OH&S Compliance

Author: Youth 2 Youth.

To ensure your business is operating within the law you need to understand the Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) legislation and then demonstrate that your business has a commitment to it. This encompasses a variety of different things:

Safety Inspections

Firstly, identify any hazards in the workplace. A safety checklist can be used to record hazards and to document the corrective action that is required.

Employee Communication

Communication with employees on issue of health and safety is paramount. Ensure the employees feel comfortable to discuss any issues in an honest and direct manner. Effective communication ensures that management and employees understand the relevant issues.

Clearly Defined Responsibilities & Training

Assign the responsibilities for safety to managers and/or supervisors, and make sure they feel accountable by building safety into your performance management. At the very least you should be meeting your legal responsibilities. Instruction and training to employees will ensure that they understand how to work safely. Implement training in, for example, first aid. Ensure someone is responsible for the upkeep of the mandatory signs and emergency posters.

Include Safety In Your Planning

Create and regularly update an OH&S Plan and build this into your business planning. This could be a kit with documentation on inspections, training and legal obligations. Make sure it is a flexible working document to cater for changes to the business operations, products or services. There should be clear and precise procedures of reporting of incidents and emergencies.

For more information, visit www.nohsc.gov.au.

'Copyright 2003 Youth 2 Youth'

Disclaimer: This article is for your information, but it may not apply to or be suitable for your situation, so seek professional advice. Youth 2 Youth or Y-Biz Hothouse cannot be held liable for anything resulting from how you use the information provided in this article.