We complete hearing tests for at-risk workers every 2 years. We have a staff member, who once was exposed to noise but now works solely in an office environment and has done so for the past 8 years, with no exposure to noise. When should we stop conducting hearing tests for him?

Can we request an employee take a drug test and that they must pass? We have heard that one of our employees has been using illicit drugs (rumour only). His attendance and performance have clearly declined. We do have a drug and alcohol policy, but it doesn’t cover testing.

We have a wash waste water pit with a rail on two sides. Should we have any kind of grate or cover, or are the rails an adequate risk control measure?

If we have robust anti-bullying and harassment procedures in place, do we still need to have a policy?

Could you please direct me to the act or regulation that states that testing and tagging must be carried out in the workplace? Our business is in New South Wales.

When working at heights from a forklift working platform (safety cage), do you need a working at height licence or to be trained internally?

What clearance around a hydrant should be left for emergency services to obtain access in an emergency? Our business is in South Australia.

Are Blue Cards mandatory for all drivers?

What can we do when a worker lies on their pre-employment medical condition questionnaire?

We have a full emergency plan in our workplace that we test and review regularly. We are currently reviewing our evacuation plans and the question arose of how many maps we require? Our workplace is a large school with maps currently displayed in each classroom. Is this necessary?

We are looking at using dogs to detect termites. We would have them in our main workplace, but also transport them to and from other worksites in our vehicles. What are our legal health and safety requirements?

Are employees still entitled to claim workers’ compensation if they sustain an injury while at work but in the process of performing an act that is not legal and/or breaches company policy? Our business operates in NSW.

What speed limit should we set for forklifts in our dedicated outside warehouse? The business is in Victoria.

In our business, we are putting together a team to complete an obstacle course to raise money for charity. Where do we stand should someone get injured in the event? Does it fall under workers’ compensation?

What health and safety policies are necessary for a small business?