OH&S

Safety, don’t worry, be happy?

By Stephen Pehm, OHS Consultant – Action OHS Consulting.

Attaining happiness is easy in the world of Bobby McFerrin. He doesn’t worry about anything! His world is clearly falling down but he faces the world with a smile, a ‘frown turned upside down’.

Can we really do this in the area of workplace safety in today’s modern business world? Well yes! Clearly, we can. But would we? Believe it or not many employers are ‘being happy’ in their approach to safety. They address a few visible legislative requirements. They might have some visible markers of safety in their workplace, for example, an “If you are Injured at Work poster” displayed, fire extinguishers and first aid kits available. But are they really safe? Look past this veneer and the image of a safe workplace may easily fall apart. Staff may not be trained to do their work safely and they may rarely speak with each other and their manager(s) about working safely. Equipment may be used ‘when only a little bit broken’ or if “overdue for a service” are still ways that are capable of hurting someone.

Yes, you have a lot to answer for Bobby! Perhaps from a workplace safety perspective we might slightly change the title of your song to: Don’t Worry (when the prep work is done), be happy! You see the ‘prep work’ does not have to be expensive or complicated. Putting in place rules for working safely may simply involve speaking with your team members to get their input into how to work safely. Safety improvements may simply involve making a sign or another safety proposition by printing off from the internet, laminating the page and hanging it up.

Sure, some safety related work might not be so cheap. There is no doubt that maintaining equipment as per the manufacturers’ directions, buying standard compliant tools and safety equipment will cost money. Training workers to ensure they can do their jobs safely takes time and planning. The need for constant reminding of workers to follow safe work directions can be frustrating. Ensuring this is done, however, will reduce your overall worry and bring on happiness because the chances of something going wrong are reduced, or, ideally, eliminated.

To those business owners who ‘don’t bother’ what is the worst that can happen to you? Consequences can be serious. Million dollar fines and up to five years gaol for reckless acts by individuals. In some states in Australia like Queensland, Victoria, NT, and ACT the stakes are even higher. Industrial manslaughter laws are in place. Company Officers can go to gaol for up to 20 years. Organisations can face fines of many millions. Got your attention now?

So how would Mr McFerrin’s song go from a workplace safety perspective? Maybe something like this? (sung to the tune of Don’t Worry be Happy)

Sitting here in my workplace

With a big smile on my face

I’m not worried, I’m happy

We’re working safe my staff are trained

They’re using tools properly maintained

I’m not worried, I’m happy I’m not worried, I’m very happy now Just been visited by my Inspector mate No safety notices, I’m feeling great I’m not worried, I’m happy No bad things happen where I work We plan. we talk the safety verse I’m not worried, I’m happy etc.

Where do you sit? l

Want to find out more? Check out the SSAA Health & Safety Handbook on the Member Services Portal, SSAA website, or contact the SSAA OHS Help Desk via admin@selfstorage. com.au | 1800 067 373.

The OH&S Help Desk has been established by the SSAA to support its members. This advisory service is free. Free call 1800 067 313 (Australia); 0800 444 356 (New Zealand); or email admin@selfstorage.com.au.