Activity+2+–+Workplace+OHS+documents

Task:
In this activity you will become familiar with OHS documents in your workplace.
 * 1) Locate OHS policies, procedures and other documentation in your workplace.
 * 2) If you don’t have access to a suitable workplace use another organisation that you have access to, eg a sporting club, or use the West Park Shire case study.
 * 3) Set up a **resources folder** for your work in this unit and save copies of the documents there – you will refer to them again in later activities.
 * 4) Write a brief (half page) **review** of the OHS documents you find. Cover these points in your review:
 * 5) Were these documents easy to locate?
 * 6) Are they clearly written?
 * 7) Are they up to date?
 * 8) Do they clearly state the responsibilities of the employer/management?
 * 9) Do they clearly state the responsibilities of employees?
 * 10) Do they state the responsibilities of other parties, eg contractors, suppliers, OHS committees, OHS representatives?
 * 11) If possible, compare your workplace documentation and review with that of another student.

Response:
I have used the West Park Shire Case Study as I currently do not have access to other materials. This is located at file:///H:/bsbohs408a/lo/7546/applets/westpark_intranet/index.htm


 * 1) The OHS documents are contained within the Policies and Procedures section of the website, easily accessed by clicking "Policies & Procedures" under the "Intranet" heading on the left hand side. The documents were very easy to locate. This is important as the documents must be easily accessible for all to read.
 * 2) The documents are clearly written and easy to understand. This is fundamental to OH & S policy as all employees must be familiar with and be able to understand these documents.
 * 3) It is hard to tell whether the documents are up to date as they are undated.
 * 4) The document "Occupational Health & Safety Policy" clearly states the responsibilities of the employer/management. This is evident in the numbered section of this document
 * 5) The document "Occupational Health & Safety Policy" also clearly states the responsibilities of employees in the numbered section
 * 6) The document "Occupational Health & Safety Policy" states the responsibilities of contractors and sub-contractors, and touches on the roles of and responsibilities of: 'designated officers', the Health and Safety Committee and the Occupational Health and Safety Officer

These documents are fairly similar to those I have encountered in previous workplaces.