Appendices
Appendix G: Occupational health and safety
This appendix addresses the annual reporting requirements set out for Australian Government agencies in s. 74 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act 1991 (OH&S Act).
Arrangements
The agency’s management of health and safety issues continued to operate during the year in accordance with the OH&S Act and in consultation with all employees, with an active OH&S Policy and appointed health and safety workplace representatives.
The agency’s OH&S Committee met four times in 2009–10. The committee reports regularly to the Executive Management Group and to all staff, and publishes meeting minutes on the staff intranet. Vacancies for health and safety representatives were filled in accordance with the OH&S Act.
Measures
The agency continued to promote a supportive working environment by providing staff access to the Employee Assistance Program. All employees and volunteers were offered free influenza vaccinations: 56 employees and volunteers chose to receive the vaccination. Three employees accepted the offer of workstation assessments.
Training was provided for health and safety representatives, first aid officers, fire wardens and harassment contact officers. Strategies and training to enhance workplace safety were implemented.
It is likely that the absence of compensation claims from staff in 2009–10 was an outcome of these measures.
Incidents and investigations
One accident was reported to Comcare, and none to Comcover, under s. 68 of the OH&S Act.
No investigations were carried out or notices given under ss. 29, 46 and 47 of the OH&S Act.