WHS July 2020 Newsletter Commercial
COVID-19 – Update
The Corona Virus is still dominating headlines across Australia. Our thoughts are with those in Victoria particularly the Melbourne area who have been affected by the latest restrictions and lockdowns again. Many regions in Victoria outside the hotspots do not have any acknowledged COVID–19 cases. It is therefore particularly tough for you all as well. We hope "normality" as far as COVID normality returns as soon as possible across the state. And that other Australian states can continue to restrict any large clusters and outbreaks.
Some resources to assist your business in the ongoing management of COVID–19 are in the links below.
COVID-19 Information
Link
General Workplace Information
https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/covid-19-information-workplaces
Resource Kit
https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/collection/covid-19-resource-kit
How to clean and disinfect your workplace - COVID-19
For information on when masks should be worn in the community in Australia
(See email attachment)
Victoria (NSW could potentially mandate as well) Face Coverings Mandatory for Melbourne and Mitchell Shires (19th July 2020)
COVID-19 information by state and territory
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/coronavirus-covid-19-information-by-state-and-territory
Businesses and workers must:
Comply with national and state public health directions
Promote the simple but effective social distancing and hygiene measures
Raise any concerns about the risk of contracting COVID-19 immediately with the employer and work with them to identify solutions. Learn more
Monitor the extent of COVID-19 in your community and share advice from state and federal authorities regularly.
Assess the risk
All workplaces must assess the risk (in consultation with workers) and look for ways to minimise the spread of the virus. These may include:
ceasing non-essential work activities that involve close personal contact (less than 1.5m)
implementing controls to reduce direct contact with workers and customers, including:
- social distancing of at least 1.5metres (1 person per 4sqm indoors)
- barriers to create space at counters, between workstations, seated areas etc.
- modifying shifts and rosters to reduce peak periods
- actively supporting flexible work arrangements, including working from home.
Implementing controls to reduce environmental exposure, including:
- inspecting and reviewing air conditioning and ventilation systems
- increasing cleaning and disinfection of high traffic areas or shared surfaces
- provide cleaning products and instruction for cleaning workspaces
- provide instruction and amenities for personal hygiene and infection control
Our Safety Tip - Machine safety - Operators
Every year thousands of workers in Australia who use machinery suffer horrific and life-changing injuries.
Lack of controlling risks at the design stage, lack of maintenance, lack of training and improper use of machinery are the frequent causes of fatalities, amputations, manual handling injuries, crush injuries, burns and fractures to the fingers, hands and arms.
But all these injuries are preventable! Ask yourself 'Could the people around me or can I get injured when operating the machine?'
You can be injured or suffer health effects when you operate machines if:
Your hands, feet hair and other parts of your body can reach hazardous moving parts of the machine.
You are required to make adjustments whilst the machine is moving.
You are required to clear away product, waste or scrap whilst the machine is moving.
You are exposed to noise, dust, fumes or radiation.
You access confined or difficult to reach spaces, or you work at heights on a machine without fall prevention.
You are manually transferring materials, for example; heavy items or awkward postures.
You are exposed to chemicals while using or cleaning machines.
Water could enter the electrical parts of machines, for example; cleaning or other purpose.
Common examples of improper use
You are at a greater risk of injury if the machine is not being used properly, for example:
Using machines with missing or inadequate guards, for example, to speed up production.
Guard interlocks are overridden or missing allowing the guard to remain open while the machine is still moving.
Doing cleaning or maintenance work without following the procedures for isolation and lock-out.
Doing inspection or maintenance work without locking or supporting items that can move unexpectedly, for example; due to loss of pressure.
Safety controls are misused. For example, emergency stop buttons being used to start and stop machines.
What you need to do
If you believe that you or other workers could be injured when working with machines at your workplace:
Talk to your employer or health and safety representative (HSR) about your concerns or if you are unsure how to safely operate a machine.
Participate by helping to identify and resolve issues.
You must:
Take reasonable care for your health and safety.
Take reasonable care that your actions do not adversely affect health and safety of others.
Comply with reasonable instructions, if you are reasonably able to do.
Comply with reasonable policies and procedures communicated to you.
Simple safety tips for operators
Only use a machine if you have been trained and your employer authorises you to operate it.
Always follow the operating procedures for setting-up, operating, cleaning and maintaining the machine.
If there are difficulties following the procedures discuss these with your supervisor.
Where necessary, tie your hair back, or wear a hairnet, or beanie and wear close fitting clothing to avoid entanglement in a machine.
Do not wear gloves or lose clothing when operating equipment such as drills or lathes which can draw you into the machine.
Do not use the machine if guards have been removed.
Do not use the machine if the interlocks are not working.
Do not remove guards or override safety devices including interlocks.
If required, conduct a pre-start check prior to using machinery to confirm it is safe to use.
Where guards are adjustable, adjust them to provide the best protection when doing the job.
Avoid bending, twisting, lifting heavy weights and repetitive movements that could cause a manual handling injury – discuss these issues with your supervisor or HSR
Follow instructions, safe operating procedures and signage, and wear the required personal protective equipment, such as safety glasses and ear muffs.
Keep the area around the machine clean and tidy to prevent slips and trips.
If you have any questions regarding the above or would like to engage our services please contact us for assistance.
