Background
Risk was engaged by a small business in the energy sector to develop a systematic approach to comply with the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Qld). The business manufacture and supply independent and mobile power solutions, and have been active in the Australian energy sector for over 10 years.
The Situation
Recently, the business embarked on its own design and manufacturing program, and since then has been enjoying success and profitable growth.
Throughout this great period of growth however the business' Director has raised concerns that with a larger workforce and increased product warehousing and assembly work, they needed assistance from a safety professional in understanding and complying with the relevant WHS legislation.
How We Helped
In response to the business' requests and specific needs, DWF Risk planned the work in three stages:
Stage 1 - Discovery: DWF Risk commenced with a presentation to the company Director and General Manager to provide an overview of the WHS legislative framework, outlining duties, and providing practical examples of how to discharge these.
Following this, a site inspection was conducted with the Director and General Manager. This enabled DWF Risk to gain a sound understanding of the nature of the business, its workforce and work processes.
Stage 2 - Analysis: The findings from the site inspection and from conversations which occurred during the site inspection with employees were reviewed and distilled into an inspection report, which identified gaps in legislative compliance. These findings were also used to produce information to pre-populate a WHS Risk Assessment for the business.
DWF Risk then facilitated a Risk Assessment workshop, where the Director, General Manager and key personnel identified, discussed and agreed on key risks and the control measures required. The identified controls included specific Safe Work Procedures and other documents required to provide a framework for a Safety Management System tailored to the context of the business and its risk profile.
Stage 3 - Development: Documents and processes identified in the Risk Assessment were developed in consultation with relevant stakeholders. This collaborative approach fostered ownership of the system, methods of work and control measures, and it also assigned responsibility for the regular monitor and review of these.