The first step to establishing a systematic, pro-active approach to managing health and safety in the workplace is a comprehensive plant risk assessment.
The legislation covering OHS requirements in the workplace varies across Australia. However, moves have been made towards a nationalised system with the introduction of the new Work Health and Safety Act 2011.
Although being implemented in different phases by the states and territories, 1 January 2012 saw the commencement of the legislation in Queensland, New South Wales, Commonwealth areas, the ACT and the Northern Territory.
Existing regulations relating to plant risk assessment in other states closely mirror this legislation, and businesses will recognise the need to prepare for the introduction of the new regulations.
Depending on where you are based, the new regulations contain broadened definitions of persons with health and safety duties, along with an increased requirement for duty holders to consult with others.
PCBUs are required to eliminate risks so far as is “reasonably practicable.” When assessing whether or not sufficient effort was made to eliminate risk, the act takes into consideration not only to what you know, but what youshould know about risks and hazards in the workplace.
Thorough, objective plant risk assessment on your own work environment can be difficult. Potential risks and hazards can be overlooked by non-professional
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