SPIN: Turning worker voice into action

Workers often see problems, pressures and changing conditions before they appear in reports or lead to harm. However, their concerns may not always be easy to explain or include enough context to support action.

SPIN helps health and safety representatives (HSRs), listen to workers, understand work as it is actually done and turn concerns into clear recommendations that leaders can act on.

How SPIN works

The training brings together two simple frameworks:

●       The 4Ds – Dumb, Dangerous, Difficult and Different – help HSRs ask questions and understand what workers are experiencing.

●       SPIN – Situation, Problem, Impact and Need – help HSRs organise those insights and explain what needs to change.

Together, these frameworks help HSRs raise concerns respectfully, focus on work design rather than blaming people and work with leaders to support improvement.

Complete the online course

The free online course includes six short modules. Each module takes approximately 10–15 minutes to complete.

The course covers:

●       The role of an HSR as a worker representative and advocate

●       Worker engagement, participation and representation

●       Listening respectfully and without blame

●       Using the 4Ds to understand real work

●       Using SPIN to explain concerns and recommend improvements

●       Working with leaders and closing the feedback loop

You will need to register or log in to access the module.

Continue your learning with free online coaching

Everyone who completes the SPIN course will be invited to a free online coaching session with course creator Brent Sutton from Learning Teams Inc.

The session will give you an opportunity to ask questions, discuss how you are using SPIN and the 4Ds, and learn alongside other course participants.

We will email you an invitation and session details after you complete the course.

Who is the course for?

The course has been developed primarily for:

• New or developing health and safety representatives
• Health and safety committee members
• Worker representatives and advocates
• Union delegates involved in workplace health and safety
• Workers preparing to take on an HSR or representative role

It may also be useful for supervisors, managers and health and safety professionals who support worker engagement and HSR development.

Download the SPIN resources

The downloadable resources below can be used alongside the online course or on their own. They provide prompts, guidance and templates to help HSRs and leaders apply the 4Ds and SPIN in their workplaces.