OSH Policy

Having recently become an employer, I have been spending my nights reading through stacks of government publications ranging from GST Guides, to Payroll regulations and finally got up to the OSH regulations.

I managed to work my way through all 141 pages of the short guide to the Act, and realise that one could not use common sense any more, and I needed to have a written policy on accident and emergency procedures.

Below is the e-mail setting out the policy, as required by law:

Under the Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992, I am required to keep employees informed of five things, being:

1. Emergency procedures
2. Hazards employee may be exposed to
3. Hazards employees may create
4. How to minimize hazards
5. Safety equipment and facilities

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

If there is an earthquake, hope it is below a 7.5 on the Richter Scale.

If there is a fire, please put it out if you can do so safely. We prefer you do not start fires in the first place.

If it is dangerous to stay in the building, then leave the building and assemble outside.

It is recommended that you do not use the lifts during an emergency. Actually it is recommended that you do not use the lifts at all when possible as they have a nasty habit of closing on body limbs. We have mentioned this to the building owner who recommends one doesn