Essential WHS Knowledge for South Australian Businesses and Organisations

Every business and organisation is responsible for protecting the health and safety of their people. If you don’t pay attention to your people’s safety needs in the workplace, you might face trouble that will put your business at risk.

 

That is why the Work Health and Safety (WHS) legislation requires every establishment to implement workplace safety policies and safe systems of work. If you’re not sure about what WHS indicates for your business or organisation, the following FAQs will provide you with essential information. 

 

What is Work Health and Safety (WHS)?

 

Work health and safety (WHS) or Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) refers to the collective measures that you enforce to ensure the safety of employees and volunteers in the workplace. This also includes the safety of customers, suppliers, and visitors while in your business’ premises.

 

In short, WHS is about how you provide a safe place for your business operations.

 

What does WHS Involve?

 

WHS involves a number of safety measures. Your business may be required to implement different sets of safety policies for different work locations.

 

Commonly, WHS involves the following:

 

• Implementation and enforcement of general safety requirements
• Implementation and enforcement of special safety requirements in hazardous work environments
• Issuance of memos and penalties for policy violations or noncompliance
• Installation and provision of safety equipment and gear
• Repair and regular maintenance of safety equipment and gear
• Promotion of healthy lifestyle among employees

 

Depending on the type or nature of your business and your people’s job, your WHS policies may also involve strict measures or you may face severe penalties for noncompliance. 

 

What Kind of WHS Policies is My Business Required to Enforce?

 

Different businesses or organisations may not have the same safety policies. As a general rule, the WHS legislation requires business owners to do the following:

 

• Provide a work environment that is clean and safe
• Provide and maintain work machinery that are safe to use
• Install and maintain safety structures or equipment around the workplace
• Provide instructions or guidelines on how to perform work safely
• Provide instructions or guidelines on how to safely use or operate work machinery or appliances
• Provide and maintain adequate facilities that employees can use for their basic needs like clean toilets and washing areas, as well as a clean kitchen or dining area
• Provide adequate instruction and training on safe systems of work
• Provide adequate means of procuring emergency or medical help for your employees
• Monitor and regularly assess the employees’ working conditions both in the office or on the field
• Monitor the health of employees and provide adequate means of acquiring medical care

 

It’s not only business owners who are required to provide a healthy and safe working environment. The employees are also required to contribute to your business’ WHS by doing the following:

 

• Take care of one’s own physical health and wellness
• Work safely according to WHS policies
• Avoid anything that can bring harm to oneself or to others
• Avoid going to areas or places that are declared hazardous or restricted by the management
• Avoid working without the prescribed safety gears or equipment
• Avoid going to work when sick with contagious diseases to prevent the spread of disease in the workplace

 

The success of WHS policies relies on both the business owners and employees. Everyone is responsible for maintaining health and safety in the workplace, and anyone can be held liable for any negligent action that can cause harm towards others.

 

What Benefits does WHS Provide?

 

WHS not only protects your business from legal and organisational issues, but also helps ensure the success of your ventures through the following:

 

• It helps reduce the cases of illnesses and injuries in the workplace.
• It helps reduce the costs associated with medical compensations for work-related injuries and or illnesses.
• It helps increase wellness within the workplace and thus increases productivity.
• It helps prevent the loss of skilled employees due to work-related illnesses or injuries.

 

If you can reap these benefits, then it’s a sign that your WHS policies are effective. And, you also don’t have to worry about legal troubles as long as you keep your people healthy and safe.

 

What are the Requirements for WHS?

 

WHS laws in Australia may vary from state to state. Each state may also use different agencies or commissions in regulating the WHS of businesses and organisations. Generally, however, the framework of WHS in each state includes the following:

 

• Legislative Act – provides a framework to protect the health, safety and welfare of all workers at work
• Regulations – describes how to prevent or minimise a risk at your workplace
• Practice codes – are a practical guide on how to achieve the accepted standards of workplace health, safety and welfare required in the WHS Act and Regulations
• Regulator – the regulating agency chosen to administer WHS laws. The regulator is also responsible for inspecting workplaces and providing advice on WHS requirements.

 

In South Australia (SA), WHS laws and requirements are determined by the Work Health and Safety Act 2012 (SA) and the Work Health and Safety Regulations 2012 (SA). These WHS requirements are supported by the SA Codes of Practice and regulated by SafeWork SA.

 

SafeWork SA is the agency that helps develop the WHS policies for businesses and organisations in South Australia. It monitors and regulates WHS compliance and also advocates workers’ compensation.

 

To view the general outline of the WHS Act 2012 (SA), click here.

 

To view the specific outlines of the WHS Regulations 2012 (SA), click here.

 

The SA Codes of Practice can be viewed here and you can visit the SafeWork SA website at SafeWork.sa.gov.au.

 

What are the WHS Requirements for Each Industry?

 

WHS requirements may vary according to the nature or type of business. 

 

There are businesses that don’t engage in hazardous activities and thus would only be required to address what is applicable to their business. However, for businesses in industries that engage in hazardous activities, strict laws and enforcement are required.

 

Usually, special WHS policies are required for the following industries:

 

• Chemical or biochemical
• Construction or engineering
• Medical or healthcare
• Food and beverage

 

If you’re unsure of the WHS requirements for your business, you must seek assistance to get the right help and advice.

 

It’s also important that you address all important details associated with the type of operations and transactions your business engages in, including those that happen outside the business premises. 

 

Does WHS Involve Emergency Planning?

 

Yes. WHS laws require every business and organisation to have an emergency plan in place. This includes disaster preparedness, mitigation, and first-aid.

 

An emergency plan is crucial for the following reasons:

 

• It helps protect people and your business property from the damaging effects of disasters such as fire, storms, and floods.
• It helps save people from physical harm or even death.
• It helps keep employees equipped with the right knowledge and skills to mitigate emergencies.

 

For an effective emergency plan, business owners must ensure that:

 

• Trained first-aid officers are available to workers.
• Emergency drills are executed to keep the employees ready and alert.
• Emergency exits are easily accessible.
• Emergency tools like fire extinguishers and fire alarms are functional and maintained regularly.
• Employees are provided with adequate information and emergency updates.

 

Aside from these, the business’ premises and buildings should be regularly assessed as part of mitigation plans for disaster prevention.

 

What does WHS Indicate Regarding Work in Extreme Weathers?

 

Part of WHS is to ensure and protect the health and well-being of employees while working in extreme weather. This involves:

 

• Keeping employees safe during extreme weather by providing a safe shelter (if it occurs during work) or postponing work for a while (if it occurs before work).
• Keeping an eye on your employees’ health while working in extreme heat or cold.
• Recognising the signs of heat sickness or hypothermic conditions.
• Providing first aid to employees as required.
• Allowing employees to take breaks and ensuring sufficient water is available.

 

Do WHS Laws Apply During Work Functions?

 

Yes. Even if the work function is held at a place outside the business’ premises or takes place after work hours, you are still responsible for your people’s safety. To keep employees safe during functions, you must:

 

• Ensure that your WHS policies address work functions and ensure they are observed by everyone at all times.
• Keep an eye out for risky behaviours even at times of fun.
• Ensure that alcoholic beverages are served legally and consumed moderately by each employee.
• Inform everyone about the rules and remind them before the event.

 

What are the Consequences of Noncompliance with the WHS Laws?

 

If your business does not enforce WHS or fails to comply with WHS laws, penalties may be served. The type and severity of the penalties will depend on the type and severity of the offenses.

 

Also, in cases of physical injuries or deaths that result from negligence or poor safety methods in the workplace, your business or organisation may face serious legal implications.

To reduce your risk of not meeting your legal obligations, consider getting assistance by contacting WHS Matters today through phone (0447 254 132) or email (info@whsmatters.com.au) to discuss further.