BSBWHS401 - Session 3

 

What is a Hazard?


  • A hazard is anything in the workplace that has the potential to harm people.
  • Hazards can include objects in the workplace, such as machinery or dangerous chemicals.
  • Other hazards relate to the way work is done. For instance, hazards on a production line could include manual handling, excessive noise and fatigue caused by the pace of work.


Risks

A risk arises when it's possible that a hazard will actually cause harm. The level of risk will depend on factors such as

  • How often the job is done
  • The number of workers involved and 
  • How serious any injuries that result could be.

For more information on Risks and Hazards see Page 2 of the handbook: A handbook for workplaces - Controlling OHS hazards and risks
https://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/resources/controlling-ohs-hazards-and-risks-handbook-workplaces

A Systematic Approach

A safe workplace doesn't happen by chance or guesswork. It requires a systematic approach to finding and fixing hazards and risks.

This approach ensures the highest level of protection is in place for people at work. It begins with consulting staff on any potential health and safety issues and typically follows four steps:

  1. Finding hazards in the workplace that could hurt people
  2. Figuring out (assessing) how people can be hurt and the likelihood of the hazards hurting people (the level of risk)
  3. Fixing the problems by deciding on the most effective risk controls that are reasonably practicable under the circumstances
  4. Reviewing your risk controls and checking that they work

For more information on the steps in controlling Hazards and Risks, see Page 3 of the handbook: A handbook for workplaces - Controlling OHS hazards and risks

There are a number of methods for identifying hazards. The following are the most common:

  • Inspecting the workplace
  • Finding and applying available information
  • Testing and measuring
  • Surveys of employees and others at the workplace
  • Analysing records and data

For more information on Identifying Hazards, see Page 5 of the handbook: A handbook for workplaces - Controlling OHS hazards and risks.

Step 1 – Identify hazards 

Identifying hazards involves finding all of the foreseeable hazards in the workplace and understanding the possible harm that the hazards may cause.



Source: Page 4 of the handbook: A handbook for workplaces - Controlling OHS hazards and risks.

Step 2 – Assess risks 

Risk assessment is a process for developing knowledge and understanding about hazards and risks so that sound decisions can be taken about control.

Risk assessment assists in determining:
• what levels of harm can occur
• how harm can occur
• the likelihood that harm will occur.

Source: Page 6 of the handbook: A handbook for workplaces - Controlling OHS hazards and risks.

Read pages 7 - 9 of the handbook: A handbook for workplaces - Controlling OHS hazards and risks.

Step 3 – Control hazards and risks

Risks must be controlled by eliminating them so far as reasonably practicable or, if this is not possible, reducing the risks that remain so far as reasonably practicable.

Source: Page 12 of the handbook: A handbook for workplaces - Controlling OHS hazards and risks.

Read pages 12 - 14 of the handbook: A handbook for workplaces - Controlling OHS hazards and risks.

Step 4 – Check controls 

Controls that are put in place to protect the health and safety of people need to be monitored to ensure that they work as planned. This requires checking them and ensuring that processes are put in place to identify and quickly fix problems.

Source: Page 18 of the handbook: A handbook for workplaces - Controlling OHS hazards and risks.

Read page 18 of the handbook: A handbook for workplaces - Controlling OHS hazards and risks.

Assessment 2:

You should now be able to complete a risk assessment of your designated areas.

PF1. Consult with Staff (another household member)

Provide details of work area and relevant staff

Outline any concerns that staff have regarding their work area (based on your consultation)

PF2. Complete form QMS405_01 – Risk Assessment - for your designated area

Complete the details at the top of the form for the work areas

Identify at least 2 hazards or potential hazards for each of the designated work areas and complete the Risk Assessment template.

PF3. Ergonomics checklist using the same designated work area.

Use QMS422_01 and QMS422_02 for guidelines on workstation and work environment.

Complete QMS422_03 Ergonomics - Checklist

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