Research and emerging issues
Research
Research is fundamental to the continuous improvement of Australia's performance in OHS and workers' compensation arrangements. Safe Work Australia ensures that research findings are disseminated and the knowledge gained is used to effectively inform OHS policy and practice.
Occupational Disease Reports
The full list of Research Reports can be accessed on our publications page.
Emerging Issues
Safe Work Australia undertakes research on emerging OHS and workers' compensation issues. Emerging issues may arise as a result of changing economic, political or social factors such as:
- labour market conditions
- employment arrangements
- systems of work and work organisation
- legal requirements
- new technologies
- changing worker demographics such as an ageing workforce or higher proportions of migrant workers.
The methodology used to assess emerging issues is based on the criteria from Europe's Risk Observatory model. Safe Work Australia systematically scans empirical research, grey research, websites, news articles, and legal cases for information on a range of issues. Findings from this research is then analysed in order to decide whether the issue is new or increasing and whether it is of national significance.
Page last updated: 08/09/2009