Electrical Design Group

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY POLICY

EDG will ensure that our operations and services are conducted so as to reduce the risks to the health and safety of all permanent staff, sub-contractors, contractors, project partners and clients.

EDG recognises our obligations as a responsible employer as well as those defined by legislation in Australia.

EDG is committed to preventing injury and illness through providing a safe and healthy work environment.

EDG is committed to the rehabilitation for all work related injured or ill workers. We recognise that the rehabilitation process is a positive step in retaining the skills of staff.

EDG is committed to maintaining the following Occupational Health and Safety standards:

A safe and healthy working environment free from hazards
Safe systems of work including adequate training, instruction and supervision for all employees
Observance of the requirements and obligations of all legislation associated with occupational health and safety including workers’ compensation.
That staff observe and conduct low risk work activities
Skills and abilities are measured equitably and balanced with experience
Reporting, recording and investigation procedures for all workplace injuries, illnesses or accidents to assist in risk reduction and to meet legislative requirements.

Effective occupational rehabilitation process including:

Ensuring the process of Occupational Rehabilitation is commenced immediately following an injury or illness and in accordance with medical advice.
Ensuring a return to work as soon as possible by an injured or ill employee is a normal practice and expectation.
Providing an injured or ill employee with suitable duties where practicable as an integral part of the Occupational Rehabilitation process.
Consulting with employees to ensure that our Occupational Rehabilitation program operates efficiently
Respecting the rights and confidentiality of all employees

EDG Management

All EDG management staff have a joint responsibility with clients to provide and maintain workplaces and systems of work which do not expose employees to risk of accident or injury. They must provide information, instruction, training and supervision to employees to ensure safe performance of work tasks.

They will develop strategies to reduce the incidents of accidents and injury in the workplace and notify the relevant authorities of serious injuries or death within 24 hours.

A Rehabilitation Coordinator will be appointed and trained accordingly to coordinate all workers compensation claims, developing and monitoring all return to work plans and liaise with the relevant workers’ compensation authorities.

Permanent Employees

All direct permanent employees of EDG are responsible for ensuring all clients’ sites have been reviewed for risk evaluation either by physical assessment or via telephone. Where a hazard is identified, they will inform all contractors, sub-contractors or project partners assigned to that site of it and the recommended safe work practices to reduce the risk of injury or illness. They will also work with the client to ensure this is followed through.

They will brief all contractors, sub-contractors or project partners to report and record all workplace accidents, injuries or illnesses. Where the contractors, sub-contractors or project partners are unable to complete required forms due to hospitalisation, they will endeavour to visit the person to assist with completion of all forms. All direct permanent employees are responsible for ensuring Accident/Incident forms are current and available for inspection, and undertake participation in the rehabilitation and return to work programs as required.

Contractors, Sub-Contractors and Project Partners

All EDG contractors, sub-contractors and project partners have responsibilities to ensure their own personal health and safety in the workplace as well as that of all work colleagues. This includes taking all reasonable steps to protect themselves and their work colleagues health and safety. For this purpose they will:

Immediately report all workplace accidents, injuries or illness to EDG
Read and adhere to all EDG Occupational Health and Safety policies and guidelines
Observe all client Occupational Health & Safety procedures and directives
Follow all client work instructions
Assist in identifying workplace hazards and developing control measures
Participate in rehabilitation and return to work programs
Report any changes in your job description or job tasks to EDG immediately

Clients

Wherever practicable, clients will be asked to eliminate significant hazards in the workplace or to isolate the hazard from EDG employees. Where the hazard is identified as serious or potentially life threatening, EDG staff may remove all staff from the site until the client advices that the hazard has been removed and EDG is able to confirm same.

Processes

What to do if an Accident, Injury or Illness occurs:

Ensure that all required medical attention is obtained immediately.

Notify EDG on telephone (07) 3278 4375 as soon as possible.

Leave the site untouched as far as practicable.

Complete an Accident/Injury form and if time off or medical expenses are incurred a Workers’

Compensation claim form. EDG will provide these forms and will assist with explaining entitlements.