Your Work Health and Safety Induction
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Welcome to Robert Walters
Robert Walters is committed to providing a safe place of work
for all our employees. This induction is designed to increase
your awareness and understanding of workplace safety and to
encourage safe behaviour.
On completion of this induction, you are required to complete
an assessment to test your knowledge and understanding of
the content covered in this induction.
If you have any difficulty in understanding the information in this induction,
please raise this with your Robert Walters Consultant who will be happy to
assist you with the information
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Health and Safety Responsibilities
Maintaining a safe working environment is everyone‟s responsibility – yours, Robert
Walters and your Host Employer. These responsibilities include:
Thinking about your own health and safety and that of others at your workplace
Read and follow Robert Walters and your Host Employers health and safety
instructions
Speaking out if you‟re concerned about your safety
Report any incident, hazard, a near miss or if you are suffering any stress,
bullying or harassment at your workplace
Be familiar with the emergency and evacuation procedures at your workplace
Contact your Robert Walters Consultant should anything change in your
assignment and/or your workplace location
Do not operate any equipment unless you have been trained on how to use it
Only use equipment for the purpose for which it was supplied for
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Health and Safety Policy
Our commitment to the management of health and safety of our
employees is critical to achieving our vision as Australia‟s leader in
recruitment.
The Robert Walters Work Health and Safety (WHS) Management
System has policies, procedures and documents in place for its
Australian operation and has been developed in accordance with
current Work Health and Safety Legislation. Robert Walters also
consults and communicates with you on all health and safety
matters that may affect you as a worker.
To read the Robert Walters policies, including the full version of this policy -
use your login details (sent on your engagement by our Payroll Team) to
access Robert Walters Policies and click Candidate Services.
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Code of Conduct
Everyone working for Robert Walters is expected to adhere to our Code of Conduct
policy. This is a formal policy and forms part of your contract of employment. The
Code of Conduct is designed to help you to make the right choices and to illustrate
how you are expected to meet our core values of:
Demonstrating Respect for Others at the Workplace
Acting with Integrity
Working with Diligence
Working within the Law
To read the Robert Walters policies, including the full version of this policy - use your login
details (sent on your engagement by our Payroll Team) to access Robert Walters Policies and
click Candidate Services.
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Fitness for Work
You have a legal obligation to take care of your health and safety,
and to ensure that your acts or omissions do not affect the health
and safety of others.
Our Fitness for Work Procedure provides you with guidelines to
follow. This is a formal policy and forms part of your contract of
employment.
To read the Robert Walters policies, including the full version of this policy -
use your login details (sent on your engagement by our Payroll Team) to
access Robert Walters Policies and click Candidate Services.
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Equal Opportunity Policy
At Robert Walters we aim to have a workplace free from harassment,
discrimination, bullying, victimisation and vilification, where all
employees are treated fairly and with respect.
Discrimination. Discrimination occurs when a person is treated
differently or less favourably on the basis of attributes protected by
law.
Harassment. Harassment is unwelcome conduct on the basis of one
or more of the protected attributes which victimises, humiliates,
undermines, or threatens an individual or a group of people.
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Equal Opportunity Policy
Bullying is repeated unreasonable behaviour directed towards an
individual or group, that creates a risk to their health and safety. It is
behaviour that victimises, humiliates, undermines, or threatens the
person being bullied, or would reasonably be expected to do so.
In some cases bullying may be a criminal offence e.g. physical
violence.
Examples of bullying include but are not limited to:
Constant ridicule, abusive, offensive or insulting language
Unjustified criticism and complaints
Spreading misinformation or malicious rumours
Regularly making someone the brunt of practical jokes
Deliberately excluding or isolating a person
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Equal Opportunity Policy
Sexual harassment is when a person makes an unwelcome sexual
advance, request for sexual favours, or engages in any other
unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature, which a reasonable person,
having regard to all the circumstances, would have anticipated that
the other person would be offended, humiliated, or intimidated.
Examples of sexual harassment include but are not limited to:
Staring or leering, suggestive comments or jokes
Physical contact (i.e. touching, patting or brushing up against a
person)
Intrusive questions or statements about your private life
Sending sexually explicit emails, attachments or text messages
Requests for sex or repeated unwanted requests to go out on
dates
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Equal Opportunity Policy
Your responsibility as an employee. It is imperative that you do not
engage in any behaviour that is in contradiction of Robert Walters Equal
Opportunity Policy. This policy applies to all interactions with your host
employer and their employees, as well as employees of Robert Walters.
Employees who have engaged in discrimination or harassment, or who
have induced or aided other employees to discriminate or harass can be
held liable under law. In addition, Robert Walters may be held vicariously
liable for the employee‟s actions.
Reporting breaches of the policy. If you feel that you have experienced
or witnessed any form of bullying, discrimination or harassment, report it
to your Robert Walters Consultant.
It is your responsibility to be aware of this policy – please ensure you read the full
version of this policy - use your login details (sent on your engagement by our
Payroll Team) to access Robert Walters Policies and click Candidate Services
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Identifying Hazards in the Workplace
A hazard is something that has the potential to harm you and other people at your
workplace.
You should be on the lookout at all times for potential hazards. If you identify a
hazard in your workplace, you have a responsibility to do something about it:
If the hazard can be easily removed without risk to your health and safety, you
should take the appropriate action immediately
If the hazard is serious or persistent, you must immediately notify your
Supervisor/Manager or the Health and Safety Representative at your workplace
By being aware of potential hazards and taking steps to eliminate or minimise them,
we can reduce injuries in the workplace.
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Risk Management (controlling hazards)
Where there is a risk of injury or illness from a hazard, you must take action to make
the area safe while ensuring your own safety is not at risk.
The process to follow is the risk management process. There are 5 steps:
Step 1: Stop and think through the task Has the job been explained sufficiently to you
Step 2: Look for the hazards A hazard is anything with the potential to harm you
Step 3: Assess the consequences What is the likelihood and severity of injury or damage from this hazard?
Step 4: Take control – make the change Eliminate the hazard
Step 5: Do the job safely
If changes happen, STOP and REDO the risk process.
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Electrical Hazards
Electrical equipment and appliances have the potential to cause quite
serious shocks, burns and electrocution. The most common electrical
hazards are:
Overloaded power sockets
Defective cords
Unsafe equipment
Incorrect placement of electrical equipment
Electrical equipment should be treated with caution and any damaged
or faulty equipment should be reported and replaced immediately.
All electrical equipment must be tested at regular intervals and have a
current inspection tag.
Under no circumstance use any electrical equipment that is faulty
and/or is tagged “Do Not Operate”
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Slips, Trips and Falls
Slips, trips and falls are the most common cause of non-fatal injuries.
Follow these simple tips to ensure you reduce the risk of slips, trips
and falls:
Always pay attention to where you are going and be on the
lookout for potential hazards
Always walk at a pace appropriate to the condition of the floor
surface
Remember to keep your vision clear when carrying large objects
Falls are quite common on stairways so always take care and use
the handrail
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Housekeeping
Housekeeping is the practice of cleaning and keeping your work
environment tidy and free from hazards to help prevent slips and
trips.
One of the main reasons people slip over at work is due to wet floors
resulting from spills not being cleaned up or wet weather.
By following good housekeeping practices and being observant, you
will help to prevent injuries in the workplace.
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Access and Exits
Access ways, exits from buildings and main passageways should be
kept clear of obstructions and all stairways should be in good repair.
It is important that all signage is indicative and clear (eg. Exit signs
must be visible in case of an emergency evacuation).
Lighting levels for access and exit must be adequate and all light
fittings must be clean so that they minimise glare and do not flicker.
If you see obstructions in access/exits passageways and/or faulty Exit
lights, make sure you report this to your Supervisor/Manager or the
Health and Safety Representative.
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Hazardous Substances
People don‟t often think about the use of hazardous substances in
the workplace. All chemicals you may use or come in contact with in
your workplace requires a risk assessment. This means you should:
Read the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) – refer to the Health and
Safety Representative at your workplace
Follow the safe work procedures on handling, storage and use
Wear the appropriate safety equipment
Refrain from eating or drinking when working with a hazardous
substance
Wash your hands and face and other exposed areas with soap
and water before eating, drinking or going to the bathroom
If you are unsure about any of the products at your workplace,
speak with your Supervisor/Manager or the Health and Safety
Representative Next Back
Noise
Noise generated in open plan offices is generally at a level without
potential for permanent hearing damage. Other workplaces require
specific noise control.
Noise can impact on your general health, wellbeing and productivity.
To minimise noise in the workplace:
Schedule noisy printing jobs during lunch and other off-peak
periods
Place noise-producing equipment away from immediate work
areas
Be considerate of social noise in open plan and shared spaces
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Air Quality
Air conditioning and/or ventilation and extraction systems should be
maintained so that your work environment has high air quality and is
well ventilated.
Thermal comfort (too hot or too cold) in the workplace should also be
adequate so that you are able to work comfortably.
Raise air quality concerns with your Supervisor/Manager or the
Health and Safety Representative.
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Workplace Equipment
Equipment is a major cause of serious injuries in workplaces due to
their unsafe use. To minimise the risk of injury from equipment you
may use in your workplace, ensure you:
Apply the risk management process
Ensure you apply the required safe operating instructions
Only use the equipment for the purpose for which it was supplied
for
Check that equipment is in good working order
Ensure there is safe access and exit around the equipment
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Manual Handling - Lifting
Manual handling tasks include any activity requiring you to use force
to lift, lower, push, pull, carry, to move, hold or restrain an object or
person. It also includes tasks that require us to maintain a still
posture for extended periods, such as sitting and standing.
If you undertake any manual handling task in your work, use the
SMART lifting techniques:
Size up the load
Move the load as close to your body as possible
Always bend your knees
Raise the load with your legs
Turn your feet in the direction that you want to move the load
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Manual Handling – Safe Storage
We encourage all employees to keep these safe storage principles in
mind:
Always follow safe lifting procedures to prevent back strain
(especially in confined spaces like stationery cupboards,
compactuses)
Use compactus locks to stop being caught in the unit
In large storage areas follow site procedures for the prevention of
falling equipment/boxes or being hit by a stores vehicle
Do NOT overload file or storage cabinets
Place heaviest boxes on shelves that are between knee and shoulder
height
NEVER stand on an office chair to reach items stored in a high
location
Check the weight of an object before you attempt to lift it, either into
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Ergonomics
Ergonomics is the study of how tools, tasks, the environment and
individual work techniques affect the human body. By taking these
factors into consideration, ergonomics aims to obtain a good fit
between a person and the equipment that they will use to do the job.
By following good ergonomic practices (next slides in this induction),
you can prevent fatigue, discomfort and injuries that are caused by
poor ergonomic practices.
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Setting up your Workstation Correctly
The key to working correctly is to organise your workstation to fit
your individual needs. A correctly set out workstation prevents
fatigue, muscle strain or injury.
You should be aware of the following elements of your
workstation:
Your posture Laptop
Your office chair Telephone
Your computer screen Hand Tools
Keyboard Lighting
Mouse
To ensure your workstation is correctly set out, a Workstation
Ergonomic Assessment Guide is provided on the next slide for
you to follow. Next Back
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Other Hazards to be aware
Pedestrian Safety
Always obey traffic signals (don‟t jaywalk)
Look out for others at all times
Don‟t use your IPOD, or MP3 player so loudly that you are unable
to hear your surroundings
Don‟t text message or use a mobile device while walking
Wellbeing
Eat a well-balanced diet and take the time to get some exercise
Take frequent rest breaks (eg. 10-15 second stretch and eye rest
break) throughout your daily tasks and work day
Drink at least 1.5 litres of water per day
Warm up if you do exercise in your lunch break
Consider getting a flu shot to avoid winter colds and flu Next Back
Other Hazards to be aware
Stress and anxiety
Life can be stressful at times. Stress can be both positive and
negative. Positive stress encourages high performance. Negative
stress can cause insomnia and other health issues. Some tips to
„stress less‟:
Get plenty of sleep
Exercise regularly
Take up meditation or yoga
Enjoy laughter and some music
Prioritise your workload, make a list
Remember to breathe!
Ask for help
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Other Hazards to be aware Driving vehicles
Driving is one of the riskiest activities performed each day. Whether you are
driving a car, motorbike or bicycle, do not travel when you are fatigued or
distracted. Do not rush, speed or use a mobile device while driving.
If you are required to drive a Host Employer vehicle or use your own for
company purposes, speak with your Supervisor/Manager or Health and Safety
Representative about safe driving policies and procedures BEFORE your trip.
Cycling safety
Treat your bicycle as you would your car, and obey the road rules. Flag your
intention to turn by hand signalling or using your indicators if your bicycle
has them
Use appropriate cycle ways or outer lanes
Ride in a predictable way, about one metre out from parked cars
Look out for pedestrians
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Reporting Hazards, Incidents and Injuries
Where there is a risk of injury or illness from a hazard, you must take
action to make the area safe while ensuring your own safety is not at
risk.
All hazards, incidents, injuries and near misses must be reported
(within 24 hours) so action can be taken to remove or minimise the
hazard and prevent the recurrence of a similar incident. You should
notify your Supervisor/Manager and your Robert Walters Consultant.
You will be required to complete a Hazard/Incident Notification Report
Form with details of the incident. You may also be required to
complete a similar form for your Host Employer.
All health and safety issues are dealt with and resolved according to
our Health and Safety Issue Resolution procedure.
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Injury Management
If you suffer a work related injury or illness, the most important thing to
do is to seek suitable medical assistance if required – First Aid. It is
also important to let your Supervisor/Manager AND your Robert
Walters Consultant know as soon as possible and to fill out a
Hazard/Incident Notification Report form.
Early reporting of an injury will ensure you receive appropriate support
to either remain at work or to return to work following your absence. It
will also ensure necessary action is taken to prevent further injury.
For workers compensation, all claimable injuries are reported using a
Workers Claim form which will be sent to you.
To read the Robert Walters policies, including the full version of this policy -
use your login details (sent on your engagement by our Payroll Team) to
access Robert Walters Policies and click Candidate Services. Next Back
First Aid
Unfortunately, accidents do happen in the workplace and if you are
injured at work it is vital that you seek first aid treatment.
Ask your supervisor who are the First Aid Officers in your workplace
and where the First Aid Kits are located.
If an injury is serious, further expert medical assistance should always
be sought as soon as possible.
It is also important to let your Supervisor/Manager AND your Robert
Walters Consultant know as soon as possible and to fill out a
Hazard/Incident Notification Report form.
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Emergency Response
Everyone on the site/workplace is responsible for ensuring fire and other
emergency situations are avoided by following safe practices and good
housekeeping. You should familiarise yourself with:
Emergency and Evacuation procedures
Who are the Fire Wardens
Emergency sirens/tones
Location of fire fighting equipment in your area
Location of the designated Emergency Evacuation Assembly
area(s)
Inform the Fire Wardens if you have any mobility restrictions
Ensure you follow all instructions in an Emergency.
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What your Host Employer needs to tell you when you start
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About their emergency procedures
Where the emergency equipment and exits are
Orientation of the office – show you where the toilets, kitchens, the correct entry
and exit from the workplace
Safe operation of any equipment you will use
How to contact the First Aiders and Fire Wardens
How to report an Incident
If you have not received this information – please ask your Supervisor
What to do if you have a problem
Your Robert Walters Consultant is there to assist you should you
have a problem regarding your assignment. It could be that:
Your assignment is not what you thought you would be doing
You need to have a licence or certificate for a particular job task
you have been asked to do
You have been asked to do a job at another workplace
You are ill and need to leave work
You are ill and not able to go to work
You have a health and safety concern
In all cases, contact your Robert Walters Consultant by phone
immediately. If you are ill and not able to go to work – you may be
required to produce a medical certificate
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Summary
Throughout this induction, we have discussed the various elements of
workplace safety. You should be able to identify the common hazards
in your workplace and apply knowledge provided in this induction to
ensure a healthy and safe workplace.
Please click on the link below for the Induction Assessment to test
your knowledge and understanding of the content covered in this
Induction. It will automatically guide you through the questions to
completion.
Robert Walters WHS Induction Questionnaire
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