Plain speaking guide to safety
Are you confused by the myriad of acronyms and the jargon used when it comes to Workplace Health Safety?
Often safety can become a bit of an acronym minefield. Let’s have a look at a few you may run into.
Acts and Regulations - It is important that everyone understands that most workplaces in South Australia are covered by the SA Work Health and Safety Act and associated Regulations (2012).
The old term OHS, and the old Occupational Health and Safety Act (1986), have been replaced by “Work Health and Safety” or WHS and the new Work Health and Safety Act. So in effect if you see WHS – think OHS.
The new term of 'worker' is used in the Act to recognise that working relationships aren’t just about employee and employer, occupational safety applies equally to anyone who works in whatever capacity be it employee, labour hire person, volunteer or contractor.
Codes of Practice (CoP) – you will see occasional references to a Code of Practice; “First Aid in the Workplace” is a good example. A Code of Practice provides practical information and guidance on how to meet the requirements of the Act and Regulations.
How does DEWNR ensure that it meets any legislated requirements?
Through the implementation of policies and procedures that set out how we manage safety.
Safety Policy – these are big ticket items if you like that set out in very strategic terms what needs to occur and the key safety commitments and responsibilities for both senior and line Managers and workers.
Safety Procedures – This is really the crux or key safety document for the organisation. They tell you what you need to do, how and when, and will often provide you with a flow chart and template documents.
Risk Assessments – There are a range of risk assessments (RA) used in DEWNR. The key ones being for Plant
(machinery, equipment and firearms), hazardous substances, and lastly a specialized one for hazardous tasks – a job safety analysis or JSA.
The primary purpose of a RA is to ensure that there is a close examination of any job or work process, chemical or item of plant and prior to use that as best as is possible all the foreseeable safety hazards and risks that might arise are identified along with how best to manage them.
It is also worth mentioning that for any hazardous chemical used in DEWNR workers must have ready access to a Safety Data Sheet (these were called MSDS but this is now shorten to SDS) which sets out the known dangers and how the chemical can be used safely. An SDS has a range of information including safe storage and use, the wearing and use of correct personal protective equipment (PPE) and also information about what to do in an emergency including if spillage occurs.
Safe Work Practices (SWP) – there are a range of SWPs used in DEWNR. Their key purpose is to clearly set out the work process to be followed to perform a task or use equipment safely. Safe Work Instructions (SWI) are very similar in purpose to SWPs.
Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) – SOPs are no longer used in DEWNR.
If you require any clarification or further information on Safety visit our website or contact your local liaison Ranger or the Volunteer Support Officer.
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