How to Minimise Risks by Controlling the Hazards in Accordance With OHS Requirements

Under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2000, employers as well as employees are obligated to ensure that a safe and healthy workplace is maintained. This legislation is enforced by the primary statutory body known as WorkCover, and it is designed to ensure that the health, safety and general welfare of people in the workplace are protected. Even though ultimately it is the employer's responsibility and obligation to provide a safe work environment, you as an employee have a role to play and are expected to participate actively.

When a hazard is identified, consider both the likelihood of injury as well as the consequence of the risk that could result from the hazard.

Examples of minimising the risk by controlling the hazard

Here are some examples of minimising risks by controlling hazards:

• An electrical cord is frayed-take the cord away and report the hazard
• The corner of the floor mat is turned up-tape it down or remove the mat, and report the hazard
• A nail is sticking out of a drawer-pad the nail, then stay away from the drawer and report the hazard so that it can be fixed

How can we control the risk?

Here are some suggestions:

• People can be separated from the risk
• Personal protective clothing can be worn (eg goggles, gum boots and gloves)
• Staff can be trained and better informed
• Lifting equipment can be used
• Power tools can have guards
• Safety switches can be used
• Air driven tools can be used to reduce the need for electricity
• Office furniture can be carefully selected
• Signs can be erected (in other languages besides English, if required)
• Occupational health and safety policies and procedures should be followed

Remember that if the hazard cannot be removed then we need to control the risk.

Exposure to blood, vomit and other body fluids

If you have been exposed to blood or other body fluids follow the procedures outlined below.

Needle stick injury

• Squeeze the needle stick injury site to express as much blood as possible
• Thoroughly wash the site with soap and water
• Keep the needle or object that caused the injury, but only if it is safe to do so
• Follow any additional workplace policies and procedures. Note: You can phone the Needle stick Injury Hotline on 1800 804 823 even if the injury does not occur in the workplace
• Seek medical advice

Blood or other body fluid splashes to the mouth, nose or skin

• Immediately flush the affected mouth, nose or skin area with running water
• Wash any outer skin surfaces with soap and water
• Follow any additional workplace policies and procedures
• Seek medical advice

Blood or other body fluid splashes to the eyes

• Flush the eyes with clean or sterile water, as available
• Follow any additional workplace policies and procedures
• Seek medical advice