riiwhs201d work safely and follow whs ... - sustainable skills...4. maintain personal wellbeing 4.1....

88
DRILLING • MINING • QUARRYING • CIVIL INFRASTRUCTURE RIIWHS201D Work safely and follow WHS policies and procedures LEARNER GUIDE Learner Name:

Upload: others

Post on 12-Oct-2020

4 views

Category:

Documents


0 download

TRANSCRIPT

Page 1: RIIWHS201D Work safely and follow WHS ... - Sustainable Skills...4. Maintain personal wellbeing 4.1. Identify risks to personal wellbeing and recognise preventative strategies 4.2

DRILLING • MINING • QUARRYING • CIVIL INFRASTRUCTURE

RIIWHS201D Work safely and follow WHS policies and procedures

LEARNER GUIDE

Learner Name:

Page 2: RIIWHS201D Work safely and follow WHS ... - Sustainable Skills...4. Maintain personal wellbeing 4.1. Identify risks to personal wellbeing and recognise preventative strategies 4.2

Page 2SkillsDMC ©

Copyright

© SkillsDMC. All rights reserved

SkillsDMC (Resources and Infrastructure Industry Skills Council Ltd)

Tower 1, Level 1, Suite 2, 475 Victoria Avenue, Chatswood, NSW 2067

Telephone: +61 (02) 9324 8600

Facsimile: +61 (02) 9324 8699

Email: [email protected]

Web: www.skillsdmc.com.au

Published by: SkillsDMC (Resources and Infrastructure Industry Skills Council Ltd)

Tower 1, Level 1, Suite 2, 475 Victoria Avenue, Chatswood, NSW 2067 AUSTRALIA

First published: 2015

Disclaimer:

SkillsDMC is the owner of all copyright and other intellectual property rights in the products and any modifications made by SkillsDMC to the materials (parent document issued to you at point of sale and as reflected in the invoice). You acknowledge that, apart from the limited licence granted under these Terms of Sale, you have no right, title or interest (including intellectual property rights) in the products. You will do anything reasonably required to give effect to SkillsDMC’s ownership of the products (parent document).

Page 3: RIIWHS201D Work safely and follow WHS ... - Sustainable Skills...4. Maintain personal wellbeing 4.1. Identify risks to personal wellbeing and recognise preventative strategies 4.2

Page 3SkillsDMC ©

ContentsUnit of Competency 4

Unit Descriptor 6

Topics 6

Recognition of Prior Learning 7

Learning activities 8

Introduction 10

What is Work Health and Safety? 12

Work health and safety duties 13

Health and safety representatives 15

General regulations on work sites 17

Hazard assessment 21

Increasing workplace safety 23

Moving around the workplace 29

Personal protective measures 31

Maintaining safe working areas 36

Permits and clearances 38

Manual handling 40

Harsh environments 43

Emergency alerts 45

Emergency communication 47

What to do in an emergency 50

Personal well-being 54

Extreme working conditions 55

Anti-discrimination and harassment 61

Take positive safe action 63

Check Your Understanding 66

Knowledge questions 67

Practical activities 78

Answers to Learning activities 81

Page 4: RIIWHS201D Work safely and follow WHS ... - Sustainable Skills...4. Maintain personal wellbeing 4.1. Identify risks to personal wellbeing and recognise preventative strategies 4.2

Uni

t of

Com

pet

ency

Page 4SkillsDMC ©

Unit of Competency

RIIWHS201D Work safely and follow WHS policies and procedures

Application This unit describes a participant’s skills and knowledge required to work safely and follow WHS policies and procedures in the Resources and Infrastructure Industries.

This unit is appropriate for those working in operational roles.

Licensing, legislative, regulatory and certification requirements that apply to this unit can vary between states, territories, and Industry sectors. Relevant information must be sourced prior to application of the unit.

Note: The terms Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) and Work Health and Safety (WHS) are equivalent and generally either can be used in the workplace. In jurisdictions where the National Model WHS Legislation has not been implemented RTOs are advised to contextualise the unit of competency by referring to the existing State/Territory OHS legislative requirements.

Element Performance Criteria

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency

Performance Criteria describe the required performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1. Access and apply site safety procedures

1.1. Access, interpret and apply work health and safety procedures and ensure the work activity is compliant

1.2. Carry out isolation of energy sources and immobilisation of potential energy sources

1.3. Locate destinations by interpreting and applying site plans, transport rules and signage

1.4. Identify, act on, and report breaches in site safety

2. Apply personal safety measures

2.1. Select and wear personal protective equipment

2.2. Establish and maintain a clean and tidy safe working area

2.3. Obtain permits and clearances before specialised work is carried out

2.4. Apply safe manual handling procedures

2.5. Identify and apply site procedures for conducting high-risk activities

3. Apply operational safety measures

3.1. Recognise and respond to alarms

3.2. Identify and clarify responsibility in responding to emergency situations

3.3. Apply basic fire fighting techniques

3.4. Identify emergency escape route(s) and procedures

Page 5: RIIWHS201D Work safely and follow WHS ... - Sustainable Skills...4. Maintain personal wellbeing 4.1. Identify risks to personal wellbeing and recognise preventative strategies 4.2

Unit of C

omp

etency

Page 5SkillsDMC ©

4. Maintain personal wellbeing 4.1. Identify risks to personal wellbeing and recognise preventative strategies

4.2. Identify, act on, and report situations which may endanger others

4.3. Access and explain verbally or in writing the requirements for fitness for duty

4.4. Comply with all work health and safety policies including smoking, alcohol and drug use

5. Identify and report incidents 5.1. Recognise and communicate incident and injury statistics

5.2. Report and prepare written records of incidents and injuries

5.3. Contribute to and participate in incident investigations

Page 6: RIIWHS201D Work safely and follow WHS ... - Sustainable Skills...4. Maintain personal wellbeing 4.1. Identify risks to personal wellbeing and recognise preventative strategies 4.2

Uni

t of

Com

pet

ency

Page 6SkillsDMC ©

Unit DescriptorThis unit covers working safely and following WHS policies and procedures in resources and infrastructure industries. It includes accessing and applying site safety procedures; applying personal safety measures and operational safety measures; maintaining personal wellbeing for job fitness; and identifying and reporting incidents.

TopicsThe main topics covered in this Learning Guide are:

• The importance and role of safety in the workplace

• Work Health and Safety

• Workplace health and safety representatives

• Duty of care

• Working together for safety

• General workplace regulations

• Accidents and incidents

• Hazard and risk assessment

• Anti-discrimination and harassment policy

• Environmental and waste management

• Increasing workplace safety

• Moving around the workplace

• Personal protective equipment

• Safe working areas

• Permits and clearances

• Manual handling

• Increasing workplace safety

• Emergency safety measures

• Alarms

• Emergency communication

• What to do in an emergency

• Personal well-being

• Extreme working conditions

• Health and hygiene

• Taking positive safe action

• Smoking, alcohol and drug use

Page 7: RIIWHS201D Work safely and follow WHS ... - Sustainable Skills...4. Maintain personal wellbeing 4.1. Identify risks to personal wellbeing and recognise preventative strategies 4.2

Unit of C

omp

etency

Page 7SkillsDMC ©

Recognition of Prior LearningIf you think you can satisfactorily complete the assessment for this section, check your knowledge and skills as follows:

I can:

• find and make sense of all the necessary workplace safety information and apply it to a particular job

• recognise breaches in workplace safety and act on these or report them

• explain the importance and role of safety in the workplace

• explain the meaning of workplace safety duty of care

• explain what Work health and safety is

• contact and report to a workplace health and safety representative

• identify hazards that increase the risk of injury

• report any accidents and incidents and any potential hazards that might be a risk to employee welfare

• explain the anti-discrimination and harassment policy in the workplace

• explain the environmental and waste management policy

• safely move around the workplace and find certain sections

• follow site procedures for personal protection

• use personal protective equipment at work and explain why it is important

• explain why it is important to have a permit and licence before operating workplace equipment

• identify and explain proper manual handling techniques

• identify and explain the use of alarm systems in the workplace

• identify and clarify my own responsibility in regard to emergency situations procedures

• respond to and report emergency situations

• identify risks to personal well-being and use preventative measures

• identify and prevent possible dangerous situations from extreme working conditions

• follow health and hygiene requirements

• identify, clarify and observe workplace policy on smoking, alcohol and drug use

• take steps to increase and maintain workplace safety

Page 8: RIIWHS201D Work safely and follow WHS ... - Sustainable Skills...4. Maintain personal wellbeing 4.1. Identify risks to personal wellbeing and recognise preventative strategies 4.2

Lear

ning

Act

iviti

es

Page 8SkillsDMC ©

Learning activitiesAs you work through this Learning Guide you will complete the following activities:

• Questions on workplace safety understanding and definition

• Defining and understanding WHS

• List examples of the types of documents on safety available in the workplace

• Questions on workplace health and safety representatives

• Explain in general terms what duty of care means

• Workplace safety questions

• Questions and case study relating to accident reporting

• Hazard and risk assessment questions

• Provide examples of things that are used in the workplace to increase safety and the issues

• Question on the importance of maps and understanding how to use them

• Question on the duty of care regarding personal safety equipment

• Case study relating to work safety equipment

• Complete the sentence to show understanding of how to maintain a safe working area

• Explain permits in the workplace

• Manual handling demonstration

• Provide examples of emergency situations

• Provide examples of emergency alarms and of non-audible alarms

• List examples of emergency communication systems

• List safety emergency procedures

• Give examples of things that affect your well-being

• Working in hot and cold conditions

• Find-a-word hygiene activity

• Questions on workplace drugs and alcohol policy

• Anti-discrimination and harassment questions

What workplace experience do I need?

If you are employed in the industry, complete the unit activities using your workplace as an example.

If you are not employed in the industry, your trainer can assist you to demonstrate the application of this unit of competency in a number of ways:

• you will undertake a work placement so you can experience a real work situation

• you can work through case studies or other examples, provided by your trainer

• you can visit as many worksites as possible to further assist with your assessment

How will I be assessed for this unit?

Assessment for this unit will comprise of both practical and theory components. Details of the methods, location and times of these assessments will be provided to you by your assessor.

Throughout this Learner Guide you will see the term trainer. This is the person who will be guiding you through this unit of competency. It could be a workplace supervisor, mentor, trainer, instructor or tutor.

When the term assessor is used it refers to the person who will make the final judgement of your competency in this unit. Sometimes the trainer and assessor will be the same person. In some cases they will differ.

The assessor will collect a range of evidence which shows how you meet the outcomes of the unit of competency.

Page 9: RIIWHS201D Work safely and follow WHS ... - Sustainable Skills...4. Maintain personal wellbeing 4.1. Identify risks to personal wellbeing and recognise preventative strategies 4.2

Learning Activities

Page 9SkillsDMC ©

What resources will I need to complete this unit?

To complete this unit, certain resources are required. These resources are easily found in a workplace. If you are not in a workplace, your trainer will make sure you can obtain the required resources, and experience a real workplace environment.

Here is a suggested list of resources. Your trainer may also add any other relevant resources.

• workplace legislation and requirements

• workplace safety policy and procedures

• safe work procedures

• manufacturer’s instructions

• codes of practice

• personal protective clothing

• self rescuer

• relevant permits and clearances

• mechanical handling aids

• relevant workplace maps and plans

• fire extinguishers and other operational safety equipment

Page 10: RIIWHS201D Work safely and follow WHS ... - Sustainable Skills...4. Maintain personal wellbeing 4.1. Identify risks to personal wellbeing and recognise preventative strategies 4.2

Sec

tion

1

Page 10SkillsDMC ©

IntroductionSafety means avoiding or minimising any potential danger and risks that may cause injury or harm.

Being safe is something to think about constantly. For many regular activities, safe practice can become implicit, and you do it without thinking – for example, using a seat belt when in a vehicle, or wearing an oven mitt when taking a hot tray from the oven.

These examples may seem like a natural thing to do but acting safely is a skill that is learned. It’s important to become familiar with the potential dangers in our normal environment. Once aware of them you go about reducing the risk of an incident harming yourself and others.

This is especially the case at work, and even more especially the case on resources and infrastructure industry work sites. When beginning a new job you must learn to act safely in the work environment because you will face new situations you are not familiar with.

Workplace safety is the awareness of what can cause personal injury, disease, death, or property damage at work. Everyone needs to know how to make the work environment a safe one. It is important to understand the top priority of safety in the workplace and take the time to learn how to work safely.

New workers are more likely to be injured at work than other workers. As a new or potential employee in the resources and infrastructure industries you need to be aware of the acts, regulations, accepted practices and procedures used in Australia. These will help you to be part of a safe and healthy work environment.

According to a 2005 survey by the NSW Department of Commerce, new workers are three times more likely to be injured at work than other workers. As a new or potential employee in the resources and infrastructure industries you need to be aware of the acts, regulations, accepted practices and procedures used in Australia. These will help you to be part of a safe and healthy work environment.

In addition, each workplace you go to will have safety procedures, often called a health and safety policy. These are based on Work Health and Safety acts passed by state and territory governments. As an employee, you need to know how to recognise and control workplace hazards and understand your rights and responsibilities to keep the workplace safe. It is very important to promote a safe work attitude. Every worker must raise safety concerns in the workplace and talk to their employer about any safety issues. Work can be hazardous and requires an awareness of safety issues that everyone must be involved in

DANGER

CONFINED SPACE

ENTRY BY PERMIT ONLY

DANGER

DEEP EXCAVATION

DANGER

ACIDWEAR PROPER PROTECTION

DANGER

DEMOLITION WORK IN

PROGRESS

Page 11: RIIWHS201D Work safely and follow WHS ... - Sustainable Skills...4. Maintain personal wellbeing 4.1. Identify risks to personal wellbeing and recognise preventative strategies 4.2

Page 11SkillsDMC ©

LEARNING ACTIVITY 1Work can be hazardous and requires an awareness of safety issues that everyone should be conscious of and aim to improve.

1.1. In the space provided, define what safety is in the workplace.

1.2. List three (3) safety issues you have noticed in the last week. They can be from anywhere (home, work, etc.).

Page 12: RIIWHS201D Work safely and follow WHS ... - Sustainable Skills...4. Maintain personal wellbeing 4.1. Identify risks to personal wellbeing and recognise preventative strategies 4.2

Sec

tion

2

Page 12SkillsDMC ©

What is Work Health and Safety?Work Health and Safety (WHS) is about protecting workers and other persons against harm to their health, safety and welfare through the elimination or minimization of risks arising from work.

The WHS Act is the main law covering the responsibilities and rights of employers and workers. It outlines the fines and penalties for breaking this law.

There is a WHS Act and an accompanying WHS Regulations document at a Commonwealth (Australia-wide) level, but each state and territory has its own Act and Regulations.

Work health and safety legislation was harmonised in Australia in 2010, which means that the laws governing health and safety in the workplace are very similar in all states and territories, except Victoria and Western Australia. These states have currently have their own Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) or Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) laws.

Because each state and territory has its own legislation, you should take the time to learn which particular legislation applies to your workplace.

Codes of practice are guidelines that relate to the WHS Act. Workers and employers must follow the appropriate codes of practice at all times.

The company you work for will also have written procedures that outline how work should be carried out. Written procedures are the basis for training and describe best practice in the workplace. Being able to read procedures, and understand them, is important for staying safe on a worksite.

Changes to the previous documents may be communicated to staff via the following methods:

• notice boards

• staff safety memos

• safety meetings and staff training

• brochures and booklets

• a combination of the previous methods

Your employer should tell you how communication about safety occurs in your workplace.

Page 13: RIIWHS201D Work safely and follow WHS ... - Sustainable Skills...4. Maintain personal wellbeing 4.1. Identify risks to personal wellbeing and recognise preventative strategies 4.2

Page 13SkillsDMC ©

Work health and safety dutiesAll workplaces must follow state and territory work health and safety acts and regulation. While these differ slightly between states, they are always about creating and maintaining a safe and healthy working environment.

Out of these acts comes duty of care legislation, which has different requirements for employers and employees. Duty of care means that everything within reason must be done to protect the health and safety of people at the workplace. This duty is placed on:

• employers

• employees

• any others who have an influence on hazards in a workplace

The following table shows some of the major responsibilities under work health and safety legislation for both employers and employees.

Employer’s obligations Your obligationsEnsure the health and safety of personnel engaged in or affected by work activities, and ensure that works do not adversely affect the health and safety of non-work personnel

Find out what you need to know to act safely and take reasonable care of your own health and safety while at work

Provide training, information and supervision to all employees to ensure their health and safety

Follow all reasonable instructions, safety rules and procedures relating to safety

Provide adequate working conditions and facilities (light, air, space, protective equipment, sanitary facilities and meal areas)

Use/wear the equipment provided (hard hat, gloves, ear and eye protection etc.)

Provide adequate information/signage/warning on potential hazards

Take reasonable care that your own actions at work do not adversely affect the health and safety of others

Consult and co-operate with safety and health representatives

Co-operate with safety and health representatives

Keep record of injuries Report hazards and injuries following site procedures

Monitor and review workplace conditions Report potential hazards and unsafe conditions

“Within reason” means anything that was, or is, reasonably able to be done to ensure health and safety, taking into account the likelihood and consequences of risks, the availability and suitability of control measures and what the employer would be reasonably expected to know about risk management.

Page 14: RIIWHS201D Work safely and follow WHS ... - Sustainable Skills...4. Maintain personal wellbeing 4.1. Identify risks to personal wellbeing and recognise preventative strategies 4.2

Page 14SkillsDMC ©

LEARNING ACTIVITY 2Every company has a number of documents that outline the company safety policy. When you start work, it is important to familiarise yourself with these documents.

2.1. List three (3) examples of workplace health and safety documentation in the following space.

2.2. How are changes to safety policy communicated to staff in the workplace? List three (3) examples in the following space.

Page 15: RIIWHS201D Work safely and follow WHS ... - Sustainable Skills...4. Maintain personal wellbeing 4.1. Identify risks to personal wellbeing and recognise preventative strategies 4.2

Section 3

Page 15SkillsDMC ©

Health and safety representativesMany workplaces will have one or more health and safety representatives, or HSRs, that represent workers to company management on matters related to health and safety in that workplace. HSRs are an elected position within a company, where workers nominate and then vote for the person or persons who they want to represent them.

It is not mandatory for companies to have a HSR unless workers in that company/on that site request that an election be held; WHS legislation states that workers have the right to appoint a representative if they choose.

Under WHS legislation, HSRs have a number of powers to help them make workplaces safer, and to make sure that employers comply with reasonable requests made by HSRs.

HSRs that have received appropriate training from the health and safety regulator in their state or territory also have the power to request that unsafe work activities are stopped until the risks to health and safety are resolved.

If you identify any hazard or risk in the workplace, or if you have concerns about how health and safety is being managed at work, you can take these concerns to your HSR (if one has been appointed in your work area).

You can also raise safety concerns with your supervisor, who also has the responsibility of ensuring that people they are in charge of are safe at work.

Your supervisor/the HSR will explain where and how to find all the information you need and they must actively deal with any safety concerns that you raise. They will generally be the ones to explain all relevant safety issues.

Most sites require new employees and contractors to complete a safety induction before they can start work. This is part of the employer’s duty of care, to make sure that nobody on site causes, or is faced with, unnecessary risks.

Working together for safety

As you can see, safety is everybody’s business. Most workplaces have found that it works best when employers and employees work together to tackle safety issues. It is best to use input from everyone to form and keep a safe working environment.

WHS policies need to be reviewed and updated regularly, as a number of changes in the workplace can occur, such as:

• new equipment installed

• new work techniques

• different work location

• change in staff

It is important to remember that both you and your employer depend on each other to keep a safe workplace. Your employer must follow all the necessary acts, regulations and policies to ensure a safe working environment.

As an individual if anything comes to your attention that may look unsafe or could be performed in a safer manner, bring it to the attention of your supervisor, WHS representative or another appropriate person within the organisation.

Page 16: RIIWHS201D Work safely and follow WHS ... - Sustainable Skills...4. Maintain personal wellbeing 4.1. Identify risks to personal wellbeing and recognise preventative strategies 4.2

Page 16SkillsDMC ©

LEARNING ACTIVITY 3Duty of care in the workplace is the responsibility of both the employer and the employee and any other person who has an influence on the hazards of a workplace.

3.1. In general terms, what does duty of care in the workplace mean for everyone?

3.2. Why must workplace health and safety policies be reviewed and updated regularly?

Page 17: RIIWHS201D Work safely and follow WHS ... - Sustainable Skills...4. Maintain personal wellbeing 4.1. Identify risks to personal wellbeing and recognise preventative strategies 4.2

Section 4

Page 17SkillsDMC ©

General regulations on work sitesEach workplace will have some additional safety regulations that cover operations. These can vary from state to state and workplace to workplace, depending on the type of operation. Some examples are:

• minimum age restrictions on work sites (varies between 16 and 18 years of age)

• drug and alcohol policies (can be zero tolerance, random testing or more lenient rules)

• prohibited items, which range from drugs, alcohol and firearms on all sites to items that may cause danger on specific sites (e.g. radios in blasting zones or mobile phones)

Whenever starting a new job or starting at a new site, you should take the time to become familiar with these regulations and to understand your own responsibilities at work.

Accidents and incidents

A workplace incident is any occurrence, including a near-miss situation, which cause, or has the potential to cause, personal injury, disease, death, or damage to property.

All accidents and incidents should be reported to the site supervisor (who could be a manager, supervisor or other designated person) as soon as possible. This is important because:

• neglected minor injuries can become major problems

• the cause of the injury may require urgent attention to prevent further injuries

• late reports risk rejection of claims for workers compensation

In cases of serious injury, witness statements need to be taken before people leave the scene. If an investigation identifies a cause, then steps must be taken to change the situation so that it doesn’t happen again.

The object of having incidents reported is not to lay blame, but to find the cause and identify improvements to prevent recurrence.

Where a serious accident has occurred, the site must not be disturbed, nor any equipment moved, unless it is necessary to protect injured people.

Reporting an accident will involve an incident report that may look similar to the following report.

Page 18: RIIWHS201D Work safely and follow WHS ... - Sustainable Skills...4. Maintain personal wellbeing 4.1. Identify risks to personal wellbeing and recognise preventative strategies 4.2

Page 18SkillsDMC ©

Example: Incident Report Form

Incident Report FormName John Citizen

Date of Birth 01/02/1983

Address 41 Ramsay St,

Greenville, QLDDepartment Maintenance

Date of accident 09/08/2015

Details of accident Was beginning to drill a hole to repair a sheet of metal when I drilled into the back of my right hand. Was taken to Greenville Hospital Emergency Department where I was diagnosed with a hole in my hand and received 6 stitches and a protective dressing.

Details of treatment given Compression bandage. Ambulance called.

Corrective action required

Drilling activities to be postponed until further training and investigation takes place.

Signature of injured person

J. Citizen

Signature of manager/supervisor

Joseph Conrad

Page 19: RIIWHS201D Work safely and follow WHS ... - Sustainable Skills...4. Maintain personal wellbeing 4.1. Identify risks to personal wellbeing and recognise preventative strategies 4.2

Page 19SkillsDMC ©

LEARNING ACTIVITY 4Reporting accidents is an important part of workplace safety. This is so procedures can be improved to reduce the risk of an accident happening again. Familiarise yourself with the accident report on page 18.

4.1. What happened to John that caused him an injury?

4.2. What was the corrective action taken as a result of John’s injury?

4.3. Consider the following case study and respond to the following three questions

Rod always found a certain task difficult to perform because he had to use faulty machinery. He hated doing it because of the high risk that it might injure him. He never told anyone of his worry because he didn’t want to cause any trouble or slow down the workflow. One day he cut his hand while doing this task. Because it wasn’t a major injury, he just put up with the pain and kept on working.

1. What should Rod have done in the first place to avoid the risk of injury?

Page 20: RIIWHS201D Work safely and follow WHS ... - Sustainable Skills...4. Maintain personal wellbeing 4.1. Identify risks to personal wellbeing and recognise preventative strategies 4.2

Page 20SkillsDMC ©

2. Did Rod do the right thing by not reporting the injury and the faulty machinery?

3. Who should Rod have reported the injury to and why?

Page 21: RIIWHS201D Work safely and follow WHS ... - Sustainable Skills...4. Maintain personal wellbeing 4.1. Identify risks to personal wellbeing and recognise preventative strategies 4.2

Sec

tion

5

Page 21SkillsDMC ©

Hazard assessment A hazard is anything, including work methods and procedures, which has the potential to harm the health and safety of a person. Hazards are present in all workplaces. They cannot always be removed but if they are controlled or managed well they will not be a big risk to employees or others.

In order to control hazards, they need to be identified. A simple inspection can identify hazards such as:

• damaged or faulty tools and machinery

• not working or damaged machinery guards

• exposed electrical cables

• toxic chemicals

• messy workspace

• poor conditions such as a wet and poorly ventilated work area

Risk

Risk in the workplace can be defined as the chance of injury or loss occurring from a hazard. By removing a hazard from the workplace, such as a dangerous piece of machinery, then the risk of injury is also eliminated. If the machinery is fitted with a guard then the chances of it causing injury will be reduced. But the risk still exists as the guard could fail or not be used by an operator.

Risk assessment

An example of activities that involve a lot of risk include:

• handling tasks that are repeated all the time

• high noise levels

• lifting and handling heavy items

• hot working conditions

• cold working conditions

• harmful dust or vapours

Risk management is the process of identifying, hazards and the potential risk they have of causing injury or harm. The better the hazard control, the lower the risk of injury or loss to the worker.

The following flow chart outlines the method of managing risks when a hazard is found.

The employer is legally required to follow a risk management plan by identifying hazards in the workplace and using appropriate control measures to make sure they are safe.

If the hazard cannot be eliminated or removed then strategies must be put in place to reduce the risk of injury or loss.

For example, to control the risk of a hazard you could use equipment differently, add machine guards, use safer chemicals, use personal protective equipment and so on.

Figure 2: Controlling hazards in the workplace

1. IDENTIFY HAZARD

IN THE WORKPLACE

2.

WORK OUT THE RISK OF THE HAZARD CAUSING INJURY

OR HARM

3.

ACT TO ELIMINATE OR CONTROL THE

RISK CAUSING INJURY OR HARM

Page 22: RIIWHS201D Work safely and follow WHS ... - Sustainable Skills...4. Maintain personal wellbeing 4.1. Identify risks to personal wellbeing and recognise preventative strategies 4.2

Page 22SkillsDMC ©

LEARNING ACTIVITY 5Hazards cannot always be removed from the workplace. If they are managed well the risk to employees can be reduced a lot. In order to control hazards, they need to be identified.

5.1. Define what a hazard in the workplace is.

5.2. What are the three (3) main steps in the process of risk management? Outline them in the space provided.

Page 23: RIIWHS201D Work safely and follow WHS ... - Sustainable Skills...4. Maintain personal wellbeing 4.1. Identify risks to personal wellbeing and recognise preventative strategies 4.2

Sec

tion

6

Page 23SkillsDMC ©

Increasing workplace safety There are many things used in the workplace to increase safety.

Signs are used to warn people of potential dangers and show the location of safety and fire protection equipment. Different workplaces use different signs. You will need to know what signs are used in your workplace and what they mean. Following are some of the examples of different types of safety signs.

Mandatory signs

Mandatory signs have white symbols on a circular blue background. The words are black on a white background.

Prohibited action signs have black symbols on a white background, behind a red circle with a diagonal red slash. The wording is black on white.

Warning signs

Warning signs are an alert of hazards or hazardous conditions. Symbols and wording are black on a yellow background.

Page 24: RIIWHS201D Work safely and follow WHS ... - Sustainable Skills...4. Maintain personal wellbeing 4.1. Identify risks to personal wellbeing and recognise preventative strategies 4.2

Page 24SkillsDMC ©

Danger signs

Danger signs provide a warning when a hazard is likely to be life threatening. The word ‘danger’ is white in a red ellipse inside a black rectangle. Wording is black on white.

Fire signs

Fire signs advise the location of fire alarms and fire fighting equipment. Fire signs have white symbols and wording on a red background.

Emergency information signs

Emergency information signs indicate the location of emergency facilities. They have white symbols and wording on a green background.

DANGER

EXPLOSIVES

KEEP OUT

DANGER

TOXIC MATERIALS

Page 25: RIIWHS201D Work safely and follow WHS ... - Sustainable Skills...4. Maintain personal wellbeing 4.1. Identify risks to personal wellbeing and recognise preventative strategies 4.2

Page 25SkillsDMC ©

Information signs

Information signs have general information – they usually have the word ‘Notice’ in white inside a blue rectangle. The wording or symbol is black on a white background.

Tags

Personal Danger tags and Out-of-service tags are attached to alert people if equipment:

• is not working

• needs to be maintained or repaired

• needs additional material like fuel or lubricant

When machinery is stopped for repair, maintenance or cleaning, it must be isolated from the power source, and the isolating switch will be tagged with a suitable, prominent danger tag.

Machinery will not be restarted until the person who affixed the tag has ensured that it is safe to do so and has removed the tag.

In many resources and infrastructure industry work environments, there is a clear legal responsibility for tagging as a means of ensuring no risk to people working on machinery or equipment.

Before using any equipment or machinery you MUST read the tag and follow the instructions.

Even in instances where it is not a legal requirement, this process has proven to be effective at reducing the risk of harm to personnel working with or around machinery, and should be followed as a best practice.

At many sites tag out procedures are no longer adequate and a ‘lock out’ system is required but this still requires tag out procedures.

Page 26: RIIWHS201D Work safely and follow WHS ... - Sustainable Skills...4. Maintain personal wellbeing 4.1. Identify risks to personal wellbeing and recognise preventative strategies 4.2

Page 26SkillsDMC ©

There are strict requirements for the use of isolating devices and tags that must be adhered to. Tag out procedures may vary from site to site, but generally they are based on the two tag system:

Out of service tags that are yellow and black – designed to make sure that unsafe or faulty plant or equipment is not operated except in an emergency. This tag does NOT, by itself, provide personal protection and must not be used for this purpose

Personal danger tags that are red, black and white - designed for personal protection – each person must attach their own ‘Personal danger’ tag after first attaching an ‘Out of Service’ tag.

Page 27: RIIWHS201D Work safely and follow WHS ... - Sustainable Skills...4. Maintain personal wellbeing 4.1. Identify risks to personal wellbeing and recognise preventative strategies 4.2

Page 27SkillsDMC ©

Other safety notifiers

As well as signs there are other safety notifiers used on worksites. These include:

Alarms – Audible alarms such as sirens and horns can be used for a number of purposes, such as:

• a signal for evacuation in cases of emergency, for example a fire alarm to warn people

• a warning for equipment failure or malfunction

• a warning from equipment such as the start-up of equipment, a truck moving off or reversing

Colours – Particular colours can give people warning of potential dangers. For example:

• red and white stripes mean danger – no access

• black and yellow stripes mean caution, enter with care

Flashing lights – These are generally found on any moving vehicle, such as a motor vehicle, a crane or any motorised equipment. The colour of the lights may vary.

Pipe markers – These are attached to pipes and ducts to identify their contents and possible dangers.

Safety data sheets – These provide information on the health risks and effects of some substances. Without a safety data sheet you could remain unaware of the harmful risks. Safety data sheets contain:

• the substance the safety data sheet is about

• hazards

• information on safe storage, handling and personal protection

• the directions for use

• first aid instructions

• emergency procedures

• details of the manufacturer or supplier

Page 28: RIIWHS201D Work safely and follow WHS ... - Sustainable Skills...4. Maintain personal wellbeing 4.1. Identify risks to personal wellbeing and recognise preventative strategies 4.2

Page 28SkillsDMC ©

LEARNING ACTIVITY 6There are many different things used to make a workplace safe for everyone.

6.1. Give an example of four different things used to increase site safety. Then for each one briefly describe what it does.

Page 29: RIIWHS201D Work safely and follow WHS ... - Sustainable Skills...4. Maintain personal wellbeing 4.1. Identify risks to personal wellbeing and recognise preventative strategies 4.2

Sec

tion

7

Page 29SkillsDMC ©

Moving around the workplaceAn effective way of getting to know your new workplace is to learn how to safely move around it. As an employee you need to be aware of certain rules of access and the safest way of getting around.

Most workplaces have a detailed map or plan that is updated regularly. The information available to you will vary depending on the type of workplace as well as the kind of map and amount of detail it has.

A map must show all the relevant information related to navigating a workplace. It is very important that you are familiar with your workplace for various reasons. This is so you can:

• react properly in case of an emergency or accident

• move around the workplace appropriately

• save time by taking the best route

• be aware of the areas that are restricted or require protective equipment

• know your location at anytime

• avoid getting confused or lost

The typical information contained in a site map includes:

• boundaries (fences, walls and so on)

• gates (entries and exits)

• roads, walkways, declines, shafts

• emergency muster locations and escape routes

• location of emergency equipment (firefighting and first aid, emergency phones)

• speed limits

• restricted areas

You should always follow the directions of your supervisors and of any signs or barricades on the work site when it comes to where you are and are not allowed to be present. These directions are designed to keep everyone on the site safe and to allow the site to carry out its operations effectively.

Page 30: RIIWHS201D Work safely and follow WHS ... - Sustainable Skills...4. Maintain personal wellbeing 4.1. Identify risks to personal wellbeing and recognise preventative strategies 4.2

Page 30SkillsDMC ©

LEARNING ACTIVITY 77.1. Your instructor will give you a copy of a typical site plan. Use this to locate as many of the

following as possible on your site:

• boundaries (fences, walls and so on)

• gates (entries and exits)

• roads, walkways, declines, shafts

• emergency muster locations and escape routes

• location of emergency equipment (firefighting and first aid, emergency phones)

• speed limits

• restricted areas

7.2. Why is it important to have a map and an understanding of how to move around your workplace?

Page 31: RIIWHS201D Work safely and follow WHS ... - Sustainable Skills...4. Maintain personal wellbeing 4.1. Identify risks to personal wellbeing and recognise preventative strategies 4.2

Page 31SkillsDMC ©

Personal protective measuresAn important part of workplace safety is making sure that your individual safety is taken care of. One of the main ways to look after your own safety is to wear appropriate protective clothing and equipment.

Personal protective equipment

Personal protective equipment is a necessary part of personal safety that reduces the risk of injury at work. It includes clothing items such as proper footwear, head protection and gloves.

A national standard will apply to the type of protective clothing and equipment you will need to wear in the workplace, depending on the type of work you do.

Under an employer’s duty of care there is a responsibility to make sure those rules are followed. In areas where protective clothing and equipment must be worn there will be signs to alert you to this.

You must wear those items and follow any safety signs displayed at the workplace.

These personal safety items are called Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). PPE will help protect you from hazards that exist around the worksite.

PPE may consist of the following:

• Clothing (sturdy trousers/shirt/overalls) – protects you from dust, dirt, scratches, sun, cold and so on.

• Long sleeve shirts with collars and long trousers are recommended on most sites, and in some cases, mandatory. The minimum clothing required is a shirt with a collar and shorts (where allowed). All shirts must have collars. Tank tops and singlets are not allowed, and clothing must not be torn, loose fitting or have toggles or draw strings.

• Head protection (hard hat, sun hat, etc.) – protects your head from the sun or cold and impact injury from such things as falling objects. Correctly adjusted hard hats must be worn by all personnel at any work site.

Do not:

• make holes in hard hats for extra ventilation

• attach unauthorised stickers or paint the hard hat

• wear a chipped or cracked hard hat – replace it

• wear a hard hat after a solid impact – replace it

• be aware that hard hats have a use by date, beyond which they no longer conform to Australian safety standards

Foot protection (steel cap boots, gumboots, etc.) – protects your feet from wet, cold, slipping and impact damage.

• Steel toe cap safety boots are required by all personnel on many work sites and in workshop or environs. Calf length lace-up type boots are recommended with deep tread on the sole from synthetic material and leather uppers. Steel cap gum boots are provided for underground work and for wet conditions. Boots should always be in sound condition and laces should be firmly tied. It also pays to wear decent socks.

Hand protection (gloves) – depending on the material the gloves are made from they can protect you from heat, cold, cuts and abrasions, electricity, chemicals or biological infections.

High visibility vest – worn to make sure you stand out and others can see you.

Ear protection – worn in a noisy environment to protect your ears. Available in a number of forms, including earmuffs, disposable foam plugs, reusable plugs, individually fitted plugs and so on.

• As a general rule if it is necessary to shout to be heard above ambient noise level, protection is required.

• There are other areas where hearing protection may be required – usually these areas are designated by signs

• Remember – hearing loss is permanent

Sec

tion

8

Page 32: RIIWHS201D Work safely and follow WHS ... - Sustainable Skills...4. Maintain personal wellbeing 4.1. Identify risks to personal wellbeing and recognise preventative strategies 4.2

Page 32SkillsDMC ©

Eye protection – these vary from simple glasses or goggles to a full face mask to protect the eyes and face.

• Eye protection must be worn at all times by all personnel in designated areas which are identified by signs.

• Tinted lenses are required out of doors during the day to protection from the harmful rays of the sun

Respiratory protection – prevents you from inhaling dust, gases, harmful vapours and smoke.

• Be very careful if you have a beard – beards can interfere with effectiveness as a seal around the mask is required for it to work effectively.

• Discard disposable respirators if:

- there is any visible dirt or dust on the inside

- the respirator becomes damp

- there is any increased resistance to breathing

Sun protection – prevents you from being sunburnt. Protection includes SPF 15+ sun screen, sun brims for hard hats to protect your neck and ears.

• The best protection against the harmful effects of the sun is suitable clothing – recommended clothing includes long sleeve shirts with collars and long trousers – some client companies make this mandatory.

• Under Duty of Care individuals have a responsibility to ensure their own safety and health and this includes protection against the harmful rays of the sun.

• Remember – sunburn can occur on cloudy days as easily as on clear days.

Other PPE may include:

• wet weather gear

• cold weather protection

• fall arrest equipment

• safety harness

• (leather) apron

• welding PPE (note requirements for qualifications)

• insect repellent where identified need

• PPE for working at heights

• cap lamps for underground (note regulations)

• gas monitors (as required)

• self rescuer for underground work (note requirement for training)

The gear worn depends on the site, weather conditions, particular area you are working in and the type of work you are doing.

Generally, your employer provides you with PPE items, but it will be your responsibility and duty of care to wear it as required and maintain it in good condition.

If your protective gear is not in good condition, it may not do the job it is supposed to do. It is no longer fit for the purpose. For example, a torn sleeve will not protect your arm and can actually be a hazard by getting caught in machinery.

Page 33: RIIWHS201D Work safely and follow WHS ... - Sustainable Skills...4. Maintain personal wellbeing 4.1. Identify risks to personal wellbeing and recognise preventative strategies 4.2

Page 33SkillsDMC ©

Use of specific work related safety equipmentYou may have safety equipment that is specific to the work you are performing. For example, a self-rescuer is a piece of respiratory equipment used by miners in case of an emergency. All models of self-rescuers are kept in a box worn on an underground miner’s belt. It allows a person to breathe clean air in the case of an accident.

Each self-rescuer comes with a manufacturer’s instruction. If working on a work site it is absolutely vital for each person to become familiar with the type and function of their particular self-rescuer. When working in an underground mine it is essential to know how to fit and operate a self-rescuer and when to use it.

Page 34: RIIWHS201D Work safely and follow WHS ... - Sustainable Skills...4. Maintain personal wellbeing 4.1. Identify risks to personal wellbeing and recognise preventative strategies 4.2

Page 34SkillsDMC ©

LEARNING ACTIVITY 8The employer has a duty of care to make sure employees have the correct PPE in the workplace, depending on the requirements of the job. They must also display the appropriate signage showing what must be worn for personal protection.

8.1. What is your duty of care regarding personal protective equipment?

8.2. There are different items of PPE that you may be required to wear in order to help protect yourself while on the job. List three items of PPE commonly used in the workplace.

Page 35: RIIWHS201D Work safely and follow WHS ... - Sustainable Skills...4. Maintain personal wellbeing 4.1. Identify risks to personal wellbeing and recognise preventative strategies 4.2

Page 35SkillsDMC ©

8.3. Your trainer will provide you with a variety of PPE. For each object, fill in the following table.

Name of equipment What it protects the user from Type of worker who would use it

Page 36: RIIWHS201D Work safely and follow WHS ... - Sustainable Skills...4. Maintain personal wellbeing 4.1. Identify risks to personal wellbeing and recognise preventative strategies 4.2

Section 9

Page 36SkillsDMC ©

Maintaining safe working areasAs an employee it is part of your duty of care to look after your work area. Any risk you identify must be dealt with immediately. This can be done by:

• fixing the problem – for example pick up and move an obstacle or wipe up a slippery spill

• marking the hazard properly – for example put up an appropriate sign

• report the hazard in the right way to the right person

Some things you will have to deal with include:

• if operating any machinery/mobile plant, make sure you carry out pre-start check/procedures to identify any potential malfunctions

• visually check for safe ground conditions before entering an area

• be aware of machines and operators working in your proximity

• familiarise yourself with the location of emergency stop switches on relevant machinery

• if any objects are restricting walks or driveways, deal with them appropriately

Ventilation

When you enter an area you must be very careful that it has enough ventilation. If not you might have problems with your breathing and this can result in unconsciousness or even death. If you are unsure about an area’s safety always check with your supervisor.

This particularly applies to confined spaces. It is very important that you never enter a confined space that does not have adequate ventilation.

Page 37: RIIWHS201D Work safely and follow WHS ... - Sustainable Skills...4. Maintain personal wellbeing 4.1. Identify risks to personal wellbeing and recognise preventative strategies 4.2

Page 37SkillsDMC ©

LEARNING ACTIVITY 9Understanding your duty of care when you identify a risk could save someone from being injured. Complete the following activity to show you have an understanding of how you must exercise your duty of care.

9.1. Link the unfinished sentences on the left to their correct endings on the right.

If operating any machinery/mobile plant, I should…

…should remove it.

When I notice an obstacle that others could walk into and injure themselves I…

… carry out pre-start check/ procedures.

When entering an area I should visually check for…

…put up an appropriate sign.

To mark a hazard I should… …safe ground conditions.

Page 38: RIIWHS201D Work safely and follow WHS ... - Sustainable Skills...4. Maintain personal wellbeing 4.1. Identify risks to personal wellbeing and recognise preventative strategies 4.2

Page 38SkillsDMC ©

Permits and clearancesA permit is a legal document giving official permission to conduct an activity that requires specialised knowledge to carry out. For example, a driver’s licence is a type of permit that provides people with permission to drive on public roads.

Permits are required in the workplace to ensure the level of training and ability of people is sufficient to act in a safe manner. This applies to operating heavy machinery (like bulldozers, backhoes, forklifts) and undertaking dangerous activities (such as setting explosions and working in confined spaces).

Some permits, such as licences (or tickets) are issued by state and territory safety regulators (such as SafeWork or WorkCover), while other site-specific permits will be issued by an authorised person on the site.

Permit systems are used widely in the resources and infrastructure industries to maintain a safe working environment for all. They are an important part of the health and safety system, and form part of the duty of care for employers and employees.

If a particular activity on your site requires a permit or clearance, you must not commence work until the permit or clearance has been issued to you.

Section 10

Page 39: RIIWHS201D Work safely and follow WHS ... - Sustainable Skills...4. Maintain personal wellbeing 4.1. Identify risks to personal wellbeing and recognise preventative strategies 4.2

Page 39SkillsDMC ©

LEARNING ACTIVITY 10A permit is a legal document giving a person official permission to conduct an activity that requires specialised knowledge to carry out. Answer the following question to show you understand the core reason behind why permits are necessary.

10.1. Why do people need a permit for certain work activities?

Page 40: RIIWHS201D Work safely and follow WHS ... - Sustainable Skills...4. Maintain personal wellbeing 4.1. Identify risks to personal wellbeing and recognise preventative strategies 4.2

Section 11

Page 40SkillsDMC ©

Manual handlingCarrying out manual tasks can be hazardous. Manual handling is any activity that requires you to use appropriate methods of moving or lifting objects using your own strength. But some objects are too heavy, awkwardly shaped or require personal protective equipment. Any of these could cause injury if not handled right.

The National Standard for Manual Tasks (2007), and the associated National Code of Practice for the Prevention of Musculoskeletal Disorders, outlines the role that employees have in ensuring that manual tasks are carried out safely.

Your role as an employee is to follow the systems of work designed to ensure that you do not harm yourself or others through carrying out manual tasks.

When lifting, use the equipment provided to reduce risks. If you come across any manual handling issues you think are not safe, report them to your supervisor or health and safety representative immediately.

If you are experiencing pain or discomfort that may be related to your work, report that to your supervisor as well. You may also be required to complete an injury or incident report as well, detailing the nature of your injury and how it occurred.

Avoiding injury and correct lifting methods

Most workplace injuries are the result of using incorrect lifting methods. Lifting something the correct way is very important to avoid injury. Before lifting and carrying a heavy object, take a few moments to assess the situation by considering the following questions/suggestions:

• What are the risks involved in lifting the load?

• How far will I have to carry the load?

• Is the path clear of clutter, cords, slippery areas, overhangs, stairs, curbs, or uneven surfaces?

• Will there be doors that are closed? Do I need to ask someone to hold a door open or place a wedge under the door to hold it open?

• Once I get the load up, will I be able to see over the load, or will the load block my view?

• Can the load be disassembled, carried in pieces, and then reassembled?

• Should I take a few moments to size up the load? If so, I should test the weight by lifting a corner of the object. If it is too heavy or if the object is an odd shape I should stop and ask for help. Two or three people lifting a heavy object is much safer than trying to do it myself.

• Can I use a wheelbarrow or trolley to transport the load?

• Can I use a mechanical lifting device to transport the load?

• Do I need to use gloves to improve my grip and protect my hands?

• Is it safe to lift?

Page 41: RIIWHS201D Work safely and follow WHS ... - Sustainable Skills...4. Maintain personal wellbeing 4.1. Identify risks to personal wellbeing and recognise preventative strategies 4.2

Page 41SkillsDMC ©

Steps for manual handling

You should never lift anything that is so heavy that it will force you to over exert and strain yourself. If something is too heavy you should seek assistance when handling it.

Lifting

The key to lifting something safely is keeping your back straight or only slightly arched.

You should never use your back to lift! This can cause great pressure on your back and result in injury.

When lifting something you should always:

• start the lift by putting your feet close to the object

• with a firm footing centre your body over your feet

• squat down by bending your knees

• keep your back straight or slightly arched – you want your legs to do the lifting, not your back

• grasp the load securely with your hands, and pull the load close to you

• smoothly lift straight up

• never twist your body while lifting – keep your head up as if looking straight ahead

Carrying

When you are carrying the load you need to be equally as careful. Some rules to follow include:

• keep your back straight or slightly arched

• walk slowly and surely

• use your feet to change directions

• never twist your back

• avoid leaning over

• avoid lifting a load over your head

• if you become tired set the load down and rest for a few moments

Putting down manually handled loads

When you are putting down the load you can do just as much damage to yourself as you can when lifting. Setting the load down is the reverse order of lifting:

• position yourself where you want to put the load down

• squat down – let your legs to do the work, not your back

• never twist your body when putting down a load and keep your head up as if looking forward

• once the load is where you want it, release your grip. Never release your grip on a load until it is secure, you don’t want to drop a load on your foot. Or, if someone is helping you, dropping a load unexpectedly can injure the other person

Page 42: RIIWHS201D Work safely and follow WHS ... - Sustainable Skills...4. Maintain personal wellbeing 4.1. Identify risks to personal wellbeing and recognise preventative strategies 4.2

Page 42SkillsDMC ©

LEARNING ACTIVITY 1111.1. Get your trainer to provide an object which is around 70cm x 70cm and not too heavy to lift.

Practise the steps described previously for manual handling until you can perform the task competently. Demonstrate to your trainer how you perform the task.

Page 43: RIIWHS201D Work safely and follow WHS ... - Sustainable Skills...4. Maintain personal wellbeing 4.1. Identify risks to personal wellbeing and recognise preventative strategies 4.2

Page 43SkillsDMC ©

Harsh environments

Shift work and fatigue

Shift work affects different people in different ways. There are different theories about the best ways to handle shift work, but generally you will adjust better if you get adequate sleep, take regular exercise and avoid alcohol. It is recommended to establish and maintain a sleep pattern in a cool dark room. You must consider extended working hours – 12 hours x shifts worked – when planning for fatigue management.

Fatigue facts

Effects include:

• slowed reactions

• hallucinations

• decreased tolerance

• poor attention to job cycles

You are at most risk between 0100 and 0600 hrs and between 1300 and 1700 hrs. Staying awake for 17/18 hrs = similar to 0.05 blood alcohol

The first signs to watch for are wandering thoughts, NOT yawning and nodding off.

Emergency safety measures

An emergency is a situation or sudden unforeseen crisis that presents an immediate threat to human life or serious damage to property. An emergency situation can range from:

• personal injury

• gas leak

• fire

• flooding

• power failure

• dangerous ground conditions

• unplanned explosions

• mine collapse

• flammable liquid leak

A workplace will have a set area for everyone to assemble in the event that an emergency evacuation is required. These are often referred to as muster points or marshalling areas. A person in charge will identify whether all personnel are accounted for and give further instructions.

Workplace emergency procedures

Emergency procedures are developed by experienced people to provide leadership in an emergency – they provide instructions about what to do and where to go/assemble in the event of an emergency.

New employees would rarely have to take control of an emergency, but it is a possibility. Following procedures will be the safest course of action. Wherever it is safe to do so, the steps to follow usually include:

• identify and isolate the danger

• ascertain the extent of injury and administer appropriate treatment

• notify the supervisor as soon as possible

• request appropriate assistance, for example first aid, etc

• carry out prompt and effective first aid within limits of competence – do not move an injured person unless to provide first aid or avoid further injury

Sec

tion

12

Page 44: RIIWHS201D Work safely and follow WHS ... - Sustainable Skills...4. Maintain personal wellbeing 4.1. Identify risks to personal wellbeing and recognise preventative strategies 4.2

Page 44SkillsDMC ©

LEARNING ACTIVITY 1212.1. What are three examples of emergency situations that can occur on a work site?

Page 45: RIIWHS201D Work safely and follow WHS ... - Sustainable Skills...4. Maintain personal wellbeing 4.1. Identify risks to personal wellbeing and recognise preventative strategies 4.2

Page 45SkillsDMC ©

Emergency alertsAn emergency is alerted by a number of different methods depending on the circumstances. The need to recognise a state of emergency is very important and is often done by:

• an alarm signal such as a siren, flashing lights, alarm bell or horns, winder engine signals

• radio or telephone communication

• PA system notification

• being informed by a third party

To follow an emergency alert you need to respond in the appropriate way, which depends on the circumstances and specific workplace procedures. Make sure you clearly understand what is expected of you and act accordingly.

Alarms

Alarms give warning of an emergency. They can usually be heard, like a siren, or seen, like flashing lights. Some workplaces also use personal emergency devices (PED), worn by each individual to alert them of an emergency.

Your workplace will have specific methods to deal with an emergency situation. For example, in underground mines awareness of an emergency can be raised via stench gas, a foul but harmless gas released into the air duct system to alert individuals to evacuate.

After becoming aware of an alarm you will need to respond by following the procedures used at your worksite. Responses to alarms and emergencies vary from workplace to workplace and depend on the type of emergency. They can include:

• assembly at mustering points

• fresh air stations or refuge chambers

• outright evacuation of the workplace

Sec

tion

13

Page 46: RIIWHS201D Work safely and follow WHS ... - Sustainable Skills...4. Maintain personal wellbeing 4.1. Identify risks to personal wellbeing and recognise preventative strategies 4.2

Page 46SkillsDMC ©

LEARNING ACTIVITY 13An emergency is a crisis that presents an immediate threat to human life or serious damage to property. The need for everyone in the workplace to be aware of a state of emergency is very important. An emergency is signalled by a number of different methods depending on the circumstances.

13.1. Give an example of how an emergency situation can be signalled to everyone in the workplace.

13.2. Not all alarms can be heard. What is an example of how you could be alerted to an emergency situation using an alarm that is not designed to be heard?

Page 47: RIIWHS201D Work safely and follow WHS ... - Sustainable Skills...4. Maintain personal wellbeing 4.1. Identify risks to personal wellbeing and recognise preventative strategies 4.2

Page 47SkillsDMC ©

Emergency communicationAlerting people to an emergency in the workplace is very important and may be done through direct communication. Giving the right information to people can mean the difference between life and death. Most workplaces will have a number of communication systems such as:

• two-way-radio

• cellular phone (mobile)

• satellite telephone

• intercom

• personal address system

• mine telephone – particularly underground

• VHF radio

• UHF radio

• HF radio

When using communication equipment in an emergency, try to stay calm and speak slowly and clearly. Your response will require good common sense to help protect yourself and others around you in an emergency situation.

Emergency procedures, including communication systems, should be explained clearly to you during a safety induction.

The process for using specific communication equipment will be provided at induction.

Sources of help in an emergency include:

• police

• State Emergency Services

• Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS)

• client

• doctor

• ambulance

• hospital

• dial 000 – life threatening emergencies only

Using telephones

When using the telephone to report an emergency:

• dial the number

• give your name and exact location of the emergency

• give nature of the emergency

• give number of people involved

• give nature of any injuries

• listen for instructions

Using radios

When using UHF and VHF radios in an emergency:

• contact the supervisor or other designated person

• announce clearly and slowly ‘EMERGENCY ! EMERGENCY ! EMERGENCY !’

When contact is made:

• give your name and exact location of the emergency

• give nature of the emergency

• give number of people involved

• give nature of any injuries

• listen for instructions

Remember that radio channels are public so there should be no swearing and no idle chit chat.

Site specific frequencies will be provided at induction.

Sec

tion

14

Page 48: RIIWHS201D Work safely and follow WHS ... - Sustainable Skills...4. Maintain personal wellbeing 4.1. Identify risks to personal wellbeing and recognise preventative strategies 4.2

Page 48SkillsDMC ©

Contacting the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS)

If it is necessary to contact the RFDS:

• select the frequency tap on the aerial to suit the RFDS frequency to be used

• select the appropriate RFDS frequency

• call by voice the relevant RFDS base call sign and identify yourself

• if there is no immediate answer, keep trying – try three or four times

• if you are calling in an emergency and there is no answer, press the emergency button on the radio and hold it in for at least 20 seconds

• when the RFDS base operator answers identify yourself and nature of emergency

• maintain contact until advised all clear

Page 49: RIIWHS201D Work safely and follow WHS ... - Sustainable Skills...4. Maintain personal wellbeing 4.1. Identify risks to personal wellbeing and recognise preventative strategies 4.2

Page 49SkillsDMC ©

LEARNING ACTIVITY 14Most workplaces will have a number of communication systems to alert people in case of an emergency.

14.1. What are two different ways a workplace could communicate to people in an emergency?

Page 50: RIIWHS201D Work safely and follow WHS ... - Sustainable Skills...4. Maintain personal wellbeing 4.1. Identify risks to personal wellbeing and recognise preventative strategies 4.2

Section 15

Page 50SkillsDMC ©

What to do in an emergencyUnderstanding emergency procedures and how to use them is absolutely essential in the workplace.

Depending on the type of resources and infrastructure industries you are employed in, you may come across some of the following emergency systems and procedures:

• locations of escape routes

• locations of assembly points

• emergency communications

• fire procedures

• evacuation procedures

As part of an emergency procedure you may perform certain tasks to help stop an emergency situation increasing, such as controlling a fire.

Quick response by an individual can often prevent disaster. In the case of a fire the quicker it is attended to, the smaller the damage. You should be familiar with things such as:

• the location of fire fighting equipment

• which piece of equipment is suitable for different types of fire

• how to use the equipment correctly

First aid in the workplace

First aid is usually the first treatment provided after an accident or an emergency – it can save lives and prevent injury or illness from becoming worse; the more remote the site, the greater the need for first aid training.

First aid kits are provided on all work sites and it is critical that the contents are not contaminated, are kept up to date, and not used thoughtlessly.

In cases of serious injury, it is important that first aid is followed up with medical aid by a doctor, a paramedic or a registered nurse.

Fire prevention and control in the workplace

There are three elements needed for a fire to burn:

• fuel – anything combustible

• heat – naked flames, cigarette butts, sparks, electrical sources, equipment that becomes very hot

• oxygen

When combined in sufficient intensity, these elements create a chemical chain reaction between fuel and oxygen, promoted by heat, which leads to the formation of flames. Remove any of these ingredients and the fire will be extinguished or prevented.

OXY

GEN H

EAT

FUEL

Page 51: RIIWHS201D Work safely and follow WHS ... - Sustainable Skills...4. Maintain personal wellbeing 4.1. Identify risks to personal wellbeing and recognise preventative strategies 4.2

Page 51SkillsDMC ©

There are five different classes of fire, each with their own characteristics:

• Class A: ordinary combustibles – wood, paper

• Class B: flammable and combustible liquids – oil, petrol

• Class C: flammable gases – LPG

• Class E: fire involving energised electrical equipment

• Class F: fire involving cooking oils and fats

Also consider:

• bush, scrub and grass fires

• vehicle fires

• tyre fires

There are basic types of fire extinguishers, each of which should be used for different types of fire.

Type Used for: Description:

Powder ABE

CLASS ACLASS BCLASS C CLASS E

The fine powder aborbs fuel molecules, depriving the fire of a fuel source

Powder BE

CLASS BCLASS E

Works in the same manner as Powder ABE. Best used for fires in the boat, car or caravan.

Wet Chemical

CLASS ACLASS F

The chemical agent reacts with burning cooking oil or fat to form a suds-like blanket across the fuel, stopping the fuel and oxygen interacting

Water

CLASS A Discharge a stream of water onto the fire, lowering the temperature of burning material below ignition point.

Foam

CLASS ACLASS B

The foam covers burning material with a blanket of foam, cutting off the air supply and preventing the release of flammable vapours

Carbon Dioxide (CO2)

CLASS BCLASS E

CO2 is a non-conductive and non-corrosive gas that helps deprive a fire of oxygen.

Sapphire MRI

CLASS ACLASS E

Employs an eletrically non-conductive chemical agent that is specially designed to reduce the risk of damaging sensetive electronic equipment

Page 52: RIIWHS201D Work safely and follow WHS ... - Sustainable Skills...4. Maintain personal wellbeing 4.1. Identify risks to personal wellbeing and recognise preventative strategies 4.2

Page 52SkillsDMC ©

There are some basic firefighting rules that should be remembered:

• never use water on flammable liquid fires – this can lead to an explosion

• never use water on electrical fires

• dry powder extinguishers should be turned upside down and shaken regularly

• currency tags need to be checked regularly

• dial gauges indicate amount of charge

• extinguishers must be located where they are readily accessible and should not be removed

• use of extinguisher must be reported on an incident report

• extinguishers must not be abused and only used for fighting fires

In the event that you need to use a fire extinguisher, there is a simple process that you will need to follow to successfully combat the fire known as P.A.S.S.:

1. Pull out the safety pin and test the extinguisher

2. Aim the nozzle at the base and to the left or right of the fire and ensure that you have a means of escape

3. Squeeze the handle

4. Sweep the nozzle from side to side until the fire is extinguished

1. Pull pin 2. Aim hose at fire 3. Squeeze Trigger 4. Sweep nozzle side to side

Page 53: RIIWHS201D Work safely and follow WHS ... - Sustainable Skills...4. Maintain personal wellbeing 4.1. Identify risks to personal wellbeing and recognise preventative strategies 4.2

Page 53SkillsDMC ©

LEARNING ACTIVITY 1515.1. Knowing what to do in the case of an emergency is very important and could mean the

difference between life and death. List two examples of safety emergency procedures that you need to know about.

Page 54: RIIWHS201D Work safely and follow WHS ... - Sustainable Skills...4. Maintain personal wellbeing 4.1. Identify risks to personal wellbeing and recognise preventative strategies 4.2

Section 16

Page 54SkillsDMC ©

Personal well-beingPersonal well-being is the state of being healthy and in a good frame of mind. It is a very important aspect of safety in the workplace.

Shift work, extended working hours, long rosters, and unfamiliar living conditions add considerable strain to people.

By maintaining a good level of personal well-being you reduce the risk of personal injury or damage to property and others by being precise and aware of the outcomes of your actions.

Many accidents are the result of people losing concentration and not thinking about the job they are doing.

For example if you don’t feel well you may become fatigued and unable to operate effectively. Make sure you report it to the appropriate person. Don’t put yourself and others at risk.

Some aspects of personal well-being to be aware of include:

• sleeping well

• eating well

• exercising regularly

• drinking plenty of water

• wearing appropriate clothing for the working conditions

• if you feel unwell report it to the appropriate person

• reduce stress by discussing any problems you may have at work with the appropriate person

Taking care to keep a balance of the previous elements will help you to maintain personal well-being.

Page 55: RIIWHS201D Work safely and follow WHS ... - Sustainable Skills...4. Maintain personal wellbeing 4.1. Identify risks to personal wellbeing and recognise preventative strategies 4.2

Page 55SkillsDMC ©

Extreme working conditionsParticular care should be taken with personal well-being when working in extreme conditions as these can affect you greatly. Extreme conditions include very cold, very hot or extremely wet or dusty conditions.

Hot conditions

The effect of hot conditions will reduce your performance and make you more prone to accidents/injuries. Be aware and act accordingly. Some of the effects of working in hot conditions can include:

• dehydration

• heat stress (which can cause confusion)

• heat exhaustion

• heat stroke

• heat rash

• heat cramps

• Exposure to the sun can cause a risk of skin cancer

You can reduce the risks by:

• being physically fit

• wearing appropriate clothing – light colours are better than dark and cotton is better than synthetic material. The minimum requirement is short sleeve shirts with collars, but it is recommended that you wear long sleeve shirts with collars and long pants

• not wearing tight clothing but do be aware of the dangers of loose flapping clothes

• wearing suitable head protection when out in the open

• avoiding direct sunlight or heat

• trying to take breaks in cool places

• taking regular short rests in a cool area

• adjusting your output to the conditions

• drinking plenty of water – half a litre every half hour as a minimum (if you only start drinking when you feel thirsty you are already starting to become dehydrated)

• monitoring colour or urine – it should be pale

• monitoring frequency or passing urine – it should be regular

• avoiding alcohol as it causes dehydration

• wear SPF15+ suncream, and wear a brimmed hat at all times, as sunburn can occur on cloudy days as well as sunny days

Over exposure to the sun or other heat source is not always easy to recognise and occurs when the body’s temperature controlling mechanism cannot cope. Symptoms to look out for include:

• being tired or exhausted

• uncoordinated movements

• slowed reaction time

• slurred speech

• impaired sense of touch

• lips and hands swell

If you suffer from any heat related conditions you must seek treatment as symptoms can become life threatening.

Page 56: RIIWHS201D Work safely and follow WHS ... - Sustainable Skills...4. Maintain personal wellbeing 4.1. Identify risks to personal wellbeing and recognise preventative strategies 4.2

Page 56SkillsDMC ©

Cold conditions

Hypothermia is when the body’s temperature drops well below the normal 37oC. When the body’s temperature drops below 35oC, serious problems may occur.

Working in cold conditions can be as dangerous as heat. If the proper precautions are not taken it can lead to:

• loss of agility and strength

• impaired movement and feeling in extremities (stiff fingers, numb toes)

• physical discomfort

• shivering

• hypothermia

Longer term effects can include:

• coughs, colds and associated illness

• muscle stiffness

• rheumatism

Over exposure can be prompted by:

• clothing worn

• air temperature

• wind speed (chill factor)

• rain, snow, wet clothing, immersion in water

• period of exposure

This can be made worse by wet conditions. You can reduce the risks through:

• being physically fit

• wearing appropriate clothing (keeping warm and dry)

In both hot and cold conditions, your employer will provide you with appropriate clothing and equipment, and may also be able to improve the working conditions.

However, if you find working conditions lead to an unacceptable risk, use the workplace’s reporting process to raise the issue with the appropriate person.

Working underground

There are unique risks associated with working underground.

Heat underground

Temperatures underground tend not to be influenced by surface weather patterns but there are other considerations. Rock temperatures increase with depth. Temperature varies with rock type but ambient temperatures can be quite high. This must be considered when planning management of heat induced problems.

High humidity underground

Inflows of water can increase humidity. Without cooling action of evaporation conditions can become uncomfortable. Working in a humid environment requires management of fluid intake and rest periods. Water inflows can be hot, which adds to temperature and humidity.

Working in the dark underground

Two issues:

• restricted lighting

• direction finding

When there is no artificial light underground, it is pitch dark. Artificial light is provided by mine lighting and, for safety reasons this is usually good. Additional light is provided by ‘cap lamps’

When working underground, consider:

• altered depth perception

• deep shadows

• glare

• time taken for eyes to adjust

Page 57: RIIWHS201D Work safely and follow WHS ... - Sustainable Skills...4. Maintain personal wellbeing 4.1. Identify risks to personal wellbeing and recognise preventative strategies 4.2

Page 57SkillsDMC ©

Direction finding underground

Moving on the surface is aided by the sun, moon or certain stars. Underground, none of these exist and it can take time to develop a sense of direction. Pay attention to where you are going and learn to recognise the signs provided that give directions.

If in doubt, ask.

Fumes underground

There are two main sources of fumes, both controlled by strict legislative requirements. Diesel engines produce carbon monoxide controlled by scrubbers.

Blasting causes noxious gases cleared by ventilation. There are strict requirements for re-entry after blasting, enforced by mining personnel.

Health and hygiene

Hygiene is very beneficial for good health and personal well-being. Maintaining cleanliness helps prevent diseases and is the responsibility of the individual.

Poor hygiene can affect your own health as well as those of others. For example practices such as washing your hands after using the toilet and before handling food reduces the chance of spreading bacteria and hepatitis.

Some general rules to follow include:

• look after your personal hygiene and change work clothes daily

• follow procedures regarding soiled clothing

• wash your hands thoroughly before having food or drink and after using the toilet

• keep rooms tidy and use the facilities provided, including waste containers

Page 58: RIIWHS201D Work safely and follow WHS ... - Sustainable Skills...4. Maintain personal wellbeing 4.1. Identify risks to personal wellbeing and recognise preventative strategies 4.2

Page 58SkillsDMC ©

LEARNING ACTIVITY 16Personal well-being is an important aspect of safety in the workplace.

16.1. Give three (3) examples of possible demands that can be placed on you in the workplace that might affect your well-being.

16.2. What are three (3) elements that you must keep a balance of to maintain your personal well-being?

Page 59: RIIWHS201D Work safely and follow WHS ... - Sustainable Skills...4. Maintain personal wellbeing 4.1. Identify risks to personal wellbeing and recognise preventative strategies 4.2

Page 59SkillsDMC ©

Working in hot conditions can cause dehydration, exhaustion and cramps.

16.2. What are two precautions you can take when working in hot conditions?

Being fit and wearing appropriate clothing reduces the personal risks of working in cold conditions.

16.3. What are two symptoms of being affected by the cold?

Page 60: RIIWHS201D Work safely and follow WHS ... - Sustainable Skills...4. Maintain personal wellbeing 4.1. Identify risks to personal wellbeing and recognise preventative strategies 4.2

Page 60SkillsDMC ©

16.4. Poor hygiene can lead to the spread of illness and disease. In the following grid of letters find the words that are in bold in the sentences about general hygiene rules.

A F T T P H Q

N U I O K A U

H Y G I E N E

S O I L E D B

G X Z E Y S M

W A S T E G H

• look after your personal hygiene and change work clothes daily

• follow procedures regarding soiled clothing

• wash your hands thoroughly before having food or drink and after using the toilet

• keep rooms tidy and use the facilities provided, including waste containers.

16.5. Provide three examples of different situations where you must wash your hands afterwards.

Page 61: RIIWHS201D Work safely and follow WHS ... - Sustainable Skills...4. Maintain personal wellbeing 4.1. Identify risks to personal wellbeing and recognise preventative strategies 4.2

Page 61SkillsDMC ©

Anti-discrimination and harassment Discrimination is the judgement and treatment of a person or group on the basis of prejudice and unfair bias.

All workplaces have a policy on discrimination and harassment in line with the Commonwealth and state/territory laws. It prohibits harassment and discrimination on the basis of:

• age

• race

• religious beliefs

• sexual orientation

• political beliefs

• disability

• marital status

• parental status

• pregnancy

• physical features

• breastfeeding

• criminal record

• career status

• union membership

• gender identity

• personal association

As an employee you have a responsibility to treat people in the workplace with respect. You also have a right to be treated with respect by your co-workers.

While discrimination occurs frequently in and out of the workplace, when it occurs in the workplace you should be able to tell someone and have the matter dealt with properly.

It is an employer’s responsibility to deal with any issue that you feel you can’t deal with or handle yourself. There are laws to stop discrimination in the workplace. Unreported discrimination in the workplace is bad for everyone.

As a first step the issue should be discussed with your supervisor and an equal employment officer if required. It is their job to investigate discrimination cases or issues in the workplace.

Harassment may include:

• threats

• abuse

• bullying

• intimidation

• bastardisation

• physical violence

• practical jokes

• behaviour intended to humiliate

Examples of sexual harassment include:

• uninvited touching, kissing or embraces

• smutty jokes or comments with a sexual innuendo

• threats or promises involving sexual favours

• displays of sexually graphic material

• sexual gestures

• sex based insults, teasing

• unwelcome physical contact

• staring or leering

• touching or fiddling with clothing without invitation

• requests for sex

• sexually explicit conversation

• persistent questions about private life

Behaviour based on mutual attraction or friendship, where the interaction is consensual, welcome or reciprocated is not sexual harassment.

Sec

tion

17

Page 62: RIIWHS201D Work safely and follow WHS ... - Sustainable Skills...4. Maintain personal wellbeing 4.1. Identify risks to personal wellbeing and recognise preventative strategies 4.2

Page 62SkillsDMC ©

LEARNING ACTIVITY 17Anti-discrimination and harassment policy prohibits the unfair judgement and treatment of a person in the workplace.

17.1. Who should you discuss the issue of discrimination and harassment within the workplace?

17.2. What does the workplace discrimination policy prohibit?

Page 63: RIIWHS201D Work safely and follow WHS ... - Sustainable Skills...4. Maintain personal wellbeing 4.1. Identify risks to personal wellbeing and recognise preventative strategies 4.2

Page 63SkillsDMC ©

Sec

tion

18

Take positive safe actionRoutine and good habits can assist with well-being. Some people are better at looking after themselves than others.

Set a good example if you see something that others might have missed. For example, by picking up a discarded plastic bag outside the tea room you may prevent a colleague from tripping over it. Or if you notice a warning alarm is not working when a truck is reversing, you should alert the appropriate person to remove the risk of someone being injured.

If you notice any situation that could potentially put anyone at risk, fix it or tell the appropriate person about it.

Behaving safely is part of your duty of care. The following actions are not acceptable:

• horseplay and practical jokes

• tampering with people’s equipment

• leaving rubbish lying around

All these are potential and unnecessary risks to you and others that can be avoided.

Smoking, alcohol and drug use

Most sites have smoking restrictions in many areas. Employers have the responsibility to protect all those under their care from the adverse effects of smoking. Some sites have a total smoke ban for these reasons, others for safety reasons. Your employer will inform you before you go on site of what the rules are. If you are not told, make sure you find out.

Drugs and alcohol are not allowed in the workplace. Many workplaces conduct random tests and have strict policies about drugs and blood alcohol content when reporting to work.

The use of alcohol or drugs can affect a person’s efficiency, safety and health. In addition, these may threaten the welfare of other employees, contractors or visitors, and expose the organisation to the risks of injury to other persons and potential property loss or damage.

Employees whose blood alcohol level exceeds 0.02 (in some cases zero) or who are under the influence of illegal drugs, or affected by prescription drugs causing impairment of performance, constitute a ‘hazard’ under Duty of Care.

If you are taking a drug prescribed by your doctor that may influence your performance at work or affect your ability to operate machinery, you must discuss it with your supervisor before reporting to work. Alternative working arrangements may be needed to protect the safety of you and others.

Page 64: RIIWHS201D Work safely and follow WHS ... - Sustainable Skills...4. Maintain personal wellbeing 4.1. Identify risks to personal wellbeing and recognise preventative strategies 4.2

Page 64SkillsDMC ©

Drug and alcohol laws and regulations

Resources and infrastructure companies normally have a number of conditions that employees must follow. Employment offers will only be made to those who have:

• a satisfactory medical examination by a company nominated doctor

• a negative drug screen test

Any prospective employee returning a positive drug screen test will be considered unsuitable for employment.

Once employed, employees need to agree to undertake drug and alcohol screening at any time by the employer, client or any duly constituted authority (e.g. Police, Mines Department). If you refuse a drug and alcohol screening test, you will be considered unfit for duty and you could be terminated from your position.

The use, storage, sale or trade of illegal drugs or drugs of addiction extends to all company or client premises, which means mining leases, exploration tenements where work is being or may be carried out, camps and company vehicles.

In the context of testing and regulation, ‘Drugs’ include, but are not limited to:

• illegal drugs, such as marijuana, amphetamines, cocaine, opiates and other narcotics

• prescription drugs such as Librium, Serapax, Valium, barbiturates or methadone

• any other prescription or non-prescription drug or substance that has the potential to impair judgement or performance

Employees working on work sites should also note that:

• alcohol levels above zero are usually not acceptable

• detection of banned substances below prescribed cut off levels will be taken as an indication of the use of banned substances and action will be taken accordingly

• the dehydration that results from consumption of alcohol should be recognised

Page 65: RIIWHS201D Work safely and follow WHS ... - Sustainable Skills...4. Maintain personal wellbeing 4.1. Identify risks to personal wellbeing and recognise preventative strategies 4.2

Page 65SkillsDMC ©

LEARNING ACTIVITY 1818.1. Many workplaces have a strict policy on drugs and alcohol. What are some of the possible

outcomes of being under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the workplace?

18.3. If you are taking a drug prescribed by your doctor that may influence your performance at work or affect your ability to operate machinery, what should you do?

Page 66: RIIWHS201D Work safely and follow WHS ... - Sustainable Skills...4. Maintain personal wellbeing 4.1. Identify risks to personal wellbeing and recognise preventative strategies 4.2

Page 66SkillsDMC ©

Check Your UnderstandingThis section of the Learner Workbook contains the Check Your Understanding activities.

You should complete these activities when you have finished the training for this Unit to check that you have developed the skills and knowledge required to be found Competent in a formal assessment for this Unit.

If you have any difficulty in completing these activities, you should revise the content of this Learner Workbook or ask your trainer for further assistance.

Check understanding

Page 67: RIIWHS201D Work safely and follow WHS ... - Sustainable Skills...4. Maintain personal wellbeing 4.1. Identify risks to personal wellbeing and recognise preventative strategies 4.2

Page 67SkillsDMC ©

Knowledge questionsAnswer the following questions in the space provided.

1. Workplace safety is more than just trying not to get hurt. Define what safety in the workplace is.

2. The definition of Work Health and Safety (WHS) is keeping people safe and healthy at their place of work by prevention of accidents, injury and illness Workers and employers at all times must follow the appropriate codes of practice that are in the WHS Act. What does the WHS Act outline?

Page 68: RIIWHS201D Work safely and follow WHS ... - Sustainable Skills...4. Maintain personal wellbeing 4.1. Identify risks to personal wellbeing and recognise preventative strategies 4.2

Page 68SkillsDMC ©

3. Every company will have a number of documents regarding safety in the workplace. Name one of the types of documents available regarding safety in the workplace.

4. Health and safety representatives can have different roles in the workplace such as a manager, supervisor, foreman, team leader and so on. What is the job of the health and safety representative in the workplace?

Page 69: RIIWHS201D Work safely and follow WHS ... - Sustainable Skills...4. Maintain personal wellbeing 4.1. Identify risks to personal wellbeing and recognise preventative strategies 4.2

Page 69SkillsDMC ©

5. Safety in the workplace is more than just the job of the health and safety representative. Whose job is it in the workplace to ensure safety?

6. Your obligation of duty of care in the workplace is very important to understand. It applies to employer, employee and anyone who has an influence on hazards in the workplace. What does duty of care in the workplace mean?

Page 70: RIIWHS201D Work safely and follow WHS ... - Sustainable Skills...4. Maintain personal wellbeing 4.1. Identify risks to personal wellbeing and recognise preventative strategies 4.2

Page 70SkillsDMC ©

7. Reporting accidents is a very important part of site safety. What do you use to record the details and report an accident in the workplace?

8. What is the definition of a hazard in the workplace?

Page 71: RIIWHS201D Work safely and follow WHS ... - Sustainable Skills...4. Maintain personal wellbeing 4.1. Identify risks to personal wellbeing and recognise preventative strategies 4.2

Page 71SkillsDMC ©

9. What do you call the process of identifying hazards and their potential risk of causing injury or harm?

10. An Equal Employment Officer (EEO) is the person you should discuss any discrimination and harassment issues within the workplace. What does a workplace policy on discrimination and harassment prohibit? List these in the following space.

Page 72: RIIWHS201D Work safely and follow WHS ... - Sustainable Skills...4. Maintain personal wellbeing 4.1. Identify risks to personal wellbeing and recognise preventative strategies 4.2

Page 72SkillsDMC ©

11. There are many different things used in the workplace to increase safety such as signs and warning notices. Name two other things that are used in the workplace to specifically increase safety.

12. It is very important to have an understanding of how to move around your workplace. What are three examples of the typical information that a workplace map will contain?

Page 73: RIIWHS201D Work safely and follow WHS ... - Sustainable Skills...4. Maintain personal wellbeing 4.1. Identify risks to personal wellbeing and recognise preventative strategies 4.2

Page 73SkillsDMC ©

13. An employer has a duty of care to make sure employees have the correct equipment in the workplace depending on the requirements of the job. What does PPE stand for regarding safety in the workplace?

14. What is your duty of care and responsibility regarding PPE?

Page 74: RIIWHS201D Work safely and follow WHS ... - Sustainable Skills...4. Maintain personal wellbeing 4.1. Identify risks to personal wellbeing and recognise preventative strategies 4.2

Page 74SkillsDMC ©

15. The need for everyone in the workplace to be aware of a state of emergency is very important. An emergency is signalled by a number of different methods depending on the circumstances. Give two examples of how an emergency situation can be signalled.

16. What are three examples of an emergency situation that can occur in the workplace in the resources and infrastructure industries?

Page 75: RIIWHS201D Work safely and follow WHS ... - Sustainable Skills...4. Maintain personal wellbeing 4.1. Identify risks to personal wellbeing and recognise preventative strategies 4.2

Page 75SkillsDMC ©

17. Personal well-being is the state of being healthy and in a good frame of mind. It is a very important aspect of safety in the workplace. Shift work, extended working hours, long rosters, and unfamiliar living conditions add considerable strain to people. What are three elements that you must maintain a balance of to ensure your personal well-being?

18. Working in hot conditions can cause dehydration, exhaustion and cramps. What are two precautions you can take when working in hot conditions?

Page 76: RIIWHS201D Work safely and follow WHS ... - Sustainable Skills...4. Maintain personal wellbeing 4.1. Identify risks to personal wellbeing and recognise preventative strategies 4.2

Page 76SkillsDMC ©

19. Being fit and wearing appropriate clothing reduces the personal risks of working in cold conditions. What are two symptoms that can occur when working in cold conditions?

20. Many workplaces have a strict policy on drugs and alcohol. What are some of the possible outcomes of being under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the workplace?

Page 77: RIIWHS201D Work safely and follow WHS ... - Sustainable Skills...4. Maintain personal wellbeing 4.1. Identify risks to personal wellbeing and recognise preventative strategies 4.2

Page 77SkillsDMC ©

21. If you are taking prescribed medicine that may influence your performance at work or affect your ability to operate machinery, what should you do?

Page 78: RIIWHS201D Work safely and follow WHS ... - Sustainable Skills...4. Maintain personal wellbeing 4.1. Identify risks to personal wellbeing and recognise preventative strategies 4.2

Page 78SkillsDMC ©

Practical activities1. Most workplaces have a health and safety representative. For the following activity get your

assessor to act in the role of the health and safety representative. Using the following points demonstrate that you can clearly explain the following issues of safety. A power tool you are using has the following problems.

- broken safety guard

- turns itself on and off at unexpected times

- power connection is located near a puddle of water

- power lead is torn

Explain to your assessor in a clear and concise manner what the possible risks of each hazard are

2. Using the problems outlined in Task 1 and the following further details, give your assessor a written report that outlines the problems and demonstrates you can document the safety issues clearly. You went to use a drill and noticed the previous problems. The time was 9.00am on 05/04/2015. There was no injury caused. You immediately put up notification to prevent anyone from using it.

3. Attempt EITHER A or B A. There are many safety devices that are used in the workplace. Get your assessor to arrange for a visit to a workplace and make a list of all the safety devices that you can see. Show your assessor that you are familiar with the purpose and use of each device. OR B. Using the internet, research an example of an accident that has taken place in a workplace that is similar to the one you will be working in. Answer the following questions. How could the accident have been avoided? What safety devices were or were not in place?

Page 79: RIIWHS201D Work safely and follow WHS ... - Sustainable Skills...4. Maintain personal wellbeing 4.1. Identify risks to personal wellbeing and recognise preventative strategies 4.2

Page 79SkillsDMC ©

4. Get your trainer to provide an object for you to perform a manual handling activity. Demonstrate that you can competently apply safe lifting techniques. Your assessor will use the following checklist to assess your ability.

LiftingAssess weight of object

Start the lift by putting feet close to the object

Get a firm footing

Centre body over feet

Squat down by bending knees

Back straight or slightly arched

Get legs to do the lifting, not the back

Grasp the load securely with hands, and pull the load close to body

Smoothly lift straight up

No twisting of body while lifting

Keep head up as if looking straight ahead

CarryingBack straight or slightly arched

Walk slowly and surely

Use feet to change directions

No leaning overw

Doesn’t lift a load over head

Rest to avoid strain

Putting downCorrect positioning of where the load is to be put down

Let legs to do the work, not the back

Grip released on load only when it is secure

5. Demonstrate through your personal grooming and behaviour that you are able to maintain a level of personal well-being and hygiene. Show your assessor that you can practise hygiene by demonstrating how you would wash your hands to maintain their cleanliness. Explain when you should wash your hands, even if they do not appear dirty.

Page 80: RIIWHS201D Work safely and follow WHS ... - Sustainable Skills...4. Maintain personal wellbeing 4.1. Identify risks to personal wellbeing and recognise preventative strategies 4.2

Page 80SkillsDMC ©

6. Think about a task in the workplace that will involve the following safety aspects:

- identification of the required PPE

- evaluation of the safety aspects of the task and the site

- obtaining a permit for work for the task

- applying the correct manual handling procedures

Describe the task, then describe the safety considerations that are required to complete the task safely.

Page 81: RIIWHS201D Work safely and follow WHS ... - Sustainable Skills...4. Maintain personal wellbeing 4.1. Identify risks to personal wellbeing and recognise preventative strategies 4.2

Page 81SkillsDMC ©

Answers to Learning activities

Learning activity 1

1.1. Define what safety is in the workplace.

Answer:Safety means avoiding any potential danger and risks that may cause injury or harm. It is an awareness of what can cause personal injury, disease, death or property damage at work and make sure you recognise and control workplace hazards.

1.2. List three issues you have noticed in the last week at work (or work experience).

Answer: - The answers will depend on the learner’s

situation but may include:

- electrical cords across the floor

- chemicals left out, and not correctly stored away

- no smoke alarms

- sharp knives left lying around

Learning activity 2

2.1. List three (3) examples of workplace health and safety documentation.

Answer: - Posters

- Work procedures/manual

- WorkCover/WorkSafe materials

2.1. How are any changes to safety policy communicated to staff in the workplace? List three (3) examples in the following space

Answer:The answers will vary but may include:

- notice boards

- staff safety memos

- safety meetings/training

- brochures/booklets

- a combination of the answers

Ans

wer

s

Page 82: RIIWHS201D Work safely and follow WHS ... - Sustainable Skills...4. Maintain personal wellbeing 4.1. Identify risks to personal wellbeing and recognise preventative strategies 4.2

Page 82SkillsDMC ©

Learning activity 3

3.1. In general terms, what does duty of care in the workplace mean for everyone?

Answer:Duty of care for employers and employees is to create and maintain a safe and healthy working environment.

3.2. Why must workplace health and safety policies be reviewed and updated regularly?

Answer:To ensure that these policies remain accurate when circumstances at work change, e.g. changing equipment, personnel, work methods, etc.

Learning activity 4

4.1. What happened to John that caused him an injury?

Answer:John was not using the correct procedures for drilling through the metal plate.

4.2. What was the corrective action taken as a result of John’s injury?

Answer:A compression bandage was put over the wound and an Ambulance called.

4.3. Consider the following case study and respond to the following three questions. Rod always found a certain task difficult to perform because he had to use faulty machinery. He hated doing it because of the high risk that it might injure him. He never told anyone of his worry because he didn’t want to cause any trouble or slow down the workflow. One day he cut his hand while doing this task. Because it wasn’t a major injury, he just put up with the pain and kept on working.

1. What should Rod have done in the first place to avoid the risk of injury?

Answer:Rod should have reported the faulty equipment to his supervisor.

2. Did Rod do the right thing by not reporting the injury and the faulty machinery?

Answer:No

3. Who should Rod have reported the injury to and why?

Answer:Rod should have reported the injury to his supervisor.

Answ

ers

Page 83: RIIWHS201D Work safely and follow WHS ... - Sustainable Skills...4. Maintain personal wellbeing 4.1. Identify risks to personal wellbeing and recognise preventative strategies 4.2

Page 83SkillsDMC ©

Learning activity 5

5.1. Define what a hazard in the workplace is.

Answer:

A hazard is anything, including work methods and procedures, that has the potential to harm the health and safety of a person.

5.2. What are the three main steps in the process of risk management? Outline them in the space provided.

Answer:The three (3) main steps are:

- identify the hazard in the workplace

- work out the risk of the hazard causing injury or harm

- act to eliminate to control the risk causing injury or harm

Learning activity 6

6.1. Give an example of four (4) different things used to increase site safety. Then for each one briefly describe what it does.

Answer:The answers will vary but may include:

- signs are used to warm people of potential dangers and show the location of fire and safety equipment

- signs are used to identify and define restricted areas

- warning notices are used to inform people of danger that can be read in a number of places such as notice boards

- alarms such as sirens and horns are used to signal evacuation in case of emergency, a warning for equipment malfunction, a warning for a truck reversing

- out of service tags are used to identify plant or equipment that must not be used

Ans

wer

s

Page 84: RIIWHS201D Work safely and follow WHS ... - Sustainable Skills...4. Maintain personal wellbeing 4.1. Identify risks to personal wellbeing and recognise preventative strategies 4.2

Page 84SkillsDMC ©

Learning activity 7

7.1. Your instructor will give you a copy of a typical site plan. Use this to locate as many of the following as possible on your site

Answer:Answers will be site specific.

7.2. Why is it important to have a map and an understanding of how to move around your workplace?

Answer:So you can move around the workplace safely and know where to go in case of an emergency.

Learning activity 8

8.1. What is your duty of care regarding personal safety equipment?

Answer:

An employee’s duty of care is to use the personal safety equipment and look after it.

8.2. There are different items that you may be required to wear in order to help protect yourself while on the job. List three items of PPE commonly used in the workplace.

Answer:

Answers will vary, but may include:

- sturdy trousers/short/overalls vest

- ear protection

- eye protection

- head protection such as hard hat

- hand protection such as gloves

- boots to protect

- the feet

- a high visibility vest

8.3. Your trainer will provide you with a variety of PPE. For each object, fill in the following table.

Answer: Sample answer:

Name of equipment

What it protects the

user from

Type of worker who would use it

Hard hat Falling objects or low beams

Working on a construction or mine site

Boots Protects feet from cold, heat, wet and impact damage

Working with chemicals

Ear plugs Protects ears from noise

Working with noisy machinery

Safety glasses/face shield

Protects the eyes

Working with chemicals

Learning activity 9

9.1. Link the unfinished sentences on the right to their correct endings on the right.

Answer:

If operating any machinery/mobile plant, I should...

carry out pre-start check/procedures

When I notice an obstace that others could walk into and injure themselves I...

should remove it

When entering an area I should visually check for...

safe ground conditions

To mark a hazard I should...

put up an appropriate sign or barrier tape

Learning activity 10

10.1. Why do people need a permit for certain work activities?

Answer:A permit gives permission to conduct an activity that requires specialised knowledge to carry out.

Answ

ers

Page 85: RIIWHS201D Work safely and follow WHS ... - Sustainable Skills...4. Maintain personal wellbeing 4.1. Identify risks to personal wellbeing and recognise preventative strategies 4.2

Ans

wer

s

Page 85SkillsDMC ©

Learning activity 11

11.1. Your trainer will provide an object which is around 70cm x 70cm and not too heavy to lift. Practise the steps described in the guide for manual handling until you can perform the task competently. Demonstrate to your trainer how you perform the task.

Answer:The steps that should be performed are:

- start the lift by putting your feet close to the object

- with a firm footing centre your body over your feet

- squat down by bending your knees

- keep your back straight or slightly arched – you want your legs to do the lifting, not your back

- grasp the load securely with your hands, and pull the load close to you

- smoothly lift straight up

- never twist your body while lifting – keep your head up as if looking straight ahead

Learning activity 12

12.1. What are three (3) examples of emergency situations that can occur on a worksite?

Answer:The answers will vary but may include:

- fire

- power failure

- chemical spill

- dangerous ground conditions

- gas leak

Learning activity 13

13.1. Give an example of how an emergency situation can be signalled to everyone in the workplace.

Answer:

A fire alarm can give everyone a warning of an emergency

13.2. Not all alarms can be heard. What is an example of how you could be alerted to an emergency situation using an alarm that is not designed to be heard?

Answer:In underground mines a foul smelling but harmless gas can be released into the air duct system to alert individuals to evacuate.

Learning activity 14

14.1. What are two different ways a workplace could communicate to people in an emergency?

Answer: - a public address system

- a two way radio

Learning activity 15

15.1. List two examples of safety emergency procedures that you need to know about.

Answer:Answers will vary, but may include:

- location of assembly points

- location of escape routes

Page 86: RIIWHS201D Work safely and follow WHS ... - Sustainable Skills...4. Maintain personal wellbeing 4.1. Identify risks to personal wellbeing and recognise preventative strategies 4.2

Answ

ers

Page 86SkillsDMC ©

Learning activity 16

16.1. Give three examples of possible demands that can be placed on you in the workplace that might affect your well-being.

Answer:

Answers will vary, but may include:

- working long hours

- unfamiliar living conditions

- long rosters

16.2. What are three elements that you must keep a balance of to maintain your personal well-being?

Answer:Answers will vary, but may include:

- eating well

- exercising regularly

- sleeping well

16.3. What are two precautions you can take when working in hot conditions?

Answer:Answers will vary, but may include:

- wear appropriate clothing

- being physically fit

16.4. What are two symptoms of being affected by the cold?

Answer:Answers will vary, but may include:

- loss of strength

- shivering

16.5.

Answer:

A F T T P H Q

N U I O K A U

H Y G I E N E

S O I L E D B

G X Z E Y S M

W A S T E G H

16.6. Provide three examples of different situations where you must wash your hands afterwards.

Answer:Answers will vary but may include:

- after using the toilet

- before handling food

- gardening

Page 87: RIIWHS201D Work safely and follow WHS ... - Sustainable Skills...4. Maintain personal wellbeing 4.1. Identify risks to personal wellbeing and recognise preventative strategies 4.2

Ans

wer

s

Page 87SkillsDMC ©

Learning activity 17

17.1. Who should you discuss the issue of discrimination and harassment within the workplace?

Answer:Firstly your supervisor then an equal employment officer if required.

17.2. What does the workplace discrimination policy prohibit?

Answer:Answers will vary, but may include discrimination on the basis of:

- age

- race

- religious beliefs

- political beliefs

- disability marital status

- pregnancy

- breast feeding

- career status

- union membership

- gender equity

- personal association

Learning activity 18

18.1. What are some of the possible outcomes of being under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the workplace?

AnswerReduced efficiency, reduced attention to safety, and an increase in mistakes.

18.2. If you are taking a drug prescribed by your doctor that may influence your performance at work or affect your ability to operate machinery, what should you do?

Answer:You must discuss it with your supervisor before reporting to work.

Page 88: RIIWHS201D Work safely and follow WHS ... - Sustainable Skills...4. Maintain personal wellbeing 4.1. Identify risks to personal wellbeing and recognise preventative strategies 4.2

DRILLING • MINING • QUARRYING • CIVIL INFRASTRUCTURE

SkillsDMC Head OfficeTower 1, Level 1, Suite 2, 475 Victoria Avenue Chatswood NSW 2067AUSTRALIA

T +61 (0) 2 9324 8600F +61 (0) 2 9324 8699E [email protected] www.skillsdmc.com.au

About SkillsDMCSkillsDMC is the global leader in defining skills competency standards and workforce development strategies for the Resources and Infrastructure Industry.