Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) duties of an employer vary depending on the jurisdiction and industry, but there are general principles that employers should follow to ensure a safe and healthy work environment. Here are the common OHS duties of an employer.
Provide a safe workplace environment:
Ensure that the workplace is free from hazards that could cause harm to employees.
Implement safety measures and protocols to prevent accidents and injuries.
2. Risk assessment:
Conduct regular risk assessments to identify potential hazards in the workplace.
Take measures to eliminate or control identified risks.
3. Provide information, training, and supervision:
Inform employees about potential workplace hazards and provide training on safety procedures.
Ensure that employees are adequately trained to perform their duties safely.
Provide supervision to ensure that employees follow safety guidelines.
4. Provide Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
Supply and maintain appropriate personal protective equipment, such as helmet’s, gloves, safety glasses, etc. as needed for specific tasks.
5. Emergency preparedness:
Develop and implement emergency plans.
Provide training on emergency procedures, including evacuation drills and first aid.
6. Compliance with Regulations:
Stay informed about and comply with relevant occupation health and safety laws and regulations.
Ensure that workplace practices align with industry standards and guidelines.
7. Health monitoring:
Implement health monitoring programmes, when necessary, to monitor employee’s exposure to specific hazards.
Provide access to medical examinations if required by law or recommended for certain occupations.
8. Consultations and communications:
Consult with employees and their representatives on health and safety matters.
Establish effective communication to promote a culture of safety in the workplace.
9. Incident reporting and Investigation:
Establish a system for reporting and recording workplace incidents, injuries, and near misses.
Conduct thorough investigations into incidents to identify root causes and prevent recurrence.
10. Regular inspections:
Conduct regular workplace inspections to identify and address potential hazards.
Keep records of inspections and corrective actions taken.
11. Promote health and well-being:
Encourage employee’s wellness programmes and initiatives to promote overall health and well-being.
Address workplace factors that may contribute to stress or mental health issues.
It’s essential for employers to proactively manage health and safety in the workplace, fostering a culture of safety and compliance. Additionally, employers should adapt their practices to changes in regulations and industry standards. Always consult with local OHS authorities and legal experts to ensure full compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
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