Case Study: Hunter Valley Training Company reduces workplace safety risk with OPRA Psychology Group

Minimising Safety Risk

Hunter Valley Training Company (HVTC), Australia’s largest and oldest apprenticeship training company, needed a better way to assess and manage workplace safety risk after the 2012 WHS law changes placed greater emphasis on mental health and holistic safety management. HVTC turned to OPRA Psychology Group to strengthen its recruitment and safety approach for its 900+ apprentices.

OPRA Psychology Group implemented a six-month pilot that overhauled HVTC’s recruitment process using comprehensive pre-employment psychometric testing through the Health & Safety Indicator (HSI). The results were significant: high-risk apprentices accounted for 70% of workplace safety violations, HVTC maintained an 85% apprenticeship completion rate versus an industry average of 50%, reduced Lost Time Injury rates by 10% for three years, and cut workers’ compensation costs by $130,000 in the first 12 months.

Hunter Valley Training Company

Janet Lee

Health and Safety Manager