OHS MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

1. OHS MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

2. Introduction • Construction companies can effectively address the problem of workplace injuries and illness by putting in place an OHS Management System. • An OHS Management System formalises the organisational structure, polices, resources, procedures, responsibilities, practices, performance standards, and communication mechanisms that a company needs to have in place to effectively manage OHS issues.

3. The NSW Government, as one of the largest clients of the construction industry is keen to improve the OHS performance of the industry, and thereby it’s productivity, by insisting on improved management of OHS. • The Government is specifically targeting two key OHS issues for control • Hazardous Substances • Manual Handling

4. Benefits – OHS Management System • Lowering the incidence of workers compensation claims • Reducing threat of fines from the WorkCover Authority • Minimizing work stoppages due to safety disputes • Improving morale of workers, leading to higher production • Improving work methods • Satisfying clients, leading to more contracts.

5. OHS Management System A good Safety Management System usually follows a cycle of: • Planning • Doing • Inspecting • Reviewing

6. Six point approach for a effective OHS system • Develop an OHS policy and related programs • Set up a consultation mechanism with employees • Establish a training strategy • Establish a hazard identification and workplace assessment process • Develop and implement risk control • Promote, maintain and improve these strategies.

7. OHS Policy and Programs : Policy • Show commitment • Ensure accountability at all levels • Encourage co-operation • Is able to be clearly understood by employees The policy should outline the responsibility and accountability of management and supervisors as well as other employees. Contractors should also be considered when developing the OHS program.

8. OHS Management Plans/Program Need to be: • Be planned to suit the workplace • Be solution oriented • Reflect a system approach • Be part of the management process • Focus on improvement • Be action orientated • Be based on theory and practice • Allow for regular review, follow-up, and evaluation.

9. Development of the OHS Management plan which will outline • The main hazards to be found in the workplace • The strategies to be used in identifying, assessing and controlling hazards. • Procedures for incident reporting and investigation. • Information and training • The provision of OHS equipment, facilities and resources. • Safety rules, including penalties. • Standard work methods.

10. Consultation Consultation is an important step in the development of an OHS Program. All people in the workplace affected by a program should be consulted about it’s development so that the program adequately addresses all issues and has the support of the people involved.

11. Consultation process could include such activities such as:- • Establishing a workplace OHS committee and designated work groups, and appointing OHS reps. To meet the needs of the workplace. • Having meetings and workshops, using notice boards to let employees know what is happening and provide them with information on OHS and changes that may be required. • Providing general OHS information such as explaining the OH & S Act.2000 and it’s implications to the organisation.

12. Consultation process could include such activities such as:-Continued • Involving employees through the use of suggestion boxes and surveys • Making sure that the input of all employees is valued. • Involving employees in the identification and assessment of hazards, and the development of control strategies and evaluation of controls.

13. Training • OHS training needs to cover all aspects of handling equipment, processes and substances with the aim of making sure that the work will be carried out in a safe and healthy way ( eg safety induction), first aid training, training into operating equipment, etc. • Under OHS legislation employers are required to provide training, information, instruction and supervision to meet their overall OHS responsibilities. • An OHS training program should involve developing skills to enable all in the workplace to carry out their health and safety responsibilities.

14. Types of Health and Safety training • Induction trading • Supervisor and management training • On-the-job training, as well as • Specific hazard training • Work procedures and skill training • Emergency procedure training • First aid training.

15. An effective training policy can be developed through:- • Analysing work task and assessing the knowledge or skill level required for these tasks • Planning and conducting appropriate training and skill development for the safe performance of all work tasks • Planning and conducting training in emergency procedures • Evaluating training program to monitor its effectiveness • On-the-job training of employees including apprentices. • end

16. What sort of OHS management plan is required? Any type of reasonable plan that is site specific, appropriate for the scope of the work and follows the basic principles of identification, assessment, control and review. • Clause 226(3) of the OHS Regulation 2001 states that the plan must include: • statement of responsibilities listing names, positions and responsibilities of all persons who will have specific OHS responsibilities on the site; • details of arrangements for ensuring compliance with OHS induction training; • details of arrangements for managing OHS incidents; • any site safety rules and details for ensuring all persons at the place of work are informed of the rules; • safe work method statements for all work activities assessed as having risk.

17. Available Material • Relevant WorkCover guidance material is available from the WorkCover website or Publications Order Hotline. Other useful information includes: • S - Pack, the subcontractor pack (available from the Construction Principal Contractors Safety Alliance); • OHS&R Management Systems (available from Department of Public Works, Construction Steering Policy Committee).

18. Questions • What is a safety Management System? • How can the OHS Management improve the financial side of a company? • What are the items/points in the ‘six steps” in developing an effective OHS system? • Explain in point form the purpose/requirements of an OHS Organisation / Company Policy. • 5. Who should be ‘consultated when developing a Company OH & s Safety Management Program / Plan • List FIVE (5) areas of training that an employer has to provide regarding OHS. • A good Safety Management system should follow a cycle of Four Main items, Name them?