Work Health and Safety (WHS) – External

According to Safe Work Australia, managing work health and safety risks in the workplace involves four steps (see figure below):

1. Identifying hazard—finding out what could cause harm

2. Assessing risks (if necessary) - understanding the nature of the harm that could be caused by the hazard, how serious the harm could be and the likelihood of it happening.

3. Controlling risks—implementing the most effective control measure that is reasonably practicable in the circumstances

4. Reviewing control measures - ensuring control measures are working as planned.

Control measures must be selected to eliminate the risk, so far as is reasonably practicable. If elimination is not reasonably practicable, the risks must be minimised so far as is reasonably practicable. This will equally apply to both internal and external environments.Depending on your practice location, patient demographics and services provided, the levels of security will vary.

• Is the area free of all current and potential hazards?
• If the hazard is identified remove the hazard or make it safe; use appropriate staff or tradespeople as required.
• Can people exit the immediate area if required due to an emergency?
• Ensure an emergency plan is in place, exits marked and that staff are aware of the plan.
• An emergency plan is a written set of instructions that outline what workers and others at the workplace should do in an emergency.
• As the practice manager, you (or the nominated safety officer) should review all areas of the practice on a regular basis to ensure a safe environment.
• Is your practice compliant with the relevant legislation: federal, state or local council?

• There should be appropriate parking available either onsite or in close proximity to the practice. Consider disabled and ambulance designated parking areas.
• If the car park is onsite this should be well lit at appropriate times.
• You may need to consider video monitoring of the external aspects of the practice, in-hours, out of hours or both.
• You (and staff) should check the area regularly to ensure it is kept free of potential hazards – including rubbish or trees.
• The grounds should be kept clean and in good condition.

• The practice should have appropriate external signage with name of the practice, contact details, opening hours and after-hours arrangements (and contact phone number).
• External signage should comply with local council regulations; permits may be required.
• The building provides an external advertisement for your practice; ensure it is well maintained.
• Regular preventative maintenance and upkeep should be undertaken.
• The building should provide appropriate disabled access in accordance with required legislation.
• If you are a tenant, you should ensure that the landlord maintains the building in a state that represents a professional practice.
• There should be a security system installed with back-to-base monitoring; some companies provide a service where you set up normal entry/exit hours and if the building is entered outside these hours, the nominated person (normally the practice manager) is contacted.
• Door keys and codes to security/entry systems are given to appropriate staff; you should maintain a register of keys and ensure staff return any keys upon ceasing employment with the practice.
• Include external WHS as part of the induction program.
• Ensure an up-to-date list of contact numbers is maintained and available; this would include details for essential services (power, gas, telephone), security company, electrician, plumber, local council contact, landlord or property agent.