Some useful links
Managing the risk of psychosocial hazards at work Code of Practice 2022
Managing psychosocial hazards and risks at work is just as important as managing physical risks.
The Managing the risk of psychosocial hazards at work Code of Practice 2022 (PDF, 1.46 MB) (the Code) is a practical guide on how to prevent harm from psychosocial hazards at work, including psychological and physical harm.
The Code is an approved code of practice under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (WHS Act). It provides information for persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) on how psychosocial hazards and risks can be controlled or managed and can be used to help decide what’s reasonably practicable to reduce risk.
The Code is also a helpful resource for workers who may experience harm from psychosocial hazards, including psychological harm, at work.
https://www.daf.qld.gov.au/plants/agvet-chemicals-and-residues/chemical-use
http://www.conservationskills.org.au/in-safe-hands-toolkit/
Occupational Health and Safety Harmonisation Update 2012
The changes resultant from Harmonisation of OHS (January 1, 2012) impacts on the NRM Community Volunteers in 2 ways-
- Broader Definition of “Worker” – with the act recognising the changing choice of work options
- Due Diligence – Boards have an obligation to exercise duty of care
The following, to me, summarises best what we need to recall – and act on:
“A volunteer organisation that is a PCBU (persons conducting a business or undertaking) must do what is reasonably practicable to ensure that its workers are healthy and safe. The duty is owed to ‘workers’ generally including employees, contractors and sub-contractors, apprentices, work experience students and volunteers. It is not an absolute duty to ensure that no harm occurs. If an organisation is run by volunteers, this will be taken into account in determining what is reasonably practicable for a PCBU volunteer organisation to do to meet its duty of care in any given circumstances.”
Source: Legislative Fact Sheet Series – How volunteer organisations can comply with the model work health and safety laws.
Up to date information is also available at Not For Profit Law