Occupational Health & Safety in Australia

Employers other obligations

Your employer must -

  • Provide adequate training and supervision for workers working at heights. The aim is to prevent falls, falling objects, safe scaffolding and safety wear and safe building maintenance.
  • Maintain adequate ventilation, especially if working with gases and fumes.
  • Prevent fire and have fire extinguishers readily available in the event of fire.
  • Provide safe electricity. There should not be exposed wiring or lines laid dangerously.
  • Provide training, supervision and ensure proper understanding of manual handling procedures.
  • Provide training and safety equipment when an employee is working in confined spaces.

Hazards may be in any workplace, but they may be avoidable. A hazard is defined in the NSW law, Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 2001, as 'anything (including work practices or procedures) that has the potential to harm the health and safety of a person.'

Hazards may arise from your working environment, from poor workplace design or inappropriate procedures within the workplace, or from the use of substances or machinery. The hazards can be classed into five areas:

  • Physical hazards, e.g.
    • light
    • noise
    • radiation
  • Biological, e.g.
    • plants
    • viruses
    • parasites
  • Mechanical/electrical, e.g.
    • trips and falls
    • electrical equipment
    • slips
    • tools
  • Chemical, e.g.
    • dusts
    • poisons
    • fumes
  • Psychological, e.g.
    • bullying
    • violence
    • fatigue

Once these hazards have been identified, workplace hazard protocols should be put in place. What may not seem like a danger to you could cause serious injury to your workmate. Employers should consult with their workforce on the best may to reduce and eliminate any hazards in the workplace. Australian Standards has specifications defined for equipment, materials and products which ensure safety and are of good quality.

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