Lancers charge through safety inspection
Volume 11, No. 49, August 10, 2006
By Capt Barry James

THE Army Safe Advisory Service (ASAS) recently completed the NSW leg of its 2006 Safety Management Systems Audit program.

As part of this round, a two-man audit team visited Tamworth, the music capital of Australia, and its defenders ­– 12/16 HRL.

While audit teams note units’ physical occupational health and safety status, they concentrate on OHS management and the policies and procedures that are set in place through unit orders etc.

This package together, makes units a safer place in which to train and work.

Most units audited so far around the country have been compliant with OHS requirements, although there are a few areas of concern common to all.

For example while units are generally very good at creating their own OHS standing orders, the absence of any complementary training and documentation tends to weaken the intended effect.

The audit team in Tamworth are happy to report that 12/16 HRL is a dedicated unit whose leaders take safety seriously.

The Lancers have good systems and safety initiatives in place to make their unit a healthier and safer place to work.

The ASAS teams are required to visit every regular and reserve unit to check their compliance against various nationally recognised OHS, quality and environmental standards.

ASAS is now a well established section within Army Safe. It consists of a dedicated group of reserve officers, warrant officers and senior NCOs.