Basic Occupational Health & Safety

INTRODUCTIONAt Catalyst we will be helping you find employment in many different areas. But basic Occupational Health & Safety (OH&S) remains the same across all industries.Can you think of some generic OH&S issues?

• Identifying Hazards in your workplace

• What are the risks associated with that hazard

• Safe manual handling• Who do I report an accident to• Do I have to fill out any paperwork• What do I do if there is a fire• Who looks after OH&S

What is a hazardA hazard is anything that has the potential to cause harm:

- It may be a cord across a walkway- Boxes stored in front of a fire exit- Faulty brakes on a forklift

Can you think of any others you may have encountered in a previous workplace

What is a riskA RISK is the likelihood of harm occurring as a result of been exposed to a hazard

You RISK getting caught in a fire if you are exposed to the HAZARD of a blocked fire exit

Conclusion: It’s up to the boss or supervisor to look out for workplace hazards – Right?

WRONG!!If you spot a hazard in the workplace it is your duty to report it to the appropriate person.SAFETY IS EVERYONE’S RESPONSIBILITY

Safe Manual handlingOffice, shop or factory floor, We will all have to lift something at some stage. If not done properly you can end up with LIFELONG problems.Lets go through the basics

What is manual handlingManual handling is any activity that involves lifting, lowering, carrying, pushing, pulling, holding or restraining. It may also include stretching and bending, sustained and awkward postures and repetitive movements.

The S.M.A.R.T lifting technique. This technique can be used to pick up small light loads from low levels.

Size up the Load Assess the load (size, shape and weight); Assess whether the load needs to be moved; Where is it going to be placed” Check that there are no obstructions; Assess whether mechanical or human assistance is required.

Move the Load as close to the body as possible A load is heavier to lift or carry if it is not close to the body. The whole hand should be used to ensure a firm grip.

Always bend your knees Maintain balance. Keep feet apart and in a comfortable position. Minimise lower back bending. Bend knees preferable at as large an angle as possible but not at a right angle- use a semi squat in preference to a full squat.

Raise the load with your legs Achieve the lift smoothly and without jerkiness. Maintain the normal curvature of the spine to allow the force of the

load to be distributed evenly from the spine to the pelvis.

Turn your feet in the direction that you want to move the load. Avoid unnecessary bending, twisting and reaching. Change direction by turning your feet and not your back. To set the load down, squat down, keep your head up and Let your legs do the work.

ACT SMARTView this website for further infohttp://www.ohs.unsw.edu.au/ohs_policies/guides/Guide%20to%20safe%20manual%20handling(2).pdf

Manual handlingBasics1. Assess the load and the route you will be using2. Use your legs to lift, NOT your back3. Keep the load close to your body4. Ask for assistance if the load is too heavy for 1 person

or use mechanical aids to help such as a trolley5. NEVER attempt to lift an object that is too heavyClick on the link to get more information on manual handlinghttp://www.safework.sa.gov.au/uploaded_files/mh_booklet.pdf

Accident reportingAll accidents and incidents MUST be reported and the details documented. Find out the correct procedure when you start a new job. There may be an Incident Report Form that has to be completed. It is up to you to ensure this is done. If you do have an accident this may be a vital piece of evidence down the track.It also helps safety officers track workplace hazards and prevent them from happening again.

WHAT SHOULD BE REPORTED ON AN INCIDENT FORMWho was injuredTime and dateExact injuriesHow it happenedIf first aid or hospital was requiredAny witnessesSigned by injured party, witness and supervisor

REPORT THE FIRE TO SUPERVISORFOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONSDON’T USE LIFTSEVACUATE IN AN ORDERLY FASHIONKNOW WHERE THE ASSEMBLY POINT ISDO NOT RE ENTER BUILDING UNTIL TOLD IT IS SAFE TO DO SO

What to do in the event of fire

Who looks after OH&SRemember safety is everyone’s responsible.Depending on the size of the business there may be a dedicated OH&S officer. If not someone will be an allocated Fire warden for each area or flor. They will direct things if there is a fire. If you are unsure of your OH&S obligations, speak to your supervisor.

That’s all!Thank you for coming todayLook forward to seeing you next session

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