What Should Be On Your Safety Noticeboard?
Workplace health and safety Act and Regulations mandate some things to be displayed in the workplace, usually at reception or lunchroom where most workers will see it.
For example, employers are required to display any current WorkSafe notices, and the list of Health and Safety Representatives (H&S Reps) and deputies.
What else are we required to display or recommended we include on our safety notice boards?
Below is a summary list of both mandated and best practice information that you should include on your safety notice boards:
1. SAFETY POLICY display a copy of the company’s health and safety policy, which is signed and dated by CEO in last 3 years.
2. MANAGEMENT REPRESENTATIVES provide contact details for the management representatives eg site & regional manager, HR manager, and safety co-ordinator.
3. EMPLOYEE REPRESENTATIVES display list of H&S Reps, as elected by respective work groups, with contact details along with deputies, if any.
4. GOVERNMENT ISSUED NOTICES display copy of any open notices you have received from a WorkSafe or other government authorities.
5. EMERGENCY PLAN with list of; Fire wardens with contact details, and evacuation map showing location of emergency exits, fire alarm points, fire equipment, first aid kit, and assembly point (usually outside building or off site).
6. FIRST AID with list of staff with current first aid certificates with their mobile numbers, and details of local medical clinic with Tel number for first aid / medical assistance. Per example here of NSW Medical Emergency Plan poster.
7. CONSULTATION & SAFETY COMMUNICATION copy of your safety consultation policy eg how and when you will consult and communicate on safety matters with your H&S Reps, employees, and contractors.
Have a file with recently completed consultation meetings, pre-start briefing notes or checklists.
8. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT eg PPE policy and possibly image of key safety equipment to be issued as needed by site supervisors along with instructions on use of PPE, per manufacturer’s instructions.
9. HAZARD REPORTING & ESCALATION, including copy of your hazard reporting and safety concern escalation process eg:
Step 1: Stop work if anything becomes unsafe or unclear.
Step 2: Report any safety concern to your supervisor immediately.
Step 3: If not resolved immediately you may escalate to your H&S Rep, if any.
Step 4: If not resolved promptly and within agreed time, escalate to business manager.
Step 5: If problem still exists you can escalate to WorkSafe or appropriate specialists.
10. INCIDENTS & SAFETY TARGETS eg work injury targets if any, copy of your accident investigation form and list of any recent reported incidents, along with investigation reports, and importantly, action taken to prevent a recurrence.
11. TRAINING eg skills matrix for staff if any licence or other qualifications or training is required to undertake certain work, plus list of scheduled or planned safety training for current year.
12. SAFETY MEETINGS include; schedule for the year, standard meeting agenda along with minutes of recent meeting(s), and status of agreed actions.
13.WORK INJURY & RTW eg display the WorkSafe “If you are injured” poster, per VIC example below.
Plus display your workers compensation policy if you have one, and a copy of your template return to work (RTW) plan.
