Paying the price of unsafe and unhealthy work environments can be devastating. Substandard conditions can lead to work-related illness and injury that can negatively affect an employee’s long-term wellness. Unacceptable conditions are also detrimental to the success of a construction company’s bottom line. Things such as insurance premiums, worker benefit payouts and other expenses reduce profits and signal those awarding jobs to take a pass on your bid. However, by complying with AS/NZS 4801 Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) regulations you improve the chances of earning lucrative government contracts.
Managing Health and Safety
OHS programs are designed to foster health and safety practices in the workplace. All companies have a lawful duty to take reasonable steps toward worker safety. Construction sites are considered among the most hazardous places in terms of illness, injury and fatalities, which makes OHS compliance extremely important.
AS/NZS 4801 outlines a standard applicable to large and small organizations across a variety of sectors. The framework helps uncover and manage existing health and safety dangers while reducing the possibility of work-related problems. The system also helps bring your organization into OHS compliance and that is a key element when pursuing high paying government work.
Benefits of AS/NZS 4801
In 2013-14, more than 100,000 significant workers’ compensation claims were filed in Australia and each of these work-related injuries harmed a person’s health, well-being and cost more than $116,000. Those topline figures alone are excellent reasons to implement an effective system and AS/NZS 4801 can help achieve goals such as:
- Assuring Stakeholder Confidence: An assessed and approved OHS management system sends a message that you comply with regulatory standards and that boosts stakeholder confidence. It also helps stave off bad publicity in the event of an unfortunate accident.
- Team Confidence: Putting AS/NZS 4801 into effect tells team members that you are committed to health and safety and improves team morale.
- Cost Reduction: Accidents lead to higher insurance costs, increased downtime and paying unnecessary expenses. By unearthing safety blind spots, you can take corrective action.
- Preparedness: This OHS management system brings to light employee competence and the need for additional training. A well-prepared workforce improves productivity.
Government Contracts
In order to qualify for Australian Government Building and Construction OHS accreditation, companies must gain AS/NZS 4801 certification and a management system can help on two fronts. It shows that you maintain a reasonably risk-free work environment for employees. And, workers understand the defined expectations and can take practical steps to ensure personal safety.
By achieving AS/NZS 4801 compliance, you can rest assured that appropriate safety measures have been taken on behalf of the men and women who work for you. And, the company will enjoy the benefit of being positioned to land government contracts.
