Systems on a Shoestring (SOAS) has launched Australia’s first workplace safety mobile application to help businesses comply with current workplace health and safety legislation.

The SOAS Simple Safety app, which can be downloaded through the Apple Store or through Google Play, is a step-by-step system specifically designed to help small-to-medium businesses meet WH&S compliance needs on-the-go.

SOAS director Emma Bentton said business owners have traditionally struggled to stay on top of changes to the Work Health and Safety Act, as well as hospitality regulations and codes of practice, which if not followed, place staff at risk.

“Each day in Australia, an average of 360 workers are injured at work. Instead of focusing on actual workplace safety, many business owners are concentrating on meeting the red-tape regulatory requirements,” she said.

“Business owners are aware that even a minor workplace accident can have significant financial and legal repercussions if they cannot demonstrate their compliance with Work Health and Safety legislation.”

According to the recently released 2013 Key Work Health and Safety Statistics report, workplace-related injuries are estimated to cost Australian businesses billions of dollars a year, with $60.6 billion of losses reported in the 2008-09 financial year alone.

Businesses found to be in breach of the Workplace Health and Safety Act 2011 can face fines of up to $3 million and individuals may be fined up to $600,000.