Participate in WHS processes

• Section 1 Weeks 2 – 7

Plan and conduct work safely

Recap Week 3 - August 1st 2013

What is a risk?

What is a

hazard?

Hazard identification and management

What is a risk?

What is a hazard?

What is a hazard?

The Work Health and Safety Regulation of 2011 defines a

hazard as 'anything (including work practices and procedures) that has the potential to harm the health or safety of a person'.

Training package Pp 25 - 35

What is a risk? In relation to any hazard, means the probability and consequence of injury, illness or damage resulting from exposure to a hazard.

Before commencing any new task it is very important to make an assessment of the task, the available equipment and the available personnel and to ensure that a plan of action is implemented that is safe and effective. Planning an activity before carrying it through is part of 'best practice' in any industry.

Hazards arise from....

• The work environment• The use of machinery and substances• Poor work design• Inappropriate systems and procedures

5 Broad areas of hazards Week 4 8/8/2013

These include:

• Physical e.g noise, radiation, light, vibration• Chemical e.g. poisons, dust• Biological e.g. viruses, plants, parasites•Mechanical/electrical e.g slips, trips and falls, tools, electrical equipment• Psychological e.g. fatigue, violence, bullying.

Physical/Environmental hazards

Physical hazards relate to the work environment i.e

•Extreme computer useage;

•Computer desk and chair at an inappropriate height;

• Poorly lit room/ little ventilation;

• Insufficient lighting....

Physical/Environmental hazards

What would be defined as a hazard in a children's centre?

•Computer desk and chair at an inappropriate height;

• Insufficient lighting;

•Air quality i.e. lack of fresh air/ventilation

• Lack of fresh air from outdoor play

Ergonomic hazards

• Ergonomic hazards are those related to the physical workplace tasks that workers are required to perform e.g. lifting, carrying, data entry, putting away equipment, emptying bins, sweeping floors

• What would be a main hazard within a children's centre that relates to lifting?

Ergonomic hazards (cont)

All these tasks can cause accidents or injuries if:•Unsuitable equipment is provided to undertake tasks;

•Tasks are performed in an unsuitable environment i.e. you have very little space to manoeuvre heavy equipment....

Chemical hazards

• Chemical hazards must be stored safely and out or reach of children in a high, locked and labelled cupboard. Chemical should be labelled - listing their contents, potential risk to health, precautions, first aid and expiry.

Material safety data sheets (MSDS)

• Material Safety Data Sheets are a way of conveying health and safety information to users of chemicals in the workplace. Under the Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011, manufacturers and importers have an obligation to prepare MSDS for chemicals as hazardous substances or dangerous goods and must pass this information on to persons using those chemicals at work.• For those chemicals used in your place of

work the appropriate MSDS must be readily available and in close proximity to the place the chemical is stored.

Electrical or mechanical hazards

• Electrical hazards All electrical circuitry or appliances must be checked, fitted and maintained by properly qualified electricians. Equipment must be checked and tagged at least every twelve months with some equipment required to be tagged and checked more frequently, usually every six months. • In workplaces where children attend, or may visit,

all power points must have safety plugs inserted, ensuring there is no access to the electrical circuitry.• National Quality Standards, Element 2.3.2 Every

reasonable precaution is taken to protect children from harm and any hazard likely to cause injury'.

Mechanical hazards

• What are mechanical trip hazards? • What are some other possible hazards within a

children's service?

Pyschological hazards

• Psychological hazards include stress, violence, discrimination and aggression. These hazards are less easy to predict and more difficult to control. The violent/aggressive staff member, client or visitor and the busy, understaffed, workplace often arise with little warning. Stressful events can be increased by lack of training, lack of supervision, lack of staff support and staff liaison.

Psychological hazards (cont)

• Workplace stress is a potential hazard in all workplaces although some are more

susceptible than others due to• The fluctuating workload, • The demanding nature of the clients,

and the • Unpredictability of the work

Psychological hazards (cont)

• All people are subject to workplace stress at some point• Each persons ability to cope with stress is different.•What are the ways we can alleviate stress?

Role play

• Using the playroom, students are to identify 3 different types of hazards, and set up a work place scenario where these hazards are affecting the safety of the work environment.• Group 1 – electrical and chemical and physical hazards• Group 2 – psychological and ergonomic and biological hazards