Getting Serious About Safety Procedures in the Workplace

Safety procedures in the workplace are an important tool for helping make sure your staff stay safe while completing their work tasks.Creating a safe work environment benefits businesses, workers and the local community.Every workplace has unique workplace hazards and safety needs. It is important to follow a risk management process that has been specifically created for your workplace.

What are safety procedures in the workplace?

A workplace safety procedure is a documented process that explains how work tasks should be performed in a safe way to minimise the risk of a work-related injury.Workplace procedures should break down each work task into its steps and then analyse each of these steps for health and safety risks.Strategies should be developed for controlling the risk. Employees should be consulted when conducting risk assessments as they may recognise risks that you may not be aware of.When developing a workplace procedure, keep in mind:

• Employees should be provided with the information and trained so that they can follow the safety instructions.

• Employees are more likely to follow safety procedures if they have been involved in developing them.

• Workplace procedures should be reviewed regularly to ensure they are up to date.

Who is responsible for workplace health and safety?

A person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) is responsible for minimising health and safety risks in the workplace. They are also required to communicate with workers about work health and safety.Manufacturers, suppliers, installers and designers also have a responsibility to ensure products and equipment have minimal risk.Workers also have some responsibilities which should be clearly outlined in the safety procedure.For example, employees may be responsible for:

• Taking reasonable responsibility for their own health and safety

• Not putting others at risk

• Complying with health and safety procedures

• Reporting any health and safety incidents

• Wearing personal protective equipment if provided

What work activities need a risk assessment?

Any activity that has a potential safety or health hazard should be assessed. That may include things like:

• Handling chemicals

• Using heavy machinery

• Lifting objects

• Working at heights

• Using electric equipment

• Slipping hazards

• Exposure to extreme temperatures

Training staff in safety procedures

If you are a business owner, you are responsible for ensuring all staff members are trained in the safety guidelines.Training for safety procedures in the workplace should be delivered according to the role of the particular employee so that they are well prepared to deal with any incidents that may come their way.Tips for effective workplace safety training include:

• Deliver the training in multiple ways. For example, use online training as well as instructor-led classes on site and make time for Q&A.

• Cater the training style to your staff. Everyone learns differently – try to provide training solutions that are best for the specific group of people.

• Explain what the benefits are for your employees. People are more likely to follow workplace safety procedures when they know it benefits them.

• Use visual content like videos, pictures and visual guides to aid the training.

Safety in the agricultural industry

The agricultural industry in Australia faces a number of unique workplace hazards and is considered a priority industry in the Australian Work Health and Safety Strategy 2012–2022. It has one of the highest rates of fatalities. Factors that increase the risk of workplace injuries in the agricultural industry include:

• Use of heavy machinery

• Working with animals

• Remote locations

• Exposure to chemicals

• Exposure to elements

The majority of fatalities in the agricultural industry occur on farms. Here are some ways to minimise the risk of workplace accidents on farms:

• Regularly inspect each work area on the property for potential hazards.

• Consult experts about ways to improve safety on your farm.

• Keep your equipment in good condition and perform regular maintenance.

• Ensure all workers and any children on the farm are properly trained in safety procedures in the workplace.

• Keep a record of any injuries that occur and assess the situation to improve safety for the future.

• Ensure there is a fully stocked remote first aid kit in an easy to access area as well as one in your vehicle. Also consider having a snake bite kit on hand.

What are the first aid requirements for workplaces?

There are work health and safety laws surrounding first aid for workplaces.Different workplaces have different first aid requirements depending on the nature of the work tasks, the size of the workplace and the particular hazards faced by workers.First aid equipment should be accessible to all workers at all times and should be clearly labelled.A designated person in the workplace should be responsible for ensuring the first aid kit is properly stocked at all times.

What should a workplace first aid kit contain?

All workplace first aid kits should contain basic first aid supplies for minor cuts, splinters, abrasions, sprains and minor burns. That includes things like wound dressings, burn gel, bandages, ice pack, scissors and splinter forceps.Some workplaces will need further supplies based on the specific risk.For example:

• If there is a higher risk of eye injury, such as in a workplace dealing with hazardous chemicals, eye pads and eye wash stations may be required.

• Workplaces with heavy machinery may be at higher risk of traumatic wounds, severe bleeding and amputation. A trauma kit with supplies such as a tourniquet and sterile amputated parts bag is required.

• Automated External Defibrillators (such as the Zoll defibrillator, Heartsine defibrillator etc) may be required in some workplaces, such as those with the risk of electrocution.

• Remote workplaces may require additional supplies for dealing with allergic reactions and breathing difficulties.

Buy workplace first aid kits online today

Being prepared with the right first aid equipment can help ensure better outcomes for workplace injuries and in some cases, having access to a first aid kit could save a life.LFA First Response supplies first aid kits, trauma kits and first aid supplies suitable for a wide range of workplaces and industries. We offer excellent use by dates, fast delivery and price match.Order online today, or get in touch with our customer service team to discuss your needs.