Service NSW has announced that two new research-based projects are underway. The first helps people overcome language barriers while accessing workplace safety information while the second seeks to help prevent employee burnout. Both will explore, “How app-based interventions can reduce harm in workplaces.”
They come via the NSW State Government’s Centre for Work Health and Safety and are founded on partnerships with Talk 5 and Pioneera.
Natasha Mann, Head of SafeWork NSW explained that while there are many variables on worksites across NSW, most workers will have access to some form of technology, whether it’s a phone, laptop, or other mobile device, that they can use to access services.
She said, “This public private partnership combines science, technology and evidence in a bid to deliver better outcomes for employees and businesses. The Centre is working with these two NSW-based businesses to leverage their ground-breaking safety ideas with a focus on practical solutions.”
The Talk 5 app was a recipient of a SafeWork Award 2021. It allows workers, from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, to access important safety information in their preferred language.
George Bancs, MD of Talk 5 explained that his business was pleased to be working with the NSW Government and understood that the workforce is culturally diverse.
He said, “Talk 5 recognises bringing working people together from all walks of life requires an unparalleled level of communication. We understand workplace safety depends on people and businesses having quality communication methods that are easy to understand. Talk 5’s service delivers digital multilingual checklists, safety guidance and more via visual, voice and audio technologies.”
Service NSW added that the partnership ensures that the Talk 5 app meets standards for culturally diverse employees while identifying ways to enhance the product with, “An underlying evidence base.”
The partnership with Pioneera focuses on boosting the mental health and well-being of working people. The company has created an online wellbeing app that employs a mixture of psychology and artificial intelligence (AI) to deliver personalised nudges to workers to catch the precursors to burn out before it appears.
In a bid to improve support for employees the Centre is partnering withThe partnership with Pioneera. The company has created an online wellbeing app that employs a mixture of psychology and artificial intelligence (AI) to deliver personalised nudges to workers to catch the precursors to burn out before it appears.
Danielle Owen Whitford, founder and CEO of Pioneera, said the use of smart technologies like natural language processing and sentiment analysis can help employers detect and prevent burnout in teams. She said, “Pioneera aims to create workplaces where both employees and employers have the right insights and tools to be healthier, happier and more productive at work.
“The Pioneera app features an animated AI assistant that delivers stress management tips, or ‘nudges,’ to workers in real-time as needed.”
Centre for Work Health and Safety Director, Skye Buatava, said that the Centre is working with diverse stakeholders to develop quality solutions to work health and safety problems. She added, “There are so many untapped ideas to solve common WHS issues just sitting in the minds of people who are on the front line. We want to work with those people to create safer workplaces.”
