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Discover how to effectively manage your Work Health and Safety Management System (WHSMS) without over-complication in independent schools. This guide highlights the key objectives of a successful WHSMS, common pitfalls of over-engineered systems, and practical steps to create a fit-for-purpose framework. Learn the importance of consultation, risk assessment, appropriate training, and continual improvement. With insights from safety expert Philip Wolfenden, ensure your WHSMS aligns with your organizational goals and meets compliance requirements efficiently.
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Avoid Over Engineering Your WHSMS Independent Schools Safety 2013 Philip Wolfenden
What is a Work Health and Safety Management System (WHSMS)? • It is universally accepted that a WHSMS it is a set of plans, procedures and accompanying forms that systematically manage health and safety in the workplace. But what does that mean?? Avoid over engineering your WHSMS
Key objectives of a WHSMS • Develop consultation across all levels. • Identify workplace hazards, assessment and control of all risks. • Active involvement in health and safety matters by the PCBU and workers and their representatives. • Provision of information and training for workers at all levels so they can work safely. • Audit of the WHSMS, review and continual improvement. Sounds simple right? Avoid over engineering your WHSMS
What goes wrong? • Need for compliance vs lack of WHS understanding. • Inappropriate financial investment towards WHS. • Fear of penalties. • Too much too soon. • Having a WHSMS that does not suit the organisation. What does an over engineered WHSMS look like? Avoid over engineering your WHSMS
The over engineered WHSMS – What does it look like? • The WHS Policy is not embedded. • Objectives and Targets are not measurable or achievable. • The procedures are generic and no-one knows the expected outcomes. • Forms are too detailed and too many. • Workers do not embrace safety as ‘business-as-usual’. • So how do you develop aneffective WHSMS? Avoid over engineering your WHSMS
An effective WHSMS – how to get one • Understand what the organisation hopes to achieve in relation to WHS. • Ensure the WHS policy reflects the intent of the organisation. • The procedures and forms should be ‘fit-for-purpose’. • WHS related training should be appropriate for the audience, a variety of media and the specific outcomes planned and evaluated. • Evaluate, review and improve – continually. • Where do you start? Avoid over engineering your WHSMS
Who can help? • If you need assistance in establishing a WHSMS or would like to have your WHSMS reviewed for compliance then align yourself with a reputable service provider. • Where you have an in-house dedicated WHS resource, are they current in their qualifications and legislation or could they benefit from up-grading or refresher training? Avoid over engineering your WHSMS
Further Information Australia’s leading national provider of WHS consulting, auditing and training services. A not-for-profit with more than 85 years of safety industry experience. Represents more than 3,000 WHS professionals around the country. NSCA is an RTO that offers a wide variety of WHS training including Certificate IV and Diploma in WHS and Bridging courses from OHS to the new WHS qualifications.