Occupational Health and Safety

Working Together

Introduction

The Occupational Health & Safety Act 2004 (the OHS Act) describes itself as “an Act to promote and improve standards for occupational health, safety and welfare”.  It sets out to do this in two ways:

The OHS Act requires employers to “provide and maintain so far as is practicable for employees a working environment that is safe and without risks to health” and “to provide adequate facilities for the welfare of employees at any workplace..”. 

A major principle underlying the OHS Act is the desire to bring all parties in the workplace into the consultative and decision making process relating to workplace health and safety.  The involvement of employees is central to the OHS Act’s strategy for prevention.  Employee involvement is achieved through employees themselves selecting health and safety representatives and the establishment of health and safety committees where needed (with at least 50% employee representation).  The OHS Act enables parties, in the workplace, to make arrangements which are most appropriate for their circumstances.

References

This information has been developed using the following references:

a.      Guide to the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004

b.      Code of Practice – (No 03) Workplaces

c.      Code of Practice – (No 18) First Aid in the Workplace

Employer Duty

1)      Provide and maintain: safe work areas and systems of work; adequate facilities and amenities

2)      Monitor the work environment to maintain safe working conditions

3)      Provide adequate information and training to workers regarding workplace health and safety (including ways of reporting health and safety issues)

4)      Keep information and records relating to the health and safety of their employees

5)      Nominate a person at the appropriate level to be the employer’s representative when health and safety issues arise

Employee Duty

The OHS Act reads:

“While at work an employee must:

a.      take reasonable care for his or her own health and safety and for the health and safety of anyone else who may be affected by his or her acts or omissions at the workplace; and

b.      co-operate with his or her employer with respect to any action taken by the employer to comply with any requirements imposed by or under this Act.”

In addition, employees must not wilfully or recklessly interfere with or misuse safety equipment that is provided. They must not wilfully put at risk the health and safety of others.

First Aid

First aiders undertake the initial treatment of people suffering injury and illness at work.  The treatment provided by first aiders should be consistent with their training and competence.  When in doubt, first aiders should recommend that an employee seek medical advice. 

First Aider Competencies

First aiders should have competencies in first aid procedures for:

a)      the type of injury and illness which may be encountered at the workplace

b)      life threatening situations and other emergencies

First aiders should:

a)      Be able to undertake the initial treatment of injuries and illnesses occurring in the workplace

b)      Be able to record the first aid given

c)      Have an understanding of relevant legislation

First Aid Kits

Employers should ensure that first aid kits are maintained in proper condition and the contents replenished as necessary.  First aid kits should be clearly identifiable and accessible.

Employee and customer/client awareness

Employees and customers should be advised of:

a)      Emergency evacuation procedures

b)      The location of first aid kits

c)      The names and work location of trained first aiders

Hazards

Management of workplace hazards

Any hazard identified in the workplace must be reported.  The person reporting the hazard is encouraged to come up with suggestions to assist in the resolution of the issue.  The issue should be assessed and dealt with as soon as possible after it has been reported, preferably using a team approach.  The management of workplace hazards is essential if we are to have a safe and healthy workplace.  Management consists of four elements:

a)       Identification of hazards

A hazard is anything that has the potential to cause injury or illness

b)       Assessment of risk

Risk assessment is used to evaluate the likelihood of an event/incident occurring because of a hazard and the possible consequences.  Assessing the risk allows decisions to be made in setting priorities and controls for prevention.  The risk matrix table following may be used to rate the risk.

c)       Risk control

The third step is to determine the best method to control a hazard. 

d)       Evaluation and monitoring

Evaluation of control measures ensures the ongoing effectiveness of hazard control.

Reporting

Accident/Incident Reports

Any workplace accident/incident or injury must be reported.  All accident/incident report records are kept secure in a locked filing cabinet and are reported for:

a)      An injury to any member

b)      Significant damage to facilities or equipment

c)      An incident that had the potential to cause injury, illness or damage

First Aid Treatment Log

All minor first aid treatment to be recorded on the First Aid Treatment log.

Health & Safety Report Log

All identified hazards are entered on this log, which is used to track the progress of OH&S matters.

 In some cases a hazard will only become apparent when a member sustains an injury or damage is caused to facilities or equipment.  In these instances both an Accident/Incident Report and a Hazard Report needs to be submitted. 

Updating Information

This information can be updated through the Workcover web site at www.workcover.vic.gov.au

If you would like to do an easy Self Test (True or False) Quiz,
just click here.  

Don't forget to close the quiz window when you have finished.