How to get on track with your WH&S
From time to time I hear someone say something along the lines of ‘this WH&S thing has gone overboard-we can’t do anything anymore without having to worry about WH&S!’
When I hear statements such as these I usually respond that if you are thinking about WH&S you have at least made a start towards creating a safe (and compliant) workplace.
Overall though, I find that those who are most overwhelmed by WH&S have very little knowledge of their responsibilities. Often the knowledge they do have comes from others who may have a limited understanding themselves or who are not qualified to provide advice on this issue. This results in some very stressed business people having sleepless nights over WH&S!
Workplace Health and Safety’s reputation isn’t helped by the media. We see on high rotation with much sensationalism the schools which have banned playing tiggy or doing cartwheels, workplaces which have banned sandwich presses etc.
Generally, when such examples are raised, it is the result of the business or undertaking or individuals within them making a decision based on (mostly unfounded) fears of litigation rather than as a result of systematic hazard identification and risk management practices.
When I encounter someone who is finding WH&S overwhelming to the point that is it causing them tremendous worry and stress, I find that the following can assist with making it seem more manageable and getting them on track to managing WH&S effectively:
1 Understand the legislation. A good general understanding of Workplace Health and Safety Legislation allows you to read further and communicate effectively with other parties about WH&S.
2 Don’t feel that you need to do it all at once. Look at your business, establish priorities (a workplace health and safety policy for example) and chip away at these. This is often a successful approach in terms of implementation.
3 Set goals. Where are you now? What exactly are your businesses goals when it comes to OH&S? Having specific goals to work towards assists in maintaining focus on WH&S and providing direction.
4 Have a plan. How are you going to achieve those goals? Over what timeframe? How are you going to measure whether you have achieved them and your progress along the way?
At HR Business Direction we can assist with developing a plan so you can feel confident and no overwhelmed with moving forward with managing you workplace health & safety? Contact us here.
Christina Willcox MHSc; PostGradDip OHS; BBus(HRM)
Workplace Health & Safety Specialist
christina.willcox@hrbd.com.au
07 3890 2066
www.hrbd.com.au
