Why Managers and Supervisors
Have a Vital Role in WHS Compliance
Duty holders in a workplace are all interdependent to some degree on what the other duty holders do. This article deals with why the PCBU (Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking) and its Officers rely heavily on what Managers and Supervisors do and what should be done about that.
Why the PCBU and Officers rely on Managers and Supervisors
Managers & Supervisors have a duty under the WHS Act that means;
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1. They must take reasonable care;
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for their own health and safety, and
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not to adversely affect the health and safety of others, and
2. They must comply with reasonable instructions and cooperate with reasonable policies and procedures regarding health and safety.
Examples of this are;
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Managers and Supervisors must take reasonable care that everyone in their area of responsibility is adhering to the rules of the WHS management system.
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All workers, including managers and supervisors must contribute when requested to help the business (PCBU) further develop, implement or contribute to the systems, policies and procedures about health and safety. This is achieved by way of consultation between representatives of the PCBU with the workers. This is a mandatory requirement.
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Duty of the PCBU
A PCBU has the primary duty of care for workplace health and safety. The PCBU must ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety of workers and others. This is done by providing a WHS management system that is to be followed.
Duty of Officers
Officers of the PCBU must exercise due diligence to ensure that the PCBU complies with their duties and obligations including managing risks and providing and operating the WHS management system. These are the duties of directors, CEOs, GMs, and all executive officers of the leadership team.