4.7 - Occupational Health and Safety

The Department’s commitment to a safe and healthy work environment and providing return to work opportunities for ill and injured staff, consistent with legislative obligations, continued in 2006–07. This commitment was underpinned by the Department’s Corporate Plan 2006–09, Certified Agreement 2004–2007 and People Strategy 2004–2007 which reflect the importance of occupational health and safety, including the need for healthy staff – both mentally and physically – and an appropriate work and personal life balance. During the year, the Department continued to work towards achieving National Occupational Health and Safety Strategy 2002–2012 targets and actively promoted the organisation’s Health and Life Strategy. The following discussion provides information on other related activities which is required under Section 74 of the Occupational Health and Safety (Commonwealth Employment Act) 1991.

Health and Safety Management Arrangements

Occupational Health and Safety Policy and Agreement

The Occupational Health and Safety Policy and Agreement articulate the governance and structural arrangements of the Department’s occupational health and safety framework. The agreement will be reviewed in 2007–08 to reflect changes to the Occupational Health and Safety Act 1991.

Occupational Health and Safety Committees

Occupational Health and Safety Committees in Central Office, each State and Territory Office and the Therapeutic Goods Administration met regularly during the year to discuss and address safety issues. Other committees with key roles in addressing safety included staff consultative forums in organisational units of the Department, the Institutional Bio Safety Committee and the Laboratory Safety Committee in the Therapeutic Goods Administration, and emergency planning committees. These actions were consistent with the requirements of the Occupational Health and Safety Act 1991.

Health and Safety Representatives

All organisational units had Designated Work Groups, Health and Safety Representatives and deputies in place to identify and risk manage issues in consultation with local managers. During 2006–07, the Department actively undertook nomination and appointment processes in accordance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act 1991 to fill Health and Safety Representative (and deputy) vacancies on staff movements and designated work group changes.

Initiatives during the year to ensure the health, safety and welfare at work of employees and contractors of the Department.

The Department undertook a range of initiatives in 2006–07 under its Health and Life Strategy to increase staff health and wellbeing and reduce the rate of illness and injury. Other related measures included a Respect campaign which raised staff awareness of the Australian Public Service Code of Conduct and the importance of treating staff with respect and courtesy, without harassment; and the development of organisational and local action plans informed by the findings of the Department’s 2006 Staff Survey.

The Department arranged for managers to complete, on a quarterly basis, a Control Self Assessment tool which facilitated occupational health and safety compliance on the management of staff absences, workplace injuries and harassment, and appointment of Health and Safety Representatives. These representatives included first aid officers, fire wardens and workplace harassment contact officers.

The Department provided occupational health and safety programs for first aid services, emergency evacuation systems, fire safety systems, eyesight testing and workstation setup assistance for staff. Special needs equipment through the Department’s Reasonable Adjustment Program was provided, as was training and occupational health and safety guidance material on safety related topics.

Employer-funded immunisation (including hepatitis B and influenza) was available for staff identified at risk or presenting a potential risk to clients through their work. Other interested staff could access a voluntary ‘user pays’ on-site influenza vaccination program.

Statistics of any accidents or dangerous occurrences during the year that arose out of the conduct of undertakings by the Department and that required the giving of notice under Section 68.

In 2006–07, the Department reported four dangerous occurrences and three serious personal injury incidents to Comcare under Section 68 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act 1991. The Department investigated all reports and undertook all necessary action.

Any investigations conducted during the year that relate to undertakings carried on by the employer, including details of all notices given to the employer under Sections 29, 46 and 47 during the year.

During 2006–07, the Department conducted examinations for staff safety which included testing of and for electrical equipment, air quality and cooling tower functions. In addition, the Department provided staff with access to eyesight testing and medical examinations to determine fitness for duty.

The Therapeutic Goods Administration also engaged the National Safety Council of Australia to audit its Occupational Health and Safety Management System against Australian Standard 4801. As a result, a more robust safety management system for external contractors will be implemented in the next financial year.

No directions or notices under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 1991 were served on the Department during the year by Health and Safety Representatives or Comcare.