Workplace Saftey Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Workplace Saftey - Case Study Example Assessment of risks in the operational department in a bank involves assessing the various risks including their effects, establishing possible alternative ways of avoiding the risk, making the decision on the best strategy to mitigate the risk and implementing the risk controls adopted by the firm. By the time a bank makes decision on the mitigation measures, the management has accepted the occurrence of the risks and is not trying to reduce the effects on the firm. In one of the banks, the management assessed the risks affecting its operations department by beginning by assessing the issue at hand. This was followed by balancing resources in establishing possible solutions and balancing resources in establishing the solutions. Thereafter, the management communicated the risks and intended intentions by its actions. A debrief that involved taking of action and monitoring responses followed. Task 2: WHS Harmonization a. Objectives of Harmonisation The main objective of the harmonizat ion of the act was to ensure that the entire country has one law that governs work place safety for all employees. In addition, the regulations are to ensure safe working conditions for the entire country and commonwealth countries. The states had to maintain their jurisdiction over because employees work in the states and it would be easier for them to handle workplace safety issues rather than the federal government. b. Features of a WHS act The act is about setting a good working environment regarding health and safety of employees in organizations. The changes that were made to the act were several and were made in different section of the law as outlined below. In section four, a new definition of â€Å"engage in conduct† was given as the means of doing an act while the corresponding jurisdiction was provided as â€Å"A jurisdiction may extend the operation of a provision that applies to a corresponding WHS law to specified laws of the jurisdiction. This should be dealt with separately in the provision or regulations under the provision† (Safework Australia 2) In section 7, the jurisdiction note was omitted and replaced by anew jurisdiction note that sought to alter section 7(1). In some sections such as sections 8(2), 20(1)a, 22(5), 28(d), 36 and 52(3) among others, articles and prepositions were added to alter the meanings of the constituents of the law. In section 98, merely was replaced by only while clause 110 was omitted and replaced by another clause outlining discriminatory conduct, its proof, avoiding discrimination and jurisdiction over misconduct (Safework Australia 3). c. Implications of WHS act for i) Organizations The implications of the act on organization are that firms should establish a healthy and safe working environment. All working environments in Australia and other commonwealth countries are to comply with the act failure to which they will be sued. The organization is responsible for initiating the necessary changes regarding a safe and healthy working environment for its employees. ii) Managers/supervisors The managements of companies are responsible for implementing the policies stipulated in the act regarding provision of a healthy and safe working environment. The act stipulates what is called a safe and healthy working environment. What is reasonably practicable in relation to duty to ensure safety and health means what is to be done reasonably to ensure health and safety of employees. The managers and supervisors in an organization are to provide the practicable duty of care in any form of business. Proper inspection of premises should be undertaken frequently by the management to ensure that a proper