Safety Matters - Rail, Tram and Bus Union of NSW

Developing OHS Policy?
An OHS Policy is a way an organisation communicates its commitment
to a safe and healthy workplace and the responsibilities of everyone in the
workplace to achieve this.
Successful management of health and safety in the workplace requires the
following elements:
SECTION TWO
Safety Matters A Guide for Workplace OHS Representatives
1. A commitment by the employer to provide a workplace that is safe and
without risks to health. This commitment is demonstrated by giving health
and safety issues priority in all decisions affecting the workplace and the
conduct of work.
2. The provision of adequate resources to ensure the workplace is safe and
without risks. Adequate resources are needed to ensure that things such
as equipment are safe and properly maintained. OHS issues are promptly
addressed and employees are trained to carry out their tasks in a safe
manner.
3. OHS responsibilities are clearly defined and people in the workplace are
aware of their responsibilities and are competent and resources to meet
them.
4. There is an OHS program comprising of a range of health, safety and welfare
to enable the workplace to identify hazards, assess risks and implement
control measures to ensure the highest level of workplace health and
safety. Such activities as hazard reporting, accident and incident reporting,
emergency procedures and incorporating health and safety into job design,
training and purchasing would constitute the OHS program.
By developing an OHS policy which addresses these issues, the organisation
can clearly express its commitment to a safe and healthy workplace and how
it is going to achieve it.
Steps in Developing an OHS Policy
The WorkCover Workplace Safety Kit describes the following six steps in
developing an OHS Policy.
• Determine OHS responsibilities
It is important that this is done before the policy is developed sot he
responsibilities can be incorporated into the policy to emphasise what
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Monitoring OHS Programs and Procedures
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