Introduction

WHS Introduction

On 1 January 2012 the new Work Health and Safety Laws (WHS) replaced the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) laws in NSW.

Due to these laws WIRES Inc. now has a primary duty of care to ensure Volunteers are not exposed to a risk to their health and safety, or expose others, while undertaking their volunteering duties.

WIRES must meet its obligations to its volunteers; so far as is reasonably practicable, to provide a safe and healthy workplace and does this by the following means:

• Providing policies and procedures
• WIRES WHS Procedures and Considerations including species specific risks, general risks and interpersonal risk information
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) – WIRES Safety vest available for all members and advice on PPE needed for species rescues
• Training and Instruction – WHS information discussed during RICC at all species courses
• Providing members and BMC’s access to a Volunteer Support Manager who can provide information and support in regard to WHS, WIRES procedures, and grievance matters.