WHS Information
QLD – New On-the-Spot Workplace Health & Safety Fines
Recent amendments to the QLD Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 include the introduction of 18 new infringement notice offences for key risk areas such as asbestos, hazardous chemicals and construction work. The 18 new offences are eligible to be become infringement notice offences (PINs), commonly known as ‘on the spot fines’ under the State…
Read MoreTips for your drug & alcohol policy
“Fitness for work means a person’s capacity to work without risk to themselves or others’ health and safety,” says Simon Clayer, Senior Associate with HopgoodGanim , adding that many things can affect fitness for work, including stress, depression, anxiety and fatigue. Clayer recommends any employer considering drafting a drug and alcohol in the workplace policy…
Read MoreGovernment revamps SafeWork SA to improve workplace safety
The SA Government claims that creating separate regulatory and education units at SafeWork SA will better support employers to meet their responsibilities for workplace safety. SA Industrial Relations Minister John Rau said the SafeWork SA structural reforms followed an overhaul of the State’s workers compensation system and feedback from industry, business organisations and unions. “It…
Read More$650k in Grants available for Safety in SA
SafeWorkSA announces $650,000 is available in grants to fund WHS “Research & Innovation” in priority industries such as Construction. Applications open on 24th August and close on 13 November 2015. For more information please visit the SafeWork SA website safework.sa.gov.au (WHS, Work Health and Safety Grant Programs) or call 8204 9587.
Read MoreTop 9 safety checks to avoid fines or a Jail term!
Builders and construction site managers are now responsible for ensuring all contractors attending a work site are compliant with new Work Health & Safety regulations. Here are 9 safety checks the we recommend for site managers to avoid the risk of fines, or even a jail term: [mt_lineheader size=”3″ align=”left”] 1. Builders Sign. [/mt_lineheader]…
Read MoreBuilders Signage Requirements
[mt_lineheader size=”1″ align=”left”] Builders sign [/mt_lineheader] The Work Health & Safety Regulations require building sites to have a builders sign erected in a position clearly visible from outside of the site, containing the following information: The builders name (Principal Contractors Name) A contact phone number, including an after hours phone number The location of the…
Read MoreWhat activities require a High Risk Work Licence
A High Risk Work license is required for any of the following work activities: Crane and hoist operation Dogging and rigging work Forklift operation Pressure equipment operation Scaffolding work. Builders (or Principal Contractors) are required to check and record the licence details, when a contractor performs any of these tasks on their work site, and…
Read MoreTop 8 safety documents for contractors in construction
Contractors in construction are required to have safety documents that comply with the Work Health & Safety (WHS) Regulations, as of 1 January 2014. These documents are sometimes referred to as a “Safety-Pack”, and must readily accessible while working on site, along with your First Aid Kit. If a subcontractor don’t have the correct safety…
Read MoreHow to review your contractors’ SWMS
If you engage contractors that perform high risk construction work, then you need to collect and review their Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS), to avoid on-the-spot fines of $432 (for individual) and $2160 (for company). Here’s what you should look for: The front page of the SWMS contains: ABN and business name of the contractor…
Read MoreSafety Checklist for Contractors in Construction
[mt_lineheader size=”2″ align=”left”] Safety Planning [/mt_lineheader] Prepare a folder to store your Safety documents and keep the folder in your vehicle ready for Inspectors and emergencies. Your safety folder should include: Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) for any high risk work. Safety Data Sheets (SDS’s) for any Hazardous chemicals you use. A copy of all…
Read More