Ensuring the safety of lone workers in Victoria is a crucial responsibility for employers, guided by specific legislative requirements. SafeTCard offers advanced safety solutions to help businesses comply with these laws and protect their employees effectively.
Victorian Work Health and Safety Legislation
The Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act 2004 and OHS Regulations 2017 form the legislative framework for workplace safety in Victoria. These laws are designed to ensure that all employees, including those working alone, have a safe working environment. Key components include:
- Duty of care: Employers must ensure the health and safety of their employees, which includes implementing necessary measures to protect lone workers.
- Risk management: Employers are required to conduct regular and thorough risk assessments to identify potential hazards that lone workers may face and take steps to mitigate these risks.
- Monitoring and communication: Effective systems must be in place to monitor lone workers and maintain communication, ensuring their safety and quick response in emergencies.
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PART 3—GENERAL DUTIES RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY
Division 2—Main duties of employers
21. Duties of employers to employees
(1) An employer must, so far as is reasonably practicable, provide and maintain for employees of the employer a working environment that is safe and without risks to health.
Penalty: 1800 penalty units for a natural person;
9000 penalty units for a body corporate.
(2) Without limiting subsection (1), an employer contravenes that subsection if the employer fails to do any of the following—
(a) provide or maintain plant or systems of work that are, so far as is reasonably practicable, safe and without risks to health;
(b) make arrangements for ensuring, so far as is reasonably practicable, safety and the absence of risks to health in connection with the use, handling, storage or transport of plant or substances;
(c) maintain, so far as is reasonably practicable, each workplace under the employer’s management and control in a condition that is safe and without risks to health;
(d) provide, so far as is reasonably practicable, adequate facilities for the welfare of
employees at any workplace under the management and control of the employer;
(e) provide such information, instruction, training or supervision to employees of the
employer as is necessary to enable those persons to perform their work in a way that is safe and without risks to health.
The state of Victoria Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2017 does not refer to isolated or remote workers. The nearest regulation is for mine workers.
Part 5.3—Mines
415 Communication in the event of an employee working alone
The operator of the mine must ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that there are available means for effective communication with an employee who is working alone at an isolated location at a mine.
Note – Act compliance—section 21 (see regulation 7)
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Specific requirements for lone workers
Employers in Victoria must take proactive steps to manage the risks associated with lone working:
- Identify hazards: Conduct comprehensive assessments to identify specific risks lone workers might encounter, such as isolation, lack of immediate assistance, or exposure to hazardous conditions.
- Implement control measures: Establish and enforce procedures and safety measures to control identified risks, including the use of personal safety devices and regular check-ins.
- Provide training: Ensure lone workers are adequately trained to handle emergency situations and use safety equipment effectively.
How SafeTCard solutions align with Victorian legislation
SafeTCard provides advanced safety solutions designed to meet and exceed the legislative requirements in Victoria, ensuring your business remains compliant while offering robust protection for your lone workers.
- Detailed risk assessments: SafeTCard’s devices and systems facilitate thorough risk assessments, helping you identify and address potential hazards.
- Real-time monitoring upon activation: Our GPS-enabled devices ensure that the location of lone workers is always known, allowing for quick responses in emergencies.
- Emergency alerts: SafeTCard’s solutions include emergency alert systems that enable lone workers to call for help instantly, ensuring timely assistance.
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Benefits of using SafeTCard
- Compliance: SafeTCard’s solutions help businesses comply with Victoria’s OHS laws, avoiding potential fines and legal issues.
- Enhanced safety: With real-time monitoring and immediate alert capabilities, SafeTCard significantly improves the safety of lone workers.
- Peace of mind: Employers and employees alike can have peace of mind knowing that SafeTCard provides robust protection and support.
Taking the next step
To ensure your business complies with Victoria’s lone worker safety legislation and effectively protects your employees, consider integrating SafeTCard’s comprehensive safety solutions. Our team of experts is ready to assist you in selecting and implementing the right products to meet your needs.
For more information and to explore our range of safety solutions, contact us today. Together, we can create a safer working environment for all lone workers.
Also, you can learn how to choose the right safety solution with us.
