Businesses may be putting employees at risk, says OHS service provider

Organisational health and risk management provider, Konekt, believes that businesses simply can’t afford to ignore OHS risks.

Konekt Tuggerah branch manager Jordan Telfer said: “When it comes to complying with OHS legislation, the biggest risk of all, for an organisation, is to do nothing. Konekt see so many injured workers because of inadequate OHS procedures.

“Businesses need to make OHS an integral part of their business management, to avoid compensation claims and potential fines. They also benefit from creating a happier, healthier and more productive workforce because workers are working in a safer, injury-free workplace.”

Telfer outlined the keys to creating a safer workplace are:

• Understand your responsibilities: Every company is responsible for the safety of its workplace. It is important to understand the legal OHS requirements that affect each business. These requirements need to be developed into a health and safety policy clearly outlining the business’ safety commitment.
• Consult your workers: It is vital to involve workers in any decisions that may affect their health and safety. It is important to regularly consult all groups of employees on all safety matters.
• Identify, assess and control risks: It is important to have clear systems in place to help identify hazards and assess and control risks. Having employees report hazards, conducting regular workplace inspections, analysing incident data and even using an external auditor to inspect your workplace, help you to identify hazards.