The project identified a comprehensive picture of where the evidence base is well established, where it is emerging, and where there are opportunities to strengthen the evidence through future research.
The project used an innovative research methodology, combining a taxonomy based scoping review, case study led horizon scanning, and evidence mapping to provide a comprehensive view of the WHS and workers’ compensation research landscape. More than 7,000 Australian WHS and workers’ compensation research records were reviewed.
The project was informed by academic oversight, with guidance from an expert working group drawn from across WHS research and related fields, as well as peer review from the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences & Engineering.
The findings are presented across the following reports:
- Executive summary
- Technical overview
- Focus area report: Psychosocial harm prevention and recovery
- Focus area report: Advances in technology
- Focus area report: Shifting mindsets around WHS fundamentals
- Focus area report: Effectiveness of systems and frameworks
- Focus area report: Changing nature of work
- Horizon scan and search taxonomy
- Scoping literature review methodology paper
- Addendum report
The findings highlight the depth and diversity of Australia’s WHS and workers’ compensation research capability, while identifying opportunities for greater coordination and collaboration, helping to better target future research to support safer and healthier work in Australia.