Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) is a critical framework designed to protect workers from harm while promoting the overall health, safety, and wellbeing of everyone in a workplace. It involves identifying and managing health and safety risks, complying with relevant safety legislation, and creating a safe work environment for employees, contractors, and visitors.
In Australia, OHS is governed by a combination of state, territory, and federal regulations, with Safe Work Australia providing model Codes of Practice and national policy guidance. By implementing effective safety management systems, employers can manage risks, prevent workplace injury, and continually improve safety performance across their business activities.
This guide provides practical guidance on OHS requirements, risk management strategies, and key documentation needed for compliance, while also exploring the importance of fostering a culture of safety across all work activities.
Understanding Occupational Health and Safety
OHS covers both the physical and psychological aspects of workplace health. It aims to reduce injuries, illnesses, and psychological harm while supporting workers’ health throughout their employment. Its scope ranges from preventing accidents involving machinery to addressing mental health challenges that arise from workplace stress.
Occupational safety goes beyond meeting compliance requirements. It involves creating a work environment where employees can operate safely, efficiently, and with confidence. Under OHS regulations, employers have a legal duty to ensure that work activities do not pose risks to health and safety. This responsibility includes identifying hazards, implementing effective control measures, and reviewing those measures regularly to ensure they remain effective.
The Importance of OHS Compliance
Compliance with OHS regulations is not only a legal obligation but also a business advantage. Work related injury and illness can result in significant costs, including workers compensation claims, downtime, reduced productivity, and reputational damage.
By maintaining robust health and safety management systems, businesses can improve OHS performance, reduce the likelihood of workplace injury, and protect both physical and mental health. In addition, demonstrating compliance can help businesses qualify for self-insure options, secure contracts, and build trust with employees and the public.
OHS Management
Strong safety documentation is the backbone of an effective Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) management system. Well-structured, up-to-date, and accessible documents help ensure everyone in the workplace understands their responsibilities and can act promptly when hazards or incidents arise.
Safety Policies and Procedures
A workplace safety policy demonstrates an organisation’s commitment to health and safety. It should clearly define the duties of employers, employees, contractors, and suppliers. Supporting procedures translate this policy into practical steps, guiding how safety controls are implemented and hazards are managed in daily operations.
Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment
A hazard identification and risk assessment record is essential for addressing workplace risks. This document should list all potential hazards, assess the likelihood and severity of each, and set out control measures to manage or eliminate them. By following this process, businesses not only comply with safety legislation but also safeguard employees from physical injuries and mental health risks.
Emergency and Evacuation Plans
Preparedness is a vital part of risk management. Emergency and evacuation plans outline the steps to follow during incidents such as fires, chemical spills, natural disasters, or workplace violence. These plans must be communicated to all staff and tested regularly through drills to ensure an effective response when needed.
Incident Reporting and Investigation
A structured incident reporting and investigation process records details of workplace injuries, near misses, and safety breaches. Investigations should focus on identifying root causes, recommending corrective actions, and preventing similar incidents in the future. This process is critical for ongoing safety improvement and compliance with OHS regulations.
Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS)
Safe Work Method Statements are legally required for high-risk construction activities and are often adopted by other industries to strengthen safety practices. These documents break down each task, identify potential hazards, and detail control measures. They must be easily accessible to workers and reviewed whenever work conditions or processes change.
Training and Induction Programs
Comprehensive training and induction programs give workers the skills and knowledge they need to perform their jobs safely. Training should include hazard identification, safe work procedures, emergency response, and role-specific safety requirements. Regular refresher training helps maintain awareness and ensures workers remain up to date with changes in safety legislation or workplace practices.
The Role of Risk Management in OHS
Risk management is a core element of Occupational Health and Safety. It involves a structured approach to identifying hazards, assessing their potential impact, and putting measures in place to control or eliminate them. The process follows the hierarchy of control, starting with the removal of the hazard where possible, then moving to substitution, engineering controls, administrative procedures, and finally the use of personal protective equipment.
Effective OHS risk management is not a one-off exercise. It requires ongoing monitoring, open consultation with employees, and regular reviews to confirm that controls remain effective. Organisations that prioritise risk management minimise the chances of injury and illness, strengthen workplace safety culture, and meet the compliance standards expected by Australian regulators.
OHS and Safety Legislation in Australia
In Australia, occupational health and safety regulations are managed by state and territory authorities, with Safe Work Australia providing national policy guidance. Although the specific laws vary across jurisdictions, they share core principles: maintaining safe systems of work, delivering adequate safety training, and engaging workers in discussions about workplace safety.
To remain compliant, businesses should keep up to date with legislative changes, revisions to Codes of Practice, and new or emerging workplace hazards. Adopting an international standard such as ISO 45001 can also help Australian organisations align with global best practices in occupational health and safety management.
Continual Improvement of OHS Performance
Our complete OHS compliance solution is designed to help businesses regularly review and improve safety systems, policies and risk controls to address workplace changes and emerging hazards. This can include updating SWMS and policies, providing refresher training, and keeping all documentation current.
With our centralised compliance system, you can streamline these updates, track changes and maintain a consistent focus on protecting your workers and meeting legislative requirements.
Conclusion
Occupational Health and Safety is a critical responsibility for every business. By effectively managing risks, meeting OHS legal requirements, and fostering a culture of continual improvement, employers can safeguard their workers and maintain compliance. Prioritising both physical and mental health not only fulfils legal obligations but also supports employee wellbeing, reduces workplace incidents, and enhances overall business performance.
