Govt to spend $7 million on OHS for small business

The Federal Government, through the Australian Industry Group, has launched a $7 million occupational health and safety programme to help small business achieve good OHS performance.

The Small Business OHS Advisers Programme offers businesses with less than 20 full time staff free workplace safety advice, education and support.

The package of assistance includes seminars on OHS principles and legislative compliance issues, completion of an OHS assessment, development and implementation of a company specific safety plan, and ongoing telephone and online support.

The Programme has 4,400 places and will be delivered through to June 2007 across urban, rural and regional Australia and is accessible to small businesses in all industries.

"Small businesses are committed to the safety of their workers. Now, through the Small Business OHS Advisers Programme, they can access the resources they need to help them implement cost effective and quality safety measures," Employment and Workplace Relations' Minister, the Hon Kevin Andrews MP, said recently at the Programme's launch.

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Free OHS advice for Australian small businesses

Visit any small business across Australia and you'll discover hard-working regional businesses striving for operational success.

The key to any business's success is the energy and drive of our employees. Ensuring their health and safety at work is crucial, however small business owners, through no fault of their own, are often ill equipped to deal with some workplace health and safety issues. For many small businesses it is not financially possible to have a dedicated Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) professional on staff.

To help small businesses, in all sectors, such as manufacturing, farming and retail, better understand workplace health and safety, the Australian Government recently launched a free Programme. The Small Business OHS Advisers Programme offers businesses with less than 20 full time staff (or equivalent) free workplace safety advice, education and support.

The package of free assistance includes seminars on OHS principles and legislative compliance issues, completion of an OHS assessment, development and implementation of a company specific safety plan, and ongoing telephone and online support.

The Programme will be delivered through to June 2007 across urban, rural and regional Australia and is accessible to small businesses in all industries.

"Small businesses are committed to the safety of their workers. Now, through the Small Business OHS Advisers Programme, they can access the resources they need to help them implement cost effective and quality safety measures," Employment and Workplace Relations' Minister, the Hon Kevin Andrews MP, said recently at the Programme's launch.

"This extra assistance will help small businesses to understand and comply with the OHS laws and standards that operate in each State and Territory."

"The Programme will help small businesses to achieve good OHS performance, which not only saves money through reduced premiums, but is also often an indicator of an organisation's health".

The Australian Industry Group, Australia's leading industry organisation representing 10,000 employers in manufacturing, construction, automotive, telecommunications, IT & call centres, transport, labour hire and other industries, will deliver the $7 million Australian Government Programme. Ai Group has recruited expert OHS advisers to deliver the 4,400 Programme places to small businesses. The Programme is available to all eligible small business regardless of whether they are members of industry associations.

The Small Business OHS Advisors Programme service is free. The commitment required from the employer is to actively participate in the programme and strive to implement the agreed OHS improvements in their workplace.

Small businesses can register their interest in the Programme by visiting the website, www.smallbusinessohs.com.au, emailing register@smallbusinessohs.com.au or telephoning 1300 554 764.