Key Point Sheets

5
Key Point Sheets
COMMON HAZARDS
Housekeeping
Housekeeping is the most common cause of workplace incidents
and the most preventable.
Housekeeping hazards include but are not limited to:
• Tripping hazards
• Fire hazards
• Incorrect storage of hazardous substances, tools
and machinery
Work At Height
Working at height is the number one cause of death and disability
at work.
Risk assessments should be carried out for all work at height.
Work near pits, trenches and other depressions is also considered
working at height.
14
VOCAM MANUAL / SAFETY AWARENESS © 2009
5
Key Point Sheets
COMMON HAZARDS
Hazardous Substances
Hazardous substance can enter the body by way of:
• inhalation
• absorption
• ingestion
Material Safety Data Sheets must be consulted when working with
hazardous substances.
Electricity
Electricity always seeks the path of least resistance.
Insulation and insulating PPE provide a high resistance barrier.
Noise
Noise can be hazardous in two ways:
• peak noise exposure
• exposure over a long duration
Excessive noise exposure results in permanent hearing loss.
VOCAM MANUAL / SAFETY AWARENESS © 2009
15
5
Key Point Sheets
COMMON HAZARDS
Manual Handling
Manual handling injuries are often permanent and can significantly
reduce your quality of life.
Manual handling injuries can occur over a long duration, where
repetitious movements have a cumulative effect.
They are often due to poor workstation set-up, and incorrect lifting
techniques.
Fire
Fires can be caused by:
• flammable atmospheres
• hot-work
• machinery
• electricity
Attempting to extinguish a fire can be hazardous in itself when the
incorrect type of fire-extinguisher is used.
You must know your workplace fire emergency plan.
16
VOCAM MANUAL / SAFETY AWARENESS © 2009
5
Key Point Sheets
COMMON HAZARDS
Workplace Equipment
Damaged workplace equipment must be reported immediately and
should not be used until repaired.
When servicing equipment, correct lockout/tagout procedures must
be followed.
Confined Spaces
Never enter a confined space unless you have a permit to do so,
and have been properly trained.
Confined space hazards include:
• oxygen deficient atmospheres
• toxic atmospheres
• combustible atmospheres
Working Outdoors
Working outdoors exposes you to the elements.
UV light causes skin cancer and eye damage.
Hot, cold and wet environments can cause injuries like frost bite,
hypothermia and heat stroke.
VOCAM MANUAL / SAFETY AWARENESS © 2009
17
5
Key Point Sheets
HIERARCHY OF RISK CONTROLS
The Hierarchy priortizes the following measures in this order:
• ELIMINATION
• SUBSTITUTION
• ISOLATION
• ENGINEERING CONTROLS
• ADMINISTRATIVE CONTROLS
• PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
These measures can be used in combination with each other.
Eliminating the risk altogether is the best practice.
PPE is a measure of last resort and should be used in conjunction
with the other control measures.
You should only implement lower order control measures if it is
not reasonably practicable to use a higher one.
18
VOCAM MANUAL / SAFETY AWARENESS © 2008
5
Key Point Sheets
HAZARD IDENTIFICATION
In the formal process there are 4 steps:
Step 1. Hazard identification
Look at each stage of the work process and identify anything that
could potentially cause harm.
Step 2. Risk Assessment
For each hazard work out what harm could occur and the likelihood
of it occurring. Also consider the consequences of an incident, who
is at risk, and how often they are exposed to the hazard.
Step 3. Risk Control
Implement the hierarchy of risk controls to eliminate or reduce the
risk to the lowest level that is reasonably practicable.
Step 4. Review
Check that the control measures are working as planned and
are effective.
VOCAM MANUAL / SAFETY AWARENESS © 2008 19