Occupational Health and Safety
When responding to a tender for any business opportunity, there is often a section that requires information on your business' approach to Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S).
OH&S is a requirement for all businesses, regardless of the industry they work within. Any business, even a small service company cannot presume it does not need to comply. The reality is that OH&S compliance is a necessity for all employers.
When a prospective client queries your ability to comply with OH&S requirements in your business, they want to know that you provide your employees with a safe work environment. They expect you to:
- Provide a safe work environment that is supported by safe working systems;
- Maintain safe work conditions, such as noticeable, unblocked fire exits;
- Supply adequate facilities for personal needs (clean and hygienic toilets, cool and clean drinking water, appropriate seating); and
- Cater for advice, instructions, training and opportunities for employees to improve current work practices concerning OH&S requirements.
It is essential when responding to a tender, to clearly outline the company's position about OH&S. Some important areas that the tendering company will be looking for may include whether you:
- Have a company-wide OH&S policy;
- Conduct regular staff training;
- Have a management-endorsed policy; and
- Provide employees the opportunity to offer feedback on the current work environment, and to recommend enhancements.
Even if your company is small with few employees, you still must provide staff with information on their basic rights to a safe and hazard free work environment. You don't need a detailed manual containing pages of text outlining your company's conditions for OH&S. All that's required are some clearly defined guidelines so staff know that their employer strongly believes in providing them with a safe and hazard free workplace. Be prepared to give details of such guidelines when you are negotiating with a client as they may request proof of your OH&S strategies.
For further information on the rights and obligations of employers and staff, visit your state Workcover web site.
MORE INFORMATION
Contact TenderSearch
Tel: +61 3 9861 3200
Email: info@tendersearch.com.au
