FAQs
Safety FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
What do businesses have to do to meet new government legislation and requirements?
The new legislation requires business owners to provide a safe working environment for all staff, visitors and in fact anyone that comes into contact with any aspect of your business operations. This includes many things such as training, dedicated staff time, procedures and building awareness. Most business operators/owners are surprised when they realise the level of detail required to provide a safe working environment that complies with the new legislation.
Unless you have current experience in WHS it is likely that you would not have the knowledge, experience and systems in place to efficiently introduce an effective approach into your operations. That is where we come in, just as you know how to run your business operations, we know how to introduce an effective health and safety regime that will noticeably improve safety outcomes and staff morale.
Are there any ongoing costs once you have implemented WHS policies and procedures?
That depends on your business operations, risk profile and level of experience within your organisation. Many businesses simply require a manageable program to be put in place and can manage it themselves. Others with more detailed requirements use our experience and up to date knowledge of the WHS environment to assist them in meeting their legal obligations on an ongoing basis.
With a full program you will have all the documentation, procedures, training and assistance to start meeting your legal obligations under the Workplace Health & Safety Legislation 2012. Remember that the term compliant refers to all aspects of your operations on a daily basis, therefore it is essential that you, your staff and your WHS management require a disciplined, structured and flexible approach to give you the best chance of eliminating negative health and safety outcomes.
Will you tailor to my business or industry?
Absolutely, safety is not a one size fits all proposition. The old days of buying a manual that gathered dust on the book case are long gone. Software packages, while very effective are often not enough to ensure you, your business and staff are protected as well as you could be. Your operations require a tailored approach so that you, your staff and everyone that comes into contact with your business operations are safe, not put at unnecessary risk and can get home safely at the end of each day.
If an injury does occur, you will always stand a better chance of avoiding costly actions if your approach is tailored. Think about it, a judge or workplace inspector looks at a range of things and can clearly see when a business has taken the time to implement safety systems that are focussed on his/her operations rather than a generic approach which does not show commitment to actual safety in the work environment, do you think that impacts on the decisions made? Of course it does, that is where we can help!!
Will I be compliant when you finish?
Compliance refers to working within the law. We will provide you with the tools to help you manage your obligations, but this is a daily approach to safety that has to become part of your daily operations. It doesn’t mean you will spend hours every day just on WHS but it does mean your operations need to incorporate a safety mindset to ensure that safety is always considered in business decision making by all people within the business. We can help you achieve this!!
Once you have finished, what am I left with?
Anything from some useful advice and pointers through to a fully operational system that actively manages health and safety in your operations. We can help you once or regularly, whatever works for your operations, budget and risk profile.
What is the difference between an OH&S Consultant, Safety Consultant and a WHS Consultant?
Nothing, it is just a difference in terminology. OH&S refers to occupational health and safety, Safety is a generic term and WHS reflects the wording of the new legislation which is workplace health and safety. They all work to provide a safer working environment, the terminology often reflects personal preference or the industry they may prefer to specialise in.
How do you help those in the Construction & Sub-Contracting Game?
We provide you with the tools to manage your WHS obligations and can assist with applying for contracts, preparing submissions & site specific risk management.
What is Workplace Health and Safety?
What is workplace health and safety? Creating a safe work environment is critical to the success of your business, and is one of the best ways to retain staff and maximise productivity. As a business owner, you have responsibilities regarding …
Can I protect myself and my Company against claims?
Yes. Good health and safety procedures will reduce the number and severity of your WorkCover claims and the written documentation will provide tangible proof that you, as an employer are making every reasonable attempt to reduce and remove workplace risk.
What is a person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU)?
A PCBU includes an employer, corporation, association, partnership, sole trader and certain volunteer organisations. For example, a volunteer organisation which employs a person to carry out work is a PCBU. However, a volunteer organisation that operates with volunteers and does not employ anyone is not a PCBU.
What does the term, “Duty of Care” mean?
A requirement that a person/s act toward others and the public with watchfulness, attention, caution and prudence that a reasonable person in the circumstances would. If a person’s actions do not meet this standard of care, then their actions may be considered negligent.
What are some of the duties associated with exercising duty of care?
Maintaining a safe environment for workers, contractors, visitors and residents
Providing clear information, instruction and supervision
Implementing safe systems of work
Maintaining plant and structures
Regular consultation
Incident notification
How do we ensure ongoing compliance?
Contact one of our friendly staff and arrange for an inspection and report to be compiled. Alternatively use our online work ordering system or quote request system. The cost of a report will outweigh any litigation costs brought against the scheme for not exercising reasonable duty of care.
How can I best manage my workplace health and safety risks?
First, you have to understand the day-to-day process of your workers. As health and safety consultants, we regularly talk with your workers and draw on their on-site experience and knowledge to help determine which risks affect your work health and safety the most. We identify hazards, assess the risk, create the most effective control measures, and then continually review our measures so that any hazards and/or health safety problems are reported and handled immediately.
What is a hazardous chemical?
A hazardous chemical is a substance that is either classified:
As a hazardous substance by Safe Work Australia;
As a dangerous good as defined by the Australian Code for the Transport of Dangerous Goods by Road and Rail, or
As a hazardous chemical by the Globally Harmonised System for Identification and Labelling of chemicals (GHS).
What is a chemical register?
A chemical register is a list of hazardous chemicals at the workplace and a copy of the product suppliers SDS.