Having a OH&S Manual gives you and your staff a framework for communicating and acting in a safe, responsible manner. The only place to start your communication is in writing. This serves two purposes, firstly, the business isn't dependant on any one person to 'part' with their knowledge in order for other staff members to understand how to work safely. Secondly, if there is ever any question, or inspection that requires you to produce your Company OH&S Policies, then there is a very clear and concise written record of what they are and how those principles have been communicated to your staff. Currently the government has placed the responsibility of the safety of your workers entirely on the employers' shoulders. Having an effective OHS System balances that responsibility between you and your staff. After all, it has to start with the individual, and that means having all of your staff sign off an undertaking that they will follow your policies and work safely.

The policy manual covers the commonly required policies for an industrial or professional company.

Policies included in the Professional Services Version:

• Occupational Health and Safety Standards
• Disciplinary Action & Dismissal Policy
• Drug & Alcohol Policy
• E-mail usage Policy
• Equal Employment Opportunity Policy
• Fire & Evacuation Policy
• First Aid Policy
• Hazardous Substances Policy
• Incident Reporting Policy
• Internet Access Policy
• Manual Handling Policy
• Mobile Phone Policy
• Privacy- Company Privacy Policy
• Privacy- Employee Privacy Policy
• Rehabilitation Policy
• Risk Management Policy
• Smoke Free Workplace Policy
• Social Functions Policy
• Stress & Fatigue Policy
• Sun Protection Policy
• Workplace Harassment & Conflict Management Policy
• Employee Policy Agreement

The Industrial Version includes the above policies plus an Environmental Policy, a Forklift Policy, a Personal Protective Equipment Policy and a Ladders Policy.

Stage Two of the OHS System is the OHS Diary