Records & Records Management
The probably most important element of any Safety Management System are the records of you, the Employer’s - due diligence.
Records include appropriate Policies, a List of identified hazards, Risk Assessments and the hazards Controls, Safe Work Methods, Inspections, and Incident reports, a Constitution for your OHS Committee, Consultation inputs from your employees, Competency certificates, to name but a few.
The OHS Law in NSW includes in the Regulations certain Records that are mandatory.
Examples of these are - inspections, tests made and maintenance carried out on electrical equipment –Clause 67 OHS Regulations;
Entry permits in re work in a Confined Space, Clause 78 OHS Regulations or similarly a permit re Hot work in for example –welding; Noise Plans; and Training Records.
When it comes to Plant this may include Boilers; pressure vessels; various cranes and lifts, the List is considerable.
Where an employer uses any of these types of Plant it is advisable to not only enquire if your Plant is required to maintain a set of records but whether you the employer are required to hold a permit or a certificate.
These records are essential because they evidence your- due diligence. And may afford a ‘due diligence defence’ in case of a criminal prosecution for negligence.