Workplace Health and Safety Policy - Template Form Pro · AU-law

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Workplace Health and Safety Policy - Template Form
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WORKPLACE HEALTH AND SAFETY POLICY


________ (ACN ________) ("Employer")

Registered office: ________


Effective date: ________

Version: ________  |  Next review date: ________


(1) ABOUT THIS POLICY

At ________ (we, our, us), we are committed to providing a safe and healthy workplace for all our Workers and Visitors. It is our aim to integrate work health and safety (WHS) considerations into all aspects of our business operations and to comply with all applicable WHS legislation, regulations and codes of practice (WHS Laws).

This Workplace Health and Safety Policy (Policy) sets out the general principles that guide the management of WHS at ________.


(2) STATUS OF THIS POLICY

(a) This Policy does not form part of any contract of employment or any other contract for work or services and may be amended, replaced or withdrawn by us at any time.

(b) Nothing in this Policy limits or excludes any duty, right or obligation imposed by the WHS Laws.


(3) APPLICABLE WHS LAWS

(a) We are committed to complying with the applicable WHS Laws, together with all relevant codes of practice and other safety guidance, in each state and territory in which we operate, including (as applicable):

(I) the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and the Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 (Cth), and the corresponding harmonised legislation in the Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, the Northern Territory, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania and the Commonwealth jurisdiction;

(II) the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (Vic) and the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2017 (Vic);

(III) the Work Health and Safety Act 2020 (WA) and the Work Health and Safety (General) Regulations 2022 (WA); and

(IV) any other safety, workers' compensation or related legislation applicable to our operations in the following jurisdiction(s): ________.


(4) OUR HEALTH AND SAFETY PRINCIPLES

(a) Through the implementation of this Policy, we aim to create a safe workplace by ensuring:

(I) that all reasonably practicable steps and measures are taken to safeguard the health, safety and welfare of all Workers while at work;

(II) that the safety and health of any members of the public, and any other persons who may visit sites and locations where we carry out our business operations, is protected so far as is reasonably practicable;

(III) that sufficient measures are implemented by us to prevent accidents and cases of work-related ill health by managing the health and safety risks in the workplace;

(IV) the provision of clear and adequate information, instruction, training and supervision to all Workers to ensure that they are competent to carry out their work in a responsible and safe manner;

(V) our engagement with and consultation of Workers on a regular and appropriate basis in relation to the health and safety conditions of their work for us;

(VI) the implementation of emergency procedures in case of significant events, such as fires, which threaten the health and safety of Workers and others;

(VII) that we maintain safe and healthy working conditions, and provide and maintain all necessary equipment, plant, machinery and any other tools necessary for Workers to carry out the duties of their role with us; and

(VIII) that we ensure the safe storage and handling of any and all substances and products which may cause harm to Workers who are required to use them during the course of their work.

(b) We expect all Workers to comply with the principles set out in this Policy. We expect people in leadership, management or supervisory roles to take responsibility for upholding and promoting these principles.


(5) PERSON CONDUCTING A BUSINESS OR UNDERTAKING (PCBU)

(a) For the purposes of the WHS Laws, the PCBU is ________.

(b) Under the WHS Laws, the PCBU has a primary duty to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety of Workers while they are at work in the business or undertaking, and of other persons who may be affected by the carrying out of the work, such as Visitors.


(6) OFFICERS

(b) Our Officers as at the effective date of this Policy are: ________.


(7) DUTIES OF OFFICERS

(a) Under the WHS Laws, an Officer has a duty to exercise due diligence to ensure that the PCBU complies with its health and safety duties and obligations under the WHS Laws.

(b) Our Officers are required to demonstrate leadership and commitment in relation to health and safety. This includes proactively and diligently upholding our health and safety standards and ensuring that all Workers and the PCBU comply with this Policy.

(c) Officers have a duty to:

(I) ensure that our business complies with all its health and safety obligations under the WHS Laws as well as codes of practice and other safety guidance;

(II) acquire and keep up to date knowledge of work health and safety matters;

(III) take proactive steps to avoid workplace hazards;

(IV) look out for workplace hazards that have arisen and take steps to manage them and minimise the risk they pose;

(V) consult with our Workers and involve them in matters relating to health, safety and wellbeing;

(VI) provide guidance, information and instruction to our Workers to help them take care for their own health and safety and the health and safety of other Workers and to maintain a safe workplace;

(VII) supervise Workers to ensure that they are working safely;

(VIII) ensure that our Workers clearly understand their health and safety obligations and have the skills, knowledge and resources to safely perform their work; and

(IX) provide Workers with appropriate resources including personal protective equipment and safety equipment.


(8) DESIGNERS, MANUFACTURERS, IMPORTERS AND SUPPLIERS OF PLANT, SUBSTANCES OR STRUCTURES

(a) This section applies if designers, manufacturers, importers or suppliers of plant, substances or structures engage with ________.

(b) Designers, manufacturers, importers and suppliers of plant, substances or structures have a duty to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that the plant, substance or structure they design, manufacture, import or supply is without risks to health and safety.

(c) Designers, manufacturers, importers and suppliers should carry out, or arrange the carrying out of, any testing and analysis necessary to ensure that the plant, substance or structure they design, manufacture, import or supply is without risks to health and safety.

(d) Designers, manufacturers, importers and suppliers should provide adequate information about the relevant plant, substance or structure to ________ to enable us to ensure that it is without risks to health and safety.

(e) In addition:

(I) manufacturers should consult with designers;

(II) importers should consult with designers and manufacturers; and

(III) any person who commissions construction work should consult with the designer.


(9) WORKERS

This Policy applies to any people who perform work for ________, including all our employees, contractors, subcontractors, employees of our contractors and subcontractors, apprentices, trainees, volunteers, interns, work experience students, labour hire employees and outworkers (Workers).


(10) DUTIES OF WORKERS

(a) All Workers have a duty to cooperate in the implementation of this Policy and to assist in ensuring that we maintain safe working environments. All Workers have a duty to:

(I) work and conduct themselves in a manner that promotes and ensures their own safety and the safety of others;

(II) take reasonable care for their own health and safety, including both their physical and mental wellbeing;

(III) take reasonable care that their acts or omissions do not adversely affect the health and safety of other persons;

(IV) comply, so far as they are reasonably able, with any reasonable instruction given by us so that we can comply with the WHS Laws, and follow and obey all applicable rules, laws, policies, guidelines, procedures, directions or training in relation to workplace health and safety (WHS Rules);

(V) make sure that they fully understand any WHS Rules and, where they do not understand any applicable WHS Rules, raise the matter with a manager or supervisor as soon as possible;

(VI) participate actively and willingly in any health and safety training as directed by us;

(VII) where they are provided with any health and safety training, make sure that they fully understand that training and, if they do not understand it, raise the matter with a manager or supervisor as soon as possible;

(VIII) use any equipment, plant, machinery, tools and safety devices in accordance with the relevant product instructions and any specific training which has been issued;

(IX) handle or use any substance in accordance with the relevant product instructions and any specific training which has been issued in relation to that substance;

(X) report any accident, injury or any other working condition which they believe to be unsafe or of immediate danger to a manager or supervisor;

(XI) if they discover, observe, or are involved in any workplace accident, injury, near miss or hazard, report the matter to a manager or supervisor immediately;

(XII) notify us of any injury, illness, or other matter which may increase the risk to the safety of the Worker or any other person or property at our workplace or in connection with the work;

(XIII) take reasonable care to ensure that they do not, by any act or omission, do anything to adversely affect the health, safety or wellbeing of any other Worker;

(XIV) assist with any necessary investigations of accidents with the aim of introducing new measures to prevent reoccurrence;

(XV) only perform tasks for which they are authorised, qualified, trained and licensed to perform;

(XVI) if they genuinely believe that a particular task would be unsafe, refuse to undertake the task and contact their manager or supervisor as soon as possible to discuss the matter, and where the manager or supervisor is asking the Worker to undertake a task which they believe is unsafe, contact a higher-level manager or supervisor to discuss the matter; and

(XVII) use any personal protective equipment that has been provided by us for personal safety reasons and as required by law, and follow the relevant training, signage and instructions for the wearing of personal protective equipment.

(b) We are committed to ensuring that all Workers are able to raise any health and safety concerns with the relevant person and that all concerns raised are treated seriously.


(11) VISITORS AND OTHER PERSONS AT THE WORKPLACE

This Policy also applies to any people who visit ________ premises but do not meet the definition of a "Worker". This may include customers, clients, service providers, couriers, friends or family of Workers, students, or other similar visitors (Visitors).


(12) CONSULTING WITH WORKERS

(a) Worker input and participation is a crucial part of our risk management. We recognise that our Workers have valuable experience and perspective in relation to health and safety at the workplace. Having input from Workers helps us make better decisions in matters of health and safety and helps us reduce work-related injuries and disease.

(b) Workers are entitled to participate in consultations at all stages of our risk management process, and are entitled to be represented in consultations by an elected health and safety representative.

(c) We encourage all Workers to raise any health and safety concerns immediately rather than waiting for a scheduled consultation, as this can help us to prevent harm from occurring.

(d) Our nominated health and safety representative(s) and/or contact(s) for consultation is/are: ________.


(13) CONSULTING WITH OTHER PEOPLE AND ORGANISATIONS

(a) Where more than one person has a duty in relation to the same matter, the WHS Laws require each such person to consult, cooperate and coordinate activities with all other persons who have a duty in relation to the same matter, so far as is reasonably practicable. For example, suppliers, service providers, or business partners may also have work health and safety duties.

(b) It is important not to assume that another person or organisation is taking responsibility for health and safety. We encourage our Officers and Workers to exchange information as necessary (subject to confidentiality obligations) so that a coordinated approach to health and safety is possible.


(14) OUR RISK MANAGEMENT PROCESS

(a) We are committed to doing whatever is reasonably practicable to eliminate or minimise health and safety risks at our workplace. To achieve this, we use the following four-step process:

Step 1: Identify hazards

This means paying attention and working out what things at the workplace could cause harm to the health or safety of Workers, Visitors or other people.

Step 2: Assess risks

If a hazard has been identified, we need to assess the risk that it creates. This means understanding the nature of the risk, how serious it would be, and the likelihood of it actually happening.

Step 3: Control risks

This means taking steps to control the risk, ensuring that those steps are the most effective and reasonably practicable steps available to us, and monitoring them to ensure they continue to be effective over time.

Step 4: Review hazards

This means continuing to pay attention to the hazards that have been identified, and the measures that have been implemented in response to them, to ensure that we are continuing to eliminate or minimise health and safety risks at our workplace.

(b) Risk assessments should be used proactively to help us manage both old and new risks as our business environment changes.


(15) REASONABLY PRACTICABLE MEASURES

(a) Our risk management process is based on taking steps that are 'reasonably practicable' to eliminate or minimise health and safety risks at our workplace. To determine whether something is 'reasonably practicable', it is necessary to weigh up all relevant matters including:

(I) what we know about the hazard or risk;

(II) how likely it is that the hazard or risk will actually occur;

(III) the scale of harm and the type of harm that might result if the hazard or risk actually occurs;

(IV) what ways there are to eliminate or reduce the hazard or risk, how easy they are to implement, and how suitable they are in the circumstances; and

(V) after assessing the extent of the risk and the available ways of eliminating or minimising it, the cost associated with the available measures, including whether the cost is grossly disproportionate to the risk.


(16) IDENTIFYING HAZARDS

(a) Hazards can arise in any work environment, but some common factors that can contribute to workplace hazards include:

(I) physical work environments and the actual performance of tasks, including working posture, repetitive movements or exposure to the elements;

(II) equipment, tools or machinery, including heavy machinery, moving parts, sharp or abrasive surfaces, loud noises and other similar factors;

(III) substances, chemicals or other hazardous materials;

(IV) workplace setup, design or structures;

(V) lifting heavy objects;

(VI) working at heights, slips, trips and falls;

(VII) falling objects;

(VIII) psychosocial factors or workplace pressures such as time pressure, stress, fatigue, bullying, harassment or violence; and

(IX) biological factors including infection, disease and contamination, whether from person-to-person contact, communal areas, contaminated surfaces, airborne transmission or otherwise.


(17) THINGS TO LOOK OUT FOR

(a) When monitoring our workplace, Officers and Workers should pay attention to how people actually work, and should look out for matters such as:

(I) Is the workplace set up in a way that allows Workers to actually perform their work safely?

(II) Does the workplace have adequate space, ventilation, light and protection from the elements?

(III) Do Workers have adequate tools, equipment and resources to enable them to perform their work safely?

(IV) Do Workers have all necessary safety equipment to enable them to perform their work safely?

(V) Are tools and equipment well maintained?

(VI) Are there unreasonable pressures on Workers which are causing them to cut corners or work in a way that is different from what is intended?

(VII) Are the workplace and work systems well designed so that it is convenient and efficient for Workers to work safely? For example, is safety equipment kept in a convenient location, or do Workers have to go out of their way (while under time pressure) to access it?

(VIII) What physical, mental and emotional demands do Workers face in the workplace?

(IX) How do Workers and Officers interact in the workplace? Are there appropriate channels or systems for dispute resolution, conflicts or complaints to be handled?

(X) Have there been, or are there going to be, any changes in the workplace which may affect health and safety?


(18) ASSESSING RISKS

(a) When assessing risks, the following matters should be considered:

(I) how the hazards (which were previously identified) may cause harm;

(II) the type of harm that could occur;

(III) how severe the harm could be;

(IV) how likely it is that harm could occur;

(V) how the harm could be affected by external factors (for example, whether the harm is likely to be more severe in wet weather);

(VI) whether the risks are part of an interconnected system, and whether one failure could lead to another failure elsewhere in the system, or a small failure (if not contained) could lead to much bigger failures;

(VII) how many people could be put at risk; and

(VIII) whether it is necessary to undertake further or more specialised testing or assessment in order to accurately assess the risk.


(19) CONTROLLING RISKS

(a) Our aim is to eliminate risks wherever reasonably practicable. If it is not reasonably practicable to eliminate risks, we will minimise, reduce and control them so far as is reasonably practicable.

(c) This hierarchy of control measures, from most effective to least effective, is as follows:

Step 1: Eliminate the risk (most effective)

This is the most effective risk control measure and should be used whenever reasonably practicable. It involves not bringing the hazard into the workplace at all. For example, if there is a particular process that involves risk, we avoid undertaking that process at all, if reasonably practicable to do so.

Step 2: Substitute the hazard with something safer

If it is not possible to eliminate the risk, we consider whether there is something safer we can do instead. For example, if a particular material or chemical is hazardous, we consider whether there is a different material or chemical that is not hazardous and can be used to do the same job.

Step 3: Isolate the hazard from people

If it is not possible to substitute the hazard with something safer, we consider whether it is possible to isolate the hazard from our Workers, Visitors and other people. For example, we might consider whether the hazardous material or chemical can be stored or used in an area where there are no people.

Step 4: Use engineering controls

This involves things like physical barriers and guards, safety switches, ventilation systems and other engineered solutions to protect people from the hazard.

Step 5: Use administrative controls

This is less effective than the higher-ranking control measures because it relies on human action. Administrative controls involve things like rules, training and workplace procedures to reduce the risk.

Step 6: Use personal protective equipment (least effective)

(I) This also relies on human action, both in terms of actually wearing the personal protective equipment (PPE) in the correct manner and in terms of selecting, maintaining and storing the PPE appropriately.

(II) Any item of PPE should comply with the relevant Australian standards, be suitable for the work being performed, be of the correct size and fit for the person wearing it, and be maintained, repaired and replaced in accordance with manufacturer recommendations and/or the relevant Australian standards.

(d) For any hazard that has the potential to cause serious injury, illness or death, it is important to seek control measures that eliminate the risk altogether, or reduce the level of harm, rather than control measures that merely reduce the likelihood of harm occurring.

(e) When implementing control measures, it is also important to consider whether the control measure creates new hazards. If new hazards are created, these must also be identified, assessed, controlled and reviewed in accordance with this Policy.


(20) ENSURING CONTROLS REMAIN EFFECTIVE

(a) Risk management is an ongoing process.

(b) Once control measures have been implemented, we need to regularly monitor them to ensure that they remain effective and continue to eliminate, minimise, reduce or control the risks as intended.

(c) Officers are responsible for implementing and maintaining control measures.

(d) To ensure that control measures remain effective over time, the following actions may be taken:

(I) regularly inspecting and testing plant and equipment (including PPE);

(II) repairing, maintaining, servicing, upgrading and replacing plant and equipment as required;

(III) ensuring that all Officers and Workers receive up-to-date training and remain able to work safely;

(IV) ensuring that any new Officers and Workers are able to work safely and receive any necessary training before commencing work;

(V) checking for up-to-date information about hazards (for example, from manufacturers of equipment or materials that we use at the workplace, or from government authorities); and

(VI) regularly reviewing control measures and consulting with Workers and Officers to check for current hazards.


(21) REVIEWING HAZARDS

(a) It is important to regularly review hazards and control measures in the workplace to ensure that they are effective. This should be undertaken routinely, rather than waiting until there is an incident.

(b) Reviews of hazards and control measures should be conducted in the following circumstances:

(I) if there are plans to make some kind of change at the workplace that is likely to lead to a new risk or hazard;

(II) when a control measure is not working as intended;

(III) when a control measure is not actually eliminating or minimising the risk(s);

(IV) if a new risk or hazard arises at the workplace;

(V) if Workers or Officers raise concerns about a risk or hazard;

(VI) if a consultation indicates that there may be a risk or hazard to address, or that a review may otherwise be necessary; and

(VII) if for any other reason it is determined that a review would be appropriate or necessary.

(c) Reviews of hazards and control measures should consider:

(I) whether there are hazards which have not been identified yet;

(II) whether there are new hazards or risks which have arisen as a result of the control measures;

(III) whether the control measures are being followed and implemented correctly by Workers and Officers;

(IV) whether the control measures are actually working;

(V) whether there are any problems with the implementation of the control measures;

(VI) whether there are any problems with the design of the control measures;

(VII) whether any training provided to Workers or Officers has been effective;

(VIII) whether Workers and Officers are embracing the spirit of this Policy;

(IX) whether Workers and Officers are actively engaging in health and safety management;

(X) whether Workers and Officers are promptly raising any concerns they have about health and safety;

(XI) whether Workers and Officers are promptly reporting any hazards or risks that they identify;

(XII) whether Workers and Officers are making suggestions about appropriate control measures;

(XIII) whether health and safety incidents are reducing in frequency over time;

(XIV) whether health and safety incidents are reducing in severity over time;

(XV) whether there is any new information available which indicates there may be issues with the current control measures; and

(XVI) whether there is any other reason to be concerned about the current control measures.

(d) If a review identifies any problems with hazards or control measures, then our risk management process should be undertaken again (as set out in the "Our Risk Management Process" clause of this Policy).


(22) TRAINING

(a) Workers will be given necessary health and safety inductions and provided with appropriate training and personal protective equipment where necessary. Training provided to Workers includes but is not limited to:

________

(b) We will ensure that suitable arrangements are in place to cover Workers engaged in work that is remote from our main site.


(23) HOW TO REPORT AN INCIDENT, RAISE A CONCERN, MAKE A COMPLAINT OR SEEK SUPPORT

(a) We strive to create a workplace which is positive and supportive for all Workers.

(b) We encourage any Worker who needs to report an incident, raise a concern, make a complaint or seek support to come forward. Workers may do so by contacting a manager or supervisor, or our nominated WHS contact: ________.

(c) If you are not comfortable raising a complaint with, or seeking support from, your manager or supervisor (for example, if you have a complaint about your manager or supervisor), you may take your matter to a higher-level manager or supervisor.

(d) No Worker will be subjected to any detriment or discriminatory conduct for raising a genuine health and safety concern, and any such conduct is prohibited under the WHS Laws.


(24) EMERGENCIES GENERALLY

(a) In case of emergency, please contact your manager or supervisor.

(b) In addition, in case of emergency, please follow the directions of any managers, supervisors, or emergency support personnel.

(c) In a life-threatening emergency, call 000.

(d) Our nominated emergency contact and/or warden is: ________.


(25) FIRE

(a) In the event of a fire, raise the alarm immediately and alert others in the vicinity.

(b) If it is safe to do so, and you are trained and confident, you may attempt to extinguish a small fire using the appropriate fire extinguisher or fire-fighting equipment. Do not place yourself or others at risk.

(c) If the fire cannot be safely controlled, evacuate the workplace in accordance with the "Emergency Evacuations" clause of this Policy and call 000.


(26) FIRST AID

(a) A first aid kit is located in the following location:

________

(b) Our nominated first aid officer(s) is/are: ________.

(c) If an ambulance is required, call 000. Please notify your manager or supervisor if an ambulance has been called.


(27) EMERGENCY EVACUATIONS

(a) In some cases, it may be necessary to evacuate a workplace.

(b) Our designated emergency assembly point is: ________.

(c) In the case of an evacuation:

(I) follow the directions of any managers, supervisors, wardens or emergency support personnel;

(II) if you are instructed to evacuate a workplace, move quickly, calmly and quietly to the nearest safe location and to the designated assembly point;

(III) do not use elevators;

(IV) if you notice that any persons are unaccounted for, report them to a manager, supervisor, warden or emergency support personnel immediately;

(V) leave behind personal belongings;

(VI) provide directions to any Visitors or staff members who seem disoriented or who are unfamiliar with the layout of our workplace; and

(VII) do not re-enter the workplace unless and until you are instructed to do so by a manager, supervisor, warden or emergency support personnel.


(28) INCIDENT REPORTING AND INVESTIGATION

(a) It is important that all workplace incidents, accidents, injuries, illnesses, near misses and dangerous occurrences are reported promptly so that they can be investigated and appropriate action taken to prevent reoccurrence.

(b) If you are involved in, witness, or become aware of any incident, accident, injury, illness, near miss or dangerous occurrence, you must report it to a manager or supervisor as soon as possible.

(c) Certain notifiable incidents (being the death of a person, a serious injury or illness, or a dangerous incident, as defined under the WHS Laws) must be reported to the relevant WHS regulator immediately after becoming aware of them. We will ensure that any notifiable incident is reported to the relevant regulator as required by law.

(d) Where required, the incident site must be preserved and not disturbed until directed otherwise by the relevant regulator, except to the extent necessary to assist an injured person, remove a deceased person, make the site safe, or as otherwise permitted under the WHS Laws.

(e) We will investigate reported incidents to identify their causes and to determine what control measures should be implemented to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.

(f) All Workers are expected to cooperate fully with any incident investigation undertaken by us or by a relevant regulator.

(g) We will keep records of reported incidents and investigations for the period required under the WHS Laws.


(29) WORKERS' COMPENSATION

(a) We maintain workers' compensation insurance as required by the applicable workers' compensation legislation in each jurisdiction in which we operate.

(b) If you suffer a work-related injury or illness, you should report it to your manager or supervisor as soon as possible so that we can assist you to access any entitlements and support, including return-to-work assistance where applicable.

(c) Our workers' compensation insurer and/or contact for claims is: ________.


(30) PRIVACY

Any personal information (including health information) collected in connection with this Policy, including in relation to incident reporting, investigations and workers' compensation, will be handled in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and our privacy policy.


(31) REVIEW OF THIS POLICY

We will review this Policy from time to time, and at least every ________, to ensure it remains current, effective and compliant with the WHS Laws.


(32) FURTHER INFORMATION

We thank you for the time you have taken to review and consider this Policy. If you have further questions or want to discuss any matters in connection with this Policy, please speak to a manager or supervisor.


(33) ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

By signing below, you acknowledge having read and understood this Policy, and you agree to comply with this Policy:


.......................................................
Signature


Name: ________


Position: ________


Date: ________

Fields you complete are inserted into the document live. This template is general guidance only — not legal advice.