A local government's safety obligations
Local government organisations must, as far as 'reasonably practicable' ensure volunteers are not harmed as a result of work carried on their behalf. Most would agree that the role bushfire volunteers carry out on behalf of local government, is valuable and high risk.
Whilst legislation does not specify the steps local government must take to prevent harm to volunteers - it's important to consider the severity of any potential injury and harm to health, the likelihood of this harm occurring, and the availability of both financial and physical control measures. The legislation is broad and states that hazards and risks must be identified, assessed, and controlled in a 'reasonably practical' manner.
The level of risk associated with the volunteer activity will influence the actions required by a local government. For those local governments that have a team of bushfire volunteers there will need to be extensive action to ensure bushfire volunteers are not harmed, and return home safe and well to their families.
Doing what is 'reasonable and practical' will depend on the circumstances of each case. It is expected that local governments undertake the following activities, to demonstrate their commitment to ensuring the safety of bushfire volunteers.
- Ensure all potential hazards have been identified and controls in place. Communicate this to volunteers.
| - Identify
hazards associated with the environment, work tasks, and activities. Assess the
risk and controls in accordance with hazard management processes and
procedures. Actively communicate to all volunteers.
|
- Dual
control of a workplace. e.g.: Bushfire event, work in collaboration with other
parties (BFB, DFES) to ensure the safety of volunteers.
| - Maintain
regular consultation, agreed handover procedures, and clear roles and
responsibilities, between all parties.
|
- Take
action to ensure that volunteers understand their duties and responsibilities.
| - Provide
volunteers with training on their roles and responsibilities, as well task
specific training.
|
- Ensure
policies and procedures are in place for the clear governance of recruitment,
screening and supervision of volunteers.
| - Manage
your volunteer recruitment process, with clear framework, including supervision
of volunteers.
|
- Allocate
sufficient resources (physical and financial) to effectively manage and develop
the volunteer program.
| - Make
sure responsibilities form part of individual roles and financial resources are
in place (sufficient budget for adequate training, supply of PPE etc.)
|
- Provide
volunteers with personal protective clothing and equipment (PPC & PPE) and
safety equipment, where required.
| - Ensure
PPC & PPE is budgeted for and available to volunteers. Make sure volunteers
know when and how to use PPE and equipment.
|
- Communicate
and consult with volunteers on occupational safety and health issues. Induct, train,
and instruct volunteers in their tasks.
| - Provide
volunteers with an induction, safety information, safety manuals, and
appropriate training.
|
For more information or assistance, contact LGIS Safety Program Manager Emma Horsefield at emma.horsefield@lgiswa.com.au or contact your regional risk coordinator.