Contribute

How can you contribute to healthier workplaces?

Making progress following the Inquiry is not just about government bodies finding the solutions, it's about all of us taking ownership of managing health and safety issues - just as Marjorie Gordon did.

You can do your bit to reduce the hazards of chemicals in the workplace in at least three ways:

1. Be well-informed

A number of health and safety guidelines are available through the internet - including information on the websites of OSH, ACC, ERMA (now EPA) and internationally

OSH, together with other agencies and industry, is working to find ways to make this information more user-friendly and accessible, especially for small businesses. We are also working to broaden the scope of information that can help to protect working people's health and their lives.

2. Start managing hazards in your own workplace

If you are an employer, initiate a review in your own workplace about the broad issues of safety with hazardous substances. The Health and Safety in Employment (HSE) amendments, which came into force on 5 May 2003, place a general duty on employers to provide "reasonable opportunities for employees to participate effectively in ongoing processes for improvement of health and safety in the place of work", so be sure to involve your staff in this process.

If you are an employee, get involved in managing health and safety issues in your workplace, help to identify potential hazards and discuss any concerns with your colleagues and manager.