Safety officers: role and responsibilities
Safety officers act as the employer's representative at the local level, as required by the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004. Heads of units or controlled entities appoint safety officers, and act in their place in their absence.
Safety officers:
- Provide advice, information and instruction on local OHS issues
- Assist in the application of OHS procedures
- Help manage risks and hazards in their area
- Report and investigate incidents, injuries and hazards
- Liaise with the head of the unit or controlled entity, OHS Branch, and other safety personnel
- Review and analyse injury and incident reports and data
- Develop injury and incident prevention strategies for their area
- Monitor local area compliance with OHS policy and procedures
- Audit local area OHS compliance with regard to risk, emergency and hazardous waste management
- Help promote OHS awareness
