OH&S compliance - no longer an option

Occupational Health and Safety compliance looms large as a potential stumbling block for small business in Australia. Despite legislation stating that OHS compliance is mandatory regardless of business size, some small businesses are still failing to take the necessary steps in order to comply.

The consequences of non-compliance can be disastrous. Yet the compliance maze can appear so intricate- and expensive- that many business owners and managers simply don't know where to start.

Bizwurk has launched a software-based solution that helps small to medium businesses deal with each and every facet of OH&S compliance.

Bizwurk OH&S offers a set of answers to what has previously always been a complex task. At the core of the package is a step-by-step system that can be implemented by anyone who can use a computer. One PDF page at a time, using the unique Bizwurk OH&S system, end users can work through the required risk management process and easily lay the foundation needed to cover legislative requirements. In fact, Bizwurk OH&S lays down the basic fundamentals required to both assist with and prove OH&S compliance.

One of its main benefits is its functionality as a training tool. The simple flash presentations built in to the program can be used to deliver mandatory training information, ensuring staff compliance without the need to have training staff on hand.

Bizwurk OH&S is designed to assist businesses with compliance to the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2000.

The Bizwurk OH&S management program outlines the six major steps required in implementing an OH&S system in a workplace and contains all the fully customisable templates a business needs to completely manage a workplace OH&S system.

The six steps:

• responsibility
• identify activities
• risk management
• staff involvement
• injury management
• monitor and review

Once the Bizwurk OH&S solution has been implemented, companies may like to keep the OH&S system up-to-date by becoming a Bizwurk member.

Bizwurk Members have access to a number of member only features, including free updates to the Bizwurk OH&S program. Visit the Membership Benefits page to read about the benefits of becoming a Bizwurk member.

Members can access:

• the latest Bizwurk OH&S program
• industry specific OH&S documents and checklists
• the Bizwurk Newsletter
• save documents onto the Bizwurk server
• Bizwurk Membership Service & Benefit Program with Workplace Accident Assist 24/7
  • Emergency Medical Assistance
  • 24 hour Doctor/ Medical Referral
  • Message Relay
  • Emergency Travel and Accommodation
  • Vehicle Recovery Assistance
• Bizwurk Legal and Tax Helplines
• Trauma Assistance
• Employee Emergency

All of these benefits for only $60 per month (plus GST)

Bizwurk Membership Services & Benefit Program

Access to the latest Bizwurk OH&S program

Members have access to the Bizwurk program online. The documents in the online program are Word documents which can be changed and branded with an individual company's information. Members have access to the latest version of the program.

Industry specific OH&S documents and checklists

Members have access to specific industry documents and checklists. This database of documents is constantly being upgraded and developed.

Industries include:

• Real estate
• Construction
• Landscaping/lawn maintenance
• Hairdressing
• Transport
• Office environments
• Aquatic/fitness centres
• Manufacturing
• Retail

Access to the Bizwurk Newsletter

Members are kept up to date with the latest information on OH&S related topics via the Bizwurk newsletter.

Ability to save documents onto the Bizwurk server

An important factor in completing an OH&S system is record keeping. Comprehensive records are the best evidence of a company's accountability and compliance with legislative requirements. They demonstrate activities of operations and safe work practices.

Records should be kept in both hard copy and electronic formats. Whatever the format, it is essential that the system is adequately backed up and stored in an environment where it cannot be tampered with, damaged or destroyed. Members can save OH&S documents in their own personalised secure vault on the Bizwurk server. All current and new OH&S documents can be saved within the vault, accessible 24/7.

Bizwurk Member Programs

Workplace Accident Assist 24/7

The service is available to Bizwurk Members when there is an accident in the workplace and includes the following elements:

1. Emergency Medical Assistance

   The Bizwurk Member calls the 24/7 contact centre where a Registered Nurse provides initial triage - they sort, counsel and advise the member using a structured protocol and direct the member to the most appropriate level of care needed for their condition. Specialist-practicing physicians are available in the event the Registered Nurse considers the member requires escalation for their case.

2. 24 hour Doctor / Medical Referral

   Where in the opinion of the medical team the member requires further medical attention, the user will be referred to the nearest medical facility available in their area.

3. Message Relay

   Members who are inconvenienced may ask the Bizwurk service centre to relay messages on their behalf to family, friends or business associates. Should the Member require medical treatment, the service team will relay the member's location to family, friends or business associates on request.

4. Emergency Travel or Accommodation

   Users may find themselves away from work/home and their motor vehicle is not drivable, the Bizwurk service team can arrange emergency travel or accommodation. The team is experienced in assisting members overcome short term inconvenience and which can help reduce member stress. (Travel etc costs are not included)

5. Vehicle Recovery Assistance

   Where Members find after an accident they need vehicle recovery assistance. Help is on hand 24/7 where the experienced service team can make prompt arrangements to assist. (Recovery costs are not included)

Bizwurk Member Legal and Tax Helplines

The Legal and Tax helplines provide members convenient access to legal and tax information, general advice and referrals. The service is free to members and may be used as often as necessary. The Helplines provide advice on the general principles and an overview. Members intending to undertake or run a case are recommended to seek face to face advice. The Bizwurk Helpline will be pleased to assist with an appropriate referral.

Bizwurk Helpline access is for the principals/senior manager, to lawyers and accountants through the dedicated Bizwurk toll free Member number. The Legal and Tax Helplines operate during normal business hours in the relevant state or territory; however, in emergency situations operators can arrange contact with a legal provider after hours. Alternatively members can email inquiries and will receive a call back from a lawyer at the time and contact number nominated in the member email.

Trauma Assistance

Where this is an incident that causes employee trauma, such as industrial accidents, then Bizwurk provides an initial trauma counselling session and recommends strategies for the business to manage the situation going forward. This service is limited to an initial consultation only and/or a recommended plan to manage the situation. The Bizwurk Member program offer members ongoing counselling services for employees and can provide rates on request.

Employee Emergency

BMembers have access to the Employee Emergency Helpline, providing coverage for emergencies.

A growing number of organisations are pro-actively adopting a protocol for handling these situations that includes a telephone based emergency assistance helpline.

There are a number of possible events that may arise affecting a company's normal operation, including employees; fires, terrorism, threats, earthquakes, local disasters etc.

Bizwurk has designed and implemented the Employee Helpline to provide an independent platform for members to provide ongoing communication and assistance to their employees including:

• obtain immediate help
• report a corporate incident
• receive the latest information on an incident
• report employee status

To set up an Employee Emergency Helpline Program call the Member toll free number. There is no charge; the Employee Emergency Program is a Bizwurk Member benefit.

Corporate Travel Service

Members have access to the Members travel hotline, which delivers a corporate travel service. Members also receive 15% savings on Travel Insurance.