A health and safety policy is a document that outlines the health and safety procedures for a business. It is important for every business to have a health and safety policy, as it can help protect employees from injury or illness while at work. Conducting a regular WHS Management system audits will help the employer to find out where there are lapses and correct
these with a follow up WHS consultation with a professional body, occupational hygienist in Australia or consultant.
The components of a health and safety policy include the following.
General safety guidelines
One component of a health and safety policy includes a general safety guideline such as:
Other general safety guidelines may include rules on lifting heavy objects; conducting of WHS audits; the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), such as safety glasses and gloves; providing staff training on how to safely operate machinery, and emergency procedures.
First aid and emergency procedures
Emergency first aid procedures are an important aspect of any safety program. First aid procedures must be in place to assist employees and visitors during any unforeseen incident or accident that may occur on the premises of your business. This can include administering CPR, dealing with burns or broken bones, as well as responding to other medical emergencies such as choking and poisoning. Staff must also know where the first aid kit is located at all times (e.g., next to the kitchen sink).
If you have a large staff team then it is recommended that someone is appointed specifically for this role, so they are trained in basic first aid techniques like how perform CPR.
The Australian Red Cross offers training courses for people who want learn more about how to provide first aid treatment to others. The course covers topics such as:
There are also a range of free resources available on the Red Cross website about health and safety issues that can be downloaded and referenced by staff. These provide information about how to prevent common workplace accidents from occurring as well as other relevant topics such as preventing slips, trips and falls. They also provide details on what to do if someone is injured or becomes unwell while they are at work, so it is a good idea keep copies of these materials in the workplace.
Fire safety precautions
Fires are a common occurrence in the workplace, with around 15,000 reported each year. In most cases, these fires can be avoided by taking some simple precautions.
The first step is to have a fire evacuation plan in place and ensure all employees are familiar with it. Employees should also be aware of the location of the nearest fire exit and how to use it.
In addition to having a fire evacuation plan, businesses should also have an emergency action plan. This plan should include details on what to do if a fire occurs, such as evacuating the building and calling emergency services.
It is important to have adequate fire safety equipment in the workplace, including smoke detectors, extinguishers, and hoses. All of this equipment should be checked regularly to ensure that it is in working order.
Employers should also ensure that the workplace is a safe and healthy place to work. This includes providing adequate training on health and safety, as well as enforcing safe work practices. Employees should be aware of the risks associated with their job and how to minimise these risks.
Health and hygiene policies
Health and hygiene are another important aspect of health and safety in the workplace. Employers must ensure that they provide their employees with a safe working environment, which includes providing adequate toilet facilities and handwashing facilities.
Employees should be encouraged to wash their hands regularly throughout the day and to use soap when doing so. Employees who work in areas such as kitchens or food preparation areas should also be discouraged from putting fingers into their mouths or touching contaminated surfaces without first washing them thoroughly.
If an employer is unable to provide these basic hygiene requirements for its workers, then it may find itself facing legal action from those who are taken ill by poor conditions at work. If you want your business to succeed then make sure that your staff have access to clean toilets, sinks, hand basins and maintain other basic sanitary needs.
Food and drink in the workplace
Food and drinks play an important role in the workplace. Not only do they provide energy and sustenance to help workers power on through their day, but they can also be used as a way to celebrate success or boost morale. However, it is important to remember that while food and drinks can be enjoyed in moderation, they can also pose a health and safety risk if not handled correctly.
For example, employers should ensure that employees do not drink alcohol or eat food that may have been contaminated while working. In addition, workers should be discouraged from eating or drinking in areas such as kitchens or food preparation areas where there is a risk of contamination. This is because consuming food or drink that has been contaminated with bacteria or viruses can lead to gastrointestinal problems such as vomiting and diarrhoea which can be very serious, especially if they occur in a workplace.
Use of technology in the workplace
All workplaces use technology and it is very important for employers to ensure that employees are aware of how they can use it safely. Employers should also explain why workers should not use their mobile phones while working as this may lead to accidents and injury, especially if they were texting or phoning while using dangerous or heavy machinery.
For example, a worker who has been using his/her phone while on duty could inadvertently cause harm to themselves or others because he/she was distracted by something else such as reading messages from friends or family members with whom they have contact through social media sites like Facebook Twitter and so forth. They must be trained in safe work practices when working near machinery and equipment in order for them not only to protect themselves but also any other employees that are around them.
A health and safety policy is important for a number of reasons. It helps to protect your employees from potential workplace accidents or injuries, it shows that you are taking responsibility for the health and safety of your workers, and it can help to reduce the likelihood of legal action being taken against your business in the event of an accident. Having a written health and safety policy also makes sure that all members of staff are aware of their responsibilities when it comes to workplace health and safety. This not only reduces the risk of accidents happening, but also ensures that everyone is working towards maintaining a safe workplace.
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