Page 80 - Australasian Paint & Panel Nov-Dec 2022

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2022 WINNER
PAINT&PANEL NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2022 WWW.PAINTANDPANEL.COM.AU
BEST SAFETY WINNER
WHEN YOU BRING A LAWYER INTO THE TEAM, THEN YOU KNOW THAT COMPLIANCE IS GOING TO BE KING. NOW THAT JOHN KARAVASILIAS’ WIFE SARAH IS WORKING IN THE BUSINESS, EVERY BOX IS TICKED.
S SARAH KARAVASILIAS IS A trained solicitor and has taken on the position of dedicated OHS, HR and in- house counsel at MPSR. She engaged Compliance OH&S (OH&S) who have teamed together to generate the MPSR WHS Management System (250-pages) detailing WHS, bul- lying harassment and anti-discrimina- tion, drugs and alcohol, fatigue, mental health management and work travel policies. Monthly risk managements are conducted which keeps the workshop
up to date with identified risks.
The 50-strong team has several mem- bers who have attained the St John Am- bulance Australia First Aid certification
at MPSR’s expense.
Sarah diarises and organises the fire,
electrical and first aid checks. MPSR’s electrician updates the work health and safety electrical testing register.
Sarah file notes any incidents (video footage on site) and liaises with Emma Dalley of Industry Legal Group (AAAA) for advice on incidents. Sarah also has a register which ensures each tradesman is qualified/licensed.
MPSR’s spray booths are serviced eve- ry fortnight – the shop repairs up to 150 cars per week and needs every piece of equipment performing at its peak
The presence of the team from Com- pliance OH&S and Sarah with the crea- tion of policy has promoted a culture of safe work at MPSR. Constant dialogue with employees and the most senior staff enforces the policy.
A two-hour induction is scheduled for all staff members with lunch. New em- ployees are inducted as part of their em- ployment contract document.
Subcontractors are separately induct- ed with MPRS policy prior to them en- tering the building.
MPSR has a check in for guests who receive an email attaching the visitor site induction document. Sarah and OH&S Compliance have developed a checklist required to be completed prior to a sub-contractor entering the premis- es, including the provision of their in- surances and licenses.
Any serious OHS risk that is mitigated but not followed by staff is taken seri- ously, John may give a warning letter to that staff member to enforce compli- ance.