Any person conducting a business or undertaking has a commitment to ensure a safe working environment for their workers, the management, contractors, public and the business. One way to ensure workplace health and safety is for the management to be committed to do exactly that.How does a person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) indicate that they have this management commitment?By simply saying that “our business and its management are committed to work health and safety” is not enough. To prove that your business is committed to work health and safety, this needs to be reflected in your policies, procedures and other written documentation.
Here are a few for your to consider:
Work Health and Safety Policy
Work Health and Safety Management Statement
Safety Action Plan
OHS Systems
Job Descriptions
WHS Budget
Here are a few questions to help think about whether management in your business is committed to safety:
Is the safety policy (or other OHS policies) dated?
Is the policy signed by the current person with authority for the company?
Is there a review date on the document?
Does the policy include an implied commitment by workers?
Are contractors, visitors and the public incorporated into the policy?
Does the safety policy state how management will ensure safety?
Do you monitor and review your safety performance?
Do your current / future plans have safety built in?
Does everyone in the business know their safety responsibilities?
Do all Job descriptions specify WHS responsibilities?
Is information readily available to workers e.g rehabilitation and return to work procedures.
Does management participate in emergency evacuation drills?
Is there a budget allocated for WHS?
Are you committed to maintain and repair equipment?
Is all required PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) ready and available?
Are staff safety reports acted upon immediately?
Do you have regular walk through, inspections and audits?
Do you have policies and procedures reviewed?
At the start of this year, the fines under the new Act have increased significantly. Management commitment is the first step you need to take to ensure Work Health and Safety. This is the foundation for a health work place culture.
If any of the questions indicated in the above list are missing from your workplace policies, please browse through our website to download any relevant documentation.
To ensure the safety of your employees is like climbing Mt Everest. You need the appropriate tools and safety gear to complete the mission. The same applies to any work environment. You need to provide the appropriate tools and safety gear to your employees to enure their safety, whilst successfully completing their work tasks. Misson accomplished.
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