APPENDIX 1Occupational health and safety

Occupational health and safety policies

The Ombudsman’s office reviewed its Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) policy and guidelines in 2006. Other related guidelines updated during the year included the Harassment Prevention Policy, Working from Home guidelines and the Workplace Diversity Framework and Plan. The office also provided detailed information on its intranet outlining the changes to the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988, including advice provided by Comcare on frequently asked questions.

The Ombudsman reports each year against the statement of commitment signed in 2005, to actively work towards achieving the targets set out in the Occupational Health and Safety and Rehabilitation Performance Improvement Targets for Commonwealth Premium Paying Employees (2002–2012) strategy.

Occupational health and safety committee and representatives

A health and safety representative is located in each office. The representatives manage OH&S matters either through the OH&S Committee that meets twice a year, through regular staff meetings or by seeking assistance from the OH&S officer. Two health and safety representative vacancies were filled in accordance with the office’s OH&S Agreement.

During the office induction process all new employees are advised of the importance and responsibilities of both staff and management for health and safety in the workplace. New employees are provided with a workplace assessment during the first week of commencement and familiarisation with their physical work environment.

During the year there were no accidents or injuries reportable under s 68 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act 1991 (OH&S Act) and there were no investigations conducted in the office under ss 29, 46 or 47 of the OH&S Act.

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Health and safety measures

During 2006–07 the office:

• met obligations for Comcare premiums
• managed compensation cases in accordance with approved guidelines
• arranged health assessments, where necessary
• conducted individual workplace assessments
• facilitated eye examinations, where necessary
• made first aid facilities and supplies available, and provided first aid training to First Aid Officers (refresher and senior first aid for new officers)
• provided OH&S training of representatives
• provided staff with Harassment and Bullying workshops
• conducted regular simulated fire evacuations
• conducted health and safety inspections twice a year
• targeted individual health awareness through health management initiatives such as providing flu shots to employees free of charge and disseminating a quarterly bulletin raising awareness on specific OH&S issues
• conducted a national Health Week comprising a diverse range of health and well-being activities and information sessions.

To promote a supportive working environment, the office provides staff with access to an employee assistance program, that provides a confidential counselling service, facilitation of teamwork issues, career advice and the management of any work-related or personal issue.