Research released today highlights significant safety concerns within the facilities management sector in Australia. According to the Australian Workplace Safety Market Research Report, commissioned by Rapid Global and conducted by Research Without Barriers, the industry remains burdened by outdated practices that pose unnecessary risks. The report surveyed over 1,000 safety managers, workers, and contractors across various high-risk industries, revealing a reliance on manual processes that create compliance gaps.
The findings indicate that a notable 26 percent of managers still depend on paper-based systems for safety activities. Additionally, 49 percent of respondents noted that manual identification and compliance checks at site entry are both slow and prone to errors. Alarmingly, 52 percent of workers reported that it is possible to gain site access even with incomplete or expired training.
Another critical area of concern is incident reporting. While workers are expected to identify hazards, there is widespread skepticism regarding the effectiveness of these reports. Only 17 percent of workers believe that all reported incidents lead to necessary corrective actions, while 66 percent expressed a desire for a more straightforward reporting procedure. This lack of confidence is compounded by the fact that 45 percent of workers feel that managers depend heavily on them to identify hazards and incidents.
The anxiety surrounding the implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) in the sector is palpable. Nearly 47 percent of facilities management workers fear that AI will replace senior management roles, while 31 percent worry about job security. This apprehension may hinder the adoption of tools that could enhance both safety and efficiency, underscoring the need for clearer communication from leadership regarding AI as a supportive resource rather than a threat.
Professor Dr. Andrew Sharman, a renowned expert on safety culture and CEO of the International Institute of Leadership & Safety Culture, stated, “Safety is often well documented, yet not consistently felt by people on the ground. Bridging the gap between policy and practice is less about systems alone and much more about leadership. Trust is the critical differentiator.”
Ezequiel Gonzalez, Head of Revenue at Rapid Global, emphasized that the findings illustrate a shift in how safety risk is shaped by complexity rather than intent. “Australia has made significant progress in workplace safety, yet complacency remains. Complex, high-risk environments require more than simply checking boxes. Technology should not replace human judgment but rather enhance it,” he stated.
The research suggests that organizations most likely to improve safety outcomes are those that prioritize reducing friction within their processes. By automating enforcement and making safe behavior the easiest choice in day-to-day operations, companies can foster a safer working environment.
Rebuilding trust among workers is now of utmost importance. The research indicates that while technology has the potential to bridge many safety gaps, its success hinges on positioning it as a support mechanism for workers. When enforcement becomes automatic rather than discretionary, the likelihood of achieving safer outcomes increases.
For further insights, the full report is accessible at Rapid Global.
About Rapid Global: Rapid Global is an AI-powered platform committed to transforming workplace safety and compliance. With a user base exceeding 7 million worldwide, the company leverages over 20 years of industry experience to provide a comprehensive approach to managing safety. Key services include contractor pre-qualification, online inductions, visitor management, site access control, audits, AI-enabled camera monitoring, and incident reporting. For more information, visit Rapid Global.
