OHS Stewardship - Integration of OHS in Corporate Governance

The demise of several high profile corporations worldwide has reinforced the importance of strong corporate governance. Coupled with the changing regulatory landscape, Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) is increasingly being treated as a key corporate governance issue. Besides presenting the rationale for including OHS in corporate governance, this paper examines an OHS governance model proposed by Health Safety Executive (UK) and how its principles complement the due diligence requirements under the harmonised Work Health and Safety Act (Australia). The application of this governance model will help to facilitate engagement of OHS at the highest level and to integrate OHS as a strategic business value. Given the significant relationship between governance practices and investment decisions, board level OHS engagement is critical in promoting investor confidence