Occupational Health Safety

Occupational Health Safety Occupational Health SafetyPosted October 13, 2011, by Andrea RiddellAll Australian workplaces need to adhere to Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) standards to avoid workplace illness and injury. Good OHS leid only improves safety in the workplace but also increases morale and productivity. OHS standards are enforced by each state or territory. Employers and employees need to work together to maintain a safe and effective workplace.EmployersEmployers have a duty of care for the health and safety of their employees. In order to provide a safe working environment, employers need to identify possible hazards and risks and adapt OHS policies and procedures to prevent accidents, injuries and illnesses. An employer must guarantee that their business has (if applicable)Safe premisesSafe machinery and materialsSafe systems of workInformation, instruction, training and supervisionA suitable working environment and facilitiesThis is achieved by understanding th e Occupational Health and Safety Act and byKeeping up-to-date knowledge on health and safety mattersUnderstanding the operations undertaken by the business to foresee hazards and risksProviding training and productive instruction for workersObserving and monitoring safe practices during work operationsEmployeesWorkers also have a responsibility to work sensibly and follow correct procedures. Employees need to be aware of and understand OHS policies and workplace instructions, especially when operating machinery. It is critical that workers have input into the monitoring and reporting of workplace safety. Employees need toTake reasonable care and monitor their own health and safetyTake care that their actions do not negatively affect the health and safety of fellow employeesComply with reasonable instruction in health and safety proceduresAlert their supervisor or OHS representative about hazards or other safety issuesAbiding by these principles can greatly reduce the amount of sic kness and injury in the workplaceOHS practicesSome OHS procedures that are common across all parts of Australia includeUtilising all safety equipment provided when necessaryFollowing health and safety instructions given to you by supervisors or OHS representativesUsing equipment, including machinery, properlyParticipating in health and safety training and proceduresBeing aware and understanding safety signs and symbolsSafety HazardsThere are a range of factors in the workplace that can potentially become a safety hazard to employees. behauptung depend on the physical environment, nature of operations and employee compatibility. As either an employer or employee, you need to be aware of issues that may arise.Psychosocial issuesHuman interaction, behaviour and psychology can greatly affect ones health and safety in the workplace. These would include things like bullying, fatigue, stress, violence, and alcohol and drugs. Some workers may be more vulnerable than others to psychosocial stress, due to certain characteristics. These can includeHaving a non-English speaking backgroundHaving different cultural or religious beliefsBeing of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descentBeing aged between 1625Having a disability or long-term illness or injuryWorking on a temporary grund Employers and employees need to be aware that these characteristics can cause difficulties in communicating and can lead to victimisation, bullying, and an adverse overall effect on health and safety in the workplace. As an employer you will need to be aware of any unusual or changed behaviour in your workers. It is important to try and understand any underlying problems that may have caused these psychosocial issues. For this to occur you need to have strong channels of communication. As employees it is important to inform your supervisor or OHS representative of any unusual or changed behaviour in your fellow employees. Also be sure to inform your employer of any problems or issues th at you may be facing that might affect your work or jeopardise your safety.ChemicalsChemicals include materials and substances that can adversely affect the health of workers. Some chemicals can pose an immediate risk to workers as well as the environment and are labelled as dangerous goods. Chemicals can also cause harm through exposure. These are usually classified as hazardous and can cause long-term effects to your health. The storage and handling of chemicals needs to be strictly monitored to ensure the safety of workers.CarcinogensCarcinogens are substances which may cause cancer. Carcinogens are listed as notifiable or prohibited and there are specific requirements concerning their use and regulation.Manual handling and ergonomicsManual handling includes any activity or task that may require physical exertion. These can include lifting, pushing, carrying or any other repetitive or awkward movements. Injuries resulting from manual handling are extremely common, but are prevent able.NoiseConstant exposure to loud or excessive noise can cause permanent hearing loss. Employers need to put in place control measures to ensure that worker safety is guaranteed when noise levels exceed a certain level.Plant machinery and equipmentOperating machinery can be extremely dangerous and can lead to injuries and even fatalities. Workers need to be thoroughly trained in how to operate and maintain plant. Any machinery and equipment needs to be kept in a safe and working condition. This is achieved through regular inspection and maintenance to keep up-to-date on the need for repairs and replacements.Working environmentSome hazards can arise from the work environment. Issues may arise from smoking, confined spaces, sun exposure and temperature. It is up to the employer to identify and control hazards that could occur in the workplace. 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