WORKPLACE SAFETY
What is a hazard?
Anything that has the potential to cause harm, injury or illness in the workplace.
What is a casual employee?
An employee who generally has no guaranteed hours and receives a casual loading instead of some paid leave entitlements.
What is workplace discrimination?
Unfair treatment of a person based on a protected characteristic or attribute.
What is an Award?
A legal document that sets minimum pay rates and employment conditions for employees in particular industries or occupations.
What is a résumé?
A document that summarises a person's skills, qualifications, experience and achievements for employment purposes.
A worker notices a liquid spill in a busy walkway. What should they do first?
A. Ignore it
B. Walk around it
C. Identify the hazard and prevent others from entering the area if safe to do so
D. Post a photo on social media
C. Identify the hazard and prevent others from entering the area if safe to do so
Which type of employment usually provides guaranteed ongoing hours?
A. Casual
B. Permanent full-time
C. Volunteer
D. Contractor
B. Permanent full-time
Which of the following is an example of workplace discrimination?
A. Being asked to complete a task
B. Being paid according to an award
C. Being refused a job because of a protected characteristic
D. Being given workplace training
C. Being refused a job because of a protected characteristic
What is an enterprise agreement?
A. An informal agreement between friends
B. An agreement negotiated between an employer and employees about employment conditions
C. A personal budget
D. A university application
B. An agreement negotiated between an employer and employees about employment conditions
Which skill is most useful when working effectively as part of a team?
A. Refusing feedback
B. Communication
C. Avoiding responsibility
D. Working against others
B. Communication
What does WHS stand for?
Work Health and Safety.
What is the difference between an employee and an independent contractor?
An employee works for an employer under an employment relationship, while an independent contractor operates their own business and provides services under a contract.
What is unfair dismissal?
When an employee is dismissed from their job in circumstances that are considered harsh, unjust or unreasonable.
What is an individual employment contract?
An agreement between an individual employee and employer that sets out the terms and conditions of employment.
What is networking?
Building and maintaining professional relationships that may provide information, support, opportunities and connections.
A worker repeatedly lifts heavy boxes incorrectly and develops back pain. Identify TWO ways the workplace could reduce this risk.
Examples include manual-handling training, using lifting equipment/trolleys, changing work practices or reducing the weight of loads.
Name TWO factors that can influence a person's choice of employment.
Possible answers include income, job security, location, hours, interests, skills, qualifications, career opportunities and work-life balance.
A worker believes they have experienced discrimination. What are TWO appropriate steps they could take?
Keep records/evidence, raise the concern through the workplace grievance process, speak with a supervisor/HR, seek advice or contact an appropriate external organisation.
Put these in the correct order from least specific to most individualised:
Enterprise agreement – Award – Individual employment contract
Award → Enterprise agreement → Individual employment contract
Name THREE transferable skills that employers may value.
Examples include communication, teamwork, problem-solving, organisation, adaptability, leadership, time management and digital literacy.
Scenario: A new employee notices that several workers are not wearing required PPE. Their supervisor says, “Don't worry about it; we've always done it this way.”
What should the employee do?
Follow workplace WHS procedures, raise the concern with the appropriate supervisor/person and use the required PPE. Workers have responsibilities for maintaining a safe workplace.
Scenario: Mia has been offered two jobs. One pays more but provides irregular hours. The other pays slightly less but offers predictable hours and training opportunities.
What should Mia consider before deciding?
She should consider the overall employment conditions, income, job security, hours, career development, training and how each job fits her personal circumstances and career goals.
An employee is dismissed immediately after making a legitimate workplace complaint. They believe the dismissal was unfair.
What should they do?
Keep evidence and records, seek advice and use the appropriate workplace or external dispute-resolution processes. They should not simply retaliate or resign without considering their options.
Scenario: Sam's individual employment contract states that he will receive less than the minimum entitlement provided under the relevant Award.
Can the contract simply override the minimum entitlement?
No. An employment contract cannot generally provide conditions below applicable minimum legal entitlements.
Scenario: An employer tells an applicant, “You don't have the exact experience we're looking for, but you've demonstrated excellent communication, teamwork and problem-solving skills.”
Why might these skills still be valuable?
They are transferable skills that can be applied across different jobs and situations and can help an employee learn new tasks and adapt to workplace requirements.