OHS - Where To Start

Getting Started with OHS is easy. Follow these three steps:

• Assess
• Implement
• Improve

Assess

Assess your Safety Procedures and Policies. If you don't have any, then either create a Policy Manual, or purchase one like the SafetyCulture Policy Manual.

Safety Procedures can be created by assessing the risks associated with a task, or you can purchase off the shelf, and custom Safe Work Procedures.

Implement

Train your staff how to work safely, Induct them into the company safety procedures and policies and have them sign off and agree to working safely.

Improve

Review and improve your OHS Systems so that as your company grows, your workers continue to Work Safely.

The two Benefits of implementing an OHS System in your workplace

1. Less likely to have accidents, and more likely have identified the risks and taken preventative measures to avoid accidents.

2. You have evidence to support your case should any claim for damages or prosecution occur.

OHS - For Sub Contractors

Are Sub-Contractors required to have Safe Work Procedures and OHS Systems in place?

The answer is Yes. There is much confusion particularly for sole traders and sub-contractors because not everyone is using a documented OHS System.

If you are responsible for work of any type, building, manufacturing, office, or anything else, then you are deemed to be ultimately responsible for the safety of the people who come in contact with the work. So companies are either providing inductions for all workers, or they are asking the sub contractors to provide their own OHS System.

Whether you believe this is right, wrong or otherwise, it is a reality of today's business landscape. If you are a Sub-Contractor and someone is injured as a result of work you are doing, then WorkCover or Worksafe Investigators want to see evidence of what safety measures you have put in place.

If you have taken the time to implement a process of working safely and have documented your results, then you are more likely to be working safely, and less likely to have workplace accidents.

For examples of prosecutions and workplace accidents visit the OHS News section.