19 There was an emphasis on vehicle / plant maintenance and driver / operator training programs. 20 There were extensive PPE training, maintenance and audit programs. 21 Lock-out procedures were used instead of tag-out. 22 Best in class managers and supervisors respond positively to safety issues that are raised. 23 Best in class supervisors are responsible for safety auditing, investigating personal damage occurrences(accidents), planned job observations and training. 24 All levels in the organisation make decisions that reflect the philosophy “Safety will follow”. It is suggested Safety Management Systems be built around the above benchmarking findings. Suggested MUST HAVES for a successful Safety Management System (some of the following interventions will work better in your organisation than others, the skill is in recognising and applying the best interventions for your particular organisation). 1. Compliance with the Statute law In Queensland a number of advisory standards are incorporated under the Workplace Health and Safety Act 1995. These standards provide worthwhile guidance for introduction of a successful Safety Management System. 2. The Compliance with Common Law (in states where applicable) There are four basic duties under common law : A) To provide and maintain competent staff. B) To provide and maintain a safe place of work. C) To provide and maintain safe plant and appliances. D) To provide and maintain a safe system of work * ( a system means generally the way things are done) The above duties contain few words but the meaning is quite significant. The employer really has to do everything reasonably and practically that he can do. Many would suggest he then has to go a few extra steps. Managers and supervisors really need to be trained in common law duties to fully realise the impact of this important area on how they manage safety.
19 There was an emphasis on vehicle / plant maintenance and driver / operator training programs. 20 There were extensive PPE training, maintenance and audit programs. 21 Lock-out procedures were used instead of tag-out. 22 Best in class managers and supervisors respond positively to safety issues that are raised. 23 Best in class supervisors are responsible for safety auditing, investigating personal damage occurrences(accidents), planned job observations and training. 24 All levels in the organisation make decisions that reflect the philosophy “Safety will follow”. It is suggested Safety Management Systems be built around the above benchmarking findings. Suggested MUST HAVES for a successful Safety Management System (some of the following interventions will work better in your organisation than others, the skill is in recognising and applying the best interventions for your particular organisation). 1. Compliance with the Statute law In Queensland a number of advisory standards are incorporated under the Workplace Health and Safety Act 1995. These standards provide worthwhile guidance for introduction of a successful Safety Management System. 2. The Compliance with Common Law (in states where applicable) There are four basic duties under common law : A) To provide and maintain competent staff. B) To provide and maintain a safe place of work. C) To provide and maintain safe plant and appliances. D) To provide and maintain a safe system of work * ( a system means generally the way things are done) The above duties contain few words but the meaning is quite significant. The employer really has to do everything reasonably and practically that he can do. Many would suggest he then has to go a few extra steps. Managers and supervisors really need to be trained in common law duties to fully realise the impact of this important area on how they manage safety.