The Consistent Framework to Ensure Workers are Healthy and Safe in the Workplace - Assignment Example

Work Health and Safety. Name: Course Title: Tutor: Institutional Affiliation: Department: Date of Submission: Task 1 Model Work Health Safety act 2011 The Model work Health Safety act (2011) is a document that harmonises the WHS acts in Australia. Hence, each state in Australia will still have its safety law, but will be modelled on Model work Health and Safety act of 2011.The model act, regulations and codes of conduct are as a result of extensive public consultation. They become operative in a state once adopted and enacted by the state parliament of the concerned state. The act aims to provide a balanced and nationally consistent framework to ensure workers are healthy and safe in the workplace. The health and safety of the workers can be achieved by reduction or minimization of risks resulting from work, ensuring there is representation, co-operation and consultation in work safety and health related issues. Moreover, encourage employee unions and employer organisations to be involved in the creation of a safer and healthier working environment and also ensure compliance with the WHS act and its enforcement. List and describe the main principles of the Act First, the Act applies to all industries. The model WHS Act is comprehensive covering all business undertakings. Secondly, the act establishes health and safety duties(David Walters, 2001). The act protects the workers and other people involved with the running of the business against harm. The workplace should be conducive to the workers’ health and Welfare. Hence, businesses should aim to eliminate or minimise risks that may result from the work. Thirdly, the Act provides fair and effective workers' representation, consultation and participation. Workers should be involved in the issues related to safety and health. The health and safety representatives and Healthy and Safety committee should be allowed to oversee issues resolutions that affect safety and health of workers. Fourth, it also establishes a regulator and inspector to ensure compliance with this act. The role of the regulator is to ensure that the laws are fully adhered to in the jurisdictions that have enacted the act. This will give an uniform implementation of the act. Fifth, the act also ensures that workers performing functions under this Act are protected from discrimination in the workplace. The officers will be regularly scrutinised and reviewed to ensure they comply with the Act. Sixth, the Act also provides regulation models and codes of practice(Sherriff & Tooma, 2010). The WHS regulation model is a more detailed requirement supporting the WHS Act of 2011.On the other hand, codes of practice help the individual jurisdiction attain the standard of health, safety and welfare required in the WHS Act and WHS Regulations. Lastly, the Act promotes local consultation to ensure that the workers' safety and health in the workplace keep on improving. Workers are to be advised, trained and educated on matters relating to health and safety. What are health and safety committees and health and safety representatives? A health and safety committee (HSC) are established by a person conducting business or undertaking (PCBU) on request by Health and Safety Representative (SHR) or five or more workers. The PCBU may also establish the HSC without request. The membership of the HSC includes workers, PCBU and HRS but half of the members must be workers not nominated by PCBU. The HSC members must be workers at the senior management level and should be given enough time to participate in meetings. HSC enables the PCBU and workers’ representatives to meet regularly and co-operate in developing policies and procedures that improve worker health and safety outcomes. Health and safety representative (HSR) refers to a person elected by a group of employees to represent workers on health, safety and welfare issues under OHSW Act of 1986.They assist employees to raise issues related to health, safety and welfare in the organisation. They can inspect the workplace, discuss issues affecting workers' health, safety and welfare of employees and investigate complaints raised about health and safety of employees. What does the act say about the responsibilities of the employer and the employee representatives? The employee representatives are responsible for inspecting the workplace, investigate complaints about health, safety and welfare of the employee. The HSR also is responsible for raising any issue affecting worker's health and safety and can also direct work to stop in case a worker is in danger until necessary measures are taken. The employees' representatives do not have legal liability for their action or lack of their action. However, if a representative is found guilty of misuse of power or information, the representative can be charged a Division 6 fine of up to $10000. The main role of the employers’ representatives is to represent, offer advice and assist employers in meeting work health, safety and welfare obligations.Moreover, they can provide WHS training and also consulting with government in the formulation of laws and regulation affecting employers. WH&S Resources In the resource folder, there are three documents: the inspection calendar, workplace inspection checklist and AS401 Audit tool. The Inspection Calendar. The annual workplace inspection calendar enables the employer to remember important inspection dates. The inspection is done by a nominated employee and must be signed by the manager. It runs from January to December. Workplace Inspection checklist. This resource gives a general overview of the different areas which the employer should keep an eye concerning health and safety of the employees. The checklist ensures that the employer has put in place equipment and procedure needed to control hazards and risk in the workplace. It assess the condition of firefighting equipment, exits and fire alarms, the condition of electrical appliances, general lighting, ensures the walkways are clean, rubbish collection, working benches, storage, chemicals, first aid, floors, machines, display material and WHS information. This vital for the business as it caution, it from heavy fines, if found it has not complied with some government requirement. The third resource is the AS401 audit tool. It is a comprehensive tool to audit the business whether it meets the required standard by the government. The report shows whether the firm does conform in the system and the degree of non-compliance. It is an overview of OHS management system. The main element in the audit is the OHS policy, OHS management plans, planning identification of hazards, assessment and control of risks, legal and other requirement, OHS objectives and target, resources to implement, maintain and improve OHS, training the employees on OHS, the procedure established to consult OHS related issues, Hazard evaluation, emergency preparedness and response and health surveillance. There are important resources that enhance competitiveness and staff retention in the business. Task 2 Potential Hazards in the Workplace. Any source of damage, harm or adverse health effect in the workplace under certain condition can be referred to a hazard. Hazards from inside. Slips, cuts, shock, fire, slippery floors, waste, electrical, water, plastic bags, chemical Hazards from outside and staff facilities. Microwave, changing facilities, washing, lighting, computers, sun exposure, animal, environment Staff stress and fatigue Workload, shift work, physical environment(noise), job security, supervisors,lact of trust, management style, co-workers, career development opportunities. 1. Slips and falls Slips and falls are caused by slippery and wet floors. Falls can cause serious injuries, and hence wet floors should be dried immediately. In the case of wet floor, the supervisor concerned with cleanliness should be notified immediately. 2. Waste When the waste bin is not regularly emptied, the stench from decomposing food materials may pollute the air. In such a case the supervisor involved with the cleaning of the premises need to be notified. This will involve calling and requesting that waste bin to be emptied. 3. Computers Computers glare can lead to headaches and eye strains. This a potential hazard to a workers’ health. The eyes strain can lead to physical fatigue and decrease productivity. The IT manager should be informed to upgrade the cathode ray tube to modern liquid crystal display. The workers may also be encouraged to wear computer glasses. 4. Lighting Use proper lighting helps to reduce eye strain and accident in the workplace. If the bulb is out, it needs to be replaced as soon as possible. The supervisor heading the electrical appliance department need to notice as soon the faulty bulb is noticed. This will ensure new bulbs are fixed, reducing the chances of an injury. 5. Shift work Shift work involves working on a schedule and workers are rotated according to a set schedule. The shift may be 24 hours, seven days, etc. Shift especially for those who work at night may lead to disruption of social and family life, sleep deprivation and upset one’s circadian rhythm. If this is noted to cause fatigue in workers, the top management needs to be notified. The top management may consider increasing the length of rest between shifts or increase the length rotational period. The workers should also be encouraged to sleep on a set schedule and establish eating patterns. 6. Workload. Workload may be a source of stress and fatigue especially where a worker is overloaded or underloaded with work. The workers’ health may be affected due to depression. Where cases of overload or under load are noted, the immediate supervisor should be consulted. This may involve sending a letter requesting the job assignment to be reviewed. 2. WH&S Strategy Employers are responsible for creating a safe work environment for their employees. A safe work environment improves productivity and increase staff retention. The employers should provide a safe premises, safe machinery and materials, information, safe systems of work, supervision and a suitable working environment facilities and instruction. The new staff members need to understand about the duty of care. The duty of care states that a person has to do everything possible, within reason, to protect themselves and others from harm. There are always chances that danger can occur in the workplace. Thus, the employee should be ready to help others. Some of the potentials hazards may involve machines, chemicals, fire and poor lighting. The employee should either inform the supervisors of spillage on the floor or wipe them to prevent falls and slips. The new staff member should also comply with reasonable instructions given by the employer, respect with reasonable policies and procedures of the organization and inform others of the hazards in your work area. The employees should not take unnecessary risk while working with the equipment(D. Walters, Gourlay, & Britain, 1990). This may involve being on the lookout for faulty equipment and always using personal protective equipment where required. The employee should read the instruction manual before using the equipment and always enter and leave the workplace through the proper routes. The employee should never work while under influence of alcohol or drug and should never bring them in the workplace. Smoking should be done in the designated areas to ensure the work area clean and tidy. As noted above, organization policies state that no employee should work while under influence of drugs or alcohol. This is to reduce chances of injuries and harassments in the workplace. Smoking is not allowed in the organization premises. The new staff should be informed how to report injuries and hazards in the organisation. The employee should report directing the supervisor of health and safety representative to ensure appropriate actions are taken. Task 3 1. Fire The business premises should be installed with suitable fire alarm systems and extinguishers. Also, employers should establish and maintain a fire safety policy. In case of fire, the aim should be to remove anyone from the immediate danger, activate the building fire alarms and call he firefighters department.Then try to confine the fire by closing all windows and doors and leaving the building. If the fire can be extinguished, the worker should do so with the fire extinguishers without taking unnecessary risk. If the fire cannot be extinguished, evacuate immediately and close windows and doors as you leave. If you encounter smoke, drop down and crawl until you reach the exit. Always use the stair and never the elevator. When you are out of the building, assemble at the designated fire assembly. 2. Assault Assault may be physical or sexual. An organisation should have a policy in place to take care of such cases. The organization can appoint a senior management officer as a complaint officer. The person should be provided with the material on sexual and physical assault. In the case of assault the representative officer should be informed. Some assault should be reported directly to the police department. The representative upon the review should inform the employer of the incident and proper remedial action be taken. 3. An accident where a worker is injured. In such a case, the supervisor should get a safe place, to prevent additional injuries. The supervisor should assess the situation; how many people are injured, whether the property has been damaged and whether there is a need to call for help. In any case of injury, the supervisor should get professional help or help where possible to prevent the injury from getting worse. Then record the details of the accident immediately. The supervisor should get contact information of those involved and the insurance information where necessary. The supervisor should keep the evidence while ensuring the potentially hazardous equipment does not hurt others. The written report should be submitted to safety committee or human resource department for further action. 4. Animal poo on play equipment Animal poo is a potential source of bacteria in the workplace and should be cleaned immediately. The cleaning department personnel wearing gloves should the equipment and if damaged should be disposed off. The cleaner should disinfectant to clean the area. The management should ensure that a proper place is set apart for pets allowed in the work and maintained in confinement. 5. Potential food allergy Food allergy is an abnormal response to food, triggered by the body’s immune system. The symptoms include swollen lips, tongue or eyes, itchy skin, rash coughing and dizziness for more serious allergy. Food delivered to the organization should be proper labelled and all staff should be able to identify food allergen. Staff should be encouraged to wash hands before and after eating. Also, all shared food preparation equipment should be proper cleaned and sanitized.A child with allergy symptoms should be given first aid immediately. Task 4: Nappy change Nappy changing should be done in a set apart place. It is important as it enables children to build trust and improve their communication skills(Vincent & Ball, 2006). It is vital nappy changing to be done in a hygienic way to reduce the chance of spreading infectious diseases. An adult should be in-charge to oversee nappy change and should be keen enough to reduce the probability of children falling from the table and injuring themselves. The risk assessment enables the management to identify areas of potential danger and rectify them. In the nappy changing area in the school, there are no stairs and thus all children are helped to the changing table. I noted this reduces the children ability to improve their self-help skills and even confidence in what there are capable of doing. Nappies, baby wipes, disinfectant, gloves, creams, powder and papers are all within reach and hence reducing the risk of fall. The children are not left unattended as the person changing the nappy can be able to reach all requirements. Another issue I noted is that the plastic bag to put the changed nappy is a bit far from the changing table. Furthermore, there is no mat on the floor to reduce the impact of a fall. There is soapy water sink just beside the nappy changing table, but it is too high for the children to comfortably to use it for hand washing. I will recommend the management to put a mat in the nappy changing area. This will be helpful if a child falls from the changing table. There should be consideration to fix ladders in the changing table and also make sure the plastic bags are near the attendant. Moreover, the sink needs to be lowered to a height that the children can reach. If such improvements are implemented in the nappy changing area, they will great reduce the risk of injury to the children. Task 5 Responsibility for owns and others’ health and safety is paramount in workplace setting.Employee should make sure they do not endanger themselves or others in the line of duty.It is employee's responsibility to caution others about any source of danger in my work area.For example, any open electricity wire, broken glasses, water spills should be identifiable from a distance to ensure do not get injured.There is a duty also of reporting accidents to top management when they occur and offering first-aid if needed. When using equipment, the employee should read the label and ensure they adhere to set rules and regulation.The instruction manual should be used when operating the machine an if a machine is faulty; a specialist should be called to check whether it is safe to use the machine. Task 6 Each employee has a duty to maintain a safe and healthy workplace.In this regard, the equipment should be regularly and thorough checked to ensure they are safe to use.Any faulty and outdated equipment should be removed from the working area.It is important to check that hazard correction procedures are in place in my working area, and the employee know how use and maintain personal protective equipment. It is vital to understand and follow safe working procedures in the workplace. Such procedures enable smooth flow of work and reduces chances of work disruption. The employee should be aware of the first-aid kit in the designated area of work and how to use it. The knowledge of the production process and where am I in the stage of the production is vital to preventing hazards and injuries in the previous stages of production. Case Study : Responding to a fall in workplace. Falls and slips are a major source of injuries and death in the country.As explained,one major cause of slips is spill liquid on the floor. In such a case, you have a duty to help the injured person.First, you need to examine the extent of injury, whether there are broken limbs.In this case the employee was hit on the head and hence you can apply packed ice on the swollen part to numb the pain if the first aid kit is not near. It is also vital to ask for medical help, in case the injury is serious.Head injuries can lead to internal bleeding that is fatal and can lead to death. After the first aid, you should report the accident to a supervisor.It is important to record any evidence and circumstance surrounding the fall as the worker may need to be compensated.This will involve taking contacts of the people who were present and conditions that may have contributed to the fall.The evidence will include the spilled water and the condition of the flooring material.If it is possible, the area should be photographed, and the photos kept with collected evidence. There are some special consideration to make while giving first aid and reporting the case.It is crucial to check whether the person is bleeding to be careful not come into contact with the blood.The age is another factor to consider.Old people are more to fall than the young and hence it is important to include the age of the person as you report.Lastly, it is important to consider the company policies regarding such case.For example, how they should be reported and who is responsible from the point you report onward. Assignment Questions Part One 1. What are three ways to minimise the spread of infections and illnesses? a) Have thorough cleaning routines b) Ensure hygiene rules are followed. c) Teach children the hygiene rules that they can follow. 2. What are three ways that germs can be spread from person to person? a) Directly b) Indirectly c) Airborne. 3. Write in your own words, what each of these terms means. In direct contact, germs can be passed from one to another.Transmission can be from touching another person, for example, hand shake.Another way is through body fluid like blood and mucus. Airborne transmission occurs when germs travel in the air.It spread by attracting droplets of moisture in the air and in the dust particle. Indirect contact involves transmission through passive intermediate objects like a door knob.When a person infected touches a place, germs are left behind.A person who latter touches the place may pick up the germs. 4. What do you need to clean and when Toilets-Toilet should be washed regularly.At least thrice per day. 5. What you will use to clean. Brooms, gloves and detergent. 6. What would happen if you did not keep this area clean? It can lead to spread of diseases.Housefly is a main vector of infectious diseases like cholera and typhoid.Unclean toilets can lead to spread of this diseases. 7. Go online and find a poster to display to educate yourself and the children you are working with about effective hand washing procedures. Attach this to your assignment and keep a copy for your resource folder! Assignment Questions Part Two 1. where does safety start? It starts with the environment. 2. What kinds of areas does this include? This includes buildings, the outdoor areas and all the equipment within these areas. 3. What are the five hazards in the outdoor area? a) Fencing.A child care centre should be fully enclosed. b) Water trolley c) Wheel toys d) Glass e) Sandpit. 4. List a way to minimise the risk for each of those five areas Fencing-The fence should be inspected daily. Water trolley-Children should be supervised when playing and the water should be emptied out of the water trolley and new put in whenever children are not playing. Wheel toys-Help children who just beginning to walk. Glass-Put guardrails or barriers to prevent a child striking or falling against the glass. -Sandpit.-The children should be supervised when playing in the sand.Furthermore, the sandpits should be covered at night. 5.What are the five hazards in the indoor area? a) Glass b)Heaters c)Curtains/Blinds d)Furniture e)Toys 6. List a way to minimise the risk for each of those five areas -Glass-The area should be safely glazed in accordance with Australian standards -Heaters-They should have a low-temperature exterior to minimise burn and fire risk. -Curtains/blinds-They should be out of reach of children. -Furniture- They should be kept within the reach of curtains/blind cords. -Toys-They should be checked daily for loose parts or damaged parts that can choke a child. 7. List at least three other hazards you would find in these environments. -Floors -Swimming pools -Doors. 8. For each of these hazards write a conversation you would have with a child, explaining the risks and how to keep safe around these hazards. Floor Falls and slips can be fatal to a child.The teacher should always be on the lookout for a slippery floor.You should not also step on spilled liquid on the floor, especially while on a rubber shoe.This is because rubbers have a more slippery sole which increases the chances of falling. You should also check that where you are stepping there is no solid waste or food. Swimming pools. The pool water is a hazard when left unattended in the school compound.This is because drowning is common for those who does not know how to swim.It is important to keep away from such places unless you have an adult around you.In case your friends are playing in such a place, you should inform the teacher immediately. Doors Doors can be a potential hazards to children.Children may swing with the door when left unattended, and this can lead to serious injury.A child should keep away from the door.If a child wants to open the door, the teacher should be asked for permission, and the teacher should help the child. How can you effectively supervise? Supervision encompasses a wide range of activities. It involves managing children’s behaviour, observing them interact with each other, environment and equipment and lastly, recognising opportunities that can enhance their learning and playing experiences(Rush, 2006). Effective supervision requires positioning yourselves in place that you can see all children and in a way that you can react fast enough to help a child who is at danger. The teacher should be keenly listening to the changes in the voice of children while counting them regularly to ensure none is missing. It is vital that the teacher be in constant communication with other staffs for proper coordination of the children. During meal time, the teacher should be alert in case of choking risk. The teacher should explain to the children various safety rules and help them to follow them. In the mornings and the evening, they should make sure that all children are signed in and out by their parent or guardian. Above all, an effective supervisor should never leave children unsupervised. Assignment Questions Part Three A) Look at the below illustration of indoor and outdoor area of an early learning center. The position of Terry, Sam and David depends on the position of the children and how well they can be able to communicate with each other.Terry takes the central position in the compound.From such a point Terry can be able to give instruction to both Sam and David.The position enables Terry to see all children and react or give instruction as required.The position is more crucial as Terry is near the two groups of the children and hence can respond to any risk that can occur to the children.The other group of two children playing outside can be reached by either Sam or David. David is in proximity to the children who playing;this help to ensure that the children are under close supervisor from any danger.David is can both Terry and Sam, and this improves coordination.It is vital that all the teacher be able to see all the children and what they are doing.The way the teacher are positioned, it is possible to see each child. B) From the current position, David and Sam can see all the children.This vital for effective supervision of the children and there is no need of the remaining teachers to change their positions. Assignment Questions Part Four 1. Complete an Incident Report Form for Salwa’s accident. 2. Think about what caused the accident and record your thoughts in your notebook. The accident resulted from a slippery floor.When the room was mopped, enough time was not around for the room to dry. After mopping a room, the room should not be used until it is dry. 3. Write a script of what would you talk with the children in regards to the event. I will inform the children that Salwa was involved an accident, but it is not serious, and the teacher will be fine.It is important to assure them that Salwa has been taken to hospital and treated, and the doctor confirmed no major injuries were sustained. Assignment Questions Part Five 1. An information sheet on allergies for parents. 2. Anaphylactic reaction information sheet Assignment Questions Part Six 1. How do you ensure that all children’s individual needs and comfort are met during the resting time? Sleep time allows the children to get the rest they need during an active day in a child care.The comfort of the a child can be enhanced by letting the children rest on a mattress, beanbag or read a book quietly in a quiet place.The teacher should help to set up the room for sleeping or resting, put out and pick beds and pack away children linen. 2. . How do you ensure the health and the safety of the children during the resting time? Be aware of children sleeping signs, for example, rubbing eyes, yawning, etc.The teacher should create a space where children can safely and quietly sleep.In the sleep room, each child should sleep the same place each day, and it is important the parent to bring the children’s security object like blanket and soft toys.The teacher should develop a rest time ritual and exchange information with the parents to improve a child rest time quality.It is important to consult the parent on the number of hours, they will their children to sleep. REFERENCES Rush, E. (2006). Child care quality in Australia. Australia Institute.  Sherriff, B. N., & Tooma, M. (2010). Understanding the Model Work Health and Safety Act. CCH Australia Limited. Vincent, C., & Ball, S. J. (2006). Childcare, choice and class practices: Middle class parents and their children. Routledge. Walters, D. (2001). Health and safety in small enterprises. PIE-P. Lang. Walters, D., Gourlay, S., & Britain, G. (1990). Statutory Employee Involvement in Health and Safety at the Workplace: A Report of the Implementation and Effectiveness of the Safety Representatives and Safety Committees Regulations 1977. Great Britain, Health and Safety Executive. Read More