Ladder Safety in the Workplace – Why Does Proper Training Matter?
Online Ladder Safety Training can help to save lives and help to provide evidence of due diligence for employers
Category: OHS Compliance
Workplace health and safety compliance resources, practical guidance and legislative information for Victorian businesses, schools and not-for-profit organisations.
Workplace Safety Signage Requirements Checklist
Workplace safety signage plays a critical role in reducing risks, communicating hazards, and helping businesses meet their obligations under Victorian Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) laws. Appropriate signage helps workers, contractors, volunteers, and visitors identify hazards and understand required safety actions quickly and clearly. Safety signs should be easy to understand, appropriately positioned, regularly maintained, […]
12 Ways to Make Your Small Business Safer (Based on WorkSafe Victoria Guidance) + Psychological Hazards
How to identify and control health and safety hazards in small businesses to make them safer.
Psychosocial Hazards in the Workplace: Categories, Risk Controls and Training Examples
Psychosocial hazards are workplace factors that can cause psychological or physical harm to workers. These hazards may arise from the design of work, workplace interactions, organisational systems, or exposure to traumatic or stressful situations. If psychosocial hazards are not properly identified and controlled, they can contribute to stress, anxiety, burnout, psychological injury, fatigue, conflict and […]
Psychological Health at Work: Key Differences Between Harmonised WHS legislation and Victorian OHS Laws
Introduction Psychological health is no longer a “grey area” in workplace safety—especially in Victoria. With the introduction of the Occupational Health and Safety (Psychological Health) Regulations 2025, Victoria has now moved much closer to the harmonised Work Health and Safety (WHS) model used across most of Australia. For small businesses and not-for-profits, this is a […]
Are You Meeting Your OHS Duty of Care Obligations in Victoria?
But the real question is: 👉 Are you confident your business is fully compliant? Does your business employ staff or engage contractors? If so, you have clear legal responsibilities under the WorkSafe Victoria framework to ensure a safe and healthy workplace. Many small and medium businesses believe they are meeting their obligations—until an incident, inspection, […]
Why Every SME needs an OHS Training Matrix (and How to Get Yours Free)
If you’re running a business in Victoria, keeping on top of workplace health and safety (OHS) training can quickly become overwhelming. Between inductions, refresher training, high-risk licences, and compliance obligations, it’s easy for things to slip through the cracks. That’s where an OHS Training Matrix becomes essential. What is an OHS Training Matrix? An OHS […]
Free OHS Record Retention Schedule and Compliance Checklist (Victoria)
Prepared by OHS & HR Management Systems Pty Ltd. Based on With the exception of notifiable incident records (5 years), the Victorian OHS Act and Regulations generally do not prescribe specific retention periods in years. Instead, they require records to be kept, maintained and made accessible. 7-year retention period is a general recommendation. This is […]
Workplace Psychological Health Compliance Planning Checklist – Victoria
Designed for Small Businesses in Victoria. Based on WorkSafe Victoria 2025 Psychological Health Regulations and Compliance Code. Detailed requirements: https://ohsmanagementsystems.com.au/2025/10/02/psychological-health-at-work-in-victoria-a-simple-guide-for-small-medium-businesses/ Workplace Psychological Health Compliance Planning Checklist – Victoria Also, here is a very simple survey that WorkSafe Victoria provide on their website to help comply with the “Consultation” actions. WorkSafe Victoria “Employee Engarement Survey” 26/3/26 […]
What Every Employer Must Include in a Safety Induction in Australia (2026 Guide)
A strong safety induction isn’t optional in Australia—it’s a legal requirement and a critical first step in protecting workers, preventing incidents, and meeting Work Health and Safety (WHS) obligations. According to Safe Work Australia, employers must train workers before they start work so they become familiar with their tasks, workplace environment, and the hazards around […]
Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace: Key Employer Requirements in Australia
Hazardous chemicals are widely used across Australian workplaces—from cleaning products and fuels to solvents, paints and industrial chemicals. While these substances are often essential for business operations, they can also create significant risks for workers if not properly managed. Across Australia, employers have legal obligations under work health and safety legislation to manage risks associated […]
Psychological Health at Work in Victoria: A Simple Guide for Small & Medium Businesses
They are finally here!! Occupational Health and Safety (Psychological Health) Regulations 2025. From December 2025, Victorian workplaces have clearer rules for managing psychological health. This means employers must not only protect workers from physical injury but also from psychological harm — things like work overload, bullying, poor work design, or exposure to traumatic events.The new […]
Office Health and Safety: Key Messages for a Safer Workplace
WorkSafe Victoria has recently updated their document “OfficeWise 2006 ” with “Office Health and Safety 2024” In today’s evolving work environment, ensuring the health and safety of everyone in the office is more critical than ever. The 2024 Office Health and Safety guide, developed by WorkSafe Victoria, delivers clear and comprehensive advice that not only […]
Understanding Workplace Noise Hazards Based on the Victorian Compliance Code for Noise
Workplace noise hazards are a significant health and safety issue in many industries, from manufacturing and construction to hospitality and retail. Prolonged exposure to excessive noise can lead to serious health problems, including hearing loss, tinnitus, stress, and reduced productivity. In Victoria, Australia, the Compliance Code for Noise provides detailed guidance on how to manage […]
The Critical Importance of Manual Handling Risk Assessment Over Training Alone
When it comes to workplace safety, especially in industries involving significant physical labour, manual handling is a major concern. Many organisations emphasize training workers on proper lifting techniques, believing this will mitigate the risks associated with manual handling. However, while training is crucial, it is only one part of a comprehensive approach to managing manual […]
Tips For Small Business and Not-for Profits (NFPs) to meet OHS Obligations on a restricted budget
Meeting Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) obligations is a critical responsibility for all businesses, including small businesses and not-for-profit organisations. However, with limited resources, it can be challenging to implement comprehensive safety measures. Here’s a guide on how to effectively manage OHS obligations without straining your budget. 1. Understand Your Legal Obligations The first step […]
Ensuring Safety in Commercial Kitchens: Best Practices and Guidelines
Make sure your kitchen staff are trained in kitchen safety
Demystifying Australian Health and Safety Terminology – WHS, OHS, PCBU etc
WHS v OHS – What’s the difference? Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) and Work Health and Safety (WHS) are two terms that are often used interchangeably, but they actually have distinct meanings and implications in the field of workplace safety. The 2 terms (OHS and WHS) specifically refer to the legislative framework and regulations that […]
How to Complete a Workplace Psychosocial Risk Assessment
Psychosocial risk assessments are an essential tool for identifying and managing mental health hazards in the workplace. By conducting a thorough assessment, employers can better understand the psychological and social factors that may impact their employees’ well-being and performance. In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to complete a workplace psychosocial […]
2026 OHS HEALTH CHECKS – BOOK NOW!
Are you meeting your OHS obligations under OHS Legislation? Do a quick check of your OHS Management Systems now, complete this free survey and check your score: SafetyMAP Diagnostic Quiz Get your OHS health check now and plan for the next 12 months A ½ day site visit includes review of your documentation, observation and […]