As an employer or business owner, even if you’re self-employed, you are legally responsible for the health and safety of yourself and everyone who visits your place of work, including workers, clients, visitors and volunteers. Your legal responsibility is known as your primary duty of care and Sherm Software can help you fulfil these responsibilities.
To meet primary duty of care, you must:
Provide a Safe Work Environment
Employers are required to maintain a safe physical work environment for their employees. This includes:
- Ensuring that the workplace is free of health and safety risks (e.g., hazardous substances, unsafe machinery, fire hazards).
- Conducting regular safety checks and risk assessments to identify and mitigate hazards.
- Maintaining and ensuring the proper upkeep of equipment and machinery to avoid accidents.
Sherm Software provides an inbuilt Form Builder for customisation of inspections for conducting regular safety checks. Along with identifying hazards, regular safety checks also assist with the upkeep of equipment and machinery.
Risk Assessment and Management
Employers must:
- Conduct regular risk assessments to identify potential hazards in the workplace.
- Implement control measures to eliminate or minimise those risks (e.g., through personal protective equipment, improved processes, or training).
- Keep records of risk assessments and actions taken to mitigate risks.
Risk Assessments are conducted with ease through Sherm Software and control measures created and implemented. Using Sherm, all records are maintained of risk assessments and corrective actions taken.
Employee WHS Training and Education
Employers must provide training and information on workplace health and safety to all employees, particularly when:
- Introducing new equipment, systems, or chemicals.
- Hiring new employees or changing job roles.
- Employees should be educated on how to recognise, avoid, and report hazards.
- Regular safety drills (e.g., fire drills, evacuation procedures) should be conducted.
Sherm Software’s Training and Competency module simplifies the process of providing essential training and competency development in the workplace, ensuring your employees have the necessary skills and knowledge for their roles.
Monitor Employee Health and Wellbeing
Employers should:
- Implement monitoring systems to assess the health of workers exposed to hazardous environments (e.g., noise, chemicals, or physical strain).
- Ensure that there are procedures in place for reporting and dealing with work-related injuries and illnesses.
- Offer support for employees’ mental health, especially for those in high-stress or dangerous environments.
Sherm Software’s Injury Management offers a comprehensive solution for effectively handling workplace injuries. By streamlining incident reporting and documentation, ensuring regulatory compliance, and providing robust case management for injured employees, Sherm Software helps organisations promote workforce well-being.
Provide Adequate Facilities
Employers must provide employees with basic facilities, including:
- Access to clean drinking water, rest areas, and sanitary toilets.
- Safe and accessible changing rooms and storage areas.
- First aid kits and arrangements for medical emergencies.
Consultation and Communication
Employers should:
- Involve employees in health and safety decision-making by providing them with opportunities to express concerns and suggest improvements.
- Set up regular safety meetings or committees where employees can discuss safety issues.
- Communicate clearly about any workplace changes that may affect health and safety.
Schedule meetings with Sherm Software and receive automated attendee notifications and reminders. Track attendance, assign action items and document meeting minutes which will be available to those not in attendance or when required.
Emergency Planning and Response
Employers are responsible for:
- Developing and communicating emergency response plans for potential workplace accidents (e.g., fires, chemical spills, or natural disasters).
- Providing proper training for employees on how to react in emergencies (e.g., evacuation procedures).
- Ensuring that emergency equipment (e.g., fire extinguishers, first aid kits) is readily available and maintained.
Reporting and Record-Keeping
Employers are required to:
- Keep detailed records of workplace accidents, injuries, and near-misses.
- Report certain workplace injuries and fatalities to the relevant authorities in accordance with local laws.
- Monitor and track trends in injuries and illness, taking steps to address underlying causes.
Sherm Software is built with simplicity in mind and offers extensive functionality for reporting, notifications, tracking, alerting and record keeping.
Compliance with WHS Legal Obligations
Employers must comply with:
- National and local health and safety laws, including workplace safety regulations, which are enforced by government agencies.
- Industry-specific safety standards (e.g., construction, healthcare, manufacturing) if applicable.
- Regularly update policies and practices to stay compliant with any changes in regulations.
Non-Discrimination and Whistleblower Protection
Employers must:
- Ensure that workers are not discriminated against for raising concerns about health and safety.
- Provide a mechanism for whistleblowing where employees can report unsafe conditions without fear of retaliation.
Worker’s Compensation and Support
If an employee is injured or becomes ill as a result of their work:
- Employers are responsible for providing compensation or support as required by law.
- This can include medical treatment, rehabilitation, and wages if the employee is unable to work.
- Workers should be encouraged to report injuries as soon as possible to ensure timely intervention and support.
Consequences of Failing to Meet WHS Responsibilities
Failure to meet work health and safety responsibilities can lead to significant consequences for employers, including:
- Fines and legal penalties for non-compliance with safety regulations.
- Lawsuits or claims from employees who are injured or harmed at work.
- Reputational damage, which can affect employee morale and consumer trust.
- Workplace injuries or fatalities, which can have devastating consequences for both employees and the business.
By fulfilling their WHS responsibilities, employers create a safer and more productive work environment, reduce the risk of workplace injuries, and foster a culture of wellbeing that benefits both employees and the business. Sherm Software was built for that purpose, fulfilling WHS responsibilities has never been easier.
