Template OHS Policy &

Rehabilitation Policy

INTRODUCTION

The OHS Policy and Rehabilitation Policy must be written by the employer
or representative (e.g. General Manager, Executive Director etc.) to
demonstrate commitment to meeting (and exceeding) obligations under
Section 8 of the NSW Occupational Health and Safety Act 2000 (OHS
Act) and the NSW Workers Compensation Act 1987 (WC Act).

It is the responsibility of the employer or representative (eg General

Manager, Executive Director etc.) to ensure the policy is communicated to
all employees.

It needs to be posted so it is accessible to all employees. You need to

keep records of the location and number of all policy copies to ensure
accurate and timely updating.
If you use an intranet or electronic system you need to formally advise of
updates/changes

Action Responsibility Tool/Ref

1. Write OHS Policy Executive Draft Policy
1
2. Write Rehabilitation Policy Executive Draft Policy
3. Distribute and post policies Executive (may Distribution
delegate) Register
4. Inform all employees of policy detail and Executive (may be Instruction
responsibilities: delegated to attached to
At next staff meeting or relevant managers draft policy
Call OHS meeting or supervisors)
5. Continue emphasis of OHS&R Policies Training Deliverers Instruction
during staff induction and all training attached to
draft policy
6. Review the policies regularly (annually Follow numbers 1 See above
for companies with higher risk or -5
companies which have undergone
significant change, or every two years for
companies with lower risks
7. Retain records for five years; include Executive Follow
copies of policy statement and minutes company
of meetings involved in its review archiving
procedure

1
Man001.doc
Template OHS Policy &
Rehabilitation Policy

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY POLICY

POLICY STATEMENT
The company is committed to the occupational health and safety of all
employees and those visiting the company's premises by providing a safe
and healthy workplace. The company regards its occupational health and
safety responsibilities with the utmost importance.

PRINCIPLES
All Managers and Employees of the company have a responsibility for
ensuring that the workplace is safe and without risks to health. The
company is committed to providing the necessary resources to meet its
responsibilities and comply with all relevant Acts and Regulations.
Management shares its responsibility with the workforce for the promotion
and maintenance of occupational health and safety. However,
Management of all levels have the primary responsibility of ensuring the
health and safety of all persons in the workplace.

Labour Hire companies may wish to include the following:

The company is committed to providing assistance and advice to
contracted employers in order to ensure the health and safety of
employees.

OBJECTIVES

• To provide safe systems of work

• To provide a safe and healthy work environment
• To provide a system of employee consultation in all OH&S matters
• To ensure plant and substances in the workplace are safe and without
risk to health
• To promote health and safety within the work force
• To reduce and minimise the number and severity of injuries in the
workplace.
• To provide relevant information, instruction, training and supervision

Labour Hire companies may wish to include the following:

• To provide encouragement to contracted employers to maintain a safe
& healthy work environment for all employees.

2
Man001.doc
Template OHS Policy &
Rehabilitation Policy

STRATEGIES

 Risk Management. The company will establish and maintain an

Occupational Health and Safety system, which will identify, assess
and control workplace hazards, in consultation with employees.

 Occupational Health and Safety Plan: in order to implement the

general provisions of this policy an OHS Plan will be developed and
implemented. It will contain all aspects of OH&S including:
 OHS&R training and education
 Workplace design
 Changes to work methods and practice
 Safety rules including disciplinary penalties for non-
compliance
 Emergency procedures and drills
 Provision of OH&S equipment services and facilities
 Workplace inspections and evaluations
 Reporting, recording and investigating work related
incidents, accidents, injuries and illnesses
 Provision of information to employees
 Employee consultation

3
Man001.doc
Template OHS Policy &
Rehabilitation Policy

Senior Management Responsibilities

Senior management is required:

• to ensure that this policy and the OHS&R program are effectively
implemented,
• to support managers and supervisors in fulfilling their responsibilities,
• to hold managers and supervisors accountable for their specific
responsibilities,
• to provide a system of employee consultation in all OH&S matters,
• to evaluate the implementation of this policy as part of Management
Performance Review, and
• to participate in regular reviews of the policy and its programs.

Labour Hire companies may wish to include the following:

Liaise with and encourage contracted employers to meet their OHS&R
responsibilities

Line Manager Responsibilities

Each Line Manager is responsible, and will be accountable, for taking all
practical measures to ensure:
• The implementation of the OHS Plan in their area
• That the workplace under their supervision is safe and without risk to
health or safety of employees
• Consultation with their employees in all OH&S matters
• That the behaviour of employees in the workplace is safe and without
risks to health.
• That when they do not have the necessary authority to fix a problem,
they will report the matter promptly, together with any
recommendations for corrective action, to a manager with the
necessary authority

Employee Responsibilities

• All employees are required to co-operate with the OHS policy and
program to ensure their own health and safety and the health and
safety of others in the workplace.
• All employees will carry out their work according to safe systems of
work; use protective equipment provided and use all equipment, tools
and materials as per training provided & in the manner for which they
are intended.
4
Man001.doc
Template OHS Policy &
Rehabilitation Policy

• All employees will participate in the consultation process.

Relevant Legislation
Occupational Health and Safety Act NSW 2000.

Review Date: Annual

Authorisation:

Date:

5
Man001.doc
Template OHS Policy &
Rehabilitation Policy

REHABILITATION POLICY

POLICY STATEMENT
The company is committed to the occupational health, safety and
rehabilitation of all employees. The company regards its occupational
health, safety and rehabilitation responsibilities with the utmost
importance.

PRINCIPLES
Management has a responsibility for ensuring that the workplace is safe
and without risks to health. The company is committed to providing the
necessary resources to meet its responsibilities and to comply with all
relevant Acts and Regulations.

The company is also committed to reducing the adverse economic and

social consequences of any injury or illness. The company will therefore
provide workplace-based rehabilitation. The company recognises that
work plays a significant role in maintaining self-esteem and provides
important social and economic benefits in relation to the maintenance of
psychological and physical well being.

OBJECTIVES
• To ensure that rehabilitation commences as soon as practicable
following injury or illness
• To ensure that it is normal practice to return to work as soon as
possible after injury or illness
• To ensure the provision of appropriate duties is an integral part of the
rehabilitation process
• To ensure that participation in a rehabilitation program will not
prejudice an employee
• To ensure consultation between management and employees and to
promote a cooperative team approach to rehabilitation
• To ensure that employees maintain the right to nominate an accredited
provider of their own choice.

STRATEGIES
• The company will implement and coordinate the rehabilitation process
• The company will develop and revise a rehabilitation program with
employees

6
Man001.doc
Template OHS Policy &
Rehabilitation Policy

• The company will provide vocational retraining and assist with the
location of new employment where the nature of an employee’s injuries
prohibit a return to work with the company.
• The company will provide a workplace based Rehabilitation
Coordinator to ensure commitment to rehabilitation objectives and
thereby reduce the economic and social impacts of injuries and illnesses.
• The company will nominate preferred accredited rehabilitation
providers to ensure the provision of quality rehabilitation services.

PROCEDURE FOR OCCUPATIONAL REHABILITATION

• The occupational rehabilitation process will commence as close to the
time of injury as possible
• The Rehabilitation Co-ordinator will maintain a case file and protect
the confidentiality of the information on this file
• An individual rehabilitation program will be developed for each
employee in consultation with all relevant parties. The goal of the
program will be to assist the employee to return to meaningful, productive
work within their capabilities

NOMINATED REHABILITATION PROVIDERS

The following accredited rehabilitation providers are available to assist in
the occupational rehabilitation of injured workers:

_____________________________

A worker may also nominate an accredited rehabilitation provider of their

choice.

CONSULTATION
Employees will be informed of their rights and responsibilities and of the
company's policy and procedures for occupational rehabilitation. This
area is covered as part of the induction procedure

Line Management Responsibilities

• Line managers will implement the procedures in the rehabilitation

program
• Line managers will, when possible, provide suitable duties to assist in
an early and safe return to work
• Line managers will liaise with all parties to assist in planning return to
work programs
7
Man001.doc
Template OHS Policy &
Rehabilitation Policy

• Line managers will ensure that no discrimination arises against an

employee as a result of injury or illness
• Line managers will ensure that return to work programs are followed
and adequately monitored.
• Line managers will ensure that the employee works within the stated
medical restrictions

Employee Responsibilities

• Employees shall formally notify the company of any injury or illness as

soon as possible.
• Employees must provide accurate information regarding their illness or
injury and attend any medical or rehabilitation assessments.
• Employees are required to co-operate to facilitate the achievement of
rehabilitation objectives for both themselves and their co-workers.

Rehabilitation Co-ordinator Responsibilities

• Provide a focal point for contact and liaison with the injured worker,
doctor, other treating practitioners and managers
• Provide information on the rehabilitation process to injured workers
• Liaise with the treating doctor to determine the needs of the injured
worker
• Provide assistance in identifying appropriate selected duties to
establish an early and safe return to work
• Provide support and assistance during the rehabilitation period

The company's Rehabilitation Co-ordinators are:

___________________
___________________

Relevant Legislation
Workers Compensation Act NSW 1987.

Review Date: Annual

Authorisation:

Date:

8
Man001.doc