Safe operation of cold storage facilities - A ... - WorkSafe Victoria

2.Legal obligationsThe Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act 2004 (S. 21) requires employers,so far as is reasonably practicable, to provide and maintain a workingenvironment that is safe and without risk to employees’ health. Part of this isproviding employees with information, instruction, training and supervision to ensurethey are able to perform their work in a safe manner and without risk to health.This duty extends to contractors and employees of the contractor. Employers andoperators of cold storage facilities should be aware they have a responsibility(S. 23) to others apart from employees.Managers of cold storage facilities – as well as employees – have prescribedindividual responsibilities (S. 25) as officers of a company (S. 144) for ensuringthe health and safety of employees and others in the workplace.The OHS Act also requires the designers of buildings and structures to design thebuilding or structure to be safe and without risks to the health of those using itas a workplace (S. 28).While the OHS Act prescribes the general principles and duty of care provisions ofVictorian health and safety legislation, there are a number of specific hazard-basedregulations (Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2007) that requireemployers to identify and control risks, and consult with employees who are likelyto be affected by any activity that relates to their health and safety.More information: Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 20072 Handbook Safe operation of cold storage facilities WorkSafe Victoria