SOAS Simple Safety app for small business

Systems on a Shoestring (SOAS) has launched a workplace safety mobile application to help businesses be compliant with Work Health and Safety legislation, says Director of Systems on a Shoestring, Emma Bentton.

The SOAS Simple Safety application is a step-by-step system to help Australian SMEs, such as carpenters, hairdressers and cafe owners, meet Work Health and Safety compliance needs while on the go.

According to Bentton, business owners have struggled to stay on top of changes to the Work Health and Safety Act, regulations and codes of practice which equate to over 2000 pages, potentially placing their staff and their business at risk.

“Each day in Australia, an average of 360 workers are injured at work. Instead of focusing on actual workplace safety, many business owners are concentrating on meeting the red-tape regulatory requirements.

“Business owners are deeply aware that even a minor workplace accident can have significant financial and legal repercussions if they cannot demonstrate their compliance with Work Health and Safety legislation,” says Bentton.

The 2013 Key Work Health and Safety Statistics Report found that workplace-related injuries are estimated to have cost Australian businesses $60.6 billion. Businesses found to be in breach of the Workplace Health and Safety Act 2011 can face fines of up to $3 million and individuals may be fined up to $600,000.  

“Business owners must be confident that they have identified the hazards in their workplace and have adequate controls in place to manage these risks.

“This is why Systems on a Shoestring has developed a simple three-step application, tailored to assist small business owners and even voluntary organisations, such as sporting associations, to meet their required Work Health and Safety demands,” says Bentton.  

Cafe owner Anthony Tartak has spent countless hours regularly monitoring legislation to ensure that his business, Kiss The Barista, and his staff were compliant and up to date with all safety needs.

Tartak commenced using the Simple Safety app in June to reduce the number of hours spent worrying about paperwork surrounding workplace safety.

“Prior to using the Simple Safety app I had to review Work Health and Safety legislation at least once a month. I found it very time consuming as the wording is changed almost monthly,” says Tartak. 

“Using the Simple Safety app has allowed me to add extra staff easily because I have all the information ready at my fingertips.

“The app provides a documented system that includes a safety policy, outlines roles, responsibilities and emergency procedures as well as identifying the hazards and the controls in my workplace. It gives me confidence to focus on other areas of by business,” continues Tartak. 

The SOAS Simple Safety application is tailored to the 2,043,338 SMEs operating in Australia and is designed to give business owners more time to focus on the running of their business.

Business owners can download the app either through the Apple Store or through Google Play.

“Through the SOAS Simple Safety app, ensuring workplace safety will take mere minutes and will provide business owners with confidence that they can effectively demonstrate their commitment to providing a safe work environment,” concludes Bentton.