According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, small business workers make up 43% of injury claims. The main industries include construction, agriculture, mining, transport, manufacturing, and warehousing.

But Australian small businesses can do more to minimise the risks of employees becoming injured at work. Those that adopt best practices enjoy the benefits of:

• Increased productivity
• Slimmer insurance premiums
• Stronger employee morale, retention, and therefore minimised costs to train replacement staff.

Safe Work Australia says small businesses in particular want clearer guidance on their responsibilities, and a robust approach need not be costly or complicated. So here are our tips to reduce the confusion.

Identifying hazards in the workplace

Maybe you’ve noted a risk or near miss or an employee has reported an issue.  Be open to suggestions and keep in mind:

• The seriousness of the risk and possible injuries,
• Effectiveness of the current control measures in place if any,
• Possible actions to minimise the risk level,
• Urgency of risk management.

Developing & rolling out safer work systems

Create and implement your workplace health and safety systems, including the following:

• Set out and refine your safe work procedures,
• Consult staff, and secure management’s’ commitment,
• Build in training (and refreshers) and supervision,
• Understand your obligations under workers’ compensation laws and return-to-work programs.

Consider physical and psychosocial risks involving work as well as for those who are based remotely or travelling on the job.

Examples of risk control measures

As part of a detailed risk management plan, some typical risk control measures you might wish to include are:

• Shorter shifts or longer rest breaks,
• Modify a work process to minimise the injury risk,
• Extra onsite training and support, or incentives for implementing safe work practices
• Practice emergency drills.

Your WHS duties

As a small business operator or owner, you have the primary duty of care to others undertaking work on your site, in transit or remotely, as well as visitors affected by that activity.

Check your workers’ comp insurance

Workers’ compensation is compulsory and helps protect workers suffering a work-related injury or disease.

Your insurance premium is typically based on:

• The collective wages amount you pay your employees,
• The sector in which your business operates,
• Your company’s claims history.

If you would like to know more about keeping your small business team safe at work, please CLICK HERE or contact us for more information.