6.6 Health and Safety
Background
Responsibilities for the health and safety of Gardens staff and
visitors to the Gardens arise from the Occupational Health and Safety
(Commonwealth Employment) Act 1991. This legislation aims to protect
employees and persons at or near the workplace from risks to health
and safety arising out of the activities carried out in the
workplace. The Gardens are a workplace in the terms of the Act and,
since many of the routine tasks associated with managing the Gardens
pose potential health and safety risks, safety is a particular
concern.
A major aim of management has been to minimise the incidence of
health and safety problems for staff and visitors to the Gardens.
Staff have been provided with training in dealing with emergencies
and close links have been maintained with the Police, Ambulance
Service and Bushfire Council. Care is taken to minimise risks to the
public in everyday working procedures, and staff members in each
working area are trained in first aid.
Some areas of the Gardens are closed occasionally in the interest of
public safety; for example, paths and boardwalks made slippery by
frost. Procedures have been established for evacuating visitors and
staff in the event of a bushfire threat and have worked successfully
on two recent occasions, when fire has threatened the Canberra site.
Management prescriptions
Objectives
The objectives are to provide a safe and healthy environment for
staff to work in and for visitors to enjoy.
Implementation
Reducing threats to the health and safety of staff and visitors will
continue to be given high priority. Staff will be provided with
special training in dealing with emergencies and close links with the
Bushfire Council, Police and Ambulance Service will be maintained.
If necessary to ensure visitor safety, the Gardens or particular
sections may be closed during periods of fire hazard or severe
frost.
Training in safe working practices will be programmed for all staff
and regular inspections of premises and work practices will be
undertaken to ensure adherence to appropriate standards. First aid
training will continue to be provided to ensure that at least one
member of staff in each work area is appropriately trained.