WHS

Question 1

What does WHS stand for?

Answer 1

WHS = Work Health and Safety.

Question 2

What is the aim of WHS?

Answer 2

Aims to prevent illness, injury, and death at work.

Question 3

What is the right of every worker regarding workplace safety?

Answer 3

Everyone has the right to a safe and healthy workplace.

Question 4

What does the WHS Act 2011 establish?

Answer 4

Sets out legal duties.

Question 5

What does the WHS Regulation 2017 provide?

Answer 5

Provides more detailed requirements.

Question 6

What are Codes of Practice in WHS?

Answer 6

Practical advice to meet WHS obligations (e.g. hazardous substances, manual handling).

Question 7

Who is the main duty holder in WHS?

Answer 7

PCBU (Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking).

Question 8

What are the responsibilities of a PCBU?

Answer 8

Ensures health and safety of workers and others; must provide safe systems, training, supervision, equipment.

Question 9

What is the role of Officers in WHS?

Answer 9

Senior managers or directors who must ensure PCBU complies with WHS.

Question 10

What are the responsibilities of Workers in WHS?

Answer 10

Take care of own health and safety; follow procedures, wear PPE, report hazards and incidents.

Question 11

What do Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs) do?

Answer 11

Speak up for workers in WHS matters; can inspect workplaces, request reviews, and attend meetings.

Question 12

What is the purpose of Health and Safety Committees (HSCs)?

Answer 12

Help communication between workers and management; discuss WHS concerns and develop improvements.

Question 13

What are the types of hazards in the workplace?

Answer 13

Physical, Chemical, Biological, Ergonomic, Psychosocial, Manual tasks, Machinery/equipment and electrical hazards.

Question 14

What are hazardous substances?

Answer 14

Flammable, explosive, toxic, or reactive chemicals.

Question 15

What are common healthcare hazards?

Answer 15

Slips, trips, falls; needle stick injuries; aggressive patients; stress and fatigue; infection risks; unsafe manual handling.

Question 16

What are the steps in risk management?

Answer 16

1. Identify hazards 2. Assess risks (likelihood and severity) 3. Control risks (apply the hierarchy) 4. Review controls.

Question 17

What is the hierarchy of control?

Answer 17

1. Elimination 2. Substitution 3. Isolation 4. Engineering controls 5. Administrative controls 6. PPE (least effective).

Question 18

What is manual handling?

Answer 18

Any task involving pushing, pulling, lifting, or carrying.

Question 19

What is the correct technique for manual handling?

Answer 19

Bend knees, keep back straight; keep load close; don’t twist; use aids or ask for help.

Question 20

What should you do before using equipment?

Answer 20

Inspect equipment before use; tag and report damage; clean between uses; maintain regularly.

Question 21

What must PPE be?

Answer 21

Worn correctly, in good condition, stored and replaced properly.

Question 22

What are examples of PPE?

Answer 22

Gloves for body fluid contact; masks for infection control; goggles for splash protection; gowns for barrier protection.

Question 23

What does Code Red signify?

Answer 23

Fire.

Question 24

What does Code Blue signify?

Answer 24

Medical emergency.

Question 25

What are the evacuation steps?

Answer 25

Follow exit signs and emergency instructions; don’t use lifts unless told; close doors behind you; go to assembly point.

Question 26

What does R.A.C.E. stand for in fire safety?

Answer 26

R – Remove people from danger; A – Alert others/call for help; C – Contain the fire (close doors); E – Evacuate/Extinguish if trained.

Question 27

What should you do after an incident?

Answer 27

Report all injuries, near misses, or hazards to a supervisor; record incidents using proper forms (e.g. IMS+).

Question 28

What are WorkCover responsibilities?

Answer 28

Investigate incidents; enforce compliance; help injured workers return safely.

Question 29

What is the purpose of signs and symbols in the workplace?

Answer 29

Warning people of hazards, providing instructions for equipment use, giving clear directions, identifying equipment out of order.

Question 30

How should workers be involved in WHS decisions?

Answer 30

Workers must be included in WHS decisions; speak up about hazards; ask questions if unsure.

Question 31

What supports can be used for effective communication in WHS?

Answer 31

Visual aids, interpreters, diagrams, and safety posters.

Question 32

What is the importance of housekeeping in the workplace?

Answer 32

Clean as you go – remove clutter and spills; report broken or unsafe equipment.

Question 33

What do the color-coded waste bins signify?

Answer 33

Yellow – Clinical/infectious waste; Sharps – Sharps container; General – Regular bins.

Question 34

How can workers maintain their wellbeing?

Answer 34

Take care of mental and physical health; keep hydrated, well-rested, and nourished; use supports.

Question 35

What are Safe Work Instructions (SWIs)?

Answer 35

Step-by-step instructions to safely complete a task; identify risks and controls; reviewed regularly.

Question 36

What are COSOPS?

Answer 36

Used when systems or resources fail (e.g. emergency backup plans); each work area has their own.

Question 37

What must WHS records include?

Answer 37

Incident reports, training logs, risk assessments, Safety Data Sheets (SDS).