CEMX is committed to promoting great workplace experiences for employees to contribute not only to retention and attraction of staff, but to also foster an environment that contributes to overall growth and success.
For us, great employee experiences lead to great customer experiences and business success.
Recent changes to health and safety laws across Australia have highlighted the significant impact health and safety plans can have in providing staff with a safe work environment built on a base of commitment, systems and respect.
Some features of a great health and safety plan include:
- Purpose
The Plan should set out the objectives of a safe and healthy workplace and the commitment of management to adhering to compliance requirements and safety protocols.
- Compliance Requirements
The Plan should set out the laws, regulations and standards relevant to the business and detail how these will be addressed.
- Roles, Responsibilities and Accountability
Roles and responsibilities of employees, supervisors, managers, and any other stakeholders involved in implementing and maintaining health and safety protocols should be clearly defined. The processes for monitoring role performance and outcomes should also be established and publicised.
- Risk Assessment and Hazard Identification
A thorough assessment of workplace hazards and risks should be undertaken and documented. This assessment should include physical, chemical, biological, and ergonomic factors. Potential sources of harm must be identified and assessed to establish the likelihood and severity of accidents or incidents.
- Control Measures
The plan should specify the measures required to eliminate or mitigate identified hazards, including engineering controls, administrative controls, and personal protective equipment (PPE). Control measures are to be adopted based on the hierarchy of controls, emphasising elimination and substitution where feasible.
- Emergency Preparedness and Response
Procedures are required for responding to emergencies such as fires, natural disasters, medical emergencies, and hazardous material spills. These procedures must include protocols for evacuation, first aid, communication, and coordination with emergency services.
- Training and Education
A comprehensive training program must be provided to ensure that employees are aware of health and safety risks, procedures, and their roles in maintaining a safe work environment. Where necessary specialized training for tasks involving specific hazards or equipment is to be provided.
- Inspection and Audits
It is important that the plan includes a schedule for regular inspections and audits to monitor compliance with health and safety policies, identify deficiencies, and implement corrective actions. Employee participation in safety inspections and reporting of hazards should be actively encouraged.
- Incident Reporting and Investigation
Continuous improvement requires that everyone learns from incidents, near misses and accidents: these should be properly investigated, reported and documented as soon as possible. Any investigation should be thorough enough to determine the root causes of incidents and identify the corrective actions to be implemented to prevent recurrence.
- Health Promotion and Wellness
Employee health and wellness should be promoted through initiatives such as ergonomic assessments, health screenings, wellness programs, and access to resources for physical and mental well-being.
- Communication and Consultation
Foster open communication channels between management and employees regarding health and safety matters. Encourage feedback, suggestions, and participation in decision-making processes related to safety.
- Documentation and Recordkeeping
Maintain accurate records of training, inspections, incidents, and corrective actions. Document compliance with regulatory requirements and demonstrate a commitment to continuous improvement in health and safety performance.
- Review and Revision
Regularly review and update the health and safety plan to reflect changes in legislation, technology, work processes, and organizational structure. Solicit feedback from employees and stakeholders to improve the effectiveness of the plan.
By following these guidelines and tailoring them to the specific needs and risks of the organization, a best practice health and safety plan can help create a culture of safety, protect individuals from harm, and enhance the overall well-being of the workforce.
