Applicants please note registration and payment for the 2008-09 SABS program close on Thursday 21 August 2008.
The WorkCover Safety Achiever Business System (SABS) is a program for large businesses (who pay a WorkCover levy of $100,000 or more) that promotes a business management systems approach to occupational health, safety and welfare (OHSW) and injury management.
Implementing the SABS standards enables employers to develop management systems capable of providing:
- flexibility in developing and implementing strategies to reduce risk and generate fewer and less severe injuries and lower claims costs
- integration of OHSW and injury management systems with the core functions of the organisation
- assurance that a high level of performance is being maintained with a focus on continuous improvement.
Compliance with the SABS standards should:
- provide a framework that allows employers to meet legislative responsibilities for OHSW and injury management
- reduce the cost, duration and severity of workers compensation claims
- help employers contribute to a reduction in the overall number and cost of work related inuries, disease and fatalaities in their workplaces.
The SABS standards do not replace legislative requirements or relieve organisations from the responsibility of complying with those requirements.
Registered employers who are successful in achieving full conformance with the SABS standards and meet the eligibility criteria for the SafeWork Incentive (SWI) program will be offered participation in this program.
Changes to SABS
- The cost of registering for SABS will now be $4,400 (inclusive of GST) per employer. This cost reflects the time required to undertake the evaluation and, importantly, also provide guidance and support to employers to ensure quality outcomes. A range of documented evaluation practices and guidance materials can be found below under the 'documentation' heading.
- The CEO Statement, which was formerly provided by an employer prior to undergoing the SABS evaluation, has been replaced by a more detailed self-audit document. This must be completed before an employer is evaluated. We believe this new practice will allow an employer to better ‘showcase’ its system.
- Those employers applying with the intention of accessing the SWI program for 2009-2011 need to be aware, the WorkCover Board will consider issues relating to levy arrangements in the coming months. These changes might affect incentives offered in the SWI program for 2009-2011.
Are you eligible for SABS?
All employers who meet the following criteria will be invited to register for a SABS evaluation:
- Currently registered with WorkCoverSA and will remain registered up to 30 June 2008.
- Paid a base industry levy (ie, levy payable at industry rates prior to any bonus or penalty, GST or other adjustment) of $100,000 or more in the 2007-08 financial year.
Contact the Self Insured Operations and Systems Unit on 8233 2006 for more information.
Documentation
Safety Achiever Business System OHS&W and injury management audit [557KB]
Safety Achiever Business System OHS&W and injury management standards [186KB]
Safety Achiever Business System practice guidelines [505KB]