🚨 Part 1: Hazards and Risks in the Workplace

What are Hazards and Risks?

Hazard: Anything that could cause harm to a person (e.g., chemicals, machinery, wet floors)

Risk: The chance that a hazard will actually cause harm and how serious that harm might be

Common Workplace Hazards:

• Physical: Machinery, electricity, noise, heat, slippery surfaces

• Chemical: Cleaning products, paint fumes, pesticides

• Biological: Bacteria, viruses, mould

• Ergonomic: Heavy lifting, repetitive movements, poor posture

• Psychological: Workplace stress, bullying, violence

Why Identify Hazards?

• Prevents workplace injuries and illnesses

• Required by law under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015

• Creates a safer, more productive work environment

• Reduces costs from accidents and insurance claims

⚖️ Part 2: Responsibilities Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015

Business/Employer Duties (PCBUs - Persons Conducting a Business or Undertaking):

• Primary duty of care: Ensure health and safety of workers and others

• Provide and maintain a safe work environment

• Provide adequate facilities (toilets, drinking water, first aid)

• Provide information, training, instruction and supervision

• Monitor workers' health and workplace conditions

• Provide personal protective equipment (PPE) when needed

Worker Duties:

• Take reasonable care of your own health and safety

• Take reasonable care that your actions don't harm others

• Follow reasonable health and safety instructions

• Use personal protective equipment as instructed

• Report hazards and injuries to your supervisor

• Cooperate with health and safety policies and procedures

Penalties for Non-Compliance:

• Fines up to $3 million for businesses

• Fines up to $300,000 and/or 5 years imprisonment for individuals

• Fines up to $50,000 for workers who don't follow safety rules

🔧 Part 3: Health and Safety Management Systems

Risk Assessment Process:

1. Identify hazards in the workplace

2. Assess the risk level (likelihood × severity)

3. Control risks using the hierarchy of controls:

   • Elimination (remove the hazard completely)

   • Substitution (replace with something safer)

   • Engineering controls (guards, ventilation)

   • Administrative controls (training, procedures)

   • Personal protective equipment (PPE)

4. Review and monitor controls regularly

Common Safety Systems:

• Safety training programmes: Induction training, ongoing education

• Incident reporting: Near misses, injuries, and hazards

• Safety meetings: Regular toolbox talks and safety discussions

• Emergency procedures: Fire drills, evacuation plans, first aid

• Health monitoring: Regular health checks for workers exposed to hazards

• Safety audits: Regular inspections and reviews of safety systems

Key Safety Documents:

• Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for chemicals

• Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

• Emergency response plans

• Training records and certifications