Appendix 8 Workplace health and safety

The information below is provided in accordance with Schedule 2, Part 4 of the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth).

Health and safety management in the department

The department prioritises the health, safety and wellbeing of its people, many of whom work in unique and challenging environments overseas. The department has implemented a Work Health and Safety (WHS) management system to provide a framework for the delivery of WHS policies, programs and initiatives across its global network. The WHS system fosters a strong safety culture and establishes that WHS is a shared responsibility across the department’s global network.

Initiatives taken during the year

The department implemented a range of initiatives to improve its approach to WHS: training, rehabilitation outcomes, hazard identification and WHS risk management, internal compliance and reporting, contractor safety management, and safety management in procurement.

The department redesigned the WHS e-learning module to better reflect the range of risks to safety in the workplace. This module incorporates tailored advice, realistic scenarios and WHS best practice in a readily accessible portal.

Following the benchmarking audit of the department’s Rehabilitation Management System (RMS), a rehabilitation specialist was engaged to implement an improvement action plan (2013–2014) in close consultation with Comcare. An independent audit (2014–2015) has shown a marked improvement in the department’s conformance to an established set of rehabilitation management requirements.

Health and safety outcomes achieved

During 2014–2015, 205 WHS incidents were reported in accordance with the department’s incident notification and reporting procedures. In response, appropriate remedial actions were carried out to eliminate or control the risk and prevent further occurrences. The level of reporting and WHS response rate indicate that there is a strong reporting and safety response culture in the department.

The department delivered over 60 group briefings to staff on pre-posting training, rapid response trainees, members of the Australian Civilian Corps and staff deploying from other government departments. The department also conducted separate WHS training sessions for department graduates, locally engaged managers and during visits to the Kabul and Abu Dhabi posts. Additionally, the department organised first aid training sessions for 400 staff and Health and Safety Representative training courses.

A proactive risk management approach including early intervention strategies and targeted case management have improved rehabilitation outcomes and costs to the department. These improvements have contributed to a substantial decrease in the department’s 2015–2016 workers’ compensation insurance premium. This net financial saving represents a measurable benefit from the department’s proactive focus on staff welfare.

Anti-bullying, harassment and discrimination

The department has a zero-tolerance to bullying, harassment and discrimination and is committed to providing a workplace that is fair, flexible, safe and rewarding. In circumstances where bullying, harassment or discrimination is reported, the department takes prompt action to address the issues.

Information sessions on anti-bullying, harassment and discrimination have been delivered to over 1300 employees at branch and divisional meetings, State and Passports Offices and at posts.

Anti-bullying, harassment and discrimination training is now provided internally and since October 2014 an additional 30 employees have been trained to undertake the voluntary role of Workplace Diversity Contact Officer.

The department is redesigning the anti-bullying, harassment and discrimination e-learning module to better reflect appropriate and inappropriate behaviours in the workplace. This module incorporates advice, realistic scenarios and demonstrative actions through video examples.

Reporting requirements under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth)

• 17 incidents were notified to Comcare under Part 3 of the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth).
• No directions were given to the department under Part 11, Section 217 of the Act.
• No notices were issued under Part 10, Section 191 of the Act.
• No external investigations were commenced under Part 9 of the Act.