OHS Management System: Risk Management
|
||
|
> Introduction to Risk Management |
> Pets |
|
Safe Work Procedures
- What are safe work procedures?
- When should I do safe work procedures?
- What should a safe work procedure include?
- Steps in developing safe work procedures
- Templates & References
What are safe work procedures?
If a hazard can not be eliminated, substituted or engineered out, you will need to develop safe work procedures. A safe work procedure prescribes a method for performing tasks which minimises the risk associated with that task. They are also known as safe operating procedures, safe work instructions or safe work method statements.
When should I do safe work procedures?
You have a responsibility to develop and implement safe work procedures when:
- New jobs or tasks are planned;
- Jobs or tasks are changed;
- Introducing new equipment or substances to the workplace;
- Problems are identified with the existing procedure.
You should start with the high risk tasks identified from a risk assessment ie those tasks most likely to result in frequent or serious injuries.
What should a safe work procedure include?
Safe work procedures should identify the skills or competencies staff require to perform the task safely. A good safe work procedure is the basis of competency based training and assessment.
They usually include a description of the task to be performed, hazards and risks associated with the hazard, and safety precautions to be followed including the method to be used and safety equipment required.
Steps in developing safe work procedures
Use the Safe Work Procedures Tool to guide you through the following questions:
- Identify who will be performing the job and who will be supervising the task
- Determine what the job involves
- Identify the work environment in which the job is performed
- Assess the health and safety risks
- Develop measures to eliminate or control the risks in the work process
- Write the safe work procedure
- Training
- Review the procedures
1. Identify who will be performing the job and who will be supervising the task. Use these people's knowledge and experience. Consult with them to find out what skills and knowledge they currently have and what new skills and knowledge they require to make the task safer.
2. Determine what the job involves. Does it involve the application of force to lift, carry or pull? Does it involve the use of equipment, chemicals or other substances? Make a list of the manual handling tasks, equipment or substances and tasks that make up a job. Determine how long and how often various tasks are undertaken as part of the job. This will help you identify the hazards and risks involved in the job.
3. Identify the work environment in which the job is performed. Is it noisy or hot as this can create further health and safety risks?
4. Assess the health and safety risks by using the information at hand.
- Check previous risk assessments.
- Consult your employees.
- Check Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for chemicals or other substances.
- Check user manual and equipment manuals.
- Seek safety information from WorkCover, your industry association or local safety group.
List the risks identified against the particular hazard e.g. nausea and dermatitis from exposure to a solvent.
5. Develop measures to eliminate or control the risks in the work process. These measures are usually available from the same sources as above. Use the Hierarchy of Controls in the Introduction to Risk Management to determine the best controls to implement - the higher in the hierarchy the better.
6. Write the safe work procedure. It should identify:
- The supervisor for the task or job and the employees who will undertake the task;
- The tasks that are to be undertaken that pose risks;
- The equipment and substances that are used in these tasks;
- The control measures that have been built into these tasks;
- Any training or qualification needed to undertake the task;
- The personal protective equipment to be worn;
- Action to be undertaken to address safety issues that may arise while undertaking the task.
|
Display the safe work procedure. Make it stand out by creating a look and adding a safety slogan. |
Consider a picture. A photograph of a staff member wearing a hat displayed on the kitchen door will remind staff to wear their hat. |
A diagram of hand washing above the sink will remind staff of correct hand washing technique. |
7. Training should be designed to bridge the gap between what employees and supervisors can do now and what they need to do, to do the job safely. It should cover:
- What the job involves;
- What are the OHS problems associated with the job;
- The procedures that have been developed to ensure the job is undertaken safely.
Supervisors should train employees in the relevant procedure before they commence the task, or when required, e.g. when changes to the procedure are made.
|
Safe work procedures should be included in operational manuals and used in training staff. |
8. Review the procedures at regular intervals. You should also conduct a review if there is an injury or incident, or when the work system changes, eg new equipment or substances introduced or new information is available.
Supervisors need to ensure procedures are followed when the task is performed.
Employees should follow procedures and consult with their supervisor/manager about problems they encounter.