Update from the Commissioner for Electrical Safety Keith McKenzie

As we approach the festive season, I’d like to remind you that whether you are a worker or an employer, it’s imperative that you stay focused on the importance of working safely – and the important role we play in the electrical industry ensuring Queenslanders are electrically safe.

It’s easy to think about your pending holidays, Christmas lunches and completing projects before you knock off, but complacency can be one of the biggest threats to safety, as it often leads to overlooking risks or cutting corners. Staying alert and actively aware of potential hazards is essential to preventing incidents and maintaining a safe environment.

Please ensure that you don’t take short cuts – I want you to return home safe each day, as do your loved ones, friends, and family.

Something to consider

As a Person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) do you have safe systems of work?

• Is there effective implementation of policies and procedures in the workplace and available to staff and workers?
• Are all new staff and workers inducted and trained on the safe systems of work and other relevant matters?
• Is there evidence of sub contractors being inducted, ensuring that relevant details are obtained and recorded?
• Have documents relating to safe systems of work been reviewed and signed off by the PCBU and Qualified Technical Person (QTP)?
• Have workers been trained in policies and procedures associated with the business?
• Are procedures written in a way that is understood and easy to follow?
• Is there evidence that staff and workers hold training competency in any high-risk tasks?
• Is there evidence of completed risk assessments detailing all identified hazards are effectively controlled?
• Are procedures in place to identify and record compliance to scope, drawings, variations and inspection and testing of electrical work? e.g., unterminated live cable.
• Is there evidence an audit program is in place to ensure staff and workers are complying with the company’s safe systems of work?
• Does the business’ policies and procedures identify how the PCBU meets their duties under the Electrical Safety Act?
• Is there evidence that workers are actively involved and supported in risk assessment processes (job safety analysis and safe work method statement)?
• Is there evidence of an ongoing auditing program to ensure all workers are familiar with policies and procedures and the requirements are being used correctly?
• Are there policies and supporting procedures in place for fatigue management, mental health and wellbeing and drug and alcohol? Are these communicated clearly to everyone who comes into the workplace?

If you answered no or weren’t sure of your answer on any of these questions visit the Worksafe website to learn more.