Occupational Health and Safety

South West Healthcare's Occupational Health & Safety Program is responsible for the health and safety of patients, visitors, volunteers, staff and contractors.

It ensures:

• A strategic focus to Occupational Health & Safety
• Coordination of WorkCover claims and Return To Work Programs for employees
• Proactive approaches to the management of the organisation's risks, and
• Compliance with relevant State and National Occupational Health & Safety legislation

Using 'the tug' minimises manual handling injuries in the Linen Services Unit.

For repetitive jobs, machinery performs tasks where possible.

Specific services provided include:

• Prevention of work related injuries and illnesses of South West Healthcare employees, contractors, clients, volunteers, students and visitors
• Provision of effective rehabilitation and support to those whose health has been effected by work related injuries or illness
• Minimising the severity of injuries, illnesses and the impact on property when accidents occur
• Ensuring prompt, fair and equitable management and resolution of workers compensation claims
• Fully integrating health and safety with all other operational responsibilities of South West Healthcare
• Ensuring every person who visits South West Healthcare leaves with an understanding that good health and safety practices should be followed in all workplaces

Specific projects being implemented and managed:

• Development of an Occupational Health & Safety risk assessment and hazard identification system
• Coordination of Emergency Response Procedures and training throughout the organisation
• Development of staff wellbeing programs
• Review and update Occupational Health & Safety policies

An automated dishwasher saves times and reduces staff exposure to detergents and hot water.

Non-ambulant patients are moved by the 'Arjo' steady transport frame.