{"id":3388,"date":"2022-04-21T02:40:30","date_gmt":"2022-04-20T16:40:30","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/anitechgroup.com\/au\/?p=3388"},"modified":"2023-12-21T17:16:20","modified_gmt":"2023-12-21T07:16:20","slug":"how-an-occupational-hygiene-audit-ensures-staff-safety","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/anitechgroup.com\/au\/blog\/how-an-occupational-hygiene-audit-ensures-staff-safety\/","title":{"rendered":"How An Occupational Hygiene Audit Ensures Staff Safety"},"content":{"rendered":"

Regardless of the industry your business operates in, the size of the operations, how many staff it employs, and other operational factors, it will be exposed to a range of occupational hygiene risks that threaten the physical and mental wellbeing of staff. However, the specific risks an operations is exposed to depend upon numerous factors, including those listed above. For example, organisations operating in the construction industry may be exposed to more occupational hygiene risks than traditional office work environments. It is crucial that all business\u2019 thoroughly identify and safeguard against the scope of occupational hygiene risks their worksites may be exposed to. Doing so works at maintaining compliance, protecting the wellbeing of staff and customers, and maximising efficiency through the minimisation of downtime. This article will provide an overview of the many benefits an occupational hygiene<\/a> audit brings to business\u2019.<\/p>\n

A certified occupational hygienist assesses and mitigates onsite risks<\/h2>\n

Before explaining why an occupational hygiene audit is so vital for business\u2019, it is worthwhile to explain what an occupational hygiene risk is, and how they can impact business\u2019. Occupational hygiene risks is a blanket term used to describe the scope of workplace environmental hazards that staff risk exposure to as they complete their duties. The risks can take a range of forms, from respirable crystalline silica <\/strong>exposure at construction sites, loud noise risks<\/strong>, poor indoor air quality<\/strong>, atmospheric contaminants<\/strong>, unsafe chemical handling<\/strong>, and so on.<\/p>\n

All business\u2019 have a responsibility to thoroughly identify the scope of onsite occupational hygiene risks <\/strong>their staff may be exposed to, take protective measures ensure these risks do not exceed compliant levels<\/strong>, and develop control measures to periodically measure the level of workplace exposure, <\/strong>ensuring that they never exceed compliant levels.<\/p>\n

Getting on top of this task can be challenging if it is not approached in a methodical, systematic manner. For example, business\u2019 need to identify and safeguard against the full extent of onsite occupational hygiene risks <\/strong>their staff may be exposed to, which requires a high level of scrutiny to ensure that nothing is overlooked. Further, companies need to be aware of all their compliance obligations, and work to successfully meet them in a systematic manner. Finally, they need to develop rigorous control measures for the continual monitoring of their occupational hygiene practices, to ensure that they are continuing to meet their compliance obligations.<\/p>\n

Further, business\u2019 across Australia have had their operations impacted by COVID restrictions, which ensure the safety of everyone whilst onsite. Different states and territories have different restrictions, as do various business industries, so it is crucial for companies to identify the compliance obligations that apply to their operations, and strategically work at meeting them.<\/p>\n

By contracting a certified occupational hygienist<\/strong> your business will be able to successfully address the above challenges in a straight-forward, timely manner. The process is simple; the certified hygienist will travel to your worksite, under COVID-Safe conditions, to conduct a comprehensive audit <\/strong>of the extent of occupational hygiene risks the site is exposed to. They will identify all the risks<\/strong>, and measure them against the business\u2019 regulatory compliance obligations<\/strong>, to determine whether the organisation\u2019s occupational hygiene practices are meeting them. If it is discovered that a certain area is not meeting compliance standards, the auditor will work with the company to develop a straight-forward action plan <\/strong>that addresses the risks, and helps the business take corrective measures to bring the risks to compliance levels, and ensure that they stay there.<\/p>\n

Occupational Hygiene Services <\/strong>
\nOccupational hygiene services in Australia encompass a range of practices aimed at ensuring a safe and healthy work environment for employees. These services typically include:<\/p>\n