There are many reasons for employers to operate a safe workplace. The most obvious reason is that it is the law. However, there are many other reasons why it makes good business sense for employers to operate a safe workplace. One of the best that employers can ensure they are operating a safe workplace is by conducting WHS audits. A WHS management system audit will highlight areas that need improving, so that employers can ensure that they are adhering to the rules and regulations set by the local authorities. Following an audit, they can have a WHS consultation with a professional body who can assist them with the required changes.
Operating a safe workplace is required by law
In Australia, as in many other countries, there are laws that require employers to provide a safe working environment for their employees. The most well-known of these laws is workers compensation, which requires employers to pay injured workers’ medical expenses and lost wages. However, there are many other laws that mandate a safe workplace, including the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) in Victoria and the Work Health and Safety Act (WHS) in New South Wales.
The OHSA and WHS Acts apply to all workplaces, regardless of size or industry. They cover a wide range of health and safety topics, such as hazardous materials, manual handling, workstation design, noise exposure, and asbestos. Employers who fail to comply with these laws can face significant fines and even imprisonment.
A safe workplace protects employees from injuries and illnesses
According to any professional occupational hygienist in Australia, injuries can cause a lot of problems for a person, both physically and emotionally. They can lead to missed work days, decreased productivity, and increased medical costs. In some cases, injuries can even be fatal.
The good news is that many workplace injuries and illnesses are preventable. By creating a safe workplace, employers can help protect their employees from harm. This not only reduces the risk of injuries and illnesses, but also helps reduce the cost of insurance premiums and workers' compensation claims.
In addition to complying with relevant health and safety laws, there are a number of things employers can do to create a safe working environment:
Creating a safe workplace is not only good for employees, but it can also be good for business. By protecting workers from injuries and illnesses, employers can help improve productivity and maintain a positive reputation in the community. In addition, operating a safe workplace can help reduce insurance premiums and workers' compensation claims, which can save businesses money.
A safe workplace promotes productivity and efficiency
Working in a safe environment increases productivity and efficiency. When employees feel safe, they are less likely to take unnecessary breaks or be distracted by safety concerns. In addition, workers who are injured on the job often need time off to recover, which can lead to lost productivity.
In order to create a safe workplace, employers should:
By following these simple tips, employers can help create a safe working environment for their employees, which will in turn promote productivity and efficiency.
Employers who operate a safe workplace are less likely to experience workers' compensation claims
Accidents and deaths occurring in the workplace can have serious consequences for employers. Not only do they affect the employer's reputation, but also their bottom line as well; workers' compensation claims can be very costly and time-consuming to resolve.
By operating a safe workplace, an employer is less likely to experience any accidents or fatalities. This means that there will be fewer injuries requiring medical treatment and time off work (lost productivity). A safe working environment promotes employee morale which leads to increased engagement and better performance on the job. It also reduces stress levels among employees because they know their health and wellbeing are being looked after by management.
Implementing safety measures can be cost-effective in the long run
While a business may feel that implementing health and safety measures is costly, it can be quite cost-effective in the long run because it prevents the occurrence of expensive accidents or fatalities.
By hiring a professional in workplace health and safety, employers can ensure that they are both adhering to the law and providing a safe environment for their employees.