8. Induction training and supervision
Objective
The objective is to ensure that all workers are informed of their own responsibilities for health and safety in the workplace.Wewill ensure that workers
have specific knowledge concerning the management of hazards to which they are exposed.This will be achieved through training in workplace procedures,
environment, equipment and materials.
First Day Induction
“First Day Induction” for new or transferred workers is to be provided by the Manager or Supervisor.The Induction is a verbal
explanation, observation of the task in a safe working environment with supervision.
All items on the First Day Induction Checklist Form are to be explained to the worker and this includes:
§Hazards associated with the job and appropriate controls;
§Safe way to do the job;
§Emergency procedures and equipment, facilities such as toilets, meal rooms and first aid kit; copy of health and safety policies and procedures;
§Explain safety signs, symbols and safety controls;
§Safety equipment and how to use them;
§Procedures and forms for reporting injury and near miss; etc.
Health and Safety Training Needs
We will undertake on going assessment and record required training in the Training register to ensure that every worker is provided with the appropriate
training.Procedures are in place to ensure that workers have appropriate competencies, and these are kept up-to-date in tasks where hazards and
risks have been identified.
Training programmes are developed after completing an assessment of current capability against the required competency profile.We document and record
training provided to establish and evaluate its effectiveness.The WHS competency standards include:
Using industrial competency standards,
Examining job descriptions, analysing work tasks,
Analysing results of inspection and audits and review of incident reports.
9. Safe conduct and local rules
Required Standards of Behaviour
The following requirements meet the required standards of behaviour for all personnel in the workplace:
Particularly in potentially hazardous workplaces, never adopt a casual attitude, reckless behaviour or run in the area.
Always be conscious of potential hazards.
Ensure that personal clothing is suited to the working environment conditions, e.g. safety closed in footwear – bare feet, thongs and sandals are prohibited
in many workplaces including laboratories, workshops, kitchens and others.Similarly, complying with all uniform requirements will ensure that clothing
is safe.
Use, store and maintain any protective clothing, devices and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) which is appropriate to the type of tasks or activities
giving due consideration to other adjacent work being carried out in the vicinity.
Always exercise care when opening and closing doors and entering or leaving the workplace.
Only handle, store or consume food or drink in suitable areas.Amenities areas are designated as such, and there are restrictions which apply to some
areas such as workshops or laboratories.
Only store food or drink in refrigerators which are intended for that use.
Particularly in potentially hazardous workplaces, regard all substances as potentially hazardous, unless there is definite information to the contrary
and take additional care when carrying or moving them.
Work shall only be carried out with the permission of a Supervisor.
Never undertake any work unless the potential hazards of the operation are known and appropriate safety control measures exist or have been implemented.
Any flame producing activity is not to commence until the immediate area has been cleared of dusts as many materials, which are non-flammable in a
lump state, become volatile when in powdered form or as dust.
All safety equipment must be labelled and maintained in good working order in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
Report to the supervisor, any requirement for maintenance which may have been overlooked
Keep all fire-escape routes completely clear at all times.
Ensure that all safety equipment remains accessible to personnel at all times and never deposit items adjacently which could hinder easy access.
Warning signs and barriers appropriate to the work being carried out are to be displayed at entrances to the workplace.If the work could be hazardous
to other individuals then restricted access controls may be appropriate.
Report incidents, injuries, near misses and hazards via the reporting procedure
Rehabilitation (Return to Work)
We have identified the need for an effective injury management and return to work program and we are proactive in our approach to injury management.We
place a strong emphasis on the safe, timely and sustainable return to work program for injured or ill workers.
Alcohol and Drugs
We take the issue of the use of alcohol while at work, or prior to undertaking work, as serious.Equally seriously, we will not tolerate any employee
attending work under the influence of an illicit drug.
This policy applies equally to the abuse of prescribed drugs or medication.
This policy relates to all sites where employees work and applies to all employees, subcontractors and visitors.
All persons entering our place of work shall be made aware of this policy and are required to adhere to it.This includes employees, prospective employees
entering a workplace, subcontractors and visitors.
A breach of this policy will initiate appropriate action which may include termination of employment or service.
Bullying and Violence
Workplace bullying and violence are unacceptable types of behaviour.
We are committed to taking all practical steps to ensure bullying and occupational violence does not occur in our workplaces, or that employees are
not subject to such experiences when representing us at other workplaces.
In the workplace bullying is considered to be repeated, unreasonable behaviour directed towards an employee, or group of employees, that creates a
risk to health and safety.No single incident of workplace bullying will be condoned or ignored as it could lead to repeated bullying behaviour.
Occupational violence is considered to be any incident where an employee is physically attacked or threatened in the workplace – either at our workplace
or a client’s workplace – whether by a co-worker, manager, subcontractor, visitor or client.
Occupational violence is considered to be both a physical attack and a threat of attack by menacing behaviour or verbal intimidation.
A breach of this policy will initiate appropriate action which may include termination of employment or service.
Smoking
Work Health and Safety Regulations in general, throughout Australia, prohibit smoking by employers, employees and self-employed persons in enclosed
workplaces.We support this policy.
A workplace is considered enclosed if it has walls, ceiling or roof and can be completely or substantially enclosed, even if not all the openings are
closed.
We have a duty to protect the health of our employees from the effect of smoking tobacco in the workplace, and as such we have adopted a tobacco smoke
free working environment.
A breach of this policy will initiate appropriate action which may include termination of employment or service.
Visitors and contractors
Visitors or Contractors must report to our reception point at the workplace.The member of the workplace who the visitor or contractor wishes to see
must be contacted and asked to attend and meet their visitor or contractor and accompany them in the workplace.In the case of restricted access
worksites, the contractor may be granted permission to enter the area for the duration of the work unless any circumstances occur which affect
the health and safety of other people in the area.
Services and facilities
Children
Safety outside our business premises
Use of computer workstations
Manual handling
All workers must be trained in the appropriate manual handling techniques for any hazardous manual tasks that they are required to perform in their
jobs, and not to expose themselves or others to the risk of injury. Workers must be aware of, and utilise the mechanisms that exist within the
workplace to:
a)Identify hazardous manual tasks that exist
b)Assess the risks arising from the identified hazardous manual tasks that
c)Decide on the appropriate use of control measures.
If individuals feel that they are unable to undertake any manual handling task, because it is beyond their range of comfort and ability, they must
seek assistance.In situations where individuals are required to perform new or unfamiliar manual tasks, supervisors should conduct a new risk assessment
to identify any new potential hazards and implement and evaluate control strategies (i.e. mechanical solutions and/or training).Many injuries occur
when workers undertake unfamiliar or non-routine tasks due to a lack of planning or risk assessment.
Where possible, mechanical handling equipment should be used (e.g. trolleys and fork lifts).
Housekeeping
The maintenance of high standards of housekeeping in workplaces helps to prevent injuries.General tidiness includes such considerations as:
Keeping floors tidy and dry
Removing rubbish daily
Avoid creating trip hazards such as trailing leads
Keep work surfaces and resources such as fume cupboards, tidy, clean and free from equipment and hazardous substances that are not in use.
Keeping aisles, exits, fire extinguishers, first aid kits and electrical cabinets free from obstruction
Keeping glassware and breakables off the floor
Informing contractors of workplace hazards that exist such as flammable liquids or combustibles
Avoid exposing other persons to hazards.
If last to leave the workplace, make sure all equipment is turned off or left in a safe state and leave personal details with equipment/processes that
need to be left running when unattended.
Use of social media
The inappropriate use of social media in either a professional or personal capacity, can violate privacy, breach security and harm the reputations
of other employees, and our business.
Such activity may be determined as misconduct or serious misconduct, resulting in possible disciplinary action or termination of employment.Workplace
health and safety legislation could also be contravened.
As a general rule express thoughts and opinions rationally, respectfully and appropriately and act within your level of authority, particularly in
relation to online activities.
Working alone
Individuals may occasionally be required to work alone on our business premises.Under these circumstances there are special risks due to the lack of
immediate assistance in the event of an accident or sudden illness.This guidance applies to working alone at any time but when planning after-hours
work there are specific limitations on accessing workplaces and also on the types of work that may be undertaken.
Health and safety legislation requires that if an employee is isolated from other persons because of the time, location or nature of the work, then
the employer must ensure that there is a means of communication available which will enable the employee to call for help in the event of an emergency
and arrangements made to ensure regular contact.
If you are required or intend to work alone, you must have permission to do so from a Manager or Supervisor who has assessed risks associated with
the planned activities, considered the availability of any potentially required support services and concluded that such working arrangements are
acceptable.This may include addressing unattended reactions or experiments.In addition, disclosure and consideration of any medical conditions
that may give rise to a dangerous or life threatening situation when working alone must be taken into account.
In all of the following cases, working alone is not permitted where:
There is no readily accessible means of communication.
Work which is remote or isolated from the assistance of others due to the location, nature or time.
Operation or maintenance of hazardous equipment
Handling of hazardous substances or use of large volumes of flammable solvents.
Work which is too hazardous for a person to perform alone.
Maintenance or adjustments on energised electrical or electronic systems.
Under the following circumstances, working alone is permissible:
An authorised person is notified of the planned work, when it will commence and the expected completion time.
Staff and students may work alone in an office and other low risk environments.
An easily accessible means of communication to gain assistance in an emergency is available.
Undertake all required personal security measures e.g. lock doors, walk in well-lit areas.
A breach of this policy may be determined as misconduct or serious misconduct, resulting in possible disciplinary action or termination of employment
or service.
After-hours work
An important consideration when working outside of normal working hours is the times of day when maximum internal and external support services are
available in the event of an incident, injury or illness.Such services include First Aid Officers, the Medical Centre, Facilities Management, Building
Operations, and external emergency services.
In all workplaces, if you are required or intend to work outside of normal working hours, you must have permission to do so from a Manager or Supervisor
who has assessed risks associated with the planned activities, considered the availability of any potentially required support services and concluded
that such working arrangements are acceptable.In hazardous workplaces, where the type of work, the resources used and the risks to the health and
safety of workers is significant, the periods of normal use should be restricted to 8:00 am – 5:00 pm on weekdays only.
Persons wishing to work outside normal hours may be required to provide a work plan that clearly defines the proposed task and limitations on that
task outside normal working hours.They may need to fill in a log of arrival and departure times and advise security.
If accessing the workplace after hours:
Ensure that the doors of buildings are securely closed and locked after entering and exiting.
Ensure that the doors to internal areas are secured on leaving.
Ensure familiarity with health and safety rules and emergency contact numbers (these should already be displayed in the workplace.
Do not give anyone else security codes, keys or access cards.
Do not provide access to buildings to unauthorised persons as Security is instructed to remove them if they cannot demonstrate current authorisation.
Report any breaches of security or suspicious behaviour
Some work is too hazardous to be undertaken alone or after hours.
Explosive and potentially unstable substances.
Disposal of hazardous substances.
Naked flames associated with flammable solvents.
Low-temperature environments (e.g. cool rooms, freezers).
High-powered, fast-moving machinery or equipment.
Heights or confined spaces.
Other hazards or activities as identified by the Manager or Supervisor.
A minimum of two persons must be present to ensure that appropriate action and support is provided in the event of an incident or injury.The second
person must be competent to obtain any assistance required and to make the area safe.If having a minimum of two people present is not possible,
there are specific limitations on what types of work may be conducted.
A breach of any of these conditions may result in after-hours access being cancelled.
Safety inductions
All persons shall complete safety inductions before undertaking any tasks or activities in the workplace.
A fundamental aspect of induction is to gain an understanding of and to acknowledge workplace local rules.Induction does not infer competency or permission
to commence work.Persons shall only carry out work using resources which they are deemed competent to use and shall do so only with permission
of the area supervisor.
A record of completed inductions shall be included in the individual’s training records.
Competency and training
Workers shall only carry out work using resources which they are deemed competent to use.
Competency can only be judged through assessment by a Supervisor.Hazardous equipment shall only be used by operators where their competence to do so
can be verified via written records based on qualification and/or ‘demonstrable competence’.
The need for specialist training shall be identified by managers and supervisors and all such requirements must be escalated via workplace line management.Individuals
shall not be expected to undertake any activities for which they are not deemed competent.
Management and permission to work in the area
Managers and supervisors have control of and are responsible for workplaces and are authorised to give permission to do work.Permission to carry out
work in a workplace may only be granted to individuals for whom their competency to do so can be demonstrated.Records of that competence must exist
and be available for inspection.
A combination of endorsement of documented methods, appropriate supervision (to be established and reviewed on a case by case basis) and verbal consent
may be sufficient as a basis for granting permission to work provided it can be demonstrated that the individuals who carry out work meet the criteria
for ‘demonstrable competency’.
Workplace monitoring
All workplaces shall carry out periodic monitoring to ensure that good health and safety standards are being maintained.
Workplaces should be inspected on an annual basis as a minimum.Checklists are available for a variety of area types.Inspections should also be carried
out following changes to the area such as new projects, personnel, plant, equipment, procedures or refurbishment.
Emergencies, Incidents and Injuries
| CONTACT | TELEPHONE |
In the event of fire
Raise the Alarm:
If safe to do so, ensure the immediate safety of anyone within the vicinity of the fire.Raise the alarm if not already sounding, using a break glass
alarm panel or by shouting ‘Fire, Fire, Fire’ if a panel is not available.The alarm system automatically notifies the Fire and Rescue Services.
Phone your nominated Fire Warder or supervisor – give your name, location, type and extent of the fire / smoke if safe to do so.
Fire Fighting:
If safe to do so, and if trained in the use of fire equipment, attempt to extinguish the fire.Do not use a fire hose reel, water or foam extinguishers
on an electrical fire.
Fire Extinguishers:
All fire extinguishers are tested to ensure reliability on a regular basis by a contractor sourced by Management.This equipment is provided to extinguish
minor fires only.If there is any risk from the fire the building must be evacuated.Before using a fire extinguisher read the instructions ensuring
that it is appropriate to the type of fire.
Water Type Extinguisher (colour-coded red): For use on paper, wood, textile and fabric fires only – not to be used on electrical or
chemical fires.
Carbon Dioxide Extinguisher (colour-coded red with a black band): For use on electrical and flammable liquids fire – Please note that
this extinguisher can be safely used on all types of fires, however, when the carbon dioxide dissipates, re-ignition could occur.
Dry Powder Extinguisher (colour-coded red with a white band): For use on electrical, flammable gases and flammable liquid fires.
Fire Blankets:
Fire blankets are installed in the workplace for use on fires involving small quantities of flammable liquids.Such fuels are typically found in kitchens.The
effectiveness of the blanket depends on obtaining a good seal with the rim of the container.Fire blankets also provide a thermal barrier and are
suitable for management of clothing fires.
Evacuation:
Evacuate the building in accordance with the area evacuation procedure or as directed by the Building or Fire Warden.Proceed to the nearest exit, walking
quickly and calmly to the assembly area and do not use the lifts.Close but do not lock doors and windows as you exit.
Leave lights on.
Remain in the assembly area in groups until instructed to leave by a Warden or Fire and Rescue Services personnel.Do not re-enter the building until
informed that it is safe to do so by a Warden or Fire and Rescue Services personnel.
If contaminated with acids or alkalis, wash skin immediately with plenty of water then seek medical attention if required.Eyes splashed with any chemical
must be washed with water for 15 mins and medical advice obtained immediately.
Ensure all incidents and injuries are reported to Supervisors and on a Confidential Incident / Injury / Near Miss Report Form.
| DATE | AMENDMENT TYPE & PAGE | VERSION NO. |
| May 2015 | First Issue released | 1.0 |
| 1 November 2017 | Legislative changes – now the Work Health & Safety and Other Legislation Amendments Act 2017 – amendments made to Section 1 only | 2.0 |
| 1 November 2018 | Update section 1.5 to incorporate all Australian States & Territories | 2.1 |
| 15th January 2019 | Update to Incident Injury Hazard Reporting | 2.2 |