Simple Safety Update

Welcome to 2010 and the first issue of your Simple Safety Update.  The Simple Safety Update includes:

• A Simple Safety Schedule

The Simple Safety Schedule gives you the steps you need to take to manage OHS and meet legislative obligations.  Action 1 of the schedule describes how to set up your OHS policy.  Future issues will take you through hazard identification, risk control, consultation and other activities you need to have under control.  Your Simple Safety Schedule will be updated every month.

•  OHS News & Events

OHS News & Events will bring you the latest information on health and safety prosecutions, events including training, conferences and changes to OHS legislation.

In this issue we help you gain senior management commitment and set up your OHS Policy. We hope you find your Simple Safety Update a useful tool on your safety journey.

Sue & Denise

Simple Safety Schedule

Develop and document your commitment to effectively manage OHS through an OHS Policy. This is a statement by the company of your commitment to safety.  It should include:

• Overall statement of aims and objectives - “We commit to providing a safe workplace for all employees, contractors and visitors and complying with legislation”
• Actions-  “we commit to proactively identifying hazards”
• Responsibilities “Directors are responsible for providing time and resources to manage safety”
• Monitoring -“we will monitor and review our safety performance through regular an annual audit of our safety system”
• Continuous improvement – “we commit to continuously improve the way we manage safety”

Now you need to:

1. Draft the policy
2. Get support from senior management
3. Consult with employees – OHS committee, toolbox talks, management meetings
4. Finalise -  get signed off by the most senior manager
5. Promote – display in reception and on noticeboards, add to induction and newsletters
6. Update every 2 years

OHS News/Events

Company fined $115,000 for failing to provide adequate supervision.

In a recent court judgement, a NSW company was fined $115,000 in relation to inadequately supervising a 19 year old apprentice.  The carpentry apprentice was working a multi-storey construction with no fall protection and carrying out duties associated with dogging. The apprentice, fell resulting in serious injuries. A generic, pre-prepared safe work method statement, which had been signed off on, was not being followed.  The company director was also personally fined.

Ensure your supervisors are supervising for safety, not just production.

Are WorkSafe Inspectors coming to visit you?

With the high death rate in 2009, WorkSafe Inspectors are out and about focussing on areas with the highest number of claims and claims costs.  See if your location is on the list - visit the WorkSafe website.