Best workplace health and safety practices in a small business
WINNER - Production Automotive
While skilled in automotive repair, Production Automotive knew little about work health and safety so opted to join WorkCover's Safe Business is Good Business Mentor Program. Their mentor was Andrew Porter from the State Transit Authority.
With his help, the business identified major areas for improvement and set about implementing corrective action. For example, safe work procedures were simplified as they had prooved too detailed, a formal induction program was introduced and, to make safe work procedures visible to all staff, work health and safety was included on the agenda for weekly team meetings. These and other measures have increased awareness of safety requirements and strengthened management commitment to a safe work environment.
HIGHLY COMMENDED - Regional Project Managers Australia Pty Ltd
Wagga Wagga company Regional Project Managers Australia (RPMA) was engaged to restore the historic St Carthage's Cathedral in Lismore. Due to heritage issues, the number of contractors at work on site and the risks posed by working at heights, it adopted a systematic approach to work health and safety.
RPMA developed project management and site specific plans six months out, which detailed safety requirements. Among the safety measures were appointment of a project safety team, weekly site safety audits and monthly safety meetings. Daily toolbox talks were held with everyone on site and, to alleviate the hazard of working at heights in the sun, RPMA limited such work to 50 minutes per hour and provided water containers.
