From the 1st September 2003, all small business must comply with the new OH&S Legislation.
Take Me Straight To The Order Form
Tell me about the new laws
How can I comply quickly and cheaply?
Will this system satisfy my industry/ business?
Who Developed the System
More Questions & Answers
What is the price and how do I order?
What does the legislation say I have to do?
Under the old legislation, there was a general 'duty of care' responsibility placed on employers for the health and safety of employees.
The new laws now require all employers to set up management systems to control hazards in the workplace and to put in place consultative arrangements with their staff. This means:-
- You need to set up a risk management system where you systematically identify all foreseeable hazards, assess what harm these hazards may cause (the risk) and do something about the hazards so that the risks are controlled.
- You need to set up a consultative framework to provide a forum to discuss OH&S issues with your employees.
- There are specific requirements that must be carried out for certain activities including:
o Design, manufacture and supply of plant and equipment
o Dealing with certain hazardous substances (such as asbestos)
o Other hazardous tasks. Eg:
- Electricity
- Working at heights
- Manual handling etc
The Solution
You can now comply with the legislation simply and cheaply by obtaining your customised OH&S manual and implementation guide online.
Most OH&S manuals are 'one-size-fits-all'. They generally only cover the area of interest of the consultant who wrote it, and they get bogged down in the complexity of management systems needed for larger organisations.
Our product cuts out the unnecessary systems and keeps it simple while covering all of the legislative requirements.
Our most recent development has been to make the manual available online while maintaining its ability to be customised to suit your business.
This means you can now comply with the new OH&S laws quickly, cheaply and without hassle. Simply follow the steps for customisation, click the order button and wait for your manual to arrive.
Pricing and Ordering Details
back to top
Will the manual apply to my industry/ business?
Yes, considerable research has been done to identify significant hazards specific to each industry sector. All industry sectors in NSW are identified in the customisation process.
What about the industry specific hazards in my business?
A list of hazards will appear on your order page which you get to select or deselect in accordance with your business.
What if I have hazards in my business that are not on the list?
We have selected common hazards by industry sector. However, all foreseeable hazards still need to be identified and controlled. The risk management tools in the manual are designed to assist you to identify and manage those hazards.
How do I identify my industry sector?
The box on the bottom of the order page lists each of the industry sectors.
If having looked through the drop down list you cannot find your industry sector, there is another more detailed list under the heading "Not sure which industry?"
Failing this, you can send us an email and we will help you.
What Do I get and what is the total price?
For a limited time only, your customised OH&S solution is just AU$295.
Here's what you get:-
- A complete Occupational Health & Safety manual customised for your business
- An easy to understand implementation guide
- A FREE update to your manual in 2004
And, a rock-solid 30 day money back guarantee. If you're not satisfied, simply ask for your money back within 30 days and receive a full refund.
How do I order and receive my manual?
Simply click on the link below to visit the order page and then follow these easy steps:-
Step 1 - Select your industry sector. This is part of the customisation process and allows us to confirm with you those key hazards that require management. You are given information about typical hazards in this sector.
Step 2 - Customise the system to your business. This is where information is collected about your business so that your manual is appropriate to your actual business.
Step 3 - Select hazard management sections. This has already been done for you but you may wish to select additional sections.
Step 4 - Accept terms and conditions
Step 5 - Complete the Payment information section.
You can pay by either credit card on-line or send a cheque. With cheque payments, your manual will be sent once the cheque has been cleared through our bank.
Once these steps are complete your manual and implementation guide will be emailed to you in a ready to print PDF format in under 5 working days. It's that simple!
Order Now
back to top
More Questions?
Does the manual cover staff consultation?
Yes, there are simple guidelines on how to implement a consultation process.
What happens if I do nothing?
Workcover has recently recruited 300 inspectors to implement the new provisions. From September 1st, if you have not complied, you can be fined up to $1500 on-the-spot for each breach of the law. This normally converts into many on-the-spot fines on the one visit.
How can I to do this without spending hours of time I don't have?
By implementing the Small Business Health and Safety (SBHS) management system manual now, you will be meeting these legal requirements. It is the most cost effective product of its type on the market today, and it is easy to implement.
I haven't had any accidents. Won't the bigger companies be the target?
Yes, Workcover is auditing larger businesses now. However, the 300 inspectors mentioned earlier have been specifically employed for this small business initiative.
If Workcover rings, won't I have time to get what they want in place then?
Workcover inspectors don't necessarily have to ring to make an appointment. They are entitled to turn up at your door and you don't have any option but to let them in. The element of surprise is sometimes an advantage for them. Once they are there it is too late.
Can Workcover close down my business?
Yes, Workcover inspectors have considerable powers and can issue a Prohibition Notice on your business if they believe an unsafe situation is present. This prohibits you performing any further work until the area is deemed safe again by them.
With so many small businesses around I should be okay.
Workcover has recognised that the small business sector employs 1.1million of the state's workers. This is a significant proportion of workers with a significant accident rate and accident cost. They have already spent a large amount of money setting up resources to make this initiative work.
Why has the government done this?
The old laws were clearly ineffective in reducing accidents and injuries.
What benefits are there in doing this?
In addition to the obvious benefit of avoiding possible fines and prosecution, there are many other advantages:
- Reduced likelihood of injuring your staff. Most business people dread that possibility. If staff are injured they are not at work where you need them. This costs money and efficiency. Temporary replacement staff may have to be found which costs your time and money. Also, your workers' compensation premium automatically goes up.
- The SBHS manual will equip you well to participate in the Premium Discount Scheme(PDS), which can provide reductions of up to 15% on your workers' compensation bill each year
- Increased productivity from finding better, safer ways to do tasks.
- By involving staff in safety at work, you will get better levels of contribution and cooperation from them.
- Increased profits
Are there any other options?
There are other OH&S Systems on the market. However, you will find it difficult to find a product that is customised to your business and industry, at this price
Order Now
back to top
About the Author - Paul Hagarty
Paul is a Director of consulting company Small Business Health and Safety (SBHS) which specialises in OH&S and HR systems.
Paul has an Honours(2A) and Master degrees from UNSW in the science field, an associate diploma from Charles Sturt Uni in HR/OHS. He has a further 3 Certificate Four qualifications, ensuring he is up to date in all things OH&S.
Paul has over 25 years experience in the HR/OHS field and has held management positions with major corporations including Riotinto and Exxon.
The SBHS OH&S Manual is the result of two years of R&D.
It has been implemented and tested at a number of small business sites over this period. The product has been continuously improved and expanded to the current customisable product suitable for any business operating in NSW
Paul's aim, in concert with his colleagues at Solutions BD, is to add value to your business by ensuring you are able to easily and cheaply comply with the new legislation and more importantly to help you ensure your workplace is as safe as possible.
To contact Paul, click Here
Order Now
back to top