Safety in the Swaggies Office

Follow Workplace Safety ProceduresUnit BSBCMN106A

Follow Environmental work proceduresUnit BSBCMN109A

waggiesAustralian Gifts

What is Workplace safety?

Maintaining the health, safety and welfare of employees and others in all workplace environments

On successful completion of this unit you will be able to

Recognise and report any workplace hazard

Comply with procedures to assess and control risks

Follow workplace procedures in emergencies

Contribute to safety in the workplace through consultation with employers, employees, OHS representatives.

OHS has a long history

OHS was recognised in the late 1700’s in Britain. Nothing meaningful was done about it.

During the 1800’s and through the depression years of the early 1900’s and through the years of WW 1, WW 2, there were many people who were out of work and desperately took whatever work could be found no matter what the conditions.

In the 1970’s Australian governments (State and Federal) made OHS an issue and put in place legislation that covered the health and safety of all workers in all occupations - The Occupational Health and Safety Act, 1983. This is now the Occupational Health and Safety Act, 2000.

Is the Australian workplace hazardous?

The Australian National OHS Commission estimates

– 650,000 Australian work injuries per year• that’s 1 worker in 12• 1 in 5 workers need more

than 5 days to recover

– 2,900 work-related deaths each year• that’s nearly 1 ½ times the number

of fatal road accidents a year

Is the workplace hazardous worldwide?

The World Health Organization estimates

– 250 million accidents occur each year

– 330,000 deaths– 160 million occupational

diseases

Accidents and Injuries can be costly

Lost production Absenteeism Medical bills Increased

WorkCover or insurance premiums

Unwanted publicity

Replacement or repair of damaged equipment

Training of new or casual staff

Poor company image Fines or prison!

What are some typical work-related injuries?

Bad backs (lifting) Lung diseases

(breathing toxic chemicals)

Burns (hot machinery parts)

Hearing loss (noisy machinery)

Cuts (sharp construction tools)

Crushing injuries (moving objects)

Skin diseases (irritating substances)

Broken bones (falling)

WorkCover Authority of NSW

The statutory authority that administers OHS legislation in NSW

Provides advice on rights and responsibilities concerning OHS, rehabilitation and workers compensation

Investigates causes of accidents, injuries and illnesses

Issues licenses for hazardousoperations, eg. for the handling of dangerous chemicals

What is the National Occupational Health Safety

Committee?

Federal authority that considers the laws,

regulations and procedures covering health and

safety to all workers.

Whose responsibility is workplace safety?

Employers and

Employees

are both responsible

Employer’s Responsibilities

EMPLOYERS have a ‘duty of care’ (by law) to provide a safe workplace.

Managers and supervisors MUST help

employers meet this responsibility.

Consult with employees on OHS matters

Assess likely hazards

Control and minimise hazard risks

Provide information to workers

Employer’s Responsibility con’t Consult with workers (through OHS reps

and committees)

Organise safe work systems

Improve understanding (by

instruction/training)

Provide protective clothing and

equipment

Employer’s Responsibility con’t

– Ensure tools/equipment/machines are safe

– Supervise inexperienced workers

– Monitor the workplace

– Keep records of inspections and injuries

Training

Employers MUST provide:

Training to OHS representatives and Committee members

Training to all workers to ensure Health and safety

Employee’s responsibility

• EMPLOYEES (YOU) must take care of your own safety and that of others who may be affected by your actions. You MUST co-operate with your employer.

Work/behave in a safe way

Take care not to endanger the safety of others

Follow employer instructions

Operate equipment safely and only for the intended purpose

Use personal protective equipment

Employee’s responsibility con’t Cooperate with your employer

Do not willfully/recklessly interfere or misuse equipment

Ensure you are not affected by alcohol or drugs

Report hazards

Report work-related injuries, near misses

Recognise and report workplace hazards

What is a hazard?

A hazard is something that has the potential to cause harm. This harm can affect people by causing injury, illness, death or psychological trauma.

Website: www.nohsc.gov.au

WORKPLACE HAZARD

WORK ACTIVITY

Drilling a hole; Typing a letter Unloading cargoMoving a heavy object

SITUATIONTripping over a cord; Wet floor in a foyer

ARRANGEMENT Poor storage techniques

PRODUCTION PROCESS

Toxic fumes; excess heat

Checklist of Hazards in Checklist of Hazards in the Working Environmentthe Working Environment

Date:Area:What to look for:

Look at all areas and compare to the standards provided below. Some aspects may not be applicable. A "no" response to any question indicates an area that will need further assessment.

PASSAGEWAYS FUMES/VENTILATION

EXIT/EGRESS ERGONOMIC

FACTORS

NOISE LAYOUT (of

workplace)

LIGHTING.

What should you report?

                                                                                                                        

Any event that results in injury or disease - no matter how minor - is reportable

Dangerous occurrences or events - including a near miss that endangers the

health or safety of a person

Any event that results in death

Employees have a LEGAL RESPONSIBILITY to report any accident

or incident

Who do you Report Hazards to?

Your Supervisor

Supervises New Employees

Coaches and mentors team members

Communicates between senior management and workgroups

OHS Committee Formal body that resolves OHS

issues Reviews OHS measures Investigates OHS matters Solves OHS problems Develops OHS policies,

procedures and programs Comprises both employees and

employer representatives

Must be established when >20 employees

Who do you report hazards to?

OHS Representative

Elected to represent designated workgroups Review OHS measures Conduct inspections Accompany an OHS inspector Provide input into development of OHS systems and emergency preparedness procedures Know about particular hazards Keep up-to-date with information injuries and

health Communicate with management/workers about

changes Make recommendations about training

Must be elected even if requested by only one employee

Comply with procedures to assess and control

risks

In an Office Environment

Hazard Categories

The FOUR categories of hazards we will look at are:

1. Physical Hazards, eg OOS, posture

2. Manual Handling hazard, eg lifting

3. Chemical Hazard, eg Toxic substances

4. Psychosocial Hazard, eg Stress

What are the FOUR steps to identify and control a

hazard Identify the hazard – what is it Assess the risks – what is likely to

happen Control the risks – preventative

measures Evaluate the solutions –

were the preventative measures: appropriate successful

Let’s take a closer look at Occupational Overuse

Syndrome What is it?

o OOS relates to the repetitive use of the same muscles over an extended period of time

What does it affect?o Muscleso Tendonso Soft tissues in the neck, back, shoulders,

hands, fingers, wrists, elbows

Who does OOS affect?

Office workers

Cleaners

Hairdressers

Kitchen workers

Drivers

Mail sorters

Painters

Musicians

Process workers on assembly lines (packers, sorters, pressers)

Construction workers (bricklayers, carpenters, plumbers and tilers)

PEOPLE IN MANY DIFFERENT OCCUPATIONS

What are OOS symptoms?

• Soreness/Swelling• Muscle discomfort• Stiffness• Numbing and tingling• Fatigue• Burning sensation• Aches and pains• Weakness

How can you prevent OOS?

Adjust your workstation layoutAdjust furnitureMaintain correct postureExercise to stimulate blood flowReduce repetitive tasksTake regular breaksRotate the work tasksREPORT any signs of OOS

immediately

What happens when new equipment is installed

When a new computer is installed

Ergonomically sound office design layout

Ergonomic office furniture installed

Training on the new equipment provided by employer

OHS training (safe work habits)

If you experience any wrist soreness

You would report problem to supervisor

An OHS rep would inspect workstation and write a report

You would consult a doctor and obtain report

You would be transferred to alternative duties, temporarily or permanently

Employer would closely monitor your progress

What is an ergonomic workstation?

‘Ergonomic’ means setting up the work environment to suit individuals.

Making the environment work for you, not against you.

     

Ergonomically-friendly equipment

Adjustable Keyboard/Monitor Glare screen Wrist wrest Document holder Adjustable ergonomic furniture Footstool Noise shield for printers

                  

Basic principles of correct postureTo reduce fatigue and reduce risk of body injury and strain when using a computer

Adjust your chair and workstation

Support your lower back with the back of the chair

Place your feet flat on the floor or use a footrest

Have your ankles, knees and hips at right angles

Clear the desk of all unnecessary materials                                                                                                                     

Hands and Arms

Do these Do these exercisesexercises

With your forearms rested on a table in front of you, turn your palms up then down.

With your fingers straight, spread your forefingers and middle fingers apart, then together.

Touch your forefinger to your thumb forming a ring, repeat for each finger. Repeat sliding the finger tip to the base of your thumb.

Bend your wrist to 90 degrees and make a fist

Neck and Shoulders

Start with your head upright and relaxed. Lower your chin toward your chest and return. Tilt your head back and return.

Start with shoulders still and head forward. Bend your head toward your left shoulder, then return. Repeat on your right side.

Stretching

Just getting up, walking around and stretching will remove any stiffness and tension from prolonged sitting down. Do these exercises slowly until you feel a mild stretching sensation.

Stretch your forearm by putting your palm flat on the chair and gently straightening your arm.

Look out the window for a moment or two. Posters, photo murals, wall hangings or tapestries will give relief to your eyes if there is no window in your room.

Eyes

Blink often to stop eyes becoming irritated by surface drying

Reduce screen brightness Fit a glare screen Keep the screen dust-free

Let’s take a closer look at

Manual HandlingAny activity which

involves

• Pulling• Pushing• Raising or lowering• Lifting• Holding• Carrying

For Example:

• Carrying files• Lifting books• Placing items on

shelves• Moving chairs

CAN YOU THINKOF SOME MORE?

Who does Manual Handling?

Office workers Nurses Builders and tradesmen Shop assistants Cleaners Animal handlers Just about anyone!

Manual Handling techniquesLifting

•                                                                                                                         

Assess the load

Position the feet

Take a proper hold

Balance the weight

Keep back straight

Arms tucked in

Lift with the legs

Chemicals and Toxic Substances

Where gloves when handling toners

Store toners in a separate well ventilated

storage area

Do not inhale toner ‘dust’

Wash hands after use

Wear Protective Clothingas provided by your employer

Overalls Protective safety boots Safety gloves Safety helmets Safety masks, goggles Respirators Ear protectors                    

HousekeepingHousekeeping is more than keeping an office

tidy. It is also about keeping it safe and healthy.

Can you find 8 potential hazards?

Psychosocial HazardsStress

Work related psychosocial injuries cost five times more than work-related physical injuries

Psychosocial hazards are often called stress.

Stress is the physical, mental and emotional reaction to demands made upon us as individuals

Psychosocial hazards are difficult to identify and their affects may not appear for some time.

                                                                                                                        

Stress can:

                                                                                                                        

Occur suddenly (eg a payroll hold-up or terrorist attack)

Build up over time (eg work overload)

Be continuous (eg conflict with another worker or manager)

Be intermittent (eg work overload at certain times such as at the end of the financial year, stocktaking, etc).

Are you stressed?Are you stressed?

Headache

Fatigue

Anxiety

Aggression

Irritability

Tension

Skin rashes Reduced appetite

IndigestionDepression

Dizziness

Overeating

Weight loss

Insomnia

Poor concentration

Poor memory

What can you do for stress?

                                                                                                                        

Exercise regularly

Eat nutritiously

Get enough sleep

Find time for yourself

Switch off from work and other responsibilities

Have a hobby

SAY NO to alcohol and drugs in the workplace?Poor eye/hand coordination

Poor concentration

Impaired vision

Impaired mental alertness

Lower energy levels

Slower reaction times

Taking drugs or alcohol at the workplace, or reporting for work under their influence, poses a serious and obvious hazard to yourself and others.

Being under the influence at work can lead to disciplinary action, dismissal and/or possible prosecution under health and safety criminal law.

Follow workplace procedures in emergencies

What could be classed as an emergency?

                                                                                                                        

Fire Explosion Holdup or attack Serious accident Asphyxiation (suffocation

due to lack of oxygen) Spills

Emergencies - YOU must be aware of: How to report an accident, illness or emergency

Where the first aid services and facilities are located

Who are the first aid officers

The first aid procedures

Where fire extinguishers are located

Raising the alarm in a n emergency

The evacuation procedure

                                                                                                                        

Don’t ignore warning signs

                                                                                                                        

Know your fire extinguisher

                                                                                                                        

RED Water filled for Class A fires

Class A is Wood, cloth, plastic, rubber, etc.

RED/Black Band

Carbon Dioxide for Class E firesClass E is Electrical fires

RED/Blue Band

Dry Powder for Classes A, B, C E and F fires. Good for sudden outbreaks of any fires.

BLUE Foam for Class B and Class A firesPetrol, oil, paints, grease,solvents/wood, plastic, rubber

BUFF colour Wet chemical for Class A and F firesClass F is cooking oil

RED/yellow band

Vaporising liquid for Class A, B and C firesClass C is flammable gas

What would you do in the event of an armed robbery?Stand stillObey the robbers’

instructionsRemain calm and

quietObserve – if you

can without provoking the criminal

                  

Stay out of the immediate physical danger area

Do not give chaseCall the police

ASAPSeal off the hold-up

areaAsk any witnesses

to remain

OHS Law and Legal Requirements

What does the Law say?NSW OHS Act 2000

• Sets out legal requirements for ensuring healthy and safe workplaces

• Places responsibilities on employers, manufacturers, designers and employees

• Outlines duties/rights of employees on all issues that may affect their health, safety or welfare

NSW OHS Regulation 2001

• Addresses Risk Management – ie. identifying, assessing, controlling and reviewing hazards in the workplace

• Provides OHS guidelines for all general and high hazard work areas

Codes of Practice/Aust Standards

• Provides information to assist employers on how to comply with regulations

Environmental Laws, Treaties etc.

• Environmental laws which overlap OHS laws regarding hazardous substances etc.

What are the penalties?

OHS laws are enforceable through the courts

Penalties apply to individuals and organisations

Financial penalties of up to $850,000 OR

Imprisonment for up to TWO years in NSW

Accident Reports Employees must complete an accident report form

and give to their supervisor within 24 hours of an accident. A copy must be given to the injured person.

Supervisors must complete an accident report form and send to the appropriate OHS Unit or Authority (normally 24-48 hours after the accident).

Supervisors must notify the OHS Representative.

Consideration and investigations will then take place

In Summary

Know your rights and responsibilities

You have a RIGHT to be involved in the consultation of OHS matters in the workplace

You DO NOT have to work in conditions you consider are unsafe or dangerous

You must follow safety instructions

You have a RESPONSIBILITY to protect your own health and safety and that of others

You must CO-OPERATE with your employer

                    

Workplace accidents, illness and injuries are costly for both employees and employers – both in monetary and human terms.

Employers and Employees need to work together to ensure that the workplace is the best possible environment for the health and well-being of everyone.

                    

Why and How

Legal Authorities

Work Cover Authority of NSW

Looks after health and safety of and compensation to NSW workers

National Occupational Health Safety CommitteeFederal authority that considers the laws, regulations and procedures covering health and safety to all workers.

Source material and for further Source material and for further informationinformation:

‘Follow Workplace Safety Procedures’ by Stephan Harvey, (Software Publications) 2002.

‘Maintaining Workplace Safety’, by Kaye Burton, (Tertiary Press) 2002

‘Occupational Health & Safety’ online (TAFE Connect) 2001

NSW Work Cover Authority – www.workcover.nsw.gov.au

National Occupational Health and Safety Commission – www.nohsc.gov.au