Everyone has a right to be safe when working or volunteering in sport. WHS laws require sport clubs to comply with the WHS Act and WHS Codes and Regulations. This information is provided to assist clubs incorporate risk management and WHS into their club operations and understand and comply with WHS laws.
Why does WHS apply to your club?
Since the Commonwealth’s Work Health and Safety ACT 2012 came into effect in January 2012 people conducting a business (including sport clubs) and workers (including volunteers) are protected by the same WHS laws across Australia. The WHS Act provides greater consistency and clarity about WHS laws, making it easier to understand your WHS duties. Most clubs and associations already have safety policies and practices in place, however under the WHS laws, some sport clubs may need to take new actions to comply with the WHS Act and the NSW WHS Codes of Conduct and Regulations.
What is required?
The ASC “Sporting Clubs guide to a Safe Workplace” and other WHS resources are designed to assist clubs understand and action WHS and Risk Management within their organisation.
- ASC Sporting Clubs Guide to a Safe Workplace
- Safework Australia Guide for Organisations that engage Volunteers
Risk Management
Risk Management forms an integral part of WHS and providing a safe work and sport environment for volunteers, officials, players, workers and spectators. The NSW Office of Sport has developed a new resource to assist sport clubs with risk management, as well as a s step-by-step approach to working through issues and appropriate responses to risks.
First Aid
The provision of first aid for workers and volunteers is a mandatory requirement of every employer, including sport clubs.
Checklists & Policies
These Checklists are for use by Clubs and Associations for WHS compliance and to minimise risk and Public Liability claims exposure.
WHS Information & Links
No Smoking at Sport Venues
Under the Smoke-free Environment Act 2000, smoking is prohibited in outdoor public areas, including:
- Spectator areas at sports grounds used for organised sporting events
- Within 10 metres of children’s play equipment in outdoor public places;
- Public swimming pools
- Public transport stations, bus stops, ferry wharves and taxi ranks;
- Within 4 metres of an entry to a public building
- Commercial outdoor dining areas
Individuals have an obligation to comply with this requirement at sport venues and be considerate of others. Clubs have a responsibility to provide a smoke-free workplace for workers and volunteers and should ensure that adequate No Smoking signage is in place and that every effort is made to maintain a smoke free environment at sport venues for players, officials, spectators and visitors
No Smoking signage & messaging
- Share the No Smoking message in your next newsletter
- Display signs around your grounds
- Display posters in your canteen, toilets and clubhouse
- Inform your members at meetings of the No Smoking laws
- Report offenders by completing an online reporting form
- Notify your local Public Health Unit
- Order free no smoking signs
- Visit the smoke free website
