Safety Matters - Rail, Tram and Bus Union of NSW

Safety issues can often be identified and solved during the inspection process
and can prevent an accident or incident occurring. Regular inspections can
also assist in identifying whether the workplace complies with the current
legislation. It is important however, to look beyond the identification of
hazards and consider the cause to establish where the system is failing.
Generally, employees are more familiar with the work environment,
equipment and processes, than anyone else in the workplace. Their
observations and ideas can generate very effective and efficient solutions
to health and safety issues. Regular consultation between employees and
management will assist in developing mutual respect and ultimately a
productive, solution-orientated relationship that will improve health and
safety performance.
It is important for employees and management to consult when developing a
system for workplace inspection. This would include:
(a) the aim and scope of the inspection
(b) how the inspection is to be conducted
(c) the frequency of inspections
(d) people involved in the inspection
(e) roles and responsibilities of those people involved
(f) review of existing programs that require monitoring
(g) measures to ensure that corrective action has been taken
(h) documentation of inspection process
(i) development of relevant checklists or review of existing ones.
Workplace inspections should occur on a regular basis but the frequency will
depend on the nature and culture of the workplace eg inspections may be
more frequent in workplaces that are subject to continual change. Inspections
to identify specific problems should take place at a time when the problem is
most evident to ensure that relevant, accurate information is gathered.
When deciding areas of the work environment that need to be
inspected the following should be considered:
• existing and potential hazards
• awareness of the current regulation, standards and codes of practice that
apply to areas to be inspected eg noise, manual handling, first aid, plant,
work environment, hazardous substances etc
• specific occupations, processes and procedures in the workplace
Safety Matters A Guide for Workplace OHS Representatives
SECTION TWO
RAIL
TRAM AND BUS
73
Monitoring OHS Programs and Procedures
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