Annual WHS check of parish facilities

Description

This article outlines the process for conducting annual Work Health and Safety (WHS) checks of parish buildings.

Overview

Parish Councils are legally responsible for ensuring, as far as reasonably practicable, the health and safety of all parish workers. One effective way to meet this obligation is by conducting regular inspections of parish facilities for hazards, and faulty plant and equipment.

Annual inspection process

• Use the WHS Hazard Identification Checklist (Form 9) provided by the Synod Office to carry out annual inspections.
• An inspection team (typically a Churchwarden and another Parish Council member with responsibility for facilities) should complete the checklist.
• Use one checklist per building (e.g. separate forms for the church, parish hall, ).
• If a hazard is resolved during the inspection, note this on the
• If the issue cannot be resolved immediately, log it in the WHS Risk
• Table a copy of the Risk Register at the next Parish Council
• Parish Council must decide on appropriate actions to eliminate or reduce each
• Update the Risk Register with actions taken and their

Related resources

• Parish WHS Forms