Workplace Health and Safety Policy

Vantage NSW Pty Ltd
Effective Date: 1st June 2025

1. Purpose

Vantage NSW is committed to providing a safe and healthy workplace for all employees,contractors, and visitors. Our organisation recognises its duty under the law to ensure, so faras is reasonably practicable, the health and safety of all people in our workplace.The safety and wellbeing of our people is a core priority. We actively work to preventworkplace incidents, manage hazards, and build a safety-first culture through compliance,training, consultation, and continuous improvement.

This policy outlines our commitment to workplace health and safety and establishes theresponsibilities, processes, and legislative framework that govern our WHS systems. Itprovides a basis for identifying, assessing, and managing workplace hazards and risks.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

  • All employees (full-time, part-time, and casual)
  • Contractors and labour hire personnel
  • Volunteers, interns, and work experience students
  • Visitors and clients attending our worksites or offices
  • Any location where work is carried out on behalf of Vantage NSW

3. Our Commitment

Vantage NSW will:

  • Comply with all applicable health and safety legislation, codes of practice, and standards.
  • Maintain safe systems of work and a working environment that minimises health and safety risks.
  • Consult with workers and safety representatives on WHS matters.
  • Provide information, instruction, training, and supervision to ensure safe work practices.
  • Promptly report and investigate workplace incidents, injuries, and near misses.
  • Monitor and review WHS performance and management systems regularly.
  • Support early intervention, rehabilitation, and return to work strategies.

4. Applicability

This policy applies across all business functions, service lines, and project activities undertaken by Vantage NSW. It governs all workplaces, including:

  • Agricultural and remote field operations
  • Retail and parts service environments
  • Administrative and office-based workspaces
  • Temporary and mobile worksites

This policy should be read in conjunction with applicable site-specific safety procedures, task-based risk assessments, and award-specific compliance requirements relevant to:

  • The Clerks – Private Sector Award 2020
  • The General Retail Industry Award 2020
  • The Pastoral Award 2020 This policy applies to:
  • All employees (full-time, part-time, and casual)
  • Contractors and labour hire personnel
  • Volunteers, interns, and work experience students
  • Visitors and clients attending our worksites or offices
  • Any location where work is carried out on behalf of Vantage NSW

5. Our Objectives

Vantage NSW aims to:

  • Provide and maintain a safe and healthy working environment for all personnel.
  • Proactively identify, assess, and control workplace hazards and risks.
  • Comply with all relevant WHS laws, regulations, codes of practice, and industrial instruments.
  • Embed a positive safety culture through leadership, training, and communication.
  • Promote a consultative approach to safety that values worker input.
  • Ensure incident reporting, investigation, and corrective actions are completed in a timely manner.
  • Support the physical and psychological wellbeing of workers through early intervention and support strategies.
  • Continuously improve WHS management systems through review and performance monitoring. This policy outlines our commitment to workplace health and safety and establishes the responsibilities, processes, and legislative framework that govern our WHS systems. It provides a basis for identifying, assessing, and managing workplace hazards and risks.

6. Acknowledgement of Obligations

Legislative Overview

This policy aligns with and is underpinned by the following legislation, industrial instruments, and standards:

Primary Legislation

  • Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth)
  • Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 (Cth)
  • Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (NSW)
  • Work Health and Safety Regulation 2017 (NSW)

Other Relevant Legislation

  • Safe Work Australia Act 2008 (Cth)
  • Workers Compensation Act 1987 (NSW)
  • Workplace Injury Management and Workers Compensation Act 1998 (NSW)
  • Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) (as it relates to WHS obligations and rights)
  • Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) (relating to confidentiality in health records)

Awards and Industrial Instruments

Vantage NSW recognises and complies with its obligations under the following relevant industrial awards:

  • Clerks – Private Sector Award 2020 – applicable to administrative and clerical employees
  • General Retail Industry Award 2020 – applicable to retail and parts sales personnel
  • Pastoral Award 2020 – applicable to field-based agricultural workers and machinery operators

All risk identification, safety systems, and role-specific procedures are implemented in
accordance with the minimum safety standards and duty of care requirements embedded
within these awards. Risk controls are tailored to reflect:

  • Fatigue and hours of work provisions
  • Supervision and training requirements
  • Exposure to environmental conditions (e.g. outdoor heat or dust)
  • Physical demands or repetitive tasks associated with the role

Codes of Practice and Standards

  • Model Codes of Practice by Safe Work Australia (e.g. "Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces", "Hazardous Manual Tasks")
  • AS/NZS ISO 45001:2018 – Occupational health and safety management systems
  • National Standard for Construction Work
  • National Code of Practice for the Prevention of Falls in General Construction
  • Code of Practice for Agricultural Mobile Field Machinery with Autonomous Functions
  • (2021) This policy aligns with and is underpinned by the following legislation and standards:

Primary Legislation

  • Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth)
  • Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 (Cth)
  • Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (NSW)
  • Work Health and Safety Regulation 2017 (NSW)

Other Relevant Legislation

  • Safe Work Australia Act 2008 (Cth)
  • Workers Compensation Act 1987 (NSW)
  • Workplace Injury Management and Workers Compensation Act 1998 (NSW)
  • Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) (as it relates to WHS obligations and rights)
  • Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) (relating to confidentiality in health records)

Codes of Practice and Standards

  • Model Codes of Practice by Safe Work Australia (e.g. "Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces", "Hazardous Manual Tasks")
  • AS/NZS ISO 45001:2018 – Occupational health and safety management systems
  • National Standard for Construction Work
  • National Code of Practice for the Prevention of Falls in General Construction
  • Code of Practice for Agricultural Mobile Field Machinery with Autonomous Functions (2021)

7. Operational Controls

Vantage NSW implements the following key operational controls to support its WHS
commitments:

  • Risk assessments conducted prior to commencing new tasks or projects.
  • Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) tailored to role and task.
  • Hazard and incident reporting systems accessible to all personnel.
  • Regular site inspections and safety audits to identify non-compliance or emerging risks.
  • Inductions and refresher training to ensure role-specific awareness of hazards and controls.
  • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) issued and maintained in accordance with task requirements.
  • Emergency management procedures including fire safety, first aid, and evacuation protocols.
  • Environmental controls to address risks related to dust, heat, chemical handling, or terrain.

These operational controls are regularly reviewed to ensure alignment with legislative
changes, industry best practice, and feedback from staff and safety representatives. Vantage
NSW will:

  • Comply with all applicable health and safety legislation, codes of practice, and standards.
  • Maintain safe systems of work and a working environment that minimises health and safety risks.
  • Consult with workers and safety representatives on WHS matters.
  • Provide information, instruction, training, and supervision to ensure safe work practices.
  • Promptly report and investigate workplace incidents, injuries, and near misses.
  • Monitor and review WHS performance and management systems regularly.
  • Support early intervention, rehabilitation, and return to work strategies.

8. Responsibilities and Duty of Care

Under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (NSW) and associated regulations, all persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU), workers, and others in the workplace have a legal duty of care to ensure health and safety so far as is reasonably practicable.

Duty of Care

  • Vantage NSW as the PCBU has the primary duty to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety of workers and others affected by the work it undertakes.
  • Officers (e.g. Directors and Senior Managers) must exercise due diligence to ensure the business complies with its WHS obligations, including understanding hazards and allocating resources appropriately.
  • Workers have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others, and to comply with reasonable instructions, policies, and procedures.
  • Other persons (e.g. visitors, clients, contractors) must take reasonable care for their own health and safety and comply with safety instructions.

Responsibilities

Senior Management will:

  • Lead by example and promote a positive safety culture.
  • Provide adequate resources to implement this policy.
  • Ensure compliance with legal obligations.
  • Monitor safety performance and outcomes.

Supervisors and Managers will:

  • Implement safety procedures and ensure safe work environments.
  • Provide training and instruction as needed.
  • Act on safety concerns and incident reports.

Employees will:

  • Take reasonable care of their own health and safety.
  • Follow all safe work procedures and policies.
  • Report hazards, injuries, and incidents without delay.
  • Participate in WHS training and consultation processes.

Contractors, Visitors and Volunteers will:

  • Comply with our WHS procedures and instructions while onsite.
  • Report any unsafe conditions or incidents to a manager.
  • Take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others.
  • Follow directions provided by supervisors or site representatives.

9. Our Governance

Vantage NSW applies robust governance practices to oversee and guide all workplace health
and safety operations. Our governance structure ensures that WHS responsibilities are
clearly defined and integrated into every level of decision-making. This includes:

  • Executive oversight through the Managing Director and Board of Directors (if applicable)
  • Delegated WHS responsibilities to line managers, team leaders, and supervisors
  • Ongoing WHS consultation and representation through safety committees and/or appointed health and safety representatives
  • Integration of WHS performance metrics into business reporting and strategic planning
  • Independent audits and compliance reviews to ensure regulatory alignment and continuous improvement.

Our governance approach ensures that safety is not only a compliance requirement but a strategic business priority. Vantage NSW is committed to providing a safe and healthy workplace for all employees, contractors, and visitors. Our organisation recognises its duty under the law to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety of all people in our workplace.

The safety and wellbeing of our people is a core priority. We actively work to prevent workplace incidents, manage hazards, and build a safety-first culture through compliance, training, consultation, and continuous improvement.

10. Commitment to Quality Assurance and Quality Improvement

Vantage NSW is committed to the ongoing review and enhancement of its WHS systems through a structured approach to quality assurance and continuous improvement.

Commitment to Quality Assurance

We apply consistent, high-quality standards in the delivery, monitoring, and documentation
of WHS practices. This includes:

  • Conducting internal audits and compliance checks against policies, procedures, and relevant legislation
  • Ensuring WHS documents and procedures are current, accurate, and accessible
  • Benchmarking performance against industry standards and regulatory expectations
  • Engaging independent third-party reviews when required

Commitment to Quality Improvement

We foster a workplace culture that encourages learning, innovation, and proactive risk
management. Our improvement practices include:

  • Investigating incidents to identify root causes and implement corrective actions
  • Capturing feedback from employees and safety representatives to inform change
  • Analysing trends and emerging risks to strengthen preventive systems
  • Reviewing KPIs and performance data to refine our WHS strategy

This policy will be reviewed annually, or more frequently if required due to changes in legislation, operations, or as a result of an incident or audit. Updates will be communicated to all workers and stakeholders. This policy will be reviewed annually, or more frequently if required due to changes in legislation, operations, or as a result of an incident or audit.
Updates will be communicated to all workers and stakeholders.

11. Commitment to Learning

Vantage NSW recognises that a strong safety culture is underpinned by a commitment to ongoing learning. We:

  • Promote continuous professional development and WHS-specific training
  • Encourage open dialogue and safe reporting of incidents to support shared learning
  • Integrate lessons learned into training materials, procedures, and communications
  • Recognise and share positive safety practices across teams and sites

This policy will be reviewed annually, or more frequently if required due to changes in legislation, operations, or as a result of an incident or audit. Updates will be communicated to all workers and stakeholders. Vantage NSW is committed to the ongoing review and enhancement of its WHS systems through a structured approach to quality assurance and continuous improvement.

12. Commitment to our Australian Farmers

Vantage NSW serves Australia’s farmers with integrity, innovation, and care. We commit to supporting:

  • Safer farming systems through technology-enabled solutions
  • Access to best-practice tools and technical advice
  • Respect for the unique needs of regional and remote agricultural operations

Our commitment extends beyond compliance we strive to lead by example, support rural resilience, and deliver safety solutions that truly serve Australia’s farmers. Vantage NSW is committed to providing a safe and healthy workplace for all employees, contractors, and visitors. Our organisation recognises its duty under the law to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety of all people in our workplace.

13. Commitment to our Industry

Vantage NSW is a dedicated contributor to the advancement of Australia’s agricultural,
technology, and rural service industries. We:

  • Participate in national conversations on ag-tech regulation, WHS, and innovation
  • Collaborate with industry partners, OEMs, regulators, and training organisations to raise safety standards
  • Advocate for practical, evidence-based improvements in field safety, digital integration, and workforce development
  • Develop and share tools, insights, and best practices that strengthen the collective capability of our industry
  • Commit to ethical leadership and responsible supply chain engagement that uplifts industry resilience

Our WHS systems are not just internally focused they are designed to be scalable, transferrable, and future-facing, reinforcing our position as a trusted and progressive industry leader. As a trusted partner in agricultural innovation and field operations, Vantage NSW is deeply committed to the safety, success, and sustainability of Australian farmers. We:

  • Design and deliver WHS systems that support on-farm productivity without compromising safety
  • Tailor our operational procedures to the realities of remote, seasonal, and autonomous agricultural environments
  • Work closely with farmers to identify risks, implement safe practices, and build local capability
  • Champion the wellbeing of farming families and communities by embedding support, compliance, and care into every solution we offer
  • Align our safety and service commitments with the unique requirements of the Pastoral
  • Award 2020 and the broader agriculture sector

Our commitment extends beyond compliance we strive to lead by example, support rural resilience, and deliver safety solutions that truly serve Australia’s farmers. Vantage NSW is committed to providing a safe and healthy workplace for all employees, contractors, and visitors. Our organisation recognises its duty under the law to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety of all people in our workplace.

14. Company Risk Appetite Statement

Vantage NSW is committed to responsible and forward-thinking risk management that enables business growth, innovation, and sector leadership while protecting people, assets, and the environment. We adopt a structured, transparent, and evidence-informed approach to determining which risks we will accept, mitigate, or avoid.

We have zero tolerance for risks that may:

  • Breach legal or regulatory requirements
  • Result in serious injury or death
  • Cause significant reputational damage
  • Disrupt core business operations
  • Compromise the privacy and confidentiality of stakeholders

We accept controlled risk where it:

  • Supports innovation and long-term strategic outcomes
  • Is managed within clearly defined governance and compliance frameworks
  • Offers strong potential for operational efficiencies, partnerships, or market advantage
  • Is consistent with our values, strategic direction, and commitment to regional sustainability

Our appetite for risk is regularly reviewed by the leadership team and integrated into all
levels of business planning, investment decisions, and project delivery.

Risk Matrix Alignment

The following matrix outlines how risks are evaluated and aligned with our risk appetite:

Consequence \ Likelihood Rare Unlikely Possible Likely Almost Certain
Catastrophic M H E E E
Major M H H E E
Moderate L M H H E
Minor L L M H H
Insignificant L L L M H

Legend:

  • L – Low Risk: Acceptable with routine controls
  • M – Moderate Risk: Acceptable with management oversight
  • H – High Risk: Requires active monitoring and mitigation strategies
  • E – Extreme Risk: Not acceptable; requires immediate action or avoidance

Vantage NSW – Autonomous Agricultural Machinery Operations

At Vantage NSW, we embrace innovation that advances Australian agriculture—while prioritising the safety of people, assets, and operations. The use of autonomous and semiautonomous mobile field machinery introduces transformative potential across productivity, precision, and profitability. However, we acknowledge it also presents emerging and dynamic risks that must be actively assessed and governed.

Vantage NSW has a low tolerance for risks that may result in:

  • Injury or harm to employees, contractors, or bystanders
  • Environmental damage or unsafe pesticide/fertiliser application
  • Regulatory non-compliance, especially under WHS and AgVet Codes
  • Public loss of confidence in autonomous operations

Vantage NSW accepts moderate, well-controlled risk in areas that:

  • Enable productivity gains and innovation
  • Require calculated investment in training, systems, and connectivity infrastructure
  • Depend on new or developing interoperability between machines, software, or networks
  • Demand flexibility in applying safe work procedures to real-time field variability

Our risk appetite is underpinned by:

  • Adherence to the 2021 Code of Practice for Agricultural Mobile Field Machinery with Autonomous Functions
  • A commitment to ongoing risk review and WHS leadership
  • Transparent governance, with documented operational and change control systems
  • Partnership with OEMs, regulators, and industry groups for knowledge sharing and early response

We remain committed to continuous learning and industry stewardship, while recognising our duty of care to Australian farmers, communities, and the environment.

15. Risk Summary

In addition to the risks associated with autonomous machinery, Vantage NSW has identified the following major risks within its overall operations, applicable across its award-aligned workforce and diverse service areas:

Identified Major Company Risks

  • Manual Handling: Risk of musculoskeletal injury due to lifting, pushing, pulling or repetitive strain, particularly relevant to logistics, warehousing, and fieldwork.
  • Working at Heights: Risk of falls or falling objects during elevated work tasks or use of ladders, machinery, or platforms.
  • Journey Management: Risks associated with travel between remote sites, exposure to fatigue, vehicle accidents, or unplanned incidents.
  • Fatigue Management: Physical and mental exhaustion due to long hours, heat exposure, shift work, or repetitive tasks, especially under the Pastoral and Clerks Awards.
  • Vehicle Operation Management: Risks from mobile equipment and vehicle operation, including maintenance, collision, or unauthorised use.
  • Working in Isolation: Heightened risk due to limited supervision, delayed emergency response, or exposure to unknown hazards.
  • Working Remotely: Increased exposure to environmental conditions, communication limitations, and restricted access to immediate support.
  • Working in Extreme Weather Conditions: Risk of heat stroke, dehydration, sun exposure, or hypothermia due to varying climatic conditions, particularly in regional field operations.

Approved by

Michael Casey
Managing Director
Vantage NSW

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