As a social enterprise in the truest sense, Merriwa Industries trades in goods and services to deliver a profound social impact. This mission materialises through their integrated work teams, where people with and without disabilities collaborate side-by-side in a fast-paced factory environment.
For an organisation so deeply focused on people, prioritising the safety and welfare of the team is baked into the very foundation of the company.
"The values of our company are really based upon providing meaningful work for people with disability, and that's where we start, and that is what is at the center of this business," explains Helen Tobin-King, CEO of Merriwa Industries.
"When you're dealing with some of the most vulnerable people in society you've got to take extra steps to ensure their safety," adds Safety Officer Amanda Keyzer.
However, managing safety in such a diverse environment comes with unique challenges. To truly protect their people, Merriwa Industries needed to move beyond traditional safety management and foster a culture where every voice could be heard.