It
is the responsibility of management to provide a safe workplace and the
responsibility of employees to work within safety guidelines. This will ensure
that risks are reduced to an acceptable level.
A code is not necessary a lengthy
document. It should be written in plain language so that it is easily
understood. The document is directed to one specific area of control, for
example there would be one for handling dangerous chemicals and a separate one
for handling dangerous chemicals and a separate one for noise control.
Areas
covered in a code of practical should include:
- Identifying the
extend to which employers, supervisors and employees are responsible for
safety
- Listing specific
work-related danger and health risks
- Detailing ideal, safe
working conditions
- Providing protective
clothing and equipment, if applicable
- Providing for
emergencies and first aid
- Listing details of
maintenance required
- Providing training
for staff
- Monitoring medical and environmental issues
Safety representatives will oversee
that management is complying with the codes of practice.
Responsibilities
of employer and employees
Employers
Irrespective of the size and type of
business being operated and employer has responsibilities under guidelines set
out by the appropriate government.
Employers can play a vital part in
the prevention of accidents at work. Industrial accidents and illnesses lead to
high staff turnover and additional training expenses. This causes disruption to
staff/union and management relationships. To avoid productivity losses, an employer
needs to be aware of safeguards for employees.
The
legal responsibilities of an employer are:
- To provide a safe and
healthy place in which employer can work
- To take out workers’
compensation insurance covering all workers, failure to do this results in
a heavy fine
- To establish a
rehabilitation program to assist injured employees to return to work
- To provide an
accident record register in which details of all injuries are shown
- To forward workers’
compensation claim forms and medical certificates to the appropriate
insurance company as soon as possible
Employees
An employee has the right to:
·
A safe and
healthy workplace
·
Compensation if
he or she is injured in the workplace or if a sickness results from employment.
This includes payment of wages, doctors’ and hospital bills
·
Assistance with
rehabilitation to enable him or her to return to work.
If an employee has any concern about
working conditions, this should be indicated to the employer or union
representative.
An
employee should be aware of the following obligations and responsibilities:
- If injured at work,
the accident must be reported immediately
- If a doctor’s
assistance is sough and it is necessary for the employee to be off work,
the doctor is required to fill in a medical clearance for the appropriate
state authority
- A workers’
compensation claim form is to be completed by filling out the basic
details of the accident or injury. This form is available from the
employer
- Copies of all forms
and certificates must be kept
- To claim for sickness
or injury at work, it is necessary to hand both the compensation claim
form and the doctor’s certificate to the employer, who in turn has the
responsibility to forward both forms to the insurance company.
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