Appendix J – Occupational health and safety
Occupational health and safety policies
The Archives’ Health and Safety Management Arrangements were developed during the year in accordance with changes to the Occupational Health and Safety Act 1991 (OHS Act) and in consultation with all employees. The Arrangements will be approved early in the next financial year. After extensive consultation with employees, it was decided that the Workplace Relations Committee would continue to act as the Health and Safety Committee for the Archives.
Occupational health and safety committees and representatives
Each Archives office has at least one health and safety representative. In each office, occupational health and safety matters are dealt with by a committee (or staff meetings in those offices not large enough to have a committee).
Vacancies for health and safety representatives were filled in accordance with the OHS Act.
Health and safety measures
The Archives continued to promote a supportive working environment by providing staff access to the Employee Assistance Program. Approximately 150 employees received free influenza vaccinations in accordance with the National Archives of Australia Collective Agreement 2007–2010.
Workstation assessments continued, and strategies and training to enhance workplace safety were implemented, including occupational overuse syndrome and manual handling.
A new workshop – Ensuring a Safe Working Environment – was developed and delivered to staff. The workshop used varied and hands-on activities to educate staff on topics such as manual handling, safe work practices, workstation assessments and reporting practices.
Health and safety awareness continued to be raised through a variety of forums. Health and Safety Week was held in all offices during October 2007, and staff were offered a range of information and activities to improve their safety and wellbeing at work. The theme for the week was ‘Balance: safe, healthy and active’.
Regular articles were also published in the Archives’ staff newsletter, Grapevine, promoting safe work practices and a healthy lifestyle.
The outcome of these measures was a decrease in the number of accepted compensation claims from five in 2006–07 to four in 2007–08.
Incidents and investigations
No incidents were reported to Comcare under section 68 of the OHS Act. No investigations were carried out or notices given under sections 29, 46 and 47 of the Act.