Our Easy Guide to Understanding Safety Training Obligations for New South Wales Workplaces

Understanding your workplace health and safety obligations is crucial not only for compliance but also for ensuring a safe environment that enhances the health and wellbeing of all your employees. In New South Wales (NSW), the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 sets stringent standards to prevent workplace accidents and injuries, demanding rigorous adherence from all businesses.

Understanding NSW Specific Requirements

Regulatory Body:

SafeWork NSW regulates workplace safety, ensuring compliance through inspections and enforcement actions. It is vital for businesses to stay informed of any updates from SafeWork NSW as they directly impact operational practices.

Legislation:

While NSW aligns with the harmonised national Work Health and Safety laws, it includes specific state adjustments and regulations that are crucial for businesses to follow to ensure comprehensive compliance. NSW specific information, including codes of practice can be found on the SafeWork website.

Training and Licensing:

All NSW workplaces must ensure that employees performing high-risk work are properly licensed. This includes specific training for tasks such as operating heavy machinery or handling hazardous chemicals.

Penalties and Enforcement:

SafeWork NSW imposes stringent penalties for non-compliance. Businesses should familiarise themselves with the consequences of failing to meet safety standards, which could include significant fines or legal action.

Mandatory Safety Training Obligations for all NSW Businesses

1. General Safety Induction For All New Workers:

New workers must undergo comprehensive induction training that covers essential safety responsibilities, hazard identification, safe work procedures, and emergency responses.

2. Task-Specific Training:

Employees must receive targeted training relevant to the specific tasks or equipment they will handle, ensuring complete understanding of all associated safety protocols.

3. Emergency Procedures and First Aid Training:

All staff must be trained on emergency procedures, including evacuation routes and the use of fire extinguishers. There must also be an adequate number of workers that are trained to provide first aid or worked must have access to other persons who have been trained to provide first aid treatment.

In order to be a first aider, the person should hold a nationally recognised qualification issued by a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) for the nationally endorsed first aid unit/s of competency which give them the skills to administer first aid. The amount of first aiders/ first aid officers required for the workplace is determined by the type and nature of the work place. SafeWork outlines the following requirements:

Workplace risk level	Type of workplace	Ratio of first aiders to workers
Low risk	Retail shops, offices, libraries or art galleries	1:50
High risk	Factories, motor vehicle workshops or forestry operations	1:25
Remote high risk	All night convenient store and service station workers, long distance freight transport drivers	1:10

4. Employers must commit to appropriate supervision of workers

Employers are required to provide ongoing supervision and must monitor the health conditions of their workers, particularly those exposed to specific risks.

5. High-Risk Work Licences:

Workers engaged in tasks such as operating cranes or forklifts must obtain relevant licences. This training is critical and closely monitored for compliance by SafeWork NSW.

6. Employers must support regular refresher training

Employers must provide regular training for workers to be able to refresh their knowledge and skills. For example refresher training in CPR should be carried out annually and first aid certificates every 3 years.

Additional Considerations for Larger Workplaces

Dedicated Safety Roles:

Larger workplaces should appoint safety officers and establish safety committees to oversee and manage safety practices efficiently.

Comprehensive Training and Emergency Preparedness:

Implement detailed and regular training schedules, including emergency preparedness drills to ensure all employees are well-prepared for potential workplace incidents.

Regular Safety Audits:

Conduct frequent safety audits to identify and mitigate risks, using the findings to continuously improve safety measures.

How Life International Training Can Assist

Life International Training offers customised safety training solutions tailored to meet NSW's specific regulatory requirements. From advanced first aid courses to comprehensive risk assessment services and emergency preparedness training, our expert team ensures your workforce is not only compliant but also well-equipped to maintain a safe working environment.

We offer:

First Aid Training:

Including advanced first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, rescue from a live LV panel, advanced resuscitation and oxygen therapy

Fire Safety Training:

Including evacuation training and other regulated annual training

Manual Handling Training:

Covering both people and inanimate objects

Chemical Compliance:

Including chemical handling and spill management

Industry Specific & High-Risk Training:

Such as work safely at heights, work in confined space, license to operate a forklift, plus more.

If you are unsure what training you need, our expert team are happy to advise on a training plan based on your obligations and workplace requirements.

Contact Life International Training today to ensure your business meets all NSW safety training obligations and to foster a culture of safety that protects and values your most important asset—your employees.

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