Which OHS policies does your business need?

Workplace accidents not only have a dramatic impact on people's lives, but they can also have a significant financial impact on your business through the loss of skilled staff and the lost production of goods or services.

To help make sure you meet your statutory obligations, every business needs to develop a range of OHS policies and procedures, explains John Wellington of the National Safety Council of Australia.

Knowing OH&S policy

"Regardless of the size of your business, the quality of policies and procedures should be the same," John points out. "However, the quantity is dependent on the operations of the business."

In other words, the nature and size of your business may have an impact on which OH&S regulations you have in place. After all, it would make little sense for a small fashion boutique to be expected to develop the same depth and variety of OH&S policy as a medium-sized warehouse.

Complying with OH&S regulations

Exact legal requirements differ between Australian states and territories, but in general terms each business should have a suitable workplace health and safety management system.

This is likely to involve the development of: 

• relevant policies, objectives and targets
• related management plans, responsibilities and authorities
• formal processes for consultation and communication
• formal processes associated with statutory requirements.

These key elements form the basis for the initial part of a workplace health and safety management system for all businesses - whether small, medium or large.

Risk management and you

At the heart of any workplace health and safety system is the concept of risk management, explains John.

"Risk management is the process whereby the health and safety of your workers is ensured," he says. "It is all about eliminating and controlling any workplace hazards and risks."

This is best achieved by a proper consideration of the sources of harm and what can be done to prevent the harm from occurring.

Key steps to risk management

There are three key steps to risk management, including: 

• the identification of potential or existing risks
• the development of risk profiles
• the identification and development of relevant controls, whether it be an object (such as a hard hat) or a work process. Controls should be designed to either eliminate an OH&S hazard or risk or to reduce the risk as far as reasonably practicable.

Exactly what is involved in these three steps is dependent on the type of business you are running, and the risks your employees are likely to encounter.

The health and safety of your people should be paramount, so to find out more about what OHS policies and procedures your business needs, consult a specialist today.