Employee Safety Manual - The Apprentice and Traineeship ...

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EMPLOYEE

OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH MANUAL

A REFERENCE PROVIDING DETAILS ON SAFE WORKING PROCEDURES

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OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH POLICY ATC Employment Solutions (“ATCES”) is committed to providing and maintaining, so far as is practicable, the highest standards of occupational safety, health, welfare and rehabilitation for all employees. This will be achieved by ensuring appropriate resources and effort are effectively utilised in the areas of accident and injury prevention. Managers and supervisors will regard safety and health at the workplace as their highest priorities. They will be responsible for ensuring employees are given appropriate information, instruction and education on safe working practices and procedures, together with the correct technique for performing the job. Every employee has an important and responsible role in accident and injury prevention and will be encouraged to participate in improving standards of workplace safety and health. This will involve consultation and communication through OHS Committees, Tool Box Meetings and on going training. Management will consult and co-operate with employees and Health and Safety Committees, on workplace safety and health issues. This will ensure that we work together to promote and maintain a safer working environment. This policy, along with all OHS documentation, will be reviewed on a regular basis to ensure continued improvement to the OHS Management System and to address changes on OHS and organisational standards. Stan Liaros Chief Executive Officer Tom Hall Chairman of the Board

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1. LEGAL ASPECTS OF SAFETY OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ACT OF WA (1984) Occupational Safety and Health (OS&H) laws aim to make workplaces safer and to prevent injury or disease to workers.

Under the Act, all people involved in the workplace have responsibilities for safety and health at work. This includes:

People in control of workplaces

Employers or people who hire labour

Apprentices-trainees and self employed people

People who design and construct buildings

People who design, manufacture or supply materials, plant, equipment or substance for use in a workplace

The Act provides guidelines to employers and apprentices-trainees on how to effectively consult and communicate on OS&H matters. In particular, the Act aims to:

Promote and secure the safety and health of people in workplaces

Protect workers from hazards

Ensure safe and hygienic working conditions

Reduce, eliminate and control hazards in the workplace

Encourage co-operation and consultation between employers, apprentices-trainees and others in the workplace

Promote education and awareness of OS&H laws and regulations

The Act provides a framework where consultation, co-operation, regulations, codes of practice and procedures for resolution of issues support the General Duties of Care which are the guiding principals for all other parts of the Act.

The OS&H Act is supported by regulations which have the force of law and set out the legal requirements for particular hazards or workplace activities. These regulations are enforceable and breaches may result in prosecution and fines.

Approved Codes of Practice are also issued by the minister to provide practical guidance on how a particular standard can be achieved and to detail the preferred methods or courses of action to achieve that standard.

Codes of Practice do not have the same legal force as regulations and people cannot be prosecuted for an offence under a code of practice.

Guidance Notes are also provided to help explain certain aspects of the Act, Regulations, Standards and Codes of Practice.

All employees of ATCES are directed to ensure that they are familiar with all Safety and Health

policies, information, instructions and requirements applicable to the client employer's workplace or

site.

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Each employee must:

Adhere to all safe work practices, instructions and rules

Perform all duties in a manner which ensures the individual's safety and health and that of

others

When in the employment of the host employer and working at another employer's workplace or site all

apprentices and trainees are to comply with any Occupational Safety and Health procedures. rules,

regulations, instructions etc. for that workplace or site.

2. DUTY OF CARE

WorkSafe when investigating accidents use a legal concept called Duty of Care. Duty of Care means

that every employer and employee has an obligation to act in a manner that is not negligent. If a

person is negligent, it means that they failed to taken some action that is expected of them to take, to

prevent an accident.

Under the OSH Act and your Duty of Care you must:

Perform work duties in a safe and responsible way

Cooperate and follow the instructions given by ATCES and the client employer or supervisor in regard to safety and health

Use personal protective equipment where provided and in the way you have been instructed

Report all hazards to the ATCES and the client employer

Not perform any work that you believe to be unsafe. Discuss the issue with your client employer and if you are not convinced that the problem has been fixed you must contact ATCES.

The client employer must do the following to demonstrate a Duty of Care:

Make the work place safe and without risk to your health

Ensure the safe use, handling, storage and transport of equipment and substances

Provide an adequate level of instruction, training and supervision to ensure safety, especially

to staff who operate complex and potentially dangerous equipment

ATCES must do the following to demonstrate a Duty of Care:

Provide a safety induction programme to all employees

Check the client employer’s workplace for safety and health systems, procedures and the

general work environment

Monitor safety and health, and as needed help the client employer by suggesting safer

practices and/or conditions

Remove the apprentice from the client employer if a safe workplace cannot be provided and

maintained

3. PENALTIES

If you fail to comply with your Duty of Care and/or supply false information, obstruct inspectors or do

not abide by the OSH law you could receive a fine of up to $25,000.00 for a first offence. (Refer to

OSH Act 20A(i)(a))

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4. HOUSEKEEPING

Housekeeping is the general cleanliness and tidiness of your work environment. Ongoing good

housekeeping standards require commitment and perseverance by both the client employer and the

employee involved.

Good housekeeping is essential in preventing accidents and promoting good safety. Employees are

required to keep their machines/equipment and work areas clean and tidy. The following points

should be adhered at all times:

Working areas are to be kept free of all rubbish and waste materials

Nails protruding from timber are to be pulled out or bent over

Use bins provided for waste, rubbish, wire, sawdust and general scrap

Immediately wipe up or use the spill kit provided, to clean up any spills, particularly oil and grease,

to prevent slips and falls

Return containers that have contained flammable liquids carefully

Return all tools to their proper storage areas

Keep toilets and washrooms tidy

Keep passageways clear at all times

Do not leave stock on the floor or in passageways

Shield welding jobs (i.e. welding screens)

Do not participate in any form of horse play

Follow safe work procedures (e.g. handling asbestos, working at heights, working in the outdoors

etc.)

Ask your supervisor if you are unsure about any of the above

5. WORKERS COMPENSATION

You are covered for workers compensation during working hours. All claims for compensation must

be made through ATCES in person. A claim cannot be processed without the correct doctor's

certificate (Form 5) being obtained.

It is essential that you consult a doctor on the day of injury as a backdated doctor's certificate will not

be accepted by the Workcover.

6. ACCIDENT REPORTING

The Occupational Safety and Health Act imposes a duty of care on employers, visitors to company

offices, work sites and all employees.

Records of all injuries are required to be kept. All accidents no matter how minor must be reported to

the client employer and to ATCES immediately.

Admission to a hospital of any employee, for any period resulting from a work related injury, must be

reported to the Division of Accident Prevention by ATCES within 24 hours.

If the injury results in absenteeism you must report to ATCES’ office and complete a workers

compensation claim form.

7. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)

ATCES’ employees are required to wear personal protective equipment whenever it is necessary,

including during attendance at all training providers facilities. All PPE must comply with relevant

Australian Standards.

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8. FIRE AND SAFETY

Apprentices and trainees who have to operate burning and welding equipment, must ensure that the

area is safe, and the surrounding area is clear of flammable and combustible materials.

Do not use petrol, thinners or other flammable substances in a hot unventilated room, near an open

flame near power sources or on hot surfaces.

All oils, paints and other flammable substances must be stored in specific labelled containers. Only

small quantities of these materials should be taken into the work area.

Do not block access to hydrants, fire hose boxes, fire extinguishers or other fire fighting equipment.

In case of fire:

Inform: Raise the alarm to the supervisor and all personnel.

Decide: A decision whether to fight the fire or not needs to be made. The supervisor should

make this decision. If the fire is small and controllable the fire may need to be fought.

This can be done by using a suitable fire extinguisher or a fire blanket.

Call: The nearest fire department and give them all the relevant details eg. address, type of

fire, the cause and if dangerous goods are involved etc.

Retreat: If the fire is too big or dangerous to control retreat to the designated assembly area in

a calm manner.

Types of Extinguishers: Pressurised Water Extinguishers

Solid Red in colour Use on only Paper, Rubbish and Furniture fires

Carbon Dioxide Extinguishers

Red in colour with a black band Use on only Electrical, Petrol/ liquid Fuel fires. Limited effectiveness on Paper, rubbish and furniture fires

Dry Chemical Extinguishers Red in colour with white band Use on Petrol/ liquid Fuel fires. Not necessarily suitable for Paper, rubbish and furniture fires. Discharge near electrical equipment may damage the equipment. There are two types of this extinguisher- check which you have.

Foam Extinguisher

Solid blue in colour Use on only Paper, rubbish, furniture fires and Petrol/liquid fuel fires

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9. NOISE

Noise is often described as unwanted sound. There are two important characteristics of sound -

frequency and intensity. Low frequency noises are what we hear from bass guitars or rumbling

noises. High frequency noise might be a shriek or a high pitched whine. Both can be very damaging.

All workplaces generate noise. In some cases, this level of noise will lead to discomfort and pain.

Repeated exposure to excessive noise will eventually lead to permanent damage. Extreme levels of

noise can also result in immediate hearing loss (acute).

The effects can include:

Hearing loss

Too much noise can cause permanent damage and reduced quality of life. There is no remedial

treatment and hearing aids are of limited benefit. Hearing loss can result in social withdrawal and

feelings of isolation as the person may find it difficult to take part in normal conversation.

Tinnitus

Many people who have a certain degree of hearing loss may also suffer from tinnitus - a ringing and

buzzing sound in their ears. These sounds can be extremely annoying and can interfere with sleep.

Fatigue/Low Productivity

Many people find that noise adds to the fatigue of work, which can make it difficult to concentrate.

Productivity can suffer as a result.

Annoyance and Stress

Noise is a common source of annoyance and stress. It has been found that noise can often be the

main complaint regarding working conditions.

Noise is a safety hazard. It can distract attention. It could drown out the sound of an alarm.

A variety of hearing protectors are available when the level of noise cannot be controlled by other

means. The use of hearing protectors must be supported by information, instruction and training on

how to use them correctly.

Eployees have a responsibility to wear hearing protection when noise levels are high and when

instructed to do so.

10. SMOKING

Smoking is only permitted in designated areas. Cigarette butts must be extinguished in ash trays and

other approved containers. You must obey 'No Smoking' signs at all workplaces or training facilities.

11. MANUAL HANDLING

Most people think of manual handling as lifting and carrying objects by hand, however manual

handling also includes other movements where a force is exerted. The correct definition for manual

handling is any activity requiring the use of force exerted by a person to lift, lower, push, pull, carry or

otherwise move, hold or restrain any person, animal or thing.

There is a Code of Practice on Manual Handling that can help identify, assess and evaluate and

control risks associated with manual handling tasks.

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The Code of Practice promotes using mechanical lifting devices before manual handling. Next would be a team lift approach.

Manual handling applies to a wide range of every day work procedures. Unfortunately, many of these

manual handling tasks have led to injuries to workers.

If the job requires you to handle or lift objects and materials, use the following method to avoid injury:

Place your feet apart (about hip width), as close as possible to the object being lifted and one

foot slightly ahead in direction of travel

Always bend your knees as this uses the leg muscles and will protect your back

Hold your arms as close to your body as possible

Keep your back very straight

Take a firm, secure grip. Where possible use the palms of hands, not just the fingertips

Tuck you chin in as this helps to keep the back straight

DON'T twist at the waist - Turn your whole body and move your feet

DON'T lift awkward or heavy objects by yourself - Get assistance

12. ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT

Only electricians are permitted to install or repair electrical equipment. Defective electrical equipment

and unsafe wiring must be reported immediately to your supervisor and tagged out with an “out of

service” tag.

Electrical cords must not be placed across aisles or walking areas as they may create a tripping

hazard and could be damaged by other equipment (e.g. Forklift). At all times, assume electrical

equipment and wiring to be 'live' and therefore dangerous.

Protective footwear may provide some protection against electric shock. In situations where contact

with overhead wires is possible, head protection should be worn. For example by a linesman, head

protection is available that provides protection from electric shock and burn. When selecting head

protection, knowledge of potential electrical hazards is important as different helmets provide different

levels of protection.

An important aspect of preventing injuries from electricity is to ensure that electrical equipment is

properly insulated.

If electric shock does occur follow the instructions below:

High Voltage Power

Stay more than six metres from the victim

Shout reassurance

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Low Voltage

Turn off electricity if possible

When Power is Off

If Victim is Unconscious

Follow Emergency Action Flow Chart

If Victim Conscious

Apply sterile non-stick dressings to entry and exit burns

Fix dressings with a light bandage

13. CHEMICALS

Introduction

Every business and industry type uses a wide variety of chemicals.

Thousands of new chemicals are produced every year that add to the existing chemicals. Data shows

that chemicals can contribute up to 50% of occupational illness and disease.

Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) provide information on the risks associated with chemical use,

including PPE to be worn and first aid requirements. MSDS provides information on the following:

(1) Physical Effects of Chemicals

Physical effects of chemicals are those effects that can cause harm and injury due to the physical

properties of the chemicals. These include:

Explosiveness Substances that pose the danger of blast and explosion eg - LPG

Flammability

Materials that pose the danger of fire, can add heat to a fire and generate toxic fumes - petrol,

synthetic materials.

Reactivity

Chemicals that react violently when in contact with other material eg. pool chlorine and brake fluid.

Oxidation

Chemicals that release oxygen, increasing the potential for fire or adding to the violence of fires.

Corrosiveness

Chemicals that bum the skin, eyes, respiratory or digestive tracts, causing irreversible damage eg -

acids and caustics.

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Other physical hazards include the temperature and pressure of the materials. Hot or very cold

chemicals burn the body on contact eg - dry ice. Chemicals under pressure may explode or become

projectiles if damaged.

It is important when working with chemicals that you not only know what is potentially harmful, but also

the secondary hazards such as the potential for explosion or violent reaction.

(2) Toxic Hazard of Chemicals

Toxic hazards relate to the chemical's ability to damage the human body because of irritation with

processes within the body.

These effects include:

Irritants that cause irritation at the point of contact producing either reversible effects eg - rash or

irreversible effects eg - scarring. Irritants include ammonia, solvents and chlorine gas.

Asphyxiants inhibit the body's ability to absorb or transport oxygen. These include simple

asphyxiants eg - oxygen depleted atmosphere, or chemical asphyxiants eg - cyanide, carbon

monoxide.

Sensitisers cause or provoke allergic reactions such as asthma or allergic dermatitis eg -

isocyanides, formaldehyde or chromium salts.

Chemicals are discussed in terms of toxicity. The toxicity of a chemical is based on the following

factors:

the physical properties of the chemical

how the chemical enters the body

how much of the chemical entered the body and over what period of time;

the susceptibility of the exposed individual

(3) Physical Properties

The physical properties of a chemical relate to the state of that chemical under different situations.

These states include:

Vapour: The evaporated or gaseous form of a substance that is normally in a liquid state. An

example in the workplace could be the vapours from petrol or thinner's.

Dust - Particulates: Tiny solid particles that do not tend to mix and move through the air,

eventually settle. Dust is usually generated by the break-up of materials by crushing, grinding, or

disturbing powdered material.

Fumes: Fumes are created when a vapour is formed above the surface of a liquid (normally

molten metal). This reacts with the oxygen in the air to form a metal oxide. For example, a welder

can be exposed to welding fumes.

Mist: Suspended liquid droplets are generated when a gas or vapour condenses to the liquid

state. An example is oil mist from cutting and grinding operations.

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(4) Route of Entry The three main routes of entry of chemicals into the body are:

inhalation through the lungs

absorption through the skin

ingestion into the body

(5) Dose of a Chemical

A dose is the amount of chemicals taken into the body. Exposure to chemicals can be described as

either acute or chronic.. Acute generally means single or short term exposure, and chronic exposure

usually means low level of exposure for long periods of time.

The three main factors in evaluating exposure at work are:

what amount of the substance is present

how long is the exposure

how often does the exposure occur

(6) Susceptibility of the Exposed Individual

Some individuals are more sensitive to the effects of chemicals than others. This could lead to the

person having serious side-effects when coming into contact with a specific substance.

The Use of Material Safety Data Sheets

Client employers have a legal responsibility to ensure that employees working with substances are provided with information on the use, handling, transportation, storage and disposal of these substances. Apprentices and trainees have a legal responsibility to follow these instructions. Ask for directions on use etc, when uncertain. The following provides examples of what MSDS covers: The quality of Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) can vary. They give advice on:

Ingredients of a product;

Health effects and first aid instructions;

Precautions for use

Emergency procedures

Identification

This section should first identify the product, with portions of the product, with portions of the product in

a mixture. Details should also be given regarding:

The dangerous goods class:

HAZCHEM code

Poisons schedule

Boiling point-melting point

Vapour pressure

Specific gravity

Flash point

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Flammability limits

Solubility

Physical appearance

Health Effects

Information should cover the acute and chronic effects of exposure to skin, eyes, inhalation and

swallowing. The most severe effects of the product should be stated first.

First Aid

Information on the MSDS should show the basic initial care and if medical attention is required. If

special first aid facilities, such as showers or eye wash are required, then this should be stated on the

MSDS.

Advice to Doctor

Information should be of a specific nature that will be of use to medical staff. Specific remedies should

be indicated. Where no remedy is available, the doctor should be advised to contact a poison's

information centre.

Precautions for Use

The precautions for use should provide sufficient warning about the substance and provide details for

developing safe work procedures.

Exposure Standards

Exposure standards represent airborne concentrations of individual chemical substances, which

should not impair the health or cause undue discomfort to all workers. Exposure standards are

intended only for use as a guide in the control of potential health hazards and should be interpreted by

a qualified experienced personnel.

Engineering Controls

The MSDS should outline those engineering controls that are appropriate for the recommended uses

and application of the substance.

Emphasis should be on engineering methods rather than the need for protective clothing.

Personal Protection

Information on the need for and the type of protection required should be provided. Specific types of

respirators should be listed, if required. Special requirements may exist for gloves, eye protection or

other equipment, and these should be stated.

Flammability

Details should include where necessary the need for ventilation, the need to avoid ignition sources,

and any other special requirements.

Safe Handling Information

Details include information on storage and transport, spills and disposal, fire/explosion hazards.

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Conclusion

The potential for injuries and harm to health associated with chemicals at work can be high. Incidents

that have occurred in the past were usually caused by lack of information, procedures, training and

knowledge. Your client employer should have MSDS for ALL hazardous chemicals in your workplace.

No apprentice should be allowed to work unless they know what is in the chemical and its health

effects.

The Materials Safety Data Sheet is invaluable and an indispensable source of information on the

hazardous substances used. It helps to formulate safe working practices and procedures and create

safe handling and emergency procedures.

MSDS are required to be updated at least every 5 years. If the MSDS is older than that, report the

matter to your supervisor.

14. MECHANICAL HAZARDS

The majority of hazards associated with machinery can be regarded as mechanical hazards.

Examples of mechanical hazards are shown. These cause injuries that are a result of:

Entanglement with the machinery

Being trapped between the machine and any material or fixed structure

Entanglement with any material in motion

Being struck by ejected parts

Entanglement

Entanglement is usually caused by loose clothing, jewellery, cleaning brushes or rags. Bodily contact

may occur due to contact with machines with rotating surfaces.

Entanglement caused by catch, rip points or gaps

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Drawing -in hazards between two counter-rotating parts

Stabbing and Puncture

Stabbing and puncture injuries can be caused by flying objects such as an abrasive wheel

disintegrating, or by rapidly moving parts a machine or by pieces of material such as drilling machines.

Impact Hazards

Impact hazards care caused by objects which act against the general weight of the body but do

penetrate it, such as being struck by protrusions or moving counter-weights.

Impact

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Risk Controls for Machinery Hazards

When operating any sort of machinery, always adhere to the following points:

Never operate any sort of machinery unless guards are in place

Do not tamper with machine guard or warning signs

Always wear suitable eye protection

Remove off-cuts or objects from around moving machine parts with a brush or a stick - never with the hand or compressed air

Do not operate lathes or drills with the chuck keys in place

Do not leave running machines unattended

Before making adjustments or repairs, always stop the machinery and attach a danger tag

15. OFFICE SAFETY

Accidents can and do occur in the office. There are many objects that can cause injury, unless the

following guidelines are observed:

Keep desk drawers and files closed when they are not in use

Open one file drawer at a time - if more than one is opened the cabinet may tip over

Practice caution when using the stairways and always wear sensible footwear

Do not stand or lean back on chairs

Never carry pens or pencils in your mouth or with the exposed point upwards in your pocket

Electrical leads to office machines and telephones should not be trailed along aisles or looped around desks - this can create a serious tripping hazard

Do not keep sharp objects in the desk drawer's eg - pins, thumb tacks. Always keep these objects in containers

Follow the basic rules for lifting - manual handling

Maintain correct posture for computer operation by using equipment supplied such as chairs, document holders, foot rests etc.

16. PREVENTION OF FALLS (working at heights and working at same level)

Fall arrest systems are designed to prevent falls from elevated workplaces where redesign of the work

is not possible. Guardrails provide protection from falling and provide greater mobility to workers than

safety harnesses. Protective footwear should be worn for greater grip and protection from falling

objects.

Fractures are the most common injuries caused by a fall or trip. To help prevent trips and falls from

happening in the future, the following should be done:

Clean up spills immediately - display a hazard sign until the area is safe

Make sure passageways are clear of obstructions

When carrying a load remember to walk forwards not backwards

Report broken tiles or uneven floors - display a warning sign until repaired;

Use a step ladder rather than chairs, cases, saw horses or trolleys to reach items that are out of reach

Assess structures for sturdiness before walking on them.

17. LADDERS

Do not use defective ladders. To prevent the ladder slipping, either tie it securely or have someone

hold it while in use.

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Do not use metal ladders when working close by to electricity.

18. OTHER HAZARDS

A large number and a wide range of accidents may be related to poor housekeeping eg - trips, falls. It

is every apprentice's responsibility to report any hazardous practice or condition in the workplace.

This will prevent injury or damage to apprentices and equipment in the future.

There are a number of things that must be ensured in every workplace.

Machinery and Equipment

Clean and free of unnecessary material

Free of dripping oil or grease

Proper guards provided and in good condition

Stock and Material

Properly piled and arranged

Loaded and/or stored safely and orderly

Tools

Properly stored

Free of oil and grease when stored

Aisles

Provided to work positions, fire extinguishers and exits

Safe and free of obstructions

Floors

Surfaces safe and suitable to work

Clean, dry and free of unnecessary material, oil and grease

Buildings

Walls and windows that are reasonably clean for operations on that area and free of unnecessary hangings

Lighting systems that are maintained in an efficient manner

Stairs that are clean, free of materials, well lighted and with adequate hand rails

Platforms are clean, free of materials and well lighted 19. ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUGS

The consumption of alcohol or other drugs is prohibited in workplaces at all times. This includes before, during or after work at any workplace or training facility that employees are required to attend. If employees report to work under the influence of alcohol or drugs they will be suspended immediately. Studies by the WA Health Department show that employees suffering from alcohol or drug related intoxication are:

Up to 25% less productive

Are absent from work 2 to 3 times more often

Significantly more likely to be involved in a workplace accident

More likely to suffer from other health or psychological problems

Less able to react appropriately in emergency situations

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Workers who are intoxicated or under the influence of drugs in the workplace are not able to ensure their own safety and health at work and pose substantial risks to the safety and health of their fellow workers.

Statistics from 1995 show that almost 30% of workplace fatalities were related to alcohol or other drug use and nearly one quarter of all workplace accidents reported that year involved intoxicated persons.

EFFECTS OF INTOXICATION

ALCOHOL All alcoholic beverages impair both the performance and cognitive abilities of users. The risk of accidents increases rapidly with increased consumption and measurable impairment occurs after only 2 standard drinks.

Blood Alcohol Level Risk Factor 0.05% 2 times the risk 0.08% 5 times the risk 0.12% 25 times the risk 0.18% 50 times the risk

Alcohol is slow to metabolise and can be retained by the body for up to 14 hours. A person who consumes 4 standard drinks per hour over a 3 hour period before midnight, will still register a Blood Alcohol Level in excess of 0.05% at 10.00 am the next day. Driving ability and the ability to safely operate machinery, will still be impaired by as much as 25% by midday.

CANNABIS

The degree of impairment caused by cannabis is related to the dose consumed. A single cannabis cigarette can cause significant, measurable impairment for up to 10 hours after the dose was taken.

Cannabis is stored in the body’s fat cells and can be detected in the urine, hair and nails of regular users for up to 21 days after the last exposure. Even occasional recreational use can be detected up to 10 days later.

Cannabis use causes:

Reduced reflexes and impaired cognitive ability

Slower reaction times

Shortened attention span – easily distracted

Significantly reduced motivation

Memory impairment

Cannabis also contains higher tar levels and more potent carcinogens (cancer causing agents) than tobacco and has a cumulative effect when combined with alcohol or other drugs.

Studies into road accidents in the USA during 1995/96 showed that almost 38% of people killed in road accidents, tested positive to cannabis use.

AMPHETAMINES

Amphetamines are highly addictive and the effects of amphetamine use are associated with:

Aggressive behaviour

Increased risk taking

Restlessness and inability to concentrate

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Intoxication often leads to:

Disorientation

Hallucinations

Paranoia

Psychosis

Withdrawal symptoms can often include severe, almost pathological depression, anxiety and increased irrationality. LSD (Acid, Trips etc) LSD is a synthetically manufactured chemical compound which causes:

Disorientation and confusion

Hallucinations – often severe, uncontrollable and traumatic

Very limited attention span

Paranoia and psychosis

The effects of LSD are unpredictable and often traumatic in individual users and in some cases, people never really ‘come back’ from their first and only ’trip’.

BENZODIAZEPINES

Benzodiazepines are depressant drugs, which act on the central nervous system and include such compounds as Valium, Serapax, Mogodon etc.

These substances are generally only available on prescription.

The effects of benzodiazepines vary depending on the particular drug and the dose taken, but long term use is usually addictive and can lead to:

Chronic depression

Drowsiness

Loss of motivation

When combined with alcohol or other drugs, the consequences can be serious, leading to coma and even death.

OPIATES

Opiates include legal drugs such as codeine, panadeine and some cough mixtures, as well as illegal substances such as heroin and morphine.

Effects include:

Depression of central nervous system

Suppression of the body’s response to pain

Addiction and dependence

Drug users are often depicted as unemployed, unwashed no-hopers, but Health Department figures show that approximately 70% of all people treated for chemical dependency, were in full time employment and that up to 10% of Australia’s total workforce suffer from problems associated with alcohol or drug abuse.

Use or abuse of any drug, including alcohol, can have a detrimental effect on a person’s ability to learn and retain knowledge and to work safely in hazardous environments.

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20. ADDITIONAL SAFETY INFORMATION WORKSAFE WA

WorkSafe provides a comprehensive range of safety information, including:

Copies of the Act and Regulations

Codes of Practice approved by the minister, on such matters as Manual handling, Elevated work platforms, Hazardous substances, Prevention of falls and Excavations and workplace bullying and harassment.

National codes of practice adopted by WA, including Safe removal of asbestos, Preparation of MSDS, Labelling of workplace substances, Protection of hearing and others

Guidance Notes on matters such as Formation of safety committees, General duties of care and Electrical residual current devices

In addition, WorkSafe also produce a variety of pamphlets and other publications dealing with a wide range of common workplace hazards.

Information on WorkSafe publications and a lot of other safety related information including a video library is available on WorkSafe’s Safety Line web site.

Copies of the Occupational Safety & Health Act WA, the OS&H Regulations and most Codes of Practice are available to be read at ATCES’ office. Any employee wishing to refer to any of this material should contact their ATCES representative.

Employees will also receive considerable training in safety aspects concerning their particular trade, once they commence their Certificate of Trade Studies course at their Registered Training Organisation, as safety will continue to be of vital importance throughout your training.

Please remember your Duty of Care, Safety is more than just an important responsibility

SAFETY IS A WAY OF LIFE

- Look out for others as well as yourself

1. Spot the Hazard

2. Assess the Risk

3. Make the Changes

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