As an employer you are responsible for health and safety in your workplace. Latest statistics show that in 2004-05 there were 140,655 workers compensation claims which translates to a national incidence rate of 17 claims per 1000 employees.
The federal Occupational Health and Safety Act 2000 (OHS Act 2000) states that you must ensure the health, safety and welfare at work of all employees as well as that of other people who may be present at your workplace. As a result you must provide:
- safe premises
- safe machinery and substances
- safe systems of work
- information, instruction, training and supervision
- suitable working environment and facilities.
If you don't comply with these legal requirements you can be prosecuted and fined.
Each state and territory has a principal OHS Act and, while they are broadly similar, there are some differences.
It does not matter how small your business is. In NSW, for instance, all businesses with 20 workers or less must identify possible workplace hazards and eliminate or control these risks.
You are required to have workers compensation insurance for all your employees who work on a regular, casual or contract basis. If your business is incorporated and you become an employee then you have to take out a policy for yourself. Premiums are based on the nature of your business, the number of workers you employ and an estimate of the wages paid. Should an accident occur, workers may be entitled to compensation.
Workcover NSW has a six-stage approach to duty of care:
- develop appropriate OHS policies and programs;
- set up a mechanism to consult about OHS matters with employees;
- establish a training strategy;
- establish a hazard identification and workplace assessment process;
- develop and implement risk control strategies, and
- promote, maintain and improve these strategies.
You are required by law to consult with employees on any decisions that may affect their health and safety in the workplace.
Previous Article Next Article