Study
Managing workplace hazards, and consultation in the workplace
Aim
This unit of work aims to provide students with an understanding of:
o how to identify a workplace hazard o how to assess the risk of the hazard occurring o how to implement measures for controlling hazards o the role and responsibilities of health and safety representatives and committees o the importance of consultation in the workplace.
Outcomes
On completion of this unit of work, students will be able to:
o define what a hazard is and be able to identify a workplace hazard o explain what risk management is and conduct a risk assessment activity o understand the measures that can be implemented to control the risks in a workplace o explain the role and responsibilities of health and safety representatives and OHS committees. o understand the importance of consultation in the workplace
Unit outline
|Topic |Content |Related Activities |
|Workplace hazards and risk management |What is a hazard? |Activity 1: Identifying hazards and risk |
| |Hazard identification and risk assessment |management |
| |Risk management |Activity 3: Case studies |
| |Hazard control in the workplace |Safety First or Expect the Worst: Activities |
| |The working environment |10 and 11 |
|The role and responsibilities of health and |Consultation in the workplace |Activity 2: The OHS Act 2000 (Worksheet 1, 2)|
|safety committees and representatives |The role of the health and safety representative | |
| |The role of the health and safety committee | |
What is a hazard?
The Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 2001 defines a hazard as ‘anything (including work practices or procedures) that has the potential to harm the health or safety of a person’.
Hazards can be grouped into five broad areas: o physical eg. noise, radiation, light, vibration o chemical eg. poisons, dusts o biological eg. viruses, plants, parasites o mechanical/electrical eg. slips, trips and falls, tools, electrical equipment o psychological eg. fatigue, violence, bullying.
Hazards can arise from: o the work environment o the use of machinery and substances o poor work design o inappropriate systems and procedures
Examples of workplace hazards include: o manual handling e.g pushing, pulling, carrying, lifting o work environment e.g. floor surfaces, noise, temperature o machinery o heat e.g. burns and scalds o electricity e.g. electrocution o harassment e.g. bullying and/or violence o hazardous substances e.g. chemicals, fumes o biological waste o skin penetrating injuries e.g. knife or syringe injuries o noise o confined space
Recognising the hazards in a workplace and taking steps to eliminate or control the hazard ensures the safety and well being of all employees. It is easier and more effective to eliminate or control the hazard before serious injuries result.
The Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 2001 states that an employer must eliminate any reasonably foreseeable risk to the health and safety of employees and others in the workplace and if this is not practicable must control the risk.
Hazards can be dealt with by: o eliminating the hazard o changing the equipment or materials o changing work methods o using personal protection equipment (PPE) (as a last resort)
(Source: WorkCover, NSW)
Hazard identification and risk assessment
There are a number of ways hazards can be identified in the workplace. These include: o workplace inspections o consultation between employees and employers o monitoring injury and illness records o health and environment monitoring o recording complaints o observation
Once a hazard has been identified, you can then assess how dangerous it is by asking: o How likely is it that the hazard may cause an injury or illness to someone? o How severe will the injury or illness be?
The answers to these questions will help in assessing, controlling or eliminating the hazard. The level of risk will determine the priority assigned to its elimination or control.
Risk is the probability that harm might come to a person. It is a measure of how likely an injury or illness is when a hazard exists.
Risk assessment is the process used to determine the likelihood that people may be exposed to injury, illness or disease in the workplace arising from any situation identified during the hazard identification process.
How likely is it to happen?
o It could happen any time - very likely o It could happen sometime - likely o It could happen but very rarely – unlikely o It could happen but probably never happen – very unlikely
How bad is it likely to be?
o Kill or cause permanent injury o Cause long term illness or serious injury o Cause someone to need medical attention o Cause someone to need first aid
WorkCover provides a Risk Assessment Matrix to assist in the assessment of hazards in the workplace. (Over page)
Hazards can be rated on a scale of 1 to 6 using the risk assessment matrix. o 1 is high risk o 6 is low risk
Once a hazard has been identified and the risk assessed, suitable control measures should be put in place to eliminate the risk to employees’ health and safety.
(Source: Hazpak: Making Your Workplace Safer, WorkCover NSW)
The risk assessment matrix
|How severely could it hurt | |
|someone? |How likely is it to be that bad? |
| | |
|OR | |
| | |
|How ill could it make someone? | |
| | |
| |++ |+ |- |- - |
| |Very likely |Likely |Unlikely |Very unlikely |
| |Could happen |Could happen some time |Could happen, but very |Could happen, but probably |
| |any time | |rarely |never will |
|!!!! Kill or cause permanent |1 |1 |2 |3 |
|disability or ill health | | | | |
|!!! Long term illness or |1 |2 |3 |4 |
|serious injury | | | | |
|!! Medical attention and |2 |3 |4 |5 |
|several days off work | | | | |
|! First aid needed | |4 |5 |6 |
| |3 | | | |
(Source: Hazpak: Making Your Workplace Safer, WorkCover NSW )
What is risk management?
Risk management is introduced to control workplace hazards and so reduce the risk of an injury or illness occurring. Employers need to develop a risk management policy so risks in the workplace can be controlled or eliminated.
Risk management involves:
o Identifying the hazard ▪ Know what the dangers are in the workplace. Keep records of accidents and injuries, conduct safety inspections of the workplace and list all plant and hazardous substances.
o Assessing the risk ▪ Determine what the risk is that someone may be injured. Assess how likely it is that a hazardous event will occur and what the consequences are likely to be.
o Controlling the risk ▪ Implement measures to prevent injury or illness. First try to eliminate the risk. If this is not possible, the risk should be minimised using substitution, modifications, isolation or engineering controls. Back-up controls such as personal protective equipment should only be used as a last resort.
o Monitoring and improving the workplace ▪ Control measures should be reviewed to maintain their effectiveness and further refine the process.
If elimination of the hazard is not possible, then the risk still exists and should be minimised by using the most effective method, using the following, in order:
o substituting the system of work or machinery with something safer
o isolating the hazard
o minimising the risk by introducing engineering controls eg. guard rail, scaffolding
o minimising the risk by adopting administrative controls eg. warning signs, safe work practices, job rotation, training
o using personal protective equipment eg. safety glasses, ear muffs.
If no single control is sufficient, a combination of the above controls needs to be put in place to minimise the risk to the lowest level that is reasonably practical.
The measures at the fourth and fifth levels are less effective, and require more frequent reviews of the hazards and systems of work.
(Source: Risk Management at Work: Guide 2001, WorkCover NSW)
Hazard control in the workplace
Hierarchy of hazard controls
To ensure a safe workplace, hazards must be controlled using a range of methods.
The hierarchy of hazard controls is a list, in order of preference, which can be considered in hazard control. It emphasises controlling a hazard at the source. This is done by giving preference to the use of the 'engineering controls' as listed below.
Where possible, the ideas listed below should be used because they are less likely to be affected by human failure and because they are less disruptive and uncomfortable for people working in the area. Whichever method is used, the effectiveness of the control measure used should be monitored regularly.
Engineering Controls
o Design. Try to ensure that hazards are 'designed out' when new materials, equipment and work systems are being planned for the workplace.
o Remove the hazard or Substitute less hazardous materials, equipment or substances.
o Adopt a safer process. Alterations to tools, equipment or work systems can often make them much safer.
o Enclose or isolate the hazard through the use of guards or remote handling techniques.
o Provide effective ventilation through local or general exhaust ventilation systems.
Administrative Controls
o Establish appropriate Administrative Procedures such as: ▪ job rotation to reduce exposure or boredom, or timing the job so that fewer workers are exposed ▪ routine maintenance and housekeeping procedures ▪ training on hazards and correct work procedures.
Personal Protective Equipment
o Provide suitable and properly maintained Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and training in its use.
(Source: http://www.workcover.nsw.gov.au/Publications/OHS/Hazards/hazardhierarchy.htm)
Examples of common hazards
The table below shows examples of typical problems created by workplace hazards and some injuries and illnesses that can result. Individual workplaces may have hazards other than those listed below.
|HAZARD |TYPICAL PROBLEMS | |
| | |TYPICAL INJURY/ILLNESS REQUIRING FIRST AID |
|Manual handling |Overexertion/Repetitive movement |Sprains, strains, fractures |
|Falls |Falls from heights, slips and trips on uneven |Fractures, bruises, cuts, dislocations, |
| |surfaces |concussion |
|Electricity |Contact with electrical current |Shock, burns, loss of consciousness, cardiac |
| | |arrest |
|Plant |Being hit by projectiles, striking objects, |Cuts, bruises, dislocations, fractures, |
| |being caught in machinery, overturning vehicles |amputation, eye damage |
|Hazardous substances |Exposure to chemicals, e.g. solvents, acids, |Dizziness, vomiting, dermatitis, respiratory |
| |hydrocarbons |problems, burns to skin or eyes |
|Temperature, UV radiation |Effects of heat or cold from weather or work |Sunburn, frostbite, heat stress, heat stroke, |
| |environment |hypothermia |
|Biological |Allergens, needle stick, exposure to infectious |Severe allergic reaction, injuries, skin rash, |
| |agents |infection |
|Occupational violence |Intimidation, conflict, physical assault |Nausea, shock, collapse, physical injuries |
(Source: First Aid in the Workplace: Guide 2001, WorkCover, NSW)
The working environment
Employers also have obligations in relation to the working environment. The requirements relate to:
o Working space ▪ provide sufficient working space to allow people to work safely ▪ ensure that floors and surfaces are constructed and maintained to minimise the possibility of slips, trips and falls ▪ ensure that people are able to move about a place of work safely and unhindered.
o Lighting ▪ provide adequate lighting to allow workers to work safely, move safely, and enter and exit the workplace safely (including from emergency exits) ▪ ensure that there is not excessive glare or reflection ▪ ensure that lighting allows persons who are not workers to move safely within the place of work.
o Hot and cold working environments ▪ provide adequate ventilation and air movement in indoor environments that may become hot ▪ provide adequate access to heated or sheltered areas and warm clothing or other personal protective equipment if employees are exposed to cold ▪ provide appropriate work and rest regimes relative to physical fitness, general health, medication taken and body weight appropriate for both hot and cold working environments.
o Noise management ▪ not allow exposure to noise levels that exceed an eight-hour noise equivalent of 85 dB(A) or peak at more than 140 dB(C).
o Other obligations ▪ fire prevention, electricity, confined spaces, manual handling, atmosphere ventilation, working at heights.
(Source: WorkCover, NSW)
Consultation with workers in workplace health and safety
Consultation is defined in the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2000 as the sharing of relevant information on occupational health and safety where employees are given the opportunity to express their views and contribute in a timely fashion to resolution of occupational health and safety issues (Sec 14).
Consultation means that employees’ views are valued and taken into account by the business. Consultation needs to be a two-way communication that allows for employees to contribute to the decision-making which affects their health, safety and welfare. Consultation is not the same as negotiation.
Employers must consult with their employees in the following situations:
o when determining how the consultation process will take place
o in the assessment of risks and the review of risk assessments previously conducted
o when making decisions on the control of OHS risks in the workplace
o during the introduction or change of procedures used for monitoring risks, for example health surveillance
o when making decisions about the adequacy of welfare facilities
o when proposed changes are made to premises, work methods, plant or substances which may affect the health, safety or welfare of employees at work
o when making decisions about consultation procedures
o as prescribed by the Regulations from time to time.
Training
Under the OHS Regulation 2001, employers are required to provide specified induction training to each new employee (Clause 13(1)) as well as ensure that any person who may be exposed to a risk to health and safety at the workplace is informed of the risk, and is provided with any information, instruction and training necessary to ensure their health and safety (Clause 13(2)).
Work experience and work placement students should receive information and any training necessary from the host employer to ensure their safety.
The employer must also provide persons in its organisation who have training and information responsibilities with all available information necessary to enable them to fulfil those responsibilities (Clause 13(3)).
Types of consultation arrangements
The OHS Act 2000 requires employers to adopt an OHS consultation arrangement to assist with meeting their duty to consult. The OHS Act provides three options:
o an OHS Committee comprised of employer and employee representatives o OHS Representatives elected by employees o other Agreed Arrangements agreed to between the employer and their employees
Through consultation, employers can become more aware of hazards and OHS issues experienced by employees. Employees can provide suggestions about how to solve health and safety problems.
Employee participation enables the employee to contribute to determining how the work can be undertaken safely.
Training must be provided to committee members or representatives, and records of training must be kept for three years after the end of their employment.
Regardless of the type of consultation arrangement introduced in an organisation, it must be agreed upon by both the employees and management.
Occupational health and safety committees
An OHS Committee can be formed where: o there are 20 or more employees and the majority request it o a WorkCover inspector directs it o where the business decides it would be useful to have one.
The Committee membership must contain a balance of employers and employees and the number of employers must not exceed the number of employees.
The term for a committee is two years.
Occupational health and safety representatives
OHS Representative/s could be useful for small businesses, or where there are several work locations, and can be formed when:
o at least one employee requests it
o WorkCover directs it
o the business believes it would be appropriate
A representative’s term is for two years.
OHS committees and representatives have the following responsibilities:
1. Keep under review the measures taken to ensure the health, safety and welfare of persons at the place of work
2. Investigate any matter that poses a risk 3. Attempt to resolve a matter 4. Request an investigation by an inspector 5. Consult with a WorkCover inspector and accompany them on an inspection if required
In addition to the functions set out in the OHS Act, the OHS Regulation provides that
OHS Representatives have the following functions:
o To assist in the development of arrangements for recording hazards and accidents to promote improved health and safety
o To make recommendations on their training needs as an OHS Representative
o To make recommendations on the OHS training of employees
(Source: OHS Consultation: Code of Practice 2001 - WorkCover, Occupational Health and Safety Act 2000, Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 2001)
Young workers guide to a safe work place OHT
Managing workplace hazards
Student Activity 1: Identifying hazards and risk management
Answer the following questions.
1) List 3 hazards that you may find in each of the following workplaces:
a) Office
b) Hotel
c) Factory
d) Farm
e) Building site
2) List injuries that may result from each of the following hazards:
a) Manual handling
b) Noise
c) Hazardous substances
3) Complete the attached worksheet on hazards in your school.
Hazards, Risks and Controls Worksheet
Complete the following worksheet using your school as an example. ❑ List hazards you have observed in different areas of the school. ❑ Describe the risks associated with each hazard. ❑ Suggest ways that the risks associated with the hazard may be controlled.
Places to observe may include computer rooms, the kitchens, industrial arts rooms, the library, the front office, classrooms, the playground
|Hazard (problem) |Risk (harm) |Controls (solution) |
| | | |
|“anything that can lead to someone developing an illness or being |“the potential to cause harm to people or property” |“Eliminate, change the equipment or materials, change work methods, use |
|injured” | |personal protection” |
| | | |
| | | |
|Example: Manual Handling |Muscle strain |Change work practice to ensure correct procedures are followed. |
| |Back injuries | |
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Consultation in the workplace
Student Activity 2: The Occupational Health and Safety Act 2000 - Worksheet 1
Go to the website: http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/nsw/consol_act/ohasa2000273/
Click on Item 13 – Duty of employer to consult in Part 2 - Duties Relating To Health, Safety And Welfare At Work, Division 2 – Duty to consult.
Section 13 deals with the requirement for the employer to consult or discuss with employees any issues related to health and safety, allowing employees the chance to contribute to any decisions that are made on health, safety and welfare.
Read the information and answer the following:
1. Why must an employer consult with or discuss health and safety issues with employees?
2. What are the maximum penalties for those employers who fail to consult with employees?
3. How does an employer consult with employees on health and safety issues? (Note: You will need to refer to Item 16 to help you answer this).
The Occupational Health and Safety Act 2000 - Worksheet 2
Go to the website: http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/nsw/consol_act/ohasa2000273/
Click on Item 18 - Functions of OHS committees and OHS representatives in Part 2 - Duties Relating To Health, Safety And Welfare At Work, Division 2 – Duty to consult.
Occupational Health and Safety Committee.
If an employer employs twenty or more people and the majority of employees request the establishment of a Occupational Health and Safety Committee then a committee must be established.
Occupational Health and Safety Representatives
An Occupational Health and Safety Representative must be elected for the purpose of consultation if at least one employee makes this request.
Read through the details on this web page and list the three main functions of Occupational Health and Safety Committees.
Case Studies – workplace hazards
Student Activity 3
Read the case studies provided and answer the questions that follow each case study.
Case Study 1: Demolition company fined $75,000 following accident
The lack of clear instructions and proper supervision in the dangerous business of demolition lay at the core of a breach of the Occupational Health and Safety Act that resulted in a $75,000 fine being imposed on Delta Pty Ltd in the Industrial Relations Commission.
This conclusion by Justice Boland in the case that led to two workers sustaining serious injuries after a building collapsed sent a clear safety message to all demolition operators, the Acting General Manager of WorkCover NSW said today.
In 1997 the defendant was contracted to demolish a number of buildings on the Fox Studio premises in Sydney.
On 30 May one of the buildings was being demolished in a method known as controlled collapse.
Two employees of the defendant were on a scissor lift cutting timber purlins inside the building when the structure collapsed, toppling the lift.
One worker sustained a compound fracture to one arm, injuries to the liver, fractured ribs and a fractured pelvis.
The other employee suffered a fractured pelvis, loss of several teeth, and injuries to his tendon, cheek and mouth.
The court heard that hinge cuts and rust in several of the building’s steel supports had weakened the structure and contributed to its collapse.
Justice Boland said that the absence of the demolition supervisor as approved by the defendant’s state manager, and his replacement with someone who was not experienced enough for such a dangerous operation, was a serious error of judgement in respect of the defendant’s responsibilities under the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
(Source: WorkCover Authority of NSW)
Case Study 1 Questions
1. How many employees were injured in the accident?
2. Identify the hazard in the article above.
3. List the factors that contributed to the accident.
4. List some control measures that could have been used to prevent the accident.
5. Why was the employer held responsible for the accident?
Case Study 2: WorkCover protects young employees 12 January 2001
WorkCover NSW today launched a $1.7million public education campaign targeted specifically at the health and safety of young workers. "Young people are particularly vulnerable to workplace injury because of their inexperience," said the Chairperson of the Board of WorkCover, the Hon Joe Riordan, AO.
Mr. Riordan launched the campaign at the Newcastle Workers Club accompanied by local Paralympian Heath Francis, who is sponsored by WorkCover. Heath was injured in a workplace accident at the age of seven.
"Employers must be aware of their legal obligation to provide a safe workplace for all their employees, but we are reminding them to pay special attention to the needs of young workers," said Mr. Riordan.
"Over 8,400 workers under the age of 25 were injured at their place of employment in New South Wales in the 1998/99 period," he said.
"In this same period, nine young workers were tragically killed at work, in accidents that could have been prevented.
"Some of these people were on their first day at work.
"It’s simply unacceptable," Mr. Riordan said.
The public education campaign, consisting of television and radio commercials, has been designed to graphically illustrate that there is no substitute for proper training and supervision to ensure safety in the workplace.
"From the very first day a young person begins a job, they must be trained to do that job with safety as the prime consideration," Mr. Riordan said.
"The Occupational Health and Safety Act provides penalties of up to $875,000 for employers who fail to maintain a safe working environment.
"Too often we see employers taking steps to operate safely after an accident occurs.
"The State Government and WorkCover are committed to ensuring this changes. Education is one of the most powerful forms of intervention in the area of work safety," Mr. Riordan said.
As well as the television and radio campaign, WorkCover NSW has already distributed free to all high schools and TAFE colleges, multi-media kits informing young people of occupational health and safety issues before they start work.
"Our young people deserve no less than to work in a culture of safety," Mr. Riordan said.
(Source: WorkCover Authority of NSW 2000) Case Study 2 Questions
1. Why are young people vulnerable to workplace injuries?
2. What must an employer provide to young workers?
3. How many young workers were injured in NSW in the period 1998/1999?
4. How many young people were killed in the same period?
5. What does the education campaign launched by WorkCover NSW consist of?
6. What penalty applies to employers who fail to provide a safe workplace?
Laws that protect workplace health and safety
Student Activity 4: Roles and Responsibilities in the Workplace
Outcomes: Students will be able to: o demonstrate an awareness that each section of the workplace has legal responsibilities in regard to Occupational Health and Safety o recognise and distinguish between the duties and responsibilities of • the employer • the employee • the OHS committee and OHS representative • the WorkCover inspector
Resources:
o Overhead transparencies: • Instructions to students • Suggested answers
o Activity cards – set of 40 cards with each card having a role or responsibility of one of the various groups. One set for each group. Teachers will need to prepare these cards. A master card sheet is supplied for photocopying.
o 4 boards – one for each group: • employer • employee • health and safety representative • WorkCover inspector
Activity Outline:
o Divide the class into groups of 3 or 4. o Each group should have a set of 40 cards and a set of 4 boards with headings of employer, employee, heath and safety representative, WorkCover inspector. o Students in each group are to discuss the role or responsibility printed on each card. Students decide which group has the responsibility printed on the card. o Students place the card on the board that matches the responsibility with the workplace group responsible.
You are to work in groups of 3 to 4.
Make sure you have a set of 40 cards and a set of 4 boards.
Take each card and discuss with the other members in your group who you think has responsibility for that role, i.e is it the employer, the employee, the health and safety representative or the WorkCover inspector?
Place the card on the appropriate board so that the role/responsibility matches the workplace group responsible.
Questions for you to answer:
1. What do you notice about the number of cards on each board?
2. Who has the greater number of responsibilities in occupational health and safety issues?
3. What are the three most important factors you have learned, about your role and responsibility in the workplace?
Card set – roles and responsibilities
|Provide a safe working environment |Investigate any matter that may be a|Provide supervision so employees |Tidy or remove any tripping hazards |
| |risk |can work safely |in your workplace. |
|Provide and maintain safe plant |Attempt to resolve any workplace |Establish a health and safety |Must not prevent aid to an injured |
|(machinery, equipment) |safety issues. |committee |worker |
|Identify, access and eliminate risks|Investigate any suspected breach of |Provide first – aid facilities |Provide amenities (drinking |
| |OHS legislation | |water, washrooms etc) |
|Provide information on |Carry out medical |Provide protective equipment and |Regulate the speed and frequency of |
|workplace hazards |examinations with the |clothing |work |
| |employee’s consent | | |
|Take care of the health and safety |Restrict access to or dismantle |Provide guards on dangerous machines|Ensure a safe system of work |
|of yourself and others |things on the premises | | |
|Talk to employer about health or |Require any person to answer |Provide storage areas for equipment |Request a Workcover Inspector |
|safety hazards |questions | |investigation |
|Co-operate with employer on safety |Provide clean and tidy work areas |Use equipment for its intended use |Accompany a Workcover Inspector |
|and health matters | | |during an inspection |
|Report any incident, accident or |Provide ventilation systems for dust|Correctly use protective equipment/ |Accompany an employee, if requested,|
|near miss |removal |clothing |during an interview on an OHS matter|
|Be paid time to attend OH&S courses |Provide appropriate training and |Read safety information and follow | |
|approved by WorkCover |instruction |safety rules | |
|Be consulted about any proposed |Provide information and training on |Take care to use equipment safely | |
|changes to the workplace |chemicals | | |
What is a hazard? OHT
o Anything (including work practices or procedures) that has the potential to harm the health or safety of a person.
Types of hazards: o physical eg. noise, radiation, light, vibration o chemical eg. poisons, dusts o biological eg. viruses, plants, parasites o mechanical/electrical eg. slips, trips and falls, tools, electrical equipment o psychological eg. fatigue, violence, bullying
Hazards can arise from: o the work environment o the use of machinery and substances o poor work design o inappropriate systems and procedures
Control hazards by: o Workplace inspections o Consultation o Monitoring injury and illness records o Recording complaints o Observation
Dealing with hazards:
o Eliminate the hazard o Change the equipment or materials o Change work methods o Use personal protection equipment (PPE)
Risk management OHT
o Identify the hazard ▪ Know what the dangers are in the workplace. Keep records of accidents and injuries, conduct safety inspections of the workplace and list all plant and hazardous substances.
o Assess the risk ▪ Determine what the risk is that someone may be injured. Assess how likely it is that a hazardous event will occur and what the consequences are likely to be.
o Control the risk ▪ Implement measures to prevent injury or illness. First try to eliminate the risk. If this is not possible, the risk should be minimised using substitution, modifications, isolation or engineering controls. Back-up controls such as personal protective equipment should only be used as a last resort.
o Monitor and improve the workplace ▪ Control measures should be reviewed to maintain their effectiveness and further refine the process.
Hierarchy of Control OHT
If eliminating a hazard is not possible, then:
8 Substitute
12 Isolate
15 Minimise – Engineering
18 Minimise – Administrative
21 PPE
Roles and Responsibilities OHT
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ACTIVITY 4
INSTRUCTIONS TO STUDENTS
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Tips for young workers
o Take responsibility for your own safety
o Keep yourself and others safe
o Listen to advice, instruction and act on it
o Know what to look for when entering a new or different workplace
o Know what questions to ask about the job
o No fooling around – you are not immortal!
ASK your supervisor
o What are the dangers of my job?
o What are the hazards?
o Should I have any job safety training?
o Do I need any personal protective equipment?
o What training is needed on how to use my PPE?
o Where are the first aid facilities?
o Who is the first aid person?
o What do I do if I get injured?
o Where are the fire extinguishers?
o Where are the emergency exits?
o How will I know if there is an emergency?
o What should I do in an emergency?
o Who do I go to in the workplace if I have a health or safety question?
UNIT
2
WORKCOVER INSPECTORS
Investigate any suspected breach of the occupational health and safety legislation.
EMPLOYER
Must
o Provide a safe working environment o Provide a safe system of work o Provide proper training and information o Identify hazards, assess the risks and eliminate or control the risks o Provide supervision o Supply personal protective equipment and clothing o Consult with employees o Provide amenities o Provide first aid facilities and personnel o Provide for emergencies o Ensure OHS committee members and representatives are trained o Not victimise or unlawfully dismiss an employee o Not charge employees for things done
EMPLOYEE
o Must take reasonable care for the health and safety of people who are at their place of work o Must co-operate with their employer or other person o Must notify the employer or supervisor of any risk to health and safety o Must not deliberately create a risk to health and safety o Must not interfere with or misuse things provided for health, safety and welfare o Must not hinder aid to an injured worker o Must not refuse assistance in either receiving aid or giving aid o Must not disrupt the workplace by creating health or safety fears
Note: Students in the workplace should also follow these guidelines to ensure the safety of themselves and others.
OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY COMMITTEES AND REPRESENTATIVES
o Keep under review the measures taken to ensure health and safety
o Investigate any matter that poses a risk
o Attempt to resolve a health and safety issue
o Request an investigation by a WorkCover inspector
o Consult with a WorkCover inspector and accompany them on an investigation, if required
Aim
This unit of work aims to provide students with an understanding of:
o how to identify a workplace hazard o how to assess the risk of the hazard occurring o how to implement measures for controlling hazards o the role and responsibilities of health and safety representatives and committees o the importance of consultation in the workplace.
Outcomes
On completion of this unit of work, students will be able to:
o define what a hazard is and be able to identify a workplace hazard o explain what risk management is and conduct a risk assessment activity o understand the measures that can be implemented to control the risks in a workplace o explain the role and responsibilities of health and safety representatives and OHS committees. o understand the importance of consultation in the workplace
Unit outline
|Topic |Content |Related Activities |
|Workplace hazards and risk management |What is a hazard? |Activity 1: Identifying hazards and risk |
| |Hazard identification and risk assessment |management |
| |Risk management |Activity 3: Case studies |
| |Hazard control in the workplace |Safety First or Expect the Worst: Activities |
| |The working environment |10 and 11 |
|The role and responsibilities of health and |Consultation in the workplace |Activity 2: The OHS Act 2000 (Worksheet 1, 2)|
|safety committees and representatives |The role of the health and safety representative | |
| |The role of the health and safety committee | |
What is a hazard?
The Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 2001 defines a hazard as ‘anything (including work practices or procedures) that has the potential to harm the health or safety of a person’.
Hazards can be grouped into five broad areas: o physical eg. noise, radiation, light, vibration o chemical eg. poisons, dusts o biological eg. viruses, plants, parasites o mechanical/electrical eg. slips, trips and falls, tools, electrical equipment o psychological eg. fatigue, violence, bullying.
Hazards can arise from: o the work environment o the use of machinery and substances o poor work design o inappropriate systems and procedures
Examples of workplace hazards include: o manual handling e.g pushing, pulling, carrying, lifting o work environment e.g. floor surfaces, noise, temperature o machinery o heat e.g. burns and scalds o electricity e.g. electrocution o harassment e.g. bullying and/or violence o hazardous substances e.g. chemicals, fumes o biological waste o skin penetrating injuries e.g. knife or syringe injuries o noise o confined space
Recognising the hazards in a workplace and taking steps to eliminate or control the hazard ensures the safety and well being of all employees. It is easier and more effective to eliminate or control the hazard before serious injuries result.
The Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 2001 states that an employer must eliminate any reasonably foreseeable risk to the health and safety of employees and others in the workplace and if this is not practicable must control the risk.
Hazards can be dealt with by: o eliminating the hazard o changing the equipment or materials o changing work methods o using personal protection equipment (PPE) (as a last resort)
(Source: WorkCover, NSW)
Hazard identification and risk assessment
There are a number of ways hazards can be identified in the workplace. These include: o workplace inspections o consultation between employees and employers o monitoring injury and illness records o health and environment monitoring o recording complaints o observation
Once a hazard has been identified, you can then assess how dangerous it is by asking: o How likely is it that the hazard may cause an injury or illness to someone? o How severe will the injury or illness be?
The answers to these questions will help in assessing, controlling or eliminating the hazard. The level of risk will determine the priority assigned to its elimination or control.
Risk is the probability that harm might come to a person. It is a measure of how likely an injury or illness is when a hazard exists.
Risk assessment is the process used to determine the likelihood that people may be exposed to injury, illness or disease in the workplace arising from any situation identified during the hazard identification process.
How likely is it to happen?
o It could happen any time - very likely o It could happen sometime - likely o It could happen but very rarely – unlikely o It could happen but probably never happen – very unlikely
How bad is it likely to be?
o Kill or cause permanent injury o Cause long term illness or serious injury o Cause someone to need medical attention o Cause someone to need first aid
WorkCover provides a Risk Assessment Matrix to assist in the assessment of hazards in the workplace. (Over page)
Hazards can be rated on a scale of 1 to 6 using the risk assessment matrix. o 1 is high risk o 6 is low risk
Once a hazard has been identified and the risk assessed, suitable control measures should be put in place to eliminate the risk to employees’ health and safety.
(Source: Hazpak: Making Your Workplace Safer, WorkCover NSW)
The risk assessment matrix
|How severely could it hurt | |
|someone? |How likely is it to be that bad? |
| | |
|OR | |
| | |
|How ill could it make someone? | |
| | |
| |++ |+ |- |- - |
| |Very likely |Likely |Unlikely |Very unlikely |
| |Could happen |Could happen some time |Could happen, but very |Could happen, but probably |
| |any time | |rarely |never will |
|!!!! Kill or cause permanent |1 |1 |2 |3 |
|disability or ill health | | | | |
|!!! Long term illness or |1 |2 |3 |4 |
|serious injury | | | | |
|!! Medical attention and |2 |3 |4 |5 |
|several days off work | | | | |
|! First aid needed | |4 |5 |6 |
| |3 | | | |
(Source: Hazpak: Making Your Workplace Safer, WorkCover NSW )
What is risk management?
Risk management is introduced to control workplace hazards and so reduce the risk of an injury or illness occurring. Employers need to develop a risk management policy so risks in the workplace can be controlled or eliminated.
Risk management involves:
o Identifying the hazard ▪ Know what the dangers are in the workplace. Keep records of accidents and injuries, conduct safety inspections of the workplace and list all plant and hazardous substances.
o Assessing the risk ▪ Determine what the risk is that someone may be injured. Assess how likely it is that a hazardous event will occur and what the consequences are likely to be.
o Controlling the risk ▪ Implement measures to prevent injury or illness. First try to eliminate the risk. If this is not possible, the risk should be minimised using substitution, modifications, isolation or engineering controls. Back-up controls such as personal protective equipment should only be used as a last resort.
o Monitoring and improving the workplace ▪ Control measures should be reviewed to maintain their effectiveness and further refine the process.
If elimination of the hazard is not possible, then the risk still exists and should be minimised by using the most effective method, using the following, in order:
o substituting the system of work or machinery with something safer
o isolating the hazard
o minimising the risk by introducing engineering controls eg. guard rail, scaffolding
o minimising the risk by adopting administrative controls eg. warning signs, safe work practices, job rotation, training
o using personal protective equipment eg. safety glasses, ear muffs.
If no single control is sufficient, a combination of the above controls needs to be put in place to minimise the risk to the lowest level that is reasonably practical.
The measures at the fourth and fifth levels are less effective, and require more frequent reviews of the hazards and systems of work.
(Source: Risk Management at Work: Guide 2001, WorkCover NSW)
Hazard control in the workplace
Hierarchy of hazard controls
To ensure a safe workplace, hazards must be controlled using a range of methods.
The hierarchy of hazard controls is a list, in order of preference, which can be considered in hazard control. It emphasises controlling a hazard at the source. This is done by giving preference to the use of the 'engineering controls' as listed below.
Where possible, the ideas listed below should be used because they are less likely to be affected by human failure and because they are less disruptive and uncomfortable for people working in the area. Whichever method is used, the effectiveness of the control measure used should be monitored regularly.
Engineering Controls
o Design. Try to ensure that hazards are 'designed out' when new materials, equipment and work systems are being planned for the workplace.
o Remove the hazard or Substitute less hazardous materials, equipment or substances.
o Adopt a safer process. Alterations to tools, equipment or work systems can often make them much safer.
o Enclose or isolate the hazard through the use of guards or remote handling techniques.
o Provide effective ventilation through local or general exhaust ventilation systems.
Administrative Controls
o Establish appropriate Administrative Procedures such as: ▪ job rotation to reduce exposure or boredom, or timing the job so that fewer workers are exposed ▪ routine maintenance and housekeeping procedures ▪ training on hazards and correct work procedures.
Personal Protective Equipment
o Provide suitable and properly maintained Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and training in its use.
(Source: http://www.workcover.nsw.gov.au/Publications/OHS/Hazards/hazardhierarchy.htm)
Examples of common hazards
The table below shows examples of typical problems created by workplace hazards and some injuries and illnesses that can result. Individual workplaces may have hazards other than those listed below.
|HAZARD |TYPICAL PROBLEMS | |
| | |TYPICAL INJURY/ILLNESS REQUIRING FIRST AID |
|Manual handling |Overexertion/Repetitive movement |Sprains, strains, fractures |
|Falls |Falls from heights, slips and trips on uneven |Fractures, bruises, cuts, dislocations, |
| |surfaces |concussion |
|Electricity |Contact with electrical current |Shock, burns, loss of consciousness, cardiac |
| | |arrest |
|Plant |Being hit by projectiles, striking objects, |Cuts, bruises, dislocations, fractures, |
| |being caught in machinery, overturning vehicles |amputation, eye damage |
|Hazardous substances |Exposure to chemicals, e.g. solvents, acids, |Dizziness, vomiting, dermatitis, respiratory |
| |hydrocarbons |problems, burns to skin or eyes |
|Temperature, UV radiation |Effects of heat or cold from weather or work |Sunburn, frostbite, heat stress, heat stroke, |
| |environment |hypothermia |
|Biological |Allergens, needle stick, exposure to infectious |Severe allergic reaction, injuries, skin rash, |
| |agents |infection |
|Occupational violence |Intimidation, conflict, physical assault |Nausea, shock, collapse, physical injuries |
(Source: First Aid in the Workplace: Guide 2001, WorkCover, NSW)
The working environment
Employers also have obligations in relation to the working environment. The requirements relate to:
o Working space ▪ provide sufficient working space to allow people to work safely ▪ ensure that floors and surfaces are constructed and maintained to minimise the possibility of slips, trips and falls ▪ ensure that people are able to move about a place of work safely and unhindered.
o Lighting ▪ provide adequate lighting to allow workers to work safely, move safely, and enter and exit the workplace safely (including from emergency exits) ▪ ensure that there is not excessive glare or reflection ▪ ensure that lighting allows persons who are not workers to move safely within the place of work.
o Hot and cold working environments ▪ provide adequate ventilation and air movement in indoor environments that may become hot ▪ provide adequate access to heated or sheltered areas and warm clothing or other personal protective equipment if employees are exposed to cold ▪ provide appropriate work and rest regimes relative to physical fitness, general health, medication taken and body weight appropriate for both hot and cold working environments.
o Noise management ▪ not allow exposure to noise levels that exceed an eight-hour noise equivalent of 85 dB(A) or peak at more than 140 dB(C).
o Other obligations ▪ fire prevention, electricity, confined spaces, manual handling, atmosphere ventilation, working at heights.
(Source: WorkCover, NSW)
Consultation with workers in workplace health and safety
Consultation is defined in the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2000 as the sharing of relevant information on occupational health and safety where employees are given the opportunity to express their views and contribute in a timely fashion to resolution of occupational health and safety issues (Sec 14).
Consultation means that employees’ views are valued and taken into account by the business. Consultation needs to be a two-way communication that allows for employees to contribute to the decision-making which affects their health, safety and welfare. Consultation is not the same as negotiation.
Employers must consult with their employees in the following situations:
o when determining how the consultation process will take place
o in the assessment of risks and the review of risk assessments previously conducted
o when making decisions on the control of OHS risks in the workplace
o during the introduction or change of procedures used for monitoring risks, for example health surveillance
o when making decisions about the adequacy of welfare facilities
o when proposed changes are made to premises, work methods, plant or substances which may affect the health, safety or welfare of employees at work
o when making decisions about consultation procedures
o as prescribed by the Regulations from time to time.
Training
Under the OHS Regulation 2001, employers are required to provide specified induction training to each new employee (Clause 13(1)) as well as ensure that any person who may be exposed to a risk to health and safety at the workplace is informed of the risk, and is provided with any information, instruction and training necessary to ensure their health and safety (Clause 13(2)).
Work experience and work placement students should receive information and any training necessary from the host employer to ensure their safety.
The employer must also provide persons in its organisation who have training and information responsibilities with all available information necessary to enable them to fulfil those responsibilities (Clause 13(3)).
Types of consultation arrangements
The OHS Act 2000 requires employers to adopt an OHS consultation arrangement to assist with meeting their duty to consult. The OHS Act provides three options:
o an OHS Committee comprised of employer and employee representatives o OHS Representatives elected by employees o other Agreed Arrangements agreed to between the employer and their employees
Through consultation, employers can become more aware of hazards and OHS issues experienced by employees. Employees can provide suggestions about how to solve health and safety problems.
Employee participation enables the employee to contribute to determining how the work can be undertaken safely.
Training must be provided to committee members or representatives, and records of training must be kept for three years after the end of their employment.
Regardless of the type of consultation arrangement introduced in an organisation, it must be agreed upon by both the employees and management.
Occupational health and safety committees
An OHS Committee can be formed where: o there are 20 or more employees and the majority request it o a WorkCover inspector directs it o where the business decides it would be useful to have one.
The Committee membership must contain a balance of employers and employees and the number of employers must not exceed the number of employees.
The term for a committee is two years.
Occupational health and safety representatives
OHS Representative/s could be useful for small businesses, or where there are several work locations, and can be formed when:
o at least one employee requests it
o WorkCover directs it
o the business believes it would be appropriate
A representative’s term is for two years.
OHS committees and representatives have the following responsibilities:
1. Keep under review the measures taken to ensure the health, safety and welfare of persons at the place of work
2. Investigate any matter that poses a risk 3. Attempt to resolve a matter 4. Request an investigation by an inspector 5. Consult with a WorkCover inspector and accompany them on an inspection if required
In addition to the functions set out in the OHS Act, the OHS Regulation provides that
OHS Representatives have the following functions:
o To assist in the development of arrangements for recording hazards and accidents to promote improved health and safety
o To make recommendations on their training needs as an OHS Representative
o To make recommendations on the OHS training of employees
(Source: OHS Consultation: Code of Practice 2001 - WorkCover, Occupational Health and Safety Act 2000, Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 2001)
Young workers guide to a safe work place OHT
Managing workplace hazards
Student Activity 1: Identifying hazards and risk management
Answer the following questions.
1) List 3 hazards that you may find in each of the following workplaces:
a) Office
b) Hotel
c) Factory
d) Farm
e) Building site
2) List injuries that may result from each of the following hazards:
a) Manual handling
b) Noise
c) Hazardous substances
3) Complete the attached worksheet on hazards in your school.
Hazards, Risks and Controls Worksheet
Complete the following worksheet using your school as an example. ❑ List hazards you have observed in different areas of the school. ❑ Describe the risks associated with each hazard. ❑ Suggest ways that the risks associated with the hazard may be controlled.
Places to observe may include computer rooms, the kitchens, industrial arts rooms, the library, the front office, classrooms, the playground
|Hazard (problem) |Risk (harm) |Controls (solution) |
| | | |
|“anything that can lead to someone developing an illness or being |“the potential to cause harm to people or property” |“Eliminate, change the equipment or materials, change work methods, use |
|injured” | |personal protection” |
| | | |
| | | |
|Example: Manual Handling |Muscle strain |Change work practice to ensure correct procedures are followed. |
| |Back injuries | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
Consultation in the workplace
Student Activity 2: The Occupational Health and Safety Act 2000 - Worksheet 1
Go to the website: http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/nsw/consol_act/ohasa2000273/
Click on Item 13 – Duty of employer to consult in Part 2 - Duties Relating To Health, Safety And Welfare At Work, Division 2 – Duty to consult.
Section 13 deals with the requirement for the employer to consult or discuss with employees any issues related to health and safety, allowing employees the chance to contribute to any decisions that are made on health, safety and welfare.
Read the information and answer the following:
1. Why must an employer consult with or discuss health and safety issues with employees?
2. What are the maximum penalties for those employers who fail to consult with employees?
3. How does an employer consult with employees on health and safety issues? (Note: You will need to refer to Item 16 to help you answer this).
The Occupational Health and Safety Act 2000 - Worksheet 2
Go to the website: http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/nsw/consol_act/ohasa2000273/
Click on Item 18 - Functions of OHS committees and OHS representatives in Part 2 - Duties Relating To Health, Safety And Welfare At Work, Division 2 – Duty to consult.
Occupational Health and Safety Committee.
If an employer employs twenty or more people and the majority of employees request the establishment of a Occupational Health and Safety Committee then a committee must be established.
Occupational Health and Safety Representatives
An Occupational Health and Safety Representative must be elected for the purpose of consultation if at least one employee makes this request.
Read through the details on this web page and list the three main functions of Occupational Health and Safety Committees.
Case Studies – workplace hazards
Student Activity 3
Read the case studies provided and answer the questions that follow each case study.
Case Study 1: Demolition company fined $75,000 following accident
The lack of clear instructions and proper supervision in the dangerous business of demolition lay at the core of a breach of the Occupational Health and Safety Act that resulted in a $75,000 fine being imposed on Delta Pty Ltd in the Industrial Relations Commission.
This conclusion by Justice Boland in the case that led to two workers sustaining serious injuries after a building collapsed sent a clear safety message to all demolition operators, the Acting General Manager of WorkCover NSW said today.
In 1997 the defendant was contracted to demolish a number of buildings on the Fox Studio premises in Sydney.
On 30 May one of the buildings was being demolished in a method known as controlled collapse.
Two employees of the defendant were on a scissor lift cutting timber purlins inside the building when the structure collapsed, toppling the lift.
One worker sustained a compound fracture to one arm, injuries to the liver, fractured ribs and a fractured pelvis.
The other employee suffered a fractured pelvis, loss of several teeth, and injuries to his tendon, cheek and mouth.
The court heard that hinge cuts and rust in several of the building’s steel supports had weakened the structure and contributed to its collapse.
Justice Boland said that the absence of the demolition supervisor as approved by the defendant’s state manager, and his replacement with someone who was not experienced enough for such a dangerous operation, was a serious error of judgement in respect of the defendant’s responsibilities under the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
(Source: WorkCover Authority of NSW)
Case Study 1 Questions
1. How many employees were injured in the accident?
2. Identify the hazard in the article above.
3. List the factors that contributed to the accident.
4. List some control measures that could have been used to prevent the accident.
5. Why was the employer held responsible for the accident?
Case Study 2: WorkCover protects young employees 12 January 2001
WorkCover NSW today launched a $1.7million public education campaign targeted specifically at the health and safety of young workers. "Young people are particularly vulnerable to workplace injury because of their inexperience," said the Chairperson of the Board of WorkCover, the Hon Joe Riordan, AO.
Mr. Riordan launched the campaign at the Newcastle Workers Club accompanied by local Paralympian Heath Francis, who is sponsored by WorkCover. Heath was injured in a workplace accident at the age of seven.
"Employers must be aware of their legal obligation to provide a safe workplace for all their employees, but we are reminding them to pay special attention to the needs of young workers," said Mr. Riordan.
"Over 8,400 workers under the age of 25 were injured at their place of employment in New South Wales in the 1998/99 period," he said.
"In this same period, nine young workers were tragically killed at work, in accidents that could have been prevented.
"Some of these people were on their first day at work.
"It’s simply unacceptable," Mr. Riordan said.
The public education campaign, consisting of television and radio commercials, has been designed to graphically illustrate that there is no substitute for proper training and supervision to ensure safety in the workplace.
"From the very first day a young person begins a job, they must be trained to do that job with safety as the prime consideration," Mr. Riordan said.
"The Occupational Health and Safety Act provides penalties of up to $875,000 for employers who fail to maintain a safe working environment.
"Too often we see employers taking steps to operate safely after an accident occurs.
"The State Government and WorkCover are committed to ensuring this changes. Education is one of the most powerful forms of intervention in the area of work safety," Mr. Riordan said.
As well as the television and radio campaign, WorkCover NSW has already distributed free to all high schools and TAFE colleges, multi-media kits informing young people of occupational health and safety issues before they start work.
"Our young people deserve no less than to work in a culture of safety," Mr. Riordan said.
(Source: WorkCover Authority of NSW 2000) Case Study 2 Questions
1. Why are young people vulnerable to workplace injuries?
2. What must an employer provide to young workers?
3. How many young workers were injured in NSW in the period 1998/1999?
4. How many young people were killed in the same period?
5. What does the education campaign launched by WorkCover NSW consist of?
6. What penalty applies to employers who fail to provide a safe workplace?
Laws that protect workplace health and safety
Student Activity 4: Roles and Responsibilities in the Workplace
Outcomes: Students will be able to: o demonstrate an awareness that each section of the workplace has legal responsibilities in regard to Occupational Health and Safety o recognise and distinguish between the duties and responsibilities of • the employer • the employee • the OHS committee and OHS representative • the WorkCover inspector
Resources:
o Overhead transparencies: • Instructions to students • Suggested answers
o Activity cards – set of 40 cards with each card having a role or responsibility of one of the various groups. One set for each group. Teachers will need to prepare these cards. A master card sheet is supplied for photocopying.
o 4 boards – one for each group: • employer • employee • health and safety representative • WorkCover inspector
Activity Outline:
o Divide the class into groups of 3 or 4. o Each group should have a set of 40 cards and a set of 4 boards with headings of employer, employee, heath and safety representative, WorkCover inspector. o Students in each group are to discuss the role or responsibility printed on each card. Students decide which group has the responsibility printed on the card. o Students place the card on the board that matches the responsibility with the workplace group responsible.
You are to work in groups of 3 to 4.
Make sure you have a set of 40 cards and a set of 4 boards.
Take each card and discuss with the other members in your group who you think has responsibility for that role, i.e is it the employer, the employee, the health and safety representative or the WorkCover inspector?
Place the card on the appropriate board so that the role/responsibility matches the workplace group responsible.
Questions for you to answer:
1. What do you notice about the number of cards on each board?
2. Who has the greater number of responsibilities in occupational health and safety issues?
3. What are the three most important factors you have learned, about your role and responsibility in the workplace?
Card set – roles and responsibilities
|Provide a safe working environment |Investigate any matter that may be a|Provide supervision so employees |Tidy or remove any tripping hazards |
| |risk |can work safely |in your workplace. |
|Provide and maintain safe plant |Attempt to resolve any workplace |Establish a health and safety |Must not prevent aid to an injured |
|(machinery, equipment) |safety issues. |committee |worker |
|Identify, access and eliminate risks|Investigate any suspected breach of |Provide first – aid facilities |Provide amenities (drinking |
| |OHS legislation | |water, washrooms etc) |
|Provide information on |Carry out medical |Provide protective equipment and |Regulate the speed and frequency of |
|workplace hazards |examinations with the |clothing |work |
| |employee’s consent | | |
|Take care of the health and safety |Restrict access to or dismantle |Provide guards on dangerous machines|Ensure a safe system of work |
|of yourself and others |things on the premises | | |
|Talk to employer about health or |Require any person to answer |Provide storage areas for equipment |Request a Workcover Inspector |
|safety hazards |questions | |investigation |
|Co-operate with employer on safety |Provide clean and tidy work areas |Use equipment for its intended use |Accompany a Workcover Inspector |
|and health matters | | |during an inspection |
|Report any incident, accident or |Provide ventilation systems for dust|Correctly use protective equipment/ |Accompany an employee, if requested,|
|near miss |removal |clothing |during an interview on an OHS matter|
|Be paid time to attend OH&S courses |Provide appropriate training and |Read safety information and follow | |
|approved by WorkCover |instruction |safety rules | |
|Be consulted about any proposed |Provide information and training on |Take care to use equipment safely | |
|changes to the workplace |chemicals | | |
What is a hazard? OHT
o Anything (including work practices or procedures) that has the potential to harm the health or safety of a person.
Types of hazards: o physical eg. noise, radiation, light, vibration o chemical eg. poisons, dusts o biological eg. viruses, plants, parasites o mechanical/electrical eg. slips, trips and falls, tools, electrical equipment o psychological eg. fatigue, violence, bullying
Hazards can arise from: o the work environment o the use of machinery and substances o poor work design o inappropriate systems and procedures
Control hazards by: o Workplace inspections o Consultation o Monitoring injury and illness records o Recording complaints o Observation
Dealing with hazards:
o Eliminate the hazard o Change the equipment or materials o Change work methods o Use personal protection equipment (PPE)
Risk management OHT
o Identify the hazard ▪ Know what the dangers are in the workplace. Keep records of accidents and injuries, conduct safety inspections of the workplace and list all plant and hazardous substances.
o Assess the risk ▪ Determine what the risk is that someone may be injured. Assess how likely it is that a hazardous event will occur and what the consequences are likely to be.
o Control the risk ▪ Implement measures to prevent injury or illness. First try to eliminate the risk. If this is not possible, the risk should be minimised using substitution, modifications, isolation or engineering controls. Back-up controls such as personal protective equipment should only be used as a last resort.
o Monitor and improve the workplace ▪ Control measures should be reviewed to maintain their effectiveness and further refine the process.
Hierarchy of Control OHT
If eliminating a hazard is not possible, then:
8 Substitute
12 Isolate
15 Minimise – Engineering
18 Minimise – Administrative
21 PPE
Roles and Responsibilities OHT
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ACTIVITY 4
INSTRUCTIONS TO STUDENTS
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Tips for young workers
o Take responsibility for your own safety
o Keep yourself and others safe
o Listen to advice, instruction and act on it
o Know what to look for when entering a new or different workplace
o Know what questions to ask about the job
o No fooling around – you are not immortal!
ASK your supervisor
o What are the dangers of my job?
o What are the hazards?
o Should I have any job safety training?
o Do I need any personal protective equipment?
o What training is needed on how to use my PPE?
o Where are the first aid facilities?
o Who is the first aid person?
o What do I do if I get injured?
o Where are the fire extinguishers?
o Where are the emergency exits?
o How will I know if there is an emergency?
o What should I do in an emergency?
o Who do I go to in the workplace if I have a health or safety question?
UNIT
2
WORKCOVER INSPECTORS
Investigate any suspected breach of the occupational health and safety legislation.
EMPLOYER
Must
o Provide a safe working environment o Provide a safe system of work o Provide proper training and information o Identify hazards, assess the risks and eliminate or control the risks o Provide supervision o Supply personal protective equipment and clothing o Consult with employees o Provide amenities o Provide first aid facilities and personnel o Provide for emergencies o Ensure OHS committee members and representatives are trained o Not victimise or unlawfully dismiss an employee o Not charge employees for things done
EMPLOYEE
o Must take reasonable care for the health and safety of people who are at their place of work o Must co-operate with their employer or other person o Must notify the employer or supervisor of any risk to health and safety o Must not deliberately create a risk to health and safety o Must not interfere with or misuse things provided for health, safety and welfare o Must not hinder aid to an injured worker o Must not refuse assistance in either receiving aid or giving aid o Must not disrupt the workplace by creating health or safety fears
Note: Students in the workplace should also follow these guidelines to ensure the safety of themselves and others.
OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY COMMITTEES AND REPRESENTATIVES
o Keep under review the measures taken to ensure health and safety
o Investigate any matter that poses a risk
o Attempt to resolve a health and safety issue
o Request an investigation by a WorkCover inspector
o Consult with a WorkCover inspector and accompany them on an investigation, if required
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Note: students should refer to the Courses of Instruction section of information technology course prerequisites. Students prior to entering the BAS ITEC are required to have completed one 4U high school mathematics course or the equivalent within the last five years. General prerequisites for all 3000 level or above courses: students must have successfully completed all 1000 and 2000 level required courses in information technology and mathematics required for their program option. Student must obtain a minimum grade of C in either AP/ITEC 2610 3.00 or AP/ITEC 3010 3.00 in order to graduate. · AP/ADMS 2500 3.00; · AP/ADMS 2510 3.00; · AP/ADMS 2511 3.00; · AP/ITEC 1000 3.00; · AP/ITEC 1010 3.00; · AP/ITEC 1620 3.00 or SC/CSE 1020 3.00; · AP/ITEC 2610 3.00; · AP/ITEC 3010 3.00; · AP/ITEC 3210 3.00; · AP/ITEC 3220 3.00 or SC/CSE 3421 3.00; · AP/ITEC 4010 3.00; · AP/ITEC 4030 3.00; · AP/ITEC 4040 3.00; · SC/MATH 1190 3.00. Six credits as follows: · AP/ADMS 2320 3.00 and AP/ADMS 3330 3.00; or SC/MATH 2320 3.00 and SC/MATH 2565 3.00; or AP/ECON 2500 3.00 and AP/ECON 3480 3.00; Nine additional credits in ITEC or ADMS from: · AP/ADMS 2200 3.00; · AP/ADMS 2400 3.00; · AP/HRM 2600 3.00;( Crosslisted to AP/ADMS 2600 3.00) · AP/ITEC 2620 3.00; · AP/ITEC 3020 3.00; · AP/ITEC 3230 3.00; · AP/ITEC 3500 3.00; · AP/ITEC 3505 3.00; · AP/ITEC 4000 3.00; · AP/ITEC 4100 3.00; · AP/ITEC 4101 3.00. Notes: 1. ITEC 3500 is a mandatory course in the information technology auditing and assurance stream, ITEC 3020 and ITEC 3230 are mandatory courses in the ecommerce development stream and ITEC 4101 is a mandatory course in the business systems analysis stream. 2. At least 18 credits in the major must be at the 4000 level. (ii) Stream: an additional 15 credits from one of the following streams: Information Technology…
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Explain how health & safety is monitored and maintained & how people in the work setting are made aware of risks & hazards and encouraged to work safely.…
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INSTRUCTIONS: Please complete the application below. Attach proof of total gross income (before taxes) for each…
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State how to comply with control measures that have been identified by risk assessments and safe systems of work.…
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2. Be able to recognise risks and hazards in the work setting and during off site visits…
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While I was studying, started working to make a living and now I have more than 20 years of work experience. In these years I worked for many companies in the field of Finance, Accounts and Costing. I began my career in 1990 as an Accounts Executive and in about 6 years time reached the position of Manager (Costing and Finance). Worked in this field for about 12 before leaving the job in 2000 for some family reasons. The companies I worked with during these years include DLF Industries Limited, Modi Xerox Ltd., MTNL, TCIL, ONIDA and Hindustan Office Products Limited to name a few.…
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