Section 4: Work Health and Safety

Joyful Journey Occupational Therapy
Date of Last Review: 23/02/2023
Next Review: Annually

Purpose

Joyful Journey Occupational Therapy is committed to maintaining a safe, healthy, and secure environment for all employees, contractors, clients, and visitors. Workplace health, safety, and welfare are integral to our operations and decision-making. Through consultation, continuous improvement, and shared responsibility, we aim to minimise risks and promote a culture of safety across all aspects of our business.

This policy is designed to:

• Assist managers and employees in understanding WHS responsibilities.

• Ensure compliance with relevant legislation, codes of practice, and recognised WHS standards.

• Provide guidance for proactive hazard and risk management.

• Promote a culture where all individuals can reasonably expect to be free from injury or illness.

Joyful Journey Occupational Therapy operates under the VIC – Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 and related legislation.

Policy Aims

1. Continuously improve WHS systems and standards for all staff, contractors, clients, and visitors.

2. Provide a safe and healthy workplace.

3. Increase awareness of personal responsibility in WHS.

4. Reinforce a culture of safe working practices.

5. Reduce or eliminate workplace incidents and injuries.

6. Facilitate early and safe return to work for injured employees.

7. Minimise costs associated with workplace accidents.

8. Promote employee welfare and wellbeing.

9. Consult employees on WHS issues.

Responsibilities

Responsible Officer

Hannah Lees is responsible for WHS across the organisation. Responsibilities include:

• Ensuring adequate staff training and resources for WHS.

• Maintaining safe buildings, facilities, and equipment.

• Conducting risk assessments and corrective actions.

• Ensuring compliance with relevant legislation and standards.

• Observing statutory and organisational WHS standards.

• Maintaining a safe workplace and access.

• Developing and improving safe work systems.

• Monitoring occupational health factors.

• Recording and investigating incidents and implementing corrective actions.

Employees

Employees must take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others. Responsibilities include:

• Performing work safely and following WHS procedures.

• Reporting hazards, incidents, and injuries promptly.

• Participating in rehabilitation programs as required.

• Completing incident reports within 24 hours.

WHS Framework

• Hazard Identification: Workplace inspections, incident reports, observation, and consultation.

• Risk Assessment: Evaluating likelihood, exposure, and consequence of hazards.

• Risk Control: Using the hierarchy of control—elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls, and PPE.

• Monitor and Review: Regularly review control measures to ensure ongoing effectiveness.

Specific WHS Areas

Manual Handling & Occupational Overuse Syndrome (OOS)

Employees must follow safe lifting techniques, use equipment appropriately, and perform movements smoothly to avoid strain or injury. Risk assessments must be conducted before lifting.

Hazardous Substances

• Identify, assess, and control chemicals or substances in the workplace.

• Follow procedures for handling, storage, and disposal.

• Provide PPE and training where appropriate.

First Aid & Infection Control

• First Aid Officer: Hannah Lees.

• First aid kits are located in the staff room.

• Employees must follow immediate treatment and reporting procedures for injuries, blood exposure, or infections.

Fire Safety & Evacuation

• Fire Warden: Hannah Lees.

• Evacuation drills and debriefings conducted regularly.

• Specific arrangements in place for mobility-impaired persons.

Workplace Inspections

• Conducted at least every six months or as required.

• Aim to identify hazards, assess controls, and prevent incidents.

Travel & Equipment Safety

• Employees must follow safe practices when using vehicles, computers, tablets, and laptops.

• Report any faults or hazards immediately.

Appropriate Clothing & PPE

• Employees must wear clothing, footwear, and accessories suitable for their role and compliant with WHS guidelines.

Working from Home

• Employees working remotely must complete a safety and wellbeing checklist prior to approval.

• Hazards at home should be identified, assessed, and managed according to WHS standards.

Incident Reporting & Workers Compensation

• All incidents, injuries, and near misses must be reported on the Incident Report Form.

• Serious incidents must be reported to the relevant statutory authority.

• Employees may be entitled to workers’ compensation.

• Joyful Journey Occupational Therapy supports rehabilitation and return to work programs.

Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually in consultation with employees and updated as needed to reflect legislative changes, organisational changes, or WHS best practices.