Better ho-ho-hope Santa gets safe working conditions
WorkSafe ACT is reminding employers of their duties to provide a workplace without risks to health and safety this festive season. Recent inspections of Santa’s outposts have found that conditions have not met requirements under the ACT’s work health and safety laws.
Employers must provide their workers with adequate and accessible facilities. This includes toilets, drinking water and washing and eating facilities. These must be in good working order, clean, safe and accessible. Jacqueline Agius, the ACT’s Work Health and Safety Commissioner, is making sure businesses understand their responsibilities.
“All workers—including the man in red himself—in all workplaces are owed a safe working environment and access to facilities. It doesn’t matter what kind of workplace you have; the same laws apply.”
Employers should also be on the lookout for the effects of work-related fatigue for their workers at this time of year. People may be rushing to meet deadlines before the end of the year, or, like Santa and the elves, be at the height of their busiest season. Fatigue reduces a person’s ability to work safely and employers must manage the associated risks, just like any other workplace hazard.
“Workplace fatigue is a serious risk to health and safety. Long hours, heavy work demands and shiftwork can all play a part in contributing to fatigue. Employers need to put in place safe systems of work to protect workers from harm. Don’t let Santa sleigh-ve away!”
Ms Agius encourages employers to consult with workers and work through the risk management process regularly to ensure any new or changed hazards in the workplace are identified and managed. Visit www.worksafe.act.gov.au for further guidance.
“Everyone deserves a safe working environment, workers and employers alike. Remember to look after your elves, and yourselves!”
Statement ends.
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