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Sydney Distance Education High School

Certificate II in Business Services (BSB20115) Contribute to health & safety of self and others Part I

Sydney Distance Education High School

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BSBWHS201 Sydney Distance Education High School Contribute to health and safety of self & others 1 3

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Contents

Outcomes 5

Work safely 5

Activity One 8

Activity Two 11

Activity Three 14

Activity Four 18

Implement Workplace Safety Requirements 19

Activity Five 26

Activity Six 29

Activity Seven 31

Activity Eight 33

Activity Nine 37


Outcomes

By completing this unit, students are working towards achieving the following outcomes.

You have the opportunity to learn to:

• How accidents happen

• Laws associated with work health and safety

• Roles of government in assuring safe work practice and conditions

• Roles of unions in assuring safe work practice and conditions

• Roles of employers in assuring safe work practice and conditions

• Roles of employees in assuring safe work practice and conditions

• What some of the physical hazards in the workplace are

• How to maintain proper posture and use proper lifting techniques

• What some of the chemical hazards in the workplace are

• What some of the behavioural hazards in the workplace are

• What some of the other hazards in the workplace are


WORK SAFELY Most people hear of workplace accidents in industrial, construction and heavy industry settings. What many do not realise, however, is that there are many accidents and injuries occurring in business offices and retail operations.

You will learn about the many laws and statutory regulations that have been created to ensure that employers provide a safe working environment. Still, there are many accidents and most are preventable.

The health and safety of employees can vary from back strain from sitting at a desk, through to a major injury causing death. They can also vary from physical injuries to psychological injuries (Example - trauma caused from an armed hold up in a store, restaurant, travel agency or hotel/motel). Everyone has a role in ensuring the workplace is safe, including employees.

COST OF ACCIDENTS Accidents in the workplace can be a sign of several problems, including the business has ineffectively trained their employees on safe work practices, the business lacks control over its personnel or processes, or it can be a sign of an inefficient operation.

Accidents not only affect the employee(s) involved, they can have a dramatic effect on the business. There are direct and indirect costs related to workplace accidents. The direct costs include Workers’ Compensation Insurance and other insurance policies for the company. However the indirect costs are numerous and can be very expensive to the business.

INDIRECT COSTS OF WORKPLACE ACCIDENTS The indirect costs can be broken down into two main areas

• employee costs • reduced productivity

Some employee costs would include: • Wages • Time lost while clearing or cleaning up the accident • Time lost for accident investigation • Replacement of injured employee/s • Training costs associated with new replacements • Time lost due to sympathy, curiosity and lower staff morale • Cost of rehabilitation

Some productivity costs would include; • Delays in getting back to normal • Lost efficiency from losing a skilled employee • Possible damaged property, equipment or tools • Replacement or repair of damaged property, equipment or tools • Production or service provision lost due to damaged property, equipment or tools


Some other indirect costs that could be incurred could include: • Ambulance fees • Increase in insurance premiums • Legal costs • Fines or lawsuit settlements

REASONS FOR ACCIDENT PREVENTION Simply, if accidents are reduced you are preventing:

• Personal injury and/or death • Higher operating and production costs • Strained employee relations and low morale • Bad publicity and industrial relations

CAUSES OF ACCIDENTS Accidents can be caused by many factors or situations. Some of them would include:

• Unsafe or bad work practices • Systems or equipment failure • Lack of protective equipment – clothing, protection, etc. • Poor or inefficient housekeeping routines • Poor supervision • No maintenance policies • Lack of proper training • Employee stress • Employee behaviours • Drug or alcohol related • Time of day (day versus night) • Lack of planning work processes • Work systems or work area poorly designed • Various human error factors

It is quite often that when an accident is investigated, it shows that a combination of factors led to the accident.


WHERE ACCIDENTS HAPPEN Accidents can happen anywhere. Research has shown that the most common places accidents in a retail operation or office happen are where:

• People are using ladders, steps or other means to reach higher places • Employees are manually moving or lifting materials, stock or displays • Equipment or machinery is being used • Hand tools are being used and cause cuts, bruises, eye damage, or hand damage • Equipment or tools are in disrepair

ACCIDENT-PRONE EMPLOYEES There is another factor that contributes to the level of accidents occurring, and that is employees that are just ‘accident-prone’. These employees have had more than their fair share of accidents. The qualities of an accident-prone employee could be listed as:

• Bad eye sight • Bad hearing • Low fitness levels • Low intelligence levels • Lack of training • Not very careful in what they do • Lack of skills to do the job • Misuse of tools or equipment • Stressed

The employee may not be totally to blame. He/she may have been placed in the wrong job or given the wrong tasks based on their level of skills or training. Other employees may need greater supervision than they are getting.

However, if the employee is knowingly disregarding safety procedures or acting dangerously, then the employer must take action. These people not only are a danger to themselves but to others.


STRESS Employee stress can be a big factor in many accidents in the workplace, although not all stress is always work related.

Knowing what causes stress can help you and other employees to prevent it, which would obviously lead to fewer accidents.

Causes of stress may include:

• Workload • Unsure about work • Lack of sleep • Private or home-related pressures • Grief • Temperature extremes • Working conditions • Boredom • Noise • Frustration • Relationship with supervisor • Being hassled or discriminated by other employees

It is important that you learn to recognise when you are stressed and find out the cause of your stress before undertaking any hazardous duties.

ACTIVITY ONE

Name 3 indirect costs a business faces due to accidents or injuries in the workplace.

1 ___________________________________________________________________

2 ___________________________________________________________________

3 ___________________________________________________________________

Name 2 common places or situations that accidents happen.

1 __________________________________________________________________

2 ___________________________________________________________________

Name 2 things that do or could stress you at work.

1 ___________________________________________________________________

2 ___________________________________________________________________


HEALTH AND SAFETY LEGISLATION IN AUSTRALIA

Each state government has their own legislation that is managed through each State Department of Industrial Relations. Legislation has been developed through consultation with unions and employer organisations over many years. All parties are committing to promoting safe work practices and ensuring that all employers and employees have responsibilities and obligations under the Work Health and Safety legislation.

Legislation is broken down into a series of Acts, Regulations, Codes of Practices, and sometimes published as Australian Standards.

An ‘Act’ is a set of laws set down by Parliament. The Acts impose legal obligations on all employers in whatever form (companies, partnerships, directors, individuals, government departments) to safeguard the health, safety and welfare of employees and others. In NSW the relevant Act is called the Work Health and Safety Act 2011.

Employees too have a legal obligation to support the employer’s commitment and legal obligation to safety in the workplace. This includes using safe work practices and understanding what safety is in the workplace.

The Acts are the basis for how the Regulations are established. Regulations are laws that are expanded in further detail. Failure to comply with the Regulations can lead to legal prosecution. Codes of Practice are designed to help employers uphold the regulations. They assist in putting the regulations into effect in the workplace environment. Failure to comply with the Code of Practice does not mean that the person can be prosecuted under the Code. However, the Code of Practice can be used as evidence that a person did not fulfil their general duty under the Act or Regulations, which can lead to prosecution. In NSW the regulations associated with the WHS Act are the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2017.

Some safety issues are tangible practices, including the way in which chairs should be designed to prevent back injury or how stockrooms equipment is being used. These are detailed by the Australian Standards. Standards stipulate a basic requirement in the design, development and use of equipment, furniture, plant and work practices in a store or office. The Standards are enforceable by law, unless they are contained in the Regulations. Information on Standards Australia can be found on their website at www.standards.com.au.

Health and safety legislation relates to customer/guest/visitor safety. The business and its employees have a responsibility to ensure what they do; how they do it and what they use to perform their duties do not affect the welfare and safety of the customer / guest / visitor.


www.standards.com.au

WORK HEALTH AND SAFETY As you know, new work health and safety (WHS) laws replaced the occupational health and safety (OHS) laws in NSW on 1 January 2012.

These new laws will provide greater consistency, certainty and clarity across Australia making it easier to understand your workplace health and safety duties. Businesses and volunteer organisations that operate over several states will be able to initiate nationwide safety policies and procedures.

DUTY OF CARE Legislation imposes a ‘Duty of Care’ on all parties that are involved or have an influence related to workplace health and safety and also the responsibility of ensuring the safety of customer / guest / visitor.

Duty of care requires everything ‘reasonably practicable’ to be done to protect the health and safety of others at the workplace. This duty is placed on:

• All employers • Their employees • Any others who have an influence on the hazards within a workplace

This includes contractors and those who design, manufacture, import, supply or install plant, equipment or materials used in the workplace. It also applies to service providers who provide services to customers, guests or visitors on a sub contractor’s basis.

It allows the duty holder to choose the most efficient means for controlling a particular risk from the range of reasonable options.

This allows those responsible to meet their duty of care at the lowest cost. It also requires changes in technology and knowledge to be incorporated, but only as and when it is efficient to do so. The duty holder must show that it was not reasonably practicable to do more than what was done or that they have taken ‘reasonable precautions and exercised due diligence’.

Specific rights and duties logically flow from the duty of care. These include: • Provision and maintenance of safe equipment, tools and systems of work • Safe systems of work in connection with equipment, tools and substances • Safe working environment and adequate welfare facilities • Information and instruction on workplace hazards and supervision of employees in safe work • Monitoring the health of their employees and related record keeping • Employment of qualified persons to provide health and safety advice • Nomination of a senior employer representative • Monitoring conditions at any workplace under their control and management


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ACTIVITY TWO

What are the employee’s responsibilities when it comes to workplace health and safety?

What is the difference between an Act of Parliament and Regulations?


AUSTRALIAN SAFETY AND COMPENSATION COUNCIL A national body has been established called the Australian Safety and Compensation Council, which is a statutory body, with government, employer and employee representatives.

They lead and coordinate Australia's national effort to: • promote best practice in work health and safety (WHS) • improve workers' compensation arrangements • improve rehabilitation and return to work of injured workers

Their role is to: • develop national occupational health and safety (WHS) and workers' compensation policy • encourage policy discussion and research • promote consistency in legislation developed by states and territories

The vision of Australian Safety and Compensation Council is to keep Australian workplaces free from injury and disease. Its mission is to lead and coordinate national efforts to prevent workplace death, injury and disease in Australia. It is does not regulate, however, it provides a system of which all parties can continually develop standards and initiatives that can be adopted by businesses in Australia.

STATE BODIES Each state has a department that regulates and enforces laws relating to the health and safety regulations in the workplace. More information on each state department can be found by looking in the white pages of your local telephone book under ‘State Government’, or by accessing the websites of each at the following addresses.

New South Wales www.safework.nsw.gov.au Victoria www.worksafe.vic.gov.au Queensland www.worksafe.qld.gov.au South Australia www.safework.sa.gov.au Western Australia www.commerce.wa.gov.au/worksafe

Tasmania www.worksafe.tas.gov.au Northern Territory www.worksafe.nt.gov.au


www.worksafe.nt.gov.au

www.worksafe.tas.gov.au

www.commerce.wa.gov.au/worksafe

www.safework.sa.gov.au

www.worksafe.qld.gov.au

www.worksafe.vic.gov.au

www.safework.nsw.gov.au

WORKERS' COMPENSATION INSURANCE Workers compensation provides injured workers with payments to cover loss of earning capacity, payment of medical expenses and vocational rehabilitation expenses, where necessary, to assist them to return to work. All employers are required to have a workers’ compensation policy to protect them from financial claims when a worker suffers a work related injury.

Employers pay a premium for workers' compensation insurance and that premium is calculated on the basis of the type of industry in which the organisation operates and the employer's safety record. A lower rate of compensation claims enables the employer to obtain a reduced annual premium, however, a high rate of compensation claims or reports of accidents will increase the premium.

Employers who do not take out workers’ compensation insurance face stiff fines and penalties.

There are procedures in place for employees that are injured in the workplace. It is important that you report the injury as soon as it took place, even if it does not result in a claim. A copy of the report must be given to your employer and one must be kept for yourself, including any copies of medical advice or treatment.

It is against the law for employees and employers to make false or misleading injury claims. Persons doing so face prosecution.

Each state has its’ own workers' compensation insurance agency called ‘Workcover’. More information on each agency can be found by looking in the white pages of your local telephone book under ‘Workcover’ or by accessing the websites of each at the following addresses:

New South Wales www.safework.nsw.gov.auVictoria www.worksafe.vic.gov.auQueensland www.worksafe.qld.gov.auSouth Australia www.safework.sa.gov.auWestern Australia www.commerce.wa.gov.au/worksafeTasmania www.worksafe.tas.gov.auNorthern Territory www.worksafe.nt.gov.au

For Commonwealth departments, agencies or employees the website is www.comcare.gov.au

ROLE OF UNIONS IN WORK SAFETY Unions play a large role in the managing and monitoring of occupational health and safety. If informed of unsafe practices or conditions they will:

• Represent the workers if unsafe working conditions are not resolved in the workplace • Act as a mediator in claims for sickness and accident workers' compensation • Monitor working conditions and notify employers if unsafe conditions are found

The relevant unions for the office worker and retail industry are Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees Union (SDA) and Australian Services Union (ASU).


www.comcare.gov.au

www.worksafe.nt.gov.au

www.worksafe.tas.gov.au

www.commerce.wa.gov.au/worksafe

www.safework.sa.gov.au

www.worksafe.qld.gov.au

www.worksafe.vic.gov.au

www.safework.nsw.gov.au

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ACTIVITY THREE

What is ‘Worker’s Compensation Insurance’ and what does it cover?

What role does a union play in health and safety in the workplace?

POLICIES AND PROCEDURES Many businesses will issue to staff a policy manual on workplace policies and procedures. The following would influence the basis of the policies:

• Legal regulations • Operational issues • Training and skills issues • Moral issues

Policies will always reflect what is legally required to be addressed both from the employees and employers point of view. The policies and related procedures will also cover safe operations of particular equipment, and specify the minimum skills or training required to operate them. Moral issues could include company provided counselling services for stressed or distressed employees, or open forums for discussion on health and safety issues.

It is advisable that you ask for the policies and procedures from your employer, and ensure that you follow them.


EMPLOYER/EMPLOYEE RESPONSIBILITIES Several times during this section we have discussed the responsibilities of both the employer and the employees when it comes to workplace health and safety.

Let’s review those again.

EMPLOYER RESPONSIBILITIES An employer must provide, as is practicably possible, a safe and hazard-free workplace for employees. The law insists that employers must:

• Provide a safe and healthy workplace. • Have workers' compensation insurance • Display in a prominent location a Workers' Compensation Act poster • Support, provide or establish a rehabilitation program to assist injured employees • Report all serious accidents as required by law • Maintain an accident record register in which details of all injuries are shown • Register all workers' compensation claim forms and medical certificates within the required time • Provide assistance in filling out forms, including an interpreter if required • Not dismiss an injured employee within six months or him/her receiving that injury

EMPLOYEE RESPONSIBILITIES An employee has the following obligations and responsibilities:

• Report any accidents immediately • Obtain medical certificates whenever possibly or when required • Follow proper procedures in filling out insurance forms • Keep copies of all forms and certificates

SAFETY COMMITTEES

Some larger businesses establish health and safety committees. There are guidelines provided by the various regulatory authorities that explain what the responsibilities are for a health and safety committee. Committees include employer and employee representatives who together advise management on Regulations and Codes of Practice relating to all health and safety matters in the organisation.

Some roles they play would include: • Identifying and helping to resolve any health and safety problems • Helping to develop a safe working environment and safe systems of work • Reviewing measures taken to provide a healthy and safe workplace • Advising the employer of unsafe situations and working conditions • Investigating any reports of unsafe practices or conditions • Developing a system to record accidents and hazardous situations in the workplace • Monitoring procedures to ensure proper use and maintenance of protective equipment • Making recommendations on improving conditions or improving work practices


TRAINING Many accidents occur when employees are not adequately trained to operate tools or equipment. It is the responsibility of the employer to provide relevant training and to ensure the skills of the employee are at a proper level.

It is the responsibility of the employee that he/she does not take on duties or tasks that they are not fully trained to do. To do so would potentially cause injury to themselves or others.

Workplace supervisors (or nominated responsible persons) should be trained in the knowledge of health hazards in their own work area, and taught the policies and procedures to be followed when responding to hazards.

Other training may be in:

• The choice and operation of fire extinguishers • Evacuation procedures • First aid • Health and safety regulations • How to identify and report hazardous or unsafe working conditions • Types of hazards in the workplace • A range of safe work practices

HEALTH AND SAFETY COMMITTEES AND THE WORK HEALTH AND SAFETY ACT 2011 Health and safety committees bring together workers and management to assist in the development and review of health and safety policies and procedures for the workplace.

The functions of the health and safety committee are: • to facilitate co-operation between the person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU - the new

term that includes employers) and workers in instigating, developing and carrying out measures designed to ensure the health and safety of workers

• to assist in developing standards, rules and procedures relative to health and safety • such other functions prescribed by the regulations or agreed between the PCBU (includes

employers) and the committee. The effective operation of a health and safety committee is dependent upon everyone fulfilling their role.

ESTABLISHMENT OF HEALTH AND SAFETY COMMITTEES The PCBU (includes employers) must establish a health and safety committee within two months after being requested to do so by:

• a health and safety representative (HSR), or • five or more workers at the workplace.

A health and safety committee may be established for workers who carry out work at one or more locations or for those who do not have a fixed place of work.

An PCBU (includes employers) can also establish a health and safety committee on their own initiative.

The constitution of the health and safety committee may be agreed to between the PCBU (includes employers), HSR and workers at the workplace. If agreement is not reached within a reasonable time, any party may ask WorkCover to appoint an inspector to decide the matter.


HEALTH AND SAFETY COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP

The makeup of the committee can be agreed to between the workers and the PCBU (includes employers). The PCBU can only nominate up to half of the members.

An HSR is a member of the committee if they consent. If there are two or more HSRs at a workplace, then they can choose one or more who consent to be members of the committee.

OPERATION OF HEALTH AND SAFETY COMMITTEES A health and safety committee (HSC) must meet at least every three months and at any reasonable time when requested by at least half the members of the committee.

ROLE OF THE PCBU A person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU - the new term that includes employers) has an obligation to consult with its workers. One means of ensuring effective consultation is through an HSC.

Key elements to making consultation effective include allowing members of the HSC: • reasonable time to attend meetings and carry out their functions as a committee member, and be

paid at their normal rate of pay when doing so • access to information about hazards and risks at the workplace as well as information relating to the

health and safety of workers at the workplace (excluding workers’ personal medical information without the workers' consent)

• opportunities to develop skills relevant to their role on the HSC.

The makeup of the committee can be agreed to between the workers and the PCBU. The PCBU can only nominate up to half of the members.

A health and safety representative (HSR) is a member of the committee if they consent. If there are two or more HSRs at a workplace, then they can choose one or more who consent to be members of the committee.

ROLE OF WORKERS The role of workers on HSCs is to ensure genuine worker representation in health and safety matters that affect them.


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ACTIVITY FOUR

Describe in detail what role a safety committee plays in the workplace environment. You may need to do additional research to answer this question.


IMPLEMENT WORKPLACE SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

Hazards are classified into three main groups: • Behavioural • Chemical • Physical

It is important that you can identify potential workplace hazards, to prevent or reduce the occurrence of accidents and injuries to yourself and others.

As mentioned in previously most accidents occur in heavy industry or where heavy equipment or machinery is being used.

However, in an office or retail store, there are hazards that can also cause serious injury and long-term illness. In office and retail operations most accidents or injuries are as a result of unsafe work practices.

You will look at the various hazards that you may encounter. They can include: • Physical hazards • Chemical hazards • Behavioural hazards • Other factors that affect work performance and safety

PHYSICAL HAZARDS The types of physical hazards in an office or store can be classified into four types:

• Improper use of computers • The workplace environment • Work practices • Equipment

IMPROPER USE OF COMPUTERS Many offices associated with retail operations now use computers, and in some cases, employees spend enormous amounts of time in front of one. Studies have shown that not using proper techniques and practices when using a computer can cause physical discomfort, short term injury, and long term injury.

Persons using a computer for long periods of time can suffer from ‘Repetitive Strain Injury’ (RSI). This may also be known as Occupational Overuse Syndrome (OOS).

Persons who perform repetitive tasks using incorrect work practices cause this type of injury. Spending too many hours on using a computer keyboard for reteach, data entry or word processing, without taking breaks or changing duties every hour, can cause RSI.

Some good information on RSI can be found on the Internet at: rsi.org.au


ERGONOMICS Ergonomics is the study of work and the environment it takes place in to improve efficiency. An efficient office usually refers to an office in which the personnel are working in that is designed for their comfort.

An ergonomically balanced workplace involves the careful choice of furniture, lighting and equipment.

This will avoid the strains associated with the back, hands, arms and legs.

A good website for information on office ergonomics is: ergo.human.cornell.edu

POSTURE Taking regular breaks if working at a computer will help prevent strains. It is equally important that you have correct posture. Posture refers to the way your spine is placed when you sit and stand.

• Use a good chair with a dynamic chair back and sit back in this

• Top of monitor casing 2-3" (5-8 cm) above eye level • No glare on screen, use an optical glass anti-glare filter where

needed • Sit at arm’s length from monitor • Feet on floor or stable footrest • Use a document holder, preferably in-line with the computer

screen • Wrists flat and straight in relation to forearms to use

keyboard/mouse/input device • Arms and elbows relaxed close to body • Centre monitor and keyboard in front of you • Use a negative tilt keyboard tray with an upper mouse

platform or downward tiltable platform adjacent to keyboard • Use a stable work surface and stable (no bounce) keyboard

tray • Take frequent, short breaks (microbreaks) • When reaching for papers, documents or books while • sitting, avoid reaching too far or twisting your back.


https://ergo.human.cornell.edu

ENVIRONMENT - EXCESSIVE NOISE Regulations exist to ensure that staff is not exposed to excessive noise levels. Long periods of excessive noise can cause numerous problems including:

• Temporary hearing loss • Permanent hearing loss • Stress headaches • Distractions • Misinterpretation of verbal instructions

The normal, safe range is between 0-60 decibels. Anything above that, especially for long periods, begins to cause damage.

Internal noise in the workplace could be caused by noisy office, music in a retail store or equipment. Equipment should be positioned in an area away from staff. Where the noise cannot be moved, ear protection devises should be provided.

The noise produced by telephones, loud voices and equipment can be reduced by the use of acoustic screens, pot plants, blinds, curtains, carpets, ceiling tiles and bookshelves between work stations.

External noise, such as the constant sound of traffic, trains, or planes can cause a decrease in productivity and efficiency in your work. Workplaces located near noisy highways, factories or in industrial areas, can reduce their noise by the use of double-glazed windows or other soundproof materials.

Environments with loud music playing may be part of the image and business attraction. However, it is advisable that employees take quiet breaks to avoid some of the symptoms associated with constant loud music.

ENVIRONMENT – LIGHTING Poor lighting in the workplace can affect the health and safety of staff as it can:

• Cause eye strain • Bad posture from trying to see or read something • Cause frustration • Make staff more vulnerable to hazards


All employers should provide good lighting which enables you to do your job, and whatever tasks it involves safety as well. Your eyesight can quickly be damaged, often permanently, by poor lighting. You are also more at risk of accidents and injury in a badly lit room or building.

An employee should: • Report all lighting problems to the responsible person • Do not attempt to fix lights yourself • Ask for additional lighting if current lighting is not good enough for the task • Don’t place lights, especially portable lamps, in positions or places where they might block

access or injure people • Use window blinds to control brightness or glare from the sunlight • Keep your workplace tidy and ask colleagues to do the same so that natural light is not

blocked

In retail outlets that use subdued or decorative lighting as part of the atmosphere, they would have to ensure that there is adequate light for safe movement around the premises and that there are no displays or furniture that could be bumped into because of low lighting levels.

WORK PRACTICES – MANUAL LIFTING Work practices include the manual handling of objects, office supplies, materials, office furniture or stock. Staff may be required to lift, push, carry or pull objects that if not lifted properly, will cause considerable damage to the back and other parts of the body.

One of the main problems with back injuries is the fact that twists, crunches, aches and pains which may seem minor at the time can turn into serious injuries which can ruin your work and your life. If you do hurt your back at work make sure you:

• Record the incident in the accident book at the time • See a doctor or get treatment if needed and ask them to record the incident in your notes • Get additional medical advice if the problem develops further

With back injuries in particular, prevention is better than cure so take every precaution, make sure you're properly trained, and don't let anyone persuade or pressure you to do anything which risks injury.

Back injury doesn't just happen to people moving heavy loads - you can hurt your back if:

• You lift anything incorrectly • The load shifts when you are moving it • You are repeatedly lifting loads

There are some general principles you can follow before the lift: • Plan the lift • Know your own capabilities. Just because someone else can lift something doesn't mean you

can, so ask yourself whether you can use equipment to help you lift the load, or if you need to ask someone to help you

• Remove surrounding obstacles and clutter • Make sure you have enough space to move freely and that you can place your feet in the best

position and can move them.

When lifting: • Stand close to the load • Place the feet apart to give a more stable and balanced base • Adopt a good posture with the knees bent and the hands level with the waist when picking up the

load • If you are lifting from below knuckle level, straddle the load • Bend your knees, keep the natural curves in your back, don't bend from the waist, keep your head

up BSBWHS201 Sydney Distance Education High School Contribute to health and safety of self & others 1 23

• Get a firm grip with the arms within the boundary formed by the legs • Keep the load close to your body, preferably at waist level • Lift smoothly using the muscles in your leg raising your chin as you go • Move the feet rather than twisting at the waist if you have to turn • Wear suitable shoes - strong, low heeled, non-slip soles • Be aware of your posture and the floor surface

Remember that saying 'I cannot do this safely' is more likely to gain a reasonable response than 'I won't do this'.

WORK PRACTICES - STORAGE AND SHELVING Lifting objects to be stored or displayed on shelving systems (or retrieving items from shelving systems), can be a dangerous task if undertaken incorrectly. Recommended practices exist to ensure that items used frequently are placed within easy reach.

Heavy items should not be stored at above-height levels. Where possible, use approved stepladders and safety steps (not chairs or tables) as an aid to retrieve objects from above-height locations.


OTHER PHYSICAL HAZARDS

A retail operation or office environment can have numerous hidden hazards, and you have to be diligent in watching out for these. Some are:

• Boxes or objects left in aisles or walkways • Damaged carpet that could be tripped on • Wet or slippery floors • Damaged stair risers or objects on stairs • Heaters, lights, or fans that could cause fires • Cables, extension leads, or wires that could be tripped over • Faulty equipment that could cause injury

Many minor hazards can be eliminated through regular housekeeping routines and by upgrading the premise’s conditions.


EQUIPMENT USE

Improper use of equipment can cause injury. Prolonged use of equipment can cause injury. Using equipment (tools or mechanical equipment) over long periods can cause the loss of concentration, leading to injury and damaged equipment or property. If you are involved in a task in which tools or equipment is being used, take time out regularly.

Training is another essential factor. Inadequate training can cause the improper use of tools or equipment, again causing injury and damaged equipment or property.

A tool or piece of equipment or machinery can be a problem for your health or safety at work if it is:

• Not designed to be safe • Not well made • Not properly guarded • Not well maintained • Used by untrained operators • Used to do something it was not designed to do • Used in different conditions (in the wet, near electric cables) • Has been illegally modified or changed • If the operator is not supervised or is not able to concentrate for some reason

In storage areas, shelving must be secured properly, and products on the stock must match the capacity the shelves can take. Overloading can cause the fixture to collapse, injuring staff as well as damaging products.

Using material handling equipment such as forklifts or pallet trucks requires proper training (and in some cases, licenses). Small hand tools such as knives, hand tools and cleaning equipment can cause injury if used carelessly.

Filing cabinets in an office are potential hazards. A full filing cabinet is a very heavy piece of furniture. Opening more than one filing drawer at a time can cause the filing cabinet to be unbalanced and possibly fall on top of the user.

Overloading the top drawer of a cabinet can cause it to unbalance the entire cabinet when opened. Trying to move the filing cabinet to another position without key locking the drawers can cause the cabinet to fall over as the drawers may open and they are too heavy to attempt to catch and push back in once they have opened.

Common sense, a watchful eye and a safe attitude go a long way in eliminating injuries in the workplace. The main occupational health and safety laws in each State and Territory cover hazards associated with tools and equipment in the workplace. Your employer is required to make sure that tools and equipment is safe and kept safe, and will not cause accidents or health problems.

As an employee, you also have responsibilities under the State or Territory government laws. These are:

• To follow the operating procedures given to you by your employer (usually given through your supervisor or manager) and to do jobs in the way you have been trained and instructed to do;

• Work and behave in ways which are safe and do not endanger the health or safety of yourself or others, and;

• Report to your supervisor any health or safety problems you see or are concerned about.


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ACTIVITY FIVE

What are the four classifications of physical hazards?

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What does the term ‘Ergonomics’ mean, and how does it relate to workplace health and safety?

What problems can bad lighting cause?

Why is important to report any back pains even if they seem minor?


CHEMICAL HAZARDS Surprisingly, there are chemical hazards in most operations, even office work. There are many chemicals used. Some chemical hazards include:

• Liquids • Vapours and gases • Dust • Fumes and smoke

DUST Dust hazards can affect many people, especially those with allergies or asthma. Some dust, if originating from a toxic source, can cause sickness. Dust sources include:

• Open windows and dust generated from traffic, wind, nearby factories, or nearby construction sites

• Equipment use (dust from food products in a kitchen, dusting in rooms, maintenance tasks)

• An unclean workplace environment • Renovations • Unused areas

FUMES AND SMOKE Common fumes and smoke in most operations would come from:

• Smokers (if nearby) • Staff rooms • Toilets • Cooking

Other more aggressive types of fumes can come from; • Office equipment (photocopiers or printers) • Spray glue or other aerosols • Exhaust fumes from outside • Equipment failures • Liquids

There are many liquids containing chemicals used in workplace, most commonly being used as cleaning agents. Others could include:

• Paints • Thinners • Correction liquids • Inks • Glues

VAPOURS AND GAS Vapours and gases may be from:

• Stoves • Office equipment • Heating units • External sources


BEHAVIOURAL HAZARDS These are hazards caused as a direct result of someone’s actions or behaviour. Most accidents caused by behaviour are caused by careless or ignorant persons, and in most cases, are totally avoidable.

Here some things these people do:

• Playing practical jokes • Locking fire exit doors • Blocking fire exit doors with supplies or equipment • Using improper tools to fix equipment (using knives instead of screwdrivers) • Do not bother reading operational instructions or ignore set procedures • Storing objects in the fire exits • Ignoring safety and warning signs • Removing batteries from fire alarm systems • Playing with fire extinguishers • Cluttering areas where people walk • Running through the workplace • Bullying of staff or managers and supervisors • Using equipment for something other than what it was designed for


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ACTIVITY SIX

What are the four chemical hazards and give some examples of each?

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Give three examples of behavioural hazards?

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FIRE HAZARDS Every organisation should be aware of any potential fire hazards. Not only does it cause injury, it also damages property, equipment and stock. Fire can disrupt a business to the point of no recovery, and all staff would lose their jobs.

All organisations should have a fire safety procedure in place and staff should be drilled in emergency evacuations on a frequent basis to ensure they are able to cope with a real emergency should the need ever arise.

Fire can spread quickly and easily throughout a building, therefore, the staff would need to know correct and safe evacuation procedures.


Retail stores may have products that are quite flammable, and these have to be stored and displayed safely. Most buildings have drills and evacuation procedures, which everyone should learn.

A responsible person within in your workplace should be well trained in fire evacuation procedures (including the use of fire extinguishers). They should know the nearest exits, and in an emergency, should manage the evacuation.

OTHER HAZARDOUS FACTORS The safety of an employee and others around them can be jeopardised by the use of alcohol or drugs. Company policies would likely forbid any person to work while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs. It would most likely lead to dismissal.

Persons can also be adversely affected from the abuse of caffeine and tobacco. This can cause persons to lose their ability to work effectively and safely. Substance abuse can also cause:

• Increased absenteeism • Decrease in productivity • Carelessness around equipment or machinery • Poor work performance • Lack of sleep • Staff conflicts • Moral problems

STRESS Stress can cause persons to become ill, distracted, or careless. The employee must manage stress and the employer must try and remove as many stress causing elements as possible.

Stress can be caused by: • Workloads • Home or personal pressures • Lack of time management skills • Poor communication skills • Workplace changes • Shift work • Repetitive work • Commission only pay packages • Conflict with staff members or managers

The symptoms of stress can vary, including aches and pains in the body, headaches, sleeplessness, sluggishness and trouble breathing.

Stress can also cause: • The inability to concentrate • Irritability and short temper • Poor memory • Frequent mistakes • Over reactions to adverse situations • Heavy smoking, drinking or drugs • Nervousness • Increased absenteeism


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ACTIVITY SEVEN

What problems can substance abuse cause?

Illustrate ONE situation in which stress would cause a problem in an individual’s workplace.


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Indicate the likely cause of the stress, and the effect it has.

What points or topics should the workplace fire safety procedures include?


ACTIVITY EIGHT

Study the following photographs. Identify the hazard; suggest a possible solution in the spaces provided.

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REPORTING WORKPLACE ACCIDENTS AND INCIDENTS Under the regulations for WorkCover, accidents and injuries, regardless of how minor they appear to be at the time, should be recorded in case the victim requires medical attention at a later stage.

Most organisations have a dedicated person to whom the accident must be reported, and a particular procedure for how the reports should be made. Records are kept, in case a minor accident or injury leads into something more complicated.

In the event of more serious accidents, a formal Workplace Accident Report would be completed. This report would capture details about the accident, how it occurred, details of witnesses (if any), time and date of the accident, and the extent of the injury. The relevant authority in your state would then investigate the accident and take relevant action to prevent further harm to others.


ACCIDENT / INCIDENT REPORTING Legislation around Australia requires that all employers keep detailed records of any accidents or dangerous events. Employers must report all of the following:

• A death • A serious injury • An injury resulting in the employee missing work for an extend period • A work-related disease • A dangerous occurrence • Injury to a third party (member of the public)

Examples of Major Injuries • Fracture other than to fingers, thumbs or toes • Amputation • Dislocation of the shoulder, hip, knee or spine • Loss of sight (temporary or permanent) • Chemical or hot metal burn to the eye or any penetrating injury to the eye • Injury resulting from electric shock or electrical burn leading to unconsciousness or requiring

resuscitation or admittance to hospital • Any other injury: leading to hypothermia, heat induced illness or unconsciousness; or requiring

resuscitation; or requiring admittance to hospital • Unconsciousness caused by asphyxia or exposure to a harmful substance or biological agent

Examples of Workplace Related Disease• Certain poisonings • Some skin diseases such as occupational dermatitis, skin cancer • Lung diseases including occupational asthma, farmer’s lung, pneumoconiosis, asbestosis • Infections such as leptospirosis, hepatitis, tuberculosis, anthrax, legionellosis and tetanus • Other conditions such as occupation cancer, certain musculoskeletal disorders, decompression

illness and hand-arm vibration syndrome

Examples of Dangerous Occurrences• Collapse of lifts and lifting equipment (cranes, forklifts, freight elevators, etc.) • Collapse of supporting structures (scaffolding, supporting beams, trench shoring) • Explosion, collapse or bursting of any closed vessel or associated pipework • Explosion of any pressurised storage container (gas bottles, oxygen cylinders) • Plant or equipment coming in to contact with overhead power lines • Electrical short circuit or overload causing fire or explosion • Accidental release of a biological agent likely to cause severe human illness • Explosion or fire causing suspension of normal work for an extended period • Unintended major collapse of any building or structure under construction, alteration or demolition • Accidental release of any substance, which may damage health to employees, public or the

environment

(A reportable occurrence includes near misses where an event did not but could have cause serious harm to the employee, public or environment.)

REPORTING TIMEFRAMES The relevant State and Territory Authorities set certain timeframes in which any accident or dangerous occurrences must be reported. Such reports are required to be sent to the WHS Authority in each State or Territory within a certain period of time.

A worker who has experienced an injury or work related disease has the responsibility to complete an accident incident report within 24 hours of the occurrence regardless of the severity. This report would be BSBWHS201 Sydney Distance Education High School Contribute to health and safety of self & others 1 36

presented to the site supervisor or person designated to receive such reports. Copies of these reports would then be sent to the relevant WHS Authority in each State or Territory.

If the worker is incapable of completing an accident incident report, it then becomes the responsibility of the site supervisor or the designated safety person to complete the form within 24 hours of the occurrence. Copies of these reports would then be sent to the relevant WHS Authority in each State or Territory.

In the event of an accident causing death, the company must contact the relevant authorities immediately by telephone and a written report completed within 24 hours and sent.

The company would also contact the relevant authorities immediately by telephone of any dangerous occurrences and a written report completed within 24 hours and sent.

The relevant State or Territory WHS office would determine whether an investigation is warranted based on the content of the reports.

REPORT FORMS Each State or Territory WHS authority has a prescribed form in which all businesses are to use to report accidents or dangerous occurrences. Any accident incident report would provide:

Identifying Information - Who was involved and their background information. The exact location of the accident would be given as precisely as possible as well as dates, times and location.

What Happened - A step-by-step sequence would be obtained as to what happened and to any contributing causes to the accident, which may have been identified. This is a very crucial section to complete. It would outline the nature of the work, the injury and the ‘mechanism’ of the injury (a fall, in contact with substances, stress, etc.).

Cause of Accident - This section should give a reader an understanding of immediate cause(s) as well as the basic cause(s) of the problem. Use of this section is made to determine whether an investigation would be needed. As this is the heart of the investigation report, its accuracy is crucial. The writer should have some training in identifying basic causes of accidents rather than, as is common, an approach that tends to blame the injured party.

Copies of the reports are kept as records. These records are used to support, evaluate or modify any accident prevention programs.

PREVENTIVE / CORRECTIVE ACTIONS ‘Preventive actions’ refer to any actions that are undertaken to prevent any accidents, dangerous incidents or basically any breaches of WHS laws or the company’s WHS policies.

‘Corrective actions’ refer to actions that are undertaken to prevent a ‘repeat’ occurrence of any accidents, dangerous incidents or basically any breaches of WHS laws or the company’s WHS policies.

In the case of any accidents or dangerous occurrences the company may establish an investigation team. This team would have the responsibility to investigate the accident or dangerous occurrence and recommend ‘corrective’ solutions that would prevent these events from re-occurring.

In serious situations this team may work in conjunction with the State or Territory investigators and who collectively develop solutions and recommendations.

Preventive and/or corrective actions are needed when there has been a WHS non-conformance. Non-conformance could be identified when investigating accidents or dangerous events as well as:

• Hazard reporting • WHS inspections • WHS audits • Inspection and testing of plant, equipment, workplace operations, processes, the working

environment


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• Issues raised at WHS Committee meetings or by WHS representatives • Complaints (internal and external) • Screening procedures for non-conforming products, materials, substances • Screening procedures for labour hire (contractors or service providers)

Like investigating an accident or dangerous occurrence, investigating any non-conforming WHS issues would require the gathering of information, determine the cause of the non-conformance, identify the preventive or corrective actions and record any changes made to the original procedures. If an accident or dangerous occurrence were a result of a non-conforming WHS issue, then the accident reports would be an invaluable source of information.

NON-CONFORMANCE REPORTS

Information gathered during a non-conformance investigation would be assembled in a report called a Non-conformance Report or NCR. This report would include details on any immediate actions taken to turn a nonconforming situation into a conforming one, as well as any further suggested preventive or corrective actions.

ACTIVITY NINE

(1) What are the three types of incidents that an employer must report?

(2) Complete the Accident Injury Report Form for the following situation.

David works in the Mail Room. He was very busy rushing from one task to another. At one stage, he had to get a large, heavy package from a high shelf. Rather than "waste" time getting the step ladder, he stretched and attempted to pull the package off the shelf with his fingertips. The box came crashing down on his head. David cut and bruised his head, hurt his back and finds it hard to move with ease.

You will need to consider what action could be taken. This may involve action by a First Aid Officer at the workplace.


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Accident / Injury Report Form Personal Details

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Date of Birth ___________________________________________________________________________

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Details of Accident/Injury

Date of Incident

Time of Incident

How Incident Occurred

Description of Accident/Injury


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Name(s) of Witness(es)

Action Taken

Name __________________________ Position ______________________

Signature _______________________ Date __________________________


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