Premier & Cabinet

Type:
Department of Premier and Cabinet Circular
Identifier:
C1997-61
Status:
Archived

C1997-61 Occupational Health and Safety

Detailed Outline

The purpose of this circular is to remind Chief Executives of their occupational health and safety responsibilities. As you are aware, the responsibilities for employee health, safety and welfare at work is governed by the NSW Occupational Health and Safety Act 1983, and Regulations made under this Act. The responsibilities for employee workers' compensation and their rehabilitation at work from a work related injury or illness is governed by the NSW Workers' Compensation Act 1987 and also applicable to all government organisations.

The Government is committed to further occupational health and safety legislative reforms which is demonstrated through the Standing Committee on Law and Justice currently inquiring into occupational health and safety, and the Grellman Inquiry which has recently concluded an inquiry into workers' compensation.

The NSW Occupational Health and Safety legislation outlines the employer's duty of care to provide a safe system of work, which includes appropriate training, provision of information, instruction, and supervision to the extent required to protect the employee and other persons on health and safety at work. Employers have an obligation to also ensure the safety of plant. This objective is to be widened to include the conduct of hazard identification and risk assessment programs in workplaces for which they are responsible.

Chief Executives are required to exercise due diligence' in relation to health and safety matters which includes proper auditing practices for monitoring and feedback. Past experience has shown that ignorance of a hazard or risk to health or safety at a workplace is not considered a defence under the Act.

The application of best practice in occupational health, safety, welfare and effective management of workplace rehabilitation of injured workers, is a cost effective investment for any organisation. Reduced workers' compensation premiums and injury management costs can only result from major improvements to existing occupational health, safety, welfare, and rehabilitation performance. Organisations should therefore incorporate occupational health, safety, welfare and workplace injury management into all aspects of their current and future corporate planning and operational strategies.

The legislation requires all members of OH&S committees established in accordance with the legislation to be trained by a WorkCover accredited provider. The current length of this course, determined by WorkCover, is four days. This can be spread over time and is flexible to the extent that agencies can contact WorkCover direct to discuss their needs and how to match their legislative obligations with the business and financial requirements of the agency.

The NSW Occupational Health and Safety (Committees in Workplaces) Regulation provides information on the establishment and structuring of committees. Consultation with the relevant unions representing employees on the formation of committees is also recommended as part of the Government's commitment to consultative practices across the sector.

WorkCover accredited training packages have also been developed for managers and supervisors, refresher training for committee members, induction training, and on manual handling and hazardous substances. WorkCover accredited training is also available for Rehabilitation Co-ordinators.

Each agency is required to develop an OH&S program. This program should outline safety management systems and workplace injury management plans. To assist agencies develop their programs practical guidelines have been developed and are attached. WorkCover also has a range of publications that will assist organisations to develop an appropriate OH&S program.

If you require any further information concerning this matter, please contact Wendy Barrett on 9228 3568 or Doug Cowell on 9228 3575.

C. Gellatly
Director-General

 

ANNEXURE TO CIRCULAR NO. 97-61

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY

(Circular to all Chief Executives)

These practical guidelines should be considered by all agencies as part of future occupational health, safety, welfare and injury management programs and strategies:

  • Consult with employees and their representatives on OH&S issues affecting your organisation, including policy development, and the development, implementation, and auditing of safety management systems.
  • Educate staff on OH&S issues.
  • Provide specific training for identified staff.
  • Review job and workplace design to ensure it is consistent with OH&S standards.
  • Consider OH&S issues when introducing changes to work methods and practices, including those associated with technological change.
  • Clearly allocate OH&S responsibilities.
  • Test emergency procedures and conduct regular drills.
  • Provide necessary resources to support the operation of workplace occupational health and safety committees.
  • Provide approved occupational health and safety equipment, where appropriate, and adequate first aid facilities and equipment.
  • Ensure that there are reporting, recording and action procedures in place to deal with reported hazards, incidents causing workplace injury or illness, or incidents involving near misses' to staff or the public.
  • Collect accurate and appropriate information on occupational health and safety matters and provide it to employees.
  • Introduce and implement workplace hazard elimination and control programs.
  • Regularly check compliance with OH&S legislation.

Overview

Compliance

Not Mandatory

AR Details

Date Issued
Jun 13, 2014
Review Date
Jun 13, 2024
Replaces
Replaced By

Contacts

Contact
Contact us
Phone
02 9228 5555
Publishing Entity
Department of Premier and Cabinet
Issuing Entity
Department of Premier and Cabinet