One Hundred Steps: A practical guide to the 100 steps that can make your workplace safer.
Version 1.2
Copyright © 2012
Darren Kay
All rights reserved
ISBN: 9781456610104
About the Author
Darren Kay is an educator. He is a qualified OHS practitioner (Cert IV in OHS) and has compiled this book following several years of involvement in OHS in a variety of workplace settings including Health, Technology, Natural Resource Management and Education.
He writes in an informal and accessible style, which allows anyone who has responsibilities in OHS to follow a list of practical actions to improve the safety of their workplace.
About this book
Whilst it is true that OHS should be perceived as a ‘system’ of safety, it is all too easy for workplaces to get caught up in a ‘paralysis through analysis’ and get nowhere. This book is intended to provide specific, quantifiable and positive guidance for actions that can actually improve workplace safety. It does not diminish the need for a well thought out OHS system, but does provide advice for many of the inevitable steps that will come from implementing that system (albeit perhaps a bit sooner).
This is the first edition of the book, and I hope that you will consider contacting me with any suggestions for its ongoing improvement, and any corrections, for future editions.
Notes
WorkSafe, is the West Australian State Authority for OHS. I have used this name extensively, but for clarity, you should transpose your own states authority if you don’t live in WA.
Some steps in this book appear similar. They are different in my mind and I hope you will forgive me if I failed to communicate that effectively.
Disclaimer
The author takes no responsibility for anything. Ever.
Any actions you take as a result of reading this book is your own responsibility. If in doubt I suggest you seek your own legal council, and specialist advisors.
1. Check you have an RCD at your workplace
This is a quick question, that requires very prompt response should the answer be ‘no’. A Residual Current Device is a very basic and very essential electrical safety component that should be in every workplace by law.
The NSW law states that: “An employer must ensure that, in relation to each electrical outlet socket at the employer’s place of work, the circuit is protected by a residual current device”; Occupational Health and Safety Amendment (Residual Current Devices) Regulation 2011. See: http://www.legislation.nsw.gov.au/sessionalview/sessional/sr/2011-73.pdf
An RCD works by comparing the current entering a circuit with that leaving a circuit – they should always be the same. If they are not, then some energy is going to earth. As this could be via a person, the RCD trips the power off. Several people die each year, who would not have done, had these simple devices been installed.
What to do right now:
Check your RCD by looking at the electrical switchboard. If you’re not sure, call an electrician to check, and fit one if necessary. Should cost $500 to $900.
For more information see: http://www.commerce.wa.gov.au/EnergySafety/RCD/What_is_an_RCD.html
2. Understand the big picture
OH&S is all about having a duty of care to do the right thing by each other, to the extent of what is considered practicable.
The law seeks to eliminate risk for all people in the workplace, imposing a responsibility for employers and employees to work without endangering others, and to cooperate to achieve a safe work environment.
- The law requires that risks in the workplace should be eliminated or reduced as far as practicable.
- The law requires employers to ensure that the working environment is safe; that systems are in place to ensure and maintain safety and that equipment is in safe condition.
- The law requires that employers provide appropriate training and supervision for staff;
- The law requires that employers consult with staff to effect a safe working environment;
The process by which this is achieved is through identification, evaluation and elimination of hazards.
Though there are many, many products on the market that aim to sell you a solution; employers should realise that every work place is unique (hence my disclaimer) so it is perhaps better to consider the basics. Often this is around ensuring that you have the following pieces of the jigsaw puzzle in place.
- A general direction - a statement about what you want to achieve through a system of safety management.
- Consultation – receiving feedback or advice from those around you. Both employer and staff share a responsibility for OHS, so communication is an essential factor.
- Inspection – look around you with a critical eye. Find safety enhancements everywhere.
- Training – what you need to provide to ensure safety, and what you have provided.
- Equipment – what equipment is needed to increase safety, and how you ensure existing equipment is used safely?
- Documentation – what information you need to record and share that shows what you are doing, and how you are going.
It is this last point that is crucial in a court of law as well as useful for pushing through a culture of safety in the workplace.
What to do right now: Read up on OHS. Book on an OHS reps course, and become familiar with the resources on your State’s OHS authority web site.
3. Attend OHS for Managers course
Whilst this book is an excellent resource, attending a one to two day managers course will be of great value too. Many local TAFE colleges run a course called OHS for Supervisors. Usually a more succinct version of the 5-day OHS Reps course, they typically include training in:
- OH&S legislation
- Workplace consultation
- Hazard identification
- Risk assessment
- Risk control
- Developing a safety culture
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