Introduction to Health and Safety

Occupational Health and Safety Policy

Employee health and safety responsibilities

All employees are expected to share in the commitment to the occupational health and safety policy. Employees play a vital and responsible role in maintaining a healthy and safe workplace by:

Key responsibility of managers

Managers must take active responsibility for the health and safety of employees working under their direction.

The management of Antz is committed to:

• providing and maintaining a safe and healthy working environment for all employees, visitors, contractors, and other persons using the premises as a place of work (including other places of work used by Antz employees)
• meeting the organisation's obligations under the:
  • Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992
  • Health and Safety in Employment Regulations 1995
  • codes of practice and any relevant standards or guidelines.

Management has identified and implemented the following key occupational health and safety (OHS) systems and procedures:

• health and safety objectives and performance criteria are set out for all work areas
• health and safety objectives and performance are reviewed annually
• accurate, timely reporting and recording of all accidents, incidents, and unsafe conditions is actively encouraged
• all reported accidents, incidents, and unsafe conditions are investigated to ensure all contributing factors are identified and, where appropriate, plans are formulated to take corrective action
• early reporting of work-related pain or discomfort is actively encouraged
• a treatment and rehabilitation plan is provided to ensure an early and durable return to work
• all employees are made aware of the Antz OHS Policy and associated health and safety policies and procedures
• all existing and new hazards are identified, and all practicable steps are taken to eliminate, isolate, or minimise exposure to any significant hazards
• all employees are made aware of the hazards in their work area and are adequately trained to enable them to perform their duties in a safe manner
• all practicable steps are taken to ensure staff, visitors, contractors, and other persons using the premises as a place of work are not exposed to harm whilst at an Antz workplace
• employee consultation and participation is encouraged in all matters relating to occupational health and safety
• a system of continuous improvement is promoted.

Hazard register

On your first day, your supervisor will ensure you are aware of any hazards in your immediate work area. A copy of the hazard register is available from the Human Resources Department.

Reporting hazards

As an employee, you are responsible for reporting any hazards that you identify in your work area. The work hazards reporting form is available in the Human Resources Department.

Emergency events

All staff must be prepared for an emergency situation and for their actions during and following the event. Staff are responsible for:

• being conversant with Antz emergency instructions and procedures
• being aware of the location of the nearest fire alarm switch, fire fighting hose reel, and extinguisher and the most direct route to their emergency evacuation area
• the welfare of their visitors.

Staff trained in civil defence rescue training techniques will be responsible for the core response effort following the initial effects of a civil emergency. Other trained first-aiders and emergency wardens may be available to assist the rescue team in undertaking medical first aid and evacuation work.

In the event of the evacuation alarm siren sounding (a continuous sounding of sirens in a building), staff are required to:

• quickly proceed to their emergency evacuation area and remain there until authorised to leave
• follow any instructions given by emergency evacuation wardens.

Further advice and assistance

Further advice and assistance is available from the Human Resources Advisor and the Health and Safety Officer.