The regulatory framework for health and safety on Norfolk Island is a blend of Australian federal law and Norfolk Island's local legislation. This unique system requires businesses and individuals to be aware of laws from multiple sources.

Key Legislation

The Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and Work Health and Safety Amendment (Norfolk Island) Act 2021 (Cth) are Commonwealth (Australian) laws that form the foundation of workplace health and safety on Norfolk Island. They outline duties for employers, workers, and others involved in work activities.

The Public Health Act 2010 (NSW), a New South Wales (NSW) legislation, was applied specifically to Norfolk Island. It addresses public health concerns such as food safety, water supply, swimming pools, and disease control.

Several local Norfolk Island laws impact health and safety, including the Public Health Act 1996, which deals with issues like nuisances and sanitation, the Health Act 1913, which addresses septic tanks, water quality, and other health-related matters, and the Environment Act 1990, which contains provisions relevant to environmental health and hazardous waste.

Primary Responsibilities

Employers are required to provide a safe workplace as far as reasonably practicable, consult with workers on health and safety matters, provide information, training, instruction, and supervision, maintain safe plant and equipment, and control workplace hazards and risks.

Workers are expected to take responsibility for their own safety and avoid harming others, follow safety instructions and use provided safety equipment, and report any workplace hazards or injuries.

Designers, manufacturers, and suppliers of workplace equipment must ensure its safety. Persons in control of the workplace have specific safety obligations.

Specific Health and Safety Topics

Workplaces are required to identify, assess, and control risks to health and safety using a systematic risk management process. Incidents and near-misses of a particular severity must be reported to the relevant authorities.

The Public Health Act 2010 (NSW) sets out regulations and standards for handling, preparing, and selling food. Private water suppliers must comply with the Public Health Act 2010 (NSW) to ensure drinking water is safe. Strict public health requirements govern the operation and maintenance of public pools and spas.

Compliance and Enforcement

Breaches of health and safety laws in Norfolk Island can result in significant penalties, including fines and, in serious cases, imprisonment. Regulatory bodies within the Norfolk Island government enforce these regulations.

Occupational health and safety in Norfolk Island is primarily governed by a risk-based approach. The main legislation, the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth), doesn't set specific numerical standards but emphasizes "reasonably practicable" measures.

Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment

The Act mandates continuous hazard identification and the implementation of control measures following a hierarchy of controls. This hierarchy includes elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls, and personal protective equipment.

Safe Work Practices

Businesses are required to develop and implement safe work procedures that address various work activities and potential hazards. These procedures should be regularly reviewed and updated.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

When other risk control methods are insufficient, employers must provide suitable PPE. Workers are obligated to use PPE correctly.

First Aid

Workplaces should have adequate first-aid provisions and trained first-aiders. The provisions should be based on a risk assessment that considers the nature of the work and the size and location of the workplace.

Emergency Plans

The development and implementation of emergency plans are crucial. These plans should include procedures for evacuation, fire emergencies, and medical emergencies.

Manual Handling

Prevention of musculoskeletal injuries is achieved through risk assessments, implementation of control measures, and worker training.

Plant and Machinery Safety

Safe design, operation, and maintenance of plant and machinery are essential.

Working at Heights

When working at heights, it's important to implement fall prevention measures and safe work procedures.

Confined Spaces

Work in confined spaces requires detailed risk assessments, entry permits, and safety procedures.

Hazardous Substances

Safe storage, handling, and use of hazardous chemicals are crucial, including the provision of Safety Data Sheets (SDSs).

Maintaining Compliance

To maintain a safe and healthy workplace on Norfolk Island, it's critical to stay up-to-date on evolving standards and legislation. This can be achieved by regularly reviewing risk assessments, providing workers with regular training in safe work practices, hazard identification, risk control, and emergency procedures, consulting with workers, and keeping records of incidents, risk assessments, training, and maintenance.

Workplace inspections are a vital component in maintaining a safe and healthy work environment in Norfolk Island. They serve to identify potential hazards, evaluate compliance with relevant legislation, and implement corrective measures to prevent accidents and injuries.

Guidelines and Regulations

Workplace inspections in Norfolk Island are primarily governed by the Employment Act 1988 (NI). Although the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 and Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 from Australia are not directly applicable, they often serve as a reference. Additionally, an organization's internal policies, such as their Code of Conduct, can also shape inspection procedures.

Criteria for Workplace Inspection

Workplace inspections in Norfolk Island encompass a broad range of areas, including:

• Physical Hazards: Identifying risks such as slips, trips, falls, electrical hazards, noise, lighting, and ventilation issues.
• Ergonomics: Evaluating workstations, manual handling, and musculoskeletal risks.
• Machinery and Equipment: Checking safeguarding, operational status, and maintenance records.
• Hazardous Substances: Ensuring safe storage, handling, labeling, and availability of Safety Data Sheets (SDSs).
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Verifying correct provision, usage, and maintenance.
• Emergency Procedures: Checking evacuation plans, first aid, and fire safety equipment.
• Incident Reporting and Investigation: Ensuring adequate systems are in place.

Frequency of Inspections

The frequency of workplace inspections can vary based on the nature of the workplace and the level of risk involved. Factors considered include:

• Type of Industry: Industries with higher risks may require more frequent inspections.
• Hazard Identification: If numerous hazards are identified, follow-up inspections may be more frequent.
• Incident History: Organizations with a history of workplace incidents may require more frequent inspections.

Inspection Procedures

The inspection process typically involves:

1. Planning: Creating an inspection plan outlining areas to be covered, checklists, and the inspection team.
2. Notification: Providing advance notice may or may not be appropriate, depending on the circumstances.
3. Walkthrough: Conducting a thorough examination of the workplace, including observations, interviews with employees, and review of relevant documentation.
4. Report: Preparing a detailed inspection report outlining findings and recommendations.
5. Prioritization of Hazards: Addressing the most severe and urgent hazards immediately.
6. Corrective Actions: Developing a plan to address hazards in a timely manner, assigning responsibilities and deadlines.
7. Communication: Sharing inspection reports and corrective action plans with relevant stakeholders, including workers and their representatives.

Follow-Up Actions

Post-inspection actions typically include:

• Implementation of Corrective Actions: Ensuring that all agreed-upon corrective measures are completed effectively and on time.
• Re-inspections: Conducting follow-up inspections to verify the adequacy of corrective actions and ensure ongoing compliance.
• Review and Improvement: Periodically reviewing the inspection process to identify areas for improvement and enhance the effectiveness of future inspections.

Workplace accidents can occur unexpectedly and require immediate action to secure the scene and prevent further injuries. Administering necessary first aid care to the injured person and arranging for immediate medical attention if required is crucial. Depending on the severity of the accident, notification may include emergency services, workplace supervisors, and any required regulatory bodies.

Immediate Actions Following a Workplace Accident

• Secure the Scene
• Provide First Aid
• Notify Relevant Authorities

The Employment Act 1988 (NI) requires employers to notify the Administrator of certain "notifiable incidents". This can include serious injuries, fatalities, or dangerous occurrences with the potential to cause serious harm. Employers must maintain detailed records of workplace accidents and injuries, including incident reports, medical records, and investigation findings.

Reporting Requirements

• Notifiable Incidents
• Record Keeping

The aim of an investigation is to determine the root causes of the accident and identify measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. The investigation team may include the employer, Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs), workers' representatives, and external experts as needed. The methodology involves gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, reviewing relevant documentation, and analyzing contributing factors.

Investigation Processes

• Purpose
• Investigation Team
• Methodology
• Report

The Norfolk Island Workers' Compensation Scheme provides compensation for injured workers, covering medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs. Workers injured in the course of their employment are generally eligible for compensation. Injured workers should lodge a claim with the scheme as soon as possible. Time limits apply. Mechanisms exist for resolving disputes related to compensation claims.

Compensation Claims

• Norfolk Island Workers' Compensation Scheme
• Eligibility
• Claims Process
• Dispute Resolution

Prompt reporting of workplace incidents is crucial for initiating investigations and potential compensation claims. Well-conducted investigations help identify underlying causes and prevent future accidents. In the unfortunate event of a workplace accident, injured workers have the right to seek medical treatment, compensation, and support for rehabilitation.

Key Points to Remember

• Timely Reporting
• Thorough Investigations
• Workers' Rights