Safe Work Practices

Understanding Workplace Hazards, Risks, and Safe Work Practices

The following is from Safe Work Australia – How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks: Code of Practice – Dec 2011 Vs1:

A safe and healthy workplace does not happen by chance or guesswork. You must apply safe work practices and consider what could happen at your workplace. Then you must do whatever you can (in other words, whatever is ‘reasonably practicable’) to eliminate or minimise health and safety risks arising from your business or undertaking.

This process is known as workplace risk management and involves the four steps:

• Identify safety issues – find out what could cause harm, or in other words, hazard identification.
• Assess risks if necessary – integrate ergonomics and understand the nature of the harm, how severe the harm could be, and the likelihood of it happening.
• Control risks – implement the most effective control measures reasonably practicable in the circumstances.
• Review control measures to ensure they are working as planned.

 

Meaning of Key Terms

• A hazard is a situation or thing that can potentially harm a person. Hazards include noisy machinery, a moving forklift, chemicals, electricity, working at heights, repetitive work, bullying, and violence.
• Risk is the possibility that harm (such as death, injury, or illness) will occur when exposed to a hazard.
• Risk control means taking action to eliminate occupational health and safety risks so far as is reasonably practicable, or minimising them where elimination is not possible.

The Safe Work Practices Risk Management Process (4 Steps)

Identify Hazards

Many hazards and associated risks are well-known and have accepted control measures. Examples include preventing exposure to silica and properly removing asbestos. If you already know the risk and control, you may go straight to implementation.

Assess Risks (likelihood + severity)

Risk assessment helps you respond to change and improve continuously. Workplace risk management should be systematic and cover all foreseeable hazards.

Estimate the severity or consequence of each hazard:

• Catastrophic – Death or permanent disability
• Serious – Severe injury or long-term illness
• Moderate – Medical treatment and days off work
• Minor – First aid needed
• Negligible – No injury or treatment needed

Estimate the likelihood of harm:

• Certain to occur – Expected in most situations
• Very likely – Will probably occur
• Possible – Might occur occasionally
• Unlikely – Could happen
• Rare – Exceptional circumstances only

Control Hazards – Hierarchy of Control

The most crucial step in managing risks is eliminating them as far as is reasonably practicable or, if that is not possible, minimising them as far as is reasonably practicable.

The ways of controlling risks are ranked from the highest level of protection and reliability to the lowest. This ranking is known as the hierarchy of risk control. The WHS Regulations require duty holders to work through this hierarchy when managing risk under the WHS Regulations

You must always aim to eliminate a hazard, which is the most effective control. If this is not reasonably practicable, you must minimise the risk by working through the other alternatives in the hierarchy.

Review & Improve

Control measures must be regularly reviewed to ensure effectiveness and modified when necessary.

Managing Dangerous Goods & SDS Informed First Aid

The following is from Safe Work Australia – Managing Risks of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace: Code of Practice – July 2012:

The Globally Harmonised System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) applies to all chemicals under WHS law, including those previously classified under NOHSC or ADG Code. Most dangerous goods are also hazardous chemicals.

Under WHS laws, businesses are responsible for chemical hazard management, including dangerous goods.

Dangerous Goods / Chemicals / Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

To manage chemical risks, consider:

• The chemical’s hazardous properties
• Reactions with other substances
• The nature of work involving the chemical
• Systems and structures used in handling/storage

Begin by identifying substances used, handled, stored, or generated at your workplace. Labels and SDS documents help identify chemical contents and associated hazards.

An SDS is a vital safety document. It contains information on:

• Chemical identity
• Hazards
• Safe handling, storage, and disposal
• First aid and emergency procedures

SDS Sections

An SDS for a hazardous chemical states the following information about the chemical:

• Section 1 – Identification: Product identifier and chemical identity
• Section 2 – Hazard(s) identification
• Section 3 – Composition and information on ingredients
• Section 4 – First-aid measures
• Section 5 – Fire-fighting measures
• Section 6 – Accidental release measures
• Section 7 – Handling and storage, including how the chemical may be safely used
• Section 8 – Exposure controls and personal protection
• Section 9 – Physical and chemical properties
• Section 10 – Stability and reactivity
• Section 11 – Toxicological information
• Section 12 – Ecological information
• Section 13 – Disposal Considerations
• Section 14 – Transport information
• Section 15 – Regulatory information
• Section 16 – Any other relevant information

SDS First Aid Measures

An SDS first aid outline includes the following:

• Whether immediate medical attention is required
• Antidotes, if applicable
• Delayed effects after exposure
• Moving the individual to fresh air
  
• Removing contaminated clothing
  
• PPE requirements for first aiders
  
• Risks to first aiders from exposure to chemicals like organophosphates

If you have certain chemical contents and you need to search for its SDS, consider reaching out to the manufacturer or consulting a SDS database.

Medication in the Workplace

Medication Schedules & Legal Requirements (TGA)

In Australia, medicines and poisons are classified into schedules to determine access and control. While there are nine levels, workplaces typically encounter:

• Unscheduled (OTC) – sold in supermarkets and pharmacies
• Schedule 2 & above – subject to tighter regulation

Examples:

• Small packs of paracetamol, ibuprofen, and aspirin are OTC
• Larger packs are Schedule 2 / Pharmacy Medicine
  

Note: According to Safe Work Australia – First Aid in the Workplace: Code of Practice – Feb 2016 Vs3, medication should not be included in first aid kits due to risks for people with medical conditions or allergies.

Administering OTC Meds Safely (5‑check method)

Generally, in a workplace situation, if a coworker has prescription medicine, you may assist them in taking their medication but should not administer it.

Schools, childcare centres, etc., may be required to administer medication to a child. This can be possible if the following has been arranged (Basic specifications mentioned as the list is quite detailed. Refer to your State Government for further details):

• The Child’s GP has determined that it is necessary
• When there is no other alternative for the treatment of a specific health need
• Have medical authorisation to administer any medication to students
• The safe and correct receipt, storage, administration and disposal of medications
• The student’s health plan or action plan is followed
• Training of staff in how to administer medications for children with specialised health needs
• Have procedures and policies in place for the management and administration of drugs. All staff to be aware.
• Parents and schools or centres to effectively work together

First aid Emergency Medication

• 

  Adrenaline auto-injectors (EpiPen) for anaphylaxis = Schedule 3 item

• Asthma reliever (Puffer/inhaler e.g. Ventolin) for asthma = Schedule 3 item First aiders trained to use the above two types of medications, even though being schedule 3 items, can administer the medications in a first aid response to a casualty.

Note: For all medications, including first aid items:

• Check that medication is in date and has not expired
• That medication is stored correctly as specified by the product
• To arrange for replacement medication once used or expired

First Aid Kit Essentials & Responder Ratios

A well-equipped first aid kit should be:

• Accessible, especially near high-risk areas
• Durable and dust-resistant
• Labelled and include a contents list

What First Aid Kit Essentials Should Cover

• Minor injuries: Cuts, grazes, punctures, sprains, minor burns
• Serious injuries: Major wounds, broken bones, eye injuries
• Medical emergencies: Shock, breathing issues, severe allergic reactions

First Aider Ratio – Recommended Minimums

• Low-Risk (e.g. offices, libraries): 1 first aider per 50 workers
• High-Risk (e.g. factories): 1 per 25 workers
• Remote High-Risk (e.g. transport, 24hr stores): 1 per 10 workers

Other factors:

• Multiple shifts or seasonal work
• Large public presence (e.g., schools)
• Industry-specific hazards (e.g., amusement parks, gyms)

Five Checks for Safe Medication Administration

To safely assist or oversee medication usage in the workplace or childcare settings, always verify:

1. Right patient – Confirm name and match to medication
2. Right medication – Double-check labels for lookalikes
3. Right dose – Ensure correct strength and quantity
4. Right time – Confirm timing or PRN interval
5. Right route – Oral, inhaled, transdermal, etc.

For emergency medication, such as:

• EpiPen (anaphylaxis – Schedule 3)
• Ventolin puffer (asthma – Schedule 3)
  …trained first aiders are allowed to administer these during an emergency response.

Always:

• Check that medication is in date
  
• Store medications as recommended
• Replace used or expired stock

FAQs

Further Training and Resources

The creation and application of safe work practices is a conscious effort that should be done by everyone in the workplace. Any work environment – whether it is an office, a school, and especially a high risk environment – should have these in place. 

Despite these, things may (and likely will) go wrong at some point. Supplement safe work practices with workplace first aid training. CPRFA’s HLTAID011 Provide First Aid course is a comprehensive course that meets all workplace requirements. This allows those trained to respond immediately and maybe save a life. Book your onsite general workplace first aid course today.

FAQs

What is the Safe Work Australia Act?

The Safe Work Australia Act is a pivotal piece of legislation in Australia that establishes the framework for promoting workplace health and safety across the country. It outlines the responsibilities of employers, employees, and various stakeholders to ensure safe working environments, reduce workplace hazards, and improve mental health. It also includes policies for workers’ compensation, which is insurance given to workers. It’s useful if they are unable to perform their competency due to illness or injury acquired at work.

What is the meaning of work practices?

Work practices refer to the specific methods, procedures, and routines that individuals or organizations follow in their day-to-day work activities. These practices are designed to ensure efficiency, safety, and adherence to established standards and protocols in various industries and workplaces.

What is an example of safe practice?

Wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as helmets, gloves, and safety goggles when working in a construction site minimizes the risk of injury. This practice helps safeguard workers from potential hazards and ensures a safer work environment.

What makes a safe workplace?

A safe workplace is one where hazards are minimized through thorough training, regular inspections, and a strong commitment to safety from both management and employees. It also fosters a culture of prioritizing everyone’s well-being and clear communication of safety policies.

What are the 4 C’s of safety?

These refer to Communication, Compliance, Culture, and Continuous improvement. These principles emphasize the importance of effective communication, adherence to safety regulations, fostering a safety-oriented culture, and the ongoing pursuit of better safety practices in the workplace.