Frequently Asked Questions

The following represent the most commonly asked questions by staff and members

What is the purpose of Occupational Health and Safety Legislation?
What are the obligations of all parties in relation to OHS?
How does Nursing Australia ensure that workplaces are safe?
What do I do if I feel unsafe at work?
Where can I obtain further information about OHS legislation and obligations in my state?

1. What is the purpose of Occupational Health and Safety Legislation?

The purpose of OHS Legislation is to promote and protect those within the workplace against risks to health and safety arising out of or in connection with;

The activities of persons at work;
The use of operation of various types of plant;
To involve employees and employers in issues affecting occupational health, safety and welfare;
To encourage registered organisations to take a constructive role in promoting improvements in OHS practices to achieve a healthier and safer working environment.

2. What are the obligations of Nursing Australia and its members in relation to OHS?

Nursing Australia (Senior Management) shall be responsible for:

Ensuring that appropriate systems are established and actions taken to implement Health and Safety policies and procedures to satisfy legislative requirements;
The implementation of consultative mechanisms with employees and health and safety representatives to effectively communicate regarding workplace health and safety matters;
Providing resources to allow the effective implementation of the safety management system and to ensure that programs are in place for all workplaces to be assessed for OHS risks prior to the commencement of work;
And providing information, instruction, training and supervision to employees;

All members shall be responsible for:

Working to their capabilities, experiences and ability;
Taking action to avoid, eliminate or minimise hazards.
Ensuring all work is performed in accordance with the requirements of the OHS policy, procedures and legislation.
Taking reasonable care for their own health and safety, as well as that of others;
Reporting all identified hazards, accidents/incidents and near misses to their Manager;
The use and maintenance of all safety equipment and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in accordance with the instructions provided;
Assisting, where appropriate, in the investigation of accidents and incidents;
Being proactively involved in consultation processes involving OHS matters;

3. How does Nursing Australia ensure that workplaces are safe?

Nursing Australia takes safety seriously and aims to place our members in workplaces with appropriate safety systems to minimise the risk of injury. The assessment and identification of hazards in the workplace is important to help manage risks to members.

There are various ways in which Nursing Australia identifies hazards to ensure the ongoing assessment and control of risks in the workplace and this includes workplace risk assessments which are completed on a regular basis. These assessments include a review of a client’s workplace safety management system including policies, procedures, safe work procedures, equipment and environment.

We encourage members to attend these assessments to participate in the process. Members can contact Nursing Australia to arrange to participate in these assessments.

4. What do I do if I feel unsafe at work?

It is essential that members contact Nursing Australia immediately if they feel unsafe at work. Following the report of a hazard or problem within a workplace, Nursing Australia will complete an investigation to ensure that steps are taken to control identified hazards.

5. Where can I obtain further information about OHS legislation and obligations in my state?

Each state has its own relevant OHS legislation. To access each state’s safety authority, please follow the links below;