Importance of online inductions for OHS training
Every employer and business is legally responsible for ensuring the health and safety of their employees. Diligent and thorough OHS (Occupational Health & Safety) compliance is what establishes a regulated and safe workplace for the employees and visitors of a site or place of business. As required by Australian WHS/OH&S legislation, businesses are legally obliged to:
- provide safe work premises
- assess risks and implement appropriate measures for controlling them
- ensure safe use and handling of goods and substances
- provide and maintain safe machinery and materials
- assess workplace layout and provide safe systems of work
- provide a suitable working environment and facilities
- have insurance and workers compensation workers’ compensation insurance for their employees.
And specific to the employer: Under Section 21(2)(e) of the Occupational Health and Safety Act an employer must provide adequate information, instruction, training and supervision to employees so that they can work in a way that is safe and without risks to health. Therefore, the employer must dutifully ensure that all new workers – whether newly employed, or new to the work site – are provided with training specific to their place of business, which can be successfully and efficiently accomplished through Online Inductions.
Importance of online induction for OHS training
Online inductions provide a time efficient and cost effective process for workers to familiarise themselves with the OHS guidelines implemented at any given site or place of business.
Our free induction software allows employees to acquire the foundation of knowledge which may be reinforced or re-assessed at a later time by the employer or OHS representative at the place of business. There are a number of topics which need to go into a general OHS induction session:
- OHS Legislation: Overview of the OHS Act, including duties of all parties; consultative arrangements (the OHS reps and the committees); key regulations and codes of practice (those which are most relevant for your workplace)
- workplace policies and procedures (including the bullying/harassment policy; procedures to report hazards, incidents, injuries, and near misses; equal opportunity; hazardous substances; etc)
- what are the Designated Work Groups and who the OHS reps are, and their contact details
- major potential hazards in the workplace, potential effects, how to identify them, and how they are controlled in the workplace
- first aid arrangements, including who the first aiders are
- emergency evacuation procedures
- brief workers’ comp and rehab rights
As an extension to this, each worker will also require training specific to their job to ensure that they’re aware of all the relevant procedures, requirements, hazards and precautions so that they can do the job in a healthy and safe manner equipped with all the necessary, relevant and specific information.
Through the online safety inductions workers will gain information on how a company truly operates including its safety procedures and processes. The safety induction will ensure their well-being at work and that the worker, employer and business are all protected, physically, ethically and legally.
It’s a common occurrence that the importance of Online Inductions are underestimated by businesses. Employee’s are given a brief introduction to the site, job requirements and safety hazards and are then required to learn on the job. In these circumstances, not only are the workers poorly trained and less capable of meeting company standards, but they’re also endangered from the lack of necessary training.
Failing to induct an employee not only places them at risk as well as their co-workers and anyone who can be impacted by their actions and behaviours in the work place.
Typically, inductions focus on processes, but they also inform the inductee of an organisation’s policies, things such as anti-discrimination and anti-bullying policies, security procedures and safety, as well as other vital information needed in preparation. Elements of this induction should include the disclosure of discrimination and harassment policies and any other relevant rules, laws and regulations, met by the employee’s understanding.
Through online inductions employers will distribute and review a business’ OHS standards, training and procedures as well as how to handle hazards and emergency situations. After providing the appropriate instruction and training, employers must validate that it’s been done properly by each worker.
Our world class induction software allows employers and businesses to monitor the progress and induction of each worker efficiently and ensure a smooth and successful transition into the business. The continuous use made available through online inductions allows learners to work at their own pace, re-visit topics as necessary and take as long as they need to complete the training, whilst providing the opportunity to access the induction information as much as they need. This versatile learning opportunity in turn reduces risk factors, the employer can ensure that new starters have been fully informed about safety precautions and are familiar with the relevant information before using potentially dangerous equipment or materials.
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Induct for Work – the only online induction system you would need to run online inductions.
