Policies & Procedures WORKPLACE HEALTH & SAFETY
MODULE
WORKPLACE HEALTH AND SAFETY POLICIES & PROCEDURES
Policies & Procedures WORKPLACE HEALTH & SAFETY
Bundaberg Sugar has no higher priority than safety therefore we expect that:
All workers comply with the company’s Workplace Health and Safety Policy.
Behaviour in the workplace is in line with these health and safety standards.
Breaches in safety (including fighting and practical jokes) may result in dismissal or
exclusion from Bundaberg Sugar sites.
Important Points:
All workers are responsible for safety
Safety will not be violated.
Bundaberg Sugar believes that safety considerations are included in all aspects of our
business.
All work related injuries and illnesses can be prevented.
Our goal is zero injuries.
Remember Remember
Policies & Procedures WORKPLACE HEALTH & SAFETY
There are many important reasons for making
your workplace safe – Work Safe, Home Safe.
How do you prevent injuries?
Perform the job safely according to correct
procedures, eg using correct tools
Be aware of situations that may be harmful to you
and others, eg housekeeping
Perform a risk assessment before starting a job. Use
the Stop, Think, Act, Review (STAR) process.
Report hazards to supervisors and notify co-workers
if they are in immediate danger
Regularly participate in audits for unsafe acts and
conditions
Policies & Procedures WORKPLACE HEALTH & SAFETY
Supervisor Responsibility
Includes reducing known risk and setting an example with safe work practices
Supervisors are responsible for a multitude of safety obligations which include
and are not limited to:
- following rules and procedures;
- identifying and rectifying hazards;
- ensuring employees are adequately trained;
- ensuring that persons who move from job to job receive appropriate
training
- action promptly any health and safety issue raised
Policies & Procedures WORKPLACE HEALTH & SAFETY
Safety (contractors only)
A contractor who disregards the Bundaberg Sugar’s safety policy may be
directed to cease work until the contractor complies. Significant or
continued non-compliance may result in suspension or cancellation of the
contract.
A contractor and subcontractor are to ensure that their employees receive
the appropriate general and site specific workplace health and safety
inductions required by Bundaberg Sugar before commencing work.
A contractor and subcontractor must present their required certificates for
prescribed occupations and workers’ compensation, insurance and safety
policies before starting work.
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Policies & Procedures WORKPLACE HEALTH & SAFETY
Site Workplace Health & Safety Committee
Safety committees include the safety officer, health and safety representatives (HSR)
and managers.
Monthly meetings are held - primary function to encourage co-operation between all
persons at a worksite for improving health and safety.
Development of the site safety plan outlining annual safety tasks and reviewed to
ensure on schedule.
Issues raised through safety representatives are discussed and actioned as
appropriate
Toolbox Meetings
Conducted by supervisors to workers with an aim to deliver safety messages and
receive feedback.
Policies & Procedures WORKPLACE HEALTH & SAFETY
Alcohol and Other Drugs
Actions or judgement are impaired by the use of alcohol or other drugs.
Your safety and the safety of co-workers is at risk in these situations.
All workers are prohibited from reporting to work in a condition impaired by the
consumption of alcohol or other drugs.
All workers are prohibited from consuming or possessing alcohol or other drugs
during their hours of work including meal breaks and rest pauses.
Random screening can be conducted at any time according to the process outlined in
the BSL\HS\P00001 Fit for Work Procedure.
Workers found to be under the influence of alcohol or other drugs may result in
dismissal or exclusion from Bundaberg Sugar sites.
Policies & Procedures WORKPLACE HEALTH & SAFETY
Fatigue and Working Hours
It is the company’s preferred option that workers in operational roles do not work in
excess of 60 working hours in any one week (ie 7 day period)
Hints for shiftworkers:
- Set good sleep habits, 7 to 8 continuous hours per day
- Exercise regularly
- Maintain a good diet
- Be aware of fatigue after the shift is over, especially while driving home
- Keep your mind active
- Contact others on the same shift regularly and stay alert
Policies & Procedures WORKPLACE HEALTH & SAFETY
No Smoking
Smoking is not permitted in company areas defined as ‘No Smoking’ due to:
- highly flammable material eg
bagasse (cane fibre) and fuel
- for hygiene reasons
The Millaquin Mill and Refinery has a strict no smoking policy on the entire site.
No smoking areas at other sites are identified with signage and/or written
communication. If unsure please ask your supervisor.
Bagasse
Policies & Procedures WORKPLACE HEALTH & SAFETY
Road Safety
Drivers of all vehicles and mobile plant must hold the required current licence or
certificate.
Road rules on company sites are no different to laws on regulated roads so speed limits
and signage must be followed.
When driving company vehicles on regulated roads, fines are the responsibility of the
driver.
All loads must be tied down in accord with traffic regulations. Instructions can be found
in BSL/HS/L00001 Workplace Health and Safety – Policies Procedures & Rules.
Copies are available at sites. See your supervisor.
Policies & Procedures WORKPLACE HEALTH & SAFETY
Injury Management
In the event an injury is sustained first aid is available from a first aid officer.
First aid officers are to contact the worker’s supervisor immediately.
Where an injury is beyond treatment by site first-aiders the worker is
accompanied by a supervisor to a medical practice or after hours facility or if
necessary call an ambulance.
A pink S2 incident investigation form is required to be completed within 24 hrs by
the person involved in the incident and their supervisor.
Health Assessment
Bundaberg Sugar has a program in place where a worker may be asked to
undergo a health assessment to confirm whether the worker is physically /
psychologically capable of performing the inherent duties of their role.
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Policies & Procedures WORKPLACE HEALTH & SAFETY
Asbestos
Asbestos is a hazardous material that poses a risk to health by inhalation if
the asbestos fibres become airborne.
Precautions must be taken and appropriate procedures followed including:
- Be aware of buildings where walls, floors are labelled as containing
asbestos
Follow these steps in the event of suspected presence of or damage to
asbestos containing material (ACM):
- The person immediately stops the task he/she is working on and notifies
his/her supervisor of the situation;
- The area of the suspected or damaged ACM is barricaded and signs
erected to prevent unauthorised entry to the area.
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Policies & Procedures WORKPLACE HEALTH & SAFETY
Hazardous Chemicals
All sites have safety data sheets (SDS) for all chemicals which provide advice on
eg correct handling, usage and health affects.
Protective equipment, such as face shield, goggles, rubber gloves and suitable
clothing must be worn when handling chemical products as indicated on the
SDS.
Before using chemicals check the location and operation of the nearest
emergency shower.
For emergency treatment wash the affected area with lots of cold water then
seek first aid
When dissolving caustic soda or diluting acids, always add the chemical to cold
water. NEVER add these chemicals to hot water or add water to the chemical.
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Policies & Procedures WORKPLACE HEALTH & SAFETY
Compressed Air
Compressed air can cause serious health effects if used incorrectly.
When using compressed air on the job please note:
- It must not be directed towards another person
- Do not use it for cleaning clothing or on exposed parts of the body
- Eye protection must be worn
- A correct low-pressure fitting is to be used when cleaning
with compressed air.
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Policies & Procedures WORKPLACE HEALTH & SAFETY
Earthworks and Excavations
Work conditions relating to excavations must be followed as required by
current safety legislation.
Before starting any earthworks / bridging civil engineering program,
immediate and surrounding areas must be checked for buried electrical /
telephone cables, pipework or other services by contacting Dial Before
You Dig.
A Safe Work Permit or Work Plan must be completed prior to starting
work.
Area of earthworks / excavations must have barriers or hazard warnings
that are highly visible.
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Policies & Procedures WORKPLACE HEALTH & SAFETY
You have now completed the first training segment for this module.
Please complete assessment questions 1 to 5.
Policies & Procedures WORKPLACE HEALTH & SAFETY
Electrical Equipment and Installations
Prior to use, workers must conduct a visual examination of all electrical equipment
in the workplace including portable tools, electric welding equipment. Electrical
tools must be tagged with date of inspection and details of next test due.
Only company authorised and certified personnel may use these electrical tools.
Unauthorised use will result in a dismissal notice.
If a defect is found place a completed ‘Out of Service’ tag on the equipment and
contact a supervisor.
Every part of the body is at risk from electric shock. It may cause anything from
mild surprise to death.
Low voltage can be just as dangerous as high voltage.
All electric shock injuries will be reviewed by a medical practitioner due to the
possibility of delayed arrhythmias, neurological or internal injuries.
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Policies & Procedures WORKPLACE HEALTH & SAFETY
Electrical Safety
Only authorised persons may repair electrical equipment.
Substations and switchboards are out of bounds to all unauthorised personnel.
Unauthorised personnel are not to interfere with electrical equipment.
If equipment is damaged, DO NOT use, place an “Out of Service” tag on the
equipment and report it to a supervisor. This applies also to equipment that has
an out of date test tag.
Electrical tools must be tagged with date of inspection and details of next test
due.
All single phase and 3 phase outlets up to 20 amps need to be protected by a
safety switch. If using a portable safety switch, this should be tested before use
by using the test button. It must be an earth leakage device - a circuit breaker
alone is NOT sufficient.
Policies & Procedures WORKPLACE HEALTH & SAFETY
Electricity safety (cont’d)
No electrical activity is allowed in a hazardous area. An area is considered
hazardous if an explosive atmosphere is present or may be present, for
example sugar dust, hazardous gases.
Live Electrical Work: No work shall be performed in direct contact with live
electrical conductors or exposed live parts.
Electrical work that requires indirect contact is to be performed by licensed
electrical workers and the work carried out according to the current Electrical
Safety Act and Regulation.
Explosive Powered Tools: Only company authorised and certified personnel
may use these tools. Unauthorised use involving these tools could lead to
dismissal.
Policies & Procedures WORKPLACE HEALTH & SAFETY
Fire and Emergency Procedures:
Emergency fire evacuation drills and confined space rescues are
periodically held at all relevant sites.
The person noticing fire is to report the event immediately
to any other person in the immediate area so that he/she can
raise an alarm to call emergency services.
- If no person is available, then the person noticing
the fire is to raise the alarm
- Under no circumstances will one person combat a
fire without the alarm being raised first.
Further information on evacuation procedures will be
given at the site specific induction.
Policies & Procedures WORKPLACE HEALTH & SAFETY
Please watch the video on Fire Safety
Policies & Procedures WORKPLACE HEALTH & SAFETY
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Required to be worn in designated areas, for example:
- Safety helmets inside factories, the surrounds and cane railways (as
necessary)
- Safety glasses, prescription spectacles or high impact face shields
- Hearing protection in high noise environments
- High visibility clothing in areas that interact with vehicles, locomotives and
other mobile plant
- Welding: Goggles shade 5 lenses, respiratory protection, jackets, gloves,
spats.
- Sun protection including sunscreen and appropriate clothing and hats
required when working outdoors
If you are unsure of the appropriate PPE for the job, check with a supervisor.
Policies & Procedures WORKPLACE HEALTH & SAFETY
Mobile Phones
Personal mobile phones and other
listening devices are a distraction to
work and safety and are not allowed
during work hours.
Policies & Procedures WORKPLACE HEALTH & SAFETY
Safety Audits
Regular safety audits are conducted by various people to identify areas for
improvement as well as positives.
However everyone is encouraged to monitor their work environment and report unsafe
acts. One way is using the Stop Think Act Review (S.T.A.R.) audit booklets available
from supervisors.
Policies & Procedures WORKPLACE HEALTH & SAFETY
Risk Assessment
Risk assessment is a formal approach to determine the significance of a risk
by using a risk calculator or chart as below. This chart is included in the
S.T.A.R. audit booklet given to each employee and available from your
supervisor.
Consequences
Likelihood Major Severe Moderate Minor Negligible
almost certain Expected in most circumstances
several times or more per year
1A Extreme
2A Extreme
3A High
4A High
5A High
likely Will probably occur in most circumstances - once every year
1B Extreme
2B High
3B High
4B High
5B Moderate
possible Could occur at some time
once every two to five years
1C High
2C High
3C Moderate
4C Moderate
5C Moderate
unlikely Not expected to occur once every five or more years
1D High
2D Moderate
3D Moderate
4D Moderate
5D Low
rare Exceptional circumstances only
once every 20 or more years
1E Moderate
2E Moderate
3E Moderate
4E Low
5E Low
Policies & Procedures WORKPLACE HEALTH & SAFETY
Safe Work Permits
A system of Safe Work Permits operates at each worksite. Details can be
found in the Safe Work Permit System Procedure BSL/HS/P00018 that is
available from your supervisor.
Use of a Safe Work Permit includes but is not limited to:
- Entry into a confined space
- Hot work (welding, flammable substances etc.)
- Excavations
- Group isolations
- Electrical work
Policies & Procedures WORKPLACE HEALTH & SAFETY
Working at Heights
Where work involves the risk of a fall it must be carried out on the ground
or on a solid construction (refer to WHS Act Regulation 78) to reduce the
risk. If this cannot be achieved, then there are specific requirements which
need to be followed to minimise the risk of a fall in the following order:
a) Use of fall prevention devices, if this is not reasonably practicable a
b) Work positioning system; or
c) If it is not reasonably practicable to comply with a) or b) then a fall
arrest system (harness).
Policies & Procedures WORKPLACE HEALTH & SAFETY
Working at Heights (cont’d)
The use of a harness is compulsory when working from dog boxes and
elevating work platforms including travel towers, boom lifts or cherry
pickers.
Workers must be licensed when operating boom-type elevating work
platforms with a boom length of 11 metres or more.
For elevated work platforms less than 11 metres the operator must be
trained and instructed in safe use operating procedures for the equipment
including emergency rescue.
Policies & Procedures WORKPLACE HEALTH & SAFETY
Ladders
Before use all ladders must be:
- Inspected for damage and defects to be reported to a supervisor
- Load limit checked
- Placed at correct slope – 1 metre out for every 4 metres of unsupported height
- Secured so that they cannot move when in use
Timber ladders are not to be used. Do not use aluminum ladders for electrical work.
12mm diameter hemp rope is the minimum to be used to tie off ladders.
Ladder rungs MUST NOT be used to support scaffolding planks.
Workers using ladders are not permitted to work from the top two rungs.
Trestle and step ladders must be fully open before use and do not work off the top
rung.
Policies & Procedures WORKPLACE HEALTH & SAFETY
You have now completed the training segment for this module.
Please complete the assessment questions 6 to 10.
TRAINING ASSESSMENT QUESTIONS - WH&S - Policy and Procedures
DO NOT WRITE ON THIS QUESTION SHEET. Please complete the questions by providing your answers on the answer sheet provided.
Question 1 - Who is responsible for safety? A All persons at the workplace. B The Safety Officer. C Workplace Health and Safety Representative. D Site Manager or Superintendent. Question 2 - How can you contribute to preventing injuries? A Don’t perform the job and get someone else to do it for you? B Do the best you can and hope you don’t get injured? C Perform the job safely according to correct procedures, eg. Using correct tools. D None of the above. Question 3 - How can you contribute to preventing injuries? A Perform the job safely according to correct procedures, eg. Using correct tools. B Perform a risk assessment before starting the job. Use the Stop, think, Act, Review (STAR process). C Report Hazards to supervisors and notify co-workers if they are in immediate danger. D All of the above. Question 4 - Participating in regular audits to identify unsafe acts and conditions will help prevent injuries? TRUE FALSE Question 5 - What is the word STAR short for? A Stop, Think, Act, Review. B Stop, Think, Act, Repeat. C Start, Think, Act, Review. D Stop, Think, Apply, Repeat.
Question 6 - Contractors and sub-contractors must supply certificates for prescribed occupations, insurance documents and safety documents and safety policies before they start work for Bundaberg Sugar Ltd? TRUE FALSE Question 7 - Which of the following statements apply to Bundaberg Sugar work sites? A The consumption and possession of drugs and alcohol is not allowed at the workplace. B Employees and other workplace participants are not to report in a condition impaired by the consumption of alcohol and other drugs. C The consumption and possession of drugs and alcohol is not allowed during meal breaks and rest pauses. D All of the above. Question 8 - When working shifts it is helpful to …. A Be aware of fatigue even after the shift is over. B Establish good sleeping habits, maintaining a good diet and exercise regularly. C Keep an active mind and contact others on the shift regularly. D All of the above. Question 9 - Many areas and sites across Bundaberg Sugar are designated No smoking areas. If you are unsure if the area is a designated as a No Smoking area what should you do? A Ask a colleague. B Ask a supervisor. C Report it to a Safety Representative and have them ask the question at the next Safety Committee meeting. D None of the above. Question 10 - If you are the driver of a vehicle or item of mobile plant you must …. A Hold a valid license. B Comply with all speed limits and road signs. C Pay your own fines if received. D All of the above.