Gary’s Safety Tips 
G’day everyone! It’s great to be here with you today, and I’m excited to talk about something that’s really important for anyone who cares about the safety of their employees – safe work method statements.
Now, I know that providing training to your employees on safe work method statements might not be the most exciting topic in the world, but it’s something that we all need to take seriously. After all, the safety of our employees is our top priority, and ensuring that they understand the safe work practices that they need to follow is critical to keeping them healthy and happy.
So, what exactly are safe work method statements? Essentially, they are detailed documents that outline the steps that employees need to take to perform a particular task safely. These statements are typically used in industries where there are significant risks associated with certain tasks, such as construction or manufacturing, but they can be useful in any workplace where safety is a concern.
One of the most important things to understand about safe work method statements is that they are not just a set of guidelines that you can ignore if you feel like it. These statements are legally binding, which means that if you fail to follow them, you could be held liable for any injuries or accidents that result. This is why it’s so important to provide thorough training to your employees on how to read and follow these statements.
Now, I know that providing training to your employees on safe work method statements might seem like a daunting task. After all, these documents can be quite lengthy and technical, and it might be hard to know where to start. But don’t worry – there are plenty of resources out there to help you.
One of the best places to start is with your industry’s governing body. They will likely have plenty of resources available on how to develop and implement safe work method statements, and they may even offer training programs themselves. Additionally, there are plenty of private training companies that specialise in this area, and they can provide customised training programs that are tailored to your specific workplace.
Another important thing to keep in mind is that providing training is not a one-time event. You can’t simply hold a single training session and assume that your employees will remember everything that they need to know. Instead, you need to make safety training an ongoing part of your workplace culture. This means reinforcing the importance of safety at every opportunity, from safety reminders in meetings to regularly reviewing and updating your safe work method statements.
Of course, providing training is only one part of the equation when it comes to ensuring the safety of your employees. You also need to make sure that you have a culture of safety in your workplace. This means making safety a top priority at all times, and encouraging your employees to speak up if they notice any unsafe practices or hazards.
One way to do this is to create a safety committee or safety team, made up of employees from different departments and levels of the organisation. This team can be responsible for reviewing and updating your safe work method statements, as well as identifying any new hazards or risks that may arise. Additionally, this team can serve as a point of contact for employees who have safety concerns, and can work with management to address these concerns in a timely and effective manner.
At the end of the day, providing training to your employees on safe work method statements is not just a legal requirement – it’s the right thing to do. By taking the time to ensure that your employees understand the importance of safety, and by providing them with the tools and resources that they need to perform their jobs safely, you can create a workplace culture that prioritises the health and wellbeing of everyone involved.
So, let’s get started! Whether you’re just starting to develop your safe work method statements, or you’re looking to refresh your existing training program, there’s no time like the present to invest in the safety of your employees. Remember, safety is everyone’s responsibility, and by working together, we can create a workplace that is not only productive, but also safe and supportive for all.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure about where to start, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. There are plenty of resources available to you, from industry associations to private training providers, and they are all dedicated to helping you create a workplace that is safe and successful.
Thanks for tuning in today, and I hope that this discussion has been helpful for you. Remember, safe work method statements are just one part of the equation when it comes to workplace safety, but they are an essential part. So, let’s all do our part to make sure that everyone goes home safe and sound at the end of the day.
Cheers,
