Do you demonstrate commitment to health and safety?

Ensuring health and safety in the workplace is a fundamental responsibility for all businesses. A commitment to health and safety not only protects workers but also fosters a positive and productive work environment. This commitment should be evident in all aspects of business operations, from adhering to safety standards to promoting a culture of safe behavior.

Key Principles for Health and Safety Commitment

To effectively demonstrate a commitment to health and safety, businesses should focus on the following principles:

Adherence to Health and Safety Standards

• Compliance: Follow all relevant health and safety standards, policies, and procedures that apply to your work.
• Training: Provide regular training to ensure all employees are aware of and understand these standards and procedures.

Safe and Healthy Workplace

• Workplace Safety: Ensure that the workplace is safe and healthy for all employees. This includes maintaining clean, hazard-free environments and providing necessary safety equipment.
• Care for All Impacted: Extend care to the workers, communities, and customers affected by your business activities. Regularly assess and mitigate any potential risks they may face.

Promoting Safe Behaviour

• Recognition: Recognize and reward safe behaviour among employees. Encourage a culture where safety is prioritized and celebrated.
• Information Sharing: Share information on safety practices and incidents to prevent unsafe behaviour. Promote open communication about health and safety concerns.

Practical Implementation Tips

To put these principles into practice, consider the following tips:

• Regular Safety Audits: Conduct regular safety audits and inspections to identify and address potential hazards.
• Employee Engagement: Involve employees in safety planning and decision-making processes. Encourage them to report safety concerns without fear of retribution.
• Safety Drills: Organize regular safety drills to ensure everyone knows how to respond in case of emergencies.
• Health Programs: Implement health programs that promote physical and mental well-being, such as fitness activities, counselling services, and health screenings.

Handling Workplace Concerns

SSW strives to maintain an open, warm, and healthy workplace culture. However, if issues arise, it is crucial to address them promptly and effectively:

• Raise Concerns Promptly: If you have any workplace concerns, conflict, or problems, no matter how small, raise them as quickly as possible.
• Speak to Your Manager: Initially, bring up concerns with your State Manager. If you are uncomfortable doing so, speak with one of the other State Managers or directly with Adam Cogan.
• Confidential Handling: Any concerns raised will be dealt with in confidence. If the issue is not resolved, re-raise your concerns with another State Manager.
• Document Decisions: If a decision doesn't go your way, send a "for the record" email to confirm.

Emergency Procedures

Fire Procedures

In the event of a fire:

• Critical Fire: Evacuate the building, call 000, and identify the building.
• Non-critical Fire: Use a fire blanket for electrical fires or a fire extinguisher for non-electrical fires, if safe to do so, and call 000.

Health and Medical Conditions

Inform SSW of any medical conditions, illnesses, or diseases to protect other staff. Provide a current medical certificate if applicable.

Figure: Email to send if you have any medical condition we should be aware of

COVID-19/Coronavirus Workplace Practices

Follow local and state government COVID-19 safety recommendations. Inform SSW and colleagues if you test positive for COVID-19 and follow isolation guidelines.

Smoking and Drinking Policies

• No Smoking: Smoking is not permitted in SSW offices/cars or client's offices/cars.
• No Drinking: No drinking during the day and no drinking at SSW events.

Discrimination

SSW does not tolerate discrimination based on race, religion, gender, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, or age.

First Aid

Know the location of the first aid kit in your office. For example:

• Sydney: Near "The Engine," outside the "GitHub" toilets.
• Brisbane: In the kitchen to the left of the fridge.
• Melbourne: In the equipment drawers next to the kitchen.
• Newcastle: In the large cupboard to the right of the fire escape.

Good and Bad Examples

By consistently demonstrating a commitment to health and safety, businesses can protect their employees, enhance productivity, and build a reputation as a responsible and caring organization.