Common hazards exist in many workplaces. It's important to learn about these so you can stay safe while at work.

safe@work will:

• help you understand health and safety hazards and laws
• provide practical solutions to common health and safety problems.

safe@work modules

Employers have responsibilities towards you.

You have responsibilities towards your employer and your co-workers.

Your employer is responsible for making sure that the workplace is safe, and that your health and safety are not put at risk.

You are responsible for looking after your own health and safety. You must also take care not to put other people at risk.

You could put other people at risk by:

• acting in an unsafe manner
• not following agreed safe work practices
• not acting to report a situation which could result in someone getting hurt.

To ensure the safety of yourself and others, make sure you are aware of the correct safety procedures at your place of work. This means:

• listening very carefully to safety information provided by your employer
• asking for clarification, help or instructions if you're not sure about how to perform any task safely.

Activities

Students can complete the following Health and Safety Responsibilities activities:

• Health and Safety Laws Crosswords (DOCX, 89KB)
• Health and Safety Laws Short Answer Exercise (DOCX, 67.KB)
• Health and Safety Laws Assignment (DOCX, 71.5KB)

There are 3 steps used to manage health and safety at work.

1. Spot the hazard (hazard identification)
2. Assess the risk (risk assessment)
3. Make the changes (risk control)

At work you can use these 3 ThinkSafe steps to help prevent accidents.

Using the ThinkSafe steps

1. Spot the hazard

Key point: A hazard is anything that could hurt you or someone else.

Examples of workplace hazards include:

• frayed electrical cords (could result in electrical shock)
• boxes stacked precariously (they could fall on someone)
• noisy machinery (could result in damage to your hearing).

During work experience, you must remain alert to anything that may be dangerous. If you see, hear or smell anything odd, take note. If you think it could be a hazard, tell someone.

2. Assess the risk

Key point: Assessing the risk means working out how likely it is that a hazard will harm someone and how serious the harm could be.

Whenever you spot a hazard, assess the risk by asking yourself 2 questions:

• how likely is it that the hazard could harm me or someone else?
• how badly could I or someone else be harmed?

Always tell someone (your employer, your supervisor or your health and safety representative) about hazards you can't fix yourself, especially if the hazard could cause serious harm to anyone.

For example:

• Ask your supervisor for instructions and training before using equipment.
• Ask for help moving or lifting heavy objects.
• Tell your supervisor if you think a work practice could be dangerous.

If you are not sure of the safest way to do something on work experience, always ask your work experience supervisor.

3. Make the changes

Key point: It is your employer's responsibility to fix hazards. Sometimes you may be able to fix simple hazards yourself, as long as you don't put yourself or others at risk. For example, you can pick up things from the floor and put them away to eliminate a trip hazard.

The best way to fix a hazard is to get rid of it altogether. This is not always possible, but your employer should try to make hazards less dangerous by looking at the following options (in order from most effective to least effective):

• Elimination: Sometimes hazards - equipment, substances or work practices - can be avoided entirely. (e.g. clean high windows from the ground with an extendable pole cleaner, rather than by climbing a ladder and risking a fall).
• Substitution: Sometimes a less hazardous thing, substance or work practice can be used (e.g. use a non-toxic glue instead of a toxic glue).
• Isolation: Separate the hazard from people, by marking the hazardous area, fitting screens or putting up safety barriers. (e.g. Welding screens can be used to isolate welding operations from other workers. Barriers and/or boundary lines can be used to separate areas where forklifts operate near pedestrians in the workplace).
• Safeguards: Safeguards can be added by modifying tools or equipment, or fitting guards to machinery. These must never be removed or disabled by workers using the equipment.
• Instructing workers in the safest way to do something: This means developing and enforcing safe work procedures. Students on work experience must be given information and instruction and must follow agreed procedures to ensure their safety.
• Using personal protective equipment and clothing (PPE): If risks remain after the options have been tried, it may be necessary to use equipment such as safety glasses, gloves, helmets and ear muffs. PPE can protect you from hazards associated with jobs such as handling chemicals or working in a noisy environment.

Sometimes, it will require more than one of the risk control measures above to effectively reduce exposure to hazards.

Activities

Students can complete the following Hazard, Risk Assessment and Control activities:

• Risk Assessment Activity (DOCX, 86.5KB)
• Short Answer Exercise (DOCX, 68.5KB)
• Word Sleuth (DOCX, 102KB)

Manual handling refers to any activity requiring the use of force by a person to lift, lower, push, pull, hold or restrain something.

Putting boxes on shelves, painting, gardening, cleaning, writing and typing are some examples of manual handling tasks.

Manual handling injuries include:

• strains and sprains
• neck and back injuries
• slips, falls and crush incidents
• cuts, bruises and broken bones
• hernia
• occupational overuse syndrome (OOS).

You should be informed and trained in:

• safe manual handling methods
• specific manual handling hazards
• safe work procedures
• use of any required manual handling aids
• your right to ask for help.

Most manual handling injuries can be prevented by designing the task to minimise risk. Instruction, training and supervision are essential to make sure hazards are recognised and safe work methods are used.

Even though you may be young and new to the job, you have a responsibility to speak up. Talk to your supervisor if you feel your job is too heavy, too difficult, too tiring or puts you at risk of injury.

It is the employer's responsibility to provide you with safe work procedures, and with instruction, training and supervision for manual handling tasks.

Ways to reduce the risk:

• Lighten loads (break loads into smaller quantities).
• Reduce bending, twisting, reaching movements.
• Use team lifting.
• Use mechanical assistance (e.g. trolleys and adjustable height workbenches and seating).
• Prevent muscle strain and fatigue. This includes warming up before working, taking rest breaks, and allowing time to get used to a new task.

Slippery floors

Slippery and uneven floors in the workplace are hazardous and can result in serious accidents. For example, kitchen workers have been burnt when they have accidentally pulled pots of hot liquid onto themselves when a slip has caused them to fall.

Floors should be cleaned regularly so that oil, fat and other spills do not create a slippery surface.

Employers must make sure that floors are even, slip-resistant and free from any obstruction that could cause an employee to slip, trip or fall.

Activities

Students can complete the following Manual Handling activities:

• Sentence Match (DOX, 76.5KB)
• Short Answer Exercise (DOCX, 67.5KB)
• Risk Control Activity (DOCX, 79.5KB)

Your workplace may use hazardous substances and dangerous goods. Hazardous substances may be things you see every day such as:

• paint
• glue
• cleaning liquid
• powders.

Dangerous goods may be corrosive, flammable, explosive, spontaneously combustible, toxic, oxidising, or water-reactive. They must be identified in the workplace (and when being transported) by different coloured 'diamond' symbols.

Key point: A hazardous substance can be any substance, whether solid, liquid or gas, that may cause harm to your health.

Hazardous substances are classified on the basis of their potential health effects, whether acute (immediate) or chronic (long-term).

Dangerous goods are classified on the basis of immediate physical or chemical effects, such as fire, explosion, corrosion and poisoning. An accident involving dangerous goods could seriously damage property or the environment.

Harm to health may happen suddenly (acute), such as dizziness, nausea and itchy eyes or skin; or it may happen gradually over years (chronic), such as dermatitis or cancer. Some people can be more susceptible than others.

We use hazardous substances and dangerous goods almost every day of our lives. It may be antiseptic for a cut, paint for the walls, or a cleaning product for the bathroom. While they may seem harmless, even these ordinary things can make you very sick if they are not used properly.

Key point: It is the responsibility of your employer to provide you with safe work procedures for handling hazardous substances and dangerous goods, and to provide information, training and supervision. First aid treatment for hazardous substances and dangerous goods should be part of your training.

Material safety data sheet

A material safety data sheet (MSDS) provides detailed information about a hazardous substance or dangerous good. It gives more information than you will find on a label. Manufacturers and suppliers of hazardous substances and dangerous goods are legally required to provide MSDS's to your employer if requested.

It is important that hazardous substances and dangerous goods in workplaces are used strictly according to the manufacturer's or supplier's written instructions. Any risk controls specified by the MSDS and the procedures developed by the workplace must also be closely followed.

Remember:

• Follow safe work procedures,
• Always wear the right personal protective equipment and clothing provided by your employer,
• Do not eat, drink or smoke while working with a hazardous substance or dangerous goods,
• Do not keep food or drink near the substances,
• Wash your hands and face and other exposed areas with soap and water before going to the toilet, eating and drinking,
• Read the MSDS before using any hazardous substance. If there is no MSDS, ask your employer or supervisor to obtain one,

Activities

Students can complete the following Hazardous Substances and Dangerous Goods activities:

• Sentence Match (DOCX, 76KB)
• Short Answer Exercise (DOCX, 66.5KB)
• Case Study (DOCX, 71.5KB)
• Identification and Control Activity (DOCX, 75KB)

When someone loses their hearing, it can be devastating for them and annoying for others around then. People with poor hearing are often left out of conversations and social activities.

Hearing losses can also cause people to become less efficient at work and study.

Some early warning signs of hearing loss include:

• ringing in the ears after doing something which exposes you to noise
• having trouble understanding what people say
• needing to turn up the volume on the radio or television, even though other people can hear
• not hearing background noises like the telephone or doorbell.

Key point: If employees experience any of the warning signs of hearing loss, they should talk about ways to control and reduce your exposure to the noise with their supervisor and their health and safety representative.

As a general rule, if the noise around you forces you to raise your voice to make yourself heard by someone a metre away, your hearing may be at risk.

The scale used to measure noise as it is heard by the human ear is written as dB(A). Normal conversation is about 60 dB(A) to 65 dB(A). 85 dB(A) is the level at which you have to raise your voice, while at 90 dB(A) you will have to shout to make yourself heard. Prolonged exposure to noise above the level of 85 dB(A) significantly damages hearing. This is the level at which noise control measures must be taken by employers.

Every effort must be made to reduce noise at its source. However, if there is no way to separate people from potentially damaging causes of noise, an employer must provide the correct personal hearing protectors (earmuffs or earplugs). These should be used only as a temporary measure or last resort.

Personal hearing protection should be regularly cleaned and any damaged parts must be replaced. Personal hearing protection should be kept near the area of noisy activity. Listening to music through headphones does not provide adequate protection from noise.

To help reduce the risk of hearing loss you could also spend less time being exposed to noise. It's up to employers to make sure that no employee is exposed to noise for longer than the prescribed exposure standard.

Key point: People do not adapt to noise. It only seems that way because they have lost their hearing. Lost hearing is gone forever.

Exposure to noise outside work can also be dangerous to your hearing. Noise in nightclubs and pubs, as well as from personal sound systems, can exceed levels that would be acceptable in the work place.

Activities

Students can complete the following Noise activities:

• Crossword (DOCX, 85KB)
• Short Answer (DOCX, 76KB)
• Presentation (DOCX, 71.5KB)

Electric shock happens when a person becomes part of an electrical circuit and the current flows through their body. When an electric shock kills someone it is called electrocution.

Accidents and deaths can also happen when equipment becomes 'live' due to electrical faults, lack of maintenance, or short circuits.

Electrical accidents are usually caused by a combination of factors such as:

• lack of training or supervision
• unsafe work practices
• equipment not properly installed, maintained, tested and tagged
• a hazardous work environment, where electrical hazards may not be recognised.

Electrocution often occurs when people misjudge heights and distances between the ground and overhead wires when carrying equipment like poles and ladders, or operating equipment with height extension such as cranes. Remember, 'Look Up and Live'. Doing maintenance work on live electrical circuits is another common cause of electrocution.

General safety precautions

• Apprentices, trainees and work experience students must be supervised at all times by a qualified worker.
• Only licensed electrical workers can legally do electrical work. An unqualified person must not be asked to do electrical work.
• Keep powered tools and equipment in safe working order through inspection and preventative maintenance programs.
• Disconnect and report faulty tools and appliances - for example: frayed cords or broken power points. Even after a piece of electrical equipment, appliance or machine has been disconnected from the power source, it may still partially operate. This is because of stored energy within the equipment. After disconnecting the power source, activate the machine or appliance to release the stored energy.
• Always switch off tools and appliances at the power point before pulling out the plug.
• Keep electrical cords off the floor to reduce the risk of damage from dragging, contact with sharp objects or contact with water. A damaged electrical cord can cause electrocution.
• Know the location of your main electricity supply.
• Check the location of overhead wires and stand clear of any fallen power lines.
• Use your appliance properly. Read the instruction booklet and follow all instructions.
• Electricity and water don't mix. Bare feet and wet skin lower the body's resistance to electricity. Keep electrical appliances and electrical leads away from water and wet areas.
• Don't overload circuits and fuses by using too many appliances from the one power point. Don't use double adaptors to 'piggy back' plugs. Use a power board with individual switches.
• Employees who use portable electrical equipment at workplaces must be protected against earth leakage by a Residual Current Device (RCD), also known as a safety switch.

Activities

Students can complete the following Electricity activities:

• Sentence Match (DOCX, 65.5KB)
• Missing Words/Scrambled Words/Short Answer Exercise (DOCX, 66.5KB)
• Presentation (DOCX, 62KB)

Mechanical equipment (plant, machinery and hand-held power tools) can cause serious injuries, including open wounds, fractures and amputations. Some injuries can result in death. Sprains and strains often result when mechanical equipment is used incorrectly. Bad working posture contributes to many such injuries.

The most common mechanical equipment injuries are to hands and fingers, which may be cut, sprained, dislocated, broken, crushed or cut off by machinery or tools. Eye injuries can be caused by heat or radiation or by objects thrown from moving mechanical parts.

Key point:

Your workplace must have a maintenance program to ensure that all equipment and machines are in safe working order.

Mechanical equipment injuries can cause long periods of time off work, and sometimes permanent disability. Many injuries happen in the construction, agricultural and manufacturing industries.

When working with mechanical equipment, personal protective equipment may include protective gloves, arm guards, safety glasses, hard hats and safety boots.

Guards

Guards attached to mechanical equipment protect you from the moving parts of machines. Machine guards must never be removed and if a guard is damaged or missing, the machine must not be used until it can be repaired or replaced. A missing or damaged guard must be reported at once.

If guards are removed during cleaning, make sure they are replaced and checked by an authorised person before the machine is used. Never start machinery during cleaning.

'Locking out' equipment

Locking out is one way of stopping electrically powered machinery from starting during maintenance. A lock is attached to the machine switch so it can't be turned on.

The person working with the machine should hold the only key to the lock. A lock must only be removed by the person who attached it to the equipment or machinery. Procedures must be put in place for the removal of the lock should that person not be available (for example, if there has been a change of shift workers, or if the person authorised to remove the lock has been called away).

'Danger' and 'Out of Service' tags

Red and black 'DANGER' tags are designed for the protection of individual people. The only person permitted to remove a personal 'DANGER' tag is the person whose name is on the tag.

Yellow and black 'OUT OF SERVICE' tags are used to prevent accidents or damage to machinery that is out of service for repairs.

Key point:

All faulty equipment should be tagged so that it can't be used until it is replaced or repaired.

The safe work procedures for removal of 'DANGER' and 'OUT OF SERVICE' tags at your workplace must be followed.

Key point:

Apprentices, trainees and work experience students must be supervised at all times by a qualified worker.

Activities

Students can complete the following Mechanical Equipment activities:

• Missing Words/Scrambled Words (DOCX, 63KB)
• Short Answer Exercise (DOCX, 67KB)
• Assignment (DOCX, 71KB)

Identifying fall hazards

There are many jobs that require people to work at heights greater than 2 metres, or at ground level where a fall is possible because of hazards like holes, pits or shafts.

Examples of typical fall hazards include:

• work on or near fragile roof surfaces such as skylights or fibreglass panels with no guarding, safety mesh or other fall protection measures present
• installation, maintenance or inspection of air conditioning units situated close to unprotected roof edges
• work from ladders – such as painting, repairing or clearing gutters
• tree work which requires climbing to reach the branches to be pruned
• raising workers on pallets to reach items stored in high racking or shelving
• climbing onto the tops of vehicles such as tankers or livestock carriers
• mezzanine floors without adequate guardrails or handrails.

Reducing the risk of falls

Employers must take steps to safeguard workers against falls. Victorian law now requires every task which involves a fall hazard of more than 2 metres to be assessed, to see whether it can be done safely from the ground or from a stable work platform. For example, equipment mounted on a roof can often be relocated to ground level.

If those options are not practicable, there are a number of other risk control measures that could provide the protection needed. They include:

• using an industrial rope access system, to enable the worker to be supported by ropes which are attached to a strong anchor point
• setting up a passive fall prevention device – such as a scaffold or guardrail
• using a fall injury prevention system, such as an industrial safety net or safety harness system.

All of these require specific training and instruction for the worker, and purpose-designed equipment which must be regularly checked for any wear or damage.

The use of ladders

Where the use of a ladder is the only practicable way to do a job requiring work above 2 metres, employers must make sure the ladder is appropriate to the task.

• Ladders should be ‘tied off’ where practicable to ensure that they are stable and will not slips sideways or fall backwards. Where a job requires that a ladder is used frequently, a ladder bracket may be fitted to enable to the worker to secure the ladder before work begins.
• Ladders should always be carefully checked before use, and should never be used where the ground is sloping or soft.
• Tools and equipment should never be carried up or down a ladder – they should be raised and lowered in a bag. A person on the ground can do this, while at the same time keeping watch for pedestrians and other traffic.

Activities

Students can complete the following Falls from Height activities:

• Word Sleuth (DOCX, 92KB)
• Sentence Match (DOCX, 73.5KB)
• Short Answer (DOCX, 65.5KB)
• Presentation (DOCX ,64KB)

Working alone

Many people in remote places have to work alone. A person is alone at work when they can't be seen or heard by another person. People who work away from other people and settlements, such as employees on farms or stations, or in forest operations, can often be at risk.

People may also have to work alone in towns and cities. They include people who work:

• where there are no other employees
• when everyone else has gone home
• inspecting large structures such as cranes, when nobody else is closeby
• cleaning offices in high rise buildings outside normal business hours
• in parks and reserves
• inspecting vacant land for fire.

Things that may increase the risks involved with working alone include:

• how long the person may be working alone
• what time of day a person may be working alone
• lack of communication tools such as a telephone
• the location and accessibility of the work site
• the skills, experience and character of the person working alone.

Some tasks (for example, working with powered tools like chainsaws) should never be done alone. Other tasks must be carefully assessed by employers before they are considered suitable for a lone worker. Arrangements for contact and emergency must always be made before work starts.

To reduce the risk of injury or harm to health, employers should provide information, instruction and training for people who work alone. It is also essential that the person knows the work well, and the work procedures that should be followed.

Key point: Students doing work experience and structured workplace learning must be supervised at all times and would never be expected to work alone.

Work related stress

No job is free from stress. All work involves some responsibilities, problems, demands and pressures that may be stressful. Some level of stress can be expected to occur from time to time in most jobs.

Key point: Stress is usually described as a reaction in people to heavy demands, pressures and expectations. Usually people who are stressed feel a sense of loss of control over their lives, or that they can't cope.

Not all pressure is harmful. People are often kept motivated by challenges and difficulties they face and are able to solve at work. However, there is a limit to how much pressure people can deal with. Performance can drop, mistakes can happen, and the health of the employee may be adversely affected.

Generally, periods of stress don't last very long and will have little or no long-term effect.

When relief from a stressful situation is not available or when the relief is for a short period only, the body has no time to repair, and the stress becomes long lasting and more serious. Long-term problems emerge and recovery time, even with professional help, is much longer.

You should talk to your supervisor if you feel unduly stressed at work. Employers can do things to reduce work-related stress. This might include making sure workers are treated fairly, or rotating (sharing) the more boring, repetitive or demanding tasks.

Key point: There will always be times at work when you experience some stress. Talking to others about your concerns often eases the pressure. Keeping fit and healthy will increase your ability to deal with stress.

Violence and bullying at work

Workplace violence and bullying is an action, incident or pattern of behaviour that harms, injures or upsets another person. It includes situations where employees and other people are threatened, bullied, intimidated, pushed or struck. Workplace bullying and harassment should not be tolerated.

Employers must take steps to protect employees and other people in workplaces from incidents that may cause injury or harm, and from situations where they are victimised or bullied.

People who work alone or at night (e.g. taxi drivers, video store attendants) and people who handle things like cash or drugs (e.g. bank tellers, chemists) may face added risks, such as robbery or assault.

If you are bullied, inform the supervisor at your workplace. Employers must take immediate action to stop bullying whenever it is noticed or reported.

Key point: You are not expected to deal with harassment and bullying yourself. Inform your supervisor or someone you can trust.

Activities

Students can complete the following Personal Safety activities:

• Sentence Match (DOCX, 74KB)
• Short Answer Exercise (DOCX, 66.5KB)
• Write a Workplace Safety Procedure (DOCX, 68KB)

Types of PPE and protective clothing

Personal protective equipment and clothing can include:

• overalls and protective aprons
• protective headgear - safety helmets, wide brimmed hats to protect against the sun
• safety boots or shoes
• safety glasses or goggles
• gloves
• respirators and masks
• earmuffs and earpieces.

Use of PPE

Key point: When hazards in the workplace can't be eliminated or reduced by other risk controls, employers must provide personal protective equipment and clothing (PPE).

Employees must be instructed in how to use PPE and clothing provided by the employer. They should be told why the use of PPE is necessary before they start the particular job for which it has been provided.

Where PPE is provided, you must use it as you have been instructed to do.

Employers should make sure that the PPE they purchase complies with the relevant Australian Standard.

They must make sure that PPE is stored in a clean and fully operational condition, that it can be easily found when needed and that it is safe from interference and damage.

PPE should be inspected regularly and before use to make sure it is in good working order. Damaged or defective PPE must be reported at once. It must be tagged (to prevent its use until it has been repaired), or thrown away and replaced.

Activities

Students can complete the following PPE activities:

• Sentence Match (DOCX, 74KB)
• Short Answer Exercise (DOCX, 66.5KB)
• Presentation (DOCX, 73.5KB)

Incidents and accidents sometimes happen in workplaces, so you must know what to do in an emergency.

Every workplace is different, so it is important that you are told where to find trained first aiders, who your fire wardens are and the emergency evacuation procedures for your work location.

Key point: Listen carefully when you are told about the first aid and emergency arrangements and other procedures at your workplace. If you are still not sure, ask for further information.

First aid facilities

If you or your workmates are involved in an accident, first aid is crucial. Your employer must provide first aid facilities and must tell you where they are. For example, they could be:

• in a room set aside specifically for first aid treatment
• at a number of stations within the workplace
• in a first aid box on a wall.

Make sure you find out what first aid facilities you have at your workplace and who your first aiders are.

Fire extinguishers

Your employer must tell you where fire extinguishers are located, what types of fire they are suitable for, who is authorised to use them and who your fire wardens are.

Alarm signals

If there is a fire or emergency, an alarm of some kind will sound. You must be able to identify the alarm signals so you know what they mean. Your employer must provide training so you know what to do and where to go if there is an emergency.

Activities

Students can complete the following Dealing with an Emergency activities:

• Missing Words/Scrambled Words (DOCX, 62.5KB)
• Short Answer Exercise (DOCX, 66KB)
• Write a Workplace Safety Procedure (DOCX, 67KB)

The Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004

The Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (called the OH&S Act for short) covers most workplaces in Victoria including offices, hospitals, schools, factories, construction sites, farms, forests, boats, vehicles and any place where employees or self-employed people work. The mining and petroleum industries and Commonwealth government workplaces are covered by separate health and safety laws.

The Government, employers and unions developed the OH&S Act through talking and working together.

The Act allows employers and employees to deal with workplace health and safety through consultation (discussion) and co-operation (team work). Consultation between employers and employees in workplaces is very important. The Act encourages discussion, particularly through employee health and safety representatives and joint health and safety committees, made up of both management and employee representatives.

Under the Act, everyone involved with work has responsibilities for occupational health and safety.

Occupational Health and Safety Regulations

Regulations are laws made by government to support Acts – in other words, to set out more detailed requirements which will help to an Act to achieve its objectives.

The OH&S Act is supported by the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2007, which make specific requirements in regard to hazards, including:

• manual handling
• noise
• plant
• prevention of falls
• hazardous substances
• asbestos
• lead.

Hazard identification, risk assessment and risk control is made compulsory for employers in all workplaces by the Regulations.

The Regulations also address things like the issuing of licences for erecting scaffolds, operating cranes and forklifts and other potentially dangerous work.

Key point: Regulations are laws to protect people from occupational injury and disease. Every workplace in Victoria must obey all the laws relevant to their work.

The OH&S Act and Regulations are legally enforceable, and employers can be prosecuted if they do not meet their obligations.

These laws give every person in every workplace a right to be involved in health and safety through a process of consultation and co-operation. They also provide penalties for any employer or employee who tries to prevent this process from happening.

Key point: Employers and employees should work together to eliminate hazards and to find practical ways to protect the health and safety of everyone in the workplace, including members of the public.

Duty of care

The Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 contains sections that describe the responsibilities of:

• employers
• employees
• self-employed persons
• persons who have control of workplaces (e.g. owners or managers)
• persons who manufacturer or supply plant (machinery or equipment tools) and substances used at work
• persons who design or construct buildings and structures.

These responsibilities are known as 'duties of care'. The duty of care applies to each person 'as far as is reasonably practicable'.

'Practicable' means reasonable measures must be taken, bearing in mind:

• the severity of any injury or harm to health that may occur
• the likelihood of the injury or harm occurring
• how much is known about the hazard and the ways of reducing, removing or controlling it, and
• the availability, suitability and cost of safeguards.

An employer's main responsibility is to make sure that the workplace is safe and that anyone working in or visiting the workplace is not exposed to hazards or harmed by the work.

For example, the employer must:

• make sure that work areas, machinery and equipment are kept in a safe condition
• organise ways of working safely
• provide information, instruction, training and supervision of employees so they can work safely
• make sure that employees are aware of potential hazards
• provide protective clothing and equipment where hazards can't be avoided
• consult and co-operate with health and safety representatives and other employees at the workplace
• inform employees about hazards in the workplace, and improve their understanding of safe work procedures (the information does not always have to be written - it can be spoken, or in the form of videos and tapes)
• provide new employees with specialised induction training to help them become familiar with their new work environment, procedures, equipment and materials so they can do their job safely. Induction should be much more than having a chat with your supervisor, completing a few forms and being introduced to your workmates.
• provide information about hazards and the actions taken to control workplace risks (including the use of personal protective equipment where necessary)
• provide supervision to ensure that employees are not exposed to hazards. Supervision should include regular checks to make sure health and safety instructions are being followed.
• consult with employees to identify and control hazards in workplaces. Employees who are experienced in a job will usually know what can go wrong, and why.
• consult with employees and health and safety representatives on health and safety matters
• make sure equipment and materials are used, stored, transported and disposed of safely.

Once you have been properly trained and instructed you must take care to look after your own health and safety and not put other workers at risk.

Your responsibilities include:

• following health and safety instructions provided by the employer
• correctly using personal protective equipment and clothing
• taking care to use equipment safely and for its intended purpose
• reporting hazards and potential problems without delay
• reporting all work-related injuries and incidents that you think could result in harm to health
• co-operating with the employer on health and safety matters.

Remember that co-operation and consultation are the keys to a safe and healthy workplace. Employers and employees should talk to each other to solve health and safety problems at work.

Health and safety representatives are an important link between employees and employers. They tell employers about health and safety concerns and co-operate with them to set up and maintain workplace safety.

Health and safety representatives (HSRs) are elected by co-workers to act on their behalf in resolving health and safety issues in the workplace and to maintain safe working conditions.

Employees at every workplace are allowed by law to elect their own HSR.

Having a health and safety representative at your workplace makes it easier to bring health and safety problems to the attention of management so they can be dealt with and resolved.

When an employee asks for the election of a health and safety representative, the employer and employees must work together to conduct an election at the workplace. An employer may also call for the election of a health and safety representative without waiting for employees to ask.

Young employees should be introduced to their health and safety representative as part of their health and safety training when they first start their job.

As a new worker, you can ask the HSR to help you recognise and avoid health and safety hazards and risks in areas where you will be working.

Many organisations also have health and safety officers, who are not elected by employees. These officers are appointed by employers to manage occupational health and safety issues in the workplace and make sure health and safety induction, information, training and supervision are provided for employees.

Regular inspections of the workplace by HSRs are usually arranged with the employer in advance, but may be done without notice if there is an accident, dangerous situation, or immediate risk to health and safety.

Health and safety committees

Any employee may request that a health and safety committee is set up. Once an employee has asked for a committee, the employer is required by law to take steps to establish one. Employers may also establish a health and safety committee on their own initiative. Committees are useful as they help employers and employees to work together to make the workplace safe. In some larger workplaces, several health and safety representatives may be elected. There may also be more than one committee. Major employers may have health and safety representatives and committees at various workplaces around the state.

Activities

Students can complete the following health and safety representatives and committees activities:

• Sentence Match (DOCX, 76KB)
• Short Answer Exercise (DOCX, 66KB)
• Assignment (DOCX, 73.5KB)

WorkSafe inspectors are responsible for enforcing health and safety legislation (Acts and Regulations). They have wide-ranging powers to help them fulfil their functions.

Inspectors have powers to:

• enter, inspect and examine workplaces
• conduct investigations and enquiries
• take samples, photographs, records and measurements
• take possession of materials
• ask that the workplace be left undisturbed
• interview anyone at the workplace
• ask for assistance from anyone at the workplace.

Inspectors have to avoid unduly or unreasonably interfering with the work being carried out in any workplace. Inspectors may issue written directions called improvement notices and prohibition notices.

Improvement and prohibition notices

An improvement notice is a written direction requiring a person to fix a health and safety problem in a workplace. The notice will state the part of the Act or Regulations covering the offence and will set a date by which the improvement must be completed.

A prohibition notice is a written direction that prohibits, at once, any activity where the inspector thinks someone may be at risk of serious harm.

The inspector will remain at the workplace until the employer has been told about the notice and the activity has stopped.

In Victoria, WorkSafe inspectors may issue improvement or prohibition notices. Health and safety representatives may issue provisional improvement notices.

Improvement and prohibition notices give reasons explaining why they have been issued and may set out specific actions which must be taken to fix the problem.

The employer must display the improvement or prohibition notice in a place where it can be easily seen, at or near any work area affected by the notice, until the requirements of the notice have been met.

A person who has been issued a notice, or that person's employer, can ask for a review of the notice if they disagree with the inspector's opinion. Such appeals must be made in writing, within seven days of receiving the notice.

Activities

Students can complete the following Role of WorkSafe Inspectors activities:

• Word Sleuth (DOCX, 104KB)
• Sentence Match (DOCX, 74KB)
• Short Answer Exercise (DOCX, 66.5KB)

Employers, employees and health and safety representatives are encouraged to co-operate in order to resolve health and safety issues.

If you are working on a task that you believe is unsafe or unhealthy you can take the following steps:

1. Talk to your supervisor and health and safety representative about the problem. If the issue cannot be resolved, go to the employer.
2. Try to agree on ways to fix the problem. If you are in danger you may be given different work to do until the risk has been dealt with.
3. If you cannot agree upon a safe course of action your employer or health and safety representative may ask a WorkSafe inspector to visit.
4. Inspectors take whatever action they consider appropriate. Improvement and prohibition notices may be issued.

The right to refuse work

If you believe the work you are doing is dangerous and there is a risk of serious injury or harm to yourself or others, then you can refuse to do this work. You must tell your supervisor (or employer) and your health and safety representative of your concerns.

An employer can give you other work to do, away from the danger, while the issue is being addressed.

If you have refused to work on reasonable grounds, you must receive the same pay and other benefits (if any) that you usually get. This is not the case if you have left the workplace without the authorisation of the employer or if you have refused to do reasonable alternative work.

Activities

Students can complete the following Working Safely activities:

• Crossword (DOCX, 82.5KB) 
• Presentation (DOCX, 71.5KB)
• Sentence Match (DOCX, 72KB)
• Word Sleuth (DOCX, 109KB)

Before you start any of the industry modules, you should complete the General module.

You must complete the industry module that relates to the industry you want to work in.

If it's been more than 12 months since you completed an industry module and you want to start working in the same industry, you need to complete the module again.

Industry modules

Industry modules relevant to student's part-time work can be completed in class or out of class on their own initiative.

Within the automotive industry, workers undertake jobs such as:

• repairing and overhauling engines
• changing tyres
• degreasing vehicle parts
• panel beating
• removing and replacing damaged windscreens
• mending leaking hoses and radiators.

You may be asked to assist with some of these tasks while taking part in work experience.

Your employer must explain each task before you start work on it. You must be provided with instruction, training and supervision. You must know the first aid and emergency arrangements too, so if anything goes wrong you will know what to do.

It is important that your employer has taken action to control risks. You must know and follow safe working procedures – not just for your own safety, but also for the safety of others working with you.

Print a PDF version of the Automotive Module (PDF, 141.99KB). You will need Acrobat Reader. Download Acrobat Reader.

Plant

Students taking part in work experience programs must not operate hazardous plant. This information is designed to give students an understanding of some of the hazards, and the steps taken to control risks, in the automotive industry.

Plant is another word for machinery – it does not refer to hand tools or small (hand-held) power tools.

In the automotive industry, hoists are used to elevate vehicles so repairs can be made safely by people working beneath the vehicle. The safe operation of hoists is essential, and depends upon competent operators and strict maintenance and inspection routines. Every hoist must be subject to a pre-operation check, and routine inspection and maintenance must be carried out at least every 3 months.

Other plant commonly used in automotive workshops includes air compressors and overhead cranes to remove engines from vehicles and move other heavy items around the workshop. Their use can result in serious injury if safe work and maintenance practices are not followed.

Air compressors are dangerous items of plant, and should never be used to blow dust or dirt from clothing or work materials. Compressed air accidentally blown into an open wound can prove fatal.

Because asbestos has been used in some vehicle components such as brake lining, there is the possibility that asbestos fibre may be found in automotive workshops: compressed air should never be used to blow what may appear to be dust from these items.

Vehicles themselves are mobile machines, and also present significant risks to people: the movement of traffic around an automotive workshop must be managed safely. Members of the public should not be allowed to enter the work area unsupervised.

Engines have exposed moving parts (fans and belts) which could catch fingers, and exhaust emissions can be fatal if they build up in an enclosed area.

If a vehicle moves while a worker is beneath it, a fatality or serious injury could result. Safe work systems will ensure this cannot happen, by:

• removing keys from the ignition: if the worker keeps them while the job is carried out, the vehicle cannot be started
• making sure the hand brake is on
• immobilising the wheels on both sides of the vehicle with purpose built wheel chocks
• raising the vehicle on a pillar hoist, so all 4 wheels are off the ground.

When hazards cannot be eliminated or sufficiently reduced by engineering controls or safe working procedures alone, you may need to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) to improve protection.

PPE may include safety glasses or goggles, earplugs or earmuffs, protective gloves, overalls or other close fitting clothing. Safety shoes or boots with reinforced toe-caps will protect your feet if any heavy or sharp items are dropped.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is a 'last resort' when hazards cannot be managed by other measures. Employers should first try to eliminate the hazard or reduce the risks at their source.

Your employer must:

• have a maintenance program to make sure all plant and equipment is in safe working order
• train workers to use plant and equipment, and make sure they are supervised
• provide any PPE needed and show workers how to use it correctly

What employees should do:

When operating any mechanical equipment, employees must follow safe work procedures as instructed by the employer or supervisor.

These may include:

• wearing any personal protective equipment provided
• using tools and equipment correctly and safely as they have been trained to do
• switching off machinery and equipment when it is not in use
• concentrating on the job – distractions can contribute to injuries
• keeping the work area around plant and equipment clean, and free from slip and trip hazards.

Powered tools and hand tools

Note: Students in work experience programs must not operate powered tools. This information is designed to give students an understanding of the hazard and some of its risk control measures.

Many of the tools used in the automotive industry are powered by electricity. Your employer must make sure all electrical machinery and equipment is kept in good working order.

Electrical plugs and switches must be checked regularly to make sure they are not damaged. Leads can become split or frayed, and these too must be inspected for wear each time they are used. Electrically powered tools must be tested and tagged regularly.

Any powered tool which appears faulty or damaged must be immediately withdrawn from use – it should be tagged 'FAULTY – DO NOT USE' and removed from the workshop until it has been repaired.

Instructions for the safe use of powered tools and electrical equipment must be followed closely. These should include:

• switching off powered tools and electrical equipment at the power point before you pull out the plug
• disconnecting broken appliances – do not use if cords or power points are damaged
• not overloading power points by 'piggy backing' appliances
• keeping electrical leads off the floor – to reduce the risk of contact with fluids or sharp objects, and to prevent wear as a result of dragging across rough surfaces.

Hand tools – such as spanners, wrenches and screwdrivers – will be used in every job. The most common injuries from use of hand tools are to the hands and fingers. Using the correct tools is an important way to avoid these injuries.

If you are asked to carry out work using hand tools, you should be given training in how to use them. Don't hesitate to ask for assistance if you feel you have the wrong tool for the job.

Hazardous substances and dangerous goods

The automotive industry requires the use of dangerous goods (such as petrol and gas) and hazardous substances (such as acids, oils, diesel and solvents).

Petrol containers and gas cylinders must be stored securely, away from heat sources and out of the path of vehicle traffic. These are highly flammable substances and could cause fatality and serious injury if not carefully handled and stored.

Solvents are often used as cleaners or degreasers. They can enter the body when a person breathes in their vapour, through skin contact, or through the mouth from contact with food or fingers.

Solvents can impair memory and cause headaches, dizziness, fatigue, mood changes or nausea. Exposure to high levels of solvents can cause liver damage, unconsciousness, death and cancers.

Spray paints contain harmful substances. Inhaling paint fumes may cause occupational asthma. Long term exposure can affect the brain, damage the reproductive system and cause kidney or liver damage. Contact with the skin may cause dermatitis (an inflammation of the skin).

Batteries contain acid and must be treated with caution. If you are asked to handle batteries, you must be given instruction and provided with appropriate PPE: rubber gloves, eye protection (you may need goggles to avoid splashes), overalls and solid work boots (you should always wear work boots – not sneakers or soft shoes – in the automotive industry, no matter what job you are doing).

Welding operations generate hazardous fumes and should be separated from other workshop activities and from workers who may not be protected by fume extraction systems, ventilation or appropriate PPE. It may be possible to weld out of doors in good weather; at all times, risk controls will be needed to prevent exposing the welder and other workers to risk.

Dust is caused by jobs like sanding, sweeping, grinding and cutting. Small metal pieces can be generated by cutting and sanding operations, and your employer can reduce dust by using machines that are enclosed or fitted with local exhaust ventilation.

Your employer must make sure you use hazardous substances and dangerous goods according to the manufacturer's written instructions provided on the material safety data sheet (MSDS) and the agreed safe work procedures.

You should:

• always follow safety procedures
• not use solvents to clean your hands
• not enter confined spaces where exhaust fumes may have collected
• wear correct personal protective equipment provided, such as a mask, protective overalls, suitable gloves and safety glasses.

Confined spaces

Note: Students in work experience programs must not enter confined spaces. This information is designed to give students an understanding of the hazard and some of its risk control measures.

Some automotive workshops have pits to enable work to be done if a hoist is not available. The vehicle is driven over the pit, and the mechanic works from beneath. This work should never be done by someone working alone: a second person should be on hand (outside the pit) to monitor the work and to provide assistance

Because carbon monoxide (from the vehicle exhaust) is heavier than air, the fumes may build up in the 'confined space' under the vehicle. These fumes need not be only from the vehicle being worked on: if other engines are running nearby, there is still a significant risk of exhaust emissions collecting in the pit.

Good ventilation is essential in automotive workshops. Engine bay doors should be fully open at all times. If weather conditions prevent this, the work must be evaluated and tasks such as spray painting, which could result in a build-up of fumes, should be postponed.

Respirators will be necessary for a number of jobs in an automotive workshop. Dust masks do not provide protection against vehicle fumes and gases, or paint drift from spraying operations. Employers must find out what kind of breathing protection is needed and make sure all workers are issued with it and instructed in its correct use.

Work in confined spaces can be extremely hazardous. Employers must assess the risks and make sure there is no possibility that anyone working beneath a vehicle could be exposed to carbon monoxide.

Manual handling

Lifting and moving equipment and materials, panel beating, and working in awkward postures (such as removing or replacing engine parts under car bonnets) are some examples of manual handling tasks you may have to do in the automotive industry.

At times, your work tasks may involve bending and stretching as well as twisting sideways, or working with materials and equipment above shoulder height. All of these increase the risk of manual handling injury.

It is your employer's responsibility to assess and control manual handling tasks that may present risk, and to provide instruction, training and supervision for manual handling activities.

Risk controls may include:

• organising the work to reduce the number of manual handling tasks involved
• providing mechanical lifting devices such as trolleys, hoists and overhead cranes where appropriate
• making sure you do not work long shifts involving manual handling activity
• making sure the workplace layout allows enough space to move and work safely and comfortably.

Lifting equipment will be necessary for many of the tasks in an automotive workshop. Many engine parts are too heavy to lift safely, and storage of items such as vehicle tyres on racking, while it may be easy at ground level where they can be rolled in, presents a manual handling risk if you attempt to lift them.

If lifting equipment is not available, the job may require a 'two-person lift'.

You must talk to your employer or supervisor if you find a job is too heavy or too difficult, or if you feel it may put you at risk of injury.

Slips, trips and falls

A slip or fall can cause injury to the arms, legs, back, neck or head. Neck and head injuries can cause damage to the spinal cord and nervous system. Many employees have suffered permanent disabling injuries as a result of a fall.

Slippery floors in the work place are a serious hazard and can result in far more serious accidents than simply slipping and falling over.

Poor 'housekeeping' in the automotive industry leads to slips, trips and falls. Oil spills, engine parts, air lines and hoses left on the workshop floor can all result in preventable accidents. Metal bins should be provided for waste disposal. These should not be allowed to overflow.

Your employer can reduce the risk of slips, trips and falls by providing a suitable non-slip floor surface, good lighting and safe work procedures.

You must follow instructions and safe work procedures provided by your employer, which may include:

• sweeping things like metal shavings up regularly
• cleaning all spills immediately – oil spills should be soaked up with a dry absorbent, and then put into a waste container
• making sure there are no trailing electrical cords on the floor
• keeping the workshop floor free of equipment, vehicle parts, tools and rubbish.

Noise

Employees in the automotive industry work with noisy tools and machinery such as wheel removers, compressors, grinders and drills. While in an automotive workshop, you may be exposed to noise levels exceeding 85 decibels or dB(A) that could lead to hearing loss.

The employer can reduce noise levels by isolating noisy machinery from employees not involved in its operation. Enclosing the source of the noise in a sound absorbing box, or erecting sound absorbing barriers, will help. And by keeping machinery and equipment in good order so it operates efficiently, noise can be considerably reduced.

If the noise cannot be removed at its source or sufficiently reduced by other means, your employer must provide personal hearing protection (earmuffs or earplugs) in addition to other risk controls.

Earpieces for portable radios and music devices do not provide protection from loud noise.

Self-assessment test

You may now try the automotive module self-assessment test.

There are 16 questions. If you get 12 or more correct you will receive an Award of Attainment. The Principal of your school will need to sign the Award and validate it with the school stamp.

Construction sites are temporary, and change constantly as work progresses and different construction employees and equipment arrive on site. A site that is safe one day may not be safe the next, so you must pay attention to the hazards and their potential risks at all times.

The rate of injury in the construction industry is higher than in most other industries. The most frequent causes of death and severe injuries are falls from height, falling materials and collapses, electricity and mobile plant.

Within the building and construction industry you may be exposed to a range of work activities such as:

• setting up simple working platforms and temporary power sources
• safe operation and maintenance of equipment including hand tools and portable power tools
• taking measurements and site levels
• performing site calculations
• preparing sites and pouring and finishing concrete pads
• working with internal partitioning, and
• other trade services like plastering, painting and tiling.

Your employer should make sure equipment is well maintained, that you are properly trained and supervised, and given instructions for safe work procedures.

Where the risks cannot be eliminated, or to improve the level of protection, your employer must also provide personal protective equipment (PPE) such as a safety helmet and safety boots or shoes with reinforced steel toecaps.

You must follow safe working procedures and wear the PPE provided.

Print a PDF version of the Building and Construction Module (PDF, 178.87KB).

Prevention of falls

Many falls in the work place involve employees aged less than 25 years.

Falls cause a large number of occupational injuries in the building and construction industry and sometimes result in permanent disabling injuries or death.

Note: Students on work experience must not work at heights where there is any risk of a fall. This information is designed to give students an understanding of the hazard and some of its risk control measures.

A fall can cause injury to your arms, legs, back, neck or head. Neck and head injuries can cause serious damage to the spinal cord and nervous system.

Falls can be grouped into the following 3 categories:

1. Falls from height (a fall from one level to another)
2. Falls into a depth (falling into a hole)
3. Slips, trips and falls (falls on the same level)

Factors that may cause you to fall include situations where:

• movement suddenly starts or stops
• you are moving from one surface to another
• the surface is not capable of supporting a load
• openings or holes are not identified or protected
• open edges are not protected
• levels change
• hand grip is lost
• surfaces are slippery (surfaces are wet, polished or oily)
• footwear is unsuitable
• equipment, tools or rubbish are causing obstructions in work areas
• ladders are used incorrectly
• clothing is caught
• surfaces move
• lighting is unsatisfactory
• weather conditions are bad (heavy rain or wind)
• you are struck by a moving or falling object
• fall arrest systems and devices are not provided, or are used incorrectly.

Other factors, such as exposure to chemicals or electricity, may have a harmful effect on your behaviour or performance and may increase the risk of a fall.

Falls from height

Accident reports show that you are more likely to fall from a height when you are working on:

• roofs and support beams
• climbing equipment that is incorrectly set up or erected (ladders, stairs)
• supporting equipment that is incorrectly set up or erected (scaffolds, ramps)
• trucks and cherry pickers.

Employers have legal responsibilities to control potential fall risks in the workplace. The steps employers must take are set out in the Prevention of Falls Regulations 2003.

Your employer must have safe systems of work in place to reduce the risk of falls from heights of more than 2 metres. This may include:

• fixed roof anchor points or edge protection
• correctly erected scaffolding (or other types of safe working platforms)
• a safe means of entering and leaving the area where you are required to work
• guard rails, covers, fender boards or other forms of safeguarding
• correctly erected and secured ladders
• fall prevention equipment (such as a safety harness), which complies with Australian Standards.

Roof work

Many falls from and through roofs occur during maintenance, renovation and cleaning work.

Some materials used on roofs can become fragile or brittle after exposure to weather. Serious injuries and fatalities have occurred when employees have fallen through roofs made of brittle materials, such as asbestos cement sheets, translucent plastic sheets and glass skylights.

You must not stand on, or walk across, a roof made of fragile material.

Work on fragile material should be carried out from a scaffold or other working platform. This must be done even if mesh has been installed as a 'safety net'.

To make sure people are aware of the potential fall hazard, the following notice should be displayed:

• DANGER
• FRAGILE ROOFING
• USE WORKING PLATFORM

The use of protective steel/wire mesh for roofs is recommended during construction in accordance with the Victorian Safe Work on Roofs Code of Practice. It protects employees against falls during roof construction and provides protection for future work activities on the roof. Before starting any work on roofs, the condition of the wire mesh and sheeting must be examined.

Steel mesh, harnesses, nets and guardrails will restrain a fall.

Scaffolding

Erectors and installers of scaffolding have legal responsibilities under the Plant Regulations 1995 to make sure the scaffolding is correctly erected, and will not present risk if safety instructions for its use are followed.

Mobile scaffolds are often hired and used by finishing trades people (such as painters and plasterers) who may have limited knowledge of scaffolds. Mobile scaffolds are easy to erect, use and dismantle, but are safe only if erected by a competent person. Instructions on the safe assembly of a mobile scaffold are available from the supplier. These instructions are also displayed on most mobile scaffolds as a sticker. Your employer should make sure these instructions are followed.

Adequate supervision should be provided on any site to make sure that stable scaffolding is erected with proper guardrails. Guardrails can prevent falls from a working platform.

Common problems occur with mobile scaffolding when:

• there has been a lack of training and instruction in erecting or using a scaffold
• workers ride on a mobile scaffold while it is being moved
• wheels are not locked when the scaffold is stationary
• access ladders are not placed on the inside of the scaffold.

Mobile scaffolds can be easily overturned because they are so light. Do not climb on the outside of a mobile scaffold, as this can cause it to overturn.

Ladder safety

Ladders can be hazardous if they are not correctly maintained and used. Your employer should make sure they are properly stored and inspected regularly. Ladders should be used only for light work of short duration, or for access.

Your employer or supervisor should give you instructions and show you how to use a ladder safely, as well as the safety checks to make before using a ladder.

These include checking that the ladder:

• has no damaged, loose or missing parts
• is properly erected and secured
• projects at least 1 metre above the surface on which the climber will step off
• is set at the correct angle of 75 degrees
• is set on firm and level ground.

Falls into a depth

Construction and excavation sites often have trenches or holes, which are hazards if left unprotected. Falls into lift shafts, sewers, wells, tanks and stairwells are examples of falls into a depth.

Steel/wire mesh and covers protect people from falling down holes or shafts at work sites, and guardrails are used on open edges such as stairwells.

Your employer or supervisor should make sure that signs are placed to warn anyone on the site that there is a hole underneath, and that the cover must not be removed.

Covers should be securely fixed and marked in clear lettering:

• DO NOT REMOVE – HOLE UNDERNEATH

Slips, trips and falls

Slippery and uneven floors or surfaces are a serious hazard in work places and can result in far more serious accidents than simply tripping or falling over.

You face an increased risk of slips and trips in the building and construction industry as the ground surface, floors or other building surfaces may be slippery, uneven, sloping or cluttered with objects.

Objects left where people are moving around can be hazardous. These include things like building materials, power tools and equipment, bags of cement or any building products. You could trip, stumble or bump into something, resulting in an injury, or objects could fall on you or others.

Safe work procedures for preventing slips, trips and falls will vary between work places and should be provided by the employer.

Machinery and equipment

Mobile plant

Working with or near powered mobile plant (machinery and equipment) can be dangerous. Mobile plant used on building and construction sites includes trucks, cranes and earth moving machinery such as bulldozers, bobcats and graders.

Mobile plant used for construction is usually heavy, and often operates on muddy and uneven ground, or in situations where visibility for the driver may be limited.

You should keep well clear of any machinery or equipment while it is being operated, and you should continually check your work area to make sure it is safe for you to move around.

Nail guns

Air operated nail guns are widely used in the building and construction industry.

Used safely, nail guns can save time and money, but they can also be lethal weapons. Accidents with nail guns are regularly reported to WorkSafe. In many cases, investigations find that the equipment was misused – accidentally, deliberately or carelessly – and often it had not been properly maintained.

A person should not operate a nail gun at a work place unless one or more safety warning signs with the words 'WARNING – NAIL GUN IN USE – KEEP CLEAR' are clearly displayed at or near the area where the nail gun is to be used.

Never use a nailing gun unless you have been given instructions and training on its safe use, and a competent person supervises you.

Current Department of Education and Early Childhood Development policy prohibits students undertaking tasks that include the use of machines such as:

• rip saw
• band saw
• buzzer
• thicknesser
• guillotine
• spindle moulder
• docking saw
• power wood shaper.

This list is comprehensive but not exhaustive.

No student should be asked to perform work on any machine that may present significant risks in operation. Work experience activity in such cases must be limited to observing, under supervision, trained and experienced operators.

The health and safety information here is designed to give students an understanding of the hazards and of the measures by which risks are controlled in the manufacturing industry.

Electricity

Note: Students on work experience must not undertake any task which may place them at risk from electrical sources. This information is designed to give students an understanding of the hazard and some of its risk control measures.

The most common cause of electrocution in the construction industry is contact with overhead wires. This is because people can misjudge heights and distances between the ground and overhead wires when carrying equipment like poles and ladders, or operating equipment with height extension, such as cranes. Electrical tools and machinery that may be outdated and poorly maintained are also hazardous.

Your employer must have safe work procedures for working near overhead wires, and a documented maintenance program in place.

Your employer should also provide residual current devices (RCDs) or safety switches to reduce the risk of electric shock and electrocution. RCDs are an additional safety measure, not a substitute for them.

You must follow safe work procedures for working with electrical equipment and report any breakdowns or faulty equipment to your supervisor.

Hazardous substances and dangerous goods

Hazardous substances and dangerous goods you may encounter in the building and construction industry include silica dust, asbestos, synthetic mineral fibres (such as fibreglass), cement dust, glue, paint or solvents.

Hazardous substances may cause sudden harm to your health such as dizziness, nausea and itchy eyes or skin. Exposure to dusts and solvents may cause skin diseases like dermatitis and respiratory disease. Some people are more prone to harmful effects from hazardous substances than others.

Dangerous goods may be corrosive, flammable, explosive, spontaneously combustible, toxic, oxidising, or water-reactive. They must be identified in the work place (and when being transported) by a coloured 'diamond' symbol.

Hazardous substances are classified only on the basis of health effects, whether acute (immediate) or chronic (longer term). Dangerous goods are classified on the basis of immediate physical or chemical effects, such as fire, explosion, corrosion and poisoning. An incident involving dangerous goods has the potential to seriously affect property or the environment.

Your employer should make sure you use hazardous substances and dangerous goods according to the manufacturers or supplier's written instructions (found on both the label and in the Material Safety Data Sheet or MSDS). You must follow the agreed safe work procedures for using hazardous substances and dangerous goods in your work place. If you are not sure, ask your supervisor.

Your employer should provide correct personal protective equipment and clothing (PPE) when hazards related to using hazardous substances and dangerous goods cannot be eliminated, or to increase your level of protection. You must be trained in safely handling and storing them.

You must use items of PPE provided to you, in accordance with your training and with safe working procedures. You may need to use items such as a dust mask or air breathing respirator, gloves and safety glasses when working with hazardous substances and dangerous goods, or during building activity that generates dust.

Manual handling

Approximately 27% of all manual handling LTI/Ds (lost time injuries and diseases reported where an employee is off work for one day or more) occur in the building and construction industry. Almost half of these injuries involve the lower back, and they often result in employees being unable to continue working in the industry.

In the construction industry, many tasks involve manually handling building materials, products and equipment, or setting up working platforms. You may be required to lift or move things like timber, steel, bags of cement, ladders and power tools.

Your employer must train you, and make sure you follow safe manual handling methods. Get someone to help you lift heavy items and use a builders' hoist, trolley or wheel barrow to lift and move items safely. Never overload a wheel barrow or trolley. It is safer to make an extra trip.

Even though you may be young and new to the job, you should speak up – talk to your supervisor if you feel the job is too heavy, too difficult, too tiring, or puts you at any risk of injury.

Noise

Many tools and items of machinery you may use in the building and construction industry are very noisy, and have the potential to cause permanent hearing loss.

Employees, such as drivers of earth moving equipment and cranes, electricians, roof carpenters, finishing carpenters and roof tilers can be exposed to high noise levels. Many are frequently exposed for long periods of time to noise levels exceeding 85 dB(A), which is the level where noise control measures should be taken.

If you have to raise your voice to be heard by someone a metre away, your hearing could be at risk.

Your employer should provide solutions to noise hazards. Building and construction industry noise solutions include substituting quieter blades for brick saws, quieter nozzles for air blowers, and choosing quieter equipment such as brooms or vacuum cleaners instead of blowers. Keeping equipment in good condition also reduces the noise it generates when in operation.

It may be possible for your employer to arrange the site layout so noisy processes are located away from employees not involved in their operation. Portable barriers can also be used around static equipment like generators and concrete pumps.

If the noise cannot be reduced at its source, and there is no other way to separate people from damaging noise exposure, your employer should provide personal hearing protection such as ear muffs or plugs and you must wear them where provided.

Sunburn and heat stress

In the building and construction industry, you will often have to work outdoors on building sites and in partially constructed buildings where there is no protection from the sun, or where work conditions are extremely hot. For employees such as brick layers, concrete employees, roof carpenters and tilers working outdoors there is a risk of heat stress, sun stroke, sunburn and skin cancer from prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.

The effects of exposure to the sun are cumulative – the longer the skin is exposed, the greater the risk of skin cancers, regardless of tan or skin pigment. Short-term risks include sunburn blistering and peeling, acute skin reactions with certain drugs, ointments and creams, and sore gritty, swollen eyes, sensitive to bright light. Long-term risks include skin cancers, premature ageing, wrinkling, wasting skin tissues, excessive pigmentation, and clusters of tiny blood vessels and cataracts of the eye.

Your employer should assess whether the day's tasks could cause heat stress or heat stroke, and consider ways of eliminating or reducing the risks by considering factors like the weather forecast, availability of shade, knowledge of the job ahead and an awareness of individual heat tolerance. Where possible, your employer should re-schedule heavier work for cooler times of the day (or wait for cooler days), and rotate work so you spend less time on heavier tasks.

Your employer should train you in safe work procedures for working in the sun and in hot areas of the work place. Training should spell out the action required if an employee shows symptoms of heat stress or sun stroke.

Heat stress

The effects of heat stress range from simple discomfort to life-threatening illnesses such as heat stroke. Heat stress does make it difficult to concentrate on the job, which can also be hazardous. Signs of heat stress include tiredness, irritability, inattention and muscular cramps.

If you believe someone may be suffering the effects of heat stress, rest them in a cool, airy area and give them cool (rather than cold) fluids. Report the problem immediately to your supervisor or first aid officer.

Heat stroke

Heat stroke is not common. A person suffering from heat stroke will stop sweating and body temperature will be high. Skin will be hot and dry. Confusion and loss of consciousness may occur.

Heat stroke is life threatening and urgent treatment by a doctor is very important. While waiting for medical help to arrive, cool the patient as quickly as possible. Soaking the person's clothes with cold water and increasing air movement by fanning can do this. If the person is conscious, give them water to drink.

Ways to reduce risk

Your employer should make sure you are trained in ways to reduce the risk of sunburn, heat stress and heat stroke. Some of these are:

• drinking lots of water, juices or soft drinks
• taking rest breaks in a cool place
• wearing cool, protective clothing such as a shirt with collar and long sleeves and long trousers
• wearing a broad brimmed hat that shades your head, neck, face and ears
• applying SPF30+ sunscreen before exposure to sunlight as well as on overcast days – noses, lips, ears, necks and backs of hands need extra protection. Sunscreen should be reapplied regularly.
• wearing sunglasses that conform to Australian Standard 1067–1990
• working in shaded areas (if possible) in the high-risk hours between 11 am and 3 pm
• not working near reflective surfaces such as water, cement, shiny metal or white painted sheds between 11 am and 3 pm.

Job Safety Analysis

Job Safety Analysis (JSA) is a method of identifying hazards and developing ways to manage them.

Basically, completing a JSA means taking the time before doing a job to plan for safety, rather than starting work assuming that everyone involved knows what to do and how to do it safely.

JSA is the responsibility of your supervisor, but you may be asked to contribute your ideas and knowledge about the job.

There are 3 ways of doing a JSA:

1. Direct Observation: The supervisor watches and discusses job steps, hazards and solutions with the employee doing the job.
2. Group Discussion: A team of people familiar with all aspects of the job identifies the steps, hazards and solutions. The supervisor leads the team.
3. Recall and Check: The supervisor prepares a draft version of the analysis based on his or her knowledge of the job, and checks this by discussing it with the employee (and where necessary, by observing the job being carried out).

Jobs that could be considered for a JSA include:

• jobs with a history of many accidents
• newly established jobs, and
• jobs that could result in serious injuries or fatalities if risks are not controlled.

Self-assessment test

You may now try the building and construction module self-assessment test.

There are 16 questions. If you get 12 or more correct you will receive an Award of Attainment. The Principal of your school will need to sign the Award and validate it with the school stamp.

Within this industry, you may be involved in a range of work activities such as using measuring instruments, soldering, using hand, power and specialist tools and constructing circuits.

Only licensed electrical workers can legally perform electrical work.

This includes new electrical installations and alterations, and repairs to existing installations. An unqualified person must not be employed or allowed to undertake electrical work.

Apprentices and trainees must be supervised by a qualified electrical worker at all times.

Your employer must make sure you are properly trained and supervised, that you are instructed in safe work procedures, and that all equipment is in good working order.

It is important that you work in a safe manner, not only for your own safety but also for the safety of others.

Print a PDF version of the Electrical Work Module (PDF, 134.61KB).

Lock out, isolation and tagging

Lock out, isolation and tagging procedures in a work place are designed to protect people and property from risks arising from machinery or equipment which has been taken 'out of service' for repair, maintenance or inspection. The significant hazard is often electricity in such cases.

Before any repair or other work is started, the machinery or equipment to be worked on must be disconnected from the electricity supply - unless other adequate precautions are taken to prevent electric shock.

Before you start work:

• switch off
• isolate circuits
• fix appropriate tags
• test that the electricity supply is isolated
• always test your test instruments.

Danger tags

Personal 'DANGER' tags are colour-coded red and black, and are used while equipment and machinery is being repaired or serviced.

A 'DANGER' tag is a warning to all persons that the equipment or machinery is being worked on and must not be operated, as lives may be placed in danger.

A circuit must not be energised while a 'DANGER' tag is attached.

If turning on a switch or valve or operating any machinery or equipment you are working on will place you or someone else in danger you must fix your own 'DANGER' tags. They must be tied on every main isolation switch or valve and you must make sure the switch is in the correct safe position before you start the job. When 2 or more employees are working on the same job they must each fix their own danger tag.

'DANGER' tags are for everyone's safety. Authorised workers must:

• sign and date the tag
• only fix and remove your own 'DANGER' tags
• place tags at common isolation points
• tie the tag securely
• remove the tag at the end of the shift or when the work is done.

Out of service tags

Yellow and black 'OUT OF SERVICE' tags are used to warn people that machinery, appliances or equipment are damaged, unsafe or out of service for repairs, maintenance or inspection. They are used to prevent accidents and damage to the equipment or machinery.

While an 'OUT OF SERVICE' tag is fixed to machinery, appliances or equipment it must not be operated.

Workers who are required to fix 'OUT OF SERVICE' tags must:

• be authorised to fix and remove them
• write their name and the reason on all tags
• place them in a prominent position
• place tags at common isolation points
• leave tags on until the machinery or equipment is repaired, or the maintenance operation complete, and the item is safe to use.

Any faulty equipment should be tagged 'OUT OF SERVICE' so that it cannot be used until it is replaced or repaired.

The safe work procedures for the removal of 'DANGER' and 'OUT OF SERVICE' tags at your work place must be followed.

Talk to your employer or supervisor if you are unsure about tagging machinery and equipment correctly.

Carrying out electrical work

Note: Students on work experience must not undertake any task which may place them at risk from electrical sources. This information is designed to give students an understanding of the hazard and some of its risk control measures.

Your employer must make sure you are trained in safe work procedures.

Safety procedures for working with electricity

Before starting work:

• plan and discuss the job
• consider the hazards and think about what is to be done
• confirm permission to isolate (use a permit system if relevant)
• isolate the electrical equipment or circuit
• fit a 'DANGER - DO NOT OPERATE' tag
• put up safety barriers when required
• use the correct earthing equipment
• cover and insulate live apparatus nearby
• check test instruments
• get authorisation to do the work.

Avoid working on live equipment whenever possible. You should not wear bracelets, rings, neck chains, exposed metal zips or watches while carrying out electrical work near live electrical equipment. If in doubt, ask your supervisor.

When working:

• use safety observers when required
• never rely on your memory
• connect the earth and neutral conductors first
• check the isolation points before resuming work after a break
• use approved safety belts
• regularly check and clean the tools that you use
• use insulated ladders, and
• use non-conducting tape measures.

Working safely includes considering the work procedure, the type of tools used and the type of clothing worn.

On completion of work:

• check that no tools are left on (or in) the job
• remove your own earthing equipment
• check that the work is complete and the equipment can be energised
• notify all personnel involved that the equipment will be energised
• hand in your work permit (if relevant)
• remove 'DANGER - DO NOT OPERATE' tags
• energise power supply
• remove and store all safety barriers.

Safety practices:

• know electric shock and resuscitation procedure
• keep a first aid kit handy
• check the first aid kit regularly
• know where the fire extinguishers are located, and how to operate them
• know the correct type of fire extinguisher for the various types of fire
• keep your work place clean and orderly, and
• report all electrical accidents.

Residual current devices

A Residual current service (RCD), or safety switch, is an electrical safety device designed to immediately switch off the power when electricity 'leaking' to earth is detected at a level harmful to a person using electrical equipment. RCDs are designed to operate within 10 to 50 milliseconds. They also reduce the risk of fire by detecting leakage to earth in electrical wiring and equipment.

Note: Students on work experience must not operate powered tools or mobile plant. This information is designed to give students an understanding of the hazard and some of its risk control measures.

An RCD offers a high level of personal protection from electric shock.

Workers who use portable electrical equipment, power tools and extension leads at work you must be protected against earth leakage by an RCD installed at a permanent switchboard or in a fixed socket outlet.

Residual Current Devices significantly reduce the severity of electric shock, but will not protect you against all electric shock. For example, contact with electricity causes electric current to flow through the body which will not be detected by the RCD unless there is also a current flow to earth.

RCDs are an addition to safety measures, not a substitute for them and they must be regularly tested and maintained.

Hazardous substances and dangerous goods

You may need to use rosin fluxes for metal soldering in the electrical and electronics industry.

Flux is a sticky liquid or paste used to react with and remove compounds from the surface of the connection, to improve the flow of the molten solder and to prevent oxidation during the heating cycle.

Rosin flux may cause health problems if fumes are inhaled or if flux gets on your skin. Fumes may cause irritation such as watery, prickly eyes, running or blocked nose, sore throat, coughing, wheezing, tight chest and breathlessness. Skin contact may cause itchy skin and dermatitis. Skin contact usually happens when employees get flux on their hands while applying it to metal surfaces before soldering.

Your employer must control the health risks associated with rosin flux by applying risk control steps in the following order of importance:

• eliminating soldering completely, by crimping or twisting electrical wire connections if possible
• substituting fluxes that do not contain rosin if possible, or using rosin core solder where the rosin is contained in a fine tube of solder, which is less likely to result in skin contact during hand soldering
• extracting rosin fumes by a local extraction exhaust system or a fume cabinet connected to an exhaust system
• limiting the amount of time an employee spends doing soldering work, and
• providing personal protective equipment and clothing, such as suitable gloves and protective clothing where there is risk of skin contact, and eye protection if there is risk of splash from liquid flux.

Personal protective equipment and clothing

Your employer is required to provide personal protective equipment and clothing (PPE) when hazards in the work place cannot be eliminated, or to increase your level of protection. Your employer should make sure that PPE complies with the relevant Australian Standard.

You must be instructed and trained in the correct use and storage of the PPE provided by your employer, and you must use it according to your training and agreed safe work procedures.

Some of the items of PPE you may use in the electrical and electronics industry are given below.

Clothing provides protection from electric arcing/flash burns, flying objects and electric shock. Ideally, clothing should cover the body completely, and:

• be of appropriate material (either wool or cotton, but not synthetics)
• have non-conductive and concealed buttons
• have sleeves to wrist length, and
• have legs which reach to your footwear.

Safety helmets should be non-conductive. They provide protection from overhead wires, structures and falling objects.

Safety glasses provide protection from electrical arcing and flying objects.

Insulating gloves provide protection from electric shock. They should be worn when accidental contact with live conductors is possible, but they must never be the sole means of insulation.

When using gloves, note:

• rated gloves are designed for live work and are rated according to the level of voltage they are able to insulate against
• rated gloves should be tested regularly to determine their effectiveness
• non-rated gloves are for mechanical protection only
• all gloves must be inspected before each use.

Safety footwear should be non-conductive. It provides protection from electric shock and falling objects.

Insulating mats should be used when working on live conductors or where accidental contact is possible. They must never be the only means of insulation.

Self-assessment test

You may now try the electrical work module self-assessment test.

There are 16 questions. If you get 12 or more correct you will receive an Award of Attainment. The Principal of your school will need to sign the Award and validate it with the school stamp.

Within the hairdressing industry, you may be involved in a range of work activities on a daily basis such as using a wide variety of tools and electrical appliances, chemical products, talking to clients and carrying out cleaning duties.

In your daily work you may use scissors, styling rods and rollers, rubber caps, hair dryers, curling tongs, chemical solutions and treatments, and cleaning equipment and products. You must be trained in how to use these tools, appliances and products and made aware of any potential hazards.

Your employer must make sure your health and safety is not harmed in any way and you must look after your own health and safety and not put others at risk.

Print a PDF version of the Hairdressing Module (PDF, 115.88KB).

Hazardous substances and dangerous goods

In the hairdressing industry you may work daily with hazardous substances and dangerous goods such as hair dyes, hair spray, perm solutions and cleaning products.

Dermatitis of the hands, latex sensitivity and breathing problems caused by breathing in fumes from sprays and solutions can be a problem in the industry.

Your employer must make sure you use hazardous substances and dangerous goods according to the manufacturers or supplier's written instructions (the Material Safety Data Sheet or MSDS) while you must follow the agreed safe work procedures for your work place.

If you need more information on the substances that you are using, ask your supervisor or health and safety representative.

When handling perm solutions, dyes and cleaning products you should wear personal protective equipment (PPE) to reduce the risk of harm to your health. PPE and clothing used in the hairdressing industry includes gloves, protective hand creams and coveralls (aprons). Your employer should provide these items.

Ventilation

Lack of ventilation can create risk to the safety of hairdressers. Good ventilation should be provided to control fumes and odours from the hazardous substances used everyday in the hairdressing industry. Ventilation can be provided through windows that open, an air conditioning system or extraction fans.

Ventilation is also important for the control of heat and cold. For example, the use of hair dryers and other heating equipment can cause a build up of heat in the work area.

Contact dermatitis

Contact dermatitis is an inflammation that occurs when a substance comes into contact with skin. The skin is irritated and there is an abnormal (allergic) reaction. The skin may be red, swollen, tender, hot, painful or itchy. If the reaction is severe, the skin may blister or weep, and can become cracked or crusty.

The chemicals in hair dyes, sprays, perm solutions and cleaning detergents can cause skin irritation in some employees.

Your employer should provide protective gloves and barrier creams to reduce the risk of contact dermatitis, and you should use them.

Different employees will react differently to each substance, and some may have no reaction at all. Some substances will cause pain or discomfort. Other substances could be used regularly for a long time before the skin begins to react.

In some cases, employees will need long periods away from work because of exposure to substances, or even may no longer be able to work in the hairdressing industry.

Latex sensitivity

Hairdressers who use disposable gloves may also develop sensitivity to latex over a period of time.

Latex is used extensively in the manufacture of disposable gloves. Cornstarch powder is often used in latex gloves to make them easier to put on. Latex proteins are absorbed into the cornstarch powder. The powder then irritates the skin causing the allergic reaction. When the gloves are removed the powder can be released into the air and may be inhaled.

Latex sensitivity usually leads to dry, raw skin, most commonly on the hands. Severe allergic reactions can result in sustained dermatitis with blisters and respiratory symptoms.

Your employer may provide you with powder free, low allergen gloves to reduce the risk of a reaction to latex.

Electricity

Hairdressers frequently use electrical appliances, such as hair dryers and curling tongs, in work areas where water may be present. It is important to remember that electricity and water do not mix.

Note: Students on work experience must not undertake any task which may place them at risk from electrical sources.

Your employer must make sure that electrical equipment is in good working order and is regularly checked.

To reduce the risk of electric shock you must follow instructions, which may include remembering to:

• switch off appliances at the power point before you pull out the plug
• disconnect broken appliances, and do not use frayed cords or broken power points
• not use too many appliances from the same power point, and
• keep electrical cords off the floor.
  

Slips, trips and falls

In the hairdressing industry, causes of slips, trips or falls include:

• slippery surfaces (hair left on the floor, surfaces that are wet, polished or oily)
• unsuitable surface texture of the floor
• footwear that does not provide enough tread
• moving from one surface to another and variable floor levels
• equipment, tool trolleys and rubbish left in the way
• steps and ladders used incorrectly
• loose clothing caught on furniture or appliances
• lighting which is not bright enough
• exposure to some chemical substances
• being hit by a moving or falling object.

Hair should be regularly swept up, spills cleaned up and care taken that trolleys and other equipment is not left in areas where people will walk.

It is important that you wear appropriate footwear in the hairdressing industry. Low heeled comfortable shoes with closed toes and rubber soles reduce the risk of slips, trips and falls, as well as back strain. You should check the condition of your shoes. Accidents may happen because your shoes are worn, or because there is no tread left on the bottom of your shoes.

Your employer should provide a suitable non-slip floor surface and good lighting. In some work places, floor surfaces can be chemically treated to increase traction and reduce the risk of slips, trips and falls.

Fatigue

Hairdressers' work tasks often involve standing or bending over for long periods of time. There are some things you and your employer can do to reduce fatigue.

Where possible, you should sit down for work tasks, preferably on an adjustable or ergonomically designed stool or chair.

If an adjustable chair is provided for the client, make sure you adjust it up or down so that you are not stooping or stretching to reach a client's hair.

Wearing low heeled, comfortable, covered shoes will help reduce fatigue.

It is important to take regular rest breaks. Your employer should allocate time for rests breaks and vary your tasks throughout the day. You should have enough time to gradually get used to a new job.

Talk to your employer or supervisor if a stool or chair is not provided or you have difficulty in trying to handle too many demands at once.

Cash handling and opening and closing procedures

Cash handling

In a work place where cash is handled, you are more likely to face the threat of robbery or attack.

To reduce the risk of injury or harm, employers should have cash handling procedures and must train you in these procedures.

Procedures should cover:

• removal of excess cash from the till to safe storage
• not handling cash in front of customers
• delivery and deposit of money at the bank.

Opening and closing procedures

Your employer should have simple written procedures for opening and closing hairdressing salons. This is important if the salon is isolated, or if you have to open and close it when the employer or other employees are not around. It is safer if more than one person opens or closes the salon.

Procedures should cover checking to make sure:

• there are no suspicious people or vehicles around when you enter or leave the work place
• no one has broken in - if there are signs of a break-in, you must know what action to take
• before leaving, that the safe (if there is one) and all entries, exits and windows are securely locked
• there are no unauthorised persons remaining in the salon.

You should be made aware of procedures for handling cash and opening and closing and you should follow them.

Self-assessment test

You may now try the hairdressing module self-assessment test.

There are 16 questions. If you get 12 or more correct you will receive an Award of Attainment. The Principal of your school will need to sign the Award and validate it with the school stamp.

There are common hazards that exist in the health and community services industry. It is important to learn about these hazards and how they can be controlled so that people at work are not exposed to risk.

Within the health and community services industry you may be involved in a range of work activities such as child care; safety and first aid for children; caring for the sick and elderly and for people with disabilities and special needs; cleaning and clerical tasks.

Your employer must make sure your health and safety is not harmed in any way.

It is important that you work safely and follow work procedures, not only for your own safety, but also for the safety of others.

Print a PDF version of the Health and Community Services Module (PDF, 150.84KB).

Manual handling

Writing, typing, moving and placing boxes and other items on shelves, lifting, moving and carrying children: these are just some examples of manual handling tasks you may have to do in the health and community services industry.

People who sustain a manual handling injury at work can spend the rest of their lives coping with pain, and be unable to do a lot of things other people can do.

Many manual handling injuries in health and community services - back injuries in particular - occur as a result of lifting sick or elderly people. Work experience students, however, should not lift elderly or sick people.

To reduce the risk of manual handling injury your employer should:

• provide safe work procedures, instruction, training and supervision for manual handling work activities
• provide mechanical lifting equipment like trolleys and hoists
• make sure employees do not work long shifts
• re-organise work tasks to reduce the manual handling involved
• ensure the work place layout allows employees enough space to move and work safely.

You must follow manual handling procedures, which may include:

• reducing the need to stoop by not putting items on the floor that will have to be picked up later (this is double handling)
  lightening loads
• reducing bending, twisting and reaching movements
• using team lifting
• using mechanical lifting equipment (trolleys and hoists to lift people)
• wearing appropriate footwear (shoes with non-slip soles and good grip).

Even though you may be young and new to the job, as a young employee you should speak up - talk to your supervisor if you feel your job is too heavy, too difficult, too tiring or puts you at risk of injury.

Slippery floors

Slippery and uneven floors in a community services industry work place can be a serious hazard.

To reduce the hazard of slippery floors your employer should:

• make sure the floors are even, slip resistant and free from obstruction
• make sure spills are cleaned immediately
• make sure appropriate procedures are in place to clean floors and maintain non-slip floor properties
• provide non-slip mats in problem areas (the entrance to a shower room)
• install a small ramp to avoid a step between different floor heights in doorways or shower cubicles.

Transmission of disease

Within the health and community services industry, transmission of disease can be a hazard. It is important that you follow appropriate procedures to ensure your own safety and the safety of others both in the work place and the wider community.

Employees who have direct contact with infectious people, faecal material and blood or other body fluids are at increased risk. This includes child care employees, nurses, health care employees in hospitals and community facilities for people with disabilities and special needs, laboratory employees who process biological specimens, sewerage employees and plumbers. Employees working in areas where infectious diseases are more likely to be present, such as those where hygiene and sanitation facilities are poor, may be at a greater risk.

Employees in the health and community services industry often care for people with infectious diseases and may have direct contact with blood and other body fluids. Therefore, cleanliness and hygiene are very important to prevent the risk of disease and infection spreading to employees and others.

Cleanliness and hygiene

Note: Students on work experience must not clean contaminated waste, or be exposed to contaminated fluids. This information is designed to give students an understanding of the hazard and some of its risk control measures.

Your employer must make sure you are trained in safe work procedures for cleaning and disinfecting. This also includes using 'barriers' such as gloves. As a general rule, you should clean areas thoroughly with water and detergent, using a disposable cloth. After all visible soiling has been removed, follow work place procedures and, where appropriate, wipe over surfaces with a clean, disposable cloth saturated with hypochlorite 0.5% and allow to dry.

In the event of being exposed to blood or other body fluids from a needle stick injury or a splash onto a mucous membrane, you should take the following action:

• promptly wash away the blood or body fluid
• encourage bleeding if there is a wound, and wash thoroughly again
• use appropriate anti-bacterial wash (except for your eyes and mouth, which should be rinsed thoroughly with water)
• report the incident to your employer.

Counselling may be offered to you if you have been exposed to blood or other body fluids, and you may be advised to be tested for infection.

Linen soiled with blood, other body fluids or excreta should be placed in a separate bag marked for 'foul' linen and then put into the usual linen bag. The hot washing method used for 'foul' linen destroys infectious diseases in the linen.

Standard precautions

Standard precautions are work practices that should be used at all times to reduce the risk of infection from blood and other body fluids. Standard precautions essentially involve treating all blood and other body fluids as if they are infectious. They include using good hygiene practices, using protective barriers such as gloves, and appropriately handling and disposing of sharps and other contaminated or infectious waste.

For transmission of blood borne diseases to occur, the blood or other body fluid of an infected person must enter the body through broken skin or mucous membranes of the eyes, nose or mouth. Using standard precautions and being aware of the condition of the skin (e.g. any cuts) will reduce the risk of infection.

Practical hygiene steps

To ensure your safety and the safety of others, your employer should make sure you are trained to follow practical hygiene steps, such as:

• washing your hands between contact with patients or residents, and before eating or drinking
• wearing gloves where there may be a risk of exposure to blood or other body fluids, as gloves greatly reduce the risk of your hands being contaminated with infected fluid
• washing your hands immediately after removing gloves
• discarding gloves contaminated with blood or other body fluids after treating each patient or resident, and put on a new pair - wearing gloves does not prevent cross-infection
• when clothing is likely to be soiled with blood or any body fluid, wearing a waterproof apron or gown
• wearing a mask and protective eye wear in situations where your eyes, nose or mouth are likely to be exposed to splashed or sprayed blood or other body fluid, e.g. dental and surgical
• procedures and cleaning soiled equipment
• cover cuts or abrasions on exposed parts of the body with waterproof dressings at all times while on duty.

Your employer must provide suitable personal protective equipment and clothing, such as gloves, face masks, safety glasses, aprons and gowns, and train you in how to correctly store and use it.

HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis B and C

The Health (Infectious Diseases) Regulations 2001 require all cases of notifiable infectious diseases to be reported to the Department of Human Services. This includes HIV infection, AIDS and tuberculosis.

The Department of Human Services is responsible for initiating the control procedures for infectious diseases. Policies on HIV/AIDS infection are developed by the Department.

Employees who have tested positive for AIDS antibodies and are healthy do not need to be excluded from their normal duties, with 2 exceptions: as with others suffering from an infectious disease, they should not participate in training for the administration of mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, and they should not care for patients who have any disease that affects the immune system. These exceptions are because of the risk of transmitting infections to these patients.

Your employer must make sure employees who have tested positive for Hepatitis B and C or HIV/AIDS follow some general precautions to prevent the transmission of the disease. This includes:

• not donating blood
• covering any cuts or abrasions with a waterproof dressing
• wearing gloves when dealing with patients if skin is broken
• washing hands thoroughly after contact with their own blood or other body fluids
• not sharing personal items such as razors and toothbrushes
• having regular follow-up medical assessments (in the case of HIV/AIDS).

There is no likelihood of catching HIV/AIDS or Hepatitis B or C from casual contact at work. As Hepatitis B and C and HIV/AIDS are blood borne diseases, it is not necessary for the employer to be informed that the employee is infected, unless warranted by their particular situation, e.g. doctors and dentists where the risk of infection is increased due to contact with body fluids. Understanding, open communication, support and assistance are needed.

Hazardous substances and dangerous goods

In the health and community services industry, employees may use and handle hazardous substances and dangerous goods such as cleaning products, detergents, disinfectants, medical supplies and medical waste.

Students on work experience must not clean contaminated waste.

Chemicals and hazardous substances in the work place need not be dangerous if used safely. Awareness of possible risks, even from ordinary substances, can help prevent sickness, discomfort and injury.

It is important that your supervisor makes sure you use hazardous substances and dangerous goods according to the manufacturers or supplier's written instructions (the Material Safety Data Sheet or MSDS) and the agreed safe work procedures for your work place. If you need more information on the substances that you are using, ask your supervisor or health and safety representative.

To reduce risk, your employer can sometimes substitute a non-hazardous cleaning product. You may need to wear gloves when handling and using some chemical cleaning products. Your employer must provide protective gloves.

Medical waste

Employers must make sure medical waste is handled safely. Safe work procedures include the following:

• medical waste should be stored in a weather-proof, secure location, isolated from other wastes and in a safe manner, so that it does not pose a hazard to people or the environment
• sharps (objects or devices having sharp points capable of cutting or piercing the skin) should be placed in a suitable container that is puncture resistant, leak-proof, clearly coloured, labelled and capable of being sealed when full. It should also carry the biohazard symbol recognised worldwide and adopted for use in Australia.

Caution, biological hazard

Biological hazard

• Medical waste should be stored in a clean, leak-proof, clearly labelled container suitable for transport to a disposal site.
• Biological specimens should be incinerated.
• People responsible for collecting medical waste must be authorised by the Department of Human Services.
• Pharmaceutical products should be disposed of as for medical waste.
• Reusable containers should be thoroughly cleaned prior to use.

Work related stress

Stress is often part of work in the health and community services industry, because employees may often deal with sick, elderly, and injured people on a daily basis. Examples of stressful work you may have to do include jobs that involve:

• dealing with violent and aggressive behaviour or the threat of it occurring
• dealing with injury, disease and death
• having continuous contact with people and human suffering.

Occupational stress is people's natural reaction to being put under intense pressure at work over a period of time. It is reasonable for your employer to assume that you are mentally capable of withstanding some degree of pressure from normal work demands. However, individual circumstances at different times may mean you are more at risk of becoming stressed.

Stress can be started or made worse by work arrangements, deadlines and demands set without consultation, conflict, bullying and harassment. Personal problems at home, or a death or illness in the family will also influence your capacity to cope with stress at work.

Stress is not a disease or injury, but it may cause your work performance to drop and your health to decline. The effects of stress can be both physical and behavioural. Generally these effects last only briefly and have little or no long term effects.

Physical effects may include increased heart rate, headache, blurred vision, perspiration, dizziness, aching neck and shoulder muscles, clenched jaw and skin rashes.

Behavioural effects sometimes include increased anxiety and irritability. 'Flying off the handle' easily, excess alcohol and other drug taking, poor sleeping, impaired concentration, and even nervous breakdown.

Not all pressure is harmful. People are often kept motivated by the challenges and difficulties we meet and are able to solve at work. However, the ability to deal with pressures is not limitless.

Preventing stress

To reduce or remove unnecessary stress, employers can:

• provide a consistent approach to management
• encourage supervisors and employees to talk about any problems or concerns
• provide well-defined tasks with clear responsibilities
• provide relief if the job is very monotonous or boring
• set challenging but achievable targets
• use flexible work schedules that are planned and agreed
• make sure that people are treated fairly and without bullying or harassment, and
• provide positive feedback when appropriate.

There will always be times at work when you feel more stressed than usual. Talking to others about your concerns often eases the pressure. Keeping fit and healthy will help you deal with a crisis better.

Violence and bullying at work

In the health and community services industry, you may be at risk of injury or harm from violent and bullying acts. You may have to work with patients who are confused or unwell, and who may be prone to violent outbursts or aggressive acts.

Non-physical violence such as verbal abuse, intimidation and threatening behaviour may cause you to feel stressed.

Your employer must take steps to protect you from violence at work. Talk to your supervisor if you feel threatened or are not sure how to deal with violent or aggressive persons at work.

Self-assessment test

You may now try the health and community services module self-assessment test.

There are 16 questions. If you get 12 or more correct you will receive an Award of Attainment. The Principal of your school will need to sign the Award and validate it with the school stamp.

'Horticulture' covers a wide range of activities, including plant propagation and cultivation, crop production, plant breeding and genetic engineering, plant biochemistry and plant physiology. This may involve the growing of fruit and vegetable crops, flowers, trees, shrubs and turf.

Examples of workplaces involved in horticulture include:

• nurseries
• vineyards
• market gardens
• plant wholesalers.

It's important that your employer has taken action to control workplace risks. You must follow safe working procedures – not just for your own safety, but also for the safety of others working with you.

Manual handling

In the horticulture industry, manual handling of heavy objects and the need to carry out repetitive work are often necessary. Back and shoulder strains and other manual handling injuries can result from sudden overexertion, or from continuous 'overuse'.

Manual handling injuries can occur in a number of ways, such as:

• heavy or awkward lifting, such as handling bags of seed or fertiliser
• having to sustain awkward positions – for example, using chainsaws for prolonged periods
• repetitive hand movements (for example, while pruning with secateurs or picking fruit), and
• stumbling, tripping or falling while carrying things over uneven ground.

People who sustain a manual handling injury at work can spend the rest of their lives coping with pain, unable to play sports or do many other things they might otherwise enjoy.

Your employer must assess manual handling risks and put effective risk controls in place. If the job can't be done another way, and if mechanical aids cannot be used to replace manual handling, the risk controls are likely to include training, information and supervision, and safe handling procedures. These may include:

• lightening the load
• team lifting – sharing the load
• warming up properly before starting work
• avoiding bending, twisting and having to reach out to handle an object
• using correct body techniques when lifting, lowering or carrying
• using mechanical aids such as trolleys, hoists, ramps and barrows
• allocating time for rest breaks
• taking time to gradually get used to a new manual handling task.

Picking bags

Fruit picking requires the use of a bag with a shoulder strap, which becomes heavier and more awkward as it fills up. These 'picking bags' place an increased load on the spine, but there are a number of things than can be done to reduce manual handling risk, including:

• keeping bags to a safe maximum size for the crop, to prevent them from becoming too heavy to carry safely
• making sure the bag selected suits the worker's physical size and capabilities
• providing wide, padded shoulder straps to distribute weight over the shoulders
• using hip or pelvis straps to prevent the bag from swinging away from the body.

Tubs and other containers

Grapes and other fruits and berries will often be carried in plastic tubs. Like picking bags, these should be limited in size to keep their maximum weight within safe levels. It's important to arrange the work so that they can be picked up and put down comfortably, without the need for stretching or reaching out with your arms away from your body.

Tubs need to be carried to trailers for transport to storage facilities. The trailer should be located as close to the picking area as practicable. This will reduce the distance over which they need to be carried.

Training

Training can help people to understand the hazards of manual handling, and to assess each task before they attempt it. There are safe lifting practices that can significantly reduce risks if other risk control methods are not practicable. Some of these are:

• keeping objects close to the body when lifting
• raising and lowering object directly in front of the body (without having to twist the spine or reach to the side)
• working at a steady and comfortable pace, rather than rushing to finish a job quickly, and
• rotating jobs to give people the opportunity to use different muscles and adopt different postures.

Even though you may be new to a job, you should always speak up if you feel a task is too heavy, too difficult, too tiring, or puts you at other risk of injury. Talk to your supervisor, who should be prepared to find ways of making every task a safe one.

Machinery and equipment

This section deals with a number of items of machinery and equipment commonly used in the horticulture industry.

The health and safety information here is designed to give students an understanding of the hazards, and the measures by which risks are controlled in the horticulture industry.

Horticulture industry employees may operate, or come into contact with, a wide range of machinery. The word 'plant' is used to describe machines like mobile elevating work platforms (used for fruit picking), tractors and forklifts. All of these require training and experience to ensure the safety of the operator and others working nearby.

Always check with your supervisor before using specific tools or equipment, to make sure they are permitted (and if so, what information and training you may need).

Employers must:

• make sure employees have been properly trained to operate any item of mechanical equipment before they use it and make sure they are supervised when necessary, and
• provide any personal protective equipment needed for a specific task, and explain how to wear and use it correctly.

Noise

Noise from machinery can cause permanent hearing loss. The damage can occur gradually over a number of years, and may remain unnoticed until it is too late – noise-induced hearing loss is not reversible.

You may be exposed to noise levels exceeding 85 decibels [dB(A)] that can lead to permanent hearing loss. Typical noises that can damage hearing include:

• tractor: 95–100 dB(A)
• orchard sprayer: 85–100 dB(A)
• chainsaw: 105–120 dB(A).

If the noise cannot be removed at its source, your employer must provide personal hearing protection (earmuffs or earplugs) in combination with other risk controls, to increase your level of protection.

Tractors

Tractors are used for many horticulture tasks, such as pulling chemical sprayers for fruit and vines. They are one of the main causes of workplace fatalities. The victims include operators falling from moving tractors or being crushed when a tractor rolls sideways or tips backwards. Frequently, accidents involve people being run over by tractors (often because they have fallen off while riding on the tractor).

Because tractors often work on soft or uneven ground, they must be fitted with roll-over protection. Many older tractors may not have this protection, which increases the risk for their operators.

Power take-off (PTO) shafts – which drive other machinery attached to the tractor – revolve at high speeds and must be securely guarded. They can easily entangle your clothing, hair or jewellery, causing serious injury or death. These shafts must be completely enclosed by a guard at all times while in operation.

You must never drive – or ride on – a tractor while undertaking work experience.

Agricultural bikes (ATVs)

Agricultural bikes are motorbikes with two, three or four wheels. Three and four wheelers are also known as 'all terrain vehicles' or ATVs. They are often used on fruit growing properties, sometimes in place of tractors, for jobs requiring that chemicals are applied in areas where tractors cannot be used.

They have a narrow wheel base and a high centre of gravity, so they can be unstable and have caused injuries and even fatalities.

Most agricultural bike injuries result from lack of training and experience, speed, uneven or unfamiliar ground, carrying a passenger or an unbalanced load, unsuitable protective clothing and unsafe driving.

Forklifts

Forklifts are used in horticulture to transport crates and other items, and to load vehicles. Operators must be licensed, and the weight of the load must always be within the forklift's load-carrying capacity.

Many forklift accidents involve pedestrians being struck by forklifts or their loads, so in areas where forklifts are used, care must be taken to keep pedestrian traffic at a safe distance from them.

Forklifts must never be used to elevate people unless fitted with a purpose-built work platform that meets Australian standards.

Chainsaws

Chainsaws are used for pruning and cutting down fruit trees and vine butts, and when putting in vine trellis posts.

The skills required for safe chainsaw operation can only be obtained through training and experience. Every year, many serious chainsaw-related injuries occur as a result of:

• lack of proper training
• poor maintenance
• lack of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).

Chainsaw operators must wear the right PPE for each job:

• safety glasses (and face shield)
• hard hat
• hearing protection
• cut-resistant chaps
• safety footwear
• gloves.

Other employees who may be helping (for example, by removing pruned wood) will need to wear much of the same PPE, and must take care to remain clear when cutting is taking place.

Workshops

Much of the maintenance of machinery and equipment used in horticulture will be done by employees in the workshop. A well equipped workshop enables routine maintenance such as sharpening saw and mower blades, repairing wooden pallets and crates, and servicing mobile machinery. Horticulture industry employees may need to use power tools like nail guns, grinders and electric saws.

To reduce the risk of injury, employers or supervisors must:

• provide training, instruction and supervision for all workshop tasks
• provide suitable tools for each job
• provide suitable personal protective equipment (PPE) and clothing
• provide sufficient working space to allow each task to be done safely
• provide good lighting and ventilation.

Your supervisor should explain safe work procedures before you attempt any task. These procedures must be followed, and you must wear any personal protective equipment provided.

Hazardous substances and dangerous goods

Hazardous substances (chemicals) are classified according to the harmful effects they can have on human health. These effects may be immediate (such as chemical spray drift causing stinging in the eyes) or long term (such as skin complaints like dermatitis arising from skin contact with chemicals).

Chemicals like weed killers and insect killers, widely used in the horticulture industry, are hazardous substances.

Dangerous goods are classified according to their potential immediate physical or chemical effects. These include explosion, fire, corrosion and poisoning. Petrol, liquid petroleum gas (LPG), aerosols and some fertilisers are all dangerous goods.

There are 4 ways in which chemicals can enter the body:

• absorption (through contact with the skin)
• contact with the eyes
• ingestion (swallowing), and
• inhalation (breathing in dusts, sprays, mists or vapours).

There are many different types of hazardous substances and dangerous goods used in the horticulture industry, including pesticides, herbicides and fuel for vehicles and equipment.

A Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) provides important information about the hazards of a specific chemical product. It also details emergency and first aid procedures in the event of someone being exposed to the chemical.

Your employer must make sure MSDS are available for every hazardous substance and dangerous good in the workplace. These must be easily accessible to all employees who may work with (or be exposed to) the chemicals involved.

Hazardous substances must be stored safely in a locked area with warning signs posted clearly outside. All chemical containers must be clearly labelled to prevent accidental misuse.

Handling chemicals safely

Employers must take steps to ensure that hazardous substances and dangerous goods do not place their employees – or members of the public – at risk. They must:

• keep a register of all hazardous substances and dangerous goods at the work site
• train employees in the safe use of chemicals, and ensuring that they are suitably qualified (e.g. by obtaining Chemical User's Certificates)
• provide personal protective clothing and equipment to protect employees when using chemicals
• provide well ventilated areas for pouring and mixing chemicals
• provide first aid facilities where chemicals are used (including eye wash bottles)
• provide adequate facilities for washing (including water, soap and towels).

Chemicals and the environment

Many of the chemicals used in horticulture can harm the environment if not used carefully. Employers must make sure:

• hazardous substances and dangerous goods do not get into waterways (for example, through drains
• spraying does not take place where wind can carry the spray drift to areas where people are working or livestock are grazing
• chemicals are not applied in excessive quantities
• chemical containers and unused chemicals are disposed of in the correct manner, where they will not have an adverse impact on the environment.

Employers must provide information about hazard substances to their employees. This includes potential harmful effects, and action required in the event of a spill or of a person being exposed to a chemical.

UV radiation, heat and cold

In the horticulture industry, you may often have to work in the open, in hot or cold weather. Employees working outdoors are exposed to damaging ultra-violet (UV) radiation from the sun. Work in cold conditions also presents health risks.

Short-term risks of exposure to UV radiation include sunburn and sore, swollen eyes sensitive to bright light. Long-term risks include skin cancers, wrinkling, wasting skin tissues, excessive pigmentation, and clusters of tiny blood vessels and cataracts of the eye.

Your employer should assess whether the day's tasks could cause heat stress or heat stroke, and consider ways of eliminating or reducing the risks by considering factors like:

• the weather forecast: temperature, humidity and UV index
• personal protection that will be required – broad brimmed hats, sunscreen, fluids
• availability of shade near the work area
• how strenuous the work is likely to be, and how often employees will need to take breaks.

Where possible, your employer should re-schedule heavier work for cooler times of the day (or wait for cooler weather), and arrange breaks where employees can rest in a shaded environment. Rotating jobs between workers is one way of reducing the time individuals have to spend in the sun.

Your employer should brief you in safe work procedures for working in the sun, including how often (and for how long) you should take rest breaks.

Heat stress

The effects of heat stress range from simple discomfort to life-threatening illnesses such as heat stroke. Signs of heat stress include tiredness, irritability, inattention and muscular cramps.

Heat stroke

Heat stroke is not common. A person suffering from heat stroke will stop sweating and body temperature will be high. Skin will be hot and dry. Confusion and loss of consciousness may occur.

Ways to reduce the risk

Your employer should make sure you are trained in ways to reduce the risk of sunburn, heat stress and heat stroke. Some of these are:

• drinking plenty of water
• taking rest breaks in a shaded place
• wearing cool, protective clothing such as a shirt with collar and long sleeves, and long trousers
• wearing a broad brimmed hat that shades your head, neck, face and ears
• applying SPF30+ sunscreen before exposure to sunlight as well as on overcast days – your nose, lips, ears, neck and backs of hands need extra protection.

Protective clothing provided by your employer MUST be worn when protection from UV radiation is needed. Sunscreen must be re-applied regularly while you are in the sun.

Cold and wet-weather conditions

In the horticulture industry, you may have to work where there is little or no protection from cold or wet-weather conditions. For employees working outdoors, there is a risk of hypothermia from prolonged exposure to cold and wet weather conditions.

Appropriate protective clothing and footwear must be worn to protect you from extreme cold and wet-weather conditions.

As with work in hot conditions, it may be necessary to re-schedule the work if cold, wind and rain are likely to place individuals at risk of illness.

Working at height

There are many horticulture tasks that require working at height. Fruit picking, tree maintenance, ascending and descending ladders – all of these present a real risk of falling.

Before asking people to climb ladders or carry out any work at height, employers should examine options to make the work safer. In fruit picking, this includes things like controlling the height to which trees grow, thereby limiting the height at which fruit needs to be picked. This can be done by close planting, trellising or altering 'tree architecture' – the shape and size of the tree.

Many jobs that present fall hazards could in fact be done from the ground, if the right equipment (such as pole pruners to reach high branches) is provided.

If the required tasks cannot be done from the ground, the safest practicable methods must be employed. This could require the use of:

• elevating work platforms
• fixed, suspended or mobile scaffolds.

If sloping ground or condition of the soil make it impracticable to use work platforms or to safely erect scaffolds, it may be necessary to use fixed or portable ladders. Using the right ladder for the task is very important – orchard ladders must meet the Australian Standard for the tasks involved.

Ladders must be inspected each time before they are used, to make sure there is no damage that could lead to collapse. Things that could cause the ladder to fail include:

• broken, loose or missing rungs
• damaged side rails
• loose screws, bolts or hinges
• cracks, rust or cracked welds
• damage to the foot plates of the ladder.

If portable ladders are used for work at height, employees must be trained to inspect the ladder for faults or damage, and to set up the ladder securely.

Training is essential for employees to work safely from ladders. This is not a task that students undertaking work experience should be asked to carry out.

Confined spaces

A 'confined space' is an area that presents dangers to anyone entering, because of:

• low oxygen levels
• presence of dangerous contaminants (such as carbon monoxide)
• intense heat or cold
• difficulty in exiting the space (or in entering the space for another person attempting first aid or rescue).

Confined spaces can present risk of collapse if someone is overcome by gases, fumes or vapours within, or if there is insufficient oxygen. This also creates serious risk for any person attempting to come to the assistance of someone in a confined space. For this reason, many confined space fatalities are double fatalities.

If a confined space contains flammable gases or vapours, there is also the risk of fire or explosion. Welding in a confined space can generate a dangerous atmosphere.

Horticultural properties contain a number of areas that may be considered confined spaces. These include:

• water tanks
• chemical spray vats
• mixing tanks
• irrigation header boxes
• pipes, culverts and deep trenches
• disused refrigerators.

It is an employer's responsibility to know where in their workplace confined spaces may be found, and to ensure that all employees have been informed of their location and the potential risks of entry. Where possible, entry to confined spaces should be prevented by locks and warning signs.

Your employer should point out any prohibited areas to you. Potential confined spaces should be identified by warning signs to alert people to the hazard.

Biological hazards

Handling potting and seed-raising mixes may cause irritations or respiratory problems, especially if you have allergies or are susceptible. Employees should wear gloves and an industrial dust mask when handling soil and potting mix.

Legionella longbeachae occurs naturally in soil and compost, and has been detected in commercial potting mixes. Their have also been reported cases of the disease being contracted after high pressure hoses were used on recently laid potting mix.

However, it's a sound practice to moisten potting mix before using it, to suppress dust. Users should avoid inhaling the dust, particularly when the bag is being opened or when shaking the mix to loosen it up. You should always wash your hands after using potting mix, soils or compost.

If you are working with potting mixes, fertilisers and soils, you should be provided with gloves and (if there is a possibility of inhaling dusts) a disposable mask.

Self-assessment test

You may now try the horticulture module self-assessment test.

There are 16 questions. If you get 12 or more correct you will receive an Award of Attainment. The Principal of your school will need to sign the Award and validate it with the school stamp.

Within this industry you may be involved in a range of work activities, such as food preparation, cooking, bed making, cleaning, food and beverage service, operating office equipment or working with a tour guide.

The hospitality and tourism industry employs a large number of casual and young employees. The work can be hectic and demanding, and statistics show there are a high number of injuries in this industry.

Most of these injuries can be prevented through training and supervision. Your employer must provide ongoing information, instruction, training and supervision.

You must also follow work instructions safely and not put others at risk.

Print a PDF version of the Hospitality and Tourism Module (PDF, 136.94KB).

Manual handling

Bed making, vacuuming, carrying trays, placing boxes and other items on shelves, cleaning, handling laundry trolleys and loading and unloading washing machines are some examples of manual handling tasks in the hospitality and tourism industry.

Your employer must assess and control manual handling tasks. This includes doing things like:

• reorganising work tasks to reduce the manual handling involved
• providing mechanical lifting devices, such as trolleys and hoists
• making sure employees do not work long hours without a break
• making sure the work place layout allows employees enough space to move and work safely.

You must follow safe working procedures for manual handling, and speak to your supervisor if you are unsure about how to perform a manual handling task safely.

Slips, trips and falls

Muscle strains and falls, trips and slips are the most common injuries in the hospitality industry.

Slips are the main cause of accidents in kitchens. Floors can become slippery when liquids, grease, food, or other substances are spilt on them, or while being washed. Floors should be cleaned regularly so that oil, fat and other spills do not create an uneven surface that could cause a fall or serious burn. The use of incorrect cleaning products can destroy the non-slip properties and may cause sheet flooring such as vinyl or lino to lift at the seams.

Employers must make sure floors are slip resistant in kitchens, serveries and dining areas.

Objects such as boxes, cartons, bins, and furniture left where people are moving around can also be hazardous. You could trip, stumble or bump into something, resulting in an injury, or objects could fall on you or others.

It is important that you wear appropriate shoes for the work task and the type of floor surface. It may be necessary to wear rubber-soled shoes for some surfaces (like wet tiles) to reduce the risk of slipping.

It is also important that you check the condition of your shoes. Often, accidents happen because there is no tread left on the bottom of shoes, or because the shoes are not suitable for the work tasks.

Machinery and equipment

Note: Students on work experience must not use knives or powered cutting equipment. This information is designed to give students an understanding of the hazard and some of its risk control measures.

Many types of machinery and equipment are used in the hospitality and tourism industry. Examples of machinery and equipment include:

• slicers
• mincers
• patty forming machines
• meat tenderisers
• pie and tart machines
• general mixers
• slicing, grating and chipping mixers
• food processors
• dough machines
• wrapping and packing machines
• floor polishers
• pressure washers
• steam cleaners or hoses
• vacuum cleaners
• washing machines and dryers
• tile scrubbers.

Mechanical equipment can cause sprains and strains, open wounds, fractures, amputations; and even death. The most common mechanical equipment injuries are to hands and fingers, which may be cut, sprained, dislocated, broken, crushed or severed by machinery and equipment.

Employers must train employees to correctly use machinery and equipment.

Guards are attached to many items of mechanical equipment and must be used to protect you from the moving parts of machines.

Machines must not be operated with the guards off.

The person cleaning the machine may have to remove the guards to uncover dangerous parts of the machine.

All pieces of equipment that sit on a worktop should be on a level surface, a secure base and positioned so that they cannot be knocked off. This is why many pieces of equipment are bolted to bench tops. Where castors are fitted, the brakes should be regularly checked to make sure that they are working properly.

It is important that you follow safe work practices and talk to your supervisor if you are unsure or have any concerns about operating machinery and equipment.

Electricity

Most machines use electrical power. Damaged and frayed electrical cords attached to appliances such as fans, rice cookers, freezers and pie warmers are the cause of common electrical hazards in the hospitality and tourism industry.

Note: Students on work experience must not undertake any task which may place them at risk from electrical sources. This information is designed to give students an understanding of the hazard and some of its risk control measures.

Electrical leads must not be wrapped around appliances, and electrical boards should be secured on the wall to prevent the risk of stretching the leads and short circuiting the wires, causing a fire risk.

Your employer must make sure that equipment is in good working order and regularly checked.

If water leaks into electrical equipment it can cause electric shock or even electrocution unless precautions are taken. The risk is greater where pressure washers, steam cleaners or hoses are used.

Make sure electrical switchboards are not blocked. If there is an electrical fault, it may be important to be able to switch off an appliance at the power point quickly.

Hazardous substances and dangerous goods

The most common hazardous substances and dangerous goods in the hospitality and tourism industry are chemical cleaning agents. Cleaning agents such as detergents, cleaning fluids, polishes and air fresheners are used daily and can present risks to your health. You may need to wear gloves when handling some cleaning agents.

Do not put cleaning chemicals into other containers, such as milk or cool drink bottles. All containers for cleaning chemicals must be clearly labelled.

You must follow instructions for safe use of all hazardous substances and dangerous goods. Your employer should keep an up to-date Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for each substance used at the work place. These could be collected and kept in a ring binder.

Contact dermatitis

Contact dermatitis is an inflammation that occurs when a substance comes into contact with skin. The skin is irritated and there is an abnormal (allergic) reaction. The skin may be red, swollen, tender, hot, painful or itchy. If the reaction is severe, the skin may blister or weep and can become cracked or crusty. Some employees who handle food have a higher risk of contact dermatitis as they wash their hands and clean dishes and equipment often. Cleaning fluids and detergents often contain chemicals that may cause irritations in some employees.

Different people will react differently to each substance, and some employees may have no reaction at all. Some substances will have an immediate and obvious effect on the skin. Other substances could be used regularly for a long time before the skin begins to react. After the first reaction occurs, dermatitis will develop fairly quickly each time there is contact with that substance.

As well as causing pain or discomfort, dermatitis can, in some cases, mean long periods away from work. At times the worker cannot go back and do the same work as they have become sensitised to the substance.

The most common way to reduce the risk of dermatitis is to wear protective gloves and barrier creams. Your employer should provide this sort of personal protective equipment to reduce the risk of contact dermatitis and you should use it.

Heat stress

Heat stress does not happen only when a person is working outside in the sun. In the hospitality and tourism industry, a person can suffer from heat stress from working in a hot work place - such as a laundry, kitchen, or boiler room.

The cooking process and the need to serve food hot often causes high temperatures and humidity in kitchens and serving areas, which can affect the health, comfort and efficiency of kitchen staff.

Extraction fans are the most common way to prevent heat and humidity. Additional extractor fans may be necessary, with air inlets situated to make sure there is air movement in the whole work area.

The effects of heat stress range from simple discomfort to life-threatening illnesses such as heat stroke. Heat stress does make it difficult to concentrate on the job, which can also be hazardous. Signs of heat stress include tiredness, irritability, inattention and muscular cramps.

Ways to reduce risk

• Make sure you drink lots of water, juices or soft drinks
• Take rest breaks in a cool place
• Wear appropriate clothing, including a hat if working outdoors

If you still feel any of the signs of heat stress after drinking enough fluids, report it to your supervisor or first aid officer.

If you believe someone may be suffering the effects of heat stress, rest them in a cool, airy area and give them cool, rather than cold fluids. Report it immediately to your supervisor or first aid officer.

Heat stroke

Heat stroke is not common. A person suffering from heat stroke will stop sweating and body temperature will be high. Skin will be hot and dry. Confusion and loss of consciousness may occur.

Heat stroke is life threatening, and urgent treatment by a doctor is very important. While waiting for medical help to arrive, cool the patient as quickly as possible. Soaking the person's clothes with cold water and increasing air movement by fanning can do this. If the person is conscious, give water to drink.

Burns and cuts

Burns and cuts are serious hazards in the hospitality and tourism industry.

Burns

Burns can be caused by:

• steam, irons and hot water in the laundry and kitchen
• hot fat and oils, hot stoves, food trays in the kitchen
• chemicals used for cleaning surfaces and equipment, and for gardening jobs.

Ways to reduce the risk of burns:

• Your employer must have safe methods of work for working near steam, hot surfaces or hot substances and for using corrosive cleaning chemicals.
• You must be properly trained and supervised.
• Take extra care when working with hot substances.
• All appliances must be turned off at the power supply before cleaning. The gas supply must be turned off if the equipment operates on gas, including pilot lights. All heating equipment should be allowed to cool off before cleaning starts.

First aid for burns

If a burn occurs, first aid treatment is very important. You must place the affected areas of the person's body under cool, running water as soon as possible. Do not remove any of the person's clothing. This makes the burn much worse.

Cuts

Sharp tools such as scissors, knives and appliances for cutting and shredding can cause cuts.

Ways to reduce the risk of cuts:

• Keep cutting tools clean and sharp.
• Use appliances and tools only for the purpose for which they are designed.
• Keep all guards in place, and keep your fingers and body away from any moving parts.

Cash handling and opening and closing procedures

Cash handling

In a work place where cash is handled, you are more likely to face the threat of robbery or attack.

To reduce the risk of injury or harm, employers should have cash handling procedures and must train you in these procedures.

Procedures should cover:

• removal of excess cash from the till to safe storage
• displaying signs where they can be clearly seen informing customers of limited cash holdings
• not handling cash in front of customers
• delivery and deposit of money at the bank.

Opening and closing procedures

Your employer should have simple written procedures for opening and closing the work place. This is important if it is isolated, or if you have to open and close it when the employer or other employees are not around. It is safer if more than one person opens or closes the premises.

Procedures should cover checking to make sure:

• there are no suspicious people or vehicles around when you enter or leave the work place
• no one has broken in - if there are signs of a break-in, you must know what action to take
• before leaving, that the safe (if there is one) and all entries, exits and windows are securely locked, and
• there are no unauthorised persons remaining on the premises.

You should be made aware of procedures for handling cash and opening and closing and you should follow them.

Self-assessment test

You may now try the hospitality and tourism module self-assessment test.

There are 16 questions. If you get 12 or more correct you will receive an Award of Attainment. The Principal of your school will need to sign the Award and validate it with the school stamp.

Within the manufacturing industry you may be involved in a range of work activities such as woodwork and turning, fabric dying and cutting, forming acrylic sheeting, resin casting, or working with fibreglass.

Your employer must make sure equipment is well maintained and that you are trained and supervised. You must also be provided with instruction regarding safe work procedures.

It is important that you follow work procedures, not only for your own safety, but also for the safety of others.

Print a PDF version of the Manufacturing Module (PDF, 129.96KB).

Mechanical equipment

A wide range of mechanical equipment is used in the manufacturing industry such as guillotines, wood working machines, bench saws, band saws, planers, routers and sanders.

Mechanical equipment can be hazardous. The most common injuries are to hands and fingers, which may be cut, sprained, dislocated, broken, crushed or severed by machinery or tools. These injuries can cause lengthy periods of time off work and sometimes they result in permanent disability.

Eye injuries caused by mechanical equipment accidents include being hit by an object (e.g. small particles such as metal shavings as well large objects or pieces of equipment), heat, radiation, hitting an object and falls, trips and slips.

The most serious injuries are from kickback (angle grinders) where the disc is thrust violently away from the object it is grinding, and back towards the operator. Kickback can result in severe cuts to hands, arms, head, torso and legs.

When mechanical equipment hazards cannot be eliminated or sufficiently reduced by engineering controls or safe working procedures alone, you may need to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) to improve protection. PPE may include safety glasses or goggles, earplugs or earmuffs, protective gloves, overalls or other close fitting clothing and safety shoes or boots with steel toe-caps to protect your feet if any items are dropped.

Your employer must:

• have a maintenance program to make sure all equipment and machines are in safe working order and that where necessary, guards are fitted
• have a system in place for locking out and isolating machinery during maintenance, cleaning and repairs
• train you to operate any item of mechanical equipment before you use it, and make sure you are supervised when you use it. If you are in doubt about using any mechanical equipment, you must ask your supervisor for instruction
• provide any personal protective equipment (PPE) needed and tell you how to wear and use it correctly.

What you should do

When you are operating any mechanical equipment, you must follow safe work procedures as instructed by your employer or supervisor. These may include:

• wearing clothing that will not catch in moving parts
• wearing any personal protective equipment provided by your employer
• operating the machinery and equipment correctly and safely according to your training
• keeping all guards in place
• making sure any guards removed during maintenance, repair or cleaning are replaced by an authorised person before you use the machine again
• switching off machinery and equipment when it is not in use
• locking out and isolating machinery before any repair, adjustment, cleaning or maintenance is done
• concentrating on the job, as distractions can contribute to injuries
• keeping the area around the equipment or machinery clean.

Keep all machinery guards in place - they are fitted to protect you from moving parts.

Students must not undertake any tasks that involve the use of machines such as:

• rip saw
• band saw
• buzzer
• thicknesser
• guillotine
• spindle moulder
• docking saw
• power wood shapers.

This list provides examples, but is not exhaustive. No student should be asked to perform work on any machine which may present significant risks in operation. Work experience activity in such cases must be limited to observing, under supervision, trained and experienced operators.

The health and safety information here is designed to give students an understanding of the hazards and of the measures by which risks are controlled in the manufacturing industry.

Forklifts

Forklifts are often used in the manufacturing industry to load, unload and move materials around work places. They can be dangerous if not driven and operated correctly. Since 1985, 48 Victorians have lost their lives in forklift incidents and hundreds more have been seriously injured (Victorian WorkCover Authority, June 2002).

Under Victorian law you must hold a Certificate of Competency to operate a forklift truck or an order-picking forklift truck, unless you are working under the direct supervision of a competent person (someone with a Certificate of Competency or equivalent qualification).

Employers must make sure employees are properly trained to operate a forklift and to follow safe work procedures.

Hazardous substances and dangerous goods

In the manufacturing industry, you may work with hazardous substances and dangerous goods such as paints, dyes, glues, fibreglass, wood dust, resins, solvents, as well as cleaning liquids and powders.

Fibreglass is a form of synthetic or man-made mineral fibre used mainly for insulation and in products such as surfboards. Some of the fibres used in insulation are fine enough to be breathed deep into the lungs and they can cause irritation to the eyes, nose, throat and skin.

Solvents are often used as cleaners or degreasers, and as ingredients in paints, inks, glue and varnishes. Solvents can enter the body when a person breathes in their vapour, through skin contact, or through the mouth from contact with food, fingers or other items such as cigarettes. They can impair memory and cause headaches, dizziness, weakness or tiredness, mood changes or nausea. Exposure to high levels of some solvents can cause liver damage, unconsciousness, death and cancer.

Spray paints and some other paints contain harmful substances. Inhaling paint fumes may cause occupational asthma. Long term exposure can affect the brain, damage the reproductive system and cause kidney or liver damage. Contact with the skin may cause dermatitis (an inflammation of the skin).

Wood dust is caused by jobs like floor sanding, furniture sanding, wood turning, routing, sawing, sweeping and emptying dust filters. Wood dust in work places can cause lung, sinus and throat irritations, asthma, bronchitis, shortness of breath, skin problems and even cancer. Your employer can reduce wood dust by using machines that are enclosed or fitted with local exhaust ventilation.

Your employer should make sure you use hazardous substances according to the manufacturer's written instructions provided on the material safety data sheet (MSDS) and the agreed safe work procedures.

You should:

• always follow safety procedures
• not use solvents to clean your hands
• not enter confined spaces where fumes have collected
• not smoke near solvents or paints
• wear correct personal protective equipment (PPE) provided, such as a dust mask, protective overalls, suitable gloves and safety glasses.

Manual handling

Lifting and moving equipment and materials, welding and painting, and operating levers on machinery are some examples of manual handling tasks you may have to do in the manufacturing industry. At times, your work tasks may involve bending and stretching as well as twisting sideways, or working with materials and equipment above shoulder height. All of these increase the risk of manual handling injury.

It is your employer's responsibility to assess and control manual handling tasks that may present risk, and to provide instruction, training and supervision for manual handling activities. Risk controls may include:

• organising the work to reduce the number of manual handling tasks involved
• providing mechanical lifting devices such as trolleys and hoists where appropriate
• making sure you do not work long shifts involving manual handling activity
• making sure the work place layout allows you enough space to move and work safely and comfortably.

You must follow safe work procedures, and talk to your supervisor if you feel your job is too heavy, too difficult, too tiring or puts you at risk of manual handling injury.

Slips, trips and falls

Slippery floors in the work place are a serious hazard and can result in far more serious accidents than simply slipping and falling over.

A slip or fall can cause injury to the arms, legs, back, neck or head. Neck and head injuries can cause damage to the spinal cord and nervous system. Many employees have suffered permanent disabling injuries or death as a result of a fall.

Your employer can reduce the risk of slips, trips and falls by providing a suitable non-slip floor surface, good lighting and safe work procedures. In some work places, floor surfaces can be chemically treated to increase traction and ramps provided where floor levels change.

You must follow instructions and safe work procedures provided by your employer, which may include:

• sweeping things like wood and metal shavings up regularly
• cleaning all spills immediately
• making sure there are no trailing electrical cords on the floor
• keeping floors and walkways free of materials, timber, boxes, equipment and rubbish.

Electricity

Note: Students on work experience must not operate powered tools or mobile plant. They must not undertake any task which may place them at risk from electrical sources. This information is designed to give students an understanding of the hazard and some of its risk control measures.

The machinery, equipment and tools you will use in the manufacturing industry are usually operated by electricity.

Your employer must make sure that all electrical machinery and equipment is kept in good working order, electrical plugs and switches are not damaged, cords are not split or frayed and are regularly checked for damage.

There must be a system in place for locking out and isolating electrical machinery during maintenance, cleaning and repairs to prevent it being accidentally turned on.

You must follow instructions for using electrical equipment, which may require:

• switching off appliances at the power point before you pull out the plug
• disconnecting broken appliances and not using frayed cords or broken power points
• not using too many appliances from the same power point
• always keeping electrical cords off the floor, to reduce the risk of damage from drag or contact with sharp objects.

Noise

In the manufacturing industry, you may work with noisy power tools and machinery such as routers and planers and a variety of cutting and sanding tools. You may be exposed to noise levels exceeding 85 decibels or dB(A) that can lead to permanent hearing loss.

Your employer can reduce noise levels by isolating noisy machinery from employees not involved in its operation, enclosing it in a sound absorbing box or erecting sound absorbing barriers, and by keeping machinery and equipment in good order so it operates efficiently.

If the noise cannot be removed at the source or sufficiently reduced by other means, your employer must provide personal hearing protection (earmuffs or earplugs) in addition to other risk controls.

Earpieces for portable radios and music devices do not provide protection from loud noise.

Self-assessment test

You may now try the manufacturing module self-assessment test.

There are 16 questions. If you get 12 or more correct you will receive an Award of Attainment. The Principal of your school will need to sign the Award and validate it with the school stamp.

Within the metals and engineering industry, you may be involved in work activities such as cutting, pressing or casting metal, welding or grinding.

Your employer must provide safe work areas and equipment, information, instruction, training and supervision, and personal protective equipment when hazards cannot be eliminated or sufficiently reduced by other means.

You must follow safety instructions and use equipment safely, not only for your own safety, but also the safety of others.

Print a PDF version of the Metals and Engineering Module (PDF, 141.95KB).

Mechanical equipment

Employers may use a wide range of mechanical equipment in the metals and engineering industry, including guillotines, power presses, brake presses and angle grinders. Mechanical equipment can be hazardous. It may cause sprains and strains, open wounds, fractures, amputations and even death.

Note: Students on work experience must not operate powered tools or mobile plant. This information is designed to give students an understanding of the hazard and some of its risk control measures.

Metal guillotines are used to cut sheets of metal. They usually have clamps fitted to hold the sheet of metal being cut, as well as a blade. The most common metal guillotine injuries are crushed or amputated fingers. Other injuries are from fingers jamming under the sheet of metal being cut, and strain injuries while handling large and awkward sheets of metal.

Power presses are large machines used to stamp, cut or form metal material. Power presses are fitted with a physical guard or a light beam guard to protect the operator's hands.

Serious injury such as amputated fingertips may result from a power press with out a guard or one that does not work properly.

Angle grinders are hand held tools with a rotating disc used for grinding metal. They are designed for grinding and not as a cutting tool. They can be dangerous if not kept in good order and if not used safely. If the disc is damaged or over tightened it can shatter or explode, sending pieces flying across the workshop.

Most angle grinder injuries are from metal particles lodging in the operator's eye.

The most serious injuries are from kickback where the disc is thrust violently away from the object it is grinding and back towards the operator. Kickback can result in severe cuts to hands, arms, head, torso and legs.

Common injuries

The most common injuries from mechanical equipment are to hands and fingers, which may be cut, sprained, dislocated, broken, crushed or severed by machinery or tools. These injuries can cause lengthy periods of time off work and sometimes they can result in permanent disability.

Eye injuries caused by mechanical equipment accidents include being hit by an object (for example, small particles such as metal shavings as well as large objects or pieces of equipment); heat; radiation; hitting an object; and falls, trips and slips.

When mechanical equipment hazards cannot be eliminated to increase protection you may need to wear personal protective equipment (PPE).

Personal protective equipment (PPE) used in the metals and engineering industry includes safety glasses or goggles, earplugs or earmuffs, protective gloves, overalls or other close fitting clothing and safety shoes or boots with steel toe-caps to protect your feet if any items are dropped.

Your employer must:

• have a maintenance program to make sure all equipment and machines are in safe working order
• have a system in place for locking out and isolating machinery during maintenance, cleaning and repairs
• train employees to operate any item of mechanical equipment before they use it, and make sure appropriate supervision is provided. If employees are not sure how to use any item, ask your supervisor for instruction
• provide the personal protective equipment you need, and instruct you in how to wear and use it correctly.

What you should do

When you are operating any equipment, you must follow safe work procedures as instructed by your employer or supervisor. These may include:

• wearing clothing that will not catch in moving parts
• wearing the personal protective equipment provided by your employer
• operating the machinery and equipment correctly and safely according to your training and agreed safe work procedures
• keeping all guards in place
• making sure guards removed during cleaning are replaced by an authorised person before you use the machine
• switching off machinery and equipment when not in use, and locking out and isolating machinery before any repair, adjustment, cleaning or maintenance is done
• concentrating on the job, as distractions can contribute to injuries
• keeping the area around the equipment or machinery clean.

Keep all guards in place - they are fitted to protect you from moving parts.

Current Department of Education and Early Childhood Development policy prohibits students undertaking tasks that include the use of machines such as:

• rip saw
• band saw
• buzzer
• thicknesser
• guillotine
• spindle moulder
• docking saw
• power wood shapers.

This is not an exhaustive list.

No student should be asked to perform work on any machine that may present significant risks in operation. Work experience activity in such cases must be limited to observing, under supervision, trained and experienced operators.

The health and safety information here is designed to give students an understanding of the hazards and of the measures by which risks are controlled in the metals and engineering industry.

Forklifts

Forklifts are often used in the metals and engineering industry to load, unload and move materials around work places. They can be dangerous if not driven and operated correctly. Since 1985, 48 Victorians have lost their lives in forklift incidents and hundreds more have been seriously injured (Victoria WorkCover Authority June 2002).

Under Victorian law, you must hold a Award of Attainment of Competency to operate a forklift truck or an order-picking forklift truck, unless you are working under the direct supervision of a competent person (someone with a Award of Attainment of Competency or equivalent qualification).

Employers must make sure employees are properly trained to operate a forklift and to follow safe work procedures.

Welding

In the metals and engineering industry, employees may be involved in electric arc welding or cutting and gouging different types of metal.

Note: Students on work experience must not operate powered tools. This information is designed to give students an understanding of the hazard and some of its risk control measures.

Welding involves the use of oxy-fuel gas systems to generate high temperatures. Using the oxy-fuel gas also enriches the atmosphere with oxygen and emits fumes.

Welding can be a hazardous activity. Wherever possible, welding should be done on a dry insulated floor in a well-ventilated area.

Welding processes may result in the following injuries or harm to health:

• electric shock through contact with electrically live parts
• radiation burns to the eyes or body due to the welding arc
• body burns to unprotected skin from hot metal surfaces, metal fragments and sparks
• illness following inhalation of fumes from the surface coating on the material being welded or cut, or from breakdown of plastic or paint bonded to metals or from residual chemicals in drums
• fire and explosion caused by the arc, flame, sparks or spatter, or by electrical faults in combination with flammable materials, gases or liquids.

Your employer must:

• make sure all welding equipment is suitable for the work and is regularly checked and maintained in good working order
• provide safe work procedures
• make sure you are properly trained and supervised for all welding work tasks
• provide personal protective equipment and clothing such as a welding mask or helmet fitted with a suitable grade of filtered lens, fire resistant gloves, leather apron, overalls or trousers, a long sleeved shirt, boots and leather spats.
  

Hazardous substances and dangerous goods

In the metals and engineering industry, you may work with hazardous substances and dangerous goods such as paint, glue, solvents, gases for welding, cleaning liquids and powders.

Hazardous substances may irritate or burn your skin, be absorbed through your skin or fumes and odours inhaled. Some chemicals, metal fumes and gases are flammable and exposure to a naked flame, cigarette or spark may result in a fire or explosion.

Your employer must make sure you use hazardous substances and dangerous goods according to the manufacturer's written instructions provided on the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) and the agreed safe work procedures.

You should:

• always follow safety procedures
• not use solvents to clean your hands
• not enter confined spaces where fumes have collected
• not smoke near solvents, paints or gases
• wear correct personal protective equipment provided, such as protective overalls, suitable gloves, a face mask or respirator and safety glasses.

Manual handling

Manual handling tasks in the metals and engineering industry include lifting or carrying items such as containers of chemical substances, tools and metal materials, or holding objects during grinding or buffing.

Your employer must assess and control manual handling tasks, and must provide instruction, training and supervision for manual handling activities that may present risk. Risk controls may include:

• re-organising the work to reduce the number of manual handling tasks involved
• providing mechanical lifting devices, such as trolleys and hoists where appropriate
• making sure employees do not work long shifts where manual handling is required
• making sure the work place layout allows employees enough space to move and work safely and comfortably.

You must follow safe working procedures for manual handling and speak to your supervisor if you are unsure about a manual handling task.

Handling metal materials is one of the major causes of work-related injuries and death in the metal industries. Steel comes in many forms including flat plate, coil, round bar and pipes. If not stored and restrained correctly, steel can roll, slip, slide or fall over. Solid steel bar, large diameter pipes and coiled steel can be very dangerous because they can roll easily if disturbed. Steel coils can weigh up to 15 tonnes.

Slips, trips and falls

Slippery floors in the work place are a serious hazard, and can result in far more serious accidents than simply slipping and falling over.

A slip or fall can cause injury to the arms, legs, back, neck or head. Neck and head injuries can cause damage to the spinal cord and nervous system. Many employees have suffered permanent disabling injuries or death as a result of a fall.

Your employer can reduce the risk of slips, trips and falls by providing a suitable non-slip floor surface, good lighting and safe work procedures. In some work places, floor surfaces can be chemically treated to increase traction and ramps provided where floor levels change.

You must follow instructions and safe work procedures provided by your employer, which may include:

• sweeping things like metal shavings up regularly
• cleaning all spills immediately
• making sure there are no trailing electrical cords on the floor
• keeping floors and walkways free of materials, steel, boxes, tools, equipment and rubbish.

Electricity

The machinery, equipment and tools you will use in the metals and engineering industry are usually operated by electricity.

Note: Students on work experience must not undertake any task which may place them at risk from electrical sources. This information is designed to give students an understanding of the hazard and some of its risk control measures.

Your employer must make sure all electrical machinery and equipment is kept in good working order, electrical plugs and switches are not damaged, cords are not split or frayed and are regularly checked for damage.

There must be a system in place for locking out and isolating electrical machinery during maintenance, cleaning and repairs to prevent it being accidentally turned on.

You must follow instructions for using electrical equipment, which may require:

• switching off appliances at the power point before you pull out the plug
• disconnecting broken appliances and not using frayed cords or broken power points
• not using too many appliances from the same power point
• always keeping electrical cords off the floor, to reduce the risk of damage from drag or contact with sharp objects.

Noise

Within the metals and engineering industry, you may work with noisy power tools and machinery such as angle grinders, power presses, metal guillotines and cutting, buffing and punching tools. You may be exposed to noise levels exceeding 85 decibels or dB(A) that can lead to permanent hearing loss.

Your employer can reduce noise levels by isolating noisy machinery from employees not involved in its operation, enclosing it in a sound absorbing box or erecting sound absorbing barriers and by keeping machinery and equipment in good order so it operates efficiently.

If the noise cannot be removed at the source or sufficiently reduced by other means, your employer must provide personal hearing protection (earmuffs or earplugs) in addition to other risk controls.

Earpieces for portable radios and music devices do not provide protection from noise. Lost hearing is gone forever.

Self-assessment test

You may now try the metals and engineering module self-assessment test.

There are 16 questions. If you get 12 or more correct you will receive an Award of Attainment. The Principal of your school will need to sign the Award and validate it with the school stamp.

Within the office and business services industry you may be involved in a range of work activities such as dealing with cash records, petty cash, mail, records and banking procedures, writing, typing and photocopying.

It is important that you follow work procedures, not only for your own safety, but also for the safety of others.

Print a PDF version of the Office and Business Services Module (PDF, 104.12KB).

Healthy work environment

Ventilation

Good ventilation in an office is essential to provide fresh air. The quality of the air in an office building is usually controlled by an air conditioning system. The function of such a system is to draw in fresh air from outside the building and to filter, heat, cool or humidify it and circulate it around. The system also returns a portion of the air to the outside as fresh air is drawn inside.

The use of synthetic materials in the construction and furnishing of buildings, emissions from equipment such as photocopiers and from substances used in an office such as spray adhesives can contribute to work place hazards associated with ventilation.

Cigarette smoke can also contribute to the poor quality of indoor air. The Tobacco Act 1987, Tobacco Regulations 1987, Tobacco (Amendment) Act 2000 and Tobacco (Further Amendment) Act 2001 ban employers, employees and self employed persons from smoking in enclosed work places. An office is an enclosed work place.

You must follow safe work procedures for using substances and equipment in the office to help keep the air fresh in an office building.

Noise

Many offices are 'open plan' with large numbers of people talking, telephones ringing and printers and photocopiers operating. The level of noise in an office is not likely to be high enough to cause any damage to your hearing, but it may be an issue if you cannot hear people talking to you, if it annoys or distracts you or if it interferes with your work tasks.

Noise that prevents you understanding an instruction or warning signal may be a risk to safety. This may be noise from outside the building, such as construction work. Talk to your supervisor if excessive noise is a problem.

Your employer must attempt to reduce the noise in an office as much as possible.

Acoustic ceilings and wall linings, carpets, barriers and acoustic hoods on printers are ways to lower the noise level in an office. Noisy machines such as photocopiers can be placed in separate rooms or screened to provide a barrier which will reduce noise emission into nearby office areas.

Lighting

Good lighting in the office is essential so you can see clearly and work safely. Different activities require different levels and qualities of light. For example, you will need high quality, moderately bright light for tasks such as detailed drawing or checking documents for errors.

You should be able to see clearly without straining your eyes.

Glare can be a problem. Glare occurs when one part of an area is much brighter than another part. For example, if a computer is positioned so that a bright window is behind it, the contrast between dark and light can be so great that the detail on the screen cannot be seen properly.

Tell your supervisor if you cannot see clearly to work or if your computer screen is hard to see because of glare on it. Better light can be provided, or furniture rearranged, to reduce the glare.

Occupational Overuse Syndrome (OOS)

A person who works in an office would not be exposed to as many hazards as someone who works in a factory. However, unlike a factory worker, an office worker must sit for long periods. Using the correct posture is very important.

When office employees just used typewriters, calculators and pens and pencils to do jobs, it was fairly easy to arrange things on the desk so the worker could sit properly. When computers are involved it is not so easy. You need to look at the computer screen, read documents, use the keyboard and mouse and answer the telephone while sitting at your desk.

Good posture means your desk is the right height, you are comfortable and your spine is well supported by your chair to reduce the risk of muscle strain and fatigue.

Occupational Overuse Syndrome (OOS) refers to a number of conditions where there is constant pain in the muscles, tendons and other soft tissues.

OOS (once known as Repetitive Strain Injury, or RSI) can be a serious problem in the office and business industry.

OOS affects parts of the body that are used in work activities which require one or more of the following:

• frequent or repetitive movements (such as operating keyboards for long periods)
• forceful movements (such as using a punch or a stamp)
• postures held for long periods of time (such as looking at a computer screen that is too high, or holding your head at an angle to see past glare on the screen).

These activities can lead to strain and inflammation, characterised by fatigue, stiffness, swelling or pain, to muscles and soft tissues. Strain injuries often need treatment over a long period of time.

What your employer should do

To reduce the risk of OOS injuries your employer should:

• provide a desk big enough to reach all the things you need without over reaching or twisting
• provide a chair that gives good back support and can be easily adjusted to the correct working height for you (this usually means adjusting your chair so that your elbows are level with the 'home' row of keys on the keyboard)
• provide a footstool, if you feet cannot rest comfortably on the floor when the chair is at the correct height
• provide information and training on how to use and adjust the furniture and equipment correctly
• make sure you are not performing repetitive work for long periods without a break (such as 5 minutes after 30 minutes of work) or provide a mix of repetitive and non-repetitive jobs such as keyboard tasks and delivering mail)
• make sure you are trained to use computer software, as it takes less repetitive keyboard and mouse actions for a skilled user than an unskilled user
• make sure you are not overloaded with work or forced to meet unrealistic deadlines.

What you can do

To reduce the risk of OOS injury, you should:

• arrange your work area to make sure all materials, equipment and controls can be easily reached without stretching or twisting
• check your posture before you start work and adjust your furniture so you can maintain a good posture while using the keyboard
• start keyboard work slowly each day to warm up to the task, and cool down by reducing your keystrokes rate at the end of each day
• alternate keyboard work with other work tasks, never put off work breaks
• report equipment or furniture that is broken or not working properly without delay to your supervisor.

Talk to your supervisor if you are not sure how to adjust furniture, or if you have any problems in meeting deadlines or trying to handle too many demands at once. Being under pressure and not taking breaks can contribute to OOS injuries.

Some hints for keyboard operators:

• Keep your shoulders relaxed and wrists straight.
• Keep your elbows level with the 'home' row of keys and close to the sides of the body.
• Give yourself plenty of leg room and keep feet firmly supported.
• Keep your head upright and balanced.
• Use a chair with a backrest to support your spine, avoid pressure at the front edge of the seat and don't use a chair with armrests.
• Move the screen of your computer so it is level with your eyes and you can hold your head straight and comfortably.
• Use the mouse as close to the side of the keyboard as possible (and use a mouse pad).

Manual handling

In an office, you may be asked to carry or move objects such as boxes, cartons, bins, or furniture. If the object seems too heavy, you should ask someone to help you lift it and use a trolley to move it from one place to another.

Your employer must assess and control manual handling tasks that may present risk.

Manual handling tasks include things such as:

• reorganising the work tasks to reduce the manual handling involved
• providing mechanical lifting devices (such as trolleys) where appropriate
• making sure you do not work long hours without a break
• making sure the work place layout allows enough space to move and work safely.

You must follow safe working procedures for manual handling, and speak to your supervisor if you are unsure about how to perform a manual handling task safely.

Slips, trips and falls

Make sure you don't leave objects such as boxes, cartons, bins, and furniture in places where people are moving around. You and other office employees could trip, stumble or bump into such objects and be injured.

Objects like boxes and cartons should be stacked and stored safely to reduce the risk of them falling on you or others walking or working near them.

Electricity

There are lots of electrical appliances and machinery used in the offices. Some examples include electric staplers and hole punches, telephones, photocopiers, computers, printers and facsimile machines.

Maintaining and installing electrical equipment, cords and power points properly, and using them correctly and safely, reduces electrical hazards.

Your employer must make sure that electrical equipment is in good working order, tested and regularly checked.

Always make sure you use electrical equipment according to its instruction booklet (if available).

Make sure you have switched electrical equipment off at the power point before checking minor problems such as a paper jam in a photocopier or printer.

Make sure power cords from equipment like printers or computers are not dangling or lying on the floor in areas where you walk.

Use a power board with individual switches instead of double adapters.

Report any breakdowns or faulty equipment to your supervisor.

Hazardous substances and dangerous goods

Some substances used in offices may be hazardous and/or dangerous, but under normal conditions of use the risk of injury or harm to health is not high.

Examples of substances used in the office are liquid paper, glue, spray adhesives, inks, toners, solvents, cleaning fluids and agents, and pesticide sprays or slow release fertilisers used for indoor plants.

Hazardous substances and dangerous goods must be used and stored safely.

Your employer must keep an up to-date Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for each substance used at the work place. These could be collected and kept in a ring binder.

Your employer should arrange for an assessment to be made of each hazardous substance used in the office, and establish safe systems of work for their use and storage.

There may be simple working procedures in place that ban use of spray adhesives in an enclosed area where the fumes can be concentrated. Or it may be necessary to wear gloves and a dust jacket when replacing some powder toners in photocopiers.

Photocopiers

Photocopiers, laser printers and other office copying machines are now used in most offices but they may have special health risks for some people. Under normal conditions of use, the risk to health is not very high.

Photocopier hazards may include:

• Ozone emission - a form of oxygen produced during the photocopying or laser printing process that can irritate eyes, lungs, throats and nasal passages and cause breathing problems.
• Toner dust or powdered black carbon that can be spilt during maintenance or refilling the drum and can cause coughing and sneezing.
• Bright light that can cause eyestrain. Always keep the lid closed when photocopying to shield your eyes from the intense light produced.
• Noise which can cause discomfort and may be a nuisance to nearby employees, and
• Heat and burns from hot parts that may happen when trying to clear paper jams.

You should be trained how to use photocopiers correctly, how to unblock paper jams and change toners, and how to follow safe working procedures.

Photocopiers should be placed in well-ventilated rooms or work areas to reduce the risk of injury or harm to health.

Self-assessment test

You may now try the office and business services module self-assessment test.

There are 16 questions. If you get 12 or more correct you will receive an Award of Attainment. The Principal of your school will need to sign the Award and validate it with the school stamp.

Within the painting industry, you may be instructed to carry out work such as:

• preparing surfaces for painting (stripping and sanding timber, masking)
• mixing and applying paint
• helping to set up each job
• cleaning up at the end of the day.

Your employer must explain each task before you start work on it. You must be provided with instructions, training and supervision. You must know the first aid and emergency arrangements too, so if anything goes wrong you will know what to do.

It is important that your employer has taken action to control risks. You must know and follow safe working procedures – not just for your own safety, but also for the safety of others working with you.

Print a PDF version of the Painting Module (PDF, 128.83KB).

Tools and equipment

Note: Students in work experience programs must not operate powered tools. This information is designed to give students an understanding of the hazard and some of its risk control measures.

A range of hazardous tools and equipment is found in the painting industry. For example, painters use:

• disc and belt sanders, to help prepare surfaces for painting
• portable air compressors and spray painting equipment
• high pressure water cleaners
• powered drills
• scrapers and knives.

All of these require training for the worker and safe systems of work to make sure they are used as the manufacturer intended.

When equipment hazards cannot be sufficiently reduced by engineering controls or safe working procedures, workers may also need personal protective equipment (PPE).

PPE includes safety glasses or goggles, earplugs or earmuffs, protective gloves, overalls and safety shoes or boots with reinforced toe-caps to protect your feet if any heavy or sharp items are dropped.

Your employer must:

• have a maintenance program to make sure equipment is inspected regularly, and withdrawn from use if it could be unsafe
• train workers to use equipment. If you are unsure about anything you have been asked to do, you must ask your supervisor for instruction
• provide adequate supervision
• provide any necessary PPE and instruct workers in how and when to use it.

What you should do

You must follow safe work practices and procedures required by your employer or supervisor.

These may include:

• inspecting tools and equipment for defects before you use them
• immediately notifying any incident or 'near miss' to enable your supervisor to investigate its causes and take remedial action
• using PPE at all times when required.

If you feel the tool you have been given is not the right one for the job, ask your supervisor to explain how it should be used.

Prevention of falls

Note: Students in work experience programs must not perform work at height. This information is designed to give students an understanding of the hazard and some of its risk control measures.

Falls are a major cause of workplace deaths each year. Victoria now has regulations to cover all work where a fall of more than 2 metres could occur. These regulations aim to reduce the number of fall-related incidents.

Painting - interior and exterior - often involves potential fall hazards. Work on roofs, at roof line or on multi-storey buildings is common. Some internal work, such as painting high ceilings, also requires work at height.

Employers must control the risks of falls in the most effective way practicable. The first questions an employer should ask are: 'Does this work have to be done at height? Is there a way of doing the job from the ground?'

In some cases, this will be possible. Paint can in some cases be applied with an roller, using an extendable handle to reach high walls which otherwise would require work at height.

Where brushes are required, or where uneven surfaces make paint rollers impracticable, a safe method must be worked out before a painter is required to access the job. The risk control options for work at height (in their preferred order) are:

• install fall protection devices (such as temporary work platforms or scaffolding)
• use a work positioning system (such as a rope access system to position and support the worker for the duration of the task)
• use a fall injury prevention system (such as an industrial safety net or a safety harness)
• use a ladder, as long as it can be employed safely for the duration of the task - this will require procedures and training for the workers who will use it.

Ladders should always be visually inspected prior to use, to make sure no damage or wear has occurred that could make them unsafe.

Hazardous substances and dangerous goods

In the painting industry, you may work with hazardous substances such as solvents, wood dust and paints containing lead.

Solvents are often used as cleaners or degreasers, and as ingredients in paints and varnishes. Solvents can enter the body in a number of ways:

• when a person breathes in vapour
• through direct contact with skin
• through splashes to eyes, mouth or nose
• through the mouth from contact with food or hands.

Solvents can impair memory and cause headaches, dizziness, fatigue, mood changes or nausea. Exposure to high levels of some solvents can cause liver damage, unconsciousness and death. Over a period of time, exposure can result in cancers.

Lead is a cumulative poison, and is toxic to virtually every human organ. It can have serious long term health effects. Many domestic paints, particularly in houses built before 1970, contain lead. Sanding of old paint on walls and weatherboards can release hazardous lead dust.

Spray paints also contain harmful substances. Inhaling paint fumes may cause occupational asthma. Long term exposure can affect the brain, damage the reproductive system and cause kidney or liver damage. Contact with the skin may cause dermatitis (an inflammation of the skin).

Wood dust is caused by jobs like sanding. It can cause sinus and throat irritations, asthma, bronchitis, shortness of breath, skin problems and even cancer. Employers can reduce dust by using sanders fitted with collection bags, and should provide appropriate breathing protection, such as a respirator, while work is carried out.

Your employer must make sure you follow safe work procedures and use hazardous substances according to the manufacturer's written instructions provided on the material safety data sheet (MSDS).

You should:

• always follow safety procedures
• not use solvents to clean your hands
• clean up and dispose (in sealed polythene bags) of debris such as old paint stripped from timber
• wear correct personal protective equipment provided, such as a dust mask, protective overalls, suitable gloves and eye protection when sanding.

Your employer must keep an up to-date Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for each substance used in your work. As a painter's job takes place in many different locations, you will need to carry the MSDS's with you to each job. They will include first aid instructions, in case of a splash which results in eye injury or accidental swallowing of a chemical.

Manual handling

Lifting and carrying paint cans, moving scaffolding and using paint brushes in a repetitive action are some examples of manual handling tasks you may have to do in the painting industry. At times, your work tasks may involve bending and stretching, as well as twisting sideways, or working with materials and equipment above shoulder height. All of these increase the risk of manual handling injury.

It is your employer's responsibility to assess and control manual handling risks, and to provide instruction, training and supervision for manual handling activities.

Risk controls may include:

• organising the work to reduce the number of manual handling tasks involved
• making sure you do not work long periods requiring strenuous manual handling activity
• making sure the work place layout allows you enough space to move and work safely and comfortably.

You must talk to your employer or supervisor if you find a job is too heavy or too difficult, or if you feel it may put you at risk of injury.

Work in enclosed areas

Some painting jobs could require working in enclosed areas, where lack of ventilation could increase exposure to paint fumes.

The hazards of working in any enclosed area must be identified, and action taken to manage the risks, before the job begins.

Options that could be evaluated to reduce risks include:

• provide ventilation by opening any doors or windows in the work area
• increase air circulation by use of a portable fan
• limit the amount of time any person spends in an enclosed area
• provide workers with respirators to prevent inhalation of paint fumes.

Sunburn and heat stress

Heat stress, sunstroke, sunburn and skin cancer can all result from prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun. The longer the skin is exposed, the greater the risk - regardless of tan or skin pigment.

Short-term risks of working in the sun include blistering and peeling of previously sun affected areas, acute skin reactions with certain drugs and skin creams, and sore, swollen eyes. Long-term risks include skin cancers, premature ageing, wasting skin tissues, clusters of tiny blood vessels and cataracts in the eye.

Your employer should assess the day's work and the expected weather conditions. Preparation for the job should include consideration of things like:

• available shade
• frequency of rest breaks
• need for regular rehydration (by drinking water, not soft drinks)
• awareness of each worker's heat tolerance (age, physical fitness and experience of the work can all affect a person's ability to adapt to hot or excessively humid conditions).

Heat stress can also occur as a result of working in periods of high humidity. Where possible, your employer should re-schedule strenuous work for cooler periods in the day. If this cannot be done, it may be possible to rotate jobs, to limit the time each worker spends working in potentially harmful conditions.

Protective clothing and sunscreen should always be worn when working in the sun. Head covering is important, as are loose, long sleeved shirts and long trousers in hot weather. Sunscreen should be rated SPF 15+ or more (this means it will give at least 15 times the protection that your skin would give without any covering). Sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours.

Your employer must establish safe systems for work outdoors and work in hot or humid environments. You should also know what to do if you think anyone is showing signs of heat stress or sunstroke.

Self-assessment test

You may now try the painting module self-assessment test.

There are 16 questions. If you get 12 or more correct you will receive an Award of Attainment. The Principal of your school will need to sign the Award and validate it with the school stamp.

Within the plumbing industry, you may be involved in a range of work activities such as:

• installing hot water and gas services
• replacing guttering and downpipes
• laying and connecting water and sewage pipes
• fixing sink or sewage blockages.

Your employer must explain each task before you start work on it. You must be provided with instruction, training and supervision. You must know the first aid and emergency arrangements too, so if anything goes wrong you will know what to do.

It is important that your employer has taken action to control risks. You must know and follow safe working procedures - not just for your own safety, but also for the safety of others working with you.

Print a PDF version of the Plumbing Module (PDF, 164.57KB).

Powered tools and hand tools

Note: Students in work experience programs must not operate powered tools. This information is designed to give students an understanding of the hazard and some of its risk control measures.

Powered tools and hand tools are used to carry out everyday tasks in the plumbing industry. For example, plumbers will often use tools such as electric drills, welding equipment, grinding tools, pipe cutters and hacksaws.

Powered tools present serious risks if not used and maintained correctly. The most common injuries are to hands and fingers, which could be cut, broken or crushed. Eye injuries are often caused by pieces of material flying off while being cut or ground by powered tools. Such injuries can lead to long periods away from work and sometimes result in permanent disability.

While some portable equipment (such as cement mixers) may be petrol driven, electricity is the usual power source. Electrical equipment exposed to outdoor working conditions should always be checked before use. Electrical leads can easily become split, frayed or pierced when used out of doors. If this happens, the tool must not be used until the lead has been replaced.

Any faulty item of electrical equipment must be immediately withdrawn from use - it should be tagged (FAULTY - DO NOT USE) and removed from service until it has been repaired.

Hand tools can also be dangerous if they are not used correctly. A common cause of accidents with hand tools is using the wrong tool for the job. Your employer should make sure you are provided with the appropriate tools for each task, and should instruct you in how to use them safely.

When hazards cannot be eliminated or sufficiently reduced by engineering controls or safe working procedures alone, you may need to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) to improve protection.

PPE may include safety glasses or goggles, earplugs or earmuffs, protective gloves, overalls or other close fitting clothing. Safety shoes or boots with reinforced toe-caps will protect your feet if any heavy or sharp items are dropped.

Your employer must:

• have a maintenance program to make sure all tools are in safe working order
• train you to use tools and equipment before you use it, and make sure you are supervised
• provide any personal protective equipment needed and tell you how to wear and use it correctly.

What you should do

When you are using hand tools, you must follow safe work procedures as instructed by your employer or supervisor. These may include:

• wearing personal protective equipment provided by your employer
• operating the equipment correctly and safely according to your training
• concentrating on the job, as distractions can contribute to injuries.

Prevention of falls

Note: Students in work experience programs must not perform work at height. This information is designed to give students an understanding of the hazard and some of its risk control measures.

Falls are a major cause of workplace deaths each year. Victoria now has Regulations to cover all work where a fall of more than 2 metres could occur. These Regulations aim to reduce the number of fall-related incidents.

Many plumbing tasks are carried out at heights: these include work on roofs, installing or repairing gutters and downpipes, accessing roof cavities through manholes.

Employers must control the risks of falls in the most effective way practicable. The first questions an employer should ask are: 'Does this work have to be done at height? Is there a way of doing the job from the ground?'

Safe work methods must be established before a worker is required to access the task. The options for work at height (in their preferred order) are:

• use fall protection devices (such as temporary work platforms or scaffolding)
• use a work positioning system (such as a rope access system to position and support the worker for the duration of the task)
• use a fall injury prevention system (such as an industrial safety net or a safety harness)
• use a ladder, as long as it can be employed safely for the duration of the task – this will require procedures and training for the workers who will use it.

Ladders should always be visually inspected prior to use, to make sure no damage or wear has occurred that could make them unsafe.

An on-site risk assessment will be necessary every time work must be done at height. No 2 locations will be exactly the same, and safe systems of work must be established for each job before the work begins.

Manual handling

Plumbers' work often involves significant manual handling hazards. Handling heavy and awkward objects, often in uncomfortable postures because of lack of space to move freely, creates a risk of traumatic injury such as back strain.

The need for continuous repetitive movements can lead to 'overuse' injuries, affecting neck, back, hand and arms over a period of time. Work should be arranged and monitored to minimise the risk of overuse injuries.

You must talk to your employer or supervisor if you find a job is too heavy or too difficult, or if you feel it may put you at risk of injury.

It is your employer's responsibility to assess and control manual handling risks and to provide instruction, training and supervision for manual handling activities.

Risk controls may include:

• organising the work to reduce the number of manual handling tasks involved
• making sure you do not work long periods requiring strenuous manual handling activity
• making sure the work place layout allows you enough space to move and work safely and comfortably.

Hazardous substances and dangerous goods

Hazardous substances are chemicals used to carry out work, or present in the work environment. All of these may create hazards for plumbers if their use in the workplace is not managed with care:

• oxy-acetylene
• fluxes (solder)
• lead
• hydrochloric acid
• degreasers and solvents
• adhesives
• caulking compounds.

Lead is a cumulative poison. It is toxic to virtually every human organ and can have serious long term health effects.

Lead sheet, flashing, PVC products, lead solder and a number of plumbing fittings all contain lead.

Lead can enter the body as dust or fumes, and plumbers who have been working with lead must wash their hands carefully before eating. Food should not be consumed in workplaces where lead dust is present.

A safe system of work is essential to limit possible exposures to lead. This will include:

• identifying lead hazards and assessing the risks of exposure
• using alternatives to lead, such as acrylic coated flashing, lead-free PVC, tin or silver solder
• making sure that the need to wash hands thoroughly before eating is understood
• changing your clothes at the work site when the job is done – to prevent lead dust being taken home on clothes, bodies and in cars
• providing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) – respirators and face masks, overalls and gloves will all increase protection.

Your employer must keep an up to-date Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for each substance used in your work. As plumbing work takes place in many different locations, you will need to carry the MSDS with you to the work site. It will include first aid instructions in case of a splash which results in eye injury or accidental swallowing of a chemical.

Your employer must make sure you follow safe work procedures and use hazardous substances according to the manufacturer's written instructions provided on the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS).

Dangerous goods have the potential to present an immediate threat to people, property or the environment if not properly contained and controlled. Natural gas is flammable and is classed as a dangerous good. Plumbers working with gas supply must take care to follow safe systems of work.

Biological hazards

Health effects of exposure to sewage include tetanus (caused by a toxin produced by bacteria common in soil and sewage), leptospirosis (caused by a parasitic worm), hepatitis A, and parasites such as giardia and cryptosporidium.

The degree of the harm that can result depends on the microbes present, and the extent and duration of exposure. Microbes in raw sewage can enter the body through the nose or mouth, particularly if a person drinks contaminated water or by hand-to-mouth transmission. Exposure can also occur through open wounds or by inhaling (in dust, for example).

Plumbers can be exposed to raw sewage when working on sewage pipes or septic tank outlets. Measures should be in place to prevent direct contact with raw sewage. Employers must make sure that:

• the possible risks of exposure are evaluated before the job begins
• required hygiene practices are known and followed
• appropriate PPE is provided and worn
• first aid and emergency procedures are documented and understood by workers.

Workers must be informed of the health hazards of contact with sewage, and the safety measures which must be implemented to avoid exposure to risk.

The important safety measures when handling sewage contaminated materials are:

• assume anything touched by sewage is contaminated
• do not eat or drink in any sewage handling area
• wash hands well with soap and clean (preferably hot) water before eating or drinking, and after touching any surface or object that may be contaminated by sewage
• immediately wash and disinfect any wound that comes into contact with sewage
• change out of work clothes before leaving the work site (soiled work clothes should be bagged and laundered separately from other clothing)
• wear appropriate PPE: this will include rubber boots and gloves, overalls and eye protection (wear goggles if a hose will be used, as safety glasses will not protect against splashing).

Employers should make sure that workers have been vaccinated against tetanus and diphtheria. Vaccination for hepatitis A is also available and should be considered.

Most of the precautions outlined above will also apply to work with soil. If while laying pipe, for example, the hand or fingers are cut by glass or metal objects in the ground, the wound must be immediately washed and disinfected.

Sharps, which include syringes, are also a potential source of contamination. In public buildings, sewer pipe blockages could be due to discarded syringes. Guttering is also a common location for sharps, and plumbers must be constantly aware of the potential for needle stick injuries when working in 'vulnerable' locations.

Workers unable to see the cause of a blockage in pipes, gutters or downpipes should not feel around for objects with an unprotected hand, as a needle stick injury could easily occur.

Employers must have first aid and emergency procedures in place to deal with any possible contamination, and workers must know what to do if an incident occurs.

Electricity

Note: Students in work experience programs must not work where they could be exposed to electrical hazards. This information is designed to give students an understanding of the hazard and some of its risk control measures.

Electric leads must be kept away from water. Because plumbers use powered tools in proximity to water supply, and out of doors in all weather conditions, there is always the possibility of electrocution if work practices do not take into account the presence of electrical hazards.

Leads should be inspected prior to each job, should never be allowed to come into contact with water, and electricity-powered tools should be regularly tested and tagged.

Plumbers are not qualified to undertake electrical work, but their work can bring them into contact with 240 volt wiring. Drilling into walls when connecting water services is hazardous and the location of electrical wiring must be established first.

Insulated hot water pipes with 240-volt heat trace cables are used to maintain water temperature in many modern apartments. If power to the heat trace cable is not isolated, there is potential for electrocution when a plumber unknowingly cuts through the insulated pipe. Simply turning off the water supply valve will not shut down the power to the cable.

The steps to avoid electrocution occurring in this way are:

• establish whether the system is using heating cables to maintain water temperature
• switch off, lock and tag the 240 volt supply to the cable
• remove insulation carefully and inspect the pipe to locate any heat trace cables. This can be done with a sharp blade that will remove insulation but will not penetrate the protective outer casing of the cable.

Employers must instruct workers to treat all hot water lines as having heat trace cables attached.

Employers must instruct their workers to assume that all hot water lines have heat trace cables attached until they have inspected the pipes and established that it is safe to go ahead.

Work at roof line or on roofs also has potential for contact with overhead power lines. Employers should require that plumbers in their employ 'take 5' to size up the potential risks before starting work on any job. Only when all hazards have been identified can the risks be assessed and controlled.

Burns

Hot water services store water at high temperatures. Maintenance and repair work must be carried out carefully to avoid scalds and steam burns. The unexpected release of hot water or steam could result in serious injury and permanent disfigurement.

Where possible, hot water systems should be switched off and allowed to cool before work begins. If this cannot be done, work systems must be in place to ensure that the job can be done safely.

In case any incident does occur, first aid and emergency procedures must be clear. No worker should be left to work alone where there is any possibility of a disabling incident such a steam burn.

First aid training is essential in every industry. Plumbers should be able to provide basic first aid to a fellow worker if necessary.

Trenches and confined spaces

Plumbers working in trenches, pits, tanks, beneath houses and in roof cavities must understand and plan for the significant hazards of confined spaces.

In sewage systems, the release of toxic gases can cause collapse, unconsciousness and death. Lack of oxygen is also potentially fatal. Before any worker begins a job in a confined space (such as a pit or tunnel) where gases could be present or oxygen may be deficient, there must be a full assessment of the worksite and the safeguards required.

Any potentially unsafe atmosphere must be identified, and work practices must ensure there is no possibility of a worker being overcome. This may mean breathing apparatus must be worn, and may also require that a lifeline is attached to the worker.

Confined space hazards can kill: only fully trained and equipped workers should undertake work where the atmosphere could present a risk to safety.

No person should work in a confined space without a second worker (outside the space) to monitor their safety. In the event of a person collapsing in a confined space, the second worker must not enter the space for rescue unless they have been specifically equipped and trained to do so.

Trench collapse can also lead to fatalities. Trenches must be constructed and reinforced so that there is no possibility of their trapping workers who are installing or repairing pipes and other fixtures. In residential plumbing work, trenches will usually be shallow, but risks must still be assessed before the job begins.

Sunburn and heat stress

Heat stress, sunburn and skin cancer can all result from prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun. The longer the skin is exposed, the greater the risk - regardless of tan or skin pigment.

Short-term risks of working in the sun include blistering and peeling of previously sun affected areas, acute skin reactions with certain drugs and skin creams, and sore, swollen eyes. Long-term risks include skin cancers, premature ageing, wasting skin tissues, clusters of tiny blood vessels and cataracts in the eye.

Your employer should assess the day's work and the expected weather conditions. Preparation for the job should include consideration of things like:

• available shade
• frequency of rest breaks
• need for regular rehydration (by drinking water, not soft drinks)
• awareness of each worker's heat tolerance (age, physical fitness and experience of the work can all affect a person's ability to adapt to hot or excessively humid conditions).

Heat stress can also occur as a result of working in periods of high humidity. Where possible, your employer should re-schedule strenuous work for cooler periods in the day. If this cannot be done, it may be possible to rotate jobs, to limit the time each worker spends working in potentially harmful conditions.

Protective clothing and sunscreen should always be worn when working in the sun. Head covering is important, as are loose, long sleeved shirts and long trousers in hot weather. Sunscreen should be rated SPF 15+ or more (this means it will give at least 15 times the protection that skin would give without any covering). Sunscreen should be reapplied every 2 hours.

Because plumbing involves work in different locations, exposure to extreme conditions could occur even when you are not directly exposed to the sun.

For example:

• work in enclosed spaces – beneath houses, in roof cavities
• work in trenches or pits.

Your employer must establish safe systems for work outdoors and work in hot environments. You should also know what to do if you think anyone is showing signs of heat stress or sunstroke.

Self-assessment test

You may now try the plumbing module self-assessment test.

There are 16 questions. If you get 12 or more correct you will receive an Award of Attainment. The Principal of your school will need to sign the Award and validate it with the school stamp.

Within this industry, you may be involved in a range of work activities such as vehicle and machinery maintenance, working with horses (there are different equine industries) or other animals, working in a paddock, shade house or aquarium, picking fruit, fishing or harvesting farm produce.

Note: Students are not permitted to ride horses and may only undertake activities in line with the department’s guidelines for work experience with animals.

Your employer must make sure equipment is well maintained and you are properly trained and supervised and given instructions for safe work procedures.

Your employer must also provide you with the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).

You must follow safe working procedures not only for your own safety but also for the safety of others in the work place.

Print a PDF version of the Primary Industry Module (PDF, 182.72KB)(opens in a new window).

Manual handling

In the primary industry, manual handling injury from the way objects are handled or the way the body is moved may be a serious problem. Strain injuries can occur through sudden overexertion or continuous overuse. Back injuries can result in some of the most serious types of strain. Too much strain on your back can lead to long-term damage.

Employees may be at risk of injury through:

• increased wear and tear or strain from physically demanding activities such as handling products, livestock, bags of seed or fertiliser, hay bales or crates of fruit or fish
• gradual wear and tear from frequent, continuous or lengthy periods of activity handling objects
• heavy or awkward lifting, such as loading items on to a truck
• sudden injury from stumbling, tripping or falling while carrying heavy objects over uneven ground.

People who sustain a manual handling injury at work can spend the rest of their lives coping with pain and be unable to do a lot of things other people can do.

Your employer must assess manual handling risks and put risk controls in place. If job redesign is not practicable, and if mechanical aids cannot be used, these are likely to include training, information and supervision, and safe work procedures to reduce the risk of injury. Safe work procedures may include:

• lightening the load
• team lifting
• warming up before working
• reducing bending, twisting and reaching
• using correct body techniques when lifting, lowering or carrying
• correct use of mechanical aids such as trolleys, hoists, ramps and barrows
• allocating time for rest breaks
• allowing time to gradually get used to a new job.

Even though you may be young and new to the job, you should speak up - talk to your supervisor if you feel your job is too heavy, too difficult, too tiring or puts you at risk of injury.

Machinery and equipment

In the primary industries, employees may work with or come in contact with a large range of machinery and equipment, including tractors, motor bikes, harvesting machinery, generators, chain saws, power tools and equipment, skidders and loaders, haul packs, prime movers and off-road vehicles.

Note: Students are not permitted to use plant or equipment that pose an unacceptable risk to their health or safety, or which require extensive training or experience to use safely. This includes the use of machines such as:

• power saws
• chain saws
• buzzers
• thicknessers
• guillotines
• spindle moulders
• power wood shapers.

Note: This is not an exhaustive list.

No student should be asked to perform work on any machine which may present significant risks in operation. Work experience activity in such cases must be limited to observing, under supervision, trained and experienced operators. Check with your supervisor if you're unsure about whether you are allowed to use specific type of equipment.

The health and safety information here is designed to give students an understanding of the hazards and of the measures by which risks are controlled in the primary industry.

A large number of mechanical equipment injuries occur in the primary industry. These injuries may result in lengthy periods of time off work, and sometimes result in permanent disability.

Employers must:

• have a maintenance program to make sure all equipment and machines are in safe working order and that appropriate guards are fitted
• have a system in place for locking out and isolating machinery during maintenance, cleaning and repairs
• provide training, instruction and supervision for all work tasks
• provide any personal protective equipment needed and tell employees how to wear and use it correctly.

When operating any equipment, employees must follow safe work procedures as instructed by their employer or supervisor. This may include:

• wearing clothing that will not catch in moving parts
• wearing any personal protective equipment (PPE) provided by their employer
• operating the machinery and equipment correctly and safely according to training
• keeping all guards in place
• making sure guards removed during adjustment, cleaning, maintenance or repair are replaced by an authorised person before using the machine
• switching off machinery and equipment when not in use, and locking out and isolating machinery before any adjustment, cleaning, maintenance or repair is done
• concentrating on the job, as distractions can contribute to injuries
• keeping the area around the equipment or machinery clean.

Guarding

Manufacturers of machinery and equipment are legally required to make sure dangerous parts are safely guarded so that operators and others are protected from injury. Examples of guards used in the primary industry include power take-off guards on tractors and guards on belts, couplings, power saws and chain saws.

Your employer or supervisor must make sure machinery and equipment is correctly guarded.

Keep all guards in place - they are fitted to protect you from moving parts.

Workshops

In the primary industry, employees may be involved in work tasks and maintenance work in a workshop including machinery or vehicle maintenance, using power tools and saws, welding, cutting and grinding.

Note: Students on work experience must not operate powered tools or mobile plant. They must not undertake any task which may place them at risk from electrical sources. This information is designed to give students an understanding of the hazard and some of its risk control measures.

To reduce the risk of injury, employers or supervisors must:

• provide training, instruction and supervision for all work tasks
• install safety switches or Residual Current Devices (RCDs)
• store hazardous substances and dangerous goods, tools and equipment safely
• provide suitable tools for the job
• provide fire fighting equipment and smoke detectors
• provide suitable personal protective equipment (PPE) and clothing
• make sure there is enough working space for each job
• provide good lighting and ventilation
• make sure walkways and exits are kept clear to reduce slip and trip hazards
• make sure that fuel, compressed air, steam equipment, electrical or other services are installed correctly and are in safe working order.

You must follow safe work procedures and wear any personal protective equipment provided.

Tractors

Tractors are one of the main causes of accidental deaths on farms in Australia. Many farmers, farm workers and others living on or visiting farms have been killed or seriously injured falling from moving tractors, being run over by tractors, or being crushed when a tractor rolls sideways or backwards.

Note: Students must never be permitted to drive any vehicle or mobile plant – this includes tractors.

Ways to reduce the risk

Your employer or supervisor should have safe work procedures in place for driving a tractor to make sure employees:

• operate the self-starter from the operator position only
• use the seatbelt on tractors fitted with a roll over protective structure (ROPS)
• never leave a tractor jacked up in the vicinity of children
• never leave the motor of an unattended tractor running
• always remove the starter key when a tractor is not in use
• never leave the tractor in a position where it can roll
• never mount or dismount from a moving tractor, or when the motor is running
• never allow passengers of any age to ride on a tractor unless there is a passenger seat fitted.

Agricultural bikes

Agricultural bikes are any motorbikes with two, three or four wheels used for farm work. Three and four wheelers are also known as 'all terrain vehicles' or ATVs.

Most agricultural bike injuries result from lack of training and experience, speed, uneven or unfamiliar ground, carrying a passenger or an unbalanced load, unsuitable protective clothing and unsafe driving.

Note: Students must never be permitted to drive any vehicle or mobile plant – this includes agricultural bikes.

Ways to reduce the risk

Your employer should have safe working procedures in place to make sure employees:

• wear a helmet
• wear eye protection to prevent serious eye injuries from bugs, branches or stones
• always check their bike before riding it
• take extra care when using attachments such as spray tanks and other equipment, as they can change the ATV's centre of gravity and reduce its stability
• use familiar tracks where possible, and take extra care when driving on unknown or rough ground
• don't drive ATVs on paved or bitumen surfaces, as they are not intended for use on smooth surfaces and may be difficult to control.

Silos

Grain storage silos and loading systems are dangerous. Dangers include falls from heights, shortage of oxygen, explosive atmospheres, toxic fumigants, grain suffocation, collapse of silos and the auger being unguarded. An auger is a large mechanical screw inside a tube, which draws up grain.

Note: Students on work experience must not work in confined spaces such as silos. This information is designed to give students an understanding of the hazard and some of its risk control measures.

Loosely stacked grain can trap a person even when the auger is not working.

Ways to reduce risk

Your employer should have safety procedures in place to make sure:

• grain auger belts, pulleys, drive shafts and rotating screws are correctly guarded
• fumigated silos are ventilated before anyone enters
• someone is nearby when anyone is working in the silo in case of difficulties
• checks are made for explosive grain dusts, carbon dioxide and high temperatures
• roof edge protection (such as a rail) is provided
• the auger is turned off before anyone enters
• filling or emptying a silo does not start while someone is inside
• employees are provided with - and trained in the correct use of - a safety harness inside the silo, and stay on the ladder above the grain level while working
• no one smokes near a silo.

Haystacks - fire hazard

Haystacks could pose a potential fire hazard in the work place. Your employer should have safety procedures in place to make sure:

• flammable liquids are stored away from haystacks
• haystacks are handled safely
• there is no immediate source of ignition (e.g. smoking is not permitted near a haystack)
• storage of haystacks is regularly checked and maintained to prevent instantaneous combustion.

Hazardous substances and dangerous goods

There are many different types of hazardous substances and dangerous goods used in the primary industry, including pesticides, herbicides, animal medications, fuel, acids, cleaning products and solvents.

Injuries caused through incorrect use of chemicals include contact dermatitis; eye injuries; poisoning of particular organs or whole of the body, and chemical burns.

Your employer must make sure hazardous substances and dangerous goods are used according to the manufacturers or suppliers written instructions (Material Safety Data Sheet or MSDS) and agreed safe working procedures.

Your employer must provide you with safe work procedures for handling hazardous substances and dangerous goods as well as information, training and supervision.

Zoonotic diseases

Zoonoses are diseases of animals that can cause serious illness in people. People most likely to be infected by zoonoses are abattoir workers, farm workers, shepherds, shearers, wool sorters, veterinary workers, pelt and hide tanners, livestock handlers and animal laboratory workers.

Examples of zoonoses are Leptospirosis and Q Fever. Catching either disease from another infected person is extremely rare.

Leptospirosis is passed to humans through contact with the urine of sick or infected stock, native and feral animals, and also by swimming, wading, or using water from urine-contaminated streams, rivers and dams.

Q Fever can be caught by drinking contaminated milk and by inhaling vapours from infected farm animals. Contact with birth fluids from infected animals and inhalation of contaminated dust can also spread the disease.

Both Leptospirosis and Q Fever feel like the flu. You may have muscle pains, severe headaches and fever. The treatment for both diseases is by antibiotics.

Your employer should have safe work practices to prevent Leptospirosis and Q Fever. Safe work practices are similar and include:

• avoiding contact with contaminated water
• burning afterbirth and contaminated litter
• pasteurising or boiling milk before drinking
• getting rid of rats and mice
• maintaining cleanliness in animal sheds, yards and pens
• practicing good hygiene.

Sunburn and heat stress

In the primary industry, often you may have to work where there is no protection from the sun, or where working conditions are extremely hot. For employees working outdoors, such as farm hands, shepherds, fruit pickers and market garden workers, there is a risk of heat stress, sun stroke, sunburn or skin cancer from prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun.

The effects of exposure to the sun are cumulative - the longer the skin is exposed to the sun, the greater the risk of skin cancers, regardless of tan or skin pigment. Short-term risks include sunburn blistering and peeling, acute skin reactions with certain drugs, ointments and creams, and sore gritty, swollen eyes sensitive to bright light. Long-term risks include skin cancers, premature ageing, wrinkling, wasting skin tissues, excessive pigmentation, and clusters of tiny blood vessels and cataracts of the eye.

Your employer should assess whether the day's tasks could cause heat stress or heat stroke, and consider ways of eliminating or reducing the risks by considering factors like the weather forecast, availability of shade, knowledge of the job ahead and an awareness of individual heat tolerance. Where possible, your employer should re-schedule heavier work for cooler times of the day (or wait for cooler days), and rotate work so you spend less time on heavier tasks.

Your employer should train you in safe work procedures for working in the sun and in hot areas of the work place. Training should spell out the action required if an employee shows symptoms of heat stress or sun stroke.

Heat stress

The effects of heat stress range from simple discomfort to life-threatening illnesses such as heat stroke. Heat stress does make it difficult to concentrate on the job, which can also be hazardous. Signs of heat stress include tiredness, irritability, inattention and muscular cramps.

If you believe someone may be suffering the effects of heat stress, rest them in a cool, airy area and give them cool (rather than cold) fluids. Report the problem immediately to your supervisor or first aid officer.

Heat stroke

Heat stroke is not common. A person suffering from heat stroke will stop sweating and body temperature will be high. Skin will be hot and dry. Confusion and loss of consciousness may occur.

Heat stroke is life threatening and urgent treatment by a doctor is very important. While waiting for medical help to arrive, cool the patient as quickly as possible. Soaking the person's clothes with cold water and increasing air movement by fanning can do this. If the person is conscious, give them water to drink.

Ways to reduce the risk

Your employer should make sure you are trained in ways to reduce the risk of sunburn, heat stress and heat stroke. Some of these are:

• drinking lots of water, juices or soft drinks
• taking rest breaks in a cool place
• wearing cool, protective clothing such as a shirt with collar and long sleeves and long trousers
• wearing a broad brimmed hat that shades your head, neck, face and ears
• applying SPF30+ sunscreen before exposure to sunlight as well as on overcast days - noses, lips, ears, necks and backs of hands need extra protection. Sunscreen should be reapplied regularly
• wearing sunglasses that conform to Australian Standard 1067-1990
• if possible, working in shaded areas in the high-risk hours between 11 am and 3 pm
• not working near reflective surfaces such as water, cement, shiny metal or white painted sheds between 11am and 3pm.

Cold and wet-weather conditions

In the primary industry, you may have to work where there is no protection from cold or wet-weather conditions. For employees working outdoors, such as farm hands, shepherds, fruit pickers and market garden workers, there is a risk of hypothermia from prolonged exposure to cold and wet weather conditions. Appropriate clothing and footwear must be worn to protect workers and work experience students from extreme cold and wet-weather condition.

Noise

Noise from farm tools and machinery can cause permanent hearing loss. The damage can occur gradually over a number of years, and may remain unnoticed until it is too late. Some noises, such as gunshots, are so loud they can cause immediate permanent damage. Lost hearing is gone forever.

You may be exposed to noise levels exceeding 85 decibels [dB(A)] that can cause permanent hearing loss. Typical farm noises that can damage hearing include:

• tractor - 95-100 dB(A)
• orchard sprayer - 85-100 dB(A)
• chainsaw - 105-120 dB(A)
• pig shed at feed-time - 95-105 dB(A)
• shotgun - over 140 decibels dB(A).

Your employer can reduce noise levels by isolating noisy machinery from employees not involved in its operation, enclosing it in a sound absorbing box or erecting sound absorbing barriers, and by keeping machinery and equipment in good order so it operates efficiently.

If the noise cannot be removed at the source your employer must provide personal hearing protection (earmuffs or earplugs) in combination with other risk controls, to increase the level of protection and reduce the risk of hearing loss.

Earpieces for portable music devices do not provide protection from noise.

Electricity

A lot of the machinery, equipment and tools you will use in the primary industry are operated by electricity.

Note: Students on work experience must not operate powered tools or mobile plant. They must not undertake any task which may place them at risk from electrical sources. This information is designed to give students an understanding of the hazard and some of its risk control measures.

There must be a system in place for locking out and isolating electrical machinery during maintenance, adjustment, cleaning and repairs to prevent it being accidentally turned on.

Your employer must make sure all electrical machinery and equipment is kept in good working order, electrical plugs and switches are not damaged, cords are not split or frayed and are regularly checked for damage.

You must follow instructions for using electrical equipment, which may include remembering to:

• switch off appliances at the power point before you pull out the plug
• disconnect broken appliances and not use frayed cords or broken power points
• not use too many appliances from the same power point
• always keep electrical cords off the floor to reduce the risk of damage from drag or contact with sharp objects.

Working alone

Note: Students on work experience must not work alone. Work experience students must be supervised at all times. This information is designed to give students an understanding of the hazard and some of its risk control measures.

Employees may be required to work alone in the primary industry when undertaking work tasks such as repairing fencing, checking windmills, dams or stock, and seeding or harvesting. In the timber industry, tree fellers, log haulers and plant operators sometimes work alone or outside the sight or hearing of other persons in the forest - though this is not a recommended practice, and strict contact and emergency arrangements must be in place.

The risk of injury or harm for employees who work alone may be increased because of difficulties contacting emergency services when they are needed. Emergency situations may arise because of the sudden onset of a medical condition, accidental work related injury or disease, attack by an animal, exposure to heat, cold or storms, or by becoming stranded without food or water.

The information, training and instruction provided by employers should cover specific items relating to working alone and employers must make sure that employees have some form of communication (e.g. mobile phone or two-way radio) so they are able to call for help in an emergency.

Workers must tell their supervisor or other employees where they will be working and their expected time of return to the main work site or home.

Self-assessment test

You may now try the primary industry self-assessment test.

There are 16 questions. If you get 12 or more correct you will receive an Award of Attainment. The Principal of your school will need to sign the Award and validate it with the school stamp.

Working in a veterinary practice, you may be instructed to carry out work such as:

• feeding and grooming animals
• weighing animals to update their medical records
• restocking food and other items
• cleaning out cages and litter trays.

Your employer must explain each task before you start work on it. You must be provided with instruction, training and supervision. You must know the first aid and emergency arrangements too, so if anything goes wrong you will know what to do.

It is important that your employer has taken action to control risks. You must know and follow safe working procedures – not just for your own safety, but also for the safety of others working with you.

Print a PDF version of the Veterinary Module (PDF, 145.23KB).

Animals

Handling animals is an essential part of working in a veterinary clinic. Veterinary nurses and other staff are trained to assist in medical and surgical procedures for animals. They also have experience dealing with animals in pain or distress, which may be liable to bite or scratch as a result of fear.

Animals may be kept at the clinic following surgery, or while undergoing tests to diagnose illness. These animals must be fed and provided with water and clean litter trays. Most veterinary clinics offer animal boarding facilities while their owners are on holiday, and many clinics also provide bathing, grooming or nail clipping services.

A survey in the United States has shown that 3 out of 4 injuries in veterinary practice are caused directly through contact with animals (this includes birds, reptiles and insects). Most of these injuries were caused by bites. While dogs are more likely to bite than cats, a cat bite or scratch is more likely to cause infection.

As animals must be handled in veterinary practice, and as their behaviour is not always predictable, there is no simple risk control which will eliminate the hazard entirely. Avoiding incidents with animals is best managed by a combination of:

• assessing the animal before any attempt is made to handle it – this may include discussion with its owner about its temperament and the likelihood of the animal becoming aggressive
• training – appropriate techniques for approaching and handling animals must be understood by all workers who will come into contact with them
• experience – inexperienced workers should never be asked to handle an animal which may bite or scratch until they have gained an understanding of when and how this is likely to happen
• use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as thick gloves and forearm protection if an animal is distressed or aggressive. It may be necessary to tranquillize the animal before it can be treated or moved.

Trained and experienced workers will be more capable of approaching an animal confidently and calmly. This is important, as animals will react to what they may interpret as aggressive behaviour if a worker is hesitant or afraid. There will be occasions when a second person - another worker or the owner of the animal - is required to calm the animal to enable examination or treatment.

If you are unsure about the likely behaviour of any animal, leave it to more experienced workers to approach and handle it.

If a bite or scratch does occur, standard first aid procedures must be applied.

Your employer must:

• assess the likely behaviour of any animal before less experienced staff members are asked to approach it
• have a system in place for safely handling animals which have been injured or are distressed
• train you in the procedures established to enable safe work with animals. If you are in doubt, ask your employer or supervisor for instruction
• provide any PPE you may need, such as gloves and overalls.

In large animal practices (such as those treating farm, wildlife park or zoo animals) there are specific handling and treatment procedures which will be applied in different environments. Away from the veterinary clinic, inexperienced or untrained workers should not be asked to work with animals.

Obviously, many animals which have not been domesticated cannot be approached until they have been tranquillised from a distance. This requires specialist expertise, training and experience, and inexperienced workers must never be placed in a position where these animals could attack them.

Some people suffer allergies to certain animals. Exposure may trigger asthma attacks, eye and nose irritation or allergic skin conditions. Washing your hands with soap and hot water after handling animals is important. If you suffer any reaction of the kind described above, you must inform your employer or supervisor without delay.

Hazardous substances and dangerous goods

There are many hazardous substances which must be used in veterinary practice including animal medications, anaesthetics, sterilising chemicals, cleaning products and solvents.

Injuries caused through accidental exposure to hazardous substances include poisoning of specific organs or of the whole body, chemical burns, eye irritations, respiratory problems and skin conditions such as contact dermatitis.

Long term exposures can in some cases lead to the development of cancers. Many chemicals are now known to be carcinogens, or cancer-producing substances.

Your employer must make sure hazardous substances are used according to the manufacturer's or supplier's written instructions (in the form of a Material Safety Data Sheet, or MSDS) and the safe working procedures in place at the veterinary clinic.

Hazardous substances must be stored securely and labelled clearly. A number of the substances used in veterinary practice must be kept in locked storage and accessed only by veterinary practitioners.

Employers must make sure employees are properly trained to understand the nature of the hazardous substances present in the workplace, and to follow agreed practices for their handling and storage.

Your employer must make sure you have read and understood the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for any hazardous substance you are required to use.

While access to the chemicals and drugs used for animal treatment will be limited to trained veterinary staff, you may be asked to use solvents, disinfectants and cleaning chemicals to perform routine tasks. These too are classed as hazardous substances, and you may need to wear gloves and other PPE to carry out cleaning tasks.

Radiation

Note: Students in work experience programs must not be exposed to radiation. This information is designed to give students an understanding of the hazard and some of its risk control measures.

Radiation causes ionizations in the molecules of living cells. At low doses, such as we receive every day from background radiation, the cells repair the damage rapidly. At higher doses, the cells might not be able to repair the damage, and may either be changed permanently or die.

The body is able to replace most cells that die, but cells changed permanently may go on to produce abnormal cells when they divide. These cells may become cancerous. This is the origin of our increased risk of cancer as a result of radiation exposure.

The use of x-ray equipment in veterinary clinics is essential for diagnosis and treatment of illness and injury in animals. Potential employee exposures to radiation must be safeguarded against, and only qualified persons will be permitted to be involved in x-ray procedures. Unless assistance with an animal is needed, no individual other than the operator should be in the x-ray room during exposures.

If an animal is held in position during radiography, mechanical supporting or restraining devices should be available and used where possible. If the animal is held by an individual, that person must be protected with appropriate shielding devices (protective gloves and apron), and positioned so that no part of their body could be in the path of the x-ray beam.

In addition, the radiation exposure of any worker who carries out this job must be monitored. No person should routinely be asked to hold animals for x-ray. In the majority of cases, animals will be anaesthetised prior to x-ray, so there will be no need for any person other than the operator to be in the room.

X-ray rooms should be provided with sufficient radiation shielding, and veterinary x-ray facilities should be inspected every 3 years.

Radiography is an important tool in diagnosis and helps to determine treatment, but radiation hazards are significant and safety procedures and practices must be strictly followed.

Sharps

Note: Students in work experience programs must not handle sharps. This information is designed to give students an understanding of the hazard and some of its risk control measures.

'Sharps' include syringes used to inject drugs, to take samples of body fluids (such as blood for testing), and to tranquillise or anaesthetise animals in veterinary practice. They are also used in euthanizing animals.

Other sharps in veterinary practice include scalpels used in surgical procedures. These, like syringes, present significant health risks if not handled and disposed of with great care. They may be contaminated with animal blood and other body fluids, or with unknown substances.

Sharps must always be disposed of into a clearly labelled and appropriate sharps container. The container must be puncture resistant and leak proof. It must have a lid or top which can be securely closed, and must carry a 'biohazard' label.

These should be replaced when they are only 3-quarters full, to prevent people from forcing used sharps into a near-full container and risking injury. Sharps should be placed in the containers using tongs or tweezers - not with the fingers.

You must report any sharps-related injury to your employer or supervisor immediately. Veterinary practices will have procedures to limit potential harm from accidental contact with sharps.

There are some standard procedures for treating blood and body fluids. The basic steps will usually include the following:

• gloves should always be worn where your hands could come into contact with potentially infected material (such as animal blood and body fluids)
• your hands must be washed with soap and water immediately after glove removal
• clean-up must be done in a way that will minimise splashing or spreading of droplets
• if some splashing may be unavoidable during clean-up, additional PPE (eye and face protection) should be used
• a solution of 1:10 bleach to water (or other approved disinfectant) should be used to disinfect surfaces and equipment (including cleaning equipment) where body fluids have been spilled.

Manual handling

Lifting animals, replenishing stocks of tinned and dry food, stacking boxes - these are some examples of manual handling tasks you may have to do in the veterinary industry. At times, your work tasks may involve bending and stretching as well as twisting sideways, or working with materials and equipment above shoulder height. All of these increase the risk of manual handling injury.

It is your employer's responsibility to assess and control manual handling tasks that may present risk, and to provide instruction, training and supervision for manual handling activities.

Risk controls may include:

• organising the work to reduce the number of manual handling tasks involved
• providing mechanical lifting devices such as trolleys and hoists where appropriate
• making sure you do not work long shifts involving manual handling activity
• making sure the workplace layout allows enough space to move and work safely and comfortably.

You must talk to your employer or supervisor if you find a job is too heavy or too difficult, or if you feel it may put you at risk of injury.

Slips, trips and falls

A slip, trip or fall can result in serious injury: neck and head injuries can cause damage to the spinal cord and nervous system. Many employees have suffered permanent disabling injuries as a result of a fall.

Your employer can reduce the risk of slips, trips and falls by providing suitable non-slip floor surfaces, good lighting and safe work procedures. In some work places, floor surfaces can be chemically treated to increase traction and ramps provided where floor levels change.

Slippery floors in the work place are a serious hazard and can result in far more serious accidents than simply slipping and falling over.

You must follow instructions and safe work procedures provided by your employer, which may include:

• cleaning all spills immediately
• making sure there are no trailing electrical cords on the floor
• keeping floors and walkways free of boxes and rubbish.

Biological hazards

Exposure to some micro-organisms can result in severe infections, allergies or toxic effects.

Biological agents can cause 3 types of disease: infections, allergies, and poisoning (or toxic) effects. Pathogenic micro-organisms can enter the human body by penetrating damaged skin, or by settling on mucous membranes. They can also be inhaled or swallowed, leading to infections of the upper respiratory tract or the digestive system.

Whenever people are in contact while working with natural or organic materials like soil, clay, plant materials or substances of animal origin (fur, blood and other body fluids or excrement), they may be exposed to biological agents. Anyone exposed to these organisms in a veterinary environment is also at risk.

Cleaning animal cages and litter trays can expose you to the risks of illness, if not done carefully. You should be provided with disposable gloves, and with bags in which to place the contents of soiled litter trays before placing it in bins or skips for collection.

Personal hygiene procedures are essential to maintaining health and safety of workers in the veterinary industry.

Even when you have been wearing disposable gloves for clean-ups, you must still wash your hands immediately afterward, with soap and hot water. Your employer should provide clothing - overalls, apron or other suitable apparel to protect your 'street clothes' - which can be changed after cleaning jobs which could expose you to biological hazards.

Zoonotic diseases

Zoonotic diseases are diseases carried by animals which can be transmitted to humans. In small animal veterinary practice, there are a number of these which must be guarded against.

They include cat scratch disease (bartonellosis , sometimes called ‘cat scratch fever'), cat bite abscesses, leptospirosis (a bacterial disease in dogs) and ringworm (dermatophytosis).

Birds can transmit chlamydiosis , a bacterial disease most common in cockatiels and parakeets. The incidence of this disease is relatively low among pet birds, but an infected bird can transmit the disease to humans.

Fleas and ticks feeding on infected animals can also transmit infections. Flea infestations must be treated, to lower the risk of transmission to humans.

If they have any open wound on hands or fingers, veterinary workers should wear gloves when handling animals. Hands must still be washed afterwards with soap and warm water.

Self-assessment test

You may now try the veterinary module self-assessment test.

There are 16 questions. If you get 12 or more correct you will receive an Award of Attainment. The Principal of your school will need to sign the Award and validate it with the school stamp.

Within the retail industry, you may be involved in customer service and sales, marketing, packaging and stacking shelves, moving trolleys and operating mechanical equipment such as slicing machines.

Your employer must make sure you are properly trained and supervised and given instructions for safe work procedures.

You must follow work procedures and not put the health or safety of others in the work place at risk.

Print a PDF version of the Retail Module (PDF, 127.96KB).

Manual handling

In the retail industry, manual handling tasks may include packing and unpacking stock, stacking shelves, taking cartons on and off pallets, hanging up clothing on racks, moving mobile racks, moving trolleys and cleaning floors and shelves.

Most injuries in the retail industry result from manual handling activities. Strain injuries occur through sudden overexertion or continuous overuse. Back injuries can result in some of the most serious types of strain. Too much strain on your back can lead to long-term damage.

As a young employee, you are more likely to be injured through manual handling work than an older employee. Constant muscular aches or pains may indicate that there is too much physical stress.

Manual handling risk in the retail industry is often associated with:

• frequent or prolonged manual handling tasks
• bending where the hands pass below mid-thigh level
• reaching above the shoulder
• twisting the back
• handling objects that are difficult or awkward to move, due to their weight, shape, size or instability
• handling objects placed or stored below mid-thigh level or above the shoulder.

Ways to reduce risk

Your employer must assess manual handling risk and control manual handling problems. You must be provided with instruction and training for manual handling tasks. Risk controls include:

• eliminating double handling by reducing the number of times an object is handled, and where possible moving the stock directly from delivery to display
• changing the size or weight of packaging by breaking down large loads into smaller ones, and finding out if stock is available in smaller sizes. Smaller loads can be lifted and handled more easily
• reducing push/pull forces removing the need for bending, twisting and reaching movements when placing items on a shelf, rack or pallet, or limiting the number of shopping trolleys to be collected at one time
• providing suitable equipment such as trolleys or pallet jacks to move stock, and a stable, sturdy step ladder to allow you to stack shelves at the correct height
• providing a safe workplace layout which allows you enough space to move and work safely.

Even though you may be young and new to the job, you should speak up - talk to your supervisor - if you feel your job is too heavy, too difficult, too tiring or puts you at risk of injury.

Moving trolleys

Collecting and moving shopping trolleys at shopping centres can be hazardous. Trolleys are usually tied together using a strap attachment to return them to the store. The use of elastic or 'occy' straps is hazardous and can result in serious injury or death.

Your employer should provide a lightweight, strong, non-elastic strap and make sure the trolleys are well maintained. You must also receive training in safe work procedures.

You should push the trolleys rather than pull them, and move no more than 12 trolleys by yourself on a flat level surface. This number may vary according to a risk assessment for each individual trolley collector, and depending on factors such as the age and strength of the trolley collector.

Slips, trips and falls

Slippery and uneven floors in the work place are a serious hazard and can result in far more serious accidents than simply tripping or falling over.

A slip or fall can cause injury to the arms, legs, back, neck or head. Neck and head injuries can cause damage to the spinal cord and nervous system. Many employees have suffered permanent disabling injuries or death as a result of a fall.

Slippery surfaces in the retail industry can be found in places such as cool rooms, freezers, deli areas, meat rooms, bakery areas, food preparation areas, storage areas and any area where moist products and liquids are likely to be spilled.

Ways to reduce the risk

Your employer can reduce the risk of slips, trips and falls by providing a suitable non-slip floor surface, good lighting and safe work procedures. In some work places, floor surfaces can be chemically treated to increase traction and ramps provided where floor levels change.

You must follow instructions and safe work procedures provided by your employer, which may include:

• cleaning all spills immediately
• placing 'slippery floor' signs in public areas when spills are being cleaned or the floor is wet
• making sure there are no trailing electrical cords on the floor
• keeping floors and walkways free of stock, boxes, cartons, equipment and rubbish
• using steps and ladders correctly
• wearing low-heeled shoes with good tread.

Fatigue

Often in the retail industry you may have to stand up for long periods of time. This can cause discomfort, and back pain in particular may be made worse. There are some things you and your employer can do to reduce fatigue.

Your employer could provide a stool or 'standing chair', and vary your tasks so that you do not have to stand for long periods of time.

You should wear low heeled, comfortable, covered shoes to help reduce fatigue.

It is important to take regular rest breaks. Your employer should allocate time for rest breaks and to vary your tasks throughout the day, and also enough time for you to gradually get used to a new job.

Talk to your employer or supervisor if a stool is not provided, or if you have difficulty in trying to handle too many demands at once.

Even though you may be young and new to the job you should speak up - talk to your supervisor if you feel your job is too heavy, too difficult, too tiring or puts you at risk of injury.

Machinery and equipment

A variety of machinery and equipment is used in the retail industry including compactors, carton crushers, wrapping and packing machines, meat and bread slicers, dough mixers, chicken rotisseries, and doughnut machines.

Note: Students on work experience must not use powered cutting equipment or box crushers. This information is designed to give students an understanding of the hazard and some of its risk control measures.

Your employer must make sure all machinery and equipment is in safe working condition and must provide instruction and training before you use it.

Guards are often attached to mechanical equipment to protect you from the moving parts. For example, guards are provided on cutting and slicing machines, industrial cake mixers, dough machines and compactors.

Your employer must make sure you leave the guards in place, and that they are replaced by an authorised person if they have been removed for cleaning or maintenance. Machinery must be locked out and isolated during cleaning and maintenance to prevent it being turned on.

Working safely with sharp equipment and tools

Employees may need to use sharp knives, scissors, tools and equipment in the retail industry. Examples include carton trimmers to cut open cardboard cartons, knives and food slicers for food preparation, and trimmers and saws to cut materials to length in hardware stores.

Your employer must train workers in the safe use and handling of sharp equipment and tools.

Requirements should include:

• using appliances and tools only for the purpose for which they are designed
• keeping cutting tools clean and sharp
• keeping all guards in place and keep your fingers and body away from any moving parts
• cutting away from your body when using knives or trimmers
• always putting sharp knives and tools away after use
• not leaving knives or slicing blades in dish water, as others may cut themselves when they put their hands in the water.

Electricity

The machinery and equipment you will use in the retail industry is usually operated by electricity.

Note: Students on work experience must not undertake any task which may place them at risk from electrical sources.

Your employer must make sure all electrical machinery and equipment is kept in good working order, electrical plugs and switches are not damaged, cords are not split or frayed, and are tested and checked regularly for damage.

Note: Students on work experience must not use powered cutting equipment or box crushers.

You must follow instructions for using electrical equipment. These should include:

• switching off appliances at the power point before you pull out the plug
• disconnecting broken appliances and not using frayed cords or broken power points
• not using too many appliances from the same power point
• always keeping electrical cords off the floor to reduce the risk of damage from drag or contact with sharp objects.

There must be a system in place for locking out and isolating electrical machinery during maintenance, cleaning and repairs to prevent it being accidentally turned on.

Cash handling and opening and closing procedures

Cash handling

In a work place where cash is handled, you are more likely to face the threat of robbery or attack.

To reduce the risk of injury or harm, employers should have cash handling procedures and must train you in these procedures.

Procedures should cover:

• removal of excess cash from the till to safe storage
• displaying signs where they can be clearly seen informing customers of limited cash holdings
• not handling cash in front of customers, and
• delivery and deposit of money at the bank.

Opening and closing procedures

Your employer should have simple written procedures for opening and closing the shop. This is important if the shop is isolated.

It is safer if more than one person opens or closes the shop. A work experience student must not be given responsibility for opening or closing, or given the keys to a shop.

Procedures should cover checking to make sure:

• there are no suspicious people or vehicles around when you enter or leave the work place
• no one has broken in - if there are signs of a break-in, you must know what action to take
• before leaving, that the safe (if there is one) and all entries, exits and windows are securely locked
• there are no unauthorised persons remaining on the premises.

Work experience students must not be asked to handle cash in excess of $100, or given responsibility for opening or closing a shop (or looking after keys).

Self-assessment test

You may now try the retail self-assessment test.

There are 16 questions. If you get 12 or more correct you will receive an Award of Attainment. The Principal of your school will need to sign the Award and validate it with the school stamp.

Health and safety responsibilities

Health and Safety at work is everyone's responsibility.

The key responsibilities for work-place health and safety are set out by the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (OHS Act). This Act is supported by various Regulations, including the:

• Manual Handling Regulations 1999
• Noise Regulations 1992
• Plant Regulations 1995
• Hazardous Substances Regulations 1999
• Incident Notification Regulations 1997
• Issue Resolution Regulations 1999.

Victoria's other principal piece of OHS legislation is the Dangerous Goods Act 1985. This Act is supported by the Dangerous Goods Storage and Handling Regulations 2000.

Because an employer has control and management of the work-place, they have the primary responsibility for ensuring it is safe.

Employees must also take responsibility for looking after their own health and safety, and must not place others at risk by their actions (or by any failure to act which could result in an incident).

Young workers have a much higher risk of being injured at work than older workers.

Hazard identification, risk assessment and risk control

Section 21 of the OHS Act makes it mandatory for employers in all work-places to provide and maintain, so far as is practicable, a working environment that is safe and without risks to health. Under each OHS Regulation it is the duty of employers to identify hazards, assess the risks they may present and put effective risk controls in place.

The 3 ThinkSafe steps (Spot the Hazard, Assess the Risk and Make the Changes) are a simple way of expressing these 3 principles.

You can use the ThinkSafe steps to help prevent accidents and injuries. If you have any concerns, tell your supervisor or employer about the hazard.

Manual handling

Manual handling is not just about lifting heavy objects. It includes any activity requiring the use of force exerted by a person to lower, push, pull, hold or restrain a person, animal or thing.

In the Manual Handling Regulations, all manual handling injuries are referred to as musculoskeletal disorders. They include:

• strains and sprains
• neck and back injuries
• slips, falls and crush incidents
• cuts, bruises and broken bones
• hernia, and
• occupational overuse syndrome (OOS).

You should speak to your supervisor or employer if you feel your job is too heavy, too difficult, too tiring or puts you at risk of injury.

It is the employer's responsibility to assess manual handling tasks and control any risks. This may mean redesigning the task, or providing you with safe work procedures and appropriate instruction, training and supervision.

Hazardous substances and dangerous goods

A hazardous substance can be any substance, whether solid, liquid or gas, that may cause harm to your health.

Dangerous goods are substances that may be corrosive, flammable, explosive, spontaneously combustible, toxic, oxidising, or water-reactive. They must be identified in the work-place (and when being transported) by a coloured 'diamond' symbol.

Hazardous substances are classified only on the basis of health effects, whether acute (immediate) or chronic (longer term). Dangerous goods are classified on the basis of immediate physical or chemical effects, such as fire, explosion, corrosion and poisoning. An incident involving dangerous goods has the potential to seriously affect property or the environment.

Not all hazardous substances are dangerous, and vice-versa. Many hazardous substances however, are also classified as dangerous goods.

How dangerous a hazardous substance is depends on the type of substance, what it is made of, the way it enters the body, and the amount of substance that enters the body.

Harm to health may occur suddenly (acute), such as dizziness, nausea and itchy eyes or skin. Or it may occur gradually over years (chronic), such as dermatitis or cancer. Some people can be more affected than others.

It is the responsibility of your employer to assess hazardous substances in the work-place, and to select for use those which present least risk. In addition, your employer must establish safe work procedures for handling hazardous substances and dangerous goods, and provide you with information, training and supervision. The arrangements for first aid treatment in the event of an incident involving hazardous substances or dangerous goods should be part of your training.

Material safety data sheet

A material safety data sheet (MSDS) provides detailed information about a hazardous substance or dangerous good. It gives more details than a label. Manufacturers and suppliers of hazardous substances and dangerous goods are legally required to provide MSDSs for use by your employer.

It is important that hazardous substances and dangerous goods in work-places are used strictly according to the manufacturer's or supplier's written instructions, any risk controls specified by the MSDS and the procedures developed by the work-place.

Noise

As a general rule, if the noise around you forces you to raise your voice to make yourself heard a metre away your hearing may be at risk.

Noise levels are measured in decibels (dB). The scale used to measure noise as it is heard by the human ear is dB(A).

Normal conversation is about 60 dB(A) to 65 dB(A). 85 dB(A) is the level at which you have to raise your voice, whilst at 90 dB(A) you will have to shout to make yourself heard.

Long lasting exposure to noise above the level of 85 dB(A) significantly damages hearing. This is the level at which noise control measures must be taken by employers.

If noise cannot be reduced or removed at its source, and there is no other way to separate people from damaging noise exposure, personal protective hearing equipment (PPE) must be worn. It is the responsibility of your employer to provide the correct personal hearing protection (earmuffs or earplugs).

Hearing protection may be used in combination with other noise reduction measures (such as reducing the time over which an employee is exposed to noise). Employees must make sure that no employee's exposure to noise exceeds the prescribed 'exposure standard'.

Electricity

Electric shock occurs when a person becomes part of an electrical circuit and the current flows through their body. A fatal shock is called electrocution.

Accidents and deaths can also result from equipment becoming 'live' due to electrical faults, lack of maintenance, or short circuit.

Electrical accidents are most often caused by a combination of factors, such as:

• a lack of training
• a lack of supervision
• inadequate work practices
• poorly maintained equipment or installation, and
• a hazardous work place environment.

Only licensed electrical workers can legally perform electrical work. An unqualified person must not be employed to undertake electrical work.

Employees who use portable electric equipment at work must be protected against earth leakage by a Residual Current Device (RCD), also known as a safety switch.

Falls from height

Falls are a major cause of workplace fatalities and serious injuries. There are many jobs that require people to work at heights greater than 2 metres, or at ground level where a fall is possible because of hazards like holes, pits or shafts.

Employers must take steps to safeguard workers against falls. Victorian law now requires every task which involves a fall hazard of more than 2 metres to be assessed, to see whether it can be done safely from the ground or from a stable work platform. For example, equipment mounted on a roof can often be relocated to ground level.

If those options are not practicable, there are a number of other risk control measures that could provide the protection needed. All of these require specific training and instruction for the worker, and purpose-designed equipment which must be regularly checked for any wear or damage.

The use of ladders

Where the use of a ladder is the only practicable way to do a job requiring work above 2 metres, employers must make sure the ladder is appropriate to the task.

• Ladders should be ‘tied off’ where practicable to ensure that they are stable and will not slips sideways or fall backwards.
• Where a job requires that a ladder is used frequently, a ladder bracket may be fitted to enable to the worker to secure the ladder before work begins.
• Ladders should always be carefully checked before use, and should never be used where the ground is sloping or soft.
• Tools and equipment should never be carried up or down a ladder – they should be raised and lowered in a bag. A person on the ground can do this, while at the same time keeping watch for pedestrians and other traffic.

Mechanical equipment

Mechanical equipment ('plant', machinery and hand-held power tools) can cause serious injuries, including sprains and strains, open wounds, fractures and amputations. Some injuries can result in death.

The most common mechanical equipment injuries are to hands and fingers, which may be cut, sprained, dislocated, broken, crushed or severed by machinery or tools. A large number of eye injuries are due to mechanical equipment.

Your work-place must have a maintenance program to ensure that all equipment and machines are in safe working order.

Guards are attached to mechanical equipment and must be used to protect you from the moving parts of machines. Machine guards must never be removed by the operator, and if a guard is damaged or missing, the machine must be taken out of service until it can be repaired or replaced.

Locking out of equipment is one way of preventing machinery or electrical current becoming operational during maintenance. A lock is attached to the machine switch so that it can't be turned on.

Red and black 'DANGER' tags are used to warn workers about hazards associated with equipment and machinery maintenance.

Yellow and black 'OUT OF SERVICE' tags are used to prevent accidents or damage to machinery that is out of service for repairs.

Any faulty equipment should be tagged so that it cannot be used until it is repaired or replaced.

Personal safety

Working alone

Employers should provide adequate information, instruction and training for people who work alone. It is also essential that the person knows the work well and the work procedures that must be followed. Students must be supervised at all times and must not be expected to work alone.

Work related stress

Stress is usually described as the reaction in people to excessive demands, pressures and expectations. Usually people who are stressed feel a sense of loss of control over their lives, or that they cannot cope.

You should talk to your supervisor if you feel stressed at work for long periods of time.

There will always be times at work when you experience some stress. Talking to others about your concerns often eases the pressure. Keeping fit and healthy will increase your ability to deal with stress.

Violence and bullying at work

Employers must take steps to protect employees and other people in the work-place from violent and bullying incidents that may injure or harm them.

People who work alone or at night may face added risks in terms of violent incidents.

Employees who handle such items as cash or drugs are more likely to face the threat of robbery or attack.

If you experience bullying, it is important that you talk to someone in your work-place. Bullying can only continue where it is not reported. When employers become aware that it may be happening, they must take immediate action.

Personal protective equipment

When hazards in the work-place cannot be eliminated or reduced sufficiently by other risk controls, employers are required to provide personal protective equipment and clothing (PPE).

Employees must be instructed and trained in the correct use of any personal protective equipment (PPE) and clothing provided by the employer. The employer has a duty to provide this training.

If personal protective equipment and clothing is provided you must wear it and use it correctly.

Dealing with an emergency

Employers must give you information about work place arrangements for emergencies. Incidents and accidents do sometimes happen in work-places, so you must know how to respond to them.

Every work-place is different, so it is important that you are told where to find trained first aiders, who your fire wardens are, and the emergency evacuation procedures for your work location.

If a fire or other emergency does occur, there will be an alarm of some kind. You must be able to identify the alarm signals so you know what they mean. Your employer must provide training so you know what to do and where to go if there is an emergency.

Health and safety laws

The legal responsibilities of employers and employees

Victoria's occupational health and safety laws aim to make work-places safer, eliminate fatalities and prevent worker injury and disease.

The Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 was developed by government, employers and unions working together in consultation.

The Act allows employers and employees to deal with work-place health and safety through consultation (discussion) and cooperation (teamwork).

The Regulations supporting the Act provide more specific requirements for managing different hazards and health and safety issues.

Duty of care

The Occupational Health and Safety Act contains sections that describe the responsibilities, or duties of care, of:

• employers
• employees
• self-employed persons
• persons who have control of work-places
• persons who manufacture or supply machinery, equipment and substances used at work, and
• persons who design or construct buildings.

These duties of care apply 'as far as is reasonably practicable'.

'Practicable' means reasonable measures must be taken, bearing in mind:

• the severity of any injury or harm to health that may occur
• the likelihood of the injury or harm occurring
• how much is known about the hazard and the ways of reducing, removing or controlling risks
• the availability, suitability and cost of safeguards.

Duties of employers

An employer's main duty of care (responsibility) is to ensure employees are not exposed to hazards at work.

Employers are required to provide you with information, instruction, training (including induction training, to introduce you to the work place, its hazards and their risk controls) and supervision, so you are able to work safely. You should also receive instruction to assist you to respond to emergency situations.

Duties of employees

As an employee you must take care for your own health and safety at work, and not put other workers at risk.

You must follow your employer's instructions, use personal protective equipment and clothing where provided, and use machinery and equipment safely and for its intended purpose.

Employers and employees should talk to each other and work together to resolve health and safety issues at work.

Health and safety representatives

Health and safety representatives are people elected by co-workers to act on their behalf, in resolving health and safety issues in the work-place and maintaining safe conditions.

Young employees should be introduced to their health and safety representative as part of their health and safety training when they first start their job.

You can ask the health and safety representative to help you recognise and avoid health and safety hazards and risks in areas where you will be working.

Health and safety committees

Any employee may request that a health and safety committee is set up. Once an employee has asked for a committee, the employer is required by law to take steps to establish one. Employers may also establish a health and safety committee on their own initiative.

Committees are useful as they help employers and employees to work together to make the work-place safe.

The role of WorkSafe inspectors

WorkSafe has inspectors who are responsible for enforcing health and safety legislation (Acts and Regulations). They have powers to enter, inspect and examine work-places, to conduct examinations and enquiries. They can take samples and photographs, and can require that the work place is left undisturbed after an incident and interview any one at the work-place.

Inspectors may issue Improvement or Prohibition notices.

An Improvement notice is a written direction requiring a person to fix a health and safety problem in the work-place, within an agreed period of time.

A Prohibition notice is a written direction that stops at once any activity where the inspector thinks someone may be at risk of immediate and serious harm.

Resolving health and safety issues

The Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 requires employers, employees and their health and safety representatives to attempt to resolve health and safety issues at work.

If you are working on a task you believe is unsafe or unhealthy, you should first talk to your supervisor and health and safety representative about the problem. If the issue cannot be resolved on the spot, they should then go to the employer whose responsibility it is to assess and control any risk. Together, you should agree on ways to resolve the problem.

If you are in immediate danger, then you should be given alternative work until the risk has been effectively addressed.

If an issue remains unresolved, either the employer or the health and safety representative may request a WorkSafe Inspector to attend the work place. This should be viewed as a last resort, where discussion and consultation have failed to result in agreed action.

The right to refuse work

If you believe the work you are doing is dangerous and there is an immediate risk of serious injury or harm to yourself or others, then you can refuse to do this work.

You must tell your supervisor (or employer) and your health and safety representative of your concerns.

If these people cannot resolve the matter together, they may request a WorkSafe Victoria Inspector to attend the work place.

Industry modules

Now choose one of the Industry modules. There will be some questions based on information in this Review module in each of the Industry module multiple-choice tests.

Each of the Industry modules contains more detailed information on the main hazards specific to each industry.

For more information, see Industry modules.

Test yourself online

Once you have read the relevant safe@work modules you may take the self-assessment test. If you answer 75% or more of the questions correctly, you may print an Award of Attainment which your school can then endorse with the Principal's signature and the school stamp.

Take care scrolling down the page during this test as using the arrow keys may change your selected answers. Ensure the details you enter below are correct as that is how they will appear on your Award of Attainment.

Instructions for printing the Award of Attainment

Click on the Save/Export icon then select ‘Acrobat (PDF) file’ from the Export drop down menu. The downloaded file can then be printed and saved.

• Automotive (DOCX, 185.5KB)
• Bricklaying (DOCX, 190KB)
• Building and Property Maintenance (DOCX, 186.5KB)
• Butcher's Shop (DOCX, 187.5KB)
• Carpentry (DOCX, 185KB)
• Concreting (DOCX, 189.5KB)
• Construction (DOCX, 188.5KB)
• Delicatessens (DOCX, 185KB)
• Electrical (DOCX, 184KB)
• Farming (DOCX, 188.5KB)
• Fitness Centres, Gyms and Pools (DOCX, 181.5KB)
• Forestry and Logging (DOCX, 186KB)
• Hairdressing (DOCX, 183KB)
• Health and Aged Care (DOCX, 189KB)
• Highly Automated Industry (DOCX, 183KB)
• Horticulture (DOCX, 190.5KB)
• Hospitality (DOCX, 186.5KB)
• Information Technology (DOCX, 182KB)
• Landscaping (DOCX, 186.5KB)
• Manufacturing (DOCX, 187.5KB)
• Medical Services (DOCX, 188KB)
• Metals and Engineering (DOCX, 188.5KB)
• Office Environments (DOCX, 188.5KB)
• Painting (DOCX, 181.5KB)
• Plumbing (DOCX, 189KB)
• Plastering (DOCX, 179.5KB)
• Retail Shops (DOCX, 183.5KB)
• Supermarkets (DOCX, 181KB)
• Tiling (DOCX, 189KB)
• Working with Animals (DOCX, 187.5KB)