Guide 2001

RiSk maNaGemeNt at WoRk

WorkCover. Watching out for you. New South Wales Government

WorkCover NSW Health and Safety Guide

DisclaimerThis publication may contain occupational health and safety and workers compensation information. It may include some of your obligations under the

various legislations that WorkCover NSW administers. To ensure you comply with your legal obligations you must refer to the appropriate legislation.

Information on the latest laws can be checked by visiting the NSW legislation website (www.legislation.nsw.gov.au) or by contacting the free hotline

service on 02 9321 3333.

This publication does not represent a comprehensive statement of the law as it applies to particular problems or to individuals or as a substitute for

legal advice. You should seek independent legal advice if you need assistance on the application of the law to your situation.

WorkCover NSW

1Contents Howtousethisinformation 2

Whatdothesymbolsusedinthisbookletmean? 2

RiskManagementatWork 3

TheRiskManagementProcess 4

Step1:HazardIdentificationHowdoyoudecidewhatisahazard? 5

Step2:RiskAssessmentHowdoyoudeterminewhatharmtheycancause? 6

Step3:RiskEliminationandControlHowdoyoudecidethebestwaytoremoveorreducetherisk? 6

WhendoyoudoRiskManagement? 7

WhoshouldbeinvolvedinRiskManagement? 8

ThesixstepsinvolvedincreatinganOHSManagementSystem 8

Step1:Determinewhoisresponsibleforhealthandsafety 9

Step2:Plantoworksafely 10

Step3:Involveemployeesintheprocess 10

Step4:Developprocedures 10

Step5:Trainpeopleintheprocedures 11

Step6:Monitor,reviewandimprovethesystem 11

WhatifSomethingDoesGoWrong? 12

Conclusion 13

Example1JobDesign 14

Example2SafeWorkProceduresandTraining 18

Example3PurchasingDecisions 20

2How to use this information

What is this booklet all about? TheNSWOccupationalHealthandSafetyAct2000,in

conjunctionwiththeconsolidationofallassociatedregulationsintotheOccupational Health and Safety Regulation 2001,isthemostsignificantreformtooccupationalhealthandsafetylawsinalmost20years

Thechangesintroduceamoveawayfromold-stylelawswhichattemptedtodetailhowhazardsweretobecontrolledineverysituation,toapositionwhichrequiresemployerstoassesstherisksposedbyhazardsintheirworkplaceandtodeterminehowbesttomodifytheirworkprocessestoeffectivelyeliminateorcontroltherisks

Thisprocessisknownasrisk managementandisthemainfocusofthisguidancematerial

Who is this booklet for? Thisguidancematerialprovidesamodelforthesystematic

managementofworkplacehazardsthatcanbeusedby:ownersormanagersofsmallormediumsizedcompanies;OHSCommittees;OHSRepresentatives;oranyonewantingtoimproveworkplacehealthandsafety

Itdemonstratesinapracticalwayjustwhatriskmanagementis,andhowemployersandemployeescanworktogethertomaketheirworkplaceandworkpracticessafeandefficient

When to use this information Aspartofreplacingoutdatedlawsandre-shapingthelegal

frameworktosuitmodernindustrialconditionsandworkpractices,thenewOHSActandtheOHSRegulationformallyintroduceriskmanagementintotheNSWregulatoryframeworkandmakeitmandatoryforemployerstoconsultwithworkersonmatterswhichaffecttheirhealthandsafety

Understandingtheselegalrequirementsisanessentialpartofunderstandingtheroleofriskmanagementinthemanagementofworkplacehealthandsafetyandinknowingexactlyhowtomeetyourriskmanagementobligations

Assess the risks in your workplace

Consult and communicate with employees

Tools that can help you work out your plan

Legal obligations that you must follow

Questions you (or others) might ask to clarify issues

The process of finding things that cause harm, working out how big a problem they are and then fixing them

What do the symbols used in this booklet mean?

3BecauseriskmanagementisapracticalwayoffindingandfixingworkplacehealthandsafetyproblemsitisbestillustratedbywayofaworkplaceexampleConsiderthefollowingworkplaceexample:

Everyweek,twocouncilworkersarerequiredtocleanthepublictoiletblocksinthelocalparks

Todothistheytakeatruckfromthedepot,whichhasasmallpressurepumpandhosestoredonthebackofitTheydrivethetruckthroughthepark,uptothefrontofthetoiletblock,liftthepumpoffthetruck,carryitintothetoilets,attachthehosetothetapandcleantheblockwithhighpressurewater

Whentheyhavefinishedhosingoutthetoilets,theycarrythepumpouttothetruckandreloaditontothebackofthetruckandgotothenextparkwithatoiletblock

Asyoumightimagine,theydontlikedoingthisjobThepumpisheavyandawkwardtoliftandtheyfindthemselvesstrainingeverytimetheyhavetoliftitonandoffthetruckWhentheyareusingthehoseintheconfinedspaceofthetoiletblockthenoiseissolouditcausesringingintheirearswhichcanlastforhoursTheyhavebeengivenearplugstowearbuttheyoftenforgettobringthemwhentheysetoutfortheday

Sittinginthelunchshedonedaytheycomplaintotheforemanthattheyarenotgettinganyyoungerandtheyareworriedaboutdoingtheirbacksinliftingthepumpandthatthenoiseinthetoiletblockissendingthemdeaf

Pete,themaintenancefitter,whoishavinghislunchintheshedoverhearstheconversationandbuttsinsaying,

Youre bloody mad doing the job the way you do, I know how to make it much easier. Bring the truck to the maintenance yard tomorrow and Ill fit a 30 metre hose which will reach from the truck inside the toilet block and then you wont have to lift the pump off the truck in the first place.

What a great idea, saysoneofthetwocleanersThat will also make it much less noisy when we are in the toilet blocks with the hoses cause well leave the noise outside.

You know Pete, youre a bloody genius.

WhatyouhavejustwitnessedintheexampleaboveistheriskmanagementprocessatworkBetweenthem,Peteandthetwocleanershaveunknowinglyworkedthroughthestepsinvolvedinriskmanagementandasaresulthavesolvedtheproblemoftheheavy,noisypump

Letstakeacloserlookattheprocesstheywentthroughtodothis

Firstly,thecleanersidentifiedthatthepumphadthepotentialtocausethemharmbecauseitwasheavytoliftandnoisyTheythereforefoundthatthewaytheyweredoingthejobwashazardousandtheyknewthisbecausetheydidthejobregularlyThehazards theyidentifiedwere: ManualHandling

Noise

Risk Management at Work

Step 1. Hazard Identification

4Step 2. Risk Assessment

Step 3. Risk Elimination or Control

The Risk Management Process

Becausethecleanershaveworkmateswhohavehurttheirbackliftingheavyobjectsandotherswhoarepartiallydeaffromworkinginnoisyenvironments,theyrealisedthattheytoowereatriskofsuchinjuries,particularlyastheycleanedthetoiletblockseveryweekTherisksthattheywereconcernedaboutwhichresultfromthesetwohazardswere:

Hazards (Problem) Risks (Harm)

ManualHandling Musclestrain Backinjuries

Noise Hearingloss

TheywereluckythatPeteoverheardtheirconversationwiththeforemanbecausePetecameupwithagreatsolutiontoeliminatetheneedtoliftthepumpoffthetruckand,asthecleanerspointedout,italsosolvedthenoiseproblem

Hazards (Problem) Risks (Harm) Control (Solution)

ManualHandling Musclestrain Changeworkpracticesby Backinjuries increasinglengthofhoseto eliminatetheneedtoliftpump

Noise Hearingloss Changeworkpracticesby increasinglengthofhoseto reducethenoiselevelinside thetoiletblock

Soyoucanseethat:byexaminingwhattheyhadtodoandwhatharmtheymightexperienceiftheykeptdoingthingsthesameway;andbytalkingtoothersabouttheirconcerns;thecleaners,withPeteshelp,havebeenabletosolvetheirprobleminaverypracticalwayThisiswhatriskmanagementisallabout

InOHSterms,riskmanagementistheprocessofrecognisingsituationswhichhavethepotentialtocauseharmtopeopleorproperty,anddoingsomethingtopreventthehazardoussituationoccurringorthepersonbeingharmedThisiswhatthecleanersdidintheexamplewehavejustlookedat

Therisk management processconsistsofwell-definedsteps,whichcanbelikenedtotheproblem-solvingprocess,thatwhentakeninsequenceleadtoinformeddecisionsabouthowbesttoavoidorcontroltheimpactoftheserisksJustliketheproblem-solvingprocess,riskmanagementinvolves:

Step 1:Identifyingtheproblem,whichisknownashazard identification

Step 2:Determininghowseriousaproblemitis,knownasrisk assessment

Step 3:Decidingwhatneedstobedonetosolvetheproblem, risk elimination or control

Risk managementis the process of identifying and managing risks to avoid exposure or loss.

5Step 1: Hazard Identification - How do you decide what is a hazard?

Letsnowtakealookatwhatisinvolvedineachofthesesteps

Employersmustmakesurethattheirworkplacesarefreefromhazardsthatcouldcauseinjuryordiseasetotheiremployeesortootherpersonsintheworkplace,suchascustomersorvisitorsAnemployer,inconsultationwithhisorheremployees,mustidentifyallpotentialhazardoussituationswhichcouldresultinanypersonintheworkplacebeingharmedTheideaisthathazardsarefoundandsomethingisdoneaboutthembeforetheyactuallycauseanyharmHowcanthisbedone?

ThepurposeofthehazardidentificationistofindallthehazardsbyaskingyourselfquestionsthatbeginwithWhat if ?

IdentifyingthehazardisonlythefirstpartofthisstepItisessentialthatyouobserveorpredictwhatcouldgowrongwhilethetaskisbeingperformed

Therefore,thehazardidentificationprocessmustlookatthewholesystemofworkandrequiresyouto:

1 Takealookbackintothepastatwhataccidentshavealreadyhappened

2 Talktotheworkersdoingthejobstofindoutwhattheyconsideraresafetyissues

3 Takeawalkaroundtheworkareatoseeandhearwhatishappeningnow

4 Reviewanyinformationyoumayhaveonaparticularpieceofequipment(manufacturersmanual)orchemicalMaterialSafetyDataSheets(MSDS)toseewhatitsaysaboutsafetyprecautions

5 ThinkcreativelyintothefutureaboutwhatcouldhappenifsomethingwentwrongMostincidentsoccurwhensomethingdoesgowrong

Walkingaroundaworksite,talkingwiththeworkersandobservinghowthingsareactuallydonewillhelpyoupredictwhatcouldormightgowrongObserve:howpeopleactuallywork;howplantandequipmentisused;whatchemicalsarearoundandwhattheyareusedfor;whatsafeorunsafeworkpracticesexist;aswellas,thestateofthegeneralhousekeeping

LookingbackoveranyOHSrecordssuchasaccidentrecords,nearmissrecords,workplaceinspectionreportsorworkerscompensationrecordswillalsogiveyoucluesastowhathazardsexistThedescribewhathappenedsectionofsuchreportswillhelpleadyoutotheproblemIfsomeonehasbeenhurtdoingaparticulartaskthenahazardexists,whichcouldhurtsomebodyelseOthertimesthathazardsshouldbeidentifiedare:

afteranearmissincident;

afteranactualinjury

Boththesesituationsrequireinvestigationtofindthehazardanditscause

Step 2: Risk Assessment - How do you determine what harm they can cause?

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Onceahazardhasbeenidentified,anemployerisrequired,inconsultationwithhisorheremployees,todeterminehowlikelyitisthatsomeonecouldbeharmedbythehazardandhowserioustheinjuryorillnesscouldbe

ThisisdonebyreviewinganyavailableinformationaboutthehazardThetypeofinformationthatyouwillneedtoexaminewillvarywiththetypeofhazardbutwillgenerallyincludesomeorallofthefollowing:

Hazard informationwhichisrequiredtobesuppliedtoyouwiththeproductorequipmentsuchasMSDSormanufacturersinformation Experience from the workplacewiththehazardorsimilarriskssuchasemployeesexperienceaswellasinjuryorincidentdata ControlmeasuresprescribedinChapters4-8oftheOHSRegulation 2001,whichidentifiestheriskforparticularhazardsandminimumcontrolmeasuresforcertainknownhazards WorkCover guidance materialwhichwillhelpyouassesspotentialrisksforparticularhazards,processesorworktasks Industry Codes of Practicewhichwillgiveyoudirectionanddetailedguidanceontheidentificationandcontrolofhazardsinlinewithacceptedlegislativerequirementsandindustrystandards Australian Standardswhichsetoutspecificationsforarangeofequipment,productsandmaterialstoensurethattheyaresafeandofagoodqualityAustralianStandardsrepresentgoodengineeringpracticeinrelationtofabricationanddesignYoumustcomplywiththeonesthatarereferredtointheOHSRegulation

Thethingtorememberis,iftheproblemisobviousandtheriskofinjuryishigh,acttocontroltheriskimmediatelyinsomeway,asaninterimmeasureThendotheresearchrequiredtoassesstheriskanddecideonthecontroloptionsPartoftheriskassessmentinvolvesidentifyingwhatyouneedtodotoeliminateorminimisetheriskanddecidingwhichcontroloptionisappropriategiventhedegreeofrisk

Havingfoundthathazardsdoexistandthatpeopleareatriskofinjuryorillnessfromthem,thereisalegalcompulsiononemployerstodosomethingaboutthem

Employersarerequiredtoremoveorfixanyhazardsor,ifthisisnotreasonablypracticable,theymustlessentheriskofharmtothelowestpossiblelevelIfwethinkbacktotheexampleofthetwocouncilworkerswecanseehowthisworks

ThesolutionproposedbyPeteeliminatedthemanualhandlingriskaltogetherasitremovedtheneedforthepumptobemovedfromthetruckatallItalsosignificantlyreducedthenoiseproblemClearlythisisthebestsolution

Step 3: Risk Elimination or Control - How do you decide the best way to remove or reduce the risk?

When do you do Risk Management?

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Ifitwasnotpossibletofitalongerhosetothepump,forinstance,becausethepumpwasmanufacturedinsuchawaythatalongerhosewouldsignificantlydecreasetheeffectivenessofthepump,thenanothersolutionwouldbetoputappropriatewheelsonthepumpandfitaliftingdevicetothetrayorthetruckThiswouldallowthepumptobeloweredmechanicallytothegroundandthenwheeledintothetoiletblockItwouldnotreducethenoiseproblemandthiswouldstillhavetobefixed

IfitwasnotpossibleforthecounciltofitaliftingdevicetothetruckthenperhapsthetruckcouldbesuppliedwithrampstosuitthewidthofthepumpThepumpcouldthenbewheeledonandoffthetruckWhilethisdoesnotremovethemanualhandlingrisks,itreducesthemsignificantly

Again,controllingrisksforcertainhazardswillrequireemployerstocomplywiththespecificcontrolssetoutintheOHSRegulation

TheOHSRegulationspecificallystatesthatrisksmustbeminimisedbymeansotherthantheprovisionofpersonalprotectiveequipment(PPE)whereverpossiblePPEshouldonlybereliedonwhenthereisnoothersolutionandinmostinstancesshouldbeusedasasupplementtoothercontrolmeasures

RiskmanagementisnotsomethingthatcanjustbefittedinwhenanemployerhastimeortheworkplaceisalittlequietOHSlawsrequirethathazardsareidentifiedandthatproceduresareinplaceandareusedtoidentify,assessandcontrolhazards:

beforesettingupandusingaworkplace;

whenplanningworkprocesses;

beforeinstalling,commissioningorerectingplant;

wheneverchangesaremadeto:theworkplace;thesystemormethodofwork;theplantused;thechemicalsused;

whenevernewinformationregardingworkprocessesbecomesavailable

How can this be achieved?Tomeettherequirementslistedabove,youneedtothinkabouthealthandsafetywheneverdecisionsarebeingmadeabouthowtheworkistobedoneandwheneverplansarebeingmadetoimproveproductivityorreducecosts

Risksaremosteffectivelyidentifiedwhenworkactivitiesareactuallybeingdesigned,planned,talkedaboutanddecisionsabouttheimpactonhealthandsafetycanbemadeuncompromisingly

Thismeansriskmanagementmustbe:planned;systematic;doneattherighttime;andcomprehensive,tocoverallpotentialhazardsandrisks

8Who should be involved in Risk Management?

TheearlierexampleofthecouncilworkersshowedhowthoseaffectedbydecisionsabouthealthandsafetyarebestpositionedtohelpmakethejobsaferThetwoworkerswereabletoidentifytheproblembecausetheydidthejobregularlyPete,themaintenancefitter,wasabletocomeupwiththesolutionbecauseheknewtheequipmentandhadthetechnicalskillstofindabetterwaytodothejob

Consultationisacentralfeatureofriskmanagementbecauseinvolvingthepeoplewhodotheworkinidentifyinghazardsanddecidinghowtocontrolrisksisthemosteffectivewaytomanageworkplacehealthandsafety

Thesepeopleknowthejob,knowwhatisneededtomakethejobsafe,knowtheproductionprocess,andaboveallknowhowbesttosolveproblemssothathazardsareeliminatedorcontrolled

Consultationisrequired:

wheneverriskstohealthandsafetyarebeingexaminedorreviewed;

whendecisionsarebeingmadeaboutmeasurestakentoeliminateorcontrolrisks;

whenintroducingoralteringanyproceduresforidentifyingandmonitoringworkplacerisks;

wheneverchangesthatmayaffecthealthandsafetyareproposedtotheworkplace,thesystemofwork,ortheplantandsubstancesusedforwork;

wheneverdecisionsaremadeaboutconsultationarrangements

Inotherwords,consultationwithemployeesisrequiredwhenplanninghowworkistobedoneandbeforeworkinvolvinganynewprocesses,equipmentorchemicalsbegins

EmployersneedaprocessinplacetomakesurethatpotentialhazardsandthehealthandsafetyofpeopleintheworkplaceisnotoverlookedduringtheplanningofworkactivitiesThiscanonlybeachievedbyhavingpoliciesandproceduresinplace,whichmakeitimpossibletooverlookOHSintheoverallplanningoftheproductionprocess

ThesystematicmanagementofworkplacehealthandsafetymeansmanagingworkactivitiestominimiserisksAn occupational health and safety management systemissimplyadocumented,co-ordinatedplantomakesurethehazardsandassociatedrisksaremanaged

ForriskmanagementtobetrulyeffectiveitmustsurroundworkactivitiesItcannotbesimplyhazard-based,whereeffortsgenerallyattempttoputoutthebushfirewithoutmanagingtheworkactivityandtheenvironmentsafetyasawhole

The OHS Act 2000 requires employers to consult with employees and take into account their views when making decisions that affect their health, safety and welfare. Involving your employees in identifying hazards and solving health and safety problems is an essential step in making your workplace safe and healthy.

The six steps involved in creating an OHS Management System

9Step 1: Determine who is responsible for health and safety

Whilethemainresponsibilityformakingsurethatworkactivitiesaresafelieswiththeemployer/ownerofacompany,thereisageneralexpectationthatemployeesworksafelyandtakecareinwhattheydosoasnottoputthemselvesorothersatrisk

Theexpectationsofemployeescanbebrokendownintosuchthingsasbeingexpectedto:

followprocedures;

wearpersonalprotectiveequipment(PPE);

reportanysafetyproblems;and

reportincidentsandinjuries

Inordertodothesethings,employeesneedtohaveprocedurestofollow,PPEtowearandameansofreportingOHSproblemsandinjuriesTherefore,acompanyneedstodeterminewhoisresponsiblefor:developingtheproceduresandthereportingmechanism;andpurchasingandsupplyingPPE

InmostworkplacesmanagersareusuallyresponsiblefortherangeofdecisionsaboutwhatthecompanywilldoandhowitwillbedoneDecisionssuchaswhatproductsandservicesthecompanywillproduce,howthiswillbedoneandwhowilldoit,aremadebythemanagementofthecompanyIndoingthis,managersalsomakedecisionsaboutwhatequipmentandmaterialswillbepurchasedandwhatproductiontargetsaretobeachievedTheyareresponsibleformakingsurethiscanallbedonesafely

SupervisorsareresponsibleformakingsurethatthemanagementsdecisionsarecarriedoutTheymakesureproductiontargetsaremet,thatworkiscarriedouttothestandardrequiredandthatproceduresarefollowed

Employeesdohavearoletoplayincreatingasafeworkplaceandinkeepingitthatway,buttheyareonlyabletomeettheseresponsibilitiesifproceduressuchasPPEandreportingsystemsareinplace

Foralltheoccupationalhealthandsafetyactivitiesthathappen,orshouldhappeninaworkplacethereneedstobepeopleresponsiblefor:

initiatingtheactionstobeundertaken;

developingtheactionsintosteps(procedures);

trainingotherstofollowtheprocedures;

supervisingpeopletomakesuretheyunderstandandfollowtheprocedures;and

reviewingtheprocedurestomakesuretheyworkandupdatingthemasthingsintheworkplacechange

Step 2: Plan to work safely

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ThewaytosystematicallyplanandmanagehealthandsafetyintheworkplaceistobuildriskmanagementandconsultationintoallthoseactivitieswhichhaveOHSimplicationsAswehaveseenthisinvolvesbusinessactivitiessuchas:

Purchasing: becauseOHSissuescanbethoughtaboutandaddressedbeforeapieceofplantorachemicalevenenterstheworkplace

Work methods or becausejobscanbedesignedtomake procedures: sureworkersaresafeandthatthejobiscarriedout

inasafemanner

Using contractors: becauseemployersneedtomakesurethatotherworkerswhocomeintotheworkplacearenotputatriskorthattheactionsoftheseworkersdontputatriskthesafetyofanyoneelse

Reporting OHS becauseifhazardsareidentifiedand problems: reportedassoonassomeonenoticesthemthenthe

riskscanbeexaminedandfixedbeforetheycauseanyharm

Investigating becauseifsomethingdoesgowrongprocedures incidents: andworkmethodsneedtobereviewedtomake

surethatthesamethingwillnothappenagain

Emergency becauseriskstopeoplefromfireandother procedures: emergenciesneedtobeidentifiedand

plannedfor

Next,youneedtodecidehowyouaregoingtoinvolveyouremployeesintheprocessWillyoudothisviaanOHSCommitteeorbyusingemployeeOHSRepresentatives?Howwilltheseconsultativearrangementsbedevelopedwiththeworkforceandcommunicatedtothem?WorkCoverhasdevelopedaCodeofPractice:OHSConsultationwhichprovidespracticalguidanceonhowyoucansetupconsultativearrangementsandmakesuretheyworkeffectively

YouthenneedtodevelopanactionplaninconsultationwithyouremployeesThisactionplanneedstospelloutwhatneedstobedone,inwhatorder,whoisgoingtodoit,andinwhattimeframeForexample:

Purchasing procedures to include identification of hazards and assessment of risk. To be developed by Production Manager and Purchasing Officer and referred to committee in 1 month.

Three representatives from the Committee to develop draft evacuation procedures within 2 months.

ProbablythemostimportantpartofyouractionplanwillbetolookatthejobspeopledoinyourworkplaceanddevelopsafeworkproceduresforthesetasksIfyoudevelopsafeworkproceduresforthejobswhichformthecoreofyourbusinessoperationthenyouarelikelytoaddressthemajorityofhazardsandrisksinyourworkplace

Step 3: Involve employees in the process

Step 4: Develop procedures

Step 5: Train people in the procedures

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Todothisyouneedto:sitdownwiththecommitteeoremployeerepresentatives(orinaccordancewithotherconsultativearrangementsyouhaveagreedtowithyouremployees);listallthejobswhicharedone;prioritisethemintermsofriskandthen,establishascheduletodevelopsafeworkproceduresforthesejobsoverasetperiodoftimeAttheendofthisbookletthereisanexampleofhowyoucananalysethetasksinyourworkplaceanddevelopSafeWorkProceduresThereisalsoanexampleofhowyoucanlookatyourpurchasingprocedurestoensuresafetyissuesareadequatelyaddressed

ProceduresdontworkifpeopledontknowaboutthemOnceprocedureshavebeendevelopedtoincludetheworkactivitiesdiscussedabove,employeesneedtoknowaboutthem

ClearlywrittenandstraightforwardprocedurescanbeusedasthebasisforanOHStrainingprogramforalllevelsoftheorganisationManagers,supervisorsandemployeesallneedinformationandinstructiononwhatisrequiredandwhatisinplace

Thissameinformationcanbestreamlinedtoformthebasisofanemployeeinductionhandbooktomakesurepeopleareinformedonhowtoworksafelybeforetheycommenceonthejob

Onceprocedureshavebeeninplaceforawhile,itisimportanttomonitortheireffectivenessandtomakesurethatpeoplearefollowingthemReviewingwhatisinplaceandhowitisworkingallowsforthesystemtobechangedtoaccommodateanychangesintheworkplaceThiswillresultinasystemwhichiscontinuallybeingimproved

Evaluatingandreviewingmeanscheckingtoseeifthedecisionsthatweremadeabouttherisksandthebestwaytocontrolthemareproperlyputintoplaceandthattheyareworking

OnceariskassessmenthasbeendoneitmustbereviewedbybothmanagementandthepeopleinvolvedinthejobTheeffectivenessofthedecisionswhichcamefromtheassessmentneedtobere-evaluatedif:

thereisevidencethattheriskassessmentisnolongervalid;or

ifsomeoneisharmedfromexposuretothehazardthattheassessmentdealtwith;or

iftherearechangesintheworkenvironmentortheworkpracticesconcerningthehazardwhichtheriskassessmentaddressed

Step 6: Monitor, review and improve the system

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Whilesystematicriskmanagementtriestomakesurethatproceduresareinplacesothatallworkandallrelatedworkactivitiesarecarriedoutsafely,inrealitynewhazardswillariseintheworkplaceforvariousreasonsOldproblems,whichyouthoughtyousolved,mayreappear

Asanessentialpartofariskmanagementsystem,everyoneintheworkplaceshouldbeencouragedtoreportproblemsassoonastheynoticethem

Thehazardreportingsystemshouldrewardpeopleforreportingaproblem,notdiscouragethemforfindingmoreproblemsItisalsoagoodideatohavesomewayofwritingdownthehazardwhenitisfound,recordingwhatisdonetofixit,andsigningoffwhenitisdone

Riskmanagementsystemsreducethelikelihoodofanaccidentoccurring,neverthelessfromtimetotimeincidentsoraccidentsmayhappenSucheventsinthemselvesareanimportantpartoftheriskmanagementprocessLetsexplorewhy

AnaccidentinvolvesaninjuryorillnessofsomedegreetoapersonintheworkplaceAnincidentornearmiss,ontheotherhand,isaneventwherenoinjuryorillnessoccursbutthisismoretheresultofgoodluck

AnearmissorincidentshouldbetreatedasawarningsignEveryoneshouldbeencouragedtoreportthesepotentialaccidentsinthesamewaythattheyareencouragedtoreporthazardsOncereported,nearmissincidentsshouldbeinvestigatedandcontrolmeasuresputinplacetomakesurethesamethingdoesnothappenagain

Investigatingaccidents,incidentsornearmisseshelpsyoutofindoutwhatwentwrong,whyithappenedand,ifacontrolmeasurewasinplace,whyitfailedPerhapsthecontrolmeasurewhichyouthoughtwasinplacedidnotworkbecausepeopleattheworkplacedidnotknowaboutit

Forexample,maybeyouhadgonetothetroubleofwritingdownsafeworkproceduresbutyouhadnotspentthetimetomakesureallworkerswerefamiliarwiththemandunderstoodthemOrmaybetherewasacasualworkeronsitefortheweekandheorshehadnotbeenproperlytrainedinyoursafeworkproceduresPerhapsyouhadbeenbusyandoverlookedthemaintenancescheduleforthemachineryorforgottentobuymoregloves

Investigatingwhatwentwrongandwhy,andwhatneedstobedonetomakesurethesamesituationwillnotberepeated,isalsopartoftheriskmanagementcycle

Thelossordisruptionwhichacompanycanexperiencewhenahazardousincidentoccursintheworkplacecanbemultipliedtenfoldwhenthatincidentleadstoaninjurytoaworker

Acomprehensiveriskmanagementsystemmustthereforeaddresswhatneedstohappenshouldaninjuryoccurandshouldincludea

What if Something does go Wrong?

Reporting Problems

Accident/Incident Reporting

Investigating Accidents, Incidents or Near Misses

Accidents are not just bad luck or unforeseeable. In most cases they occur as the result of a chain of events and a failure of one or more links in that chain.

Injury Management

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well-thought-outplantomaximiseopportunitiesforinjuredworkerstoremainatwork

Thetwokeyfactorswhichinteracttoreducetheeffectofaworkplaceinjuryforboththeinjuredworkerandtheemployerareearly intervention and early return to work

Accordingly,yourriskmanagementsystemmustdefinestepstomanageinjuriesandreturninjuredworkerstogainfulemploymentItneedstoinclude:

earlynotificationoftheinjury;

earlycontactwiththeworkerandhis/herdoctorandyourinsurancecompany;

theprovisionofsuitabledutiesasearlyaspossibleforanearlyreturntowork;and

awrittenplantoupgradethesedutiesinlinewithmedicaladvice

Itisimportanttonotethatthesafeworkproceduresgeneratedaspartofyourriskmanagementprocesscanbeusedtofindandspecifysuitableduties

SystematicmanagementhelpsemployerstorecognisehazardsandplantoeliminateorcontrolrisksTheoppositeapproachistoignorethepotentialforharmattheplanningstageandthenmanagetheproblemwhenitdoesariseThisapproachisfarmoredisruptiveandusuallymorecostlyandriskyintermsofnon-compliance

Themessageisthattheriskmanagementobligationsshouldnotbeseenasanimpositionoranaddedextrabutwill,whenappliedeffectively,helpemployersplanandorganisetheirworkplaceinanefficientandsafemanner

LetsconsiderthefollowingexamplestoseehowthesystematicapproachtoriskmanagementworksTheseexampleswillillustratethatthesystematicmanagementofhealthandsafetyisthesameasanygoodbusinessplanningstrategyItshouldbeemphasisedthatthesearenottheonlysituationsinwhichOHSissuesarisebuttheyprovideusefulillustrationsofhowOHSissuescanbeintegratedingeneraldecisionsabouthowabusinessororganisationoperates

Conclusion

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Thisexampleillustratestheapplicationofriskmanagementprinciplestodesigninganewjoborsetofjobs

ArtlightisasmallcompanythatassembleslampstandsThelampbaseshavetraditionallybeenmadeoutofplasticorglazedcrockeryIthasbeendecidedtoaddanewlinewithcastmetalbasesThiswillrequiretheemploymentofanewpersontoundertakethefollowingtasks:

unloadingthetruck; usingthegrindertodresscasts; cleaningdressedcastswithsolvent; placingcastsontrolleytobetakentopaintshop

Thequestionstoaskare:1. What hazards and risks are being introduced into the workplace as a result of this new process?

2. How will the hazards be identified?

3. How might the risks be eliminated or controlled?

Listedbelowarethehazardswhichthisnewprocesswouldintroduceintotheworkshop

Task: Hazard:

Loading/Unloading ManualHandling materials

OperatingGrinder MechanicalPlant/Machinery

UsingSolvents HazardousSubstances

Thetasksobviouslyinvolveexposuretosignificanthazards,namelymanualhandling,plantandhazardoussubstances

Therisksassociatedwithmanualhandling,theuseofplantandhazardoussubstances,needtobeassessedtodeterminewhatactionshouldbetakentoeliminateorcontrolthem

FollowtherecommendationsontheMSDS

TheMSDSgivesinformationonthehealtheffectsofthesolventAsthesolventisalreadybeingusedintheworkplace,theMSDSisreadilyavailableandwarnsthatifnotusedcorrectly,itcancauseheadaches,skinirritationordermatitis,aswellasirritationtotheeyes,nose,throatandrespiratorytractItalsoadvisesthatpeopleshouldnotbeexposedtothesubstanceforlongperiodsandthatitmustbeusedinawell-ventilatedarea

Followtherecommendationsontheoperatorsmanual

ThegrinderwassuppliedwithanoperatorsmanualwhichgivesdirectionsonhowtouseitsafelyThemanualwarnsthat:onlythespecifiedmodelgrinderwheelsshouldbepurchasedtoreplacewearingwheels;eyeprotectionshouldbewornatalltimes;andthesafetyguardmustnotberemovedwhenthegrinderisoperatingWhilethemanualindicatesthatthenoiselevelsfromthegrinderarewithinthelegallyspecifiedlimits,itdoessuggestthatwith

Example 1: Job design

Step 1: Hazard Identification

Step 2: Risk Assessment

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prolongeduseoveran8-hourshift,earmuffsshouldbewornThemanualcontainsaservicelogforthegrinderandsuggeststhattoprolongthelifeofthegrinderandtoensurethesafeoperationofthemachine,itbeservicedbyaqualifiedpersonevery3months

Useinformationaboutaccident,incidentornearmiss

ExaminationoftheRegisterofInjuriesshowsthatoverthepast5yearstherehavebeen22reportsofaback,neckorshoulderinjuryfromloadingandunloadingtrucks,6ofthesewereveryseriousandresultedintimeoffworkInaddition,4peoplehavegonehomewithheadachesandsoreeyesreportedlyafterworkingfor3dayswiththesolvent

Task: Hazard: Risk:

Loading/Unloading ManualHandling Strainsduetoincorrectmaterials orexcessive Lifting Bending Reaching Carrying

OperatingGrinder Mechanical Injurycausedby: Plant/Machinery Movingparts Metalfragments Explosion Noise Dust Poormaintenance

UsingSolvents Hazardous Exposureresultingin: Substances Headaches Skinirritation Dermatitis Eyeirritation Nose&throatirritation Respiratoryirritation

Nowthattheriskshavebeenassessed,thenextstepistodevisestrategiestoeliminateorcontrolthoseriskssoastomaketheworkplaceassafeaspossibleandtomakesurethatArtlightsOHSobligationsaremetLetslookattherangeofcontrolstrategiesthatcouldbeconsidered:

Level 1 Controls:

Whydesignisaprobleminthefirstplace?ThinkfirstaboutthepossibilityofELIMINATINGtheriskaltogether

Is it possible for Artlight to have casts dressed & cleaned as part of supply contract? Thiswouldeliminatetheneedtousethesolventorthegrinderandthereforeeliminatetheassociatedrisksaltogether

AfterfurtherinvestigationArtlightdiscoversthatthecostofbuyingthecastsalreadydressedandcleanedisprohibitivesoeliminatingtheproblemisnotpossibleTheythereforeneedtoconsiderstrategiestoreducetheproblem

Step 3: Eliminate or Control the Risks

Level 2 Controls:

Ifyoucanteliminatetherisk,thinkaboutredesigningtheequipmentorprocessessothatlesshazardousequipmentormaterialscanbeused:

Is it possible to substitute a less hazardous substance for the solvent? There may well be other products that can do the job required and are far less hazardous.

Is it practical to obtain the solvent in smaller containers and so eliminate the risks of skin and eye contact associated with decanting?

Is it possible to have the casts delivered on pallets and transported by a forklift to minimise lifting?

TheworkershavesuggestedthatacratecouldbedesignedwithagravityfeedgatewhichallowsthecaststoberemovedfromthebottomofthecrateThiswouldavoidbendingintothecrateandwouldallowthecratetobeplacedonatableatwaistheight,preventingbendingaltogether

Thegrindershouldbecheckedtomakesuretheappropriateguardsarefittedtominimiserisksofentanglement,andafaceshieldcanbesuppliedforrisksfrommetalfragments

Anynoiseproblemmaybereducedbyanacoustichood

Tominimiserisksfromsolventfumes,theareainwhichthesolventistobeusedwillneedtobeproperlyventilatedandmayrequireanappropriateexhaustsystemtobeinstalled

Level 3 Controls:

Becauseitisnotpossibletoeliminatethehazardbuttheriskcanbeminimisedbyengineeringcontrols,Artlightmustconsidertheneedtosupplementthesecontrolswiththefollowing:

Safe Work Procedures: whichclearlydefinehowpeoplearetodotheirworksafely(workmethods);

Training and Supervision:tomakesureworkersknowhowtodothejobthesafewayandworkaccordingtothesafeworkprocedures;

Personal Protective Equipment:thismayinvolvegloves,eyeandhearingprotectionAswell,safetyfootwearmaywellbeneededforthetasksassociatedwithmanualhandling

ThebestcontrolstomanagetherisksatArtlightarelistedinthetablefollowing

WhatwehavedoneinthefollowingtableiscompleteaRiskAssessmentofthisnewprocessatArtlightThisprocessrequiresthatyouthinkmorecarefullyabouthowworkistobedoneintheworkplaceTheadvantageofthisapproachisthatitwillenableyouto:

1. Address problems early:Itismucheasierandmorecost-effectivetodealwithOHSproblemsatthisstageratherthanwaituntilanaccidentorincidentforcesituponyou

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2. Incorporate safety procedures into work practices rather than addressing safety as a separate issue:Byconsideringsafetyissueswhenajobisdesignedorredesigned,youcanassessthebestwaytodoajobandwhatequipmentisneeded

Task: Hazard(Problem): Risk(Harm): Controls(Solution):

Loading/ ManualHandling Strainsdueto Unloading incorrector materials excessive: Lifting purchasefromsupplier incratesonpallets Bending unloadwithforklift Reaching placecratesonwaist- hightable Carrying gateincratefor gravityfeed

Operating Mechanical Injurycausedby:Grinder Plant/Machine Movingparts faceshieldtobe supplied Metal grindertobeguarded fragments Explosionof onlymodelofwheel grinderwheel specifiedin manufacturersmanual tobeused Noise acoustichoodtobe fitted hearingprotectiontobe supplied Dust extractionsystem Poor quarterlymaintenance maintenance servicebyfitter

Using Hazardous ExposureresultingSolvents Substances in: Headaches non-solvent-based cleanertobeused Skinirritation buysmallcontainersof solvent/nodecanting Dermatitis glovestobesupplied Eyeirritation eyeprotectionto besupplied Nose&throat exhaustsystemto irritation beinstalled Respiratory irritation

Whileithasbeeneasiertoillustratetheprocessofjobdesignbythisexampleusinganewjob,itisveryimportanttounderstandthatthesamethinkingandthesameprocessneedstobeappliedtoexistingjobsWhileyoumightthinkthisisharderitreallyjustinvolvesyouandyouremployeesthinkingdifferentlyaboutthe way things have always been doneandthe safe way the jobs should be done

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ArtlightisnowreadytocommenceproductionItneedstorecruitanewpersontorunthecastmetalbaseproductionTheyfindapersonwithmanufacturingexperiencebutneedtomakesureheorsheknowshowtodothejobsafely,inlinewithhowithasbeendesigned

Artlightneedstoformallytellhimorheraboutthehazardsinvolvedinthejobandinstructhimorherintheapplicationofthecontrolmeasuresalreadydecidedon

Thecontrolmeasurescanbewrittenupassafe work proceduresorinstructionswhichinformthenewemployeehowtodothejobThesafeworkproceduresforthemetalcastproductionwouldlooklikethetablefollowing

ThesesafeworkproceduresneedtobeexplainedanddemonstratedtothenewworkerEmployeesneedinformationandinstructiononwhatisrequiredofthemtoworksafelyandwhatisinplaceProceduresdontworkifpeopledontknowaboutthemByturningthecontrolstrategiesintosafeworkprocedures,writingthemdown,andtellingpeopleaboutthem,youmakesurethateveryoneistrainedtodothejobsafely

Thisisparticularlyimportantwhenyouhaveworkerswhoarenewandwhoareunfamiliarwiththetaskandtheequipment,andwhomaybeusedtoworkingdifferentlyInductingnewstaffinOHSdoesnotonlyapplytosafeworkproceduresbutshouldcoveralltheOHSrequirementsofthecompanysuchas:OHSresponsibilities;hazardreporting;accidentreporting;firstaid;injurymanagement,etc

Becauseeveryoneintheworkplaceneedstoknowaboutsafeworkproceduresandotherriskmanagementactivities,writingthemdownassimpleprocedures,asshowninthetablefollowing,allowsyoutostructureyourorganisationsOHStrainingprogramThistellsyouwhatpeopleneedtoknowaboutworkingsafelyatyourworkplaceThecontentofyourtrainingprogramshoulddirectlyreflecttheprocedures

Example 2: Safe Work Procedures and Training

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Task: Metal Cast Production Safe Work Procedure:

Loading& AllmaterialswillbesuppliedincratesonpalletsIfmaterialsunloading arenotdeliveredonpallets,donotacceptthegoodsfrommaterials thesupplierImmediatelycontacttheworkshopmanager

Allmaterialsaretobeunloadedfromtruckusingforklift,drivertobecertificated

Thecratesaretobestackedontopofeachotherinthestorearea,nomorethantwocrateshigh

Whenmaterialsarerequired,onecrateatatimeistobeforkliftedontothedesignatedworkbench

Removecastsfromcratebyliftinggateonsideofcrateandcastswillgravityfeedontoworkbench

Avoidbendingintocratetoremovecasts

Allfinishedproductsaretobepackedandreloadedintothecratesandforkliftedontothetruckfordelivery

Operating OnlythoseemployeeswhohavebeenspecificallyinstructedGrinder tooperatethegrinderareallowedtouseit

Theguardonthegrindermustbeinitsfixedpositionwhengrinderinoperation

Ifyounoticeanyproblemwiththeguard,switchoffthegrinderandreporttheproblemimmediatelytotheworkshopmanager

Theguardmustneverberemovedbyanyoneotherthanthemaintenancefitter

Thefaceshieldsuppliedmustbewornatalltimeswhenoperatingthegrinder

Theextractionsystemmustalwaysbeswitchedonwhengrinderinoperation

Theacoustichoodmustbeclosedatalltimeswhilethegrinderisinoperation

Theearmuffssuppliedmustbewornwhenoperatingthegrinder

Onlythemodelwheelspecifiedinthemanufacturersmanualwillbepurchasedandusedtoreplacewornwheels

Theworkshopmanagerwillmaintainmaintenancelogbookandarrangeforthegrindertobeservicedbyaqualifiedfitterquarterly

Using Cleaningsolventissuppliedin1litrecontainersandisnottoSolvent bedecantedintoothercontainersunderanycircumstances

OnlythoseemployeeswhohavereadtheMSDSandhavebeeninstructedinthesafeuseofthesolventaretoperformthistask

Glovesmustbewornatalltimeswhenusingthesolvent

Eyeprotectionmustbewornatalltimeswhenusingthesolvent

Caremustbetakennottoexposetheeyes,skin,noseorthroattocontactwiththesolvent

Themainexhaustsystemmustbeturnedonatalltimes

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BuyinginOHSproblemscanalsobepreventedbyaplanned,systematicapproachtopurchasingThismeansthinkingaboutthehazardsthatnewproductsmaypresentandwhatriskstheywillimposeonthecompanybeforeyoubuytheriskin

FromtimetotimebusinessesneedtoconsiderpurchasingequipmentThismaybetoreplacecurrentequipmentoritmaybenewequipmenttomakeaworkprocesseasierormoreefficient

Likewise,thebusinessmayneedtoconsiderpurchasingsubstancessuchassolvents,detergents,andlubricantsThesemaybetoreplacecurrentsubstancesbecausenewoneshavecomeonthemarketandareeithercheaperormoreeffectiveoranewprocessisbeingintroducedintotheworksystem

Allorganisationshavesomeoneresponsibleforthepurchaseandapurchasingpolicy,nomatterhowinformalSuchapolicyisbasedon:

Cost: ValueforMoney Efficiency: Itdoesthejobwell Maintenance: Howreliableandwhatsthesupplylike?

Thesearealwaysthefactorswhichinfluencedecisionstopurchaseornottopurchase

TheintroductionofnewplantandsubstancescanposesignificanthealthandsafetyriskstopeopleintheworkplaceThedecisiononwhatparticularpieceofequipmentorsubstanceiseventuallypurchasedshouldnotbebasedonlyoncost,efficiencyandmaintenancebutshouldbedeterminedbydecisionsconcerning:

Whathazardsareassociatedwiththeproduct? Whatriskswilltheproductintroduce? Whatcontrolstrategiesneedtobeimplementedtocontrol the risks?

AprocedureneedstobedevelopedtomakesurethesefactorsareconsideredbeforethepurchaseismadeItismucheasierandmorecost-effectivetoaddressthesehealthandsafetyissuespriortopurchaseratherthanafter,whentheneedtoimplementcostlycontrolmeasurestoaddresstheOHSconsequencesofthepurchasingdecisionmayberequired

Therefore,apurchasingpolicyneedstobebasedonconsiderationofOHSinformationThisinformationwillenableyoutomakeaninformeddecisiononwhatyoupurchaseintermsofyourOHSresponsibilitiesBydoingthisyouwillknow:

thehazardsandrisksassociatedwiththeproduct;and whatworksystemsneedtobeimplementedtoensurethehealth and safety of employees.

Then,youcanpurchasetoeliminateorminimisetherisks

Example 3: Purchasing decisions

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Notes

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Notes

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Notes

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Catalogue No. WC00425 WorkCover Publications Hotline 1300 799 003

WorkCover NSW 92-100 Donnison Street Gosford NSW 2250Locked Bag 2906 Lisarow NSW 2252 WorkCover Assistance Service 13 10 50Website www.workcover.nsw.gov.au

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