As an employer you have a duty of care to provide your workforce with a safe working environment.
The duty of care basically means that your business has recognised and anticipated possible causes of injury and illness and can demonstrate that reasonable precautions are in place to remove or minimise the possible causes of harm.
Under the Occupational Health Safety & Welfare (OHS&W) Act 1986 employers are responsible for providing:
- a safe working environment
- safe systems of work
- plant and substances in a safe condition
- adequate facilities
- adequate OHS&W information, instruction and training
- adequate human and financial resources to implement OHS&W strategies
- safe and timely return to work programs for all injured workers.
SafeWork SA
SafeWork SA is South Australia's new OHS agency, established in October 2005. Its primary role is to promote and encourage safe, fair and productive working lives in South Australia. It is responsible for managing all occupational health, safety and welfare functions in South Australia, including services previously provided by WorkCover.
To find out more about employer obligations with regard to OHS legislation, regulations and information visit the SafeWork SA website.
Prevention
Aside from the legal obligations on employers to provide a safe working environment clearly the best way to minimise the personal and economic impact of claims is to avoid injuries wherever possible. WorkCover encourages all workers and employers to work together to identify potential workplace hazards and reduce the number and severity of injuries by reducing or eliminating these hazards wherever possible.