Appendix D: Occupational Health and Safety
In 2007–08, the Commission embarked on a more holistic approach to employee health which included health week activities over a two week period, a stronger focus on injury/illness prevention, workstation assessments and more health information available to employees on-line.
Legislative changes
Legislative changes to the Occupational Health and Safety Act 1991 came into effect on 15 March 2007. As a result the Commission commenced a programme to develop new Health and Safety Management Arrangements and review other OH&S policies and guidelines. This involved considering consultative arrangement to include our employees in the development of Health and Safety Management Arrangements in relation to the re-establishment of the OH&S Committee, the arrangements around the nomination and selection of our health and safety representatives and our arrangements relating to designated work groups. The arrangements are now in place.
Health initiatives
Staff health and wellbeing was promoted by the Commission in 2007–08 through the provision of:
- influenza vaccinations and education
- Health Week activities
- the inclusion of enhanced OH&S information in the Commission’s staff induction programme
- ongoing OH&S training for staff and management
- workstation assessments for all new employees.
Outcomes
Through ongoing OH&S education across all employees, the Commission has noted an increase in the number of incident reports submitted which allows for appropriate early intervention. Such early management of reported injuries and incidences has assisted in keeping the Commission’s claim numbers low.
Accident statistics
During the year, there were no incidences that required giving of notice under section 68 of the OH&S Act. No directions were given to the Commission under section 45 and no notices were given under sections 29, 46 or 47.
No investigations were conducted during the year.
Appendices