OHS Plan

An OHS plan is a strategic document which gathers information and sets objectives and goals.  It is concerned with systems and programs.  It is a long term strategy.  However it must be able to be revised as required and should be reviewed regularly.

Your OHS plan should include:

> Budget
> Risk assessment strategy
> Consultation strategy
> Resources available
> Specific responsibilities and roles
> Goals
> Timelines
> Planned actions
> Evaluation procedures

The plan should be developed in consultation with senior managers and staff, particularly OHS representatives or committee members.

An OHS action plan is a shorter term document which should be developed to control specific risks.

Budget

Allocate funds for OHS management.

Training, equipment purchase/replacement and maintenance costs can be clearly defined.  Funds should also be set aside for incidental costs such as staff conducting risk assessments or accident investigations.

Risk assessment strategy

How often are you going to conduct risk assessments?  Who will be conducting them?  What documentation will be maintained?  What will be the procedure for following up on the risk assessments?

Consultation strategy

Staff and residents have valuable contributions to make.  How are you going to facilitate their making contributions?  How often will you consult with staff?  What feedback mechanisms are in place?  How will you advise staff of results of OHS activities?

Resources available

Your plan should include resources for your OHS program such as secretarial support, storage facilities for OHS documents, OHS resource information, etc.

Specific responsibilities and roles

Where possible, allocate specific OHS responsibilities to specific roles within the organisation.

Goals

Goals must be specific and aimed at improving performance.

Set achievable and quantifiable goals, such as attendance at OHS training within specified timeframes, conducting a certain number of risk assessments, reduction in the number of incidents relating to manual handling of residents, etc.

Timelines

When setting goals, set deadlines.  Include timeframes for annual audits, monthly housekeeping inspections, review of OHS policy, review of chemical register, etc.

Planned actions

List planned actions such as organisation upgrades, introduction of new equipment, emergency drills, etc.  Incorporate results into future plans.

Evaluation procedures

Regularly review the plan in consultation with staff.  The plan should be revised when priorities change or new information becomes available.  The plan should include how each of the actions will be evaluated for success.