Our Easy Guide to Understanding Safety Training Obligations for Victorian Workplaces

All businesses in Australia are legally required to provide a safe work environment. Each state or territory however has its own WHS laws and framework with distinct regulations.

In Victoria, WHS rules and regulations are outlined in the Victorian Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (OHS Act) and are enforced by WorkSafe Victoria. This act provides a comprehensive framework that businesses must follow to ensure safety and health at work.

Why it matters

Caring about the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act is crucial for businesses for several reasons:

Legal Compliance:

Adhering to the OHS Act helps avoid legal penalties and ensures businesses meet their legal obligations to keep the workplace safe.
Worker Safety: Following the Act's guidelines protects workers from harm, reducing workplace accidents and illnesses.

Financial Benefits:

Proactive safety management can lower costs related to workers' compensation, legal fees, and operational downtime.

Reputation and Productivity:

A strong safety record enhances a company's reputation and attracts quality employees, while a safe work environment boosts worker engagement and efficiency.

Ethical Responsibility:

Beyond legal requirements, there is an ethical duty to ensure the well-being of employees, fostering a positive workplace culture and employee retention.

What are the Workplace health and safety requirements for Victorian Businesses?

The specific requirements can vary from industry to industry, however there are some overarching requirements for all businesses in Victoria. Workers in Victoria have the right to a safe work environment, and employers must enforce these rights by providing the necessary training, supervision, and resources to maintain safety at work.

Key responsibilities for employers under the OHS Act include:

Eliminating or minimising risks to health and safety as far as is reasonably practicable.

Ensuring that the provision of information, training, and instruction is suitable and understandable.

Engaging in consultations with workers on matters relating to health and safety.

Employers need to monitor the health of workers exposed to specific risks, such as hazardous chemicals or excessive noise.

Mandatory Safety Training Obligations for Victorian Businesses

Employers must ensure all workers are properly instructed and trained on how to perform their jobs safely. This includes ongoing training tailored to the specific risks associated with their job roles. Training that employers must provide includes the following:

General Safety Induction for All New Workers:

New employees must undergo comprehensive induction training that covers:

Health and safety responsibilities.

Hazard identification and risk control.

Safe work procedures and emergency responses.

Task-Specific Training:

Employees must receive training specific to their tasks. This training is particularly vital for positions involving high-risk activities such as operating heavy machinery, electrical work, or handling hazardous chemicals.

Employers must ensure that this training is comprehensive and regularly updated to reflect any changes in workplace technology, processes, or compliance requirements.

Emergency Procedures Training:

Emergency procedures training is essential to prepare staff for unexpected situations, ensuring they can respond quickly and effectively to preserve safety and minimise harm. This training should be tailored to the potential emergencies that could occur in the specific working environment and regularly rehearsed through drills. Key components include:

Evacuation Procedures: Clearly explain and practice the steps employees must follow if an evacuation is necessary, including the routes, exits, and assembly points. Ensure that evacuation maps are posted prominently throughout the workplace.

First Aid and CPR: Provide training in basic first aid and CPR to designated employees, ensuring there are always trained individuals available during all working hours. This training should be refreshed regularly to keep skills up-to-date.

Fire Safety Training: Teach employees how to use firefighting equipment like fire extinguishers and fire blankets, and educate them on the types of fires each piece of equipment is designed to combat.

Handling of Hazardous Materials: For workplaces that involve hazardous materials, train employees on spill management, containment procedures, and emergency reporting.

What are the specific First Aid Training Requirements?

According to the First Aid in the Workplace Compliance Code, where possible, employers need to ensure that there is at least one first aid officer available at the workplace at any one time during operating times.

How many first aid officers are required is dependent on the size of the workplace and whether the workplace is considered high-risk or low-risk.

Workplace risk level	Number of Employees	Number of First Aid Officers
Low risk	10 - 50	1
Low risk	51 - 100	2
Low risk	100+	Additional officer per every additional 100 employees
High risk	1 - 25	1
High risk	25 - 50	2
High risk	50+	Additional officer per every additional 50 employees

How Life International Training Can Assist

Partner with Life International Training to elevate your workplace’s health and safety standards beyond mere compliance. As a Registered Training Organisation (RTO), we offer tailored safety training solutions that address the unique challenges of Victorian workplaces:

Customised Training Programs:

Designed to meet both the specific risks of your industry and the regulatory requirements of Victoria, ensuring your business stays ahead of compliance.

Expert Risk Assessment Services:

Our specialists excel in spotting potential hazards and advising on the best mitigation practices, helping you maintain a safe work environment.

Certified First Aid Training:

We provide certified first aid training that complies with Victorian regulations, equipping your first aiders to effectively handle workplace emergencies.
Ongoing Support and Updates: Stay up-to-date with the latest changes in legislation with our continuous support and updates.