When it comes to workplace safety, it’s often not the big risks that trip businesses up — it’s the small, overlooked ones. In Victoria, businesses are legally required to meet certain workplace safety obligations under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (Vic). However, despite best intentions, many workplaces are still making avoidable — and potentially costly — mistakes.

Let’s break down the most common ones we see at AmbaGuard.

 

1. Thinking Safety Equipment Is ‘Set and Forget’

This is by far the most common (and dangerous) safety mistake we see. Business owners often assume that once their fire safety equipment is installed, they’re compliant.

But the reality? Without regular servicing, your equipment could fail when it matters most.

• Fire extinguishers must be serviced every 6 months
• Emergency lighting requires testing every 6 months
• RCD Testing (safety switches) should be completed every 12 months to prevent electrical faults

Failing to meet these intervals can leave your business exposed to serious risks — and hefty fines.

 

2. Outdated or Missing Evacuation Diagrams

Evacuation diagrams aren’t just a ‘nice to have’ — they’re a legal requirement. These need to be clearly visible, up to date, and meet the format requirements of AS 3745. Many businesses either don’t have them or haven’t updated them after changes to floor layouts.

 

3. Assuming Test & Tag Is One and Done

Electrical appliances must be tested and tagged at intervals based on the type of environment. In construction, for example, testing is required every 3 months. Offices may be every 12 months. A common mistake? Never rebooking after the first test.

 

4. No Regular Safety Checks

Safety is not a one-off task — it’s an ongoing process. Regular inspections help spot issues before they become incidents. But when no one’s responsible for scheduling them, things get missed.

 

5. Not Knowing What You’re Responsible For

Some business owners assume their landlord, facility manager, or maintenance team is handling safety compliance. But under Victorian OHS law, you can’t contract out your legal responsibilities. It’s up to you to ensure your site is safe and compliant.

 

What Can You Do?

Start with a safety audit. At AmbaGuard, we make compliance simple. Our services are tailored for workplaces across Victoria — including schools, aged care, builders, mechanics, warehouses, and more.

• We handle everything from:
• Fire extinguisher servicing
• RCD Testing & Test & Tag
• Emergency lighting
• Evacuation diagrams
• First aid kits and more

 

Don’t leave it to chance.

Let’s make sure your workplace is compliant and ready for anything.

📞 Call us: 0407 877 482📧 Email: [email protected]