Working safely in the construction industry. Aims of the Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) induction training To provide a basis for general WHS induction.

Working safely in the

construction industry

Aims of the Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) induction training

To provide a basis for general WHS induction training only – site specific and work activity induction training are the responsibility of the employer

To support the requirements of the nationally endorsed unit of competency: CPCCOHS1001A Work safely in the construction industry

To support the requirements of the National Code of Practice for Induction Training for Construction Work

Introduction

New laws and new words …

Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) induction training for construction now falls under new national laws (Work Health and Safety Act 2011)

The new laws use new words: PCBU (Persons Conducting a Business or Undertaking) – this means your employer or the

manager of your workplace Worker (this is you – or in other words, employees) Workplace (any place where a worker goes or is likely to be while at work Health and Safety Representative (can be elected by workers and has powers relating to

health and safety)

The main difference relates to shared responsibility in workplace health and safety

Also, idea of ‘reasonably practicable’, ie: taking into account the likelihood of hazard/risk occurring, degree of harm,

what the person concerned knows (or ought to know), availability and suitability of controls, and cost

Introduction

WHS legislative requirementsOutline:

WHS law: why it is important, and the difference between WHS Acts,

regulations, codes of practice and Australian Standards

Duty of care: what it is, who it affects, and the duty of care responsibilities

of: Persons Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBUs), and workers

Working safely: describing safe working practices in construction, activities

which require a licence or permit, and ways to keep the worksite safe WHS

legislative requirements

WHS law

You need to know the WHS legislation that covers your job and workplace

You are required by law to comply with themYou need to understand how WHS Acts, regulations,

codes and standards affect your work, job and workplace

WHS legislative

requirements

Legislation is law passed by Parliament. It governs many areas, including health and safety

at work. It can be national, or relevant to individualstates and territories

WHS law

WHS legislative

requirements

What are the differences between Acts, regulations, codes of practice and Australian Standards?

Acts

• Are law

• Describe how to provide health and safety in the workplace

Regulations

• Are made under the Act

• Set out the practical steps to follow to comply with the Act

Model Work Health and Safety Act 2011OHS & Welfare Act

(1986)

Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011OHS and Welfare Regulations (1995)

Model Code of Practice: Hazardous Manual Tasks

WHS law

WHS legislative

requirements

Codes of

Practice

• Give practical guidance on how to legally comply with regulations and Acts

Australian

Standards

• Developed to provide minimum levels of performance or quality

• Cover hazards, work processes and products

AS 3610-1995 Formwork for concrete

It is the legal responsibility of everyone on site Persons conducting a business or undertaking

(PCBUs) and supervisors workers and sub-contractors designers, manufacturers and suppliers inspectors etc

Duty of care

WHS legislative

requirements

… requires a person to do everythingreasonably practicable to protect themselves

and others from harm.

To ensure that as far as is reasonably possible, workers are safe from injury and risk to health while at work

To provide a safe working environment,facilities, systems and equipment(eg access to toilets and drinking water)

To provide workers with WHS informationand training

WHS legislative

requirements

What are the duty of care responsibilities of PCBUs?

Duty of care

To cooperate with (or help) the PCBU on health and safety matters

To take reasonable care to protect thehealth and safety of yourself and otherswho may be affected by your actionsat work, eg keeping your work area safe and tidy telling other workers about hazards you have noticed,

such as tools or equipment which are faulty or might need repair

WHS legislative

requirements

What are the duty of care responsibilities of workers?

Duty of care

Do not take unnecessary risksAlways look out for hazardsAlways use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)If you must smoke, do so only in designated areasKeep your work area clean and tidyEnter and leave the workplace using proper routesNever attend work under the influence of drugs or alcoholetc

Working safely

WHS legislative

requirements

Safe working practices means working in a way that minimises risk to yourself, other people, equipment, materials, the environment, and

work processes

Boundaries, entry and exit points (eg emergency exits)Location of any hazardsLocation of first aid equipmentProcedures for handling and disposing of materials

and waste (especially if toxic or hazardous)How to access amenities such as drinking water and toiletsPPE which must be worn in the workplaceOther systems to help you to work safely, eg to limit dustetc

Working safely

WHS legislative

requirements

The PCBU should give you information about safe systems and procedures at work.

Scaffolding (over 4 metres)Asbestos removalDoggingRiggingCrane operationHoist operationPlumbingGasfittingetc

Working safely

WHS legislative

requirements

Which activities need licencesor permits?

Always check to make sure you know what you

need to have todo your work

Storage of materials and equipment: safe and organised manner so they can be retrieved again safely in accordance with MSDS and legislation cannot fall on a person or cause injury (eg through projection of sharp edges) flammable and combustible materials – do not store more than is necessary!

Removal of debris: should continually be removed to prevent build up build up could affect entry/exit to a site and pose a fire hazard disposal must not create a risk to the environment

Litter: includes things such as food scraps and wrappings, paper etc must be disposed of in proper containers (eg garbage bins) disposal must not pose a risk to the environment

Working safely

WHS legislative

requirements

Tips for keeping the worksite safe:

Site disturbance: vehicles should always use nominated routes to limit mud soil etc tracking

onto public roads loads should be covered to prevent materials or rubbish from escaping

Dust: needs to be controlled water should be applied to roads and stockpiles to limit dust and

pollution of stormwater systemsGood housekeeping:

essential to a safe work site every-day cleanliness, tidiness and good order in your work area machinery and equipment maintenance so they are in

safe and efficient working order

Working safely

WHS legislative

requirements

Tips for keeping the worksite safe:

Risk management

Risk management

Outline:

Managing risk: what it is, and how it is assessed and managed

Common construction hazards: What they are, how they are identified, and what you should do

Controlling hazards: outlining ways to control hazards using the hierarchy of control

Managing risk

Risk management

1. Identify hazards (find or see)2. Assess the risks involved (think about and check)3. Consult and report ensuring the involvement of relevant

people (talk and tell)4. Control the hazard (stop or prevent it)5. Review to identify change or improvement

(check and reflect)

Risk: the likelihood of a hazard causing injury or harm

5 basic principles of risk management:

Managing risk

Risk management

Risk assessment: means gathering information so that you can make a clear and educated decision about what needs to be

done to lower the risk as far as possible

Risk assessment is based on 3 factors to think about and check:

The “likelihood” that it will do harm (probability)

The “severity” of the harm it could do (consequence)

The “number” of times people could be affected by it (frequency)

Hazardous substances and dangerous goods can include: asbestos, synthetic mineral fibres, cement dust, chemicals and

solvents, custom wood and wood dust etcIt can take a long time after exposure before

hazardous substances can affect your healthYou must use PPE for protectionYou must follow correct procedures for handling and

disposal of some materials (never try to remove asbestos)Sometimes specialist training is needed before a material

or good can be handled – check if you are unsure

Common construction hazards

Risk management

Hazard: any thing (including an intrinsic property of a thing) or situation with the potential to cause injury or harm

Asbestos (biggest killer of workers in Australia) Found in many areas including bonded form (around eaves,

ceilings, wet areas etc), and friable form (around hot water pipes etc) Never try to remove asbestos – law states that people who assess and

remove asbestos must be licensed You must immediately report the presence (or suspected presence) of

asbestos

Chemicals and solvents Always check the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)

before handling MSDS details safe handling and disposal procedures If in doubt, isolate and check


Risk management

Some examples of common hazardson a construction site

Dust (wood or cement) Cement and gypsum-based materials found in things like

mortar, concrete and adhesives

Excavation, demolition, traffic flow can cause dust problems

Always comply with MSDSs, wear approved respirator, eye protection and gloves, wet down dusty areas, keep vehicle speed down, use wet methods when cutting, dispose of safely etc


Risk management


Noise Usually caused by vehicles/traffic, machinery and heavy

equipment, hand and explosive powered tools

Can cause hearing loss or damage, stress, headaches,problems with communication etc

Always wear protection (eg plugs, ear muffs etc)

Be aware of appropriate soundlevels or decibels


Risk management


Manual handling Activities that require you to use force to lift, lower,

push, pull, carry or move a load commonly cause injuries (eg breaks, twists, sprains, ligament damage to shoulders, hands, neck, back and knees etc)

Consider things such as the distance the object is to be moved, using mechanical aids, your physical abilities etc

If awkward or heavy, do not attempt by yourself – organise others to help


Risk management


Plant & equipment Use only if safe to use and fit for the purpose intended Live electrical equipment must never be worked on

until de-energised and/or physically isolated by a qualified person(shut down and tag or lock out)

Knife blades must be covered when not in use,and locked in place when in use

Always look out for: overhead power lines exposed, moving mechanical components (eg gears, drive shafts, pulleys etc) areas where there could be a release of steam, chemicals,

pressurised fluids, or biological hazards


Risk management


UV radiation Comes from the sun as well as lasers, welding flashes and

high intensity lighting Passes through the skin and harms living body cells (sunburn) –

eyes are also at risk Be sensible and protect your eyes and skin – wear correct PPE

(welding mask, sunglasses, hats, long sleeved shirts, sunscreen etc)


Risk management


Electrical safety Hazards include energised equipment, electrical wires, power cords and tools,

installed photovoltaic (solar) panels etc You must report all electric shocks and short circuits Australian Standards and WHS legislation demand regular

routine inspections of electrical equipment All electrical equipment must be tested and tagged, earthed

properly, and unplugged when changing blades and fittings Electrical leads should be suspended off the ground Portable equipment must include a residual current device (RCD)

especially if equipment is exposed to potential damage or often being moved

Where a portable generator is being used, make sure wiring is correct and outlet socket, generator and frame have a common earth wiredby a licensed electrician


Risk management


Traffic & mobile plant (especially when mobile) You must be licensed to operate, and able to safely control You must carry out all pre-operational checks when starting or

taking over equipment (including warning and hazard signs and lights)

You must follow rules and procedures, eg work within specified areas, observe andobey warning signs, be aware of people and objects around you when working, replace orcheck guards before and after use etc


Risk management


Working at height and falls Falls are one of the most common forms

of serious injury or death in construction Risk is fall from height or from one level to another Where there is risk of a fall, the PCBU must ensure as far as

reasonably practicable that work is done on the ground or a solid construction

Where risk can’t be eliminated (hierarchy of control), protection must be given to you and used, regardless of the height fall prevention device or work positioning system or fall arrest system


Risk management


Working at height and falls (continued) There are a number of things that must be

considered or done, eg: doing as much work as possible at ground level protecting people below using scaffolds or mobile work platforms if required – scaffolding

above 4 metres must be erected by a licensed scaffolder when working above 2 metres, kick boards and hand railings

must be used using edge protection or safety harnesses


Risk management


Falling objects You must take care to ensure that objects do not fall onto

or hit people doing construction work and in nearby areas(eg public footpath, road, other area beside your workplace)

Falling objects include equipment, material, tools and debris that can fall or be sent out sideways or upwards (eg tools falling off a working platform, rocks and soil falling into a trench, falling bricks bounced off the side of a building, concrete pre-cast panels falling over etc)

Use correct danger tags and warning signs Ensure safe practices such as exclusion zones around

scaffolding and adjoining areas, perimeter containment screening, materials never dropped from a scaffold, safe ways to raise and lower objects etc


Risk management


KEEP OUT -FALLINGOBJ ECTS

Excavations (including trenches) A trench is a deep hole, channel, ditch, or cut in the ground

An excavation is a hole or cavity made by excavating

All trenches and excavations must be barricaded or flagged off to warn people of their location and to prevent accidental or unauthorised entry

Generally, entry is not allowed immediately next to trenches/excavations that are 1.5 metres in depth or more (unless sides are benched, battered or supported)


Risk management


Confined spaces A confined space is an enclosed (or partly enclosed) space that:

• is not designed or intended to be occupied by a person• is (or is designed or intended to be) at normal atmospheric

pressure while a person is in the space• is (or is likely to be) a risk to health and safety from:

unsafe oxygen levels contaminants in the air (gas, vapours, dust etc) which can cause a fire or explosion harmful concentrations of contaminants in the air engulfment (eg by materials such as sand or water)

• eg pits, tanks, ducts, pipes, pressure vessels, roof spaces etc

Covered by an Australian Standard Requires special training and a confined space entry permit


Risk management


Unplanned collapse Poses a significant danger to construction workers

Can involve: collapse of a building or structure (or part of a building or structure) which is weak

or unstable before it has been completed collapse, overturning or failure of a load-bearing part of a lift, crane, hoist, lifting

gear or scaffolding collapse of shoring or an excavation which is more than 1.5 metres deep

Be aware of potential hazards and risks and comply with procedures, regulations and Australian Standards (especially those related to maximum load limits of load bearing equipment)


Risk management


Hot and cold working environments Some work sites and tasks may expose you to hot or cold working

environments with particular risks (eg work outdoors → UV radiation, wind chill, thermal hazards etc)

The effects of heat and cold on the body are affected by the environment through: air temperature (how hot or cold the surrounding air is) humidity (the moisture content in the air) air movement including wind speed and air circulation radiant heat (from the sun, given out by plant, buildings, equipment etc)

You must understand the difference between discomfort, and hypothermia, heat stroke and heat exhaustion which can mean serious medical conditions


Risk management


Infectious diseases Found in blood and other body fluids (eg HIV, hepatitis etc) Transmission will usually occur if:• hypodermic needles or other sharp instruments contaminated with

infected blood or body fluids penetrate the skin

• infected blood or body fluids splash into your eye or other mucous membranes or onto broken skin

Some work activities have increased risk, eg plumber exposed to syringe left in toilet, workers using sharp instruments or tools that might penetrate skin


Risk management


Infectious diseases (continued) You must ensure that you protect yourself and others

(eg use PPE, cover wounds, cuts and abrasions with dressings, use proper cleaning materials such as bleach, etc)

If exposure happens, you need to act immediately, eg:• wash exposed body part with soap and water or 70% alcohol rub• eyes - rinse with tap water or saline• mouth – spit out and rinse continually with water• notify your supervisor and health and safety representative as soon as

possible


Risk management



Risk management

Identifying hazards: where you recognisethat a hazard exists, or may exist

Be observant and aware, ie:

Frequent inspections of your workplace Talk to people to find out about hazards, or let them know about

hazards you have found Check workplace records of previous hazards, injuries and accidents to

give you ideas about potential hazards Report hazards or dangerous situations you have identified so that

all workers can be safe!

Limiting the dangers of a hazard

Risk management, ie identifying the best way to reduce the risk posed by a hazard

Elimination is always best ifreasonably practicable

If elimination is not possible, use the hierarchy of control

Controlling hazards

Risk management

What is hazard control?

Control Measure 1:

Substituting: replacing the hazard causingthe risk with something that causes less risk(eg using safer equipment)

Isolating: isolating the hazard from anyperson exposed to it (eg erecting a physical barrier)

Engineering: creating a safer environment by making improvements toequipment or processes

Controlling hazards

Risk management

Hierarchy of control

If the risk remains, Control Measure 2: Administrative control: measures used tolimit risk (eg providing training, warningsigns etc)

If the risk remains, Control Measure 3: PPE: used to minimise remaining risk sofar as is reasonably practicable byproviding extra protection

Controlling hazards

Risk management

Hierarchy of control

First conduct a risk assessment Elimination is always the best option – if not possible,

apply the measures in the hierarchy of control in order (ie from Measure 1 through to Measure 3)

Important: the highest control in the hierarchy that is able to be achieved should be put into place immediately – this is the starting point for safety

If a single control is not enough to manage the risk, a combination of controls may be used

Controlling hazards

Risk management

Using the hierarchy of control

A risk assessment should be doneevery time a control is used

WHS communication

WHS communication

Outline:

WHS communication, information and documents why communication is important, where to get WHS information, types

of WHS documentation, and how to raise health and safety issues

WHS personnel: looking at Health and Safety Committees and Representatives, and

others who have a role in health and safety

Safety signs and symbols: what they are, what the colours and symbols mean, and looking at types

of signs, safety tags and lockout

Reporting hazards, incidents and injuries: why reporting is necessary, how it is done, who needs to be told, and

workers compensation

WHS communication, information & documents

WHS communication

WHS consultation is required by law

Consultation is about encouraging cooperation and partnershipsbetween PCBUs and workers to ensureworkplace health and safety. It means:

sharing WHS information with workers giving workers an opportunity to express opinions

about resolving WHS issues valuing the opinions of workers when making

decisions/changes to do with health and safety

Consultation is an important way to find out information, and raise concerns


WHS communication

WHS information

Find out information by:

Reading, listening and asking questions Talk to people who are not at your workplace (eg people at

your state or territory workplace safety authority

information is available on the internetSearch for “WHS+construction+[insert your topic]” Written


WHS communication

WHS documentation

Several types of WHS documents at your workplace They provide information about health and safety, and methods

for reporting, eg: Construction documentation and plans Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) Job Safety Analysis (JSA) Accident, incident and injury reports and proformas Reports of dangerous incidents or near misses Risk assessments


WHS communication

Raising WHS issues

It is important that you have an opportunity to raise issues about health and safety in your workplace (and that you do so!)

Issues can be raised verbally (by speaking to someone), or in writing (letter, email etc)

Opportunities to raise issues or concerns can include: toolbox talks (eg at smoko) WHS meetings talking with the Health and Safety Representative for your workplace during formal workplace consultation which would be organised

by the PCBU

Good communication leads to good WHS outcomes

WHS personnel

WHS communication

What is a Health and Safety Committee? Brings together workers and management to assist in the

development and review of health and safety procedures Meets formally (3 monthly) to discuss and decide on safety issues The Committee can:

make recommendations on safety look at ways to improve safety levels recommend improvements to work procedures, training etc

Know who the representative for your workplace is on the Health and Safety Committee – this is the person to whom you can

speak about health and safety problems or concerns

WHS personnel

WHS communication

Health and Safety Representative:A person nominated and appointed to represent health and safety for

your workplace and its workers

Responsibilities:

consulting and cooperating with management and workers providing WHS information assisting workers to raise OHS issues securing participation and involvement of workers

key people who have responsibility for WHS are your supervisor(s), project manager, people managing your company, the first aider, emergency services personnel etc

Other

Safety signs and symbols

WHS communication

What do the colours on safety signs mean?

Australian Standards specify colour, size and shape Part of the administrative controls within the hierarchy of control Important communication tools - their message must be followed


WHS communication

Safety signs are divided into four groups:

1. Regulatory signs give information on legal obligations in WHS – they are divided into 3 types:

Prohibition signs – tell yousomething you must not do

Mandatory signs – tell you something that you must do

Limitation or restriction signs – show that there are limits on an activity, or use of a building or place


WHS communication

2. Hazard signs include danger signs (warn of dangers or risks to your health) andwarning signs (warn you of a hazard that may threaten your life

3. Emergency information signs tell you where emergency safety equipment is kept and where you can exit a building

4. Fire signs identify where to find firealarms, fire equipment and exits


WHS communication

Test tags attached to electrical equipment by an authorised person after it has been tested

Out of service tags identify equipment that is faulty or being serviced

Safety tags (or danger tags) needed when more than one person has control or access to an isolation/activation point

Lockout system used with safety tags toprevent operation of equipmentby non-authorised persons

Safety tags and systems

Only the person who placed a tag/lockout can remove it

Reporting hazards, incidents& injuries

WHS communication

Reporting is vital to maintain a safe and healthy workplace

All incidents, regardless of whether there is an injury or not must be reported to the correct person

Reporting can prevent repeated or new hazards, incidents and injuries

Sometimes, there are legal requirements to report serious WHS issues to people or authorities outside your workplace, ie where there is a death or serious injury or illness or dangerous incident

These are called ‘notifiable incidents’ – they must be notified

Your supervisor or Health and Safety Representativecan give you information


WHS communication

How are hazards, incidents and injuries reported? Promptly to the relevant person (verbal and/or written):

notifiable incidents must be reported to the relevant government authority

depending on the type of incident, emergency services mayalso need to be notified

Using the correct report form or “proforma” PCBU must forward all hazard, incident and injury reports

relating to legal WHS requirements and keep WHS records Serious injuries and incidents must be reported immediately

(verbally) and followed-up with a written report (within 48 hours) Check with supervisor/Health and Safety Representative


WHS communication

Workers compensation Means you can receive medical treatment and assistance if you are

injured at work All workers have a right to receive workers compensation Covers you for loss of wages and medical expenses to varying degrees

(depending on the circumstances) Procedures need to be followed:

complete relevant claim for compensation form as soon as possible

attach medical certificates and expenses (eg receipts) that occurredas a result of the incident

keep a copy of the form and all documents

other procedures may be needed depending on your workplace/situation

when returning to work, you must obtain a medical clearance

Incident response

Incident response

Outline:

General response procedures: defining incidents and emergencies, and procedures for response and

notifying the authorities

First aid: looking at who is responsible for first aid, and types of equipment

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): what it is, why it is important, who needs to supply it, and common

examples of PPE

Fire safety equipment: common causes of fire, types of fire safety equipment, and what you

should do in the event of a fire

General response procedures

Incident response

Near misses and dangerous incidents can include: damage to any plant, machinery or equipment that is likely to endanger the

health or safety of people in the workplace damage or collapse of the load bearing member or control device of a crane,

hoist, conveyor, lift, plant or scaffolding collapse or failure of excavations and related shoring collapse or partial collapse of a building or structure an uncontrolled fire, explosion or escape of gas, steam or dangerous substances any other occurrence involving imminent risk of fire, explosion or escape of

hazardous substances; risk of death or serious personal injury to any person; or risk of substantial damage to property

An incident is:an accident resulting in death, personal injury or damage to property, or a dangerous incident or near miss which does not cause injury, but may pose a risk to people or property


Incident response

Emergencies in a construction workplace can result from events such as:

a chemical spill structural collapse (eg scaffolding, crane etc) fire toxic emissions vehicle and mobile plant accidents etc

An emergency is:

a sudden unforeseen crisis (usually involving danger) thatrequires immediate action. It presents (or may present) a risk of serious injury or death to people on the work site


Incident response

You should know your site emergency response procedures before an emergency happens, including who needs to know and their contacts

Procedures are written, eg in the emergency plan, evacuation plan and procedures, incident notification procedures etc (check with your supervisor)

You must stay within your abilities and authority (ie don’t do anything you are not authorised to do, or are not capable of doing)

Do not move people who are injured unless they will be in further danger if you don’t

In an emergency, remember to KRO:

K eep calm

R aise alarm

O btain help

Basic emergency response:


Incident response

Helps to prevent panic, poor judgement under pressure, and breakdown of normal paths of communication and authority

Outlines quick responses to eliminate or control danger and damage

Provides a fail-safe communication system Includes procedures to be followed in an emergency, eg:

for reporting a fire or other emergency for emergency evacuation (including exit routes) to be followed by workers who need to remain to operate

critical plant/equipment before they evacuate to account for all workers after evacuation to be followed by those performing rescue/medical duties

Emergency Plan


Incident response

Quickly decide who needs to know depending on the type of incident: fire brigade, ambulance, police, or onsite emergency personnel such as first aider/supervisor

Notifying emergency services

Remember not to hang up until you get instructions or advice on the next steps to take!

Pass on the following information quickly and clearly:

The type of emergency (what has happened) The location including street address etc (where the emergency is) What action has been taken by people at the scene (what is being done) If there are any injuries to people (type and nature of injuries if you know) Whether emergency services have been contacted Your name (who is calling) How they can make further contact with you if needed

First aid

Incident response

The PCBU has a legal obligation to provide first aid equipment and a trained first aider at your workplace

Only people who have received first aid training (and are currently qualified) to provide first aid can actually give it

A notice stating the name, contact number and work location of the first aider must be readily visible

There should also be a first aid plan that details first aid procedures and equipment

Who is responsible?

A qualified first aider must be appointed to be in charge of the first aid kit and first aid room. They must be accessible to all workers and ready to give first aid when needed.

Incident response

First aid

3 types of first aid equipment:

Depends on the size of your workplace, ie A is the largest, and

C is the smallest)

The location of theFirst Aid Kit

needs to be clearly marked by an approved and

recognised sign. It mayinclude resuscitators and resuscitation

kits – these can only be operated by trained people

First aid

Incident response

You should not provide first aid unless you are qualified (certified) to do so

If you come across an incident where first aid is needed, you must immediately notify the first aider and help them, eg by calling emergency services, keeping unauthorised people away etc

First aid can reduce the severity of an injury or illness First aid incidents need to be reported and documented

Do you have to give first aid?

Proper first aid gives the initial and immediate attention to a person suffering an injury or illness – in some cases, it can mean the difference between life and death

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Incident response

Designed to give protection and limit or avoid damage(it is not designed to prevent injury)

Lowest control method in the hierarchy of control – you still need to think and act safely in your work and actions

Must be supplied by the PCBU The purpose of each item of PPE must be explained to you You must be trained to fit and use each item of PPE correctly Never deliberately misuse or damage PPE

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Incident response

Headwear (eg hard hat, sun hats etc) Eye protection (goggles, welding mask etc) Hearing protection (ear plugs, muffs etc required for

noise) Respiratory (lung/breathing protection –

full face or ½ face mask depending on the hazard) Hand protection (gloves) Body protection (clothing such as overall, coveralls

and aprons, high visibility clothing and vests etc) Feet protection (footwear which is steel-capped,

non slip etc)

Common examples of PPE:

Fire safety equipment

Incident response

Fire can be chemical, electrical, started by explosion or friction, caused by flammable materials, mechanical/welding etc

Mostly can be avoided by careful planning and thinking about safety

Fire causes and prevention

Fire safety equipment must be assessed for suitability, and maintained in good working order by a trained person

Fire hazards can be reduced by:

Regularly removing built up waste and dust Safe keeping and handling of flammable materials Using and obeying warning signs Working safely (eg not welding near chemicals) Smoking only in designated areas Regular inspection of electrical equipment, etc


Incident response

Types of equipment

Signs (information, warnings and reminders)

Blankets (easy to use – good for kitchen fires)

Hose reels and mains (available for firefighting purposes if required by building codes and regulations)

Breathing apparatus (needed by firefighters when firefighting, or exposed to high temperatures, lack of oxygen, toxic substances etc)


Incident response

Types of fire extinguishers

Water extinguisher (when the main fire hazards are either wood, paper, textiles and rubbish)

Carbon dioxide extinguisher (for fires involving live electrical appliances, and small flammable liquid fires such as petrol, paint and solvents)

Powder type extinguisher (covers a wide range of risks including flammable liquids and energised electrical equipment)

Foam extinguisher (used on A&B flammable liquids such as petrol, paint and solvents)


Incident response

If there is a fire: Keep calm, Raise alarm, Obtain help

Follow emergency procedures and plans for your workplace (act quickly to limit danger to yourself and others)

Use first-attack firefighting equipment if: it appears able to extinguish the fire size of fire is not a hazard to your safety level of smoke is not an obvious health hazard - remember any

actions to extinguish a fire will increase smoke and loss of visibility a secure escape route is available

Decide on the need for evacuation by considering things such as the emergency plan, level of assessed risk etc

Notify appropriate people (eg fire warden) and follow instructions

Remember … Good workplace health and safety is a legal responsibility of

everyone in the construction workplace Be watchful and aware at all times to identify potential hazards

and risks Always work safely and comply with WHS procedures,

regulations and Australian Standards (eg using PPE) Get involved – participate in WHS consultation and

communication practices to improve health and safety Listen, read, and talk about WHS matters – good communication

leads to good outcomes Know what to do and who to contact before an incident,

accident or emergency happens Summary

Working safely in the construction industry. Aims of the Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) induction training To provide a basis for general WHS induction.

Documents

whs acts

safety whs induction

whs legislation

safety regulations

safety act

workplace regulations

act model work health

general whs induction