Build the governance structure
- Interpretation of the OHS Act and applicable regulations
- Employer, management, employee and contractor duties
- Section 7 health and safety policy drafting or review
- Section 16(1) and 16(2) accountability structures
- Legal appointments and responsible-person matrices
- Health and safety representative and committee systems
- Contractor control and section 37(2) agreements
- Induction, competence and implementation evidence
- Audit preparation and corrective-action planning
- Monthly management meetings and monitoring
Appointments must carry authority
Depending on the operation, appointments may include chief executive and management delegations, supervisors, health and safety representatives, first aiders, fire roles, incident investigators, hazardous chemical controllers, machinery operators, construction appointees and role-specific competent persons.
A signed form alone is not enough. The role must be based on the actual legal framework, competence, authority, resources, reporting and monitoring attached to it.
Management accountability cannot be delegated away
- Clear organisational and reporting structure
- Competence, authority and resource allocation
- Inspection and reporting duties
- Escalation of unresolved risk
- Contractor responsibility
- Document control and evidence
- Management review and follow-up