Have you checked your noticeboard lately?

Do you know what information should be displayed at your workplace?

The NSW Occupational Health & Safety Act 2000, OHS Regulations 2001 and Workplace Injury Management Act 1998 stipulate certain requirements in regard to display of information.

Penalties may be imposed if organizations fail to meet these legal obligations.

Mandatory displays include:

 A copy of the Employer’s Return to Work Program (s52 Workplace Rehabilitation) More information

 A summary of the requirements of the Workplace Injury Management and Workers Compensation Act 1998, specifically with regard to the giving of notice of injuries and making a workers compensation claim Eg: NSW WorkCover poster ‘Watching Out for You’ (s231 Posting summary of Act) More information

 A copy of the workplace OHS Consultation Statement (Reg 27 Related obligations of employer with respect to duty to consult) More information

 Emergency Evacuation procedures and emergency contact details (Reg 17 Employer to provide for emergencies) More information

 WorkCover Investigation, Improvement and Prohibition Notices (if specified by the Inspector)

WorkCover guidance materials also recommend the display of:

 First Aid contact details (First Aid in the Workplace, guide 2001)

 OHS Consultation / Committee Meeting Minutes (OHS Consultation Code of Practice 2001)

In regard to general workplace signage, the following must be displayed:

 Illuminated exit signs (s46 Lighting – Particular risk control measures) More information

 Confined space signage (s75 Entry protection – Particular risk control measures) More information

 Areas where PPE must be worn (s15 Provision by an employer of personal protective equipment) More information

 Information relating to emergency procedures for plant / equipment (s144 Employer to provide information) More information

AS 1319-1994 Safety Signs for the Occupational Environment also outlines the regulatory signage required for the workplace, intended to warn of hazards and to provide emergency information.

Please note that other States and Territories do have their own requirements with respect to workplace displays and signage. Please refer to the relevant authority for further information.

Contact for more information:

Katrina McIlwraith - katrina.mcilwraith@qoh.com.au or phone 02 98977699