Work Health and Safety (WHS) Compliance for Small Businesses in Australia: A Comprehensive Guide

Ensuring a safe and healthy workplace is not just a legal obligation for small businesses in Australia—it’s a cornerstone of operational success. With small businesses comprising 97% of all Australian enterprises and employing over 4.7 million workers, understanding and adhering to Work Health and Safety (WHS) laws is paramount.

Small Business WHS (Safety) Compliance Help

Understanding WHS Compliance

In Australia, WHS laws are primarily governed by the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, which has been adopted by most states and territories. This legislation outlines the responsibilities of business owners, managers, and workers in maintaining a safe work environment. The primary duty of care, as outlined in this act, requires organizations to provide a safe work environment, adequate training, supervision, and resources necessary for workers to perform their duties safely.

Key WHS Obligations for Small Businesses

1.       Duty of Care

As a Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBU), you must ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety of:

• Workers engaged by the business

• Workers whose activities are influenced or directed by the business

• Other persons at the workplace

This includes providing and maintaining a work environment without risks to health and safety, safe systems of work, safe use and maintenance of plant and structures, and adequate facilities for the welfare of workers.

2.       Risk Management

Implementing a systematic approach to identify hazards, assess risks, and control them is essential. This process should be ongoing and involve consultation with workers to ensure effectiveness.

3.       Training and Supervision

Providing appropriate training, instruction, and supervision to workers ensures they can perform their work safely. This includes induction programs, ongoing safety training, and supervision tailored to the specific needs of the workplace.

4.       Consultation with Workers

Engaging with workers in the decision-making process regarding health and safety matters is not only a legal requirement but also fosters a culture of safety. This can be achieved through regular meetings, safety committees, and feedback mechanisms.

5.       Record Keeping

Maintaining accurate records of safety training, risk assessments, incidents, and consultations is crucial. These records demonstrate compliance and can be invaluable in the event of an audit or investigation.

Essential WHS Policies and Procedures

To comply with WHS laws, small businesses should implement the following key policies and procedures – the experts at ISOsafe can prepare tailored policies and procedures to help your business comply with requirements:

• Workplace Health and Safety Policy: Outlines the commitment to providing a safe and healthy work environment.

• Incident Reporting and Investigation Procedure: Details how incidents are reported, investigated, and corrective actions are implemented.

• Emergency Procedures: Specifies actions to be taken in case of emergencies, including evacuation plans and first aid.

• Hazardous Materials Handling Procedure: Guidelines for the safe handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous substances.

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Policy: Defines the types of PPE required and procedures for their use and maintenance.

• Workplace Inspection Checklist: A regular checklist to identify and rectify potential hazards.

• Training and Induction Program: Ensures all workers receive appropriate training and induction regarding workplace safety.

• Consultation and Communication Procedure: Facilitates effective communication and consultation with workers on safety matters.

Contact ISOsafe to ensure your Company WHS Policies and Procedures are compliant and appropriate for your business – 1300 789 132

The Importance of Risk Assessments and Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS)

Conducting regular risk assessments is a fundamental aspect of WHS compliance. These assessments help identify potential hazards in the workplace and implement measures to control or eliminate risks.

For businesses engaged in high-risk construction work, preparing a Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is a legal requirement. A SWMS outlines the specific hazards associated with particular tasks and the control measures to mitigate these risks.

Even for non-construction tasks, conducting risk assessments is beneficial. While a SWMS may not be required, identifying and managing risks ensures a safer work environment and demonstrates a commitment to WHS compliance.

Get Your FREE SWMS template here: https://isosafe.com.au/blog/free-blank-swms-template

Jurisdictional Considerations

While the model WHS laws provide a national framework, each state and territory in Australia administers and enforces its own WHS legislation. Notably, Victoria operates under its Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004, which, while similar, has distinct provisions. It's imperative for small business owners to familiarize themselves with the specific WHS regulations applicable in their jurisdiction to ensure full compliance.

 Benefits of WHS Compliance

Adhering to WHS laws not only ensures legal compliance but also offers several business advantages:

• Reduced Workplace Incidents: Proactive safety measures lead to fewer accidents and injuries.

• Enhanced Reputation: A commitment to safety enhances your business's reputation among clients, employees, and the community.

• Increased Productivity: A safe work environment leads to fewer disruptions and improved employee morale.

• Financial Savings: Reduced incidents can lead to lower insurance premiums and fewer compensation claims.

Resources for Small Businesses

ISOsafe have all the resources for small businesses from preparing customised WHS paperwork such as inductions and SWMS through to conducting site safety reviews that are supported by comprehensive reports to ensure your business complies with its WHS requirements. Call Us Today – 1300 789 132.

ISOsafe’s FREE Resources for your business available on the below links:

FREE SWMS Template: https://isosafe.com.au/blog/free-blank-swms-template

FREE Induction and Onboarding Template: https://isosafe.com.au/blog/free-checklist-for-induction-of-new-staff

FREE Job Description and Position Description Template: https://isosafe.com.au/blog/free-employer-hr-job-description-template

FREE Forklift Inspection Checklist: https://isosafe.com.au/blog/free-forklift-safety-inspection-checklist

Free Blank SWMS Template

ISOsafe are offering a free SWMS Template that helps you better manage onsite Health and Safety. We believe Safety at work is everyone's responsibility! Our Free Blank SWMS Template will guide you through the key considerations when conducting a Risk Assessment so you can get a real handle on hazards associated with your onsite activities and better plan preventive controls.

This Free Blank SWMS Template can be used for any work such as Cleaning and Security Work to Plumbing, Electrical and Construction related works.

Write your own SWMS using our free blank template

Find Your Free Blank SWMS Template below

SWMS Tailor Made For Your Work

Ask ISOsafe - Call Now 1300 789 132

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Ask ISOsafe - Call Now 1300 789 132 〰️

Benefits of using our Free Blank SWMS Template

✅ Free DIY solution

✅ This blank SWMS template has been reviewed by industry experts and will help you comply with onsite OHS/WHS regulations – in particular it breaks down any activity into tasks and helps you identify responsibilities

✅ Includes easy checkboxes for identifying applicable High Risk Construction Works

✅ The Free SWMS Template can be used in every State and Territory within Australia

Why are SWMS necessary?

A well documented SWMS can protect your clients, business and above all your workers as it offers an opportunity to consult and communicate any risks.

Are you too busy, or unsure how to correctly fill the blank SWMS? Call ISOsafe - 1300 789 132

Need expert help with SWMS? Call ISOsafe – 1300 789 132

Free First Aid Poster For Your Workplace

First Aid In The Workplace

What is First Aid?

The immediate treatment or care given to a person suffering from an injury or illness until more advanced care is provided or the person recovers.

First Aid Kits In the Workplace

All workers must be able to access a first aid kit. This will require at least one first aid kit to be provided at their workplace.

First Aid Kit Contents

The first aid kit should provide basic equipment for administering first aid for injuries including:

·       cuts, scratches, punctures, grazes and splinters

·       muscular sprains and strains

·       minor burns

·       amputations and/or major bleeding wounds

·       broken bones

·       eye injuries, and

·       shock.

The contents of first aid kits should be based on a risk assessment. For example, there may be higher risk of eye injuries and a need for more eye pads in a workplace in which work involves machinery or chemicals. For example, where:

·       chemical liquids or powders are handled in open containers

·       spraying, hosing or abrasive blasting operations are carried out

·       there is a possibility of flying particles causing eye injuries

·       there is a risk of splashing or spraying of infectious materials, or

·       welding, cutting or machining operations are carried out.

Extra equipment may be needed in remote workplaces, for example for serious burns, breathing difficulties or allergic reactions.

To assist you and your workplace, ISOsafe has created an informative First Aid Kit Contents Poster. Download it and display it around your workplace to ensure your First Aid Kit is kept up to date and fully stocked with the current WHS requirements.

If you are uncertain of your obligations when it comes to First Aid, or any other health and safety requirements in your workplace, call ISOsafe on 1300 789 132. Our Specialists can answer any questions you may have.

OHS/WHS Codes Of Practice (NSW)

WHS Codes Of Practice (NSW)

A Code Of Practice (COP) provides detailed information on how you can achieve the standards required under the work health and safety (WHS) laws.

In August 2019, SafeWork NSW adopted 23 model codes of practice (COPs) that were updated by Safe Work Australia and released during 2018.

These do not replace the WHS laws, but codes of practice can be issued to help make understanding what you have to do a little easier.

An inspector can refer to a code of practice when issuing an improvement or prohibition notice.

Under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, codes of practice are admissible in court proceedings.

All codes of practice are below:

Abrasive blasting

Confined spaces

Construction work

Demolition work

Excavation work

First aid in the workplace

Formwork

Hazardous manual tasks

How to manage and control asbestos in the workplace

How to manage work health and safety risks

How to safely remove asbestos

Labelling of workplace hazardous chemicals

Managing electrical risks

Managing noise and preventing hearing loss at work

Managing the risk of falls at workplaces

Resources List

Managing risks of hazardous chemicals in the workplace

Managing the risks of plant in the workplace

Managing risks in stevedoring

Managing risks when new and inexperienced persons interact with horses

Managing the work environment and facilities

Preparation of safety data sheets for hazardous chemicals

Managing the risk of falls in housing construction

Safe design of structures

Spray painting and powder coating

Welding processes

Work health and safety consultation, cooperation and coordination

Pre-WHS legislation codes of practice

These codes of practice were developed based on older laws which were replaced with the Work Health and Safety Act and Regulation. However they are still current and can still be used to help you meet your WHS requirements.

Resources List

Amenity tree industry

Accommodation for rural agricultural work

Cash in transit

Collection of domestic waste

Control of work-related exposure to hepatitis and HIV (blood-borne) viruses

Cutting and drilling concrete and other masonry products

Moving plant on construction sites

Overhead protective structures

Safe handling of timber preservatives and treated timber

Safe use and storage of chemicals in agriculture

Safe use and storage of chemicals in agriculture Including pesticides and herbicides

Safe use of bulk solids containers

Safe use of bulk solids containers and flatbed storage including silos, field bins and chaser bins

Safe use of pesticides in non-agricultural workplaces

Safe use of synthetic mineral fibres

Safe work on roofs part 1 commercial industrial

Safety aspects in the design of bulk solids containers

Safety aspects in the design of bulk solids containers including silos, field bins and chaser bins

Safety in forest harvesting operations

Sawmilling industry

Technical guidance

Tunnels under construction

Work near overhead power lines

Feeling overwhelmed? Call ISOsafe to get simple straightforward OHS/WHS advice on 1300 789 132.

ISO 9001 Basics: Complete Beginner’s Guide to ISO 9001:2015 Quality management systems — Requirements

ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems (QMS) is an international standard that helps organizations ensure they meet customers and other stakeholder needs within statutory and regulatory requirements related to a product or service. ISO 9001 is held by thousands of businesses in Australia, we’ve helped them get Certified with minimal disruption, reducing project costs and raising revenues.

In this guide to ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems (QMS) for beginners, you’ll learn:

·       What is ISO 9001 and why it is important?

·       Reasons for use?

·       ISO 9001 QMS Policy Best Practices

·       ISO 9001 Certification Best Practices   

·       How to best Prepare for ISO 9001 : 2015 Certification

·       Common Technical ISO 9001 QMS Issues

·       How to Track & Measure ISO 9001 QMS Performance Evaluation, Compliance Evaluations and Report Results at Management Review Meetings.

·       Additional ISO 9001 Considerations (such as industry specific applications of the standard and ISO Best Practices)

ISO 9001 Certification - Fast Tracked. Serving All Industries, Australia-Wide

What is ISO 9001 and why it is important?

Over one million organizations worldwide are independently certified to ISO 9001, making it one of the most widely used management tools globally.

Contents of ISO 9001:2015 are as follows:

·       Section 1: Scope

·       Section 2: Normative references

·       Section 3: Terms and definitions

·       Section 4: Context of the organization

·       Section 5: Leadership

·       Section 6: Planning

·       Section 7: Support

·       Section 8: Operation

·       Section 9: Performance evaluation

·       Section 10: Continual Improvement

Similar to its predecessor, ISO 9001:2008, the layout of the current version of the standard follows PDCA (plan–do–check–act or plan–do–check–adjust) principles. PDCA is an iterative four-step management method used in business for the control and continuous improvement of processes and products.

The ISO 9001:2015 management system standard helps ensure that consumers get reliable, desired quality goods and services. This further increases benefits for a business.

Over time, various industry sectors have wanted to standardise their interpretations of the guidelines within their own marketplace. This is partly to ensure that their versions of ISO 9000 have their specific requirements, but also to try and ensure that more appropriately trained and experienced auditors are sent to assess them. Some examples include:

·       The TickIT guidelines

·       AS9000 is the Aerospace Basic Quality System Standard

·       PS 9000, QS 9000, ISO/TS 16949 now referred to as IATF 16949:2016 are the various Automotive Quality Management Systems

·       TL 9000 is the Telecom Quality Management and Measurement System Standard

·       ISO 13485:2016 Medical devices

·       ISO/IEC 90003:2014 Software engineering

·       ISO/TS 29001 is quality management system requirements for the design, development, production, installation, and service of products for the petroleum, petrochemical, and natural gas industries

·       ISO 22000 Food Safety Management Systems

·       ISO 17025:2017 is the Quality Management System applicable only to Testing and Calibration Laboratories

Call ISOsafe to Fast Track 🚀 your Business ISO Certification on 1300 789 132

Reasons for use?

Proper quality management can improve business, often having a positive effect on investment, market share, sales growth, sales margins, competitive advantage, and avoidance of litigation.

We've got the answers - Call our ISO 9001 Certification helpline now

ISO 9001 QMS Policy Best Practices

The ISO 9001:2015 Quality management systems standard requires the development a Quality Policy. A Quality Policy is a document developed by management to express the commitment of top management with respect to quality.

Section 5.2 of the ISO 9001:2015 standard requires a written, well-defined quality policy that is communicated and understood by all stakeholders and interested parties. Need help developing a Quality Policy for your business? Call ISOsafe 1300 789 132.

ISO 9001 Certification Best Practices

Before the certification body can issue or renew a certificate, the auditor must be satisfied that the company being assessed has implemented the requirements of sections 4 to 10. Sections 1 to 3 are not directly audited against, but because they provide context and definitions for the rest of the standard, not that of the organization, their contents must be taken into account.

Common Technical ISO 9001 QMS Issues

An organization applying for ISO 9001 certification is audited based on an extensive sample of its sites, functions, products, services, and processes. The auditor presents a list of problems (defined as "non-conformities", "observations", or "opportunities for improvement") to management. If there are no major non-conformities, the certification body issues a certificate. Where major non-conformities are identified, the organization presents an improvement plan to the certification body (e.g. corrective action reports showing how the problems will be resolved); once the certification body is satisfied that the organization has carried out sufficient corrective action, it issues a certificate. The certificate is limited by a certain scope (e.g., production of golf balls) and displays the addresses to which the certificate refers.

How to Track & Measure ISO 9001 QMS Performance Evaluation, Compliance Evaluations and Report Results at Management Review Meetings.

The organization should determine the methods and frequency for monitoring, measurement, analysis, and evaluation of Performance Evaluation. Does this all sound like too much work? Call ISOsafe now to get help with your ISO 9001 accreditation.

Additional ISO 9001 Considerations (such as industry specific applications of the standard and ISO Best Practices)

So if you’ve gotten this far, you should know a lot of information about how ISO 9001:2015 Quality management systems.

What should you do next? Call ISOsafe on 1300 789 132 to get started on your ISO 9001 Certification.