This episode is part two of a special three-part series exploring culture in the construction industry. Across the series, we unpack the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of the sector, including mental health, workforce sustainability, diversity, leadership, and the evolving expectations of construction workplaces.  

Rita Zhang is an Associate Professor at RMIT University and a leading researcher in construction health and safety. For more than a decade, she has worked closely with industry to better understand the factors that influence safety performance, worker wellbeing, and organisational culture across construction projects.

In this episode, Rita shares insights from several major research projects, including improving communication between apprentices and supervisors, examining women's experiences on male dominated construction sites, and exploring how subcontracting arrangements can influence safety outcomes. She also discusses the growing role of mental health in workplace safety, the potential of AI to support risk management, and how the Safety and Health Innovation Network (SHINE) is helping industry and researchers work together to address emerging challenges.

Resources and links:

Rita Zhang on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rita-peihua-zhang-50089255/ 

Connect:

The Society of Construction Law Australia website: https://www.scl.org.au/

The Society of Construction Law Australia on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/society-of-construction-law-australia/

 

Disclaimer:

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast series are those of the individual contributors and are not necessarily endorsed by the Society of Construction Law Australia (SoCLA). The content is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, professional, or other advice. Listeners should consider their own circumstances and seek appropriate advice from qualified professionals before acting on any information contained in this podcast.


This show is produced in collaboration with SoundCartel. Visit soundcartel.com.au for more information.

This episode is part two of a special three-part series exploring culture in the construction industry. Across the series, we unpack the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of the sector, including mental health, workforce sustainability, diversity, leadership, and the evolving expectations of construction workplaces.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Rita Zhang is an Associate Professor at RMIT University and a leading researcher in construction health and safety. For more than a decade, she has worked closely with industry to better understand the factors that influence safety performance, worker wellbeing, and organisational culture across construction projects.
In this episode, Rita shares insights from several major research projects, including improving communication between apprentices and supervisors, examining women's experiences on male dominated construction sites, and exploring how subcontracting arrangements can influence safety outcomes. She also discusses the growing role of mental health in workplace safety, the potential of AI to support risk management, and how the Safety and Health Innovation Network (SHINE) is helping industry and researchers work together to address emerging challenges.
Resources and links:
Rita Zhang on LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/rita-peihua-zhang-50089255/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/rita-peihua-zhang-50089255/</a>&nbsp;
Connect:
The Society of Construction Law Australia website: <a href="https://www.scl.org.au/">https://www.scl.org.au/</a>
The Society of Construction Law Australia on LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/society-of-construction-law-australia/">https://www.linkedin.com/company/society-of-construction-law-australia/</a>
&nbsp;
Disclaimer:
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast series are those of the individual contributors and are not necessarily endorsed by the Society of Construction Law Australia (SoCLA). The content is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, professional, or other advice. Listeners should consider their own circumstances and seek appropriate advice from qualified professionals before acting on any information contained in this podcast.
 This show is produced in collaboration with <a href="https://soundcartel.com.au/">SoundCartel</a>. Visit soundcartel.com.au for more information.

Building Tomorrow is the official podcast of the Society of Construction Law Australia, bringing together the people shaping Australia's building and construction industry.

Each episode features conversations with leading lawyers, engineers, project managers, developers, academics and industry experts exploring the issues influencing construction today. From construction law, contracts and dispute resolution to infrastructure, sustainability, technology, leadership and innovation, Building Tomorrow examines the challenges and opportunities transforming the Australian construction landscape.

If you're a construction lawyer, engineer, architect, project manager, student or simply interested in the future of Australia's built environment, you'll hear expert perspectives and real-world stories from the professionals driving the industry forward.

New episodes are released every second Tuesday.

Building Tomorrow is the official podcast of the Society of Construction Law Australia, bringing together the people shaping Australia's building and construction industry.
Each episode features conversations with leading lawyers, engineers, project managers, developers, academics and industry experts exploring the issues influencing construction today. From construction law, contracts and dispute resolution to infrastructure, sustainability, technology, leadership and innovation, Building Tomorrow examines the challenges and opportunities transforming the Australian construction landscape.
If&nbsp;you're a construction lawyer, engineer, architect, project manager, student or simply interested in the future of Australia's built environment, you'll&nbsp;hear&nbsp;expert perspectives and real-world stories from the professionals driving the industry forward.
New episodes are released every second Tuesday.

A show exploring the biggest issues in the Australian construction industry.