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 February 2008   
  TABLE OF CONTENTS                 

PROFESSIONAL FLOOR SERVICES Occupational Health and Safety management is a process of planning, organising, leading and controlling, supplying adequate resources, to enable the integration of safety into every part of PROFESSIONAL FLOOR SERVICES processes.

 

Managerial authority, responsibility and accountability for occupational health and safety, as for other activities, are clearly defined within this manual.

 

The aim of managing PROFESSIONAL FLOOR SERVICESOHS successfully is to create a safe working environment whilst achieving organisational goals in the conduct of the day to day business of the organisation.

 

Planning for, implementing and reviewing safety measures become an integrated part of PROFESSIONAL FLOOR SERVICES everyday business.

  

1.a)                        OHS Management Systems

 

This OHS Management System will enable PROFESSIONAL FLOOR SERVICES to establish a prevention system to safeguard the working environment. Establishing an effective and pro-active prevention program encourages an emphasis on prevention rather than merely responding to problems as they arise.

 

The following approach to OHS management promoted by every person can be applied to all hazards and consists of the following:

1.         Develop an OHS policy and programs

2.         Methods of consultation

3.         Set up a training strategy

4.         Set up a hazard identification and workplace assessment process

5.         Develop and implement risk control strategies

6.         Promote, maintain and improve strategies.

   

1.b)                       Company Details and Contacts

 

Name of Company:
Address:
Phone:			Fax:
Company Contacts
Name	Position	Contact Number		E-Mail

     

1.c)Document Control

Issue, Revision and Review  

PROFESSIONAL FLOOR SERVICES is responsible for:

           

• Completing the Safety Management Plan and providing a copy to the Principal Contractor before work commences on site.
• Maintaining an up to date version of the Safety Management Plan. A record of revisions that occur will be kept in the Record of Revision table below. All obsolete pages will be destroyed.
• Providing an updated copy to the Principal Contractor whenever changes occur.
• Maintaining a register of people to whom the Safety Management Plan is issued using the Distribution List table below.
• Issuing a completed Safety Management Plan to all those registered.
• Ensuring revisions are distributed to all registered people.
• Reviewing the Safety Management Plan at intervals to ensure it is up to date.

 Record of Revision  

Edition / Revision	Date	Section	Page	Revision Details
Version 1.0 / Revision 0

  Distribution List  

Controlled copies of this Safety Management Plan have been issued to the holders nominated hereunder.

 

No.	User	Position	Issue Date

 The Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 is designed to provide a broad framework which allows employers and employees to be flexible in their approach to achieving the standards set in the legislation. The substantive legislative provisions are limited to stating objectives and general duties and providing the machinery to establish a framework for standards development and enforcement. Details of issues broadly covered by the Act are provided in Regulations and Compliance Codes / Codes of Practice.   

The objectives of the Act are:

·         To secure the health, safety and welfare of persons at work.

·         To protect persons at work against risks to health or safety.

·         To eliminate, at the source, risks to the health, safety and welfare of persons at work.

·         To assist in developing and culturing of safe and healthy work environments.

·         To provide the tools, resources and environment to ensure involvement of employees, employers, contractors and associations representing employees and employers in the formulation and implementation of health and safety standards.

·         To ensure that the health and safety of members of the public is not at risk. 

2.a)                        Summary of the OHS Act

The OHS Act 2004 provides a framework for improving standards of workplace health and safety and reducing work related accidents and diseases.  

Duties and obligations (a)      Maintain safe plant and systems (b)      Consultation and employee representation (c)      Notices and prosecutions (d)     Penalties (e)      Inspectors powers, functions and accountability 

Section 2 Objects of the Act are to: (a)      Secure the health and safety of employees and other persons at work. (b)      Eliminate risks to health, safety or welfare of employees and other persons at work. (c)      Ensure the health and safety of members of the public is not at risk by the conduct of        employers and self-employed persons.(d)     Provide representation for employees, employers and organisations for the workplace. (e)      Assist in securing a safe and healthy environment.
 

Section 3 Commencement of the OHS Act 2004 (a)                Came into operation 1st July 2005. (b)               Section 28 commenced 1st July 2006 (Duties of designers).  

Section 4 Principles of Health and Safety The new Act expressly states a number of key principles which employers, employees and the Authority should apply. They include: a)      All people should be given the highest level of protection against risks to their health and safety that is reasonably practicable in the circumstances. b)      Any person who manages, owns or controls workplaces is responsible for eliminating or reducing those risks so far as practicable. c)      Employers and self employed persons should be proactive and take reasonably practicable measures to ensure health and safety. d)     Employers and employees should exchange information and ideas about risks to health and safety and the measures that can be taken to eliminate or reduce those risks. e)      Employees are entitled and should be encouraged to be represented on health and safety issues.  

Section 21 Duties of Employers 1.         Provide and maintain, so far as is reasonably practicable, for employees an       environment without risks.2.         An employer must: (a)                Provide and maintain plant and systems. (b)               Ensure the safe handling and storage of plant and substances. (c)                Maintain a workplace that is safe and without risks to health. (d)               Provide adequate facilities for the welfare of employees. (e)                Provide information, instruction, training and supervision to employees. (f)                Ensure clear written communication on OHS is prominately displayed.  Section 21.3 (a)                Employee includes an independent contractor.

Section 22 Employers to monitor health and conditions etc (a)                Monitor the health of employees. (b)               Monitor workplace conditions. (c)                Provide information that is appropriate for the workplace. (d)               Keep information and records. (e)                Engage persons suitably qualified to provide advice.       

Section 23 & 24 Duties of employers and self-employed to other people  Employers and the self-employed must ensure that the health and safety of members of the public is not adversely affected by their business activities. This duty includes matters such as protecting visitors to a workplace, protecting the general public from construction or demolition work being done near roads and footpaths, and preventing the emission of hazardous substances from a workplace.

Section 24 Duties of persons Ensure so far as is reasonably practicable that persons are not exposed to risks arising from the undertaking of the self-employed person.

Section 25 Duties of Employees  “While at work, an employee must - (a)                Take reasonable care for his or her own health and safety  (b)               Take reasonable care for the health and safety of persons who may be affected by the employee’s acts or omissions at a workplace; and (c)                Co-operate with his or her employer with respect to any action taken by the employer to comply with any requirements imposed by or under this Act.” (Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004).  

Section 26 Duties of persons who manage or control workplaces Persons who manage or control workplaces must ensure that the means of entering or leaving is safe and without risks to health.  

Section 28 Duties of designers of buildings or structures A person who designs a building or structure that will be used as a workplace must be designed to be safe and without risks to health.   

Section 29 & 30 Duties of manufacturers and suppliers of plant or substances a)      Must manufacture plant or substance without risks to persons.b)      Must provide adequate information on how to use the product safely.c)      The plant or product must be used for its intended purpose. 

Section 32 Duty not to recklessly endanger persons at workplaces A person who recklessly engages in conduct that puts other persons in danger of serious injury is guilty of an offence. Penalty: 5 years jail and/or financial penalties for a natural person and financial penalties for a body corporate. 

Section 35 Duty of employers to consult with employees The employer has a duty to consult employees where reasonably practicable when: (a)                Assessing the workplace for hazards. (b)               Making decisions about the measures taken to control the risks. (c)                Making decisions about the adequacy of facilities for the welfare of employees. (d)               The method of resolving health and safety issues. (e)                Monitoring the health of employees. (f)                Providing information and training. (g)               Determining health and safety committees.  

Section 36 How employees are to be consulted (a)                Employers to share information with employees. (b)               Employees given the opportunity to express their views. (c)                The duly elected health and safety representatives can represent the employees. (d)               If there is an agreed procedure this should be adopted.  

Section 37 & 39 Incident Notification The Incident Notification Regulations have been transformed to the OHS Act in total and there are a few additional provisions that you should be aware of.  There is also a duty of an employer or self employed person to preserve the site after a notifiable incident until the inspector directs otherwise.

Section 42 Permits or Certificate of Competency A person must not carry out any work or activity where it is required by regulations for that person to hold a permit or certificate of competency.

Section 43–52 Designated Work Groups An employee may request the employer to establish a designated work group (DWG) (a)                Geographical zoning. (b)               Different trades. (c)                Nature of work and shifts. (d)               Are deputy health and safety representatives required? (e)                Is the health and safety representative authorised to represent independent contactors and their employees. (f)                Is the formation of the DWG clearly displayed in the workplace and employees advised? This can be done when attending the site induction. (g)               Existing DWG provisions to remain.   

Section 54 Election of health & safety representatives  (a)                The health and safety representative’s role and responsibilities are basically the same as they were with the previous OHS Act. (b)               Elected by members of the DWG. (c)                All members of the DWG are entitled to vote. (d)               If agreement on the election cannot be reached WorkSafe can conduct the election. (e)                If there is only one nomination (candidate) for the one DWG there need not be an election.  

Section 57 Deputy health and safety representative (a)                Elected the same way as the health and safety representative.  (b)               Becomes the health and safety representative when the elected health and safety representative is absent from the DWG. (c)                The Act applies to both the health and safety representative and the deputy health and safety representative.   

Section 58 Powers of health and safety representatives (a)                Generally the same as before under the previous OHS Act. (b)               The health and safety representative only represents those members of the DWG they were elected to represent. (c)                Monitors the measures taken by the employer. (d)               Can enquire into anything that poses a risk to health and safety. (e)                Attempts to resolve health and safety issues in the DWG. (f)                If a Provisional Improvement Notice (PIN) is served on an employee that notice must be brought to the attention of his or her employer. (g)               The notice must be displayed in a prominent place in the workplace. (h)               A PIN can be delivered personally, by post or facsimile to the person’s usual or last known place of residence.  

Section 67 Health and Safety Representatives (a)    A health and safety representative and the deputy health and safety representative are entitled to attend an OHS training course and a refresher course at least once per year. (b)   The OHS training course must be relevant to the members DWG and approved by WorkSafe. (c)    If the employer refuses to allow the health and safety representative to attend a particular course WorkSafe can determine a specific course. (d)   A list of health and safety representatives, deputies and the DWG must be displayed in the workplace.   

Section 72 Health & Safety Committees (a)    Should be established within 3 months after being requested by a health and safety representative. (b)   Half of the members must be employees and far as practicable should be health and safety representative and their deputies. (c)    Should be pro-active and facilitate co-operation between employers and employees. (d)   Should formulate, review and disseminate standards, rules and procedures.  

Section 74 Direction to cease work (a)    If an issue involves an immediate threat to health and safety the employer or the health and safety representative for that DWG after consultation, may direct work to cease. (b)   The employer can assign employees to suitable alternative work. (c)    If an issue arises that cannot be resolved either party can call for a WorkSafe inspector to attend. (d)   The inspector can attend the workplace and determine in writing what action should be taken.           

Section 87 – 93 Entry Permits (e)    Is held by an authorised representative of a union. (f)    Has attended an authorised training course approved by the Occupational Health and Safety Advisory Committee (OHS AC). (g)   The holder of an entry permit must not intentionally hinder or obstruct an employer or employee. (h)   Can enter a workplace where he or she reasonably suspects a contravention of this Act or Regulation. (i)     Suspects a contravention relating to a certified agreement. (j)     Immediately on entering a workplace must take all reasonable steps to give notice and produce the entry permit for inspection to the employer. (k)   The notice must be in the form approved by WorkSafe and include the description of the suspected contravention. (l)     Can inspect any plant, substance or thing, observe work. (m) Consult with one or more employees (with their consent) at the place who maybe eligible to be members of the union. (n)   If an issue arises the employers can request an inspector to attend. (o)   An employer cannot prevent the entry to the workplace of a permit holder. (p)   The permit holder cannot cause any work to cease.  

Section 95 -110 Powers of Inspectors Powers of inspectors are similar to that of the previous OHS Act.  An additional notice can be served by a WorkSafe Inspector called a non-disturbance notice.  This notice is served to prevent the disturbance of an accident scene, plant substance or thing.  The inspector should advise the employer of conditions relating to the non-disturbance notice.

Section 111 Improvement Notices An inspector can serve an improvement notice when there is a contravention of the Act or Regulations on an employer or employee.  The improvement notice must state the basis for the inspector’s belief on which the notice was issued and specify a date and time for the contravention to be remedied. An improvement notice may include directions concerning the measures to be taken to remedy the contravention or likely contravention.  This notice must be publicly displayed until the contravention is remedied.

Section 112 Prohibition Notices A prohibition notice can be served by an inspector where an activity is occurring at a workplace that involves or will involve an immediate risk to the health or safety of a person.  The inspector may issue a prohibition notice to a person who has, or appears to have, control over the activity.   All notices served by health and safety representatives or WorkSafe inspectors can be reviewed by an independent panel providing they are lodged within the prescribed time limits.  The ‘reviewable decisions’ can be further appealed at VCAT.

Section 127 Reviewable Decisions This section relates to the various notices that are served in accordance with the Act by different parties. An eligible person can request the Authority (WorkSafe) to review a decision which must be done within 14 days.

Section 129 Review by Tribunal A person may apply to the Tribunal (VCAT) for a review of the reviewable decision.

Section 139 Infringement Notices The regulations may provide that a person may be served with an infringement notice as an alternative to a prosecution: ·         Must not exceed 10 penalty units or ·         One fifth of the maximum penalty imposed by the court.                                          

2.b)                       Roles and Responsibilities Overview

The following flow chart shows the lines of Business and Occupational Health and Safety reporting throughout the organisation.

 

 

 Roles and Responsibilities Defined  

Their roles and responsibilities regarding safety on site are outlined below.

 

2.c)EMPLOYER / OWNER / GENERAL MANAGER

 

The General Manager is responsible for safety on the project. Duties include:

 

• implementing the company Occupational Health Safety and Rehabilitation procedures;
• using the principles of the Hierarchy of Controls, fabrication and construct activities to minimise the risk to all personnel in the workplace;
• carrying out a design review with the Principal Contractor’s project team;
• identification of further risk reduction controls measures;
• participating in the planning and design stages of trade activities;
• stimulating a high level of safety awareness at all times;
• identifying safety training needs;
• leading by example;
• ensuring safe equipment and plant is provided and maintained;
• insisting on correct and safe work practices at all times;
• assisting in the identification and preparation of safe work method statements (SWMS);
• reviewing safety reports and inspections and initiating rectification where necessary;
• participating in accident/incident investigations;
• participating in safety meetings and programs; and
• Monitoring compliance with safe work method statements (SWMS).

2.d)                       OPERATIONS MANAGER

 

The Operations Manager is responsible for safety on the project. Duties include:

 

• implementing the company Occupational Health Safety and Rehabilitation procedures;
• observing all OHS requirements and statutory rules and regulations;
• ensuring that all works are conducted in a manner that is safe and without risk to employees health and safety;
• planning to do all work safely;
• providing advice and assistance on OHS to all employees;
• participating in the planning and design stages of trade activities;
• ensuring current OHS and other relevant legislative requirements are met in the workplace;
• identifying OHS training programs in advance and allowing for employee/s identified as requiring training to attend the training;
• actioning safety reports and carrying out workplace inspections;
• preparing and participating in safety meetings and safety programs;
• facilitating the preparation of Safe Work Method Statement;
• insisting and ensuring on safe work practices at all times;
• investigating hazard reports and ensuring that corrective actions are undertaken;
• conducting project inductions, toolbox talks and daily team briefings;
• participating in accident/incident investigations;
• leading by example and promoting OHS at every opportunity;
• supervising and ensuring compliance with safe work procedures;
• providing suitable employment to assist rehabilitation initiatives; and
• stimulating a high level of safety awareness at all times.

  

2.e)OH&S MANAGER

 

The OH&S Manager is responsible for safety on the project. Duties include:

 

• assisting the Site Supervisor to develop and implement the Occupational Health Safety and Rehabilitation procedures;
• communicating safety performance to the Site Manager;
• providing advice and assistance on OHS to all employees;
• participating in the planning and design stages of trade activities;
• monitoring OHS legislative requirements;
• monitoring compliance with safe work procedures;
• co-ordinating rehabilitation for injured employees;
• reviewing safety reports and inspections;
• preparing and participating in safety meetings and programs;
• facilitating Tool Box Talks on a regular basis;
• insisting on correct and safe practices at all times;
• preparing and conducting project safety inductions;
• investigating and developing new OHS initiatives;
• conducting accident/incident investigations;
• leading by example and promoting OHS at every opportunity;
• stimulating a high level of safety awareness at all times;
• communicating with the Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) Manager, Site Manager on matters relating to health and safety;
• facilitating the maintenance of all records as required; and
• participating in regular workplace inspections and ensuring that any improvements resulting from such inspections are actioned in the required time frame.

 

2.f)        SITE SUPERVISOR

 

The Site Supervisor is responsible for safety on the project. Duties include:

 

• implementing the company Occupational Health Safety and Rehabilitation procedures;
• observing all OHS requirements and statutory rules and regulations;
• ensuring that all works are conducted in a manner that is safe and without risk to employees health and safety;
• planning to do all work safely;
• providing advice and assistance on OHS to all employees;
• participating in the planning and design stages;
• ensuring current OHS and other relevant legislative requirements are met in the workplace;
• identifying OHS training programs in advance and allowing for employee/s identified as requiring training to attend the training;
• actioning safety reports and carrying out workplace inspections;
• preparing and participating in safety meetings and safety programs;
• facilitating the preparation of Safe Work Method Statement;
• insisting and ensuring on safe work practices at all times;
• investigating hazard reports and ensuring that corrective actions are undertaken;
• conducting project inductions, toolbox talks and daily team briefings;
• participating in accident/incident investigations;
• leading by example and promoting OHS at every opportunity;
• supervising and ensuring compliance with safe work procedures;
• providing suitable employment to assist rehabilitation initiatives; and
• stimulating a high level of safety awareness at all times.

  

2.g)                        SAFETY DWG REPRESENTATIVE

 

The Safety / DWG representative is responsible for safety on the project. Duties include:

 

• assisting the Site Supervisor to develop and implement the Occupational Health Safety and Rehabilitation procedures;
• communicating safety performance to the Site Manager;
• providing advice and assistance on OHS to all employees;
• participating in the planning and design stages;
• monitoring OHS legislative requirements for the trade package;
• monitoring compliance with safe work procedures;
• co-coordinating rehabilitation for injured employees;
• reviewing safety reports and inspections;
• preparing and participating in safety meetings and programs;
• facilitating Tool Box Talks on a regular basis;
• insisting on correct and safe practices at all times;
• preparing and conducting project safety inductions;
• investigating and developing new OHS initiatives for the trade;
• conducting accident/incident investigations;
• leading by example and promoting OHS at every opportunity;
• stimulating a high level of safety awareness at all times;
• communicating with the OH&S Manager,  Site Manager on matters relating to health and safety;
• facilitating the maintenance of all records as required; and
• participating in regular workplace inspections and ensuring that any improvements resulting from such inspections are actioned in the required time frame.

  

2.h)                       EMPLOYEES

 

The Employees are responsible for safety on the project. Duties include:

 Every individual worker is responsible to conduct his allocated tasks in a safe manner and in accordance with his/her training and experience.  He/she must give due consideration to the safety of all others in his/her proximity.  He/she must co-operate in matters of health and safety.  All workers must leave their works in such a condition that the location will not be hazardous to others at any time. All workers are to comply with the Company and site safety rules.  

2.i)               SUB-CONTRACTORS

The Sub-Contactors are responsible for safety on the project. Duties include: 

·         Comply with the intent of the Occupational Health & Safety Policy and all relevant health and safety procedures, systems, appendices and attachments mentioned in this document to ensure a safe workplace for all employees.

·         Meet with the requirements of all relevant statutory Acts, Regulations and Codes of Practice to ensure that employees observe these at all times. 

·         Develop designated work groups (DWG) for all sites and nominate supervisors for these groups. The DWG supervisor carries out the same function as PROFESSIONAL FLOOR SERVICES representative when this person is not present.

·         Ensure that all supervisors are appropriately qualified in OHS and, if not, they will receive adequate training so that they can meet their obligations under the Occupational Health & Safety Act.

·         When preparing tenders and planning work tasks, health and safety should be considered at all times. Employees should be encouraged to adopt a safe attitude and encourage others to do the same.  

·         Implement proper systems for reporting, recording and investigating accidents and injuries in the workplace.

·         Monitor the progress of any injured employees and ensure that a return to work program is available.

·         Ensure that employees have the necessary skills, qualifications and mental ability to carry out the various tasks required of them and attend induction training as required.

·         Sub-Contractors should make themselves aware of the Disciplinary Procedures applicable to them while working on site.

·         Contractors are advised that if WorkSafe stop work on site, or prevent certain work activities to continue due to the unsafe work practices of the contractor, any costs incurred may be charged to the contractor.

·         Ensure that other persons are not exposed to risks to their health arising from the conduct or undertaking of the contractor.   

Occupational Health and Safety Legislation requires anyone in control of the workplace to identify the potential hazards of the proposed work, assess the risks involved and develop controls to eliminate, or minimise, the risk as far as practicable.

     

1. COMPANY HEALTH AND SAFETY RULES AND POLICIES

 

3.a)                        Organisational Policy and Programs in OHS

 

PROFESSIONAL FLOOR SERVICES Occupational Health and Safety policy is a public statement signed by senior management expressing its commitment and intent to manage its OHS responsibilities.

 

In publishing the policy the organisation is sending a clear message that it has a vision and commitment to OH&S management that is to be applied throughout the whole organisation.

 

This document sets out the safety management strategy to be adopted by MAIN AND ASSOCIATES.

       

3.b)                  Occupational Health, Safety and Rehabilitation Policy

At PROFESSIONAL FLOOR SERVICES our Occupational Health, Safety, Rehabilitation and Environment Policies are based on a belief that the well-being of people employed at work, or people affected by our work, is a major priority and must be considered during all work performed on our behalf.

 

At PROFESSIONAL FLOOR SERVICES our Occupational Health, Safety and Rehabilitation Policy is based on a belief that the well-being of people employed at work, or people affected by our work, is a major priority and must be considered during all work performed on our behalf.

 

People are our most important asset and their health and safety is our greatest responsibility. The public shall be given equal priority to that of our employees.

 

The objectives of our Safety Policy are:

 

• To achieve an accident free workplace.
• To make health and safety an integral part of every managerial, supervisory position and all employees.
• To ensure health and safety is considered in all planning and work activities.
• To involve our employees in the decision making processes through regular communication, consultation and training.
• To provide a continuous program of education and learning to ensure that our employees work in the safest possible manner.
• To identify and control all potential hazards in the workplace through hazard identification and risk analysis.
• To ensure all potential accident/incidents are controlled and prevented.
• To provide effective injury management and rehabilitation for all employees.

 

The success of Professional Floor Services Occupational Health and Safety management is dependent on:

 

1.                  Pro-active planning of all work activities with due consideration given to implementing occupational health and safety (OHS) controls that are suitable to each given situation.

2.                  Understanding the total work process and associated OHS risks.

3.                  Ensuring the work team is totally committed to achieving our objectives.

4.                  Ensuring that open and honest communication exists between management and all employees.

 

Main and associates

Director: Daryl Andreola

Signature:

 

Date:

  

3.c)Alcohol and other Drugs

 

Professional Floor Services is committed to maintaining an alcohol and drug free workplace.

The consumption of, or being under the influence of alcohol or drugs whilst on duty and / or traveling will result in disciplinary measures or dismissal.

 

Consumption of alcohol and drugs can impair employee judgment, which may result in increased safety risks, employee injuries and poor decision making.

 

Illegal drugs are unacceptable at all times.

 

The consumption, sale of, or being under the influence of illegal substances whilst at work or traveling to or from work, in company vehicles, or on company property will result in dismissal and may be dealt with by the Police.

 

Where prescription drugs are involved, Professional Floor Services must be notified. 

 

Employees must ensure that safety in the workplace is not affected and that any potential performance impairment is properly managed.

 

3.d)                       Anti Discrimination

 

Professional Floor Services is committed to equal opportunity and non discrimination for all its employees and customers.

Employees must not discriminate against or harass anyone in the workplace based on race, color, religion, gender, age, marital status, disability or any other factor.

 

This behaviour is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.

 

Employees must avoid sexual advances or comments, racial or religious 'jokes or slurs', or any other conduct that is or may be regarded as intimidating or offensive.

  

3.e)Continuous Improvement

 

Professional Floor Services is committed to pursuing industry specific best practice in Safety, Environmental and business performance.

At Main and associates, continuous improvement is vital to the ongoing development of the safety, efficiencies, and customer relations and to the sustainability of Professional Floor Services business. 

Professional Floor Services will conduct regular site safety walks and conduct annual safety management systems audits to assess OH&S compliance and identify any short falls. Actions plans will be developed from these audits as an ongoing safety management plan.

     

3.f)             Environmental Commitment

Professional Floor Services is committed to pursuing industry specific best practice in environmental performance and reducing the impact Professional Floor Services has on the environment.

Professional Floor Services environmental commitment is to:

·         Conduct our operations to minimise environmental risk and wherever practicable eliminate adverse environmental impact.

·         Ensure continual improvement of our environmental performance.

·         Select equipment that is efficient and minmises the impact on the environment.

·         Conservation of water.

·         Maximise recycling of waste where possible.

·         Prevention of pollution, including noise and dust.

·         Comply with environmental legislation, regulations, standards and codes of practice relevant to our business.

3.g)                          Grievance Procedure and Disciplinary Action

Grievance Procedure

If any person has a grievance, in respect to complying with Occupational Health and Safety, conditions of employment, or feel they have been discriminated against in any way, Professional Floor Services management request that they be advised immediately to assist with working through the issue. 

Disciplinary ActionThe following steps outline Professional Floor Services disciplinary process. 

First Offence - Verbal Warning On the first occasion where someone is at risk (unsafe acts or actions) or poor performance becomes a concern, Professional Floor Services management / supervisor shall speak to the employee or sub-contractor and record the interview in the diary.

Second Offence - Written Warning If unsafe actions or poor performance continues, or any action where an informal warning would be inappropriate, the offender (employee or sub-contractor) should be interviewed and served with a written notice. The notice must be clearly explained and the offender must be given the opportunity to explain his / her actions.This should also be documented in the diary.  

Third Offence – Dismissal If unsafe actions or poor performance continues and or failure to comply with the written warning and/or to continue to breach safety protocol will lead to dismissal for an employee or removal from site if a sub-contractor.  

3.h)                       Housekeeping

Slips, trips and falls are a common and costly construction hazard. Workplace housekeeping can help reduce the incidence of these types of accidents in the workplace. Everyone has a responsibility for maintaining site tidiness. Routine, regular cleanups should be scheduled as part of every work day.

3.i)    OHS Induction

PROFESSIONAL FLOOR SERVICES will ensure that persons carrying out the nominated work have

relevant training including Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Induction Training. Workers will not carry out any work until they have received the minimum requirements for OHS induction training:

 

1.           Company Induction.

2.           Industry (general) induction (Red Card).

3.           Work Activity OH&S induction / awareness and instruction.

4.           Site Specific OH&S induction / awareness and instruction.

FAV 013 Induction form.

 All workers will receive the above four minimum OHS induction training requirements before work on site commences and a record of the training provided on FAV 021 Skills & experience register and FAV 025 Training register. 

3.j)           Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

 

Where other means of protection are not practicable Companyxy will supply clothing or equipment designed to protect parts, or all, of the body. This equipment may include: gloves, hearing protection, high visibility garments, breathing apparatus, thermal wear, eye protection, sun cream, safety belts and harnesses. Steel cap boots and hi-visibility clothing is a minimum requirement at all times.

 

Safe Work Method Statement will use the hierarchy of controls to determine the most effective to the least effective controls with an emphasis to minimise reliance on PPE.

 Selection and Use  

• PROFESSIONAL FLOOR SERVICES will ensure all items of PPE are manufactured, used and maintained in accordance with the relevant Australian Standard.
• Standard compliance will be provided, e.g. labeling.
• All issues of PPE to each individual will be recorded on FAV 022 Personal protective equipment (PPE) register.
• Each employee will be instructed and or trained in the correct use of each PPE item prior to use, this will be recorded on FAV 025 Training register.

     

3.k)                       Signs

Safety and information signs are in place to provide generic and site specific information to ensure the safety of all persons working, entering or in the near vicinity of the site. Paying attention and complying with signs can reduce risk to yourself and to others. The removal, shifting or destruction of any sign could be extremely dangerous and may put people at risk.

3.l)                      Ultraviolet Radiation Policy

Professional Floor Servicesunderstands that exposure to the sun poses a significant risk to all outdoor workers, including builders. Too much exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UV) can cause immediate and lasting health problems, including sunburn, dehydration, heat exhaustion, blindness and skin cancer.  Professional Floor Serviceswill introduce control measures to reduce the risk of UV exposure which includes:

·           Utilising natural or existing shade.

·           Organising work times around peak UV, i.e. re-organise work routines so that outdoor tasks are completed early in the morning or later in the afternoon.

·           Rotating workers between indoor and outdoor tasks to reduce each individual’s total UV exposure.

·           Providing UV protective clothing (e.g. specially-designed fabrics which are light weight and cool, loose fitting shirts with collars, elbow length sleeves, knee length shorts, SPF rating 30+).

·           Providing hats or appropriate head gear which shades the face, neck, head and ears.

·           Provide sunglasses which meet the Australian Standard (AS 1067) or specialist safety Sunglasses (AS 1337).

·           Provide sunscreen (SPF 30+).

·           Provide training and education on UV protection for new and current employees.

‘Protecting Workers from Ultraviolet Radiation in Sunlight’ booklet contains a sample UV Risk Control Worksheet and UV policy. Available from the Cancer Council, Victoria. - Sun Smart Workplace Education Program - 03 9635 5148 or visit www.sunsmart.com.au.           

3.m)                    Working alone Policy

Supervisors and Managers must ensure that all reasonably practicable steps are taken to ensure the safety and health of employees working alone or in isolation.  Supervisors and managers shall be responsible for approval for a person to work alone or in isolation and shall not grant approval prior to the following:

 

·         A Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) / Job Safety & Environment Analysis (JSEA) must be completed.

·         Only tasks identified as suitably LOW RISK will be approved when working alone or in isolation.

·         Employees must be adequately trained to perform these tasks.

·         Reliable means of communication must be supplied and maintained for the purposes of emergency contact.

·         Identified scheduled times for communication / phones calls must be included in the Safe Work Method Statement / Job Safety & Environment Analysis.

·         Communication methods must be tested prior to the commencement of these works.  

3.n)                       Young Workers Policy

Professional Floor Serviceswe will ensure that young workers are protected from the risk of injury or illness arising from workplace hazardous. Special attention will be paid to the needs of young workers because they lack experience in workplace procedures.

 

Professional Floor Services shall ensure young workers receive adequate information and training about work hazards and safe work practices and must give consideration to their age and experience when delivering this information.

 

As with all young workers, we must maintain safe equipment and a safe work environment.

 

All young workers will attended general industry induction, site-specific induction and work activity induction along with training in the task they are completing as a minimum.

 

Supervisors shall ensure that all young persons are adequately trained and work under adequate supervision. Consider a mentor program to support young workers.

           

1. CONSULTATION AND TRAINING

4.a)                        Consultation

 

Professional Floor Services recognise the involvement of workers as essential in identifying potential hazards that can be eliminated, or minimised, before injuries occur.

 

Safety / Tool Box Talks will be used to help Managers and Supervisors manage safety, to provide a forum for workers to have their say about safety issues and to help ensure safety awareness is maintained at all times.

 

Specific safety issues will be raised, accidents reviewed, Safe Work Method Statements developed and presented for evaluation and familiarisation and safety / hazard alerts discussed.

 

Safety / Tool Box Talks will be used to induct workers into and “sign off” their understanding of the controls provided in Safe Work Method Statement for the specific work in which they will be involved.

 

4.b)                       Health & Safety Representatives & Committees 

The Victorian Occupational Health & Safety Act has a provision for joint participation from all persons that may be affected by workplace activities to determine the safest way to conduct workplace activities.Best practices can be achieved through consultation with a safety committee consisting of health and safety representatives, employees, contractors and employer representatives. A list of health and safety representatives, Designated Work Groups and supervisors / managers (persons responsible for the workplace) must be displayed in a prominent area on site.         

4.c)Skills, Competencies and Training

PROFESSIONAL FLOOR SERVICES will ensure that its employees are adequately trained to a level of competency sufficient to ensure their and all other persons health and safety when at work.

 

PROFESSIONAL FLOOR SERVICES will undertake a training/competency assessment of all employees prior to the commencement of work on the nominated site.  The assessment will be recorded on FAV016 training summary form. Where skill deficiencies are detected appropriate training will be provided before work commences so that employees can perform their designated duties safely, this will be recorded on FAV 025 training planning register.

 Selection and Use

• The FAV016 training summary form will be provided to the appropriate Principal Contractor’s representative on site for review.
• Workers will be selected for specific tasks based on their level of skill and competency to undertake the work safely.
• Where workers are unskilled in the required task appropriate training will be provided prior to commencement of the work and recorded on FAV 021 Skills & experience register and FAV 025 training planning register.
• Day Labour will be used only when the nominated worker/s satisfies the level of competency required to undertake the required task or when appropriate training can be provided prior to commencement of the work. Proof of the competency of Day Labour must be detailed in the Skills/Competency Assessment Register FAV 021 Skills & experience register and FAV 025 training planning register.

  

4.d)                       Tool Box Talks / Safety Meetings

Occupational Health and Safety Legislation requires the identification of potential workplace hazards, the assessment of the risk of the hazard and the development of controls to eliminate or minimise the risk. To assist in hazard identification and the development of controls PROFESSIONAL FLOOR SERVICES employees will undertake consultation in the form of Tool Box Talks conducted by PROFESSIONAL FLOOR SERVICES at intervals no greater than bi-monthly.

All Tool Box Talks will be recorded on FAV 015 safety & tool box talk minutes and FAV016 training summary form and signed off by participants. Any corrective action will be followed up and signed off by the nominated person.            

1. HAZARD IDENTIFICATION AND RISK ASSESSMENT

 5.a)                        Hazard Identification 

Hazard identification is the process of recognising that a hazard exists and defining its characteristics. A hazard can be defined as something that has the potential to cause harm.

 

All PROFESSIONAL FLOOR SERVICES employees will be involved in hazard identification where possible.

 

Identifying hazards should be a systematic / planned process. Systematic identification enables workplace hazards to be identified in a logical, structured manner.

PROFESSIONAL FLOOR SERVICES will identify and assess all hazards to determine the level of risk and put in place controls to reduce risks to as low as reasonability practicable.

 

These steps are repeated as part of an ongoing process, especially when there are changes in the workplace, for example the use of new substances, new or hired or plant is utilized.

 

The process involves finding all hazardous items, activities, situations, plant and equipment, products, services and processes that could give rise to injury or illness.

This would generally involve consideration of:

• the number, extent and potential of all known site construction work hazards
• type of injury or illness that is possible and the situation or events, or combination of circumstances, that could give rise to the risk of injury or illness
• developing safe work method statements (SWMS) in project or site construction work
• acquiring and providing OH&S information.

 Hazard Identification Methods 

Hazards can be identified in a number of ways. They are commonly identified through:

 

• direct observation
• completing checklists
• site safety audits
• workplace inspections
• incident/accident investigation
• monitoring the work site
• feedback from other people
• injury and illness records
• investigating staff concerns
• environmental and health monitoring
• consultation with staff or external organisations
• references to information and historical data.

      5.b)                       Assess Risks

Assessing risk involves careful examination of the hazards in a workplace and the factors involved. This may include the type of hazard, equipment, training provided, number of operations and existing systems in place to control the risks associated with these hazards.

 

Risk assessment is the process of determining the level of risk created by the hazard and the likelihood of injury or illness occurring, the possible consequences, the exposure to the hazard, and finally the likelihood of that scenario taking place.

 

Risk assessment must be documented and should include all significant findings and recommended control measures. It should be reassessed following any injury or incident or any changes to plant, processes, work activities, technology or legislation.

Any task involving a particular hazard can lead to different consequences depending on the sequence of exposure events. Hence, risk levels need to be assessed separately for each chosen sequence of events.

 

To determine the level of risk the following should be considered:

• identifying or judging the likelihood and severity of different outcomes – that is, the number of persons harmed and the nature of their injuries/illness
• determining the exposure – that is, how often (frequency); how long (duration) and to what extent (exposure) the affected persons have to the particular hazard (for a toxic hazard this would include any time-weighted average or ceiling exposure)
• determining the individual’s reactions to certain hazards – that is, how the hazard affects the employees who are exposed to them.

  

For each potential workplace hazard identified a Risk Class will be determined by referring to the risk matrix below. 

 

The attached risk matrix management tool will be used to determine the requirement for management of the risks identified using a FAV011 Hazard / risk assessment form.

 

Note # A Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) may be utlised to identify hazard controls using a FAV 014 Safe work method statement (SWMS) / job safety & environment analysis [JSEA] form.

             

 5.c)Risk Matrix 

Class 1: (High Risk) - Does the hazard have the potential to kill, or permanently disable the person?

Class 2: (Medium Risk) - Does the hazard have the potential to cause a serious injury, or illness, which may temporarily disable the person?

Class 3: (Low Risk) - Does the hazard have the potential to cause a minor injury which would not disable the person?

  

		Consequence
		Disaster	Very Serious	Serious	Substantial	Minor
Likelihood	Almost certain	1	1	1	2	2
	Likely	1	1	2	2	2
	Possible	1	2	2	2	3
	Remotely Possible	2	2	2	3	3
	Practically impossible	2	3	3	3	3

  

Likelihood / Consequence	Risk Class
Risk Class 1 hazard has the potential to: ·            permanently disable or kill ·            cause major damage to the structure ·            have significant impact on the surrounding population and environment	1
Risk Class 2 hazard has the potential to: ·            temporarily disable or seriously injure ·            cause minor damage to the structure ·            breach the site boundary and pollute local environment	2
Risk Class 3 hazard has the potential to: ·            cause minor injury ·            be contained within the site boundary	3

  5.d)                       Control the risk 

This process involves introducing measures to eliminate or reduce the risk of a person being injured or harmed. PROFESSIONAL FLOOR SERVICESwill ensure when a hazard posing an unacceptable risk is identified, suitable controls will be introduced. Applying one or more of the control measures listed below can reduce the exposure to a hazard.  

5.e)Hierarchy of Controls 

·                Eliminate the hazard

·                Substitute for something of a lower hazard

·                Isolate the hazard from the person

 ·                Engineering

·                Administrative controls

·                Personal protective equipment   

 A combination of Hierarchy of Controls methods may provide the most effective risk controls. 

5.f)             Monitor and review controls 

Controls that are put in place need to be monitored to ensure they are working and not increased the risk in anyway, refer to FAV 06 Hazard management process for guidance.

 5.g)                        Safe work method statements (SWMS)   

Safe work method statements (SWMS) support Professional Floor Services safety management plan and are particularly important when planning and implementing work.

 

These documents specify methods of carrying out certain types of work, tasks or hazardous work.

 

The aims of a safe work method statement are to:

• describe the task or job to be done
• identify the resources, manpower and skills required
• identify the health, safety and welfare hazards associated with the task
• assess and select hazard controls as appropriate
• systematically plan the job so it can be completed efficiently and effectively.

  

When developing safe work method statements the following should be considered:

 

• its development and documentation prior to the commencement of a job
• incorporation of information obtained from employees
• job procedures should be explained step-by-step in a logical order
• it should be read and understood by the employees, before commencing work
• it should be signed by the employees, once it has been read and understood
• included as part of an employee’s induction training
• become part of the overall company safety plan

 

Prior to commencement of work on site the generic *Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) submitted at tender will be reviewed. Where job steps or site conditions will change from those planned the SWMS will be updated to reflect the way the job will actually be done on the specific site and how safety will be controlled – a site specific SWMS.

 

The SWMS form FAV 014 Safe work method statement (SWMS) / job safety & environment analysis [JSEA] form provides a record to demonstrate compliance to Occupational Health and Safety Legislation. The person responsible for implementing a particular action to eliminate, or minimise, the risk of the potential hazard on site is nominated on the SWMS. This will ensure responsibility for risk control is allocated and can be followed up.

 

* Also referred to as a Job Safety Environment Analysis or JSEA

 Evaluation of the SWMS  

The Safe Work Method Statement will be evaluated on how well hazards have been identified and the suggested controls can eliminate the potential hazard or minimise the risk of injury.

 

Controls should be as high as practical in the “Least to Best Effective” guide shown below.

 Remove the hazard completely:

• Remove risk of electrocution by using compressed air driven tools, (this must be reassessed to ensure no other risks have been introduced).

 Separate people from the hazard:  Use an engineered control: 

For example:

• guards on power tools.
• Extraction systems to remove dust and fumes.
• Water sprays fitted to floor grinders.
• use effective barriers and edge protection.
• enclose noisy machinery.

• use Earth leakage device (safety switch) on electrical power source.
• use a machine to lift heavy objects.
  
  

  Change work practices:  

For example:

• training in lifting techniques.
• tagging procedures.
  
  

Provide personal protection (PPE):  

For example:

• hearing protection, eye protection etc.
• protective gloves.
• dust masks.

NOTE: PPE should be the last barrier to protect people when all else fails.

Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) Step by Step  

Does the SWMS include:

 

• The name of the company?
• A description of the work activity or task to be undertaken?
• The date the SWMS was developed and reviewed?
• The name and signature of the person who developed the SWMS?
• The job steps involved in doing the work?
• The controls that will be put in place to eliminate or minimise the potential hazards identified?
• The name of the person/s responsible for ensuring that the control/s is in place?

  

The Safe Work Method Statement will be completed and signed by an appropriately qualified person/s representing PROFESSIONAL FLOOR SERVICES who is competent in the work activity to be undertaken.

 

The Safe Work Method Statement will be reviewed and signed by the appropriate Principal Contractor representative on the project.

 

Employees will review the SWMS and sign the SWMS documents that they understand and are willing to implement the controls required to carry out the work safely.

 

Work will not proceed until the above three criteria are achieved.

        

1. HAZARD & INCIDENT REPORTING & EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

 6.a)                        Hazard Reporting

Professional Floor Services will encourage all employees to report hazards immediately.

 

Professional Floor Services DWG / Site Supervisor on site will investigate all reported hazards and document corrective actions. Corrective actions will be signed off when completed. The procedure for reporting hazards are on FAV 05 Hazard reporting procedure.  The Site Supervisor will complete a Hazard Report form, FAV 010 Hazard / injury / accident / environment / non conformance report form (HIAEN) and record the hazard on the hazard register FAV 019 Hazard register.

 

PROFESSIONAL FLOOR SERVICES will make forms available to all supervisory personnel, safety committee representatives and all Employees.

 Corrective Actions  

• The Hazard documentation will be signed by the Originator and Manager / Site Supervisor.
• Both the Originator and Manager / Site Supervisor shall sign off the report when satisfied that all items on the report have been satisfactorily actioned. Copies of the signed off reports will be kept in this Safety Management Plan.

 6.b)                       First-aid & Incident / Accident Investigation  

PROFESSIONAL FLOOR SERVICES will/ will not rely on the provision of First-aid services by the Principal

Contractor. PROFESSIONAL FLOOR SERVICES will provide First-aid services, the following minimum requirements will be undertaken and personnel provided.

 

• A qualified First Aid person will be onsite at all times.
• First aid equipment must be made available to all staff, each site must be assessed to determine suitable locations for this equipment.

 

All injuries will be reported to the appropriate First-aid Officer on site and then reported to Professional Floor Services management.

 

Injuries will be recorded in the Site Injury Register and by PROFESSIONAL FLOOR SERVICESFAV 010 Hazard / injury / accident / environment / non conformance report form (HIAEN).

 

Records will be kept for all incidents and accidents. Serious personal injury and dangerous occurrences must be reported to the WorkSafe / WorkCover using the appropriate form (see attached files).

 Investigation

PROFESSIONAL FLOOR SERVICES will investigate all accidents as soon as possible.

 Investigation will be recorded on FAV 012 Incident / accident investigation form. 

6.c)Emergency Procedures

Emergency procedures should be developed and must involve the Management, Supervisors, Health and Safety Representative and employees.Principal Contractor and site emergency procedures will be adopted by Main and associates, all staff will be made aware of these procedures during the induction process.  

6.d)                       Interpretation of Incident Types

The following terms are used to describe a range of incidents that may require reporting.

Work Injury An injury that arises out of, or occurs at, the usual place of employment, that requires first aid or medical treatment.

Work Related Illness A disease that is contracted by an employee in the course of employment and to which the employment was a contributing factor, or The recurrence or deterioration of an existing disease to which the employment was a contributing factor.

Serious Personal Injury An injury to an employee which results in the employee not being able to attend his/her usual place of work for 24 hours or one shift to perform their normal duties.  

Dangerous Occurrences An occurrence involving risk of explosion, fire, death, serious bodily injury, work related illness or serious damage to any property or plant. Includes an occurrence involving any hazardous substance or an uncontrolled explosion, fire or escape of gas or steam, or damage to any load bearing member, crane, hoist, plant, scaffolding, gear etc.               

1. SPECIFIC HAZARDS

 7.a)                        Asbestos

A person who has control of a building or structure containing asbestos has a duty of care towards any person who may enter that building. Steps must be taken in relation to identification, risk assessment and management of this risk. No work can start onsite until an Asbestos management plan has been developed. 

7.b)                       Burns 

Burns can present a risk to the health and safety of employees and others in the workplace. Planning and selecting the right equipment for the task can reduce the risk of injury. 

·         Employees should only work with heat irons / blow torches and heat generating equipment after they have been trained.

·         Wear suitable PPE for the task.

·         Select a heating device that is suitable for the task.

·         Ensure flammable clothing is not worn and flammable equipment / substances are not in the near vicinity when using heating equipment, for example, carpet irons & blow torches.

·      Always store the carpet iron in its designated stand when it is not in use.

·      Restrict access in the area.

·      Ensure extension leads do not cause tripping hazards.

·      Ensure adequate fire extinguishers / fire hoses are available at all times. Refer to the following section for details on chemicals. 

7.c)Chemicals

 All chemicals can present a risk to the health and safety of employees and others in the workplace. The chemical hazard should be controlled through the implementation of a risk management program and Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) which includes identifying the hazard, assessing the risk and implementing the appropriate control strategy. 

How Chemicals Can Enter the Body 

Chemicals can enter the body through contact with skin, nose, mouth and eyes. The skin and eyes are at risk from splashes and spray drift. Not washing chemicals off the skin before eating, drinking and smoking may allow the chemical to enter via the mouth. The lungs can be affected when breathing in the spray mist, dusts and vapours.

 

• Acute poisoning effects are generally observed within a few hours.
• Chronic poisoning often follows repeated, low-level exposure. Signs of illness may be delayed for some time after the first exposure.

 Training 

Persons using chemicals must be trained in the safe use and be familiar with the chemicals they are using.

Information on the container and in the MSDS can be utlised in a Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) to identify the hazards, assess the risk and implement the appropriate control strategies.

 Selecting a Chemical 

Choose a product that is the least toxic to you and the environment, (refer to the following toxicity section).

 

Always read the entire label before using a chemical product. Labels provide a wealth of information about the chemical product, including:

• its contents
• the toxicity of the chemical
• application rate and methods
• the safety directions and first aid instructions (including protective clothing and equipment)
• storage and disposal instructions.

  Toxicity 

Choose a chemical that is the least toxic to you and the environment.

 

This information can be found on the chemical product label and on the MSDS.

 

For example;

• Products with the signal heading Dangerous Poison are chemicals of high toxicity.
• Products with the signal heading Poison are chemicals with moderate to high toxicity.
• Products with the signal heading Warning or Caution are chemicals with low to moderate toxicity.
• Chemicals without these signal headings are likely to be the least toxic, but further investigation is required, refer to MSDS and instructions.

 Transporting Chemicals 

Great care needs to be taken when transporting any chemical product to avoid spills and other accidents. It is preferable to have products delivered. Delivery agents are required to observe controls regarding the transport of chemicals.

 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) 

Whenever you are decanting, mixing or using chemicals, it is essential that you wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) as described on the label. This equipment is used as a barrier to reduce the risk of chemicals entering the body. PPE includes goggles, face shield, washable hat, respirators, overalls, apron, gloves and rubber boots.

 Mixing Chemicals 

Mixing should be carried out in a well ventilated, well lit and hazard-free area. Mix the chemicals according to the label directions. Only prepare enough for immediate use. Remember when mixing chemicals, you are handling the concentrate, which is more toxic than diluted mixtures. The risk of splashes and absorbing a high dose of chemical is usually greater when the chemical is in its concentrated form. Even though there may only be a small amount, it’s still unsafe and should be handled with caution.

 Clean Up 

Thoroughly clean all mixing, spraying and personal protective equipment as described on the label directions. After using a chemical and before eating, drinking or smoking, wash hands, arms and face thoroughly with soap and water. Shower as soon as possible. Work clothes should be washed separately or disposed of appropriately.

 Storage 

Chemicals intended for use, or being held prior to disposal, must be stored in a secure, well ventilated and dry area that is out of direct sunlight. The area should only be used for storing chemicals and have bunding to contain chemical spills. Correct storage of chemicals prevents rapid deterioration. The product label often contains information about a product's specific storage requirements. Containers should be checked frequently for leaks etc.

 Disposal 

Proper management of empty chemical containers is essential. Label instructions for disposal of the chemical and the container should be followed.

  7.d)                       Cuts 

Knives present a risk to the health and safety of employees and others in the workplace.

 

Knives with a dull or blunt edge contribute to the risk of cuts and sprains and strains, especially where the work calls for many cuts to be made each day. Time should be allocated to re-sharpen the knife regularly to ensure that a sharp edge is maintained.

Basic knife safety

·         Employees should only work with knives after they have been trained.

·         Select a knife that is suitable for the task.

·         To ease hand or wrist strain, look for a handle that has been shaped to reduce excessive bending of the wrist, is the right size for the hand – the handle needs to be large enough in diameter to reduce the tendency for an excessively tight grip, but not overly large for an inadequate grip and is suitable for left or right handed use. 

·         Maintain enough room between people so that the person using a knife won’t be bumped or inadvertently slip and cut someone else.

·         Cutting surfaces should be maintained in clean and smooth condition.

·         A protective glove and arm guard should be worn on the non-knife hand.

·         Wherever practicable, always cut away from the body.

·         Appropriate “non-slip” safety foot wear should be worn.

·         Lighting needs to be adequate to ensure good visibility. Low lighting, working in shadows or the glare or bright reflections of badly positioned lights can create work hazards.

·         to avoid slips the grip should be firm but not excessively tight.

·         putting the knife away, e.g. in a sheath, whenever it is not in use – never leave knives lying about on tables etc. where they may be covered by other objects.

·         never try to catch a falling knife.

·         safe disposal of knives that have a narrow blade due to excessive re-sharpening – these narrow blades can snap during use, creating a dangerous projectile.  

7.e)Dust 

Airborne dusts and particles can present a risk to the health and safety of employees and others in the workplace. Generally, exposure to any concentration of respirable dust should be avoided whilst some forms of dust (e.g.: asbestos and silica) are recognised carcinogens, other dusts may cause or contribute to asthma and other illnesses.  The dust hazard should be controlled through the implementation of a risk management program and Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) which includes identifying the hazard, assessing the risk and implementing the appropriate control strategy. Where a dust hazard has been identified and cannot be eliminated from the workplace, then a hazard monitoring and health surveillance program needs to be implemented.  

7.f) Electrical Safety 

PROFESSIONAL FLOOR SERVICES will ensure that the use of electrical wiring, portable tools and extension leads will be in accordance with the Code of Practice Electrical Practices for construction work.

 

All electrical equipment to be brought on site will be listed in the Electrical Equipment Register FAV 018 Electrical equipment register. The register will be completed prior to commencement of the works and maintained at all times.

    Inspection & Tagging  

All electrical leads, portable power tools, junction boxes and earth leakage devices will be tested, inspected by a suitably qualified person and labelled with a tag of current date before being brought on site. Where this is not possible the Principal Contractor will be advised immediately and assistance requested in order to comply with the requirements of the Code of Practice Electrical Practices for Construction Work.  A record of the currency of all electrical equipment will be recorded on FAV 018 Electrical equipment register.

  

• Whilst on site any electrical equipment found without a tag of current date issued by a suitably qualified person will not be used.
• Where an electrical item is located without a current inspection tag, the item will be removed from site immediately.
• All electrical equipment will be connected to an Earth Leakage protection device at all times.
• Where practicable all electrical leads will be kept off the ground on insulated hangers or on insulated lead stands.
• Extension leads will not be joined together.
• All plugs and sockets will be non-wirable (moulded) or transparent.
• Electrical equipment will not be placed on, or near, wet areas unless the equipment is designed for the specific purpose, e.g. pump.
• Where electrical equipment is hired, e.g. portable generators, work lights and extension leads, PROFESSIONAL FLOOR SERVICES will ensure that the same requirements for Occupational Health and Safety as those required on site are specified to the Hire Company as a condition of the Hire Agreement.

 Monthly/Tag colour 

         

7.g)                        Fire Safety 

Professional Floor Services shall ensure that an adequate number and type of fire extinguishers are available at the workplace and additional extinguishers are located in the immediate vicinity of any work that may create a fire risk. This requirement will apply without exception to any hot work such as welding.

 

PROFESSIONAL FLOOR SERVICES will ensure all personnel carrying out work that has the potential to cause a fire, have a fire extinguisher close-by, are fully trained in the use of extinguishers and that adequate evidence of such training is provided before work commences. A list and current service history of all fire fighting equipment to be brought on site will be provided.

 

PROFESSIONAL FLOOR SERVICES will ensure that all mobile plant is fitted with an appropriate fire extinguisher.

 Fire Extinguisher.  Inspection

 Professional Floor Services will check the “charge level” of all of our fire extinguishers on site at 6 monthly intervals (maximum). All fire extinguishers will be serviced and maintained by competent persons and a record completed and maintained in accordance with Australian Standard AS-1851.

Combustible materials will not be allowed to accumulate in work areas to prevent a fire risk.

 Selection and Use

• All personnel carrying out work that may cause a fire will be fully trained in the use of extinguishers and a record of the training provided in the appropriate register of this Pack, FAV 016 Training summary form.
• All personnel will be made aware of the site specific emergency procedure and emergency service phone numbers shall be clearly displayed at a central phone location.

  7.h)                                   Hazardous Substances

Prior to hazardous substances being used PROFESSIONAL FLOOR SERVICES will supply a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) to the OH&S Manager / DWG Supervisor and Principal Contractor (if applicable) for approval. No substances will be used without approval of the current MSDS by OH&S Manager / DWG Supervisor and Principal if applicable). All substances to be brought on site will be recorded on FAV 020 Hazardous substances register & risk assessment.                                   

 

PROFESSIONAL FLOOR SERVICES will consider the following when selecting hazardous substances:

 

Ø  Flammability and explosiveness;	Ø  Toxicity (short and long term);
Ø  Carcinogenic classification if relevant;	Ø  Chemical action and instability;
Ø  Corrosive properties;	Ø  Extent of PPE required;
Ø  Environmental hazards;	Ø  Storage requirements.

 Storage

• All storage and use of hazardous substances will be in accordance with the MSDS.
• All hazardous substances will be stored in their original containers with the label intact at all times.
• Hazardous substances of any quantity will not be stored in crib rooms or offices.

 Use

• Where practicable the material with the lowest possible hazard capability that meets the technical requirements for the job will be used.
• Refer to WorkCover and Australian Safety and Compensation Council (ASSCC) Publications for advice. See in particular: List of Designated Hazardous Substances (Hazardous Substances Information System (HSIS).
• Advice on a substance may be obtained from a chemical database, e.g. Chemwatch.
• Prior to using the hazardous substance all workers involved in its use will be provided with adequate information and training to allow safe completion of the required task. Confirmation of this training will be provided by a “sign off” on the appropriate Tool Box Talk appendix FAV 015 Safety & tool box talk minutes or the training recorded and FAV 016 Training summary form. 

  7.i)  Height Safety

When working at a height where a person can fall and sustain an injury a Safe Work Method Statement should be completed to establish the risks and the controls to be implemented to minimise the risk of injury.  Any works that is conducted where there is a risk of a person falling a Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) must be completed, a working at heights permit may also be applicable FAV 027 Working at height permit. 

Scaffolding / Work Platforms When access to a work area is above floor level, a safe work platform will be required. It may be mobile scaffold or fixed scaffold or a stepladder at the last resort.When determining the most suitable equipment to access work areas above floor level conduct a Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) and consider the following: ·         The height from floor level required to complete the work safety? ·         The strength of the structure / platform? ·         The deck or area to be covered? ·         How many workers are required at one time? ·         The platform setup area, floor level, access to area, traffic thoroughfare?  ·         Tools and power are required? ·         Can a person can fall 2.0 metres or more?    (Refer to the Code of Practice for the Prevention of Falls - General construction)  

7.j) Lifting Gear  

PROFESSIONAL FLOOR SERVICES will ensure that all lifting gear (chains, slings, wire rope, shackles, hooks) to be brought on site have a current certificate of test.

 

All lifting slings and accessories will be marked with the manufacturers identification, maximum rated capacity and the grade of the steel or alloy. PROFESSIONAL FLOOR SERVICES will provide each item with a marked identification number and a current test certificate for each will be held on site and made available on request.

 

• Prior to use, all lifting gear will be inspected by a competent person to check for defects.
• Lifting gear that does not have a current test certificate will not be brought on site under any circumstances.

 7.k)                          Manual Handling 

Manual handling injuries are caused by more than just lifting. Manual handling involves any activity requiring the use of force exerted by a person to lift, lower, push, pull, carry or otherwise move, hold or restrain a person, animal or thing. A review or risk assessment of work practices can help reduce the likelihood of an injury occurring. To eliminate this risk use mechanical equipment where possible or have the assistance of another person, (Refer to the Manual Handling Code of Practice for guidance and risk assessment tools). 

7.l)              Noise

 It’s the duty of designers, importers, manufactures and employers to ensure employees' exposure to noise does not exceed the exposure standard of 85 db(A) over an 8 hour period.Employers must ensure employees' exposure to noise does not exceed the exposure standard by using the hierarchy of controls to eliminate or reduce noise exposure to as low as reasonably possible.

In accordance with the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2007, if hearing protection is required, Professional Floor Services must provide for audiometric testing

·         within 3 months after the employee commences the work in relation to which the hearing protectors are required; and

·         at any time when reasonably requested to do so by the health and safety representative of the designated work group of which the employee is a member; and

·         in any event, at least every 2 years.    

      

7.m)                     Plant

Equipment including static (stationary), handheld and mobile plant can be hazardous to workplace safety.

 

In order to comply with Occupational Health and Safety Legislation PROFESSIONAL FLOOR SERVICES will carry out regular inspection and maintenance of plant and equipment. The inspection and maintenance history of each item will be documented on the appropriate Plant & equipment identification register and provided prior to commencement on site.

 

Where a relevant Australian Standard is appropriate, the inspection, use and maintenance of the plant will comply as a minimum with the Standard. Where no Australian Standard is provided, the inspection, use and maintenance of the plant will comply as a minimum with the Manufacturers Recommendations. The affect of plant and equipment on the workplace will also be considered.

Companyxy will carry out an assessment of the most appropriate type of plant and equipment for the required job. All plant must have a risk / hazard assessment that is no more than 12 months old. The risk / hazard assessment will include the identification of potential hazards, the level of risk and the provision of appropriate controls to eliminate, or minimise the risk to health and safety of workers. This process will include the plant and /or equipment itself and its impact on the surrounding workplace.

 

When identifying potential hazards consideration will be given to all aspects of the plant and equipment including design, work environment, operational conditions, abnormal conditions, ergonomic principles, transportation, storage, installation and erection, access and egress for maintenance, adjustments, repairs, cleaning, use, operator competencies, dismantling and disposal.

  

• Where plant and equipment is hired the same requirements for Occupational Health and Safety as those required on site will be specified by PROFESSIONAL FLOOR SERVICES to the Hire Company as a condition of the Hire Agreement.
• No item of plant will be brought on site without a current service/maintenance record or registration where required.

Note: Specific plant may require design registration, item registration or both.

              

1. WORKERS COMPENSATION & REHABILITATION

 8.a)                        Workers Compensation 

PROFESSIONAL FLOOR SERVICES will provide Workers Compensation Insurance for all employees and other persons deemed to be employees under the Accident Compensation Act 1985.

 Refer to FAV 04 Accident / incident reporting for guidance. 

A record of the insurance will be provided together with an attached current copy of the policy details issued by the insurer.

 

Employees must notify their employer of any injury or disease which has been contributed to by work within 30 days of you becoming aware of it. If you do not, you may not be entitled to compensation.

 Use Employers and Workers claim forms (see attached files) 

8.b)                       Rehabilitation 

In the event of a work related injury or illness occurring Professional Floor Services is committed to providing a safe and early return to work in the best interests of all employees.  This will be done in consultation with employees, nominated treating doctor and treating practitioner.

 

Professional Floor Services will:

v     Ensure rehabilitation is a priority following a work related injury or illness, the objective of this is to return the injured employee to pre injury physical, psychological, social and vocational capabilities.

v     To initiate as soon as possible the rehabilitation and return to work plan.

v     To assist injured or ill employees to return to meaningful productive work as soon as possible.

v     To maintain a network of support for the injured employee.

 Use WorkCover RTW form (see attached files)             

WorkCover Contact Details

City offices

Victorian WorkCover Authority
Ground Floor
222 Exhibition Street
Melbourne 3000
Phone: (03) 9641 1555
Fax: (03) 9641 1222

Victorian WorkCover Authority
Level 4
628 Bourke St
Melbourne VIC 3000
Phone: (03) 9941 0558
Fax: (03) 9941 0560

Regional offices

Ballarat

8C 333 Gillies St
Wendouree VIC 3355
Phone: 5338 4444
Fax: 5338 4499

Bendigo
104 Queen Street
Phone: (03) 5443 8866
Fax: (03) 5441 3997

Dandenong
Level 3, 33 Princes Highway
Phone: (03) 8792 9000
Fax: (03) 8792 9011

Geelong
Level 1, 1 Yarra Street (Cnr Brougham & Yarra St)
Phone: (03) 5226 1200
Fax: (03) 5221 7861

Mildura
76 Lemon Avenue
Phone: (03) 5021 4001
Fax: (03) 5021 4047

Mulgrave
37 Dunlop Road
Phone: (03) 9565 9444
Fax: (03) 9565 9400

Preston
238 - 250 Plenty Road(Cnr Plenty Road & Bell Street)
Phone: (03) 9485 4555
Fax: (03) 9485 4501

Shepparton
148 - 150 Welsford Street
Phone: (03) 5831 8260
Fax: (03) 5831 1508

Traralgon
Suites 1 & 2, 6 - 8 Grey Street
Phone: (03) 5174 8900
Fax: (03) 5174 9086

Wangaratta
24 Reid Street
Phone: (03) 5721 8588
Fax: (03) 5721 2740

Warrnambool
76 Henna St
Phone (03) 5564 3200
Fax (03) 5564 3210

                          

1. APPENDICES AND ATTACHMENTS