OHS - employer responsibilities

OHS Employer Responsibilities

Can You Afford A Prosecution?

As an employer you have the responsibility for the day-to-day health, safety and welfare of your employees and visitors to your workplace.


This duty of care is set out in the occupational health and safety (OHS) legislation of the various Australian States and Territories.


You may share this responsibility because the term 'employer' can include the whole management chain from the chief executive officer down to the supervisor.

Therefore a business needs to make each level of management responsible for OHS within his/her area of authority.

As an employer you must:

Provide safe premises, plant, equipment and systems of work and ensure they are maintained properly;.


Ensure that substances found in the workplace are safely used, handled, stored and transported;


Ensure that the workplace has safe means of access and exit;


Provide necessary information, instruction, training and supervision so that employees have the knowledge they need to work in a way that that doesn't endanger health or safety;


Look after the health and safety of visitors;


Provide and maintain a safe and healthy working environment; and


Provide information to employees about any plant, equipment or substances used in the workplace. Information should include precautions and conditions needed for their safe use, potential health and safety problems arising from their use and the results of research carried out on substances or plant.

How safe is your workplace?

Are floor surfaces free of water, oil or other fluids?


Are floor surfaces even?


Are spills cleaned up immediately?


Are walkways and doorways clear of boxes, extension cords and litter?


Is the tread on stairs adequate to minimise slipping?


Are stairways kept clear of boxes, equipment and other obstructions?


Are walkways well lit?


Have you identified emergencies that may require an evacuation of the working area?


Have you identified what signal(s) will be used to start evacuation?


Are emergency procedures displayed in your workplace?


Have you nominated a person to be responsible for managing an evacuation?


Are switchboards and electrical equipment in a safe condition?


Are all power points, light fittings and switches in a safe place and free of obvious defects?


Are main and isolating switches clearly labelled and accessible?


Are the electrical fittings and electrical equipment, including portable power tools, regularly inspected and maintained?


Can all materials and equipment be lifted and carried easily?


Is there adequate clearance/aisle space around machinery and equipment?


Is rotation of tasks used to avoid repetitive work?


Are work benches at a comfortable height?

Credits:NSW Business Chamber. Phone

13 26 96 web site:

www.nswbusinesschamber.com.au