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Notifiable Incidents in Australia: What Business Owners Need to Know
Notifiable Incidents in Australia: What Business Owners Need to Know
Incidents happen. It's an unfortunate reality of doing business. But in Australia, there's a specific set of guidelines that businesses must follow when it comes to notifiable incidents. In this blog post, we'll run through what counts as a notifiable incident and what you, as a business owner, need to do if one occurs.What Counts as a Notifiable Incid…
The Top 5 Safety Management Documents Your Business Needs
The Top 5 Safety Management Documents Your Business Needs
If you own a business, it's essential that you have the proper safety management documents in place to protect both your employees and your company. From Safe Work Method Statements to Standard Operating Procedures, these documents ensure that everyone is aware of the risks involved in their work and knows how to mitigate those risks.Keep reading to le…
How to Manage Heat Stress in the Workplace
How to Manage Heat Stress in the Workplace
As summer begins and temperatures start to rise, it's important for business owners to be aware of the dangers of heat stress in the workplace. Heat stress can lead to a range of symptoms, including heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and even death.By implementing some simple policies and procedures, businesses can protect their employees from the dangers o…
Kicking 2023 off with Safety at the Forefront
Kicking 2023 off with Safety at the Forefront
The new year has just passed in, and with it comes the chance to start fresh. For business owners, that means taking a hard look at company safety protocols and ensuring they're up to date. Here at SafetyDocs, we're excited to be back and have new products coming soon that will excite and delight our customers. But before we get ahead of ourselves, let…
What is ISO 45001:2018, and How Can it Benefit Your Business?
What is ISO 45001:2018, and How Can it Benefit Your Business?
ISO 45001:2018 Standard is an Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OHSMS) designed to promote a healthy working environment by providing a framework for identifying, controlling, and managing occupational health and safety risks and opportunities. In addition, it offers a chance to benchmark OHS practices against global best practices.This…
Electrical Safety Tips for the Holiday Season
Electrical Safety Tips for the Holiday Season
The holiday season is a beautiful time of year. Unfortunately, each year electrical incidents are caused by faulty or non-compliant electrical equipment, including Christmas lights and decorations. Business owners are responsible for ensuring the safety of their employees, customers, and premises. This includes taking proper precautions when putti…
Managing Employee Conduct at Christmas Functions
Managing Employee Conduct at Christmas Functions
With Christmas just around the corner, many businesses will be hosting their annual Christmas functions. While these functions are a great opportunity for employees to let their hair down and celebrate the year that was, it's important to make sure that they are conducted in a safe and responsible manner. After all, no one wants their Christmas party t…
10 Mobile Plant Safety Tips - Minimise the Risk of Injury
10 Mobile Plant Safety Tips - Minimise the Risk of Injury
When working around mobile plant, there are a number of dangers that can pose a risk to your safety. It is important to identify and recognise the risks involved so you can put measures in place to minimise the risk of injury. Here are the top ten dangers to be aware of:Moving parts: Many mobile plant devices have moving parts that can cause injury if…
Managing Safe Asbestos Removal
Managing Safe Asbestos Removal
What is Asbestos Removal?Asbestos removal also called asbestos abatement, is the carefully controlled process of removing asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) from a building or structure. ACM is any material that contains more than one percent asbestos. It is linked to many diseases, like mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer. Only licenced asbest…
National Asbestos Week 21-27 November 2022
National Asbestos Week 21-27 November 2022
National Asbestos Awareness Week is an annual event that aims to raise awareness of the dangers of asbestos exposure and promote safe work practices. The week is held in November each year, coinciding with World Asbestos Day on November 25. This year's National Asbestos Awareness Week (21-27 November 2021) campaign asks Australians to Think Twice…
Mosquito-Borne Diseases in Australia: What You Need To Know
Mosquito-Borne Diseases in Australia: What You Need To Know
The Mosquito Problem in AustraliaAlong with the long days and beach trips during summer comes something less desirable: mosquitoes. This is mainly due to a changing climate, which has led to more extreme wet weather events. These conditions are ideal for mosquitoes, as they provide the perfect breeding ground for these insects. Summer in Australia is s…
Getting Ahead with Electrical Safety in the Workplace
Getting Ahead with Electrical Safety in the Workplace
What is Electrical Safety?Electrical safety is a set of practices that protect people and equipment from electrical hazards. It includes the prevention of electrical shock, fire, and explosion.There are many potential dangers when working with electricity. Jobs such as electrical engineering, construction, and maintenance all come with a certain amount…
Summer and the increase of Mosquito-Borne diseases
Summer and the increase of Mosquito-Borne diseases
With summer comes the increased risk of mosquito-borne diseases. These diseases can have a significant impact on businesses, especially those that are located in areas where there is a high density of mosquitoes. Companies can take several steps to reduce the risk of mosquito-borne diseases, and it is important for businesses to have a safety plan in p…
Warehouse Safety Management: Guide to Getting Started
Warehouse Safety Management: Guide to Getting Started
What is Warehouse Safety?Warehouse safety is a critical component of ensuring workers, visitors, and equipment safety and well-being in warehouse environments. At its core, warehouse safety is about reducing the risk of accidents and injuries through proper planning, training, and implementation of safety protocols. Some key aspects of warehouse safety…
Who Is Responsible For Workplace Safety and Health?
Who Is Responsible For Workplace Safety and Health?
OHS Professionals vs. WHS Duty Holders Occupational Health and Safety professionals are experts in health and safety, ensuring that workplaces are safe for employees. Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) is the regulatory term for OHS in most of Australia. The difference between a professional and a duty holder is that OHS professionals provide ex…
The Future of Work: Safe, Healthy, And Productive Work For All
The Future of Work: Safe, Healthy, And Productive Work For All
In recent years, there have been significant changes in the way work is done. With advances in digital technology and changes in employment patterns, several factors may affect workplace safety in the future. CSIRO's Workplace Safety Futures report explores how six megatrends may impact workplace health and safety (WHS) and workers' compensation in…
Chain of Responsibility: Managing Road Safety the Easiest Way
Chain of Responsibility: Managing Road Safety the Easiest Way
One hundred seventy-seven people lost their lives in crashes involving heavy trucks in Australia in 2020, a decrease of 6.8 percent compared with the total in 2019, according to the Road Trauma Involving Heavy Vehicles 2020 Statistical Summary. While this is good news, heavy trucks are still involved in a disproportionate number of severe road…
Managing WHS Risks and Preventing Harm
Managing WHS Risks and Preventing Harm
At its core, work health and safety is about managing risks and preventing harm. And while preventing workplace accidents and injuries should be a year-round priority, Safe Work Month provides an opportunity to focus on this important issue. This week's theme is 'Managing WHS risks and preventing harm,' and it encourages businesses to take a proactive…
Psychosocial hazards contributing to work-related stress
Psychosocial hazards contributing to work-related stress
Work-related stress is a significant problem in today's workplace. While many factors can contribute to work-related stress, psychosocial hazards are the most common. Psychosocial hazards are those that relate to the psychological and social environment of the workplace. Examples of psychosocial risks include job insecurity, long hours, work-family con…
How To Keep Workers Safe at Work: Effective Policies and Procedures
How To Keep Workers Safe at Work: Effective Policies and Procedures
Healthy and Safe Workplace Every worker has the right to go home safe at the end of the day. To help make this happen, employers should have adequate safety documentation to manage risks. This includes risk assessments, health and safety policy statements, fire evacuation procedures and first aid protocols.  Safety documentation serves several…
Getting Started with a Safety Management Plan for Construction
Getting Started with a Safety Management Plan for Construction
What Is a Safety Management Plan (SMP)?A Safety Management Plan (SMP) is a detailed document that outlines the risks associated with a particular job, the measures in place to eliminate or control those risks, and the health and safety responsibilities of accountable people. The plan demonstrates a commitment to the safety and health of employees, cont…
What are codes of practice?
What are codes of practice?
Codes of practice are sets of guidelines that help you to meet your legal obligations under your applicable Work Health and Safety Act. In Australia, there are codes of practice for a wide range of industries and activities, from office work to construction.There are many benefits to following codes of practice, including: Showing that you have taken…
Understanding the Need for Quality Management Systems in Australia
Understanding the Need for Quality Management Systems in Australia
Quality is the degree to which a product or service meets the customer's needs or expectations. In simple words, quality is about meeting or exceeding expectations. Therefore, a Quality Management System (QMS) is needed to achieve and retain quality in an organisation.What is Meant by a Quality Management System?A Quality Management System or QMS is a…
10 Safety Tips for Working Alone
10 Safety Tips for Working Alone
Working alone can be a lonely experience, and feeling isolated from your colleagues can be easy. This can lead to feelings of anxiety and stress, which can affect your work performance. Additionally, working alone can be dangerous, as no one is around to help if you have an accident.Employers are responsible for identifying and reducing the risks assoc…
Quick Guide to Occupational Health And Safety
Quick Guide to Occupational Health And Safety
Prevalence of Workplace Incidents in AustraliaWorkplace incidents are a leading cause of death and injury in Australia. Hundreds of workers lose their lives yearly, and many more are injured while on the job. While workplace accidents can happen in any industry, certain sectors are reported to have more casualties than others. For example, according to…
How to create a safe workplace: Tips for managers
How to create a safe workplace: Tips for managers
As a workplace manager, it is your responsibility to ensure the health and safety of your employees. This can seem daunting, but there are some simple steps you can take to ensure your workplace is safe. Here are some tips for creating a safe workplace:1. Pay attention to safety hazardsOne of the most important things you can do to create a safe w…
Safe Work Method Statement for Painting: Essential for Construction
Safe Work Method Statement for Painting: Essential for Construction
Potential hazards while painting includes everything from tall ladders to slippery floors. Most painting accidents occur when these hazards are not considered or managed correctly. Using an SWMS for painting safety can help ensure that all potential hazards are controlled so workers can complete their tasks safely.Is Painting Work a High-Risk Con…
Environmental Management Systems (EMS): An Overview
Environmental Management Systems (EMS): An Overview
An Environmental Management System (EMS) is a set of processes and practices that enable an organisation to reduce its environmental impact and improve efficiency. Implementing an EMS improves its sustainability and reduces costs.What is an Environmental Management System (EMS)? When it comes to environmental performance, organisations must con…
ISO 9001:2015 for Beginners: Your Complete Guide
ISO 9001:2015 for Beginners: Your Complete Guide
Understanding ISO To grasp the concept of ISO 9001:2015, it's essential first to understand the key terms used throughout the standard, such as asking what ISO is and what quality management systems are.ISO Meaning ISO was founded in 1926 as the International Federation of the National Standardizing Associations (ISA), with the term ISO being deriv…
Electrical Safety Week
Electrical Safety Week
Electrical safety is extremely important in the workplace. Every year, electrical accidents claim the lives of workers across the country. Electrical Safety Week is an annual event that highlights the importance of electrical safety in the workplace, with this year being held from 5-9 September.During Electrical Safety Week, employers and workers are e…
Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment: Ways of Keeping a Safety Culture
Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment: Ways of Keeping a Safety Culture
Workplace injuries, illnesses, and incidents can be traced back to a failure to identify or recognise workplace hazards that were present or could have been prevented. A proactive hazard identification and risk assessment approach can help create a safer workplace.Risk ManagementRisk management is a proactive process that helps you anticipate potent…
What is a Scaffold: Hazards, Standards, and Installation of Scaffolding
What is a Scaffold: Hazards, Standards, and Installation of Scaffolding
Scaffolding ExplainedA scaffold is a movable or temporary platform that provides workers access to a work area when working at a height above the floor or ground. They are erected using scaffolding poles, which are interconnected to form a secure structure. Scaffold refers to the temporary platform itself, while scaffolding refers to the entire system,…
Why Your Company Needs Standard Operating Procedures?
Why Your Company Needs Standard Operating Procedures?
Standard operating procedures (SOPs) can be invaluable for business. They provide a valuable resource for employees to reference, ensuring that everyone is doing things the same way and reducing the chances for mistakes. SOPs can be used for everything from health and safety to accounting and human resources. Having routine processes for specific…
Workplace Violence - Creating a Safe Work Environment
Workplace Violence - Creating a Safe Work Environment
Nobody likes to think about aggression and violence in the workplace. However, it's an important issue to be aware of, especially given the potential for serious health and safety consequences. While most people think of violence as physical aggression, it can also be psychological, such as harassment or intimidation.Unfortunately, aggression and viole…
Guide to Traffic Control Plan and Traffic Management Plan
Guide to Traffic Control Plan and Traffic Management Plan
Working around traffic can be dangerous, especially if the traffic is not well managed. As a person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU), you must use a traffic management plan to control the health and safety risks. This includes using a traffic control plan to manage traffic flow and minimise the chances of accidents.What is Traffic Manage…
Safety first for property managers
Safety first for property managers
Commercial building and property managers have a shared responsibility with tenants regarding WHS. They need to make sure that the property is safe for tenants and that any potential health, safety, and hygiene risks are mitigated. If you are one of the following groups you may have obligations under your relevant state WHS act:Engage workers to do wor…
Site Induction Checklist: Benefits for Businesses
Site Induction Checklist: Benefits for Businesses
Workplace safety is always a top priority for any organisation. But it's essential for businesses with environments that come with risks, such as construction sites or industrial plants. That's why site induction is so critical. It's a process to ensure that new team members are ready to work safely and productively. A site safety induction checklis…
Managing Vehicle Safety in the Workplace
Managing Vehicle Safety in the Workplace
Vehicle-related incidents remain the leading cause of workplace harm in Australia. Every year, thousands of accidents involving vehicles on job sites and our roads lead to injuries and fatalities. There are a number of measures that can be put in place to help ensure vehicle safety at work. By following simple guidelines, everyone can do their par…
Managing Chemical Hazards + Safe Storage of Chemical Substances
Managing Chemical Hazards + Safe Storage of Chemical Substances
Chemical hazards are present in many workplaces. They can be found in the form of vapours, mists, specks of dust, gasses, solutions, or solid forms. Safe handling and proper chemical storage are essential to preventing exposure and injury— saving lives in the workplace. What are Hazardous Chemicals? Hazardous chemicals are any substance, mixture,…
Commercial Cleaning - Your business is as clean as your safety protocol
Commercial Cleaning - Your business is as clean as your safety protocol
Your business is as clean as your safety protocol If you work in a commercial cleaning business, you know that safety is always a top priority. And one of the best ways to ensure a safe workplace is to have comprehensive health and safety documents in place. But what exactly should these documents include? First, let's start with a brief overvie…
Rural Agricultural Health and Safety
Rural Agricultural Health and Safety
Comparing Farming to other Industries Living and working on a farm might sound less dangerous than working in a mine or on a construction site, yet this sector remains one of the most dangerous work environments in the country, according to Safe Work Australia data. Farmers and farm managers are second only to road and rail drivers for fatalities…
Farm Safety Week 2022
Farm Safety Week 2022
How to keep your farm safe this week National Farm Safety Week is held from the 18th- 24th of July to raise awareness of farm safety issues across Australia and is an excellent time to reflect on the importance of safety management systems in averting disasters. We often hear about farm accidents that could have been prevented with better safety…
Understanding What is a Toolbox Talk and its Importance
Understanding What is a Toolbox Talk and its Importance
Toolbox talks are a great way to start the day (or shift) on the right foot. They provide all the information needed before getting started, and they make sure everyone's aware of what health risks might come their way while working at the job site! Learn its definition, importance, and examples to implement in your safety measures. What is a Toolb…
Top 10 Workplace Hazards
Top 10 Workplace Hazards
Are you aware of these common workplace dangers? We know it can be overwhelming trying to keep your Health and Safety in check. Health and safety should always be a top priority in the workplace. Unfortunately, accidents can still happen, even when precautions are taken. To help ensure a safe working environment, here are 10 of the most common un…
Prevent Falling from Heights: A Guide to Keep Your Workers Safe
Prevent Falling from Heights: A Guide to Keep Your Workers Safe
Even though it's a common safety hazard, many people still don't know how to protect themselves against falling adequately. By taking steps to prevent falls from heights, businesses can help ensure the safety of their workers and avoid the costly consequences of workplace injuries. What is Working at Heights? The construction industry is one of th…
15 Essential Safety Documents Every Workplace Needs
15 Essential Safety Documents Every Workplace Needs
There are many essential safety documents that every workplace should have in place. Using these documents helps to protect employees, prevent fatalities, and ensure a culture of safety in the workplace. Safety in the Workplace In 2020, Safe Work Australia estimated that a total of 194 workers were fatally injured while performing their duti…
10 health and safety risk management strategies
10 health and safety risk management strategies
Do you know how to manage risk at work? Health and safety risks are an inherent part of any workplace. Whether it's a slip, trip or fall in an office or exposure to hazardous materials in a factory, every business needs to have a plan in place to deal with these risks. This is where risk management planning comes in. Risk management planning…
10 SWMS Examples + Templates for High-risk Activities
10 SWMS Examples + Templates for High-risk Activities
Learn what Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) are and how to use them. Plus, view our SWMS examples and templates to help you get started in ensuring safe practices in your workplace. A well-written SWMS statement is one of the most important aspects of any safe working procedure. When starting or updating your organisation's safety protocol docum…
How to avoid burns at work
How to avoid burns at work
National Burns Awareness Month This month is National Burns Awareness Month, and we're raising awareness about burns at work. According to Safe Work Australia Data, nearly 2,000 workers were seriously injured in burn accidents last year. Electrical burns, chemical burns and thermal burns are common injuries in the workplace and don't for…
The most interesting SWMS we have written
The most interesting SWMS we have written
What is a Safe Work Method Statement?A Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is a legal document that outlines the safe working procedures for high-risk construction work tasks and identifies:The hazards associated with the work being carried out; andThe controls that can be put in place to mitigate those hazards; andThe responsibilities of those involved…
Employees working from home - Is your business ready for the change?
Employees working from home - Is your business ready for the change?
Is your business ready for the change in workplace dynamics? Do you have the correct policies, procedures and tools in place to manage the transition? Remember - employers of workers who work remotely still have a duty of care to these employees. Working from home is already a growing trend for people to work away from the office using digit…
Coronavirus Workplace Health & Safety – What you need to know
Coronavirus Workplace Health & Safety – What you need to know
Understanding Coronavirus The 2019 Novel Coronavirus or COVID-19 was first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China and has quickly spread across the globe – including to Australia. To date, there have been more than 117,000 confirmed cases of Coronavirus (COVID-19) around the world with over 4,200 reported deaths. Coronaviruses (CoV) are…