The Wades OHS System is now part of the Safety Culture product range. For more information about developing an OHS System visit Safety Culture. Having a OHS System gives you and your staff a framework for communicating and acting in a safe, responsible manner. The only place to start your communication is in writing. This serves two purposes, firstly, the business isn’t dependant on any one person to ‘part’ with their knowledge in order for other staff members to understand how to work safely. Secondly, if there is ever any question, or inspection that requires you to produce your Company OHS procedures, then there is a very clear and concise written record of what they are and how those principles have been communicated to your staff. Currently the government has placed the responsibility of the safety of your workers entirely on the employers’ shoulders. Having an effective OHS System balances that responsibility between you and your staff. After all, it has to start with the individual, and that means having all of your staff sign off an undertaking that they will follow your policies and work safely. Wades Business Solutions Occupational Health & Safety (OHS) System consists of three components: The Wades Policy Templates is a user friendly system of Word Documents that can be implemented into your business simply by typing in your Company name and printing them out for your staff to sign. These are policies that have been designed specifically for Australian Legislation and some of the policies included are: Occupational Health & Safety Objectives Disciplinary action and dismissal policy Dismissal information for the employer Drug and alcohol policy Employee privacy policy Equal employment opportunity policy Fire and emergency evacuation policy Establishing fire and evacuation procedures First aid policy Hazardous substances policy Incident reporting policy Management of legislative change Manual handling Procedure for a workplace incurred injury Rehabilitation policy Smoking policy Social functions policy Stress and fatigue policy Sun protection policy Workplace harassment and conflict management Employee agreement   The Wades OHS Diary provides one central location for all of your OHS monitoring requirements. From simple vehicle maintenance log forms for recording the running repairs on vehicles, to a minutes layout for a OHS meeting. If any staff are administered first aid, then the OHS Diary provides an accurate record of what occurred, should any problems arise down the track. Tagging of electrical devices is also covered in the OHS Diary, along with a Fire Extinguisher maintenance record. Without having a reliable system to ensure that your plant and equipment are serviced regularly, then you may be found to be negligent, should an accident or emergency occur. All of the systems that we offer are designed to be implemented into your current business operations, so that you can get on with what you do best, while meeting your obligations as an employer. Click here for larger images » Wades Employee Management System (EMS) provides a framework for Employee Management from the point of interview, to the resignation procedure. The EMS begins with a Application form that requests simple information such as, Allergies and Medical conditions for your employees. From a day-to-day point of view, many of our clients have found the EMS to be crucial in building their relationships with their staff. Most problems between Employers and Employees arise over mixed expectations. Either the Employer expects more from the Employee than they are contributing or, vice versa. Either way, the most effective way to eliminate problems is through clear communication. Simple steps can go a long way towards having an effective Employee Management System. The Wades EMS also includes, a formal appointment letter and a Service Expectation agreement. Have you ever tried to address a hygiene problem three months after employing someone? Having an effective Employee Management System means that your Employees not only understand, but also sign off on how they are perform whilst at work. Topics varying from arriving each day with ironed clothing, to the treatment of work vehicles, working overtime occasionally, and how to deal with customers, all need to be clearly communicated and agreed upon before employees takes on a role in the business. This way all stakeholders understand what is expected from them, and a standard has been established should any feedback need to be given. Business shouldn’t depend on uncertainty and hope that everything will be OK, and pleading ignorance does not relieve you of your obligations. By taking some simple steps to implement an effective Employee Management System, you can gain the certainty and framework that gives you the freedom to go about your day-to-day business, and not be tied up in a tangle of red tape. How does having my staff sign off on a written set of policies actually help my business? Having an effective Employee Management System (EMS) isn’t complete with a signature and some paperwork. That is where it begins, it sets the standard that is expected from that day forward. Living the standard is how you maintain it. The EMS provides the framework to communicate your expectations to your employees, and equally importantly, it provides a system for employees to give their feedback and concerns. Most problems can be resolved before they get out of hand if the communication channels are open, and the employer takes an interest in the employee’s needs.