WHS ACT 2011 NSW

Question 1

WHAT IS THE AIM OF WHS ?

Answer 1

WHS is put in place to ensure the health, safety and wellbeing of all personnel who enter an establishment

Question 2

WHAT IS THE ROLE OF WHS ?

Answer 2

• Provide for fair effective workplace representation, consultation, cooperation and issue resolution in relation to WHS
• Provide a framework for continuous improvement and progressively adhere to high standards

Question 3

WHAT ARE THE CONSEQUENCES OF NON COMPLIANCE TO WHS ?

Answer 3

• Increased workplace injury → low staff morale, increased costs for establishment
• Pin → Written notice from a health and safety representative indicating breach in WHS act and must be displayed
• Prohibition notices → Must immediately terminate workplace practice that will involve serious risk
• Legal action → resulting in fines, court/intervention or training orders

Question 4

WHAT ARE STRATEGIES FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT ITSELF TO UPHOLD WHS ?

Answer 4

• Ensuring all essential PPE is provided
• Conducting induction and ongoing training
• Training staff effectively how to consult SDS
• Training staff effectively on how to wear PPE, when
• Train staff of manual handling procedures
• Displaying the appropriate signage
• Ensuring staff work ergonomically with their environment eg regular rest breaks, avoiding repetitive tasks
• Educating employees and keeping them industry current
• Enforcing the WHS act with employees to ensure compliance
• Ensure appropriate scrutiny and review of actions

Question 5

WHAT ARE STRATEGIES FOR EMPLOYEES TO UPHOLD WHS ?

Answer 5

• Wearing all PPE required and necessary for the task
• Following SDS accordingly
• Following all signage
• Following manual handling procedures eg using a manual aid to transport a box of apple, or soiled linen
• Active participation and consultation