Busting health and safety myths

The Health and Safety at Work Act (HSWA) is all about working together to sensibly and proportionately manage the critical risks that could cause serious illness, injury or even death. But some people seem to believe it means wrapping everyone in cotton wool and red tape. Don’t believe the hype!

With thanks to WorkSafe, below are three common myths… busted!

MYTH #1

The new law just means more paperwork for everyone.

FACT #1

Health and safety isn’t about completing endless forms and having health and safety systems in a folder sitting on a shelf. In fact, under HSWA there are only two documents that you are legally required to have – an accident register and a list of all of the hazardous substances kept on the premises.

MYTH #2

If someone gets hurt anywhere, anytime, I'll receive a huge fine or go to prison.

FACT #2

Under the new law, you must notify WorkSafe when certain work-related events occur – these are called notifiable events. A notifiable event is when a person dies, is seriously injured or becomes seriously ill. In general, minor injuries are not notifiable. However, while a minor injury may appear insignificant, the circumstances under which it occurred may be more serious. These are called notifiable incidents and these must also be notified.

MYTH #3

It will be expensive to comply.

FACT #3

Health and safety should be part of your clubs usual practices. Not because it’s the law, but because it’s good for productivity, for engagement with staff and volunteers, and for your members. Good health and safety is good business. Health and safety is about looking after one another; it’s about making sure people get home healthy and safe.

Your club’s focus should be on eliminating, or where they can’t be eliminated, managing those risks with the potential to cause serious injury, illness or even death - not be on whether or not your club could be in trouble because someone has been injured. PCBUs must discharge their duty to the extent possible based on ability to influence and control the matter. Volunteers have due diligence duty but are not liable.

For more help on creating your club’s health and safety system click here