Work Health and Safety PolicyThe Department of the Environment and Energy is committed to providing a safe and healthy work environment for all workers, including contractors and volunteers while they are undertaking work for the Department, and all other interested parties across all environments. The Department is committed to supporting the health, safety and welfare of all workers and those who may be impacted by its operations.

There is a diversity of work environments, activities and associated work health and safety risks across the Department. Each operational area must adhere to the basic principles outlined below with respect to departmental policies and procedures, state based legislation, and tailor arrangements appropriately to local circumstances.

All officers are responsible for demonstrating due diligence and taking every precaution that is reasonable to protect the health and safety of workers and others.

All workers including all staff, contractors, subcontractors, and volunteers are responsible for working safely at all times, following reasonable instructions and ensuring their actions do not adversely affect the health and safety of those around them.

All other people visiting our workplace are also responsible for taking reasonable care of their own health and safety and not adversely affecting the health and safety of those around them.

In order to achieve this commitment and continuous improvement of our Work Health and Safety performance, the Department will:

Make work health and safety a consideration in all activities Comply with the Commonwealth Work Health and Safety

Act 2011, the Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 and supporting Codes of Practice.

Develop and implement Safety and Management Systems aligned with the Australian Standard for Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems AS/NZS 4801:2001, including regular review and the setting of measurable objectives and targets to ensure continual improvement.

Consult, encourage and support officers and workers to take responsibility and an active role in work health and safety matters.

Identify and review hazards and report associated risks with the aim to eliminate or minimise the risks as far as is reasonably practicable.

Assist workers by providing the necessary tools and programs for managing their wellbeing

Promote a culture of respect and ethical behaviour Ensure there is effective engagement at all levels within the

Department that meet regularly to review WHS related policies, procedures, WHS trends and to raise and resolve issues.

Provide appropriate training and education for officers, workers, visitors, health and safety professionals and representatives and first aid officers.

Manage workplace incidents effectively and efficiently. Ensure reasonable resources are available to achieve the

commitments above.

The Department will review our WHS policy every three years and make it available to all workers and visitors.

Signed 6 February 2017

Secretary Dr Gordon de Brouwer Date

Date Description Approved Review DateJan 2017 Departmental Work Health and Safety Policy Gordon de Brouwer Jan 2020