Safety processes must be followed, not just documented

WorkSafe ACT reminds duty holders that having safety systems, procedures and controls in place is not enough. If they are not understood, applied and enforced, workers remain at risk.

Too often, workplaces rely on documented procedures and assume this alone ensures compliance and safety. However, incidents continue to show a clear gap between what is written and what is actually happening on site.

RECENT PROSECUTION 

A recent WorkSafe ACT prosecution highlights this issue. A company and its director were convicted and fined following a serious workplace incident, despite having procedures in place.

The incident occurred at a construction site where a worker’s foot was struck by an excavator bucket. The worker suffered significant injuries, including the amputation of a toe, requiring extensive medical treatment.

The Court found the company failed to follow its own safety regime and Safe Work Method Statement, which included controls to prevent this type of incident. The risk was obvious, and simple, costless controls were available but not used.

BEST PRACTICE

Under WHS laws, it is not enough to have controls in place. You must make sure they are used, followed and maintained in practice. When procedures are ignored, risks go unmanaged and workers are exposed to harm. This can lead to serious injuries and prosecution.

To ensure controls are working as intended:

• Regularly check the work being carried out and verify that procedures are being followed rather than assuming compliance.

• Ensure safety procedures are clearly communicated, understood and consistently treated as mandatory by all workers.

• Actively supervise work and intervene immediately when unsafe practices occur.

• Engage with workers to identify where procedures are not being followed or are impractical in practice.

• Address WHS issues promptly and ensure accountability is maintained at all levels.