Appendix 7:
Workplace health and safety

The following information 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 and safety of its people and has established systems that promote wellbeing and prevent workplace injury, including the Work Health and Safety (WHS) and Rehabilitation Management Systems and Anti-Bullying and Harassment framework.

Work health and safety initiatives and outcomes

In 2015–16, the department launched a bespoke WHS e-learning program, available to all worker categories across the global network, which includes instruction on WHS best practice in a readily accessible portal. The program received two 2016 LearnX Impact Awards: Gold Winner—Best Talent (Learning Partnership); and Silver Winner—Best Learning Project (Occupational Health and Safety). We were also a finalist in the Best Learning Model (Bespoke) category.

During 2015–2016, 211 WHS incidents were reported. In response, where appropriate, remedial actions were implemented to eliminate or control the risk and prevent further occurrences. The level of reporting and WHS response rate indicate a proactive safety response culture.

The department delivered over 80 individual and group WHS briefings to crisis response teams, members of the Australian Civilian Corps and staff deploying overseas and also delivered targeted WHS training sessions to locally engaged managers in Australia, Amman, Auckland and Hong Kong. We also completed a WHS support visit to Baghdad and coordinated extensive Provide First Aid and Health and Safety Representative training.

The department has developed a WHS Strategic Plan for launch in 2016–17. This plan identifies key objectives and provides a three-year focus for delivery of WHS services, compliance with legislative requirements and continuous improvement of safety management.

Rehabilitation management

The Rehabilitation Management System (RMS) was re-established as a stand-alone system based on recommendations from an independent audit (2014–15). Results from the 2015–16 RMS audit demonstrate continuous improvement against rehabilitation best practice criteria.

The department introduced a number of proactive strategies to improve management of injury claims (compensable and non-compensable), focusing on early intervention and targeted case management. These strategies have improved rehabilitation outcomes and costs to the department as evidenced by the department’s 2015–16 Comcare premium (Table 21) which demonstrates a continued reduction.

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 a report of bullying, harassment or discrimination has occurred, the department acted promptly to address the issues.

Over 2,500 employees have attended information sessions on anti-bullying, harassment and discrimination in Australia and overseas. Employees have access to a number of support options including a network of over 180 Workplace Diversity Contact Officers across the global network.

The department has developed a new anti-bullying, harassment and discrimination e-learning program to better reflect the APS values and respectful and courteous behaviours expected in the workplace.

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

• Ten incidents were notified to Comcare under Part 3 of the Act.
• No directions were given to the department under Part 11, Section 217 of the Act.
• No external investigations were commenced under Part 9 of the Act.
• No notices were issued under Part 10, Section 191 of the Act.