Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) is important in every workplace, and facilities management professionals play a crucial role in ensuring the well-being and protection of employees and visitors. OH&S management is not just employee wellbeing programs; it should safeguard individuals from potential hazards and risks in the workplace. In this article, we will delve into the significance of OH&S in facilities management and explore the various strategies and practices employed to create a safe and healthy working environment.

OH&S Regulations and Compliance

Your facilities management company must have a comprehensive understanding of OH&S regulations and standards applicable to your industry. Compliance with these regulations is crucial to protect your staff and patrons. By staying updated with OH&S laws, regulations, and industry best practices, you can protect your business and ensure compliance at all times.

Risk Assessment and Hazard Identification

Your facilities management company should conduct thorough risk assessments and identify potential hazards within the workplace. This includes evaluating the physical environment, equipment, materials, and processes to identify any elements that may pose risks to the health and safety of your employees. This is a proactive process where hazards are identified ahead of time, so you can prevent workplace injuries instead of treating them.

SAFETY FIRST

cThey should also implement regular inspections, maintenance, and repairs of equipment and infrastructure. Just like your accountant, a good facilities manager knows how to minimise risk.

TRAINING AND EDUCATION

It’s imperative your staff and OH&S reps conduct regular OH&S training sessions to educate employees about hazards, safe work practices, emergency procedures, and the proper use of safety equipment. You can foster a culture of awareness and responsibility, and make sure your employees become proactive participants in maintaining a safe working environment.

INCIDENT INVESTIGATION AND REPORTING

In the unfortunate event of an incident or accident, facilities managers are responsible for conducting thorough investigations to identify the root causes and prevent recurrence. Your business needs incident reporting systems should be in place to ensure that all incidents, near-misses, and hazards are documented, analysed, and addressed promptly. By learning from incidents, OH&S reps can implement corrective measures and improve safety within your business.

CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT AND AUDITING

At APM, we are committed to continuous improvement in OH&S. Regular auditing and performance evaluations help us identify areas for enhancement and ensure compliance with established OH&S standards. By reviewing your processes, collecting feedback, and implementing necessary changes, we can create a safer working environment and drive ongoing improvement in OH&S practices.

SUSTAINABILITY

By implementing efficient energy practices and sustainable initiatives, you can can lower operational costs and achieve long-term financial benefits in your business. We like the car analogy; maintain it well and it will save you time and money in the long run. It’s the same with sustainable facilities management. Preventive maintenance, strategic management, completion schedules, and environmentally friendly products and chemicals ensure your facilities are maintained in the long term.

Effective facilities management is essential to every Melbourne business. If you’d like to talk to us about how we can better manage your facility, please contact us.