WHS management systems (WHSMS) are developed to guarantee the systematic control over health and safety issues in the workplace, and the effective WHSMS should include the policies and procedures appropriate for the concrete organisation. The WHSMS for Australian Hardware should include:
- The policy with objectives and targets. The main goal is to create the safest workplace conditions for workers while bringing the LTIFR and IR to 10% below the documented national averages.
- Management, including managers and supervisors.
- Operations which include such procedures as integration and activation of the fire alarm system; the development of rules to work with outdoor furniture, hardware goods, hazardous materials handling by drivers and customer service staff to decrease the rate of injuries.
- Risk and hazard management process should include such procedures as identification of risks and hazards (the risk of injuries), assessment of risks, selection controls, classification, review of safety systems, and testing.
- Response plan should include such procedures as the use of rules and emergency regulations to handle the risks (Australian Hardware 2012).
- Training and consultation.
A range of adaptations and amendments is required to existing policies and procedures in Australian Hardware. These adaptations include the following points: the WHS management and regulators should pay more attention to
- reviewing the WHSMS procedures according to the current needs;
- identifying potential risks associated not only with injuries but also with the fire risks and environment risks;
- developing the strategies to handle and use the hazardous materials;
- reviewing specific risk control measures;
- developing strategies to avoid the risks of the employees’ fatigue and alcohol or drugs use.
The Wollongong Store WHS policy for Australian Hardware can be applied nationally while being amended accordingly. The current policy does not include the necessary details in order to state what actions should be performed in different situations associated with handling the risks and emergency. The important amendments should include such points as the following ones:
(1) The purpose should not be revised, but the scope should be extended to cover employees and contractors of Australian Hardware nationally.
(2) Responsibility should be distributed between the managers of Australian Hardware and local stores to provide not only consultation, training, and supervision but also to focus on maintaining a safe and healthy environment while reviewing the WHSMS procedures; identifying potential risks; developing the strategies to handle the risks and use the hazardous materials; reviewing specific risk control measures; and developing strategies to avoid and mitigate indentified risks.
(3) Individual employees should not only follow health and safety policies and procedures, report risks to supervisors, protect health and safety of colleagues; ensure not consuming drugs or alcohol but also be able to identify the hazards; assess risks and hazards; focus on resolving issues; use the knowledge learnt during the training and consultation. These points should be reflected in the WHS plan.
(4) The objectives and targets should also be revised. Thus, Australian Hardware will maintain a safe and healthy workplace with identifying risks and hazards adequately. The written procedures and instructions should include the operations for all the stores. The appropriate support, instruction, training and supervision should be provided at the national basis (Safe Work Australia 2014).
(5) The performance goals for decreasing the rate of injuries in the workplace should be stated to address the risks typical for all the stores of Australian Hardware.
(6) All the possible hazards and risks should be mentioned in the plan to detect and handle them effectively.
Reference List
Australian Hardware, 2012.
Safe Work Australia, 2014.