How safe is your business?

The Electrical Safety Office in Queensland recommends that employers take advantage of the new year to conduct a quick safety check of their businesses.

It suggests taking the following steps, before things become too busy:

• Review safe work procedures for electrical work, particularly for working live or working near live parts.
• Review testing procedures.
• Ensure workers are aware of safe work and testing procedures, particularly if changes have been made.
• Ensure new workers are competent to perform the work carried out by the business, and that they are aware of workplace procedures.
• Check test instruments, tools and personal protective equipment to ensure they are working and in good condition.
   

In addition, it is recommended that those who have started an apprentice in 2020 take the time to read the apprentice supervision guide.

According to the Electrical Safety Office, the new year is also a good time to refresh workers’ skills, especially testing procedures for electrical installation work. It said that many registered training organisations (RTOs) offer short-course refresher training in installation testing. Master Electricians Australia and the National Electrical Communications Association can assist their members to find an RTO.

Other resources to help with a business-wide safety check include:

• Electrical safety codes of practice — for practical guidance on ways to meet electrical safety duties.
• Workplace Health and Safety Queensland codes of practice — including working near asbestos and working at heights.
• Workplace health and safety resources specifically for small businesses.
   

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