If you are an employer, also known as a person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU), you are responsible for ensuring that the workplace is safe and designed to allow safe movement and evacuation in case of emergencies. Key aspects to consider include:
- safe entry and exit points, and ease of movement within the workplace
- adequate lighting for work activities and emergency evacuations
- proper airflow to reduce health risks
- ensuring workers are protected from extreme temperatures
- clean and accessible toilets
- washing facilities
- safe drinking water
- break rooms
- rest areas for workers who need specific accommodations
- first aid kits and trained first aiders.
You should also regularly monitor workplace conditions to maintain a safe environment ensuring:
- prompt repairs or replacements of damaged furniture, plumbing, air conditioning, or lighting
- regular replenishment of consumables such as soap and toilet paper
- a cleaning schedule is in place that fits the type of work and number of workers.
WHS duties for employers and PCBUs
If you manage or control a workplace, you are responsible for ensuring the physical and mental health and safety of your workers which includes providing them with information, training and support. You also need to regularly consult with your workers and other duty holders on any health and safety issues that could affect them.
Learn more about work health and safety consultation, cooperation and coordination.
Food delivery platforms, riders and food outlets must work together to manage health and safety risks. When multiple PCBUs share responsibilities, they must consult, cooperate, and coordinate their activities to maintain work health and safety.
We have developed a checklist for businesses and workers engaged in food delivery services. This checklist is most applicable for food delivery riders using bicycles, e-bikes, motor scooters and motorcycles and may also be useful for those delivering food in a car.