Occupational health and safety policy

Council and management recognise and accept their moral and legal responsibility to provide a safe and healthy work environment for employees, volunteers, customers, visitors, the public, when Council is working in a public area, and to ensure its contractors have the same recognition and objectives.

This will be achieved by providing a safe place of work, implementing safe working methods and providing safe plant, safe use of substances and equipment in accordance with the objectives of the current occupational health & safety (OH&S) legislation.

Council's safety management system with supportive documentation, training and records will be regularly evaluated, in consultation with the OH&S committee, employees, and unions (where appropriate), to ensure continuous improvement with OH&S, which is considered an integral and essential part of the successful performance measurement of Council.

The General Manager has ultimate responsibility for the implementation and review of the Council's OH&S policy, and delegation of OH&S management responsibilities.

Management responsibilities - Each manager and supervisor is accountable for complying with and implementing Council's Occupational Health & Safety policy, its supportive documentation and infrastructure within their area of responsibility. This compliance will be part of their annual performance review.

All managers and supervisors are responsible for:

• the provision and maintenance of the workplace in a safe condition
• the arrangement of the required training and/or instruction for employees in the safe performance of their assigned work activities
• their involvement in the development, promotion and implementation of health, safety and welfare issues
• the provision of resources within their authority to meet the health and safety objectives of Council
• the implementation of a consultation process with employees ensuring discussion, sharing and recording of relevant OH&S information
• the maintenance of the OH&S committee and/or safety representatives and ensuring compliance with the legislative requirements.

Employee responsibilities - All employees must co-operate with management to ensure compliance with OH&S legislation and/or initiatives implemented to assist Council's safety performance.

• Employees must take care of themselves, other employees, customers and visitors who are at the employee's place of work.
• Employees who by refusal or neglect fail to observe the necessary OH&S policy, procedures, instructions or directives will face disciplinary action in accordance with Council policy.
• Employees are to elect and consult with their OH&S Committee.
• Employees are to report all known or observed workplace hazards or concerns to their immediate supervisor.