Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Lecture Notes
Importance of OHS
Health and Safety Priority: Health and safety is the number one priority in every workplace.
Consequences of Negligence: Laziness in adhering to OHS can lead to serious injuries and fatalities.
Employer Responsibilities: Employers must provide relevant OHS information and continually improve safety performance.
Employee Responsibilities: Employees must follow OHS policies and report any hazards, near misses, or accidents.
Legal Framework
Australian Laws: There are laws in place to ensure safe and healthy workplaces. These laws delineate the responsibilities of both employers and employees.
Costs of Accidents: Accidents incur costs in terms of pain, time lost, and financial impact.
Risk Management Principles
Four Principles
Identify Hazards: Recognize potential risks in the workplace.
Assess Risks: Evaluate the level of risk associated with identified hazards.
Control Risks: Implement measures to mitigate risks.
Review Control Measures: Continuously assess and improve risk controls.
Involvement of Employees
Legislation encourages employee involvement through designated work groups, health and safety representatives, and committees.
Categories of Workplace Hazards
Physical Hazards: Noise, vibration, temperature extremes, clutter, electrical hazards, fire, ventilation, and lighting.
Chemical Hazards: Includes hazardous liquids, solids, gases, and infectious substances.
Environmental Hazards: Relates to equipment design, incorrect handling, and occupational overuse.
Human Behavior Hazards: Fatigue, skill levels, noise, boredom, and harassment.
Biological Hazards: Includes infections, bacteria, and viruses.
Reporting and Response to Incidents
If injured, seek first aid and report to a supervisor.
Complete an incident report form promptly.
Collaborate with employers and coordinators to prevent future incidents.
Risk Assessment Process
Five Steps
Document Activity: Note the task being performed.
Identify Hazards: List potential hazards involved.
Document Control Measures: Record how risks will be controlled.
Identify Responsibility: Assign responsibility for managing risks.
Monitor and Review: Regularly assess the effectiveness of control measures.
Hierarchy of Control
Elimination: Remove the hazard entirely.
Substitution: Use less risky alternatives.
Engineering Controls: Improve workplace design to reduce risks.
Administrative Controls: Implement policies, training, and supervision.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Use as a last resort for safety (e.g., gloves, masks).
Workplace Hygiene and Safety Practices
Maintain cleanliness and organization in the workplace.
Report damaged or faulty equipment immediately.
Follow specific protocols for hazardous substance storage and handling.
Emergency Procedures
Know who the fire warden and first aid officers are.
Familiarize yourself with emergency exit routes and assembly points.
Participate in regular fire drills and understand the emergency floor plan.
Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
SOPs must be strictly followed; only managers can modify them.
Safety Data Sheets (SDS) provide handling instructions for chemicals.
Personal and Environmental Hygiene
Practice good hygiene: shower daily, wear clean clothes, keep nails short.
Wash hands regularly, especially after using the bathroom.
Manual Handling Practices
Always consider alternatives to manual handling.
Use team lifting or mechanical aids for heavy items.
Follow safe lifting techniques: keep the load close, bend knees, and keep back straight.
Noise Control
Excessive noise can lead to hearing loss and other health issues.
Implement effective noise control measures in the workplace.
Conclusion
Everyone has the right to a safe working environment.
OHS responsibilities are shared between employees and employers.
A commitment to safety is essential in preventing workplace accidents.