Understand your OHS obligations

Depending on the industry you are in, occupational health and safety can either be an everyday focus or something that is never really on your radar.

If you are in construction, manufacturing or tourism or even retail, health and safety regulations will in no small way govern the way your business is run.

If you are services, or a web-based business, your interaction with OHS will be limited indeed.

However, OHS affects every business and it is beholden on entrepreneurs to understand their obligations, which according to the Federal Government, include a duty to provide:

• Safe premises
• Safe machinery and materials
• Safe systems of work
• Information, instruction, training and supervision
• A suitable working environment and facilities

This can cover everything from the chairs and desks your customers use through to the way your computer cords are strewn about, through to the way your files are piled precariously on that bookshelf.

Now, at present all OHS laws are state-based (at least until a national framework comes in, which is supposed to happen in 2012) so you will need to consult the government website of the state (or states) you operate in.

But the key is to get on top your responsibilities and understand your obligations.

Get it done – today!