In the November 2015 issue of Governance Directions, the Journal of Governance Institute of Australia, Kott Gunning employment law partner, Tim Lethbridge, writes about the more subtle hazards more commonly ignored, or not easily identified, when it comes to physical and mental health issues arising in professional services organisations. In particular, during the November and December period, where festive social functions start to dominate the working week, potential hazards and risks are easily overlooked by employers and others who have significant responsibilities arising under the Act.
In particular
- The definition of the 'workplace' encompasses any area where the employee is required to attend for work related reasons.
- Employers have a general 'duty of care' obligation and directors, managers, company secretaries and officers of an employer may also be personally liable for breaches.
- An employer should query whether they have done everything reasonably practicable to provide a safe system of work, bearing in mind the extended definition of a workplace.
Click the link Governance Directions Festive Season Workplace Safety to read the full article, courtesy of the Governance Institute of Australia.
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