There is often confusion over Health and Safety – the rules have been around for a while now but we still get some common questions. Below we set out some of the key points to consider to ensure compliance. Check out our other guidance on these topics as well.
Top 10 things to know
- Be aware
- The Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 has been in force for a few years and it has introduced greater accountability for Health & Safety for your organisation if you employ staff.
- Are you a ‘PCBU’?
- If you are a “Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking” then you are a PCBU. A PCBU can operate in a voluntary way without primarily being set up to make money. It has the primary duty of care in a workplace. See below for more on this.
- Officers of PCBUs
- Directors, managers and leaders of the PCBU also face significant penalties under the Act for failing to exercise due diligence in ensuring the PCBU carries out its duties.
- To start: Identify risks
- Ensure all risks and hazards are in your organisation are identified. Start by looking at the facility, entry and exit points, stage areas, equipment used, the people, the weather … what are the risks where you are?
- Control & Eliminate
- Put procedures in place to control or eliminate risks to health and safety so far as is reasonably practicable.
- Prepare
- Maintain a health and safety policy with the help of your employees. Put it into action and ensure your employees and contractors are aware of it and follow it – don’t just hide it in a drawer!
- Tailor your documents
- Customise your documents so they are practical for you. One size does not fit all. It may be that a consultant is worth hiring to help you prepare documentation as well.
- Check your visitors
- If other contractors or other entities come on to your property you must ensure they have proper health and safety procedures in place and provide you with a copy. Ask for it and check it!
- Standing item
- It is good practice to have this topic as a standing item at your board meetings.
- Remember the penalties are high
- Fines of up to $3 million and imprisonment of up to 5 years can be imposed. “She’ll be right” is no longer OK. Think about these issues now, not later
This article is not a substitute for legal advice and you should contact your lawyer about your specific situation. Please feel free to contact Steven Moe at stevenmoe@parryfield.com
