It is important for safety induction trainings to be completed for new employees in any organization in order to create the right safety culture in the minds of new hires in the organization. Below shows a complete safety induction and training program. This example is provided to you courtesy of MADAC. MADEC is a a community based not-for profit business that delivers employment, training, and community development initiatives throughout Victoria, New South Wales and South Australia. Also, their website is: www.madec.edu.au
This Workplace Safety Training & Induction has been designed to:
• Provide you with an overview of the general legal and safety requirements for the workplace
• Let you know your employer’s legal rights and obligations
• Let you know your basic legal rights and obligations
• Help you identify hazards, assess risks and implement
controls
• Reduce the likelihood of you being injured at work
• Reduce the likelihood of others being injured by your actions
Note: This does not replace specific worksite, or task training.
The program will cover:
• Workplace Expectations
• Plant
• Occupational Health & Safety Law
• Personal Protective Equipment
• P&G OHS&E Objectives
• Noise Control
• Employer Responsibilities
• Manual Handling
• Worker Responsibilities
• How to Lift and Carry
• Incident Reporting
• Emergency Procedures
• Risk Management
• Outdoor Work
• Housekeeping
• High Risk Construction Work
• Slips, Trips and Falls
• Working at Heights
• Hazardous Substances
• First Aid
• Electrical Safety
• Office Safety
• Tag Out Procedures
• Bullying
Note: No contractor must do any work using
tools on site without the necessary required work permit forms.
Employees are not allowed to work except they
are trained and qualified to do the work.
MADEC workers are expected to demonstrate the highest level of
professionalism at all times by
• Acting honestly, with integrity and uphold the reputation of both MADEC and your Host
• Not engaging in any conduct involving
dishonesty, fraud, deceit or committing any acts that reflect adversely on MADEC or your Host
• Maintaining a high level of personal hygiene and presentation appropriate to your workplace at all times
• Treating fellow workers, clients, supervisors and management with respect, honesty
and courtesy at all times
Every workplace has its own set of rules about acceptable and unacceptable behaviour. Familiarise yourself with the rules that relate to your
place of work.
Attendance
It is important that you attend your workplace on the days and hours as
determined prior to commencement or as agreed once commenced.
You will be required to complete an attendance record which is to be forwarded to
MADEC on a weekly basis.
Absence from Work
Where you are not able to attend your placement you must notify your supervisor or MADEC in advance or
a soon as practical. Please adopt the habit of keeping in contact
with your supervisor if you have any reason to be absent from your placement.
• Before each work placement, MADEC will advise you of your normal work hours
and break times
• If you are late to work you must report immediately to your supervisor at your host workplace
• If you are unable to attend work you must contact your supervisor at your host workplace AND MADEC BEFORE your usual start time
• If you are absent from work due to illness you must contact your supervisor at the
host workplace AND MADEC ASAP, provide a medical certificate, and advise MADEC
of how long you will be unfit for work
Clothing
Appropriate clothing is to be worn in accordance
with your position and workplace. Wide brim hats and sunscreen are required for outdoor work.
Smoking Policy
Most workplaces have a smoking policy that you shall be required to follow. Smoking is prohibited inside buildings or
in areas where other people (including the public) are affected by your actions.
Smoking is prohibited where food is consumed.
Alcohol/ Drugs
The dangers of consuming drugs and alcohol in the workplace are well recognised. You are expected to observe policies that the host employer and MADEC have in regard to drugs and alcohol. Often breaches of workplace drug or
alcohol policies will lead to dismissal.
No one is to present for work under the influence of alcohol or to use, distribute
or possess illegal drugs at the workplace. A worker attending at a workplace while
under the effect of alcohol or drugs will not be permitted to commence or continue working.
Prescription / Pharmaceutical Medication
If you are taking medication that may affect your work performance you must notify your supervisor.
You must establish any side effects of medication which may impact on your ability to work safely and notify their supervisor.
You must not attend work while taking medication which may impact on your ability to work safely.
Mobile Phones
The use of mobile phones should be restricted to work purposes only. Personal calls
or SMS should only be made (and taken) during designated breaks.
Legislation
Parliament that makes laws such as
the Occupational Health and Safety Act, Anti Discrimination Act, Sexual Harassment Act and the Industrial Relations Act that
become law.
Regulations
Are the rules that deal with certain issues in greater detail than are contained in
the act e.g. first aid treatment, medical assistance, accident reporting and chemical
handling. Lifting and manual handling are all dealt with under regulations, some
are industry specific while other regulations cover all industries.
Codes Of Practice
Are standards set by the industry for the industry. They are minimum standards
of work practices for Occupational Health and Safety for the employer, worker and
visitors on site.
The Occupational Health and Safety Act
This law ensures that employers provide a safe and healthy workplace for their workers. It also requires that workers use safe work practices so they do not injure
themselves or others.
MADEC OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH & SAFETY POLICY OBJECTIVES
It is the aim of MADEC to provide a safe and healthy workplace for all staff, clients
and others by adopting a planned and systematic approach to the management of
OH&S and providing the resources for its successful implementation.
All hazards to health and safety are identified, the risks assessed and where they
cannot be eliminated they are effectively controlled. Measures to control hazards
and risks to health and safety are regularly monitored and evaluated.
Workers are consulted and encouraged to contribute to the decision making
process on OH&S matters effecting their health and safety at work.
All managers, supervisors and workers receive appropriate information, instruction,
training and supervision they need to safely carry out their workplace responsibilities.
Duties of Employers include to:
• Provide or maintain plant or
systems of work that are, so far as is reasonably
practicable, safe and without risks to health
• Make arrangements for ensuring, so far as
is reasonably practicable, safety and the absence of risks to health in connection with the use, handling, storage or
transport of plant or substances
• Maintain, so far as is reasonably practicable, each workplace under the employer’s
management and control in a condition that is safe and without risks to health
• Provide, so far as is reasonably practicable, adequate facilities for the welfare of
workers at any workplace under the management and control of the employer
• Provide such information, instruction, training or
supervision to workers of the employer as is necessary to enable those persons to perform their work in a way that
is safe and without risks to health
Management and Supervisors
Managers and supervisors are required to ensure that OH&S is managed effectively
in their area of responsibility and ensure compliance with OH&S policies and
procedures. Management at all levels is required to implement and keep under
review the company’s safety program in consultation with its workers.
Supervisors are required to take all practicable measures to ensure workers are
provided a safe work environment and that policies and procedures are complied
with and workers are appropriately supervised and trained.
The following points outline some other Employer responsibilities:
• Providing safety “Induction” training and clear safety rules in the workplace.
Under current legislation, an employer cannot penalize or
dismiss a worker for reporting an OH&S issue
• Maintain an injury register. This is compulsory in order to forward claims to the
agency with whom the employer has its insurance policy
• Ensure that any safety equipment necessary to perform specific activities is provided e.g. masks, goggles and gloves when using chemicals; hearing
protection if using very noisy equipment; protective clothing must be provided in
some workplaces
• Provide for First Aid when there is an accident or
illness at work
• To Consult with workers including sharing information about health and safety,
giving workers a reasonable opportunity to express their views, and taking those
views into account. The best way to consult workers may be to engage in direct
discussion as part of everyday work
WORKER RESPONSIBILITIES
You (the worker) have a duty of care
under the OH&S Act to:
• Take care for your own health and safety, and that of other people
• Cooperate with anything MADEC or your host employer does to meet its health
and safety obligations including following reasonable instruction regarding health
and safety
• Work in a safe manner by following your Supervisors directions and learning how to use all equipment properly, including obeying all safety signs, following work
instructions and wearing any personal protective equipment required
• Work and use equipment safely and follow any workplace policies, procedures and work instructions. You must not interfere with or
misuse any equipment provided for your health and safety and the health and safety of others
• If you become aware of a hazard or
an incident (including near miss) relating to
health and safety you should report it to your supervisor immediately
• Ensure that you are not under the influence of drugs or
alcohol while at work and avoid endangering your health and safety and the health and safety of others.
• You must not operate any plant or tools unless trained and authorised to do so. If you are asked to perform tasks or
use tools or equipment that you are not trained or
qualified inform your supervisor and do not proceed until trained.
• You must not repair or
perform maintenance on any plant unless qualified and
authorized to do so.
• Assist your supervisor to identify, assess risk and control hazards in the workplace
• Use any Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required
• Keep your work area tidy and remove any hazards
• Obey traffic rules and demarcation lines
There are heavy fines and penalties for both employers and workers who fail to observe the rules regarding workplace safety.
RISK MANAGEMENT
As an employer MADEC has moral and legal obligations to provide and maintain a
safe and healthy workplace. To effectively manage our business including health
and safety in your workplace, it is imperative to identify hazards, assess risks,
implement controls and monitor controls.
The terms “hazard identification”, “risk assessment” and “risk control” are commonly
used to summarise this systematic approach for managing workplace health and
safety.
Definition of a Hazard
A hazard is a source or
situation with a potential to cause injury, illness, or
damage to property or the environment.
IDENTIFY HAZARDS
ASSESS RISKS
MONITOR CONTROLS
IMPLEMENT CONTROL SOLUTIONS
Identify Hazards - any potentially hazardous situations (which may cause injury,
illness or disease) in your workplace are to be identified on an ongoing basis before
an accident or incident occurs.
The hazard identification process is designed to identify all the possible situations
where people may possibly be exposed to injury, illness and disease. Risk or
Job Safety Assessments are required to be conducted in the following circumstances:
• Prior to a new piece of plant or
equipment being put into use
• When a new system or work practice is introduced
• When an existing system or work practice is changed
• As part of an incident investigation
• As new information about work practices, substances or
plant becomes available
• Compliance with Legislation, Regulations, Codes of Practice, Policies or
Procedures
This is why it is necessary that you inform MADEC
prior to performing jobs at your workplace that you were not engaged to do and that are not
included in the risk assessment.
There are numerous checklists and guidance material available to assist in the
identification of various hazards for particular types of work. Once a hazard has
been identified and the risks assessed an appropriate control solution can then be
implemented.
Assess Risks
The purpose of risk assessment is to determine whether there is any likelihood
of injury, illness or disease associated with a potentially hazardous situation by considering:
• Whether any person (workers and visitors) would be exposed to the identified situ- ations under all possible scenarios (e.g. during installation, commissioning, erection,
operation, inspection, maintenance, repair, service and cleaning of plant)
• What existing measures are in place to protect the health and safety of people who
may be exposed
• How adequate the existing measures are for protecting the health and safety of
people who may be exposed
A matrix is generally used to determine and assign the level of risk according to
likelihood and severity of an occurrence.
Implement & Monitor Risk Controls
• If there is any likelihood
of an occurrence appropriate risk control measures need to be effectively implemented
• The primary duty of employers is to eliminate any hazard or reduce the risk as
far as reasonably practicable which can be achieved through using the hierarchy of control solutions (see below)
• Once implemented controls should be monitored to ensure their effectiveness
• Don’t just assume it is somebody else’s job
• If safe to do so control the hazard
• Don’t carry out the task until it is made safe
• Report the hazard
• If the hazard is outside your authority, report the hazard to your supervisor
immediately
Eliminate the Hazard
Elimination works by either completely removing a hazard or by removing the
hazard which exposes people to risk. Examples of elimination of a Manual
Handling hazard may be by redesigning the work area or work flow or
the introduction of mechanical systems.
Substitute the Hazard
Substitution involves replacing a hazardous substance, machinery or work process
with a non-hazardous or less hazardous one. This may include the use of
non- flammable solvents in place of a flammable one or
the use of chemicals in a pellet or paste form instead of a powder.
Engineering Controls
Engineering controls may include modification of tools and equipment or
the use of enclosures, guarding, local exhaust ventilation, relocation of plant and automation.
Administrative Controls
Where the hazard can’t be controlled through elimination, substitution or
engineering processes administrative controls may be used. This includes
introducing work practices which reduce risk such as reducing the number of workers exposed, reducing the period of exposure, standard
operating procedures\ work instructions, Material Safety Data Sheets, signage, policies and procedures.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Personal Protective Equipment should only be used where other measures are not practicable. Efforts to remove health and safety risks using higher controls should continue. In general, personal protective clothing and equipment should only be used for short term or
emergency procedures or as additional protection when other control measures do not give sufficient exposure control. Where PPE is required to be used the Manager/Supervisor should ensure that it is appropriate for
the job, that it fits the operator correctly, that training is provided in its use and that
it is cleaned and maintained in accordance to manufacturer’s specification.
Good Housekeeping is Everyone’s Responsibility
• All work areas must be clear of trip hazards - remove all tools, leads etc when not in use
• Remove nails from timber and stack in appropriate areas
• Clean up spills, oils, chemicals etc. as
soon as possible. Warning signs must be displayed and/or temporary barricades in place
• Use absorbent material to clean up spills and dispose of in accordance
with Material Safety Data Sheets
• Dispose of oily rags. Oily rags can result in spontaneous combustion
• Operators of plant and equipment must ensure they do not compromise safe
access and egress
• Keep walkways free of obstructions and sharp objects
• People or equipment must be prevented from falling into openings, trenches and
from scaffolding, etc.
• There must be adequate lighting for night work or when there is poor natural lighting
• There must be clear access to emergency equipment, fire extinguishers, fire hoses,
emergency exits, switchboards and amenities
• Scrap and waste material must be removed as
soon as practical from work areas
• Warning lights or signs must clearly identify worksite access and egress
• Sweep things like wood shavings, waste etc. up regularly
• Make sure there are no trailing electrical cords on the floor
• Keep the floors and walkways free of materials, timber, boxes, equipment and rubbish
Remember “If you’ve got time to lean, you’ve got time to clean”!
Objectives
That workers identify slip, trip and fall hazards and demonstrate a general understanding of minimising and eliminating the risks. That occurrences are reported, recorded and investigated with corrective measures immediately. Slips, Trips
and Falls in the workplace are an ever present hazard and can result in far more serious consequences than minor abrasions or
bruising.
A slip or fall can cause injury to the arms, legs, back, neck or
head. Neck and head injuries can cause damage to the spinal cord and nervous system. Many workers
have suffered permanent disabling injuries or death as
a result of a fall.
Contributing Factors include
• Unsuitable footwear
• Floor surface – wet, slippery, obstacles
• Walkway rise – stairs
and steps
• Obstructed vision
Trip hazard
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Solutions to Minimize & Eliminate Slip/Trip Risks
• Shoes – cleated, soft rubber soles and heels with ankle support
• Walking areas clear of obstacles
• Stairways - sturdy handrails
• Sufficient lighting
• Slip resistant mats to risk areas
• Not carrying oversized objects that limit vision
• Not running
• Looking carefully
• Placing safety signs in high risk areas
• Color highlight raised floor
• Chemicals used in businesses and industry are often toxic, flammable and
dangerous to use if they are not handled and stored correctly. The nature of some
chemicals can put everyone in the workplace at serious risk of harm
• Untrained or unsupervised workers mixing or
spraying chemicals and other hazardous substances are placing themselves and others at a high risk of injury,
which could result in death or permanent disability
• Chemicals that are designed to kill weeds, insects or
fungi can also kill people and can have a significant impact on the environment, as well as workers, contractors,
neighbours and anyone who may be passing by during spraying operations
• Dangers also arise when chemicals and other hazardous substances such as
oils, solvents and fuels are not stored correctly (in a locked area), mislabelled or
not stored in their original containers, (e.g. in drink bottles)
• If swallowed, these substances can kill
someone in a matter of minutes. A thorough knowledge of handling and using chemicals, and basic first aid knowledge are
essential
Employers Legal Requirements under the Regulations:
• Train all workers and contractors in the safe handling, use and storage of chemicals
• Provide workers access to Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) - information sheets for hazardous substances used in the workplace. These provide the best source of
information about the substance. – (see example provided)
• Ensure that all chemical storage containers are suitable (e.g. do not store petrol in
drink bottles) and are correctly stored and labelled
• Identify, assess and control all risks related to using hazardous
substances
• Keep a register of all hazardous substances
Danger highly flammable
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Exposure to Hazardous Substances at Work
The form of a substance affects the way it can enter people’s bodies. The three main routes of exposure include;
Breathing (“inhalation”)
Some substances (like dust and fine fibres) stay in your lungs if you breathe them
in, others like gases, vapours and dusts/powders, can be absorbed into your
bloodstream and carried to other parts of your body. Always wear appropriate PPE
when using chemicals and check the types, age and condition of filters in tractor
cabs and chemical masks.
Direct contact with skin or eyes
Some chemicals can harm the skin directly, causing burns, irritation, rashes or
dermatitis. Some substances can pass right through the skin and enter your
bloodstream. If your skin is cut, cracked or
dry, substances can pass through into the bloodstream even more easily.
Some substances can seriously burn or
irritate your eyes which may happen
if liquids splash into your eyes, if you touch your eyes when your fingers have
chemicals on them or if a vapour gets into your eyes. If you get chemical in your
eyes wash the eyes thoroughly for 15 minutes (per MSDS) and seek medical advise.
Swallowing (“ingestion”)
Most people don’t swallow harmful chemicals intentionally however you could
accidentally swallow them if you eat, drink or
smoke after you’ve been working with chemicals or
they are incorrectly labelled.
Dangerous Goods
Don’t confuse hazardous substances with dangerous goods – they are classified
according to different criteria.
Hazardous substances are classified on the basis of health effects (whether they be
immediate or long term), while dangerous goods are classified on the basis of
immediate physical or chemical effects, such as fire, explosion, corrosion and
poisoning. Dangerous goods can affect property, the environment or
people.
Certain areas of the body are far more sensitive to chemicals than others,
so make sure you wash all traces of chemicals from your
hands before eating, drinking, smoking or using the toilet! ALWAYS wear the correct PPE and wash
thoroughly after using chemicals.
• Inspect tools and leads regularly, all electrical leads should be tagged. Have worn
plugs replaced
• Ensure that portable electrical equipment and leads are connected through an
approved Residual Current Device (RCD) or an approved Type 2 safety switch
• Ensure the portable safety switch is tested using the inbuilt test button
immediately it is connected to a socket outlet and each day it is used after its connection
• The portable safety switch and all portable appliances must be tested and tagged
as per AS/NZ Standards. If the tag is absent or
out of date alert your supervisor and remove the equipment
• Faulty appliances and/or leads must be handed to your supervisor. These should
be tagged out and removed from service
• Do NOT use double adaptors or
piggyback plugs
• All leads to be suspended and not run on floors
• Protect leads passing through doorways
• Keep leads and plugs dry, and out of puddles
• Do not open any electrical (fuse) boxes. If any work needs to be carried out on the
fuse box contact your supervisor immediately
• Ensure portable appliances are switched off before removing the plug
• Remove leads from sockets by grasping the plug and not the lead
• Do not use PVC tape to repair worn or
damaged leads. Have the cord replaced
• Switch off portable appliances when not in use
Electrical Emergency Procedure
If an appliance fails to operate, trips the safety switch or
circuit breaker, smokes or sparks immediately switch it off and unplug it if safe to do so.
Isolate the power and apply a Lockout tag. Advise your supervisor immediately. Do not attempt to fix the problem or
operate the appliance until the appliance is repaired and the tag is removed.
Isolation/Tag Out Procedures
1. The yellow “Out of Service” tag procedure is used to
prevent the unauthorized use of plant and equipment
which is considered to be unsafe, operationally defect
unserviceable, or when continued use could result in
further damage.
2. The red “Danger” tag is designed to give personal
protection to an individual working on a particular t
particular area.
3. A machine/equipment or process may be tagged “Danger” BY ANY
considers it to be unsafe or
unfit for continued use.
4. Once tagged the machine/equipment MUST NOT BE OPERATED or
used by a person other than those authorised to carry out the required inspection / repair.
5. Failure to obey the tag system will result in disciplinary action commensurate with
the severity of the breach.
6. Before placing a tag in position the required details (e.g., the name of the person
applying the tag) must be filled out on the tag.
7. The tag must be tied or
securely fastened to the machine/equipment on or
adjacent to the main positive isolators, valve, control, etc in such a position that it
will be clearly visible to anyone attempting to operate or
use it. Switches such as push buttons, emergency stops and control switches are not positive isolators and
should never be used as such. If any uncertainty exists
about the correct switch ask the supervisor to confirm your selection.
8. Where there is a need for multiple switches valves or
positive isolators to be isolated a “Danger” tag shall be placed on each one by every individual working on
the task.
9. The Supervisor must then be notified of the action taken.
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10. The tag must remain attached to the machine/equipment
until the defect has been corrected. The “Out of Service” tag c
be removed after the supervisor has given permission.
11. The “Danger tag must ONLY be removed by the individual
who placed
Plant includes any machinery, equipment, appliance, implement
or tool. It also includes any component of the plant and anything fitted or connected to the plant.
There is a large variety of specifically designed plant used in the workplace of which
not all hazards associated with these items of plant can be eliminated. Items such
as shafts, pulleys, rollers, conveyors and belts used to power components and at-
tachments are obvious hazards. They present a high risk of entanglement with hair,
clothes, jewellery (including rings) and body parts. Some items of plant have a high
noise level which may lead to hearing loss injuries.
The legal requirements for plant are varied and cover areas such as:
• Licensing operators
• Servicing specifications
• Keeping of records for servicing, inspections, adjustments, die changes
• Effective guarding and/or safe operating procedures
• Repairs and maintenance to be performed only by competent persons
• Testing of safety and warning devices on a regular basis
• Multiple operator plant be fitted with stop and lock off type controls that require
each stop control to be reset before the plant can be restarted
• Emergency stop handles, bars and push buttons to be coloured red and operate in
a fail-safe manner
• Function and operation of all controls to be clearly marked
Injuries are more likely to occur
when:
• Operators are not trained or
supervised
• The plant is not used for its designed purpose
• Operators perform maintenance and cleaning functions when untrained
• Safe systems of work are not developed to minimize the risk
• Children are around or on plant
• Passengers are carried on mobile plant without seating designed for the vehicle
• Controls and operational switches and levers are not clearly marked with their
function and direction of operation
• Risk assessments pertaining to noise are not completed
• Lock out, tag out systems are not used during adjustments
• Plant and machinery are not properly guarded (guarding is an engineering control
and does not eliminate a risk)
Controls to reduce the risk of injury from plant operations include;
• Worker training and instructions on safe operation of plant. Some plant will have
specific Work Instructions/Safe Operating Procedures including PPE required
• Guards are in place prior to operation and defects or
problems are reported to the supervisor
• Tools are to be maintained in good condition and inspected prior to use. If any
faults are found they must be reported immediately
• Maintaining plant and equipment to a set schedule as
per manufacturer requirements. Only trained & qualified persons are to conduct maintenance
• ‘NO children’ and ‘NO passenger’ policies
DO NOT TOUCH OR USE ANY TOOL, EQUIPMENT OR MACHINERY YOU ARE NOT TRAINED AND AUTHORISED TO OPERATE!
Fork Lifts
Forklifts are often used in the processing industry to load and unload and move
materials around workplaces. They can be dangerous if not driven and operated correctly. You must be properly trained and licensed to operate a forklift and follow
safe work procedures. Forklifts have right of way.
PEDESTRIANS MUST WALK WITHIN THE “PEDESTRIAN” YELLOW LINES.
If your employer provides you with Personal Protective Equipment then you must
use it in the way you have been instructed to do so. You must also look after and
store your PPE in an appropriate manner. No worker is to interfere or
misuse equipment provided to them in the interests of their safety.
• Where necessary your Host
Employer will supply a range of PPE for your use. It is
a requirement that you wear and use this PPE where specified, maintain it in good condition and to be responsible for its security
• Failure to abide by the signage, direction or
instruction to wear PPE not only puts you at risk of injury, but also creates an offence under Occupation Health and Safety Legislation
• Recommended and mandatory PPE for your tasks can be found listed in the Safe
Operating Procedures for specific plant and certain tasks
• Blue Signage in the workplace also indicates what PPE must be worn
• If you are ever in doubt over the wearing, use or
maintenance of a particular item of PPE ask your workplace Supervisor
Noise induced hearing loss is one of the most common occupational injuries and costs Australian industry around $35 million annually in compensation. The noise
level in a workplace is dangerous if it exceeds the exposure standard, which refers to
an average noise level of 85 decibels (A-weighted) over an eight-hour period, with a
maximum peak of 140 decibels (C-weighted).
As an indicator, some examples of noise levels include:
• Jet engine – 120 decibels
• Angle grinding – 120 decibels
• Chainsaw – 110 decibels
• Lawn mowing – 93 decibels
• Front end loader – 85 decibels
• Normal conversation – 60 decibels.
There is a chance that the exposure standard is being exceeded if:
• if it is difficult to hear someone speaking to you from one metre away
• workers notice a temporary hearing loss or ringing in the ears after leaving work
• workers need to use hearing protectors.
Excessive noise damages the delicate nerve cells in the inner ear that transmit sound
messages to the brain. The nerve cells are replaced by scar tissue that does not respond to sound. This damage occurs slowly over time and is painless but
permanent - there is no cure.
A simple test of the noise level could be:
“If it is difficult for people to have a normal conversation without raising their voices
when they are only one metre apart there may be a noise problem.”
• Noise control measures include eliminating the noisy plant, substituting a quieter
machine, building a noise absorbing shroud around the plant area, housing the
noise source in a room away from workers or wearing hearing protection equipment
(plugs or muffs).
Noise induced hearing loss injuries are more likely to occur
when:
• Risk assessments have not been carried out
• Hearing protection equipment is not provided where a noise problem exists
• The wrong type or grade of hearing protection equipment is in use
• Noise from plant is not controlled by regular maintenance of engines or
installation of acoustic insulation panels.
• Workers are not trained or
informed about hearing loss and how to fit, maintain
and store hearing protection equipment
• Employers do not make sure that workers wear the hearing protection supplied
Remember! Usually, ear damage occurs gradually over several years and remains unnoticed until it is too late. Hearing damage can’t be repaired.
Wear Hearing protection at all times where and when required!
MANUAL HANDLING
What Is It? Essentially, any action of:
• Lifting
• Pushing
• Pulling
• Carrying
• Sliding
• Wheeling
• Stacking
• Holding
Where, When and Why Do Injuries Occur?
• Bending, twisting, reaching
• Incorrect technique
• Gripping, wrist-turning
• Repetitious movements, constrained position
• Frequency and duration of lifts
• Heavy or awkward loads
How Do Injuries Occur?
• Workplace design may be poor
• Supervision may be inadequate
• Workers may be under excessive pressure
How can Manual Handling Problems Be Managed?
• Use mechanical aids
• Training
• Analyze incidents and accidents
• Implement the Hierarchy of Control Solutions
• (Eliminate manual handling where practicable)
• Identify frequent causes
• Assess factors in causes
• Priorities action
• Design steps to control risk
• Monitor results
• Use correct lifting techniques
HOW TO LIFT AND CARRY
It is important that your work area is laid
out correctly and consideration needs to be given to planning the lift;
• Where and how equipment is laid out
• The height of the equipment or work benches
• The size and weight of mobile equipment
• How far do you have to carry equipment or
goods
Objects need to be assessed on an individual basis as to whether they can be
lifted safely. Test the load prior to attempting a lift and make sure you know how
heavy it is.
DO NOT attempt a lift unless you are sure if it is safe to proceed!
A common workplace injury is to the back, caused by incorrect lifting or
handling of heavy or large objects. Often, the injury won’t be felt for sometime and may be
permanent.
SIX STEPS TO SAFE LIFTING
1. PLAN THE LIFT & USE SAFE HANDLING PRACTICES
• Reduce the vertical distance the load is to be carried,
between thigh & shoulder
• Reduce the weight and force used, where possible use mechanical
devices, break the load or use team lifting
• Consider task duration & repetition; lay out of work environment, experience of persons
• Consider the safe handholds of the load
2. STAND CLOSE TO THE LOAD WITH FEET
APART CREATING A STABLE BASE FOR LIFTING
3. BEND AT THE KNEES AND KEEP BACK STRAIGHT
4. GET A FIRM GRIP AND MOVE THE OBJECT CLOSE TO THE BODY.
5. LIFT SMOOTHLY DO NOT JERK
• Where possible exert force in a forward or backward motion
• Movements such as twisting, bending and over reaching will
increase the risk of injury
6. ALWAYS KEEP ARMS AND LOAD CLOSE TO BODY AND WHEN TURNING, USE YOUR FEET
PLEASE NOTE : WHEN CARRYING OUT A TEAM LIFT MAKE SURE THAT ONE PERSON GIVES CLEAR INSTRUCTIONS.
If someone in the workplace has an accident don’t just
leave them:
• Always check for any danger to yourself or
others before assisting the victim
• Raise the alarm and seek the first aid officer or
medical assistance
• If the victim is bleeding apply pressure to the wound and elevate the limb
• If a chemical is in the victim’s eye help them to the eyewash basin
• If a solid object is lodged in the victim’s eye stop them from touching it
• If the victim has chest pain try to keep them comfortable
• Do not attempt CPR unless you have been trained to do so and hold a current
Senior First Aid Certificate
• Whatever the situation the best help you can offer is to stay with the victim and
help them stay calm until medical assistance arrives
Evacuation
• Follow the procedures as
outlined at your workplace
• Do not re-enter the premises until advised to do so
Fire
• Should it be necessary for you to use a fire extinguisher take time to check the
instructions and the purpose for which it should be used. By
making these checks, you can:
• Avoid injury to yourself
• Avoid aggravating the fire by using unsuitable extinguishers
• Ensuring you don’t wrongly applying them
Fire Procedure
• Raise the alarm – Dial 000
• Remain calm
• If working on a machine – turn it off if safe to do so
• Do not delay evacuation if so instructed
• Do not run – move quickly to the assembly area
• Do not attempt to salvage any of your possessions
• Do not leave the assembly area until instructed to do so
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
Fire Extinguishers (Some common types of extinguishers include) Dry Chemical
For use on: Wood, Paper, Plastics, Flammable & combustible
liquids, Electrical Equipment.
Water
For use on: Wood, Paper, Plastics
Be Aware Dangerous if used on flammable liquid, electrical
equipment & cooking oils/fat fires.
Carbon Dioxide
For use on: Electrical Equipment
Be Aware not suitable for outdoor use.
Workplace Accidents
Follow the specific workplace emergency response procedures but in the event of a
major accident be prepared to help if necessary.
Accident causing major injury
• Before assisting the victim check for danger
• Don’t move the victim unless it is absolutely necessary
• Make the victim comfortable
• See that he/she can breathe
• Give basic first aid if trained to do so
• Call an Ambulance - Dial 000
• Stay with the victim
Incident Reporting
An Incident is an unplanned event which causes or could have caused injury, and/or
damage to property and/or equipment. Incidents range from near-miss incidents to
serious accidents and emergencies.
If you are involved in or witness an incident you must:
Notify your workplace supervisor immediately. Any workplace injury must
be reported to the first aid attendant and your supervisor.
Your supervisor will assist you to complete an Incident Report and provide relevant details of the occurrence. This informs MADEC of what has happened
so that a MADEC consultant can investigate and monitor the hazard to ensure
appropriate controls are in place.
Notify your MADEC Consultant as
soon as practical on the day the incident occurred. All hazards and incidents, including near misses, must be reported to
both MADEC and your supervisor at the host employer even if they don’t result in
an injury or damage. MADEC will also keep a record of the incident or
hazard for future monitoring and assessment.
UV radiation is the wave length of sunlight that can damage the skin. The level of
UV radiation varies depending on the time of year and the proximity to surfaces such as concrete and metal, which can reflect and scatter UV radiation. UV radiation is most intense during the middle of the day between 10am until 3pm from September to April. It can take only 10 to 15 minutes for skin damage to occur.
Over exposure to UV radiation can damage the body’s skin cells which can result in various forms of skin cancer occuring. The most common types of skin cancer are:
Basal cell carcinoma
The least serious form of skin cancer. Appears as
a red lump or scaly area.
Squamous cell carcinoma
Appears as a thick, scaly red spot that may bleed, crust or
ulcerate.
Occurs on most exposed areas of the body. Can spread to other parts of the body.
Melanoma
Appears anywhere on the body as
a flat spot with a mix of colors and an uneven,
smudgy outline. Changes color, size or shape and can spread to other parts of the
body.
Nodular melanoma
Raised, firm and dome shaped pimple-sized melanoma
that is red, pink, brown or black. Develops quickly and spreads to other parts of
the body.
We all know the danger of sun damage the links to skin cancer. The
best way to prevent skin cancer is to protect yourself from the harmful effects of the
sun.
Thermal Discomfort
Thermal discomfort is not a medical condition. It is the discomfort experienced by
most people when it is hot or cold - it’s how we feel. Most concerns that arise
from working in hot or cold conditions are due to thermal discomfort.
In many cases, although we feel considerable discomfort, the work conditions are
such that we face no significant risk of succumbing to the serious health and safety
problem of thermal illness. However, working conditions that cause heat or cold related illness will also cause thermal discomfort.
Heat Stress
Symptoms of mild heat stress are: feeling tired and weak, muscle cramps, feeling sick or vomiting. More severe symptoms are: headache, rapid pulse, excessive sweating, feeling irritable or confused and blurred vision.
Heat stress that progresses further can lead to heat illness causing unconsciousness
and death!
Heat Illness
|
Signs and Symptoms
|
Heat Cramps
|
Muscle cramps, nausea or vomiting, tiredness, dizziness or weakness, moist cool skin.
|
Heat Exhaustion
|
Headache, weakness, thirst, fatigue, nausea, stomach and
muscle cramps, shortness of breath, muscle weakness,
sweating a lot, lack of co-ordination, pale, cool and clammy
skin, rapid pulse, possible confusion or irritability.
|
Heat Stroke
|
Headache, nausea and/or vomiting, not sweating/ hot
dry skin, dizziness, visual disturbance, irritability, mental confusion, aggression, seizures, loss of consciousness.
|
Controls to reduce the risk of heat stress include;
• Doing heavy physical work in the cooler parts of the day, giving workers breaks
from heavy physical work by using job rotation, sharing the job, changing to a
lighter job or having a work break
• People not used to working in heat should build up to a full workload gradually over a week
• Drinking enough fluid eg 2 to 3 glasses of cool water an hour
• Wearing loose clothing (If in the sun, wear full length and light coloured but
close-weave clothing to keep out ultra-violet light.) Don’t wear loose fitting
clothes where there is a risk of entanglement in machinery
• Work for short periods only, and monitor pulse and temperature, if wearing non
porous clothing (eg, plastic suit when spraying chemicals) in hot weather
• Take regular breaks in the shade at least once every hour in hot weather
• Wear a hat
• Stop work and contact your supervisor if you or
any co-worker has any symptoms of heat stress
• Inform your supervisor if you have any health condition that may increase risks
from heat stress eg. a heart condition, diabetes, fever
or if they are taking any medication that may increase risks from heat stress such as
antihistamines or medicines for heart disease (please check with a doctor)
HIGH-RISK CONSTRUCTION WORK
Do you perform construction work that involves;
• Heights of more than two meters
• Demolition
• Removal or
disturbance of asbestos
• Diving
• Trenches or
shafts deeper than 1.5 meters
• Temporary supports for structural alterations
• Powered mobile plant
• Explosives
• Confined spaces
• Tunnels
• Tilt-up or
precast concrete
Or, work that is in, on or near;
• Electrical installations or
services
• Roads or railways in use by traffic
• Water/liquids that pose a drowning risk
• Telecommunications towers
• Pressurized gas distribution mains or
piping
• Artificial temperature extremes
• Contaminated or
flammable atmospheres
• Chemical, fuel or refrigerant lines
These are all types of high-risk construction work. If your work involves any of these,
and someone’s health or safety is at risk, you must complete a Job Safety Assessment that states the hazards and risks of the work and the controls you will
put in place to ensure a safe workplace. You must also make sure that the work is
always done in this way.
Anyone who does construction work must have completed an approved Construction Induction training course before starting work. It is also mandatory for workers to receive a pre-start site induction, you should know the site’s OHS rules
and procedures, supervision arrangements and other site specific issues before you commence work.
WORKING AT HEIGHTS
Regulations require that stringent safety controls are put in place where there is a risk of falls from over 2 metres, consideration also needs to be given to the risk of
injury from lesser heights. Workers are not to work where there is such a risk unless controls are in place that comply with these regulations.
Ladders
Ladders being set up on slippery or
uneven surfaces and not secured to prevent
slipping forwards, backwards or sideways are a fall hazard. Using an ordinary,
straight ladder to put away or obtain stock from stack racks or
shelving is a fall hazard.
Some control solutions to ensuring safe use of ladders includes;
• Placing at an angle of approximately 1 in 4
• Securing top and bottom on firm, flat surfaces
• Extending at least 900mm beyond the top landing
• Always work facing the ladder
• Keeping your belt buckles between the stiles
• Keeping feet at least 900mm below the top of ladder
• Having three points of contact with the ladder at all times
• Not carrying tools in pockets or
under arms – use tool caddy
• Not working above others
• Not using metal ladders near electrical equipment or
power lines
• Not using step ladders near openings or
open floor edges
• Regularly maintaining and inspecting them
MADEC Workplace Safety Training & Induction Program
• Your Host Employer is required to provide adequate First Aid boxes for the health and safety of workers.
You will be advised of their location during your site induction as well
as any First Aid Officers.
• All incidents requiring First Aid must be reported to the Supervisor
and First Aid Officer. If any of the items in these kits are used, please advise your
supervisor and so they can be replaced immediately.
• Be aware of the First Aid Officer in your site/location.
OFFICE SAFETY
Many workers fail to recognise the risks of working in an office. Some of the inherent
hazards which can cause accidents are:
• Fire and Emergencies
• Ergonomics
• Housekeeping
• Manual Handling
• Slips, Trips & Falls
• Office Machines
• Electrical
• Chemicals
• Lighting
• Visual Display Units
• Ventilation
Familiarise yourself with the hazards that relate to your work and
if unsure about any issues please consult your
supervisor.
All workers are entitled to feel safe at work and are not to be subjected to bullying,
intimidation or harassment; even if they are only placed in a workplace for a short
period.
Workplace bullying is defined as:
Repeated, unreasonable behaviour directed towards an employee or group of
employees that creates a risk to worker health, safety and well being.
All workers are entitled to be treated fairly by colleagues supervisors and customers at host employer workplaces. If you are subjected to workplace bullying you must report it immediately to your supervisor/manager.
Conclusion
This booklet has provided some valuable information about ways to stay safe at work but it is by no means definitive. If you see are problem or
unsure about something in the workplace – talk to your
supervisor!
MADEC values the contribution and involvement of our workers and is committed to
providing a safe and healthy workplace for all workers.
Remember the information provided in this booklet and at your site inductions, look
out for your work mates and ensure that you return home safely at the end of each
day
