Safety plan for small business

15/3/01
Small business owners and employees are being urged to take greater responsibility for workplace safety under a new program starting today.
The program - Building a Safe and Healthy Workplace - was launched with a joint announcement by Labour Relations Minister John Kobelke and Small Business Minister Clive Brown.
Funded and operated by SGIO Insurance, the program includes a six-step implementation strategy, a series of workplace checklists, risk management audit procedures and training courses for employees and supervisors.
Mr Kobelke said the program targeted small and medium-sized businesses and provided a good opportunity to focus on lifting workplace safety standards.
"This program encourages both employers and employees to take responsibility for safety in the workplace," he said.
"For any safety program to work effectively there has to be a commitment from all sections of an organisation no matter how small or large the operation."
Mr Brown said he was encouraged that the program was being aimed at small and medium-sized business.
"It is vital that information about safety management is accessible and reaches small and medium-sized business because they employ more than half of all workers in the State," the Minister said.
Central to the program is an Information Kit which outlines a six-step procedure to building a safer workplace. The six steps are:

• develop an occupational safety and health policy and related program;
• set up consultation mechanisms with employees;
• establish a training strategy and programs;
• establish a hazard identification and risk assessment;
• develop and implement risk controls; and -
• promote, maintain and improve the strategies.

In addition to the management kit, the program will offer occupational safety and health training courses for organisations across the State.
Supervisors and managers will be offered a two-day course with a five-day training program for elected workplace health and safety representatives.
Mr Kobelke said businesses with a strong safety culture not only reduced the risk of workplace injury but also often benefited through greater productivity and improved morale.
Media contact:
Mr Kobelke: Zac Donovan (08) 9222 9211
Mr Brown: Bev East (08) 9222 9699