews
- Annual system audits
- Continuous improvement based on worker feedback
The Results
After 12 months of operating the new system:
Safety Performance
- 40% reduction in recordable injuries (from 12 to 7)
- 300% increase in near miss reporting (indicating better hazard awareness)
- Zero lost time injuries in the second half of the year
Business Benefits
- 20% reduction in workers' compensation premiums
- Improved tender success rate – winning contracts previously out of reach
- Higher worker satisfaction – positive feedback in follow-up surveys
Cultural Change
- Safety discussions now part of daily routine
- Workers actively identifying and reporting hazards
- Supervisors leading by example
- Genuine belief that safety and productivity can coexist
Lessons Learned
ElectroCorp's experience highlights several key success factors:
- Leadership commitment – Management visibly prioritized safety
- Worker involvement – Consultation built ownership and buy-in
- Practical systems – Documentation designed for real-world use
- Consistent implementation – No shortcuts or exceptions
- Continuous improvement – Regular review and refinement
Key Takeaways
- A systematic approach to WHS delivers measurable results
- Investing in safety pays off through reduced costs and better business outcomes
- Worker involvement is essential for lasting cultural change
- Simple, practical systems outperform complex paperwork
- Improvement takes time but momentum builds with consistent effort
Ready to improve your safety performance? Browse our electrical safety templates and WHS management systems.