OH & S
The Northern Co-operative Meat Company Ltd has a duty of care to protect the welfare of its employees, contractors and visitors. In addition, there are significant costs associated with the treatment of workplace injuries.
We must create a culture of care, and we must achieve the prime objective of zero injuries in accordance with Occupational Health and Safety Policy:
"The Northern Co-operative Meat Company Ltd group of companies (NCMC) is committed to the principle that every employee has the right to return home every day in the same state of health as he or she was in before starting work. Occupational health and safety (OH&S) is not just a priority, it is a core value of our business."
The Co-operative has been granted a self insurer licence in New South Wales partially based on:
- our commitment to occupational health and safety, and
- the fact that we have developed and implemented an AS 4801 compliant OHS Management System, and
- our safety performance
Our strategy for achieving zero injuries in the workplace is based upon four major principles.
1. Employee involvement
Working safely is a fundamental condition of employment and as such every employee is accountable for performing their role and using their skills in a manner which does not compromise the safety or health of themselves or others. Our OH&S objectives can only be achieved through effective consultation and cooperation between management and employees.
2. Effective leadership
Safety of team members is a primary accountability of leaders in our business. A leader and his/her team need to achieve their occupational health and safety objectives to be considered as performing satisfactorily, regardless of other achievements.
3. Rigorous risk management
Resources are always available to systematically manage safety through hazard identification, risk analysis and control measures with the objective of creating a safe working environment.
4. Safety management system
Safety systems and plans are developed and audits are conducted to ensure the effective implementation of our safety strategy, to raise safety awareness and to develop a positive and co-operative safety culture with a strong commitment to continuous improvement within our operations.
Building a culture of care
What special role will leaders play?
All persons in positions of leadership within the the Northern Co-operative Meat Company Ltd must be effective role models and demonstrate by their own actions and decision-making that they expect team members to take seriously their safe work accountabilities.
For example:
- Leaders need to give positive feedback that encourages appropriate safe work behaviour
- Leaders also need to let people in their teams know when they are not meeting expectations - such as 'at risk' behaviour, unsafe environment, non-compliance with PPE requirements - and take appropriate action.
What training is provided?
Training schemes for co-operative's employees ensure that employees receive consistent and relevant training throughout their employment. Training occurs:
- at induction;
- when tasks and assignments change;
- to develop competencies, skills and knowledge; and
- to maintain awareness of safety issues.
Our approach to training involves:
- Carrying out a needs analysis before training is diagnosed as a solution;
- Designing training in accordance with established formats and procedures;
- Ensuring training is delivered by appropriately qualified people;
- Assessing people for competence on the job;
- Evaluating training to measure its effectiveness and efficiency; and
- Managing training through well documented administrative procedures.
Ensuring continuous improvement
The CEO and the management team will regularly evaluate the company's OHS management system in consultation with the OH&S committee to ensure that it is aligned with company policy, operating effectively across all sites and continuing to meet the company's needs.
Full OH & S Policy
