DWF Risk is independent to DWF's legal operation, and is able to offer services to internal and external clients without conflict issues. DWF Risk is a part of DWF Connected Services, the specialist division of DWF comprising a range of businesses that complement the core legal offering, as well as providing stand-alone and complementary services directly to clients.
DWF Risk is headed up by Darren Sharry, a safety professional with over 20 years' experience, who joined the business in February 2020. Darren is a Chartered Professional member of the Australian Institute of Health and Safety, and has trade and tertiary qualifications. He has worked as an inspector with the Government WHS regulator, held senior management positions in top tier global building and engineering companies, and in the energy and mining industries. Darren also holds lead auditor qualifications in WHS, Environment, and Quality management systems.
Jason Ford, head of connected services, DWF said: “We are delighted to be launching DWF Risk in the Australian market. This new connected services business will give our clients access to an integrated high quality workplace health and safety and employment relations consultancy service, from a single service provider. This addition fits perfectly with our aim of providing clients with a service that is truly unique and 'does things differently', beyond providing purely legal services."
Commenting on the announcement, DWF's Australian Managing Director Jamie McPherson said: “We are excited to take this step, which is a natural expansion of our existing expertise and services. DWF Risk gives our new and existing clients access to the highest quality workplace health safety and employment relations expertise, without having to go elsewhere. Risk can assist in effective crisis response, incident investigation, and auditing and assurance activities to help clients manage their risk profile. In a proactive sense, DWF Risk can review a businesses' operations and recommend improvements to keep their people safe, and avoid potential prosecution and workers' compensation claims.
“While the launch of DWF Risk comes at a time when workforces around the world are having to change their operational set up very rapidly due to COVID-19. It is important to remember that businesses still have the same WHS duties and obligations, and many are still delivering products, buildings, and services as usual. DWF Risk is ideally placed to help them manage these obligations while implementing any changes required by COVID-19 response measures.
This situation presents various challenges and uncertainties for employers, particularly in relation to matters of WHS and workplace relations. For these reasons, we expect to see an increase in the already strong demand for these types of services and look forward to helping clients and other businesses find their feet in the new normal.
“It’s an exceptionally busy time for the business and Darren’s expertise in management systems, strategy, leadership and governance position him well to lead the DWF Risk team.” Mr McPherson added.
DWF Risk will offer various specialised services to help businesses comply with their legislative obligations while achieving their commercial objectives. These services include the development and review of WHS procedures and compliance reviews, crisis management plans, tailored WHS training packages for staff, contractor management services, risk assessments – including both workshop facilitation and physical inspections – and enforceable undertakings.
For more information, click here to visit our DWF Risk page.
