Newcastle Cosmetic Doctor (NCD) is committed to providing a safe environment for patients, staff, and visitors. This WHS policy is underpinned by the NSW Work Health and Safety Act 2011, Safe Work Australia standards, NSW Health infection and safety policies, and the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care (ACSQHC) national standards.^{1 2 3 4}

1. Governance & Legal Framework

NCD complies with the NSW Work Health and Safety Act 2011 and WHS Regulation 2017. We follow Safe Work Australia Codes of Practice, NSW Health directives, and ACSQHC National Standards.^{1 2 3 4}

2. Hazard Identification & Risk Management

Risk assessments cover injectables (sharps, blood-borne virus exposure, allergies), laser devices (eye safety, plume inhalation, electrical risks), and clinic environment hazards. Control measures follow the hierarchy of control.^{2 3}

3. Training & Staff Responsibilities

All staff complete WHS induction and annual refresher training, including infection prevention, sharps safety, fire safety, CPR, anaphylaxis management, and laser safety. Training records are maintained in line with Ahpra CPD requirements.^{3 5}

4. Infection Control & Environmental Safety

Infection control follows NHMRC and NSW Health standards. Clinic surfaces are cleaned with hospital-grade disinfectant, and autoclaves meet AS/NZS 4187. Ventilation systems are maintained for plume management.^{2 3}

5. Laser & Equipment Safety

Laser and IPL devices are TGA-approved and operated by trained staff. Protective eyewear is mandatory. Warning signage is displayed, and maintenance logs are kept.^{2 6}

6.Sharps & Hazardous Waste

Sharps are disposed of in AS4031-compliant containers. Clinical waste is managed under NSW Health directives. Exposure incidents follow NSW Health protocols, including testing and follow-up.^{3 7}

7.Emergency Preparedness

Emergency kits for anaphylaxis, vascular occlusion, and CPR are maintained. Drills occur quarterly. Fire safety checks follow Fire & Rescue NSW requirements.^{5 8}

8.Workplace Bullying, Harassment & Wellbeing

NCD enforces zero-tolerance for bullying, harassment, or discrimination, consistent with Safe Work Australia guidance.²

9.Incident Reporting & Continuous Improvement

All incidents and near misses are documented and investigated. Serious events are reported to Ahpra, TGA, or HCCC as required. Audits ensure continuous improvement.^{1 9 6}

Sources

1. SafeWork NSW 2023, Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (NSW), NSW Government – Legislation NSW, viewed 6 Oct 2025, https://legislation.nsw.gov.au/view/html/inforce/current/act-2011-010 ↩︎
2. Safe Work Australia 2025, Model Code of Practice: Healthcare and social assistance industry, Safe Work Australia, viewed 6 Oct 2025, https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/doc/model-code-practice-healthcare-and-social-assistance-industry ↩︎
3. NSW Health 2020, PD2020_026 Infection Prevention and Control Policy, NSW Ministry of Health, viewed 6 Oct 2025, https://www1.health.nsw.gov.au/pds/ActivePDSDocuments/PD2023_025.pdf ↩︎
4. Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care (ACSQHC) 2021, National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) Standards, ACSQHC, viewed 6 Oct 2025, https://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/standards/nsqhs-standards ↩︎
5. Australian and New Zealand Committee on Resuscitation (ANZCOR) 2025, Guideline 8 – Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), ANZCOR, viewed 6 Oct 2025, https://www.anzcor.org/home/basic-life-support/guideline-8-cardiopulmonary-resuscitation-cpr ↩︎
6. Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) 2025, Reporting adverse events for medicines and medical devices, Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care, viewed 6 Oct 2025, https://www.tga.gov.au/safety/reporting-problems ↩︎
7. NSW Health 2019, Needlestick Injury and Body Fluid Exposure Policy, NSW Ministry of Health, viewed 6 Oct 2025, https://www1.health.nsw.gov.au/pds/Pages/doc.aspx?dn=GL2024_002 ↩︎
8. Fire & Rescue NSW 2024, Workplace fire safety requirements, Fire and Rescue NSW, viewed 6 Oct 2025, https://www.fire.nsw.gov.au/page.php?id=3 ↩︎
9. Health Care Complaints Commission (HCCC) NSW 2025, Complaints and health service oversight, HCCC NSW, viewed 6 Oct 2025, https://www.hccc.nsw.gov.au/ ↩︎