Incidents, accidents, emergencies
What is an evacuation?
Workplaces will have evacuation plans for the event of a security threat (bomb/violence) or emergency (fire etc).
What does the WHS Act do?
Regulates workplace health and safety (WHS) in NSW. It specifically aims to protect people at workplaces from risk to their health or safety and to promote safe and healthy work environments.
What does PCBU stand for?
Person conducting business or undertaking
What is an example of a hazard in the business services industry?
- cables
- wires
- broken furniture
- furniture that is not ergonomic
- spills
What is an example of a hazardous substance
Example - toxic chemicals
Outline TWO strategies to manage workplace injury
• Training
• Policies and procedures for safe use of equipment
• Inspections and audits
• Use of records and data to identify issues
• Hierarchy of risk control
• Provision of PPE
Define act and give an example
An ‘Act’ is a legally binding document that has been passed by parliament to define expected legal behaviour in a specific circumstance. An example is the Workplace Health and Safety Act 2011(NSW);
Identify TWO stakeholders that issues should be reported to
- colleagues
- manager
- CEO
- supervisor
- Maintenance staff
- clients
What is occupational overuse syndrome? (OOS)
• also known as RSI (Repetitive Strain Injury).
• generally, shows up as pain, swelling or numbness in or around muscles, tendons or soft tissue.
• commonly affects the neck, back, shoulders, elbows, wrists and hands.
• is associated with movements and postures that are repetitive and/or sustained over long periods of time.
• is often a problem for keyboard operators.
What should you do when working with electrical cables
- regularly check for damage
- turn off power before inspecting
- stick to the wall to avoid trips and falls
What are three injuries common to the business services industry?
• Eye strain and eye irritation caused by improper lighting or glare from computer screens
• Fatigue due to using a computer for long periods of time without a break
• Muscle, tendon and nerveproblems by sitting with incorrect posture for long periods of time
• Tripping over incorrectly storeditems or frayed carpets
• Musculoskeletal problems caused by incorrectlifting
• Burns using appliances in the kitchen area
• Electrical fires
What are worker responsibilities in the workplace?
Workers have a responsibility to: follow reasonable instructions given by the PCBU, report hazards and injuries to appropriate people in the organisation (for example supervisor, health and safety representative), take reasonable care of their own health and safety, take reasonable care to ensure their conduct does not adversely affect others, and when required wear PPE.
What does a work health and safety representative do?
A worker may ask to elect a health and safety representative to represent them on work health and safety matters. If a worker makes this request, work groups must be established to facilitate the election. The process requires you and your workers to negotiate and agree on the formation of work groups.
Distinguish between a risk and a hazard
A hazard is a source or potential source of death, injury, or illness. Electricity, poorly maintained equipment, working at heights, and poorly trained workers are examples of hazards.
A risk is the possibility that death, injury or illness might occur when exposed to a hazard.
Describe ergonomics and provide an example of ergonomic furniture
Ergonomics is designing a job to fit the worker so the work is safer and more efficient. Implementing ergonomic solutions can make employees more comfortable and increase productivity. E.g. ergonomic chair with back support
Distinguish between a manageable first aid situation and an emergency situation
First aid is giving assistance to someone who has suffered a sudden illness or injury. A manageable first aid situation is one that is easily controlled within the workplace. This would include basic first aid that any worker could administer, like cleaning a wound and applying a band aid or dressing.
An emergency situation is more serious and would involve a call to 000 for an ambulance. This can include when a worker has been knocked unconscious in a fall, has suffered an electrical shock or has broken a bone.
What are management responsibilities for WHS?
legal duty of care to provide a safe and healthy workplace for their workers, customers and the wider community. Therefore, the PCBU must train and supervise staff, control hazards and risks, provide and maintain equipment, ensure safe use and storage of substances, and provide facilities for welfare at work (for example first aid, toilets).
What does a work health and safety committee do?
A health and safety committee brings together workers and management to assist in the development and review of health and safety policies and procedures for the workplace.
Explain what a risk assessment is
Define PPE and give three examples
PPE stands for personal protective equipment. Some examples include leather shoes, hard hat and goggles
What are the four types of costs of workplace injury
human, social, economic and organisational
Explain the role of WHS Inspector using examples
Inspectors may:
• provide information and advice on the requirements of WHS or workers compensation law
• explain the range of SafeWork products and services available to your business
• provide practical advice on how to eliminate or reduce the risk of injury and illness
• investigate and/or verify compliance with legislative obligations
• issue notices or other instructions to secure compliance with legislation.
When should a business consult with employees?
• identifying hazards and assessing risks to health and safety arising from the work carried out or to be carried out
• making decisions about ways to eliminate or minimise those risks
• making decisions about the adequacy of facilities for the welfare of workers
• proposing changes that may affect the health or safety of your workers, and
• making decisions about procedures for consulting with workers;
What are the steps in the hierarchy of risk control
eliminate, minimise , review
Explain some manual handling techniques
• when working individually, in pairs and with a team:
o bending and twisting
o loading and unloading
o moving, lifting, carrying and placing items down
o undertaking repetitious tasks
o using mechanical aids/lifting equipment
• recommended weight limits