Title: Workplace Health & Safety Advisor Position type (Full Time, Part Time, Contract etc.): Full Time Classification: Non EBA Position purpose:

Transcription

1 Title: Workplace Health & Safety Advisor Position type (Full Time, Part Time, Contract etc.): Full Time Classification: Non EBA Position purpose: The purpose of this role is to assist Independence Australia to prevent work-related injuries and illnesses across the organisation. The Workplace Health & Safety (WHS) Advisor will work closely with management and staff to ensure a coordinated approach to the management of OHS risks. The position will be expected to provide authoritative and expert guidance, support and advice to management that enables them to: Address OHS issues Identify, plan and implement OHS initiatives Achieve the key performance indicators set by the organisation The WHS advisor is responsible for promoting and increasing knowledge, understanding, commitment and compliance with relevant legislation and best practice in WHS. The position will also contribute to the development of communication strategies, OHS policies and systems, and undertake state-wide projects. Department: Corporate Supports Supervisor: Operations Manager (HR&OHS) Location: West Footscray Date: July 2016 About the Organisation Independence Australia is a not-for-profit organisation supporting people with a disability or other physical need to regain, retain and extend their independence. We re about supporting people in their homes, in their communities, in their endeavours, to improve their quality of life, to achieve their dreams. Our Values & Guiding Principles: Person Centred - Committed People - One Organisation - Right First Time Key Selection Criteria ESSENTIAL Skills and Experience Demonstrated understanding of and expertise in OHS practice and the associated legislative framework within a services environment. Specific expertise in developing, implementing and reviewing OHS management systems Experience with consulting to an internal customer model that is characterised by developing and implementing cost effective and practical solutions that mitigate workplace risks. Well developed influencing, negotiation and issue resolution skills Demonstrated experience in successfully managing projects within tight timeframes which meet or surpassing internal customer expectations Demonstrable experience with investigative, analysis and evaluation techniques Page 1 of 6 last updated: 15/7/2016

2 Highly developed written and verbal communication skills Ability to practically interpret and communicate Workplace Health and Safety policy and legislation Excellent time management skills Proven ability to align business planning objectives with the OHS function Attributes Has a genuine passion for adding value to the organisation by optimising OHS performance Ability to proactively identify opportunities and act upon them Demonstrable analytical and conceptual skills Outcome focused Ability to establish and maintain effective and productive relationships across the organisation. Able to work equally well as part of a team or individually Is motivated to undertake and participate in continuing professional development Qualifications Tertiary qualification(s) in a relevant discipline DESIRABLE Skills and Experience Relevant experience in Return To Work and Work Cover, preferably in a large multi-disciplinary organisation Previous experience in the complex community service sector Knowledge and interpretation of Industrial instruments and the application of EEO, OH&S, Anti- Discrimination and Privacy legislation. Exposure with HRIS or Risk Management systems Qualifications Certificate IV in Workplace Training & Assessment (or working towards completing) Page 2 of 6 last updated: 15/7/2016

3 Organisational Relationships Position Description Authority Levels BUDGETARY Recruitment OTHER Working Relationships MOST FREQUENT CONTACTS Department Heads/Operations Managers HR Team OHS Committee NATURE AND PURPOSE Identification of OH&S/recruitment needs Coordination of resources RTW/recruitment Establish best practice protocols Key Result Areas (Organisational) Result Area and Operational Standards Support the Independence Australia culture Independence Australia Code of Conduct, Statement of Purpose and Guiding Principles Occupational Health and Safety Independence Australia OHS Policies, Procedures and Work Instructions, OHS legislation Tasks/Responsibilities Participate in, promote and uphold the philosophy and principles of Independence Australia. Understand, communicate and support the policies and procedures of the organisation. Have a duty to take care for their own health and safety and of others affected by their actions or inactions at work. To comply with safety procedures and practices that have been put in place by Independence Australia to minimise the risk of injury to Worker, contractors, clients, volunteers and visitors and to control identified Page 3 of 6 last updated: 15/7/2016

4 Quality and Continuous Improvement Independence Australia Quality Assurance and Risk Management Policies and Procedures Business Plan Any relevant departmental procedures and manuals Customer Service Independence Australia Quality Assurance and Risk Management Policies and Procedures Independence Australia Code of Conduct Any relevant departmental procedures and manuals hazards in the workplace. Must not wilfully interfere with or misuse equipment, materials or facilities provided in the interest of health, safety and welfare of those who attend a workplace. Must not wilfully interfere with or misuse information or instructions provided in the interest of health, safety and welfare of those who are in their care at the workplace; and must in accordance with agreed Independence Australia procedures for accident and incident reporting, report potential and actual hazards to their immediate supervisor for resolution. Must participate in regular safety checks, including fire drills and contribute to the evaluation and review of such procedures. Must attend training provided or organised by Independence Australia to ensure compliance with OH&S requirements. Assist with preparation for quality/aqtf audits when required. Identify opportunities for best practice and continuous improvement and communicate these effectively with the team and the organisation. Ensure that customer service and quality measures are followed. Communicate with customers (internal and external) in a positive, clear and timely manner. Key Result Areas (Job Specific) Result Area & Operational Standards OHS Management System OHS Act; Accident Compensation Act and associated legislation and regulations Independence Australia Business Management System (BMS) Tasks/Responsibilities Promote compliance with the Independence Australia OHS&E System in accordance with the requirements of legislation, regulation and relevant Australian Standards and Guidelines. Coordinating implementation of the Occupational Health and Safety Management plan and monitoring compliance with the plan Recommend enhancements to Independence Australia OHS policies that ensures policies and Page 4 of 6 last updated: 15/7/2016

5 IA policy and standards Communication and support practices remain relevant and contemporary Assist in the implementation of approved OHS policies under the general direction of the Manager. Maintain a register of incidents and provide an analysis of these to Health and Safety Committee meetings, identifying emerging trends in OHS risks in the workplace Provide data extracts and reports as required Support the investigation and data collection relevant to the OHS function. Assist with the development of targets to ensure that OHS activities are aligned with Independence Australia s business objectives. Undertake site inspections, incident investigations and assist with OHS Audits. Audits: 1. Coordination of OHS audit schedule and reporting of outcomes to OHS Committee 2. Conducting OHS system audits to ensure compliance to OHS system and policies 3. Maintaining audit documentation and records 4. Provision of audit reports to management 5. Review and contribute to Safety policy and procedure 6. Review audit/non audit action requests and determine trends Attend relevant industry events and workshops and ensure that HR is kept abreast of current OHS issues and workplace legislation. Other tasks as directed by the Operations Manager (HR & OHS) and Chief Operating Officer. Organise or provide relevant OHS training for staff, managers and volunteers. Assist with the design of relevant training modules and conduct training. Assist with development of manual handling skills for Disability Support Workers working with clients who have identified complex care needs. Liaise with Return to Work Coordinator to assist in the safe return to work of injured staff. OH Provide expert guidance, support and advice to Management and staff to mitigate OHS risks, identify incident and injury trends, demonstrate legislative compliance and compliance with relevant policy, procedures and processes. Strengthen knowledge and capability of OHS with Management Page 5 of 6 last updated: 15/7/2016

6 Stakeholder/Internal Customer engagement Health & Wellbeing Legislative compliance Other Working Conditions Provide support, guidance and advice to the OHS Committee. Develop strong working relationships and partnerships with Management, OHS representatives and the OHS Committee. Engage with key stakeholders by providing consistent interpretation and application of OHS policy and practical, responsive controls that manage risk. Use formal and informal channels to influence managers to align business goals with improved OHS outcomes for their portfolio and the organisation. Support the implementation of the Independence Australia Wellness program. Promote work place safety initiatives and encourage a health and wellbeing philosophy. Monitor staff personal leave statistics and advise the Occupational Health, Safety and Environment Manager of any emerging trends, etc. Assist with oversight of the Employee Assistance Program. Ensure OHS processes comply with relevant antidiscrimination legislations, privacy and business ethical standards. Undertake internal OHS audits and monitor the completion of OHS assessments, including workplace inspections and risk assessments. PROPERTY ITEMS (eg mobile phone etc): Mobile phone WORKING ENVIRONMENT (eg laptop/desk top): PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Must be able to drive in excess of 1 hour at a time. Certification I have read this document and agree to undertake the duties and responsibilities as listed above. Name: Signature: Date: Page 6 of 6 last updated: 15/7/2016