Work Health and Safety Officer

Position Overview

The Work Health and Safety (WHS) Officer directly reports to the People and Culture Manager and is accountable to the Chief Executive Officer and is responsible for coordinating, monitoring and supporting Work Health and Safety systems, reporting and compliance across Puntukurnu Aboriginal Medical Service (PAMS).

This role provides organisation-wide WHS advice, systems support and reporting oversight to assist PAMS to meet its obligations under the Work Health and Safety Act 2020 (WA) and associated regulations, codes of practice and internal policies and procedures. The role supports the implementation of a proactive safety culture across all PAMS workplaces, including clinics, offices, staff accommodation, vehicles, outreach and community-based environments.

Working closely with the People and Culture Manager, Executive Management Team, line managers, Health and Safety Representatives and relevant committees, the WHS Officer is responsible for the coordination of WHS reporting, hazard and incident management, consultation processes, risk monitoring, corrective actions, training coordination and continuous improvement activities.

The position incumbent will contribute to the development of a safe and healthy workplace for all staff, clients, contractors, volunteers, students, visitors and community members who may be affected by the work of PAMS

Position Responsibilities

A.      WHS Advisory and Coordination

• Provide timely and practical WHS advice and support to managers and staff across PAMS on workplace safety matters, legislative obligations, internal procedures and safe systems of work.
• Support the People and Culture Manager and CEO in maintaining an organisation-wide WHS framework that promotes compliance, accountability and continuous improvement.
• Assist managers to identify hazards, assess risk, implement appropriate controls and monitor the effectiveness of control measures in accordance with the hierarchy of controls and reasonably practicable standards.
• Provide support and guidance in relation to WHS consultation, issue resolution and workplace participation arrangements.
• Promote consistent WHS practices across all work units, including remote and community-based settings.
• Escalate significant WHS risks, systemic issues and non-compliance matters to the People and Culture Manager and CEO as required.

B.      Hazard, Incident and Injury Management

• Coordinate and monitor hazard, incident, injury and near miss reporting across the organisation through LOGIQC and other approved systems.
• Review incident reports for completeness, timeliness, risk rating, corrective actions and escalation requirements.
• Support line managers to undertake incident reviews and investigations, including contributing to root cause analysis, corrective action planning and preventative strategies.
• Monitor trends arising from hazards, incidents, injuries, near misses and safety concerns and prepare regular reports for management andrelevant committees.
• Assist with the management of notifiable incidents and ensure timely internal escalation and record management.
• Support return to work and injury management processes as directed and in collaboration with People and Culture and relevant managers.

C.      WHS Reporting, Audit and Compliance

• Prepare monthly, quarterly and ad hoc WHS reports for the People and Culture Manager, CEO, Executive Management Team and other governance forums as required.
• Monitor WHS performance indicators, corrective action registers, audit findings and compliance obligations to support organisation-wide oversight.
• Coordinate scheduled workplace inspections, audits and WHS assurance activities across PAMS sites, accommodation and operational environments.
• Support managers and responsible persons to ensure monthly WHS and emergency procedure audits are completed, recorded, actioned and reported.
• Maintain WHS registers, records and documentation to support internal governance, accreditation and regulatory compliance requirements.
• Contribute to the review and currency of WHS policies, procedures, forms and associated documentation within the Quality Management System.

D.      Consultation, Training and Safety Culture

• Support effective WHS consultation with workers, Health and Safety Representatives, committees and other duty holders in accordance with legislative requirements.
• Coordinate WHS committee administration as required, including agendas, reporting, action logs and follow up of outstanding items.
• Assist with the development, coordination and delivery of WHS induction content, training, toolbox discussions, awareness initiatives and safety communications.
• ·Promote worker participation in WHS processes and support a positive reporting culture that encourages early identification and resolution of hazards and issues.
• ·Assist with the implementation of consultation, cooperation and coordination arrangements with contractors and other relevant duty holders where WHS responsibilities overlap.
• ·Support managers to communicate WHS outcomes, lessons learnt and required control measures back to workers in a timely and practical manner.

E. Systems Improvement and Governance Support

• ·Contribute to the development and continuous improvement of WHS systems, workflows, forms, registers and reporting tools.
• Analyse WHS data and trends to identify emerging risks, recurring issues and improvement opportunities across the organisation.
• Assist in embedding WHS into broader organisational governance, quality improvement and risk management processes.
• Work collaboratively with People and Culture, Assets, Quality, Clinical and Operational leaders to strengthen whole-of-organisation safety performance.
• Participate in internal projects and organisational initiatives relevant to workforce safety, wellbeing and compliance.
• Undertake any other reasonable duties as directed by the line manager.

The occupant of this position will be expected to comply with and demonstrate a positive commitment to the highest level of achievement in Equal Employment Opportunity, Work Health & Safety, Code of Conduct, Quality Improvement, Performance Management, Client Focus and Confidentiality throughout the course of their duties.

General Responsibilities

1. Demonstrate a strong commitment to uphold and contribute to the organisation’s mission, objectives and values;
2. Comply with all organisational policies and procedures;
3. Support and promote teamwork through open communication, collaboration and contribute to a positive workplace culture;
4. Attend and participate in professional development activities including workshops and training as required;
5. Actively participate in continual quality improvement and the organisation’s quality management system;
6. Comply with all applicable legislation including duty of care laws, professional standards, anti-discrimination, bullying and sexual harassment legislation;
7. Attend and participate in Employee Development Days;
8. Participate and comply with all Work Health & Safety responsibilities as per the Work Health and Safety Act 2020 (WA);
9. Identify and assist to reduce Work Health & Safety hazards and risks; and
10. Follow the reasonable direction of Work Health & Safety representatives
11. Undertake any other reasonable duties as directed by the line manager

SELECTION CRITERIA

ESSENTIAL:

• ·Demonstrated experience in a Work Health and Safety, risk, compliance or similar coordination role.
• ·Sound knowledge of the Work Health and Safety Act 2020 (WA) and contemporary WHS principles, including consultation, risk management and incident reporting requirements. ·Demonstrated ability to coordinate WHS reporting, audits, hazard and incident management processes across multiple work areas.
• skills, including the ability to prepare reports, procedures, correspondence and briefing material.
• ·Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with managers, workers and stakeholders to embed safe work practices and support a positive safety culture.
• ·Experience using electronic systems for reporting, document control and compliance monitoring.
• ·Well-developed organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities and follow through on actions.
• ·Ability and willingness to undertake travel to remote communities as required.

DESIRABLE:

• ·Qualification in Work Health and Safety, risk management, injury management, human resources, business or related field.
• ·Experience in health, Aboriginal Community Controlled Health, community services or remote service delivery environments.
• ·Experience with LOGIQC or comparable quality, safety and risk systems.
• ·Demonstrated understanding of culturally safe practice when working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities.