Simple Safety Update - April 2010

Company Directors

“It is your responsibility to step up to the mark and make decisions on health and safety for your company”

This is what Magistrate Ann Collins said at the Broadmeadows Magistrate Court when handing down a fine of $25 000 to the Director of a Melbourne smallgoods company and then fining the company an additional $50 000. A worker lost the use of his hand when a machine guard, costing $5 000 would have prevented this injury from occurring.

The worker was asked to work on a small shredder which was not guarded. He usually worked on a large shredder which had an interlocked guard. He tried to remove a blockage without switching the machine off, unaware of the lack of interlocked guarding and his hand was dragged in to the shredding machinery. Three fingers were removed to the knuckle and permanent nerve damage has resulted.

The director assumed a hands-on management role and was aware that the shredder was unguarded and did nothing about it. Directors must step up to the mark and make decisions about health and safety for their company. Ultimately, the director(s) are responsible.

Changes to officers and directors duties are coming in the new harmonised OHS laws. Are you ready? Simple OHS Solutions specialises in training for company directors and officers in how to meet you OHS obligations. See our website for more information. Directors & Officers Training

Simple Safety Schedule

Let SOS guide you through the steps you need to manage workplace health and safety and meet legislative obligations in the Simple Safety Schedule.

We are up to Step 4 in the Simple Safety Schedule

Step 1: OHS Policy

Step 2: Plan

Step 3: Roles & Responsibilities

Step 4: Do you have the skills you need in-house?

Now that you have defined who’s doing what – does your team need training in how to fulfil their OHS responsibilities? The OHS Act, 2004 requires employers to get the right advice for managing safety – and that means a person that is suitably qualified and experienced. 

Now that you have defined who’s doing what – does your team need training in how to fulfil their OHS responsibilities? The OHS Act, 2004 requires employers to get the right advice for managing safety – and that means a person that is suitably qualified and experienced. Training is available through private providers, TAFE’s, employer and employee associations, or you can have a program tailored to suit your team.  The OHS Act stipulates that you must seek advice from suitably qualified OHS professionals, as described by WorkSafe Victoria - How they apply the law to employing or engaging suitably qualified persons to provide health and safety advice

OHS News/Events 

SOS is proud to be part of the highly successful Safety in Action conference held in Melbourne last week. Both Sue and Denise were involved in the organisation of the conference and associated events throughout the week.

The next Safety Institute Event in May with Freehills will cover the implications of the recent bullying case to Cafe Vamp. The event will be held at the Freehills offices on 27 May 2010. Click to book

 

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