We acknowledge the Gadigal of the Eora Nation, the traditional custodians of the Country on which the Art Gallery of New South Wales stands.

Work health and safety policy

At the Art Gallery of NSW we believe that a safe work place is essential for the well-being of our people and our organisation. We are committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for everyone who works at or visits the Gallery.

How do we do it?

We operate in accordance with a safety management system based on risk management, consultation and safe behaviours.

The specific responsibilities are as follows:

Board of Trustees responsibilities

In accordance with the Trust’s responsibilities for corporate governance of the Gallery, the Board will oversight WH&S risk exposures ensuring management implement strategies required to meet the Gallery’s legislative obligations.

Executive Management responsibilities

The Executive Management Team will exercise due diligence and keep up to date with WH&S legislation changes through regular briefing sessions and updates. The Executive will also maintain an up to date knowledge of incidents and risks through on-going internal reporting.

The promotion and maintenance of WH&S is primarily the responsibility of the Executive Management team. The Executive will consult with the WH&S Committee and Gallery managers to develop and implement WH&S programs that eliminate or minimise health and safety risks at the Gallery. The Executive consults with other PCBU’s operating at the Gallery work sites – specifically - the contract caterer, the Art Gallery Society and the cleaning contractor - regarding the development and implementation of WHS policies and programs.

The WH&S Programs will:

  • be resourced appropriately,

  • identify hazards, assess risks and implement control strategies to eliminate or minimise risk of injury;

  • ensure the relevant legislation (including Acts, Regulations), Codes of Practice and Standards that apply to working conditions and the work environment are observed and enforced;

  • ensure consultation in addressing health and safety issues;

  • support managers and supervisors and hold them accountable for implementing programs and specific responsibilities;

  • be regularly evaluated and improved;

  • provide appropriate training to employees and other relevant personnel to enable them to carry out their duties in a safe and healthy manner.

Manager/supervisor responsibilities

Each manager or first-line supervisor is responsible, and will be held accountable for, taking all practical measures to ensure:

  • that the workplace under their control is safe and risks to health are eliminated or minimised;

  • that the persons in the workplace under their control perform their work safely;

  • that employees, volunteers and contractors working at the gallery are consulted on WH&S issues.

  • More specifically, managers and supervisors will be held accountable for identifying and controlling any unsafe or unhealthy conditions or behaviour. If the manager/supervisor does not have the necessary authority to fix a problem, they must report the matter promptly, together with any recommendations for remedial action, to a manager who does have the necessary authority.

Worker responsibilities

All employees, contractors and volunteers working at the Gallery (which includes the Brett Whitely Studio and the off-site storage facilities) are required to cooperate with the WH&S Policy and Programs to ensure their own health and safety, and the health and safety of others in the workplace.

To achieve this they need to:

  • Be alert in identifying risks and hazards in their workplace;

  • Take whatever precautions they can to avert such risks and hazards or minimise any damage;

  • Co-operate with management in developing and implementing the WH&S Policy and Programs;

  • Make themselves familiar with health and safety policies and procedures;

  • Report all accidents, incidents or potential hazards or safety issues to their supervisor;

  • Participate in WH&S meetings as required.

  • If a staff member does not have the necessary authority to fix a problem, they must report the matter promptly, together with any recommendations for remedial action, to their supervisor or a manager who does have the necessary authority.

Volunteers/contractors responsibilities

All contractors/volunteers must be made aware via the induction process of any relevant WH&S policies and procedures and diligently comply with these. Additionally, they are to ensure that their conduct / work activities do not place anyone in the workplace at risk.

Work health and safety committee

The Work Health Safety Committee consists of representatives from key departments across the Gallery. This committee is an advisory body only. It is the responsibility of the WH&S Committee to:

  • Facilitate consultation between management and employees, contractors and volunteers on WH&S issues

  • Monitor the Gallery’s WH&S performance

  • Promote WH&S awareness

  • Make recommendations and provide statistical reports to management on WH&S issues