Work Health Safety Regulations

Module: Workplace WHS requirements

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Managing Risks

•Must identify and control risks

•Must eliminate risks and if not reasonably practicable minimise risks

• Risks unable to be eliminated must be controlled through a hierarchy of control

• Risk assessment not mandatory – outcome focused

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•Must maintain and review risk control measures.

•HSRs can request a review of a control measure in certain circumstances.

•Where specific controls are outlined in the WHS Regulations they must be followed (e.g. controls for hazardous chemicals or noise).

Managing Risks

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• Further guidance about

managing risk can be found in the Code of Practice.

• Guidance covers identifying hazards, controlling and reviewing risks.

• Also includes guidance on risk assessment.

Managing Risks

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Consultation and Representation

• WHS Act includes key requirements.

• WHS Regulations:

− Outlines the factors in determining work groups.

− Specifies HSR training details.

• Code provides guidance.

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Revision activity: Role of the Health and Safety Committee

• True or false:

Put your hands on your head if you believe the statement is true.

Put your hands on your tail if you believe the statement is false.

Activity 1 : WHS requirements checklist

Is your GTO currently meeting the following WHS requirements?

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Issue Resolution

the degree and immediacy of risk to workers or other persons involved in the issue;

the number and location of workers and other persons affected by the issue;

the measures (both temporary and permanent) that must be implemented to resolve the issue;

who will be responsible for implementing the resolution measures

Procedure must take into account:

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Training, Information and Instruction

Must be suitable and reflect:

• The nature of the work carried out by the worker

• The nature of the risks associated with the work

• The control measures implemented

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Working Environment• Workplace layout allows

persons to move around and access and exit without risk

• Work space is adequate for the task

• Floors and other surfaces are suitable

• Lighting and ventilation is suitable

• Work in temperature extremes is without risk

• Work near essential services does not create risks

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Facilities

Must provide facilities including toilets, drinking water, washing and eating facilities relevant to:

• The nature of the work

• the hazards in the workplace

• The size, location and nature of the workplace

• The number and composition of workers

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Personal Protective Equipment

• Must be appropriate to the activity and hazard

• Must be a suitable size and fit and maintained and replaced as required

• Workers must be informed and trained on PPE use

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First Aid

•Must provide accessible First Aid equipment and facilities

• Ensure adequate numbers of workers are trained or have access to others who are trained

• First Aid arrangements must take into account

• The nature of the work

• The hazards in the workplace

• The size, location and nature of the workplace

• The number and composition of workers (and others)

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Emergency Plan

•Must include procedures for rapid response, evacuation, notification, medical assistance and communication

•Must inform workers of procedures

•Must be tested in line with plan schedules

• Emergency plan must take into account

− The nature of the work

− The hazards in the workplace

− The size, location and nature of the workplace

− The number and composition of workers (and others)

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Remote or Isolated work

•Must manage risks to the health and safety of a worker associated with remote or isolated work.

•Must provide a system of work. that includes effective communication with the worker.

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Airborne Contaminants

• Must ensure exposure standard for a substance or mixture is not exceeded

• Must undertake atmospheric monitoring of contaminants in certain circumstances

• Must keep records and make accessible to those exposed to contaminants

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Hazardous Atmospheres

• Must manage risks associated with hazardous atmospheres.

• Must manage risks associated with an ignition source in a hazardous atmosphere.

• Must ensure that flammable or combustible substances are kept at the lowest practicable quantity.

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Falling Objects

•Must manage risks of falling objects if reasonably likely to injure a person

• If not possible to eliminate risk then minimise risks to health and safety by:

− Preventing free fall of objects

− Arresting free fall of object (e.g. barriers, safe means of lowering objects)

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Role of Codes of Practice

• Codes provide ways in which compliance can be achieved

• A court may rely on a code of practice in determining what is reasonably practicable

• Codes provide guidance on many of the common workplace hazards

An assessment of the workplace should be undertaken

If the workplace is compact then kits can be located in the main operating areas

If already complying with the existing NSW regulations a kit, suitably stocked and a trained first aider should already have been in place. Arrangements for off site workers and an additional burns module for the kit may be required.

Activity 2: Case study 1

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Any issue resolution or consultation processes should be followed

If the company has lighting levels suitable for the task (Building Code would recommend luminance of 400) then the review should not result in any change

If the HSR is not satisfied and calls in an inspector then the inspector would decide the issue by assessing the situation and referring to relevant standards such as the Building Code

Activity 2: Case study 2

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There is uncertainty about whether the standard is being exceeded so monitoring must be undertaken

There is uncertainty about the long term health effects so monitoring must be undertaken

If monitoring shows the exposure is above the standard it should be reduced to its minimum level as far as is reasonably practicable and not just below the threshold level.

Activity 2: Case study 3

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