Locate and communicate OCHS policies which clearly express the organization’s commitment to implement relevant OCHS legislation in the enterprise What information should be provided when communicating policies to staff? Information that should be provided to staff when communicating policies are as follows Duties of the employers, Duties of the employees and contractors Health and safety committees Discrimination In the workplace Risk assessments Control of risks Recording and/or documenting of information Functions of health and safety representatives (HSRP) Training Manual handing
Inspections Information about the current relevant legislation can be located on the state government legislation website on the Internet. Assessment activity 2: Define OCHS responsibilities for all workplace personnel in accordance with OCHS policies, procedures and programs When defining Health and safety legislation and standards relevant to the workplace must be determined prior to defining responsibilities. You also must be aware of any staff in other states / territories as they are governed by different legislation.
At the workplace management level the responsibilities must be specific, covering tactical ND operational outcomes egg: Identifying, assessing and controlling workplace hazards and risks Minimizing events that could lead to injury Reduced costs of claims Assessment activity 3: Identify and approve financial and human resources for the effective operation of the OCHS system What are some examples of financial and human resources necessary to ensure the effective operation of the OCHS system?
Financial and human resources are necessary to effectively establish that Baseline statutory requirements are being met The organizations policy statements are being met The cost associated with implementing recommendations are identified The risk associated with the operation Is ameliorated Staff are adequately protected Human resources can include Contracted training personnel 1 OFF Rehabilitation consultants Additional staff to assist with increased demand Financial resources can include Additional staff Cleaning Storage facilities Updating machinery Assessment activity 4: Establish and maintain participative arrangements with employees and their representatives in accordance with relevant OCHS legislation What are some examples of participative arrangements?
Regular information Formal and informal meetings Meetings called by representatives Other committees, egg consultative planning and purchasing Other means and processes for raising request and concerns, as well as contributing suggestions and reports to management Documented issue resolution processes Easy access to relevant written workplace information Assessment activity 5: Appropriately resolve issues raised through participative arrangements and consultation Outline the steps involved in resolving a dispute in the context of a participative arrangement. The HSRP is advised of or observes an immediate threat to health and safety. The supervisor is informed of the threat
If the supervisor is not available the representative can direct work to cease If the supervisor and HSRP agree there is a threat, the supervisor can direct work to cease If the supervisor and the representative agree on what is required, an action must be taken to remove the threat If the supervisor and the representative disagree on the action required, or do not take action, the matter can be referred to an investigator An investigation will take place If the investigator decides there is no threat, no action is required If the investigator decides there is a threat, they can specify what action is required to remove the wreath The employer can either take action or appeal the investigators decision Assessment activity 6: Promptly provided information about the outcomes of participation and consultation in a manner accessible to employees What are some forums that can facilitate the communicating of information that is accessible? Email Letter Discussion at staff meetings Meetings with individual staff Posting on notice boards Memo’s Discussion with supervisors who can communicate the change to staff Newsletters assessment and control of associated risks Which tools must be considered when evolving procedures relating to hazard identification and risk assessment? The various tools, strategies and information services available must be considered when developing procedures. These include: 1. Material safety data sheets (MASS) 2. National and state injury statistics 3. Industrial chemicals notification and assessment scheme (ICONS) 4.
Standards and codes Other forms of hazard identification could be included in the development of procedures include Workplace inspections Independent audits Hazard studies Health and safety committee discussions Assessment activity 8: Include hazard identification at the planning, design and valuation stages of any change in the workplace to ensure that new hazards are not created by the proposed changes 1. How can hazard identification happen at the planning and evaluation stage? Identifying hazards associated with proposed changes to the workplace is essential for controlling the potential impact of change in the workplace. Some potential hazards include Physical hazards – heat or cold, dust, noise Chemical hazards – gases, fumes, liquids Ergonomic hazards – tool and equipment design, workstation design. Radiation hazards – x-rays, microwaves, ultraviolet or infrared radiation.
Psychological hazards – haft work, bulling, harassment etc 2. Draw the following hazardous scenario on a cause and effect diagram: A plant maintenance worker, John, was using an aluminum ladder to reach the gutters of the two-storey office administration building. He was working alone and attempting to install a gutter guard device. It has been raining that morning and wooden decking surrounding the section of the office building he was working on was slippery. He had almost completed the task when he leant to his right to see around the corner of the roof and the ladder slipped to the left causing him to fall off and break his arm as he landed.
