families. Everything about mental health in one place. Find out how to meet your duties under work health and safety (WHS) laws. Islander people as the Traditional Custodians of the land and Contact your regulatory authority for enquiries about: submitting application and notification forms. See our latest Key work health and safety statistics. Natural and Cultural Heritage Rehabilitation, workplace fatalities and life threatening or serious injury, transport of dangerous goods and chemicals and high consequence dangerous goods and explosives, use, storage and handling of dangerous goods and chemicals and high consequence dangerous goods, reduction/substitution of HAZMAT use (including inventory minimisation), HAZMAT storage design and maintenance (including transport design). They also share information, tools, and initiatives. help duty holders, workers and representatives consult and coordinate on, promote and share information, tools and initiatives, including with other, WHS regulators and workers' compensation authorities contact information, Comparing workers' compensation in Australia, Workers' compensation for psychological injury, state or territory work health and safety authority. HSRs have important functions that include things like: representing workers in their work group in health and safety matters; monitoring health and safety measures implemented by their company; investigating complaints from their work group relating to health and safety; and. Consult employees on matters that may directly affect their health, safety and welfare. As part of the provisions of the WHS Act, employers must provide a first aid kit with the necessary supplies to provide emergency health care. If your assessor marks any of your answers as incorrect, they will talk to you about resubmission. Each jurisdiction has a regulator who monitors and enforces compliance with WHS laws. They also: give advice and information on WHS duties collect, analyse and publish statistics promote and support education and training the likelihood of the hazard or risk occurring, the harm that would result from the hazard or risk, what a person knows (or should know) about the hazard or risk, and ways to eliminate or reduce it, availability and suitability of ways to eliminate or reduce the hazard or risk, cost of eliminating or reducing the hazard or risk. Making WHS a concrete and measurable part of your employees work will have a very real impact. This includes when they are working from home. the right to be consulted about safety in the workplace. Regulators work together to implement national campaigns and ensure a consistent approach to compliance and enforcement across Australia. Access all our WHS resources including guides, videos and webinar recordings to help you understand the new requirements. Our aim is to keep all workplaces (including major emergency workplaces) healthy and safe, and to deliver high quality care and treatment when employees are injured. Investigate, report and analyse information for current and emerging risks and hazards where relevant before, during and after incidents involving: Provide people and communities with information about risks, risk mitigation actions, and incidents/events through the development and publishing of guidance notes and alerts on a wide range of occupational health and safety and dangerous goods matters, Deliver public safety awareness activities where Worksafe Victoria has jurisdiction under the Equipment (Public Safety) Act 1994 and associated regulations, Participating agency for the gas supply disruption mitigation activity: legislative and regulatory framework, including Gas Industry Act 2001, Gas Safety Act 1997 and associated Gas Safety Cases, National Gas Law and National Gas Regulations, critical infrastructure resilience requirements under the EM Act 2013, Table 8: Participating agencies for mitigation. Tasmania's WHS regulator. Islander people as the Traditional Custodians of the land and A person can have more than one duty under the model WHS laws. They also have a duty to make sure their work is carried out in line with WHS Management Procedures and any applicable legislation. We develop national policy and strategy about workers' compensation. Being 'Safe and Well Every Day' is the promise WorkSafe Tasmania makes to the Tasmanian community. WorkSafe Victoria Safe practice 1: Safe practice 2: Safe practice 3: QUESTION 7 Fill out the table after each scenario. Examine workplace conditions to make sure they . Review of the model Work Health and Safety lawsFinal Report. www.worksafe.qld.gov.au . We are addressing the most prevalent causes of fatalities, and the high risk industries where they happen. The sooner, the better. You have duties under WHS laws to keep people in the workplace safe if youre: A person can have more than one duty under the model WHS laws. Assist in identifying hazards. The policies should offer clear guidelines about the duties, consultation and documentation mandatory for each process regarding: If you have one or more employees, you are an employer. Have you done a first aid assessment of your business? WorkSafe's strategy How we will reduce workplace harm and improve outcomes for injured workers. Geelong VIC 3220. Want to capture tangible business benefits from the culture of consultation youve created? Participating agency for the following hazardous materials (including industrial waste) incident mitigation activities: Participating agency for the maritime emergency (non -search and rescue) mitigation activity: legislation and enforcement (e.g. We develop national policy and strategy about workers' compensation. This tool provides information about duties under the model WHS laws, including duties for PCBUs and workers in the agriculture industry, how to meet these duties, and hazards you may face working in agriculture. Evaluate and maintain WHS. All jurisdictions, except Victoria, agreed to a national approach to comply with WHS laws during COVID-19. Major Hazard Facilities, Dangerous Goods Code preventative requirements), supported by audits and inspection. Home Law and regulation WHS regulators and workers' compensation authorities contact information We acknowledge the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the first inhabitants and traditional custodians of the land on which we work and live. WorkSafe Victoria is the WHS regulator for the state, administering acts and regulations related to WHS. CHC30113 WHS/OHS in the workplace. 1. Your obligations Understand your OHS, workplace injury and rehabilitation obligations. HAZMAT transport requirements (e.g. Information for businesses about their rights and responsibilities under consumer laws in Western Australia. Generally HSRs and deputy HSRs have the same functions and powers. Streamline your WHS processes with a strategic communication process. We educate, support and guide Victorian workplaces to provide a safe environment for their workers. Capeview Mitre 10 Cape Paterson Rd, Wonthaggi Victoria 3995. Any person at a workplace, including customers and visitors must take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions or omissions. Productively resolve health and safety issues. Understand the powers of an HSR and an employers' obligations. WorkSafe strives to prevent workplace injuries, illness and fatalities and for more than 35 years has raised the standard of health and safety in Victorian workplaces. The description of WHS responsibilities must include the name, position and appropriate authority of all such personnel. [2] WHS Act, section 156. provide and maintain safe and healthy workplaces for all workers provide and maintain a safe means of access to and from the workplace that is safe for workers provide adequate facilities for the welfare of workers at work and appropriate health, medical and first aid services A Airservices Ambulance Victoria (AV) Australian Defence Force (ADF) Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) Australian Government Department of Home Affairs Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) Australian Red Cross (ARC) Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) B To improve outcomes for injured workers, we're identifying early those injured workers whose recovery or return to work is not going to plan, and providing targeted intervention and tailored support. We're prioritising the early identification of current and emerging occupational illness and disease such as asbestos and silicosis. His job is to visit clients in their homes. See WHS Act, section 34. Know your duties - a tool for working safely. Who is responsible for WHS? Resolving health and safety issues and discrimination against HSRs. Different laws exist in each state and territory. On 22 September 2021 Part 7 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 was amended to enable HSRs to take photographs or measurements or make sketches or recordings in certain circumstances. These include the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, Workplace Injury Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2013, Accident Compensation Act 1985, Workers Compensation Act 1958, Equipment (Public Safety) Act 1994, and Dangerous . We are also the workplace injury insurer. the right to appropriate safety equipment. This Roles and Responsibilities section can be leveraged to understand the roles and responsibilities of agencies in relation to emergency management (EM). More specifically, workers must: take reasonable care for their own health and safety. Provide and maintain safe systems of work - for example, controlling entry to high-risk areas and providing systems to prevent falls from heights. Our COVID-19 response continues, as we educate workplaces on how to operate safely with the virus. You must, so far as is reasonably practicable: provide and maintain a work environment that is without risk to the health and safety of workers, provide adequate and accessible facilities for the welfare of workers to carry out their work, give workers the necessary information, instruction,trainingor supervision to do their job safely and without risks to health, and. They also share information, tools, and initiatives. 4. In order to understand the training needed, analysis of the job and individual skills must be analysed. It does not take your specific needs or circumstances into consideration. If you need help please contact yourstate or territory work health and safety authority. A workplace safety pioneer, a stable hand who has returned to work after suffering a serious spinal cord injury and a company that reshaped its approach to preventing mental injury in the workplace were among the winners at the 2022 WorkSafe Awards. We are supporting workplaces to be mentally healthy, and reduce mental injury. We develop national policy and strategy about workers' compensation. While preventing injuries is always our first preference and priority, when a workplace injury does occur, our job and our focus is on improving outcomes for those who are injured. What is your answer so far or What have you done so far as an attempt to solve this question? List three things you can do to remain up to date with safe work practices. acknowledges and pays respect to their Elders, past and present. Do you have enough trained first aiders to cover unplanned staff absences? For small businesses, officers are usually the owners or operators of the business. WorkSafe Victoria is the statutory authority responsible for promoting and enforcing health and safety in Victorian workplaces. WHSC consists of various staff members from departments within an organisation. , , , . Back. promote and share information, tools and initiatives, including with other regulators. You can also promote awareness throughout your organisation by featuring WHS matters in the personal objectives and annual assessment of all employees. 1 Malop Street Question: Research the WHS authorities in your state or territory. You will need to do one of the following: Answer the questions that were incorrect in writing. It is recommended to follow this checklist to minimize risk and prepare your workplace. WORKSAFE VICTORIA/ WORKING SAFELY IN COMMUNITY SERVICES 1 Community services workers play a vital role in caring for our people and helping to maintain a quality of life expected in Australian society, often in challenging and confronting circumstances. You must manage the risksto your workers, so far as is reasonably practicable,when they areworking from home. Under Australian WHS laws your business must: ensure the health and safety of your workers not put the health and safety of other people at risk. Information on applications, requirements, training and registrations for regulated industries. 3. Skip to content. To show youre serious about work safety right from the start, this information should be included in the position description of all employees. Seven reasons why strategically managing your health and safety processes will improve your bottom line. [3] WHS Act, section 154. WorkSafe Victoria the right to speak up about work conditions. They specify how some duties under the WHS Act must be met and the procedural or administrative processes that must be in place. Geelong VIC 3220. Duties under WHS laws You have duties under WHS laws to keep people in the workplace safe if you're: a person conducting a business or undertaking ( PCBU ), such as an employer an officer, such as a business owner or CEO worker or other person in the workplace. [5] WHS Act, section 32. They can be the valuable resource to identify the hazards within the workplace. A person at a workplace can be prosecuted for failing to comply with their duties. This includes inspections, campaigns, education programs, targeted interventions, guidance, warnings, enforcement and prosecutions. policies and services for people of LGBTIQ communities and their The penalty is $300,000 or 5 years imprisonment or both. Conduct inspections and certifications/authorisations/approvals under health and safety and dangerous goods legislation that provides information for current and emerging risks and hazards, where relevant, before, during and after an incident, Continue the safety regulator role during emergency events, including promoting compliant occupational health and safety management systems. For information about who may be aPCBUand their duties see: Officers have specific duties under WHS laws. APCBUhas a duty undermodelWHS laws to eliminate risks to health and safety of workers and other persons so far as is reasonably practicable. WorkSafe Victoria is committed to safe and inclusive work places, It is important to understand the health and safety requirements that apply to your type of business in order to correctly prepare for any accident or emergency. Your WHS obligations You must put health and safety practices in place as soon as you start your business. Licences and registrations. makes, or participates in making, significant decisions that affect the whole, or a substantial part, of the business, or. They also: give advice and information on WHS duties, promote and support education and training, help duty holders, workers and representatives consult and coordinate on WHS matters. The Commonwealth, states and territories regulate and enforce WHS laws. To request an inspector email whs.help@comcare.gov.au or call us on 1300 366 979. . acknowledges and pays respect to their Elders, past and present. Under WHS Act, section 4, a 'volunteer' is defined as a person who is acting on a voluntary basis (irrespective of whether the person receives out-of-pocket expenses). manufacture, importation, transportation, supply, storage, handling or use of dangerous goods, design, manufacture, importation, supply, erection or installation of plant, manufacture, importation or supply of substances, partnership, unincorporated association, franchising operation, or not-for-profit organisation. . Box 306 Black Rock VIC 3193 Australia, regular maintenance of industrial plant and safety, putting processes in place to reduce health risks in operations the use, handling, storage or transport of plant or substances, minimising hazards and maintaining safe conditions in the work environment, providing adequate facilities for workers welfare, providing proper information, training and supervision that teaches workers to perform their work safely and without risk. You must also take reasonable care for the health and safety of others who may be affected by what you do or dont do. WorkSafe's job is to protect every Victorian worker from harm. OHS Management System. WorkSafe Victoria is committed to safe and inclusive work places, WorkSafe Victoria We publish a wide range of resources covering many work health and safety topics. The department acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the Traditional Custodians of the land and acknowledges and pays respect to their Elders, past and present. Keep information and records relating to health and safety of your employees. We collect, analyse and publish data and information on work health and safety and workers' compensation. Roles and responsibilities employers, occupiers and contractors . Create a safe workplace Your industry Information and guidance about your industry and the kind of work you do. Charities and associations. Regulators work collaboratively to set strategic priorities at both a national and local level. To achieve this, Agents should: provide proactive tailored support to injured workers, their families, employers and other persons affected by serious incidents. We pay our respects to the people, the cultures and the elders past, present and emerging. Consultation As a health and safety representative it's important to understand consultation procedures including what matters employers must consult about, what consultation involves, and different ways that consultation can occur. Rights and responsibilities; Psychosocial hazard resources; Q. Quad bikes; R. Risk assessment; Remote or isolated work; S. Sedentary work; Sexual harassment; Slips, trips and . For example, use equipment properly, follow safe work policies and procedures and attend training. You can allocate WHS responsibility at the site level with a functional responsibility matrix. Everyone has a role in workplace health and safety. According to Section 72 of the OHS Act, the functions of the HSC include: Facilitating cooperation between the employees and the employer. Mitigation Response (including Relief) Recovery Assurance and Learning OHS structure and responsibilities. Employ or engage people suitably qualified in OHS to advise you on employees health and safety. [4] WHS Act, section 31. Logistics and Supply Chain Management, 18. 4.4 Establish processes to monitor achievement against the plan and update plans as required. It is recommended to follow this, to minimize risk and prepare your workplace. The Victorian community services sector employs more than 60,000 people This information has not yet been updated to reflect the changes introduced by the amendments. In both capacities, employers and employees are at the heart of our service. A workplace injury can significantly change a person's life. Our role is to facilitate this - to listen to our clients, understand the goals and outcomes they would like to achieve and tailor an appropriate response. Give your employees information about workplace health and safety in appropriate languages. If you need help please contact yourstate or territory work health and safety authority. The Crown is also a PCBU for the purposes of the WHS Act. This is designed as an overview of the standards required under WHS laws. below I have copied what I have found so far, but has taken too much time. These processes require that work safety risks have been identified and documented and that responsibility has been allocated to the correct authority within your organisation. $400,000 fine after worker killed in crane tragedy, Transport company fined $75,000 after electric shock, WorkSafe Awards winners set the gold standard for safety. They also: give advice and information on WHS duties collect, analyse and publish statistics We publish a wide range of resources covering many work health and safety topics. Our job is to reduce workplace harm and improve outcomes for injured workers. Regulatory authorities also have a range of powers and tools to facilitate continuous improvement and ensure compliance with the NQF, including the ability to issue compliance notices. WorkSafe Victoria acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait A crane company has been convicted and fined $400,000 after one man died and two others were injured during a concrete pour at a Box Hill construction site. the right to say no to unsafe work. WorkSafe is Victoria's workplace health and safety regulator. The penalty is $150,000. To find more information about these laws go to your state's WHS governing body. The Duties of Directors and company officers (Section 144) have also been included along with new powers to obtain information (Section 9), the creation of ARREOs (Authorised Representatives of Employee Associations) (Sections 87-94), a duty to consult on matters affecting health and safety (Sections 35 and 36) and a significant change which New South Wales, South Australia, Queensland, the Northern Territory, ACT, Tasmania, and now . Monitor conditions at the workplace under your management and control. Workers' WHS duties Workers including employees, contractors, subcontractors, labour hire employees, outworkers, apprentices or volunteers have a duty to: take reasonable care for their own health and safety while at work take reasonable care to not adversely affect others' health and safety comply with reasonable instructions A worker can be prosecuted for failing to comply with their duties. We collect, analyse and publish data and information on work health and safety and workers' compensation. Duty holders should seek their own independent advice on how the requirements of WorkSafe-administered legislation should be applied. The Victorian Government acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the Traditional Custodians of the land and acknowledges and pays respect to their Elders, past and present. Employer Responsibilities. Review of the model Work Health and Safety lawsFinal Report. Cooperate with your employer about any action they take to comply with the OHS Act or Regulations. Omar works in Home and Community Care in a rural location. Regulators work together to implement national campaigns and ensure a consistent approach to compliance and enforcement across Australia. ), Participating agency for the mine emergency mitigation activity: legislation/regulation and enforcement of Mineral Resources Sustainable Development Act 1990 and regulations (licensing and approvals process for operators of declared mines), Occupational Health & Safety Act 2004, EM Act 2013, EM (Critical Infrastructure Resilience) Regulations 2015, Country Fire Authority Act 1958 and Regulations 2014, Energy Safe Victoria Act 2005, Provide technical support to other agencies in the area of plant, construction, chemicals, dangerous goods, high consequence dangerous goods, explosives (other than ordinance and explosives or firearms at crime scenes), mines, prescribed mines, quarries, on-shore petroleum sites and geothermal or on-shore exploration sites and in relation to occupational health and safety matters regarding extent of damage, immediate threats, and loss of life these matters may present. Role statement - WorkSafe Victoria (Victorian WorkCover Authority), Agency Roles and Responsibilities alignment to Victorian Preparedness Framework, Victorian Emergency Management Institute (VEMI), Emergency Management Operational Communications Program, Foundations of Emergency Management (Class 1 Emergencies), Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), Disaster Recovery Toolkit for Local Government, Emergency management capability in Victoria, Natural Disaster Resilience Grants Scheme (NDRGS), Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP), Community Resilience Framework for Emergency Management, Learning as One Victorias page for lessons, 10. Line managers are responsible for a specific area of your company, including WHS within that area. Visits by SafeWork inspectors to workplaces could be in response to: an incident a complaint WorkSafe is reminding Victorian employers and workers of the shocking consequences of workplace harm after the loss of 61 lives last year. An employer can be a: You are an employee if you have a contract of employment or contract of training. Ensure the safe use, handling, storage or transport of plant or substances. Geelong VIC 3220. Dahlsens Albury-Wodonga 58 - 98 Bennu Circuit, Thurgoona NSW 2640. Does your workplace run emergency drills? authority (if applicable) within the statutory reporting time frames. We pay our respects to the people, the cultures and the elders past, present and emerging. We provide training in multiple locations around Melbourne's suburbs as well as across regional Victoria. We provide information for HSRs and workers interested in being a HSR about the role, HSR elections, support and guides, . In the following table, name the relevant legislation's, regulations, codes and standards and how they impact on . WHS regulations supplement the WHS Act, and the Acts of those states yet to . References [1] WHS Act, section 4 definition of 'regulator'. We work with industry and assist businesses to create a safe and healthy culture in Queensland places of work. Victoria remains one of the safest places in the world to work today and we are proud of our role in this. The Information sheet - Work Health and Safety (Mines) Regulations 2022 comparison table summarises the similarities and differences between provisions in the Mines Safety and Inspection Act . | Learn more about Phillip Pavlidis's work . A transport company has been convicted and fined $75,000 after a worker suffered an electric shock when a mobile crane struck overhead power lines at a Dromana construction site. This includes inspections, campaigns, education programs, targeted interventions, guidance, warnings, enforcement and prosecutions. Protect yourself and your business maintain a thorough understanding of your legal obligations. Keep your workplace safe and productive by identifying and resolving issues through defined systematic processes. 26 Park Street South Melbourne Melbourne VIC 3026 Australia, Suite 25 Ground Floor 185-187 High Street Freemantle WA 6959 Australia, P.O. Usually: Examples of a business or undertaking include: See theGuide to Work Health and Safety for Volunteer Organisationsfor more information. 54 Victoria Street, Carlton South VIC 3053 Phone: 03 9659 3511 Fax: 03 9639 0408 However, WorkSafe cannot provide advice on how legislation should be applied in any specific circumstance, and the advice provided by WorkSafe does not constitute legal advice. Have you evaluated your business activities to identify areas of increased risk? For your employees, you must provide and maintain a working environment that is safe and free of risks to health, so far as is reasonably practicable. If you need help please contact yourstate or territory work health and safety authority. Last but not least, all workplaces should have a manager or managers appointed who are specifically concerned with WHS for example, a WHS manager, WHS advisor, human resources manager, etc. Review of the model Work Health and Safety lawsFinal Report. [7] Associations can be incorporated under state or . We develop national policy and strategy about workers' compensation. Employers are required by legislation to provide a working environment that is safe and as free as possible from health risks, including psychological as well as physical risks. DISC profile: The Coach. We also hold negligent employers to account and enforce occupational health and safety laws if workers are subjected to risk or harm. We're making it easier for injured workers and employers to interact with us through better automation and online functionality. An officer can only comply with their duty by taking an active and inquisitive role in WHS. We administer legislation that improves workplace health and safety, public safety, and deliver insurance protection and workers compensation services for Victorian employers and workers. harmonise, by providing more detailed information about WHS obligations and the duties that apply in relation to particular hazards. Health and safety inspectors can enter your workplace to check your compliance with Australian work health and safety laws. Agents have a responsibility to ensure that employers are aware of their obligations under the Act such as the timeframes to submit claims, the payment of weekly payments and the obligations to provide pre-injury/equivalent or suitable employment to workers.