Continual improvement key to OHS success
From the Winter 2008 edition of Bush Telegraph Magazine.
Forests NSW has just joined an elite group of companies in New South Wales by passing the NSW WorkCover self insurance audit.
“We became a self insurer in 1996, and the ‘WorkCover Occupational Health and Safety Model for Self Insurers’ is the benchmark to meet,” said Forests NSW health and safety manager, Christine Di Bella.
“Forests NSW has been assessed at regular intervals since 1999, but this was the first year that we have met the benchmark.
“This was achieved largely through reviewing our system closely against the 13 elements of the ‘WorkCover Occupational Health and Safety Model for Self Insurers, 2005’.”
Christine said Forests NSW had made continual improvements and implemented an annual safety improvement plan.
Forests NSW Central region, based in Wauchope, was the subject of the latest audit.
“One of the major elements of passing this audit is giving local health and safety committees an active role in holding managers accountable,” Christine said.
“Health and safety committees review all incidents relating to safety, risk assessments and oversee the health and safety plan.
“We have backed that up with reinforcing with our managers that health and safety is an area which requires strong leadership and constant reinforcement of safety measures.
“There is nothing better to bring that home than to remind every employee that we all want to go home and play with our kids or grandchildren, play sport, and live life to the fullest – not recover from an incident and live with pain or a disability.”
Forests NSW will be audited again in February next year, and if successful, will then go on a three-year audit cycle with the aim of meeting a national model.
Howard Spencer - Public Affairs & Media
