Legislation
What is the primary legislation governing work health and safety in Western Australia?
The Work Health and Safety Act 2020 (WA)
What is the main objective of work health and safety (WHS) legislation?
To protect the health, safety, and welfare of all workers and others affected by work activities.
What are psychosocial hazards?
Factors in the workplace that can cause psychological or emotional harm, such as workplace bullying, excessive workloads, and poor work-life balance.
What are the four steps of the risk management process?
1) Identify hazards
2) Assess risks
3) Control risks
4) Review control measures
What type of injury is classified as a musculoskeletal injury?
An injury affecting muscles, bones, and joints.
Under the WHS Act, who has the primary duty of care for ensuring health and safety at work?
The person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU)
What is the term for a legal obligation to ensure safety in the workplace?
Duty of care
What are some of the potential long-term effects of unresolved psychosocial hazards?
Chronic mental health issues, decreased productivity, and higher absenteeism.
What is the purpose of a risk assessment?
To identify health and safety hazards and evaluate the risks presented within the workplace. To evaluate the effectiveness and suitability of existing control measures.
What is a common cause of musculoskeletal injuries in the workplace?
Repetitive movements, awkward postures, and lifting heavy objects without proper ergonomics.
Under the Work Health and Safety Act 2020, what must a PCBU do when there is a risk to health and safety?
A PCBU must eliminate the risk, and if that is not reasonably practicable, they must minimize the risk so far as is reasonably practicable.
Name three responsibilities of employers under workplace health and safety laws.
Employers must ensure the health and safety of workers, provide adequate training and supervision, and maintain safe equipment and work environments.
How can organizations identify psychosocial hazards?
Organizations can identify psychosocial hazards through employee surveys, interviews, focus groups, and by reviewing incident reports and absenteeism data.
What is the hierarchy of controls?
The hierarchy of controls provides a systematic approach to prioritize control measures from most effective (elimination) to least effective (personal protective equipment)
What role does training play in preventing musculoskeletal injuries?
Training educates employees on proper lifting techniques, ergonomics, and how to recognize signs of musculoskeletal injuries, empowering them to take preventive actions.
What is one key responsibility of workers under the WHS Act?
To take reasonable care for their own health and safety.
What is the purpose of a safety data sheet (SDS)?
A safety data sheet provides detailed information about hazardous chemicals, including handling, storage, emergency measures, and health effects.
What role does management play in addressing psychosocial hazards?
Management is responsible for fostering a positive work environment, addressing complaints promptly, ensuring that resources for mental health support are available and recognizing employee contributions and challenges.
How often should risk assessments be reviewed?
Risk assessments should be reviewed regularly, at least annually, and whenever there are significant changes in the workplace, such as new equipment, processes, or personnel.
What is the primary ergonomic principle to prevent musculoskeletal injuries during manual handling?
Use proper lifting techniques, such as bending the knees and keeping the load close to the body.
What is the definition of "reasonably practicable" in the context of the Act?
"Reasonably practicable" means that which is, or was, reasonably able to be done in relation to ensuring health and safety, considering the likelihood of the hazard or risk, the degree of harm, and what is known about the hazard or risk.
Describe the process of incident reporting and why it is important.
Incident reporting involves documenting accidents, injuries, or near misses to identify hazards and prevent future occurrences. It is crucial for improving safety protocols and complying with legal requirements.
What are some signs that an employee may be experiencing psychosocial hazards at work?
Signs include increased absenteeism, decreased productivity, changes in mood or behavior, withdrawal from team activities, and physical symptoms like headaches or fatigue.
Why is employee involvement important in the risk management process?
Employee involvement is crucial because workers can provide valuable insights about hazards they encounter and contribute to developing effective control measures.
How can ergonomic assessments help prevent musculoskeletal injuries?
Ergonomic assessments identify potential hazards in the workplace and provide recommendations to optimize workstations, tools, and tasks to reduce strain and improve comfort.