Swinburne University is committed to creating and maintaining a safe environment for all employees, students, contractors and visitors. Through a process of continuous improvement, safety will be developed into all Swinburne operations and activities. To achieve this Swinburne is committed to increasing management and employee awareness and involvement in health and safety.

To achieve best practice requires the collaborative effort of all persons and so every individual is responsible for ensuring their actions do not place themselves or others at risk.

In recognition of this every employee is required to undertake as part of the induction process this OHS module. In undertaking this module you will be reminded of the responsibilities you have to yourself and others.

SAFETY AT SWINBURNE

RESPONSIBILITIES FOR OHS

All personnel within Swinburne University have both a moral and a legal responsibility under the OHS Act 1994 and the Swinburne OHS Policy for ensuring their actions or inaction does not place the health and safety of others at risk. Responsibilities for employees and students include:

• Undertaking the appropriate safety orientation, induction or training provided to them; • Complying with all OHS instructions, policies and procedures including departmental safety

manuals; • Seeking information or advice where necessary before carrying out new or unfamiliar work; • Maintaining dress standards appropriate to the work/study activity; wearing the appropriate

protective clothing and footwear required at all times; • Reporting all hazards, near misses and injuries to their line manager/teacher; and • Being familiar with emergency and evacuation procedures including the location of emergency

equipment.

In this context, supervisors are those who are responsible for the allocation of tasks to other staff and for the overseeing of students.

Responsibilities include:

Complying with all OHS policies and procedures and ensuring the persons they supervise have the knowledge and competencies to perform their roles safely;

Identifying and controlling the risks associated with the work that they supervise using a documented risk management process;

CONSULTATION

The OHS Act 1994 requires that employers consult with their employees about matters that may affect their health, safety or welfare.

RISK MANAGEMENT

Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment, Control and Evaluation (HIRACE)

An essential part of any health and safety management system is a systematic approach to:

Hazard identification - identify all possible situations in the workplace where people may be exposed to injury or illness.

Risk assessment - determine the likelihood that people may be exposed to injury, illness or disease in the workplace arising from any situation in the workplace.

Risk control - identify all reasonably practicable actions for eliminating or reducing the likelihood of injury, illness in the workplace.

And finally Evaluation - implement actions and monitor and review them in order to ensure effectiveness.

HAZARDS & RISKS What is a hazard and a risk? See below for the model used to assess OHS risks within Swinburne.

HAZARD – Hazard is condition or situation with the potential to cause injury or illness to people or damage to property and the environment.

RISK – OHS risk is the likelihood that exposure to a hazard or condition will result in injury or illness to people or damage property and the environment.

HAZARD IDENTIFICATION & REPORTING

If you see a hazard, you have a responsibility to do something about it:

• If the hazard can be easily removed without risk to the health and safety of yourself or others, take the appropriate action immediately (See Example 1); Example 1 : Slipping hazard - Clean up a spill in the kitchen (even if you didn’t spill it) - If there is a chair blocking a fire exit, move it to a nearby room

• If the cause of the hazard is not easily controlled you should report it to your manager and the local HSR (see Example 2); Example 2 : Blocked hallway - Inappropriate storage - Inappropriate or non-existent manual handling aids

• If the hazard represents a serious and immediate risk to health and safety, you should notify your manager and the local HSR in person, at once (see Example 3); Example 3 : Gas leak - The smell of gas is prevalent

• Hazards that could be a security risk should be reported to Security (see Example 4); Example 4 : Threatening person - A violent or threatening person - A suspect package

• Building related issues should be reported to your manager or to Facilities and Services unit (see Example 5). Example 5 : Fire door - A fire door not closed

INCIDENT REPORTING

Event or sequence of events resulting in loss of control over a hazard, which may result in injury to a person or damage to property.

Incident or event which has the potential to cause personal injury or damage to equipment, machinery, property or facilities.

Work related injury/illness requiring first aid or medical intervention and/or time off work.

Generally refers to death or serious injury as well as situations or events which have the potential to cause these outcomes.

For all serious incidents or dangerous occurrences contact Security at 3333.

What is a Near Miss?

What is Injury/Illness?

What is a Serious Incident/Dangerous Occurrence?

What is an Incident?

REPORTING

All Swinburne staff are responsible for reporting all hazards, incidents and injuries to their direct supervisor immediately. If their supervisor is not available the incident should be reported to the next line manager.

Staff should complete an Incident Hazard Report Form for:

• Any hazards observed in the workplace; • Any work related injury or illness; • Any near miss; • Vehicle, plant or property damage; • Environmental incidents; and • Serious Incident/Dangerous occurrence.

All Incident/Hazard Report forms are to be given to the Health and Safety within 24 hours.

It is important that any injury/illness requiring more than first aid intervention be reported immediately to both your supervisor and Health and Safety Executive.

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

In any emergency situation the most important thing is being prepared. You should be aware of your responsibilities in an emergency, as well as of those around you who can provide help and guidance in such situations.

You are also strongly encouraged to refer to your work location's emergency evacuation poster, and familiarise yourself with the local emergency procedures in your area.

This includes being aware of the location of:

Emergency exits; Portable fire fighting equipment; Evacuation assembly points;

For detailed information about emergency procedures at Swinburne University, please see the Emergency Management Policy.

WARDENS

The role of a warden is to check the designated area around them and inform building occupants if they need to evacuate. They then facilitate a safe and orderly evacuation of the premises to the designated evacuation assembly location.

In the event of an emergency, you must ALWAYS follow the direction of the wardens / security personnel.

You should make an effort to get to know the warden for your work location.

IMPORTANT:

When evacuating the building, follow the directions of wardens, security and emergency services personnel.

NOTE:

The role of a building warden may be undertaken by either a designated building warden or by security personnel.

EVACUATION PROCEDURE

You should identify the emergency EXIT closest to your workspace and an alternative exit route. Evacuation signs are posted throughout the University indicating nearest evacuation routes and evacuation assembly areas. If your site has an emergency alarm system you should evacuate if you hear the evacuation alarm / voice-over or if instructed by a warden / security personnel.

REMEMBER:

Follow all instructions given by your wardens:

- Exit the building via the emergency exits and proceed to the evacuation assembly area;

- When exiting keep to the left of the stairs; - DO NOT use lifts; - Wait for instruction from wardens / security personnel at the assembly area; - DO NOT re-enter until authorised by warden / security personnel.

ASSEMBLY POINT

POINT 1 (FRONT PLAZA) POINT 2 (OUTDOOR FIELD) POINT 3 (OPEN SPACE PARKING)

(In front of HL Building)

A Chancellery B IT/Science Building D Outdoor Dining

R Multi - Purpose hall E Engineering Building C Cafeteria

P Multi – Car Park L Lecture Theater HL Hostel

G Main Building H Female Hostel

HM Male Hostel

L1 Lecture Block 1

L2 Lecture Block 2

Assembly Point 3

Assembly Point 1

Assembly Point 2

FIRE FIGHTING EQUIPMENT

Fire Fighting Equipment (FFE) is located throughout Swinburne buildings. You should familiarise yourself with the location of these devices and ensure that they remain unobstructed. It is important to always know the location of your closest fire extinguisher.

Only attempt to extinguish a fire if you can do so SAFELY. Regardless of how small, the best thing to do upon discovering fire or smoke is to:

Move persons in danger to safety; Close all doors, windows and hatches to contain fire and block off smoke; Calmly warn others in area (do not shout 'fire'); Notify a warden or senior person in the area (so they can assess whether evacuation

is required); Ring Security on 3333 and dial 999.

If you are injured at work it is vital that you seek first aid.

If the injury is serious, seek medical assistance.

What to do in a Medical Emergency:

Do not attempt to move the injured person unless they are in danger; Contact security on 3333 or contact first aid officer; For a serious injury call 999 Do not leave the person unattended.

Check out the First Aid Responder poster to locate your nearest First Aider. All incidents requiring first aid must be reported using the Incident Hazard Report Form.

OHS WORKSITE INSPECTIONS

OHS worksite inspections are a proactive and systematic way of identifying and rectifying hazards before they result in an incident or injury.

The aim of the OHS Worksite Inspection is to identify any hazards within the work area and to develop an action plan to eliminate or reduce the hazards. Inspections are undertaken by employee representative in all areas.

TRAINING

Swinburne has a responsibility to ensure appropriate information, instruction, training and supervision is provided to enable you to perform your job safely. This induction module is one part of this training.

Where a role has been identified as requiring specific Health and Safety training, this training is available to staff through Swinburne or an external training provider. Examples of the different types of training are:

First Aid training and refresher;

Warden training;

For further information about training options speak with your Health and Safety Executive.

MANUAL HANDLING

The term 'Manual Handling' describes activities including lifting, lowering, pushing, pulling, carrying, moving, holding or restraining an object, animal or person. It also covers activities, which require the use of force or effort such as pulling a lever, or operating power tools.

Manual Handling that involves any of the following is referred to as hazardous manual handling:

Repetitive or sustained application of force or awkward posture;

Repetitive or sustained movement;

Application of high force;

Exposure to sustained vibration;

Manual handling of live people or animals; and

Manual Handling of loads that are unstable, unbalanced or difficult to hold.

MANUAL HANDLING (CONTINUED)

The most reliable way to minimise risk of injury from manual tasks is to reduce or eliminate it wherever possible. Simple changes to the workplace and systems of work can help reduce the risk.

If your role requires you to undertake hazardous manual handling, these tasks should not be performed without:

A risk assessment of the task being completed and a safe work method statement available for reference; or

Specific manual handling training for that task.

Your Health and Safety Executive can assist in this regard.

MANUAL HANDLING: LIFTING

Before moving a load, make sure your path is clear and that you have somewhere to put the load down. Assess the load to see how heavy it is and then check the load to see if it is safe to lift (e.g. the box is not broken and there are no sharp items protruding).

You must also consider:

Is there a safer way to move the load?

Is there a possibility that I may injure myself?

If an item is too heavy or if you have to move a load a long distance, do NOT try to move it. Consider alternatives such as using a mechanical device (e.g. a trolley) or if appropriate get help from a colleague (see Note).

NOTE:

Team lifting helps prevent injury by distributing the load between two or more people. Remember to communicate with your lifting partner and agree on the steps you will take to move the item. This will ensure that you are working together, not against each other.

CAUTION:

Never lift an item outside of your capability. Maximum single person lift depends on the physical condition of the person and the size, shape and position required to lift the item.

As a rule of thumb, the maximum should be no more than 25 kg.

MANUAL HANDLING: SMART LIFTING

Always use SMART lifting techniques if it is necessary to move a load:

Size up the load;

Move the load as close to your body as possible;

Always bend your knees;

Raise the load with your legs;

Turn your feet in the direction that you want to move the load.

Remember: The ideal height for safe lifting is between your waist and shoulder.

ELECTRICAL HAZARDS

Electrical equipment and appliances have the potential to cause serious shock, burns and electrocution. The most common electrical hazards are:

Overloaded power sockets (including the use of double adaptors);

Unsafe equipment;

Defective cords; and

Incorrect placement of electrical equipment.

Staff must not use personal electrical equipment items within Swinburne without approval by their Manager and having the item tested. Electrical equipment should be treated with caution and any damaged or faulty equipment must be reported to your manager, tagged as defective and immediately withdrawn from use.

SAFE WORKING ENVIRONMENT

Safe work behaviours

It is important to remember that a vast majority of injuries can be prevented by adopting a simple thought process - Safe work behaviours. Many accidents can be prevented in the workplace by:

Keeping your work area or designated area clean and tidy;

Approaching tasks with a watchful eye, particularly a new task or a task to be undertaken in an environment unfamiliar to you;

Taking the time to consider foreseeable risks prior to starting the task;

Undertaking work tasks in a safe manner, not taking shortcuts which could compromise safety;

Reporting any unsafe or hazardous conditions to your supervisor using the Incident Hazard Report Form; and

If you observe a hazard, witness or experience a near miss or incident - report it.

SAFE WORKING ENVIRONMENT

SLIPS, TRIPS AND FALLS

The most common cause of non-fatal injuries in the workplace is slips, trips and falls. Slips, trips and falls can be caused by:

Wet and oily floor surfaces;

Spillages;

Wet weather;

Loose mats, stair treads or tiles; and

Visual obstruction - when carrying objects and not being able to see the pathway in front of you.

When walking on Swinburne campuses - stick to dedicated paths and look ahead. If you see a hazard which could result in someone slipping, tripping or falling please take action and/or report it using an Incident Hazard Report Form.

WORKSTATION ASSESSMENT

With the increasing availability of computers within the workplace it is important for all members of staff to be aware of their working environment and how best to set their workstation up.

Ergonomics is the process of designing or arranging workstations and work systems so that they "fit" the people who will be using them. This is particularly important if you are experiencing discomfort due to age-related or pre-existing conditions.

SETTING UP YOUR WORKSTATIONS CORRECTLY

Most jobs now require a large amount of work on a computer. The way your workstation is set up can have a big impact on your health and wellbeing. Setting up your workstation correctly:

The Chair

Seat

Back Rest

Arm Rest

Foot Rest

The Desk

Position of Computer Screen

Workstation layout

Position of your Mouse

Position of your Keyboard

Use of Laptops

Laptop computers were designed for short-term or mobile use. They are not recommended for extended usage due to lack of adjustability of the screen and keyboard. Adverse effects of working on a laptop may be prevented.

SUSTAINED POSTURES - REST and RECOVERY

Our bodies are not designed to sit in one position for extended periods, even with a correctly designed workstation.

Rest and Exercise Breaks

If appropriate, rest pauses should be taken prior to the onset of fatigue (every 20-30 minutes if a change of activity is not imminent);

Try to alternate activities, preferably with different types of movements (for example keying versus getting up to collect items from the printer);

Exercise breaks may be necessary where task variety is not available and restricted postures are prolonged. The aim is to provide dynamic movement when static postures are maintained.

EXERCISE AND STRETCHES

It is very important if you are doing any task for a long period of time that you change your posture, take short breaks (1-2 minute stretch breaks every 20-30 minutes) and do some simple stretches. Examples of simple stretches or variations to your posture include:

Getting up from your desk and walking to the printer

Simple neck exercises, especially if you look at a computer screen all day;

Standing up while on the phone or taking messages;

Squatting down, lifting the knees or doing side stretches;

Raising both arms above your head;

Stretching all fingers back with the other hand towards the wrist and then towards the palm.

DRUGS AND ALCOHOL

Guidelines for Employees

Do NOT enter the workplace while adversely affected by alcohol or drugs. Doing so may expose yourself and others to unnecessary health and safety risks. Such behaviour may lead to disciplinary action being taken;

Some prescribed medication may affect your ability to work safely. If you or your doctors believe your medication may have these impacts, please advise your supervisor; and

If you suspect another employee is under the influence of alcohol or drugs, you should discuss this confidentially with your supervisor.

Smoking

Smoking is prohibited in all University buildings, enclosed spaces, outside areas adjoining buildings e.g. Balconies/decks and motor vehicles. Smoking is also prohibited within a 5 metre zone around building entrances and exits.

PERSONAL SAFETY ON CAMPUS

Your personal safety is important to us. At night, follow these basic safety tips:

When walking

Walk briskly and confidently;

Stick to well-lit pathways;

Avoid dimly-lit or isolated parts of campus; and

Don't walk alone, walk with a group or call Swinburne Security for an escort ext. 3333.

Working - after hours/alone

Notify Security if you are working alone outside business hours;

Inform family/friends of where you are and when you are expected home;

REPORTING PERSONAL SAFETY ISSUES

Report areas where the lighting is not functioning or effective to Facilities and Services, i.e. overgrown shrubbery/trees blocking light.

Report all suspicious persons, threats or assaults to Security first on 3333 (and then to the Health Safety Executive at 082-260 895 / ext. 8895 or via an Incident Hazard Report Form).

WORK-LIFE BALANCE

Swinburne has a range of employment options to support work-life balance. These include:

Gym membership;

Sports activities; and

Community activities.

Some ways you can work towards achieving work-life balance include:

Managing your time well and setting aside quality time with friends and family;

Nurturing your relationships both in and outside the office; and

Exercising and aiming to do at least one hobby on a regular basis.

SUMMARY

Throughout this course we have covered basic aspects relating to occupational health and safety systems and procedures within Swinburne.

The health and safety of workers must always be a key objective of Swinburne business operations, and no person should undertake a task which presents a threat to themselves or others.

Think about getting involved in Safety at Swinburne and consider becoming a Health and Safety Representative, First Aider or Warden! Talk safety with your colleagues and students!

THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION.