Participate in safe work practices

Question 1

Acts, regulations and codes of practice

Answer 1

Act – outlines your broad responsibilities. Regulations – set out specific requirements for particular hazards and risks, such as noise, machinery, and manual handling. Codes of practice – provide practical information on how you can meet the requirements in the Act and Regulations

Question 2

Lesgislation & PCBU’S

Answer 2

A ‘person conducting a business or undertaking’ (PCBU) is a broad term used throughout work health and safety legislation to describe all forms of modern working arrangements, which we commonly refer to as businesses. A person who performs work for a PCBU is considered a worker.

Question 3

Workplace signage

Answer 3

The purpose of having safety signage in the workplace is to identify and warn workers who may be exposed to hazards in the workplace. Safety signs can assist in the communication of important instructions, reinforce safety messages and provide instruction for emergency situations

Question 4

PPE

Answer 4

Personal protective equipment

Question 5

Characteristics of manual tasks

Answer 5

repetitive or sustained force • high or sudden force • repetitive movement • sustained or awkward posture • exposure to vibration. These five factors are also known as the characteristics of a hazardous manual task.

Question 6

Hazardous substances $ dangerous goods

Answer 6

Hazardous substances are classified on the basis of their potential health effects, whether acute (immediate) or chronic (long-term). Dangerous goods are classified on the basis of immediate physical or chemical effects, such as fire, explosion, corrosion and poisoning.

Question 7

Health, safety & security breaches

Answer 7

Breaching health and safety regulations is a criminal offence. Companies have a common law duty to ensure the working environment is safe for employees. By not doing so, you can face consequences, including fines or prison sentences.

Question 8

Hazard identification and risk assessment

Answer 8

Hazard Identification Risk Assessment (HIRA) is a process of defining and describing hazards by characterizing their probability, frequency, and severity and evaluating adverse consequences, including potential losses and injuries.

Question 9

Cost of workplace injury

Answer 9

A 2012 Safe Work Australia report estimates the total economic cost of work-related injury and illness was around $60.6 billion dollars in 2008/09 with the average injury costing $99,100. The injured worker bears 74% of this cost, the community 21% and the employer 5%.