Why do we have ohs policies and procedures

Do all employees have copies of their employer's health and safety policy? Are workplace representatives consulted about periodic revisions and updating of the employer's health and safety policy?

Has the policy been reviewed with the health and safety committee? Does it state who will review the policy and how often it will be reviewed? Are there effective arrangements for drawing the policy to the attention of all employees? Is the delegation of duties logical and successive throughout the organization?

Is it clear that the ultimate responsibility for safety rests with senior management? Are the responsibilities of senior managers written into the policy or into job descriptions? Are there procedures and controls in place that ensure accountability? Is health and safety performance an essential ingredient of performance appraisals?

Do line managers understand and accept the nature of their health and safety responsibilities? Are there arrangements for liaison with contractors? Are all individuals aware of their legal responsibilities? Responsibilities of Individuals Individuals have a responsibility to carry out their assigned duties.

Employees Carry out work in a manner so as not to create a health and safety hazard to yourself or others. Participate in education and training. Assist in the reduction and controlling of incident and illness producing conditions. Report any incidents, near misses, injuries, or illnesses.

Use the correct tools and equipment for the job. Keep tools and personal protective equipment in good condition or replace when necessary. Use the required safety equipment and personal protective equipment.

Report defects in workplace equipment. Develop a personal concern for health and safety -- for yourself and for others, particularly newcomers and young people. Suggest ways to eliminate hazards or control risk. Read, understand, and comply with workplace health and safety policy, safe work practices and procedures. Co-operate with health and safety committee members and representatives.

Participate in medical surveillance e. Record and analyze information on injuries, illness, damage, and production loss. Assess incident trends and review overall safety performances. Maintain contact with professional bodies e.

Take part in workplace discussions on injury, health and welfare, damage control. Keep up-to-date with recommended codes of practice and new health and safety literature. Administer the health and safety program. Assist in incident investigations, analysis and preparation of incident reports and summaries. Prepare inspection reports. Ensure that corrective action has been taken whenever deficiencies are identified.

Assist with health and safety seminars, education, or training. Maintain overall responsibility for the health and safety program.

Ensure that all established health and safety policies are administered and enforced in all areas. Ensure that all personnel are aware of and effectively practice the policies and procedures set out in the health and safety program. A written general health and safety policy demonstrates to management, supervisors and workers that there is a commitment to ensuring high standards of health and safety.

Employers are also required to have written risk assessments, which can be included in the overall health and safety policy. All employees must be made aware of the policy, which should be subject to regular review and revision in the light of experience. Revisions may be in response to changes in the nature of work carried out, new machinery, or any changes in legislation. Policies should be written in plain English so they can be easily understood and put into practice.

The site also provides a policy template. Name required. Email required. Phone required. Why Occupational Health and Safety is Important. Here are a few things you can do to be compliant with Australian OHS laws: Provide a safe working environment for all your employees Provide and maintain safe machinery and structures Provide safe ways of working Ensure safe use, handling and storage of machinery, structures and substances Provide and maintain adequate facilities Provide any information, training, instruction or supervision needed for safety Monitor the health of workers and conditions at your workplace In Australia, each state and territory has its own OHS laws and a regulator to enforce them.

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