To help with the topic, we have released this discussion White Paper to provide some interpretation and options available to duty holders on achieving compliance. Specifically, there needs to be documentary evidence that no asbestos has been used in the construction, or that an audit has been identified asbestos as far as is reasonably practicable.

More recently, a recent announcement by Safe Work Australia amends the model WHS Act by making it mandatory for a regulators to issue a “prohibited asbestos notice” if they believe that a workplace contains prohibited asbestos in any building. This will address the issue of asbestos installed in buildings post 2003.

For more information and assistance, contact Safety Systems on 1300 797 312.

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“I have gone from an enforcement role to an advisory one,” Paul said. “Safety Systems’ role is to demystify OH&S for people.” because a lot of businesses don’t have time to study all the technical aspects and legislative requirements. Paul developed some pamphlets, but never really needed them – it all snowballed from word of mouth. Our first clients were mainly big companies, like Empire Rubber and Keech Castings. “Occupational health and safety is a continuing program, it’s changing all the time.”

Challenges in Starting a Small Business

When asked about the challenges in starting a small business Paul said “We almost had to sell the farm to buy the first laptop and digital camera, and I had to learn the basics of doing an invoice,” he laughs. “Now, we have a large range of technical equipment for testing, and information for training programs. We can consult or train on everything from safe work procedures and risk assessments to noise management, harassment, emergency response plans and incident investigation. “Making OH&S user-friendly, less daunting for businesses, is very rewarding.”

His advice to others thinking of branching out on their own is simple: “Focus on your core service, do it well, and then branch out.”

Our Growth

Now Safety Systems has three asbestos assessors, two of which are occupational hygienists. Paul is still delivering the bulk of our safety training courses with Denise providing First Aid. We are a registered training organisation, delivering a range of nationally accredited safety courses. We have a dedicated team of admin and customer service staff that ensure the office is always manned and ready to assist with any customer enquiries.

We are looking to increase our staffing to meet our exceeding demand for safety services. Although we started in a small office in Junortoun, we now work from our training centre and office space located in East Bendigo.

Services We Provide

Over the years have increased our range of services, recently adding Respirator Fit Testing, Clandestine Drug Lab testing and have developed a proprietary QR Code system for asbestos register management.

Although we have added many services to our scope, we still maintain our roots of providing specialist asbestos management services and OHS procedures. We have grown to over 1500 clients in the past 20 years and we are always looking for ways to bring savings and efficiencies to our growing list of clients.

In line with our continuous improvement activities and our understanding of the ever-changing world of safety, we are always working to improve our client satisfaction and quality of our consulting services. We understand the significant delays faced on construction sites when material samples need to be sent away for testing, so we are in the final stages of gaining NATA accreditation to provide onsite hour-turnaround asbestos testing services, meaning your construction projects can stay on track.

We are also investigating a range of safety courses which we will be endeavouring to add to our scope.

Keep watching this space to see how our company is growing and developing. We are very thankful to all our clients old and new, and their contributions to the companies’ success. We hope the next 20 years will bring as much growth and learning as the last.

The post Our Company Story appeared first on Safety Systems.

These precautions are implemented to ensure we protect the health and safety of our staff and clients. We further aim to ensure we can maintain our business operations during this time.

At this time, we are attempting to minimise disruption and continue with as many of our projects and audit programs as possible. Although we are continuing our work, we are constantly reviewing and updating our policies as advice from the government is provided.

• Our auditors will not attend a site without your permission
• Our auditors work independently with limited to no contact with your staff.
• Our auditors exercise a 1.5m social distancing rule as required by the Government.
• We require our auditors to wear necessary PPE, including respirators.
• Our auditors exercise robust hygiene practices including sanitizing hands
• Our auditors have limited contact with other staff members at our office and adhere to the restrictions in place by State & Federal Government.
• We will adhere to any other policies and procedures put in place by you.
• Please contact our office if you have any further questions.

Stay Safe,
Safety Systems Team

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