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OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH & SAFETY INDUCTION HANDBOOK
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INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................................. 3
WHAT IS OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH & SAFETY? ...................................................................... 3
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN TO YOU? ......................................................................................................... 4
HAZARD MANAGEMENT .................................................................................................................. 5
TYPES OF HAZARDS .............................................................................................................................. 6
STEPS IN HAZARD MANAGEMENT ........................................................................................................ 6
HIERARCHY OF CONTROLS .................................................................................................................... 8
EMERGENCY SITUATIONS IN THE WORKPLACE .................................................................. 10
FIRE .................................................................................................................................................... 10
MEDICAL EMERGENCY ....................................................................................................................... 11
BOMB THREAT ................................................................................................................................... 11
REPORTING OF INCIDENTS .......................................................................................................... 12
INJURY MANAGEMENT ....................................................................................................................... 13
REPORTING OF HAZARDS ............................................................................................................. 14
CONSULTATION ................................................................................................................................ 14
TRAINING ............................................................................................................................................ 15
CHEMICALS IN THE WORKPLACE ............................................................................................. 15
Synergism ...................................................................................................................................... 16
Routes of Entry .............................................................................................................................. 17
MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEETS ............................................................................................. 18
SAFETY AND SECURITY ................................................................................................................. 19
SAFE ACCESS AND EXIT ..................................................................................................................... 19
GOOD HOUSEKEEPING ........................................................................................................................ 19
SECURITY ........................................................................................................................................... 20
OCCUPATIONAL VIOLENCE ................................................................................................................. 20
ELECTRICITY .................................................................................................................................... 21
MANUAL HANDLING ....................................................................................................................... 22
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WHAT IS MANUAL HANDLING? .......................................................................................................... 22
EMPLOYER’S DUTIES .......................................................................................................................... 23
Back Attack ................................................................................................................................... 24
POSTURE............................................................................................................................................. 24
FITNESS .............................................................................................................................................. 25
LIFTING TECHNIQUES ......................................................................................................................... 25
The Lifting Process ....................................................................................................................... 26
INFECTION CONTROL .................................................................................................................... 27
HAND WASHING .................................................................................................................................. 28
STANDARD HANDWASHING PROCEDURE: ............................................................................................ 28
Waterless handwashing................................................................................................................. 29
CORRECT HANDWASHING TECHNIQUE (BASIC) .................................................................................. 30
STANDARD PRECAUTIONS .................................................................................................................. 30
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INTRODUCTION
Welcome to Baptcare. As a new staff member it’s important that you take the
time to read and understand the information in this handbook.
Occupational Health and Safety is a priority for all areas within Baptcare.
The following induction handbook is provided as a preliminary guide for you
and will be supplemented by specific training depending on your area of
work. Your manager will brief you on specific OHS issues that relate to your
work area.
When you have read the induction handbook complete the relating workbook
and hand to your manager within one week of commencing work at Baptcare.
The purpose of the workbook is to check and record your understanding of
OHS issues.
WHAT IS OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH & SAFETY?
Occupational health and safety is important in all workplaces. Good
occupational health and safety practices will ensure that you are not injured in
your workplace and that you do not become ill or contract a disease as a result
of your workplace. It is:
Prevention of work related injury and disease
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Designing the work environment in a way that promotes improved
efficiency and productivity, improves the morale of staff and keeps
them free from injury.
What does this mean to you?
Australian Occupational Health & Safety legislation is essentially
State and Territory based. Separate OHS legislation covers Commonwealth
Government workplaces. OHS legislation consists of Acts, Regulations and
Codes of Practice or Compliance Codes in each jurisdiction. In any workplace
the final responsibility for providing a healthy and safe working environment,
as far as practicable, rests with the employer. This duty of care is set out in all
State, Territory and Commonwealth OHS Acts and places a requirement on all
employers to provide:
A working environment which is safe and without risks to the health
of employees;
Adequate training, information and supervision to ensure the health
and safety of employees; and
Processes for consultation about occupational health and safety as set
out in legislation.
Employers can ensure employees work in a safe and healthy manner in a
number of ways. More specifically:
Carry out work safely and ensure it does not affect employee’s
health.
Make sure that tools, equipment and machinery is safe and kept safe.
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Store, transport and work safely with dangerous materials.
Provide employees with the information, instruction and training
they need to do their job safely and without damaging their health.
Consult with employees directly or through their health and safety
representatives about health and safety in the work place.
Check the work place regularly (monitor) and keep a record of what
is found during these checks.
Employees also have a duty of care in relation to OHS. Generally, they must
perform their duties in a manner which ensures their health and safety, and
that of others in the workplace, to the extent to which they are capable of doing
so. OHS means employees are required to:
While at work, take reasonable care of their own health and safety
and the health and safety of anyone else who may be affected by their
actions.
Cooperate with their employers on any action taken by the employer
to comply with any requirements imposed by the Occupational Health
and Safety Act or Regulations.
They are required to use any equipment in the workplace following
the manufacturers’ guidelines and/or training.
HAZARD MANAGEMENT
A hazard has the potential to harm life, health or property. Hazard
management is important as it involves identifying the sources of potential
harm and determining suitable prevention strategies.
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Types of Hazards
There are two main types of hazards in the workplace that need to be
managed.
Hazard Type Examples of Hazard
1. Safety Hazards ▪ Slippery floor
▪ Poorly maintained work areas
▪ Manual handling tasks
▪ Fire
2. Health Hazards ▪ Workplace violence
▪ Chemicals
▪ Working in hot/cold environments
▪ Increased workloads
▪ Repetitive and boring tasks
Steps in Hazard Management
Baptcare has a system in place for the identification and management of
hazards and potential hazards. This procedure is available in writing for all
staff to access.
Risk management is a four step process. The table below details these steps
and actions to take for each step.
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Steps in Hazard
Management
Actions to take
1. Identification ▪ Keep Records of injuries and accidents.
▪ Read publications- e.g. Codes of Practice
and Guidelines which will help identify
potential hazards.
▪ Inspect the workplace using a standard
workplace inspection checklist to identify
potential hazards.
▪ Consult with employees.
▪ Consult with employer organisations and
unions, government authorities or OH&S
specialists.
2. Assessment (What is the
likelihood of an injury or
illness occurring from a
hazard?)
▪ The nature of the hazard
▪ Identify the health effects of the hazard
▪ The number of people that may be
affected by the hazard
▪ The number of times the hazard poses a
risk
▪ Work organisation i.e. rostering, job tasks,
shiftwork
▪ Note the layout and condition of the work
environment
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▪ The training and knowledge needed by a
person to work safely in that environment
▪ The degree of risk from the hazard
▪ Determine the need for control measures
3. Controlling Risks (getting
ideas about how to
control risks?)
▪ Read Regulations, Codes of Practice or
Guidance notes which provide control
measures for that hazard.
▪ Consult employees.
▪ Take advice from government authorities.
▪ OHS Committees
▪ Communicate with OH&S specialists
▪ Implement the Hierarchy of controls.
(This is detailed below).
4. Review/Monitor Review and monitor the effectiveness of the
controls in place.
Hierarchy of controls
There will be times when not all hazards can be controlled immediately. In
these situations the risks may require you to take a number of actions to
control them. This risk control strategy is called the Hierarchy of Controls.
When using the Hierarchy of Controls you should always aim to use the highest
level of control that is achievable. For example, if possible, it is better to
eliminate the risk completely rather than substitute the risk. Sometimes a
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combination of controls may be the most effective solution in reducing the
exposure to hazards.
Refer to the following diagram known as the Hierarchy of Controls.
Eliminate where possible
If elimination is not practical then substitute e.g. can a chemical be used which
is less harmful?
If substitution is not practical then use engineering controls i.e. Place guards
on dangerous parts of machinery or use a trolley to move heavy loads.
If engineering controls are not practical then use administrative and training
controls e.g. rotate jobs to reduce time spent on single work tasks. Train staff
in safe work processes and procedures.
Personal Protective Equipment
Administration & Training
Engineering
Substitution
Elimination
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If administrative controls are not practical then use of Personal Protective
Equipment is required. Use masks, hard hats and other protective equipment
to protect staff. This is the control measure that should be least considered.
Summary
Review and monitor the process to ensure the controls are effective and not
causing further risks or hazards. It is great to have controls in place but if they
are ineffective or result in another hazard or another injury then the employees
are still at risk.
EMERGENCY SITUATIONS IN THE WORKPLACE
Baptcare has emergency procedures in place and prominently displayed for
staff at each site. This information includes: Names of staff designated as
emergency coordinator and officers, qualified ‘first aid officers’ or supervisory
authority in emergency situations.
Fire
Follow Standard Fire Orders
Anyone finding a fire or smell of smoke shall:
1. Assist any person in immediate danger if safe to do so, and isolate
the fire by closing the door.
2. Call the Fire Brigade on 000.
3. Notify Emergency Coordinator in your area. The Emergency
Coordinator will decide whether to evacuate the area or if an attempt
is to be made to extinguish the fire, only if safe to do so. If no alarms
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are sounding the Emergency Coordinator will operate the break
glass alarm or if no break glass alarm if available sound other fire
alarm.
4. When notified evacuate to nominated assembly area and remain
there until accounted for and given ‘All Clear’ to return to the
building.
Medical Emergency
The first person to arrive on the scene should:
1. Assess the situation
2. Remain with the casualty and provide appropriate support
3. Notify Emergency Coordinator
4. Notify Ambulance service – 000 Give details/address, etc
Note: NEVER leave the casualty alone. Do not move a casualty unless
exposed to life threatening danger.
Bomb Threat
Bomb threats should always be treated seriously.
Do:
Remain calm – take notes of all the information the caller gives you
Try to keep the caller talking, while trying to identify background
noises
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Try to get information about the device (type, location and why)
Report to Police - 000 or get someone else to – stating clearly you are
reporting a bomb threat
Notify your Emergency Coordinator – but do not create panic by
telling other staff
If you find anything suspicious, do:
not touch it
clear the area
report it to Emergency Coordinator
REPORTING OF INCIDENTS
Incident reporting
Reporting workplace accidents, incidents and near misses is a
significant source of information, which is aimed to assist in the improvement
and development of prevention initiatives. Through investigation of near
injury type incidents and workplace injury incidents we can establish the facts
and draw conclusions to find out where in the system of work things went
wrong. From this information recommendations and actions can be
implemented to prevent a recurrence and create a more efficient and safe
working environment.
Reporting requirements:
All incidents, near misses, hazards and injuries must be reported
immediately or within 24 hours to the manager, by the individual who
observed or was involved in the incident. The responsibility falls upon
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a colleague, witness or person’s manager/supervisor, if the individual
has been prevented from making the report.
Where the incident involves a Volunteer, Contractor, Agency
Personnel or Visitor, the relevant point of contact for the person within
Baptcare shall assist the person to make a report to the relevant
Manager of the area.
All incidents are also to be reported in RiskMan within 24 hours of
receiving notification by that be verbal or from a paper incident form.
Where entry is direct into RiskMan, a paper incident form is not
required to be completed.
Where direct entry to RiskMan is not possible, the paper incident
report form is required to be completed and forwarded to the Manager
/Supervisor within the 24 hour period.
All Lost Time Injury (LTI) incidents or those that result in medical treatment
(claim) must be reported to the Manager Occupational Health and Safety and
Injury Management.
Refer: HR/OHS Manual OHS.PRO.2.06
Injury Management
Baptcare is committed to providing a safe and healthy workplace for all
workers. In the event of a work related injury or illness Baptcare will take all
necessary steps to ensure it does not happen again. Where a workplace injury
or illness occurs that means the worker is unable to continue their normal
duties Baptcare will provide necessary assistance for them to remain at work,
or return to work as soon as possible.
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Baptcare has an Injury Management and WorkCover procedure in place.
Refer: HR/OHS Manual OHS.PRO.2.08
REPORTING OF HAZARDS
Workers are the ones that know the workplace best. They are also
the victims of most accidents and should be directly involved or via
a nominated OHS Representative in the hazard reporting process and
assessment of their own workplace.
Baptcare has a clearly defined hazard reporting system. The reason for such a
system is to:
Identify hazards quickly
Control the hazard by the most appropriate method
Where hazards are not immediately resolved:
Inform the Health & Safety Representative;
Document the hazard on a Continuous Improvement Request (CIR)
for further action to occur; and
Document on the maintenance request (where applicable)
CONSULTATION
Employers are by law to consult with their employees about the
health and safety aspects of their work. This includes any changes
to the workplace, equipment or work processes.
Occupational Health and Safety Committees are set up within Baptcare with
elected employee representatives and appointed managers. Employees have
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the right to elect a health and safety representative (HSR) for their designated
work group. Both the OHS committees and representatives have a role in
resolving safety issues.
Any employee can consult with management or the committee about OHS
issues. Consultation may be undertaken in the form of OHS committees, health
& safety representatives, formalised risk assessments, local staff meetings
memos, emails or other such communication.
TRAINING
It is important that everyone in the workplace receives some OHS
training so that they understand their responsibilities and are competent to
meet those responsibilities. OHS induction should be provided to all new
employees. It should briefly outline relevant OHS policy and procedures.
Training should be provided for specific job tasks, such as safe use of
equipment. Any new task or equipment introduced staff are required to be
provided with the necessary training. Existing staff should have regular and
ongoing OHS training to ensure they are maintaining competence and working
safely.
All OHS training including induction is to be documented in the employee’s
file.
CHEMICALS IN THE WORKPLACE
Exposure to chemicals may result in a wide range of health effects and
any part of the body may be affected: Chemicals can affect the body:
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At the site where the substances enter the body.
In the circulatory system by which chemicals may be transported
through the body.
In the excretory organs and mechanisms which attempt to remove
chemicals from the body.
In the central nervous system.
In any other organ or tissue.
All substances are toxic to humans given the right dose and time of exposure.
There are no substances which do not have a toxic effect.
The effects may be:
Acute - fairly immediate response to exposure. For example, rash,
coughing spell, watering eyes, unconsciousness, death
Chronic -this may not always be always immediately obvious. It
may involve gradual onset of symptoms. Also, it may not be
experienced for a long time after exposure, i.e. cancers.
Chronic health problems are usually irreversible.
Synergism
Synergism is exposure to more than one chemical or in conjunction with other
hazards like heat or noise. The resultant effects of such combined exposure
may be greater than the effects of exposure to individual hazards.
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Routes of Entry
Chemicals have many routes of entry into the body. The table below provides
details of these entry points.
Route of Entry Description Results
1. Inhalation ▪ Most common route
of entry in the
workplace.
▪ Breathing in dusts,
gases and vapours.
▪ Irritation to the
respiratory system.
▪ Substance remaining in
the lungs causing
scarring, cancers (e.g.
asbestos)
▪ Substance being
absorbed directly into
the bloodstream,
thereby affecting other
parts of the body such
as nervous system.
2. Absorption ▪ Through the skin or
eyes.
▪ Burning of the
skin/eyes.
▪ Irritation of the skin
(dermatitis) or
sensitising effects
(contact dermatitis)-
may cause skin cancer.
▪ Substance penetrating
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skin and being
absorbed into the
bloodstream affecting
other organs.
Route of Entry Description Results
3. Ingestion ▪ Least common route
of entry in the
workplace
▪ Inhaled compounds
which are trapped in
the mucous of the
respiratory tract may
be swallowed
▪ Eating or drinking
foods contaminated
by toxic substances
▪ Eating with
contaminated hands
▪ Damage to the gastro-
intestinal organs.
4. Injection ▪ Needle stick injuries
▪ Drugs/medications
▪ Exposure to blood
▪ Exposure to drugs
MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEETS
A Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) is a document that is provided by the
manufacturer which describes the identity, properties, health hazards and
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precautions for use and safe handling of a hazardous substance or dangerous
good. The MSDS provides vital information to the users of the chemical who
are required to know how to use it safely. Legislation states that a MSDS is
required for all hazardous substances and dangerous goods held at a worksite.
MSDS must be available for all employees to access and refer to when using
chemicals. Some products are listed as non-hazardous; however MSDS are still
required for safe use and precautions.
Baptcare has a procedure in place for the safe handling and storage of
hazardous substances and dangerous goods.
SAFETY AND SECURITY
A safe place of work must have a safe means of access and exit, be clean,
secure and of safe construction so that people can enter/work without
risks to their health and safety.
Safe Access and Exit
Safe access and exit includes the need to escape during an emergency. An
emergency evacuation plan is the employer’s legal responsibility. It is vital that
staff know what to do, are able to escape safely and have a safe assembly area
to go to in case of an emergency.
Good housekeeping
Good housekeeping standards assist in maintaining a clean organised working
space for staff therefore reducing the risk of accidental hazards and near
misses.
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Good housekeeping will reduce the risk of:
People tripping over
Emergency exits and stairways being blocked
A build up of combustible waste and deposits which can cause fire
Overloaded electrical points
Infection
Security
A safe premise includes protecting staff from unwanted persons entering the
workplace who may commit:
Theft and malicious damage to property
Violent or criminal incidents such as threat or assault
Workplace safety inspections are conducted regularly to ensure safety and
security measures are in place and in good working order e.g. lighting.
Occupational Violence
Occupational violence is described as any incident where an
employee is physically attacked or threatened in the workplace.
Threat means a statement or behaviour that causes a person to believe they
are in danger of being physically attacked. Physical attack means the direct or
indirect application of force by a person to the body of, or clothing or
equipment worn by, another person, where that application creates a risk to
health and safety.
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Occupational violence can be perpetrated by a co-worker (including a
supervisor, manager or employer), a customer or client, a person known or
unknown to the organisation or employee. It can include:
- Confrontation with an armed person;
- Confrontation with an unarmed person;
- Armed hold-up;
- Assault/physical injury (or the threat of physical injury or assault);
- Threatening the life of others or oneself;
- Hostage/kidnap scenarios.
Employees are required to report any incident of occupational violence to
their manager. Employees should also report any threats or ‘near misses’ as
soon as practicable or within 24 hours to their manager aswell.
Baptcare provides training for employees on prevention and management of
occupational violence.
Baptcare also provides an Employee Assistance Program – a short term
counselling service for all employees to use for personal or work related
issues. (See staff handbook and relevant brochure for more information)
ELECTRICITY
Electrical accidents can be fatal however non fatal accidents can lead to
serious and permanent injury. Whenever using electrical equipment it is
important to remember the following;
NEVER use equipment with frayed or damaged cords
NEVER use electrical equipment near water
NEVER use electrical equipment unless you know how to safely use it or
have been trained in safe use.
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ALWAYS ensure cords are free from tangles, liquid or being crushed.
NEVER use a power outlet which has evidence of damage or discolouration.
DO NOT use double adapters or piggy back plugs. Only use approved power
boards.
DO NOT overload power outlets.
NEVER perform temporary repairs. Repairs should be carried out by a
qualified person or have the equipment replaced.
ALWAYS report any electrical hazards or unsafe equipment immediately.
DO NOT withdraw a plug from a socket by pulling the cord.
MANUAL HANDLING
Manual handling is the most costly hazard in industry today, with
approximately 60% of all accident costs relate to strains or sprains.
What is Manual Handling?
Manual Handling is defined as:
‘Any activity requiring the use of force exerted by a person to lift,
carry or otherwise move or restrain any animate or inanimate object.’
Manual handling covers a range of activities including lifting, pulling, holding,
throwing and carrying. It also includes repetitive tasks such as packing, typing
cleaning, using hand tools and operating machinery or equipment.
Manual Handling injuries can occur in the workplace as a result of:
Workers adopting harmful postures in order to handle loads
Expectations to lift loads that are too heavy
Objects not easy to handle
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Poorly designed workplaces (workstations)
Poorly designed work systems e.g. frequency and pace of handling
tasks
Sustained exposure to vibration e.g. hand tools
Working in hot / cold environments.
Injuries occurring from Manual Handling tasks are named Musculo-Skeletal
Disorders (MSDs).
These injuries may include:
Muscle sprain and strains
Injuries to ligaments, muscles and back
Soft tissue such as nerves, ligaments and tendons in the wrist, arms,
shoulders neck etc
Hernias
Chronic pain.
Employer’s Duties
Baptcare has a duty under Occupational Health & Safety Legislation to protect
its employees from the risk of MSDs and to eliminate or reduce manual
handling tasks. A risk assessment process consists of:
Identifying hazardous manual handling tasks that could cause MSDs
Assessing the risks including postures, movements, forces, duration
and frequency, environmental factors
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Controlling the risks, eliminate or reduce the risk by using the
Hierarchy of Controls
Consult and communicate with employees regarding manual
handling issues when conducting a risk assessment.
Back Attack
Baptcare has a manual handling training program in place called ‘Back
Attack.’ This training is conducted at most sites and facilities for various
job roles. Whilst training persons in applying practical manual handling
skills the program also gives employees an understanding of risk
identification, assessment and control aimed at eliminating or at very least
minimising the severity of injuries.
Posture
Although many have an understanding of incorrect lifting methods, how often
do we take unnecessary risk with our back when we are lifting or moving
objects? How often do we fail to correct poor posture, even though we know it
is not good for our bodies? The posture you adopt is just as important to the health
of your back as to how you lift!!
A good posture is achieved by:
Weight is evenly distributed
Knees are slightly bent
Buttocks are tucked under pelvis
Shoulders are relaxed and even
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Chin slightly tucked in.
This produces an ‘S’ shape curve of the spine. These should not be over-
exaggerated.
The clothing you wear can also affect your posture. Clothing must allow full
free movement. It must be:
Safe
Practical
Applicable to the task.
Fitness
The fitter a person is the easier it will be to cope with the physical demands
of the job.
Strong stomach muscles will strengthen the lower back.
Keep lower back and legs muscles flexible
Keep fit (walk daily)
Lifting Techniques
Assess area for obstacles
Legs have the strongest muscles of the body so use them
Check centre of gravity
Think before you lift anything and consider:
Its size and weight
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The number of times you have to lift the objects
The distance you have to carry the object
Ask yourself:
Can I lift it myself?
Do I need mechanical help?
Should I ask for a co-worker for help?
The Lifting Process
get close to the object
use short levers
maintain a good grip
keep balanced
flat back
knees bent
head forward
breathe in as you lift
lift smoothly- no jerky movements
keep object under control
reverse procedure when putting the object down.
Avoid twisting as this places the greatest strain on your back and can lead to
serious injury. Make sure your feet, knees, torso are pointed in the same
direction when you lift.
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INFECTION CONTROL
A documented infection control program is in place throughout Baptcare
to reduce the transmission of infections.
Whenever there are groups of people living and working together, there will
be opportunity for disease carrying micro-organisms to spread. We are all
able to spread and catch disease. Infection control refers to the practices we
can implement to reduce the chance of spreading disease from one person to
another.
Infections can be transmitted in several ways:
Direct Contact – direct physical transfer of micro-organisms from an infected
person to a susceptible host. Indirect contact transmission involves contact of
a susceptible host with a contaminated object, such as equipment or
instruments.
Droplets – Droplets containing micro-organisms are generated during
coughing, sneezing and talking. Droplet transmission occurs in close contact,
usually within 1 metre.
Airborne – occurs when dispersed in the air such as dust particles containing
micro-organisms. Can be widely dispersed via air currents and remain
airborne for long periods before being inhaled by the susceptible host.
Vehicle – applies to micro-organisms being transmitted by contaminated
water, food, drugs, blood or body fluids.
Vectorborne – when mosquitoes, flies, rats or other vermin transmit micro-
organisms.
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Hand washing
Hand washing is the single most important thing you can do to
prevent the spread of infection
Hands should be washed with soap and water when the following occurs:
After going to the toilet;
Before and after eating or drinking;
Before and after handling residents;
Before visiting clients, between and after visiting clients;
When handling food;
After removing gloves;
Whenever they get dirty;
If you come into contact with blood or body fluids;
After blowing your nose; and
After handling rubbish
Standard handwashing procedure:
1. Remove jewellery.
2. Wet hands thoroughly all over.
3. Use a pH neutral soap.
4. Lather soap all over hands.
5. Rub hands together vigorously for 15-20 seconds. Pay particular attention
to the fingertips, thumbs, wrists, finger webs and the backs of the hands.
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6. Rinse under running water.
7. Turn water off.
8. Pat hands dry with paper towels.
Intact skin provides a natural barrier to the spread of infection. Cuts and
grazes on skin should be covered with protective dressings to avoid the
spread of infection to others or to you.
Waterless handwashing
There are waterless alcohol based hand wash solutions that are as effective as
soap and water hand washing in most instances. These preparations should
only be used when there is no visible soiling of the hands or if infection
control guidelines suggest otherwise. If there is visible soiling, then soap and
water hand washing should be used. These waterless preparations contain an
emollient and aid in reducing damage to the hands.
Note: Using gloves does not replace hand washing; they are simply an
additional protective measure that you can take. Hands should always be
washed after wearing gloves.
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Correct Handwashing Technique (Basic)
Standard Precautions
Standard Precautions are designed to reduce the transmission of micro-
organisms between clients/residents and staff and minimise the risk of
infections.
Standard Precautions apply to all clients/residents at all times and must be
implemented when contact with any of the following is anticipated:
OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH & SAFETY INDUCTION HANDBOOK
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• Blood
• All body fluids, secretions and excretions except sweat
• Non-intact skin
• Mucous membranes
They include routine procedures for:
- Non touch technique (Aseptic technique)
- Personal hygiene measures (such as hand washing)
- Personal protection (gloves, gowns, masks or face shields, plastic
aprons, eye protection, etc)
- Safe handling and disposal of waste (including sharps)
- Proper cleaning of instruments and equipment, including appropriate
use of disinfectants
- Environmental measures (design and maintenance, cleaning and spills
management)
- Support services (such as linen and food handling).