Compliance Checker simplified

N/A

July 24, 2008

In response to the requests from many organisers, and consistent with the principles of the CAMS Safety 1st Strategy, the role of the Compliance Checker has been removed.

As a result the physical and administrative/paperwork requirements have been reduced. This has been achieved without jeopardising the robust, transparent and systematic process which is required by organisers and CAMS to demonstrate adherence to OH&S and duty-of-care obligations.

From July 18, 2008 the Secretary of the Meeting’s duties include the completion of a simplified Safety 1st Checklist (previously known as the Compliance Checker Checklist). This needs to be submitted to CAMS prior to a permit being granted. The form will be updated on the day of the event and then collected by the Stewards of the Meeting at the conclusion of the event.

CAMS understands that the requirement for a separate official to act in the Compliance Checker role (whether or not on an exclusive basis), is an overburden to many organisers, particularly at club level.

The previous requirement for the Compliance Checker has been integral in raising the profile of safety issues. CAMS considered the level of awareness and understanding of “off track” safety issues to be at a level whereby a review was appropriate.

Since the Compliance Checker requirement was introduced in 2006, many programs have served well to balance the “scales of risk”. This includes the development of tools in risk management processes and making them widely available on the CAMS website. The level of safety education is now at a level where it is considered acceptable to not require someone in the Compliance Checker role.

However a well-known safety management system, outlining how the sport can fulfil its safety obligations, is vital in protecting event organisers and participants against prosecution on OH&S matters.

At some high level events where the risks are greater, it is envisaged that a specific official will be nominated to fill the role of Safety Officer. These events are considered to be “high risk” events due to the significantly greater number of people that attend, including contractors, employees, participants and spectators.

Examples of the type of events which would require a Safety Officer may include:

• V8Supercar events (Championship and Development series),
• All events at Mt Panorama,
• All rounds of the Australian Rally Championship,
• All international status events, and
• Some historic race meetings.