As an employer, it’s your responsibility to provide a safe and healthy environment for every member of your team. At the end of the day, every employee deserves to feel safe, supported, and protected at work. This may sound like a huge undertaking, but the good news is you don’t have to do it alone - this is where WHS consultants come in.
These experts are the backbone of workplace health and safety, ensuring that your organisation not only meets safety standards but also creates a positive culture. Come along as we explore the vital roles of WHS consultants and the significant benefits they bring to organisations just like yours. Curious about how they can transform your workplace? Keep reading to find out.
In a nutshell, WHS consultants are specialists who assist organisations in maintaining a safe and compliant work environment. They play a critical role across many industries by providing sound guidance tailored to your specific workplace needs.
The primary responsibilities of a WHS consultant include:
Navigating workplace health and safety (WHS) laws in Australia requires understanding the specific regulations in each state and territory. Here's a brief overview of each region:
Governed by the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 and the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2017, SafeWork NSW oversees compliance in New South Wales.
Victoria follows the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004, administered by WorkSafe Victoria.
The Work Health and Safety Act 2011, recently amended by the Work Health and Safety and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2024, is administered by Workplace Health and Safety Queensland.
Under the Work Health and Safety Act 2020, WorkSafe WA regulates safety measures in Western Australia.
In South Australia, SafeWork SA enforces the Work Health and Safety Act 2012.
Following the Work Health and Safety Act 2012, WorkSafe Tasmania highlights the importance of a safety culture in Tasmania.
The Work Health and Safety (National Uniform Legislation) Act 2011 is in place in the Northern Territory, with NT WorkSafe as the regulatory body.
Governed by the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, this legislation is enforced by WorkSafe ACT.
If the idea of this makes your head spin, you’re not alone. These regulations can be complex, but your WHS consultant will be well-versed in state and territory-specific legislation, ensuring compliance and a safe working environment.
When you think about WHS, physical risk factors such as unsafe equipment, poor ergonomics, slips, trips, falls, and exposure to harmful substances may come to mind.
However, addressing psychosocial factors is also an essential aspect of providing a safe and healthy workplace for your team. These factors significantly impact your employees’ physical and mental wellbeing and include things like stress, job demands, lack of support, and work-life balance.
Much like with the physical factors, ignoring psychosocial risks can lead to increased absences, decreased productivity, and higher turnover rates, all of which would negatively impact your overall organisational performance.
WHS consultants take a holistic approach to safety and play a pivotal role in:
Taking a proactive approach to physical and mental health by recognising and addressing risks can lead to a more engaged, resilient, and productive workforce.
At Altius Group, we understand that no two businesses are exactly the same. We proudly deliver unique solutions to small and large businesses nationwide, to keep their employees safe.
Our WHS consultants are experts in state-specific legislation and provide comprehensive support across all areas of workplace safety. From addressing specific issues to managing your entire WHS operations end-to-end, we will show you how to foster a safe and compliant working environment.
Given the rapid changes in workforce dynamics, it's important to regularly check for any gaps between your workplace health and safety management system and the current legislation.
At Altius Group, our WHS consultants conduct health and safety audits and gap analysis to ensure your business is compliant and minimise the risk of employee injury and illness from workplace operations.
Whether you require a simple compliance check via an online appointment or a fully comprehensive on-site review to identify, we are on hand to ensure:
By conducting a thorough gap analysis, our WHS consultants help elevate your workplace safety, ensuring that all potential hazards are identified and managed effectively.
Return-to-work transitions are a critical component of the WHS framework that simplifies the workers’ compensation process for employers and ensures employees gain access to professional support immediately following an incident.
From the moment a workplace injury occurs, our Return to Work (RTW) program is designed to handle the entire process from start to finish. This ensures a safe and effective return to work with improved health outcomes and reduced costs.
At Altius Group, our WHS consultants’ approach involves:
By partnering with Altius Group, you ensure a smoother transition for your employees returning to work, benefiting both your team and your bottom line.
Here are some of the frequently asked questions about hiring a WHS consultant.
A WHS consultant’s duties typically include:
Consulting with a WHS expert is beneficial for several reasons
By addressing these key aspects, WHS consultants help create safer, more compliant, and more efficient workplaces.
At Altius Group, our expert WHS consultants provide solutions that offer cost benefits. We focus on minimising physical and psychosocial risk to help create a safe and positive working environment.
It’s time to get on board with our mindset of continuous improvement. Contact Altius Group now to be part of the innovative solutions shaping the future of workplace health and safety. Contact us online or call the friendly team on 1800 258 487.