What is Workplace Health and Safety?

Workplace Health and Safety, or Work Health and Safety (WHS) is concerned with the health, welfare and safety of people in the workplace.

WHS considers the safety, health and wellbeing of business owners, employees, and customers or clients who may be affected in some way by the work environment.

 

What does WHS involve?

Ensuring good work health and safety practice in your workplace includes the following:

  • Providing and maintaining a safe and healthy work environment
  • Providing and maintaining safe plant and structures
  • Ensuring the safe use, handling and storage of plant, structures and substances
  • Provide adequate facilities for the welfare at work of workers in carrying out work on behalf of the business or undertaking, including ensuring access to those facilities
  • Provide any information, training, instruction, or supervision that is necessary to protect all persons from risks to their health and safety arising from work carried out on behalf of the business or undertaking
  • Consulting with your workers in work health and safety matter
  • Ensure that the health of workers and the conditions at the workplace are monitored for the purpose of preventing illness or injury of workers arising from the conduct of the business or undertaking

Work Health and Safety (WHS) Act

The Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (the WHS Act) is national legislation that provides a framework to protect the health, safety and welfare of all workers at work. It also protects the health and safety of all other people who might be affected by the work. More specifically for businesses in Queensland, in addition to the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, it is supported by the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011.

Who is responsible for WHS?

The WHS Act places the primary responsibility on a person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU).

Although, everyone involved in a business or undertaking – employers, employees, and contractors have a duty of care and obligation to meet WHS standards under the WHS Act, as far as is ‘reasonably practicable’.

To find out more about your WHS obligations or to enquire about a Complimentary Consultation to see how we can assist you ensure your business is compliant, GET IN TOUCH.