OutdoorHQ Host Health & Safety Policy: Ensuring a Safe Environment

At OutdoorHQ, we are dedicated to providing a safe and protected environment for both landowners and members.

Our goal is to empower landowners to comply with Recreational access and the Health and Safety at Work Act (2015) while mitigating risks and promoting responsible and ethical behaviour among our OutdoorHQ members. We expect all members to have a solid understanding of firearm safety, farm etiquette, and to conduct themselves in a safe and responsible manner while respecting host rules.

Our objectives are as follows:

  1. Compliance and Risk Mitigation:
  2. Information and Accountability:
    • Inform landowners and OutdoorHQ members of any changes in their WorkSafe Health and Safety responsibilities.
    • Provide accountability through competent, capable, and consistent management of members.
    • Manage members through firearms license checks, referees, pre-membership exams, and a star-rating system.
    • Educate members on the safe use of firearms and farm etiquette.
    • Enhance member safety through education and accountability.

HSWA Requirement:

  • Ensure visitors are made aware of potential hazards or workplace risks not normally expected on a farm.

OUTDOORHQ SOLUTION

To ensure HSWA compliance and effective communication, we have implemented the following features:

  1. Hazards Information:
    • Landowners are asked to document known or potential work-related hazards during the listing process, such as tree-felling, blasting, machinery operation, pest control activities, and more.
    • Additionally, it is recommended to document known natural hazards that visitors may encounter, such as bluffs, landslides, rivers, and wasps’ nests.
  2. Farm Rules and Safety Information:
    • Landowners have the option to provide a farm policy/information document that is sent to the lead member when a booking is made. This document outlines important safety information, including the location of first aid kits, evacuation points, and specific rules regarding dogs, gear restrictions, speed limits, and other relevant guidelines.
    • Alternatively, landowners can include a dedicated section on the listing page titled “Farm Rules and Safety.” This section specifies hazards, rules, and safety guidelines that guests must acknowledge and agree to adhere to when making a booking.
  3. Arrival and Departure Communication:
    • Visitors are required to notify landowners about their arrival and departure times through alternative means of communication, such as email or phone call. Landowners should provide contact information for visitors to use.
  4. Personal Interaction:
    • While not mandatory, landowners may choose to personally greet visitors upon arrival to reiterate work-related hazards or provide other important safety information.
  5. Visitor Safety and Tracking:
    • Landowners should ensure that visitors are aware of safety protocols and hazards before their arrival. They may choose alternative methods to track visitors’ locations on their property, such as written sign-in/out sheets or verbal communication.

LANDOWNER GUARANTEE

OutdoorHQ provides ALL members with $10 million Public Liability and $1 million statutory liability insurance coverage. In case of legally negligent acts, this insurance protects both members and landowners, ensuring reimbursement for any damages caused.

Please note that the OutdoorHQ Landowner Guarantee does not cover cash and securities, collectibles, rare artwork, jewellery, or pets. We recommend securing or removing valuables when providing accommodation.

YOUR RESPONSIBILITY

By listing with OutdoorHQ, we equip you with the necessary tools to maintain HSWA compliance. It is crucial that you promptly update your listing with any new work-related hazards as they arise.

We are committed to assisting you in remaining HSWA compliant, and we will send regular reminders to update your hazard information, farm rules, and availability calendar.

For further clarification on your responsibilities as a PCBU (Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking), please refer to the following links:

If you have any additional questions or require further assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out. We are here to support you in creating a safe and enjoyable environment for all participants.