Minister for Innovation and Better Regulation Matt Kean said the free Easy to Do Work Health and Safety toolkit will make it easier for small businesses to comply with their work health and safety (WHS) obligations.
“We have more than 700,000 small businesses in NSW, with many telling us that it’s not always easy to manage WHS,” said Mr Kean.
“But the cost of injuries to workers and small businesses is significant, and preventing them is made easier by accessing the program launched by SafeWork NSW today.”
While the rate of workplace injuries decreased in NSW in 2016/17, workers lost a total of 472,320 weeks to injury, with an average of 11 weeks per incident. The total cost to business was more than $950 million.
A 2017 independent survey found more than 40 per cent of business advisors considered work, health and safety laws to be some of the most burdensome regulations for businesses.
“We’re committed to doing all we can to put an end to unsafe work practices. This toolkit provides a free, simple self-assessment along with links to relevant advice and services and helps small businesses identify practical steps to improve health and safety.”
The launch of the new SafeWork toolkit and website coincides with national Safe Work Month and the Minister’s launch of the Better Business Reforms in October.
“The Government is reducing red tape and making it easier for small business owners to comply with WHS obligations, while keeping workers safe,” Mr Kean said.
“This is a win-win for workers and small business owners, because we know the simpler safety is, the safer workers are.”
The toolkit is accessible on any device as part of SafeWork NSW’s newly redeveloped website. This site provides up to date content, information and safety videos, with the ability to translate into multiple languages.
To view the Easy to Do Work Health and Safety toolkit, visit
www.safework.nsw.gov.au/easywhs
