Section 6: Other statutory reporting
Occupational Health & Safety
The department is conscious of its responsibilities under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 1991 to provide a safe workplace. In 2008–09, the department implemented a new framework underpinned by the Health and Safety Management Arrangements.
The Health and Safety Management Arrangements established a reporting and committee framework that provides strategic and operational oversight of occupational health and safety (OH&S) issues across the department.
Initiatives undertaken during the year included:
- engaging an employee assistance program provider and implementing services
- arranging OH&S training for staff in key OH&S positions (such as health and safety representatives, first aid officers and workplace contact officers)
- developing and implementing OH&S management model on compliance, early intervention, and prevention
- increasing awareness of relevant health and workplace issues, including bullying and harassment.
In 2008–09, four workers’ compensation claims were lodged, two of which were accepted by Comcare. No other significant incidents or injuries were reported.
Comcare reduced the department’s premium for the 2009–10 financial year from 0.98 per cent of remuneration to 0.67 per cent of remuneration. This is a significant reduction—reflecting the department’s health and safety performance—and compares favourably to the overall Public Service average payment of 1.25 per cent of payroll.