WHO NEEDS THIS LETTER?

This letter is required for the most senior management member of the business, who has overall responsibility and accountability for the running of the business. This will usually be either the Managing Director or Chief Executive Officer.

WHAT IS THIS LETTER FOR?

This letter shows that the most senior management member of the business has taken overall responsibility for the health and safety of the business, thereby allowing health and safety to be driven within the business. 

WHY IS THIS LETTER IMPORTANT?

This letter shows that there is an ultimate accountable person who is responsible for health and safety in the business. This person is able to use their authority to ensure health and safety is driven within the business and is the person to whom the buck stops in a worst case scenario. This provides evidence to an inspector that the highest person in the organisation has been formally appointed to their health and safety responsibilities and accountability. This letter is mandatory under section 16(1) of the OHS Act and its availability shows that the employer is complying with these Regulations in respects of this appointment requirement.

VALIDITY

This letter needs to be signed by the recipient, dated and kept on record where it can be accessible to an inspector. The recipient must undergo accredited OHS Act for Management training in order to be aware of their health and safety responsibilities.

HOW DOES THIS WORK AS A CONTROL MEASURE?

In the hierarchy of controls this letter forms part of the administrative control measures which should be in place to ensure that health and safety responsibilities are driven down through the business. This letter ensures that most senior top management member is formally appointed to their health and safety duties and responsibilities in the workplace.