W E L C O M E T O O U R D E S I G N S T U D I O T E A M

p r e s e n t e d b y

K e r y n F o u n t a i n

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

You are important to us. Whatever the job in the studio we are all dependant on each other to deliver the services we promise to our clients. There is a lot to learn and a lot to remember.

Never be afraid to ask. EVERYONE HAS HAD A FIRST DAY!

Your supervisor will …• show you your workstation• instruct you on your terms of employment and conditions• introduce you to your co-workers• give you a tour of the studio, machines and equipment• show you: our inspiration library

the meeting room tea station conveniences stationary storage & ordering systems

• outline the studio protocols and use of personal devices• discuss our green policies

SAFETY PROCEDURES

For the studio to operate and function effectively and safely, the workplace requires:

• computers with current software that can generate expected results• ergonomically designed workstation with desk, seating, storage and lighting • studio equipment-stationery, paper, printer, photocopier, scanner, telephone, camera• meeting and recreational break spaces• smoke free environment• temperature controlled environment• fresh drinking water• first aid• WHS representative• fire warden• union representative• WHS communication and consultation• WHS incident recording, notification and management

what you need to know

EQUIPMENT SAFETY CHECKSWe conduct regular maintenance on studio machines, equipment and appliances and conduct regular safety checks throughout our studio workspace to ensure that there are no hazards:• computers are updated every 3 years • software is continuously updated• workstations are checked annually for suitability• annual maintenance checks are completed on all office equipment• electrical connections are checked annually• the workplace has a six-monthly check for hazards

YOU are an important cog in the wheel of our creative business.

We want to ensure that our employees and our studio equipment are working safely and efficiently together.

WORKPLACE HEALTH & SAFETY REPRESENTATIVE

Sarah Markland

YOUR HEALTH AND WELL BEING IS OUR CONCERNPREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE

talk to your supervisor and to Sarah regarding your concerns and the procedures for reporting an incident. Our WHS policies and practices are an important part of our working studio.

things can go wrong so keep an eye out for yourself and others

HAZARDS IN THE WORKPLACEAs graphic designers we spend a lot of time working at our computers and at our desks...we are creative people, and there are constant deadlines to be met, but there is a chance that we forget to take care of our own wellbeing. This is our greatest asset so it is important to follow WHS procedures.  

The best way to deal with workplace hazards is to fix them.Spot the HazardAssess the riskFix the problemEvaluate the result

1. backache - set your desk at the correct height2. bad posture - ensure that your ergonomic chair is adjusted to suit your body size & weight3. neck strain - position your computer monitor so that your vision is level with the centre of

the screen4. RSI - position your mouse close to your body and at 90 degrees to avoid reaching5. eye strain - ensure adequate lighting around your workspace6. muscle tension - stand up and stretch your body for 5 minutes at least every hour.7. tiredness - drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration8. accidents - keep your workspace organised-don’t let objects pile up around you9. tripping & falls - keep electrical cords to machines and equipment hidden from walkways

and thoroughfares10. physical injury - wear protective clothing when visiting printing workshops11. psychological stress – don’t put up with bullying. The Design Studio has zero tolerance.

IMACT OF WORKPLACE HAZARDS

ACCIDENT physical injury

DISEASE physiological injury

LOW WORK LIFE QUALITY psychological stressSTRESS socio-psychological damage

1. high compensation costs2. medical claims3. lost productivity time4. poor productivity5. Inefficiency6. Ineffectiveness7. high worker dissatisfaction8. Low job involvement

ADOPT GOOD PRACTICES

CONTROLLING RISKS

ADOPT DUE DILIGENCE

understand the graphic design prepress studio business and its risks

• identify hazards• use available resources/obtain information…is there a code of practice? • follow the WHS guidelines – there are legal compliances or• choose an appropriate way to manage the risk • assess the risk• decide on control measures • implement control measures…change processes and adopt procedures• monitor & review the situation to ensure that the hazard has been eliminated

REPORTING RISKS

ACCIDENTS HAPPEN! At best we can sustain only minor injuries. At worst death!

ALL INCIDENTS MUST BE REPORTED

…even near misses! We want to ensure that they don’t happen again.

• get first aid as soon as possible

• report the incident to your supervisor and to our WHS representative

• serious injury/illness, a dangerous incident & death must be reported to… WorkSafe Tasmania

• write up the incident in our Studio Incident & Accident book

• obtain a medical certificate

• notify your supervisor of the outcomes

• obtain a worker’s compensation form if necessary

• keep your employer updated of your condition

• participate in rehabilitation if required

CONSULTATIVE PROCESSESStudio meetings take place every Monday morning in the meeting room. In studio meetings we discuss:

studio business – news – events – staff concerns – work practices – workplace safety

• ask questions• raise concerns and report problems• make safety recommendations• be part of the problem solving process

We encourage you to share your observations and views to help create the best environment where we can all work at our best.

While regular workplace inspections take place, often employees are in a better position to observe and anticipate problems that may arise in the future. This is the perfect time to discuss any issues that may need attention so that they may be addressed before developing into a greater problem. We value your input.

Minutes are taken and all staff are sent electronic copies for their reference. Updates of any new WHS information and legislation are circulated when they become available.

 

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

from time to time we practice emergency procedures to familiarise employees and WHS delegates with routines to follow in the unlikely event of an emergency or an unexpected natural disaster.

Fire Wardens have been trained and their instructions MUST BE OBEYED at all times. Your safety is their priority and it is IMPORTANT that you follow the directions as quickly as possible to:

• EVACUATE the building• MEET in the designated place• REPORT to the Fire Warden• WAIT for a situation update and further instructions • DO NOT RE-ENTER THE BUILDING without direct instruction from the

Fire Warden

RESPONSIBILITIES

Your EMPLOYER has a RESPONSIBILITY to provide:• a safe work environment• an outline of safe practices of doing your work• safe equipment that is maintained and repaired• information relating to tasks at work and existing hazards in the workplace• include employees in any discussions about health and safety• training to give you the skills and knowledge to do your job safely• supervision to ensure you are following best practices• protective equipment

 As an EMPLOYEE it is your RESPONSIBILITY to: • comply with all reasonable instructions• follow safe procedures for doing your job• use equipment safely and correctly• not put yourself or your co-workers at risk• report hazards, accidents or near misses• not be adversely affected by alcohol or drugs and tell employer if using

prescribed medication that could affect your ability to work safely.

• work with your employer and team to improve health and safety in the studio

COMMON HAZARD SIGNSSafety signs are designed to alert you to potential hazards in the workplace.

PLEASE OBSERVE THESE SIGNSTHEY ARE POSITIONED FOR YOUR SAFETY

These signs are there to remind you of possible risks in your working environment, so please take the time to be aware of the signs around the studio and printing workshops that you may visit in the course of your work and be mindful of their messages.

RESOURCES

Healthy@Work:http://www.people.tas.gov.au/themes/people_performance/healthyatwork

Safe Office Practices:http://www.openerg.com/dse/setup.html

Fairwork Australia: https://www.fwc.gov.au/

SafeWork Australia: www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au

Safety Institute of Australia:http://www.sia.org.au/

WorkSafe Tasmania:http://workplacestandards.tas.gov.au/

WorkCover Tasmania: http://www.workcover.tas.gov.au/safety_advisors

WHS Australian Government: http://australia.gov.au/topics/employment-and-workplace/ohs-workplace-health-and-safety

Design Institute of Australia:http://www.dia.org.au/