WORKPLACE SAFETY
Health and Safety Responsibilities
Safety is a shared responsibility, but apprentices look to you to set the standard every day in the workshop. As a Host Employer, you play a leading role in shaping their approach to safe work practices and building habits that will last their career. You are expected to provide:
Safe Workplace
Provide a safe and compliant workplace that meets all OHSE requirements.
Supervision
Supervise apprentices with qualified and experienced staff.
Safe Practices
Reinforce safe work practices and encourage speaking up about hazards.
Induction and PPE Requirements
On an apprentice’s first day, you are responsible for completing a workplace induction that covers:
- Emergency exits, evacuation points, and first aid contacts.
- Workplace policies on safety, behaviour, and bullying.
- Introductions to supervisors, mentors, and health and safety representatives.
You must also ensure apprentices have the correct PPE for your site. VACC can assist with acquiring basic items such as steel-capped boots and overalls, while you may need to supply additional gear like gloves or eye protection. As the Host Employer, you are expected to enforce the proper and consistent use of PPE.
Your Duty of Care
Legally and ethically, you have a duty of care to your apprentices. This means:
- Maintaining safe equipment and facilities.
- Providing close and qualified supervision.
- Giving apprentices the variety of work they need to meet training requirements.
- Responding quickly and effectively to hazards or incidents.
VACC/TACC supports you with audits, compliance monitoring, and regular communication. If a workplace does not meet required safety standards, apprentices will not be placed there — or will be removed until it is safe.
Reporting Hazards and Incidents
You should have clear processes for reporting hazards, near misses, and incidents. Apprentices are expected to report issues immediately to their supervisor, and you must act quickly to make the workplace safe. Your Field Manager will also need to be notified, and serious matters may need to go to WorkSafe. VACC provides reporting templates to make this process simple, but you are responsible for ensuring issues are logged and addressed.
