Work health and safety WA 2

Abstract

a) What does the Harmonization of WHS process ensure and explain what you think the benefits may be to the workplace? Harmonization of the occupational health safety process in Australia is intended to provide a framework in all states and territories that ensures efficiency in adherence to laws, policies, and procedures within an organization. The harmonization laws create a balanced and nationality consistent framework that upholds workers and workplace institutions' health and safety. It also helps eliminate, control, reduce health hazards, promote education, and create awareness of occupation safety and health. b) Name two sources that provide information on your legal responsibilities regarding Workplace consultation. Newspapers and magazines television c) According to Section 46 of the WHS Act, 2011, who has a responsibility to ensure that Consultation, Cooperation, and Coordination processes are followed? According to section 46 of the WHS Act, a person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) has a responsibility to ensure consultation and cooperation. A PCBU can be a sole trader, partnership, company, unincorporated organization, or government agency such as a municipal council. d) Western Australia has not yet signed onto the Harmonization Act, research the equivalent information in the WA WHS Act, 1984 and briefly explain its contents. Are there any differences? Is it similar? The Occupation Safety and Health Act 1984 supports the promotion, coordination, administration, and enforcement of occupational safety and health in Western Australia. It applies to all industries, except mining and petroleum. The Act also stipulates duties of care for the safety and health of employers, employees, the self-employed, importers, suppliers, and importers. There are notable changes in the new model; for instance, the employer has been changed to PCBU and employee to a worker. A worker includes volunteers, contractors, labor hires, and employees. Workers are deemed to have the highest level of protection against harm to their health and safety. This means raising the standard of care for workers. The new Act also provides that unions play a role in developing and promoting workplace safety. Risk management policies are also included in the Act. The new model enacts due diligence offense for the executive and directors and excludes a local government's elected members. e) What does the term ‘Reasonably Practicable’ mean, and what are some issues or variables that the workplace must consider? Reasonably practicable is the highest standard of care for workers on health and safety. It entails what could reasonably be done at a particular time to uphold health and safety measures. In ascertaining reasonably practicable, matters including; the following are considered; probability of occurrence of risk the degree of harm that may result from a hazard regarding its seriousness the cost incurred in eliminating or minimizing potential dangers and risks, and the legal duty of care. f) What does the term ‘Consultation’ and describe the importance of having a consultative workplace? Consultation entails a collaborative process between the PCBUs and their workers. The consultation process involves sharing information between these PCBUs and workers concerning their health and safety and ensuring that workers are heard, and their issues are taken into account. Consultation entails identifying possible hazards, proposing changes, and making decisions on ways to eliminate and minimize risks, adequacy of facilities to promote the workers' welfare, and procedures on monitoring workers' health and safety. Having a consultive workplace reduces hazards and controls possible risks. It also boosts worker confidence and improves organizational performance and efficiency. g) What types of issues are involved within the consultative process? The type of issues includes; Decision making on how to provide health and safety information to workers, procedures for resolving health and safety issues, policies on consultation with workers, and ways to eliminate possible risks and hazards. It also checks on worker welfare and identification of threats in the workplace. h) Explain why it is crucial to ensure there is a degree of cooperation in the workplace. The cooperation ensures that quality work is presented within stipulated times. It creates peace and harmony among workers hence enhancing performance. i) Why is it essential to ensure that the workplace is coordinated? Coordination in the workplace is an essential tool in minimizing conflicts, wastages, rivalry among workers, delays in performance, and organization challenges. Coordination enhances the smooth running of the organization aiming at achieving objectives and goals. j) What objective concerns Training within the WHS Act? Training and instruction are relevant to safety and health and entails hazard-specific training, in-house programs, industry-based training, on-the-job training, and safety and induction training, all these to identify risks and hazards, show employee task and ways of doing it, correction of errors, operation of equipment, precautions on electricity and fire, dealing with emergencies, and obtaining information regarding information health, and safety. 1.2 a) According to Section 72 of the WHS Act, Training is a Legal Responsibility for who? What other responsibilities must be legally recognized? Research what Western Australia currently requires within the W.A WHS Act, 1984, concerning these issues. Clause 72 of the work health and safety provides an obligation for PCBUs to permit health and safety representatives to undertake training. The employee must give time off training and pay for the costs as legally approved by the regulator. The training must occur within three months of the health and safety representative request. W.A WHS Act, 1984 recommends that Once elected as a safety and health representative; you have the right to attend an accredited course within 12 months of being elected. However, to enable you to fulfill all of your functions, you should try to enroll in an accredited introductory training course within the first three to six months of being elected. The H.R.s can choose from a WorkSafe website accredited training provider, and by the end of the training, hey will earn Certificate III in Work Health and Safety b) What role does an employee have within the WHS Consultation, Cooperation, and Coordination process? Employees have to take reasonable care of their health and safety at the workplace. c) Managers and Supervisors have a legal obligation regarding Consultation under Section 48 of the Model WHS Act; what are they? Where can you find the equivalent under the WA WHS Act, 1984? WHS Act section 48 obliges the management to talk, listen to, seek and share, and consider workers. This Act requires consultation by; sharing relevant information on work and safety with workers taking into account the views of workers giving workers a reasonable opportunity to raise their opinions regarding their health and safety. Allowing workers to contribute to a decision-making process. d) Contractors must also be involved within the Consultation process; can you explain why this is? WHS bill recommends consultation with workers. PCBU must consult workers (contractors or subcontractors) relating to their operation area, for instance, maintenance contractors. e) From a Clients point of view, why is it essential to include them in the consultation process? Clients determine the reputation of the company. Clients need efficiency interest in bodies that impact their organization. Clients ought to be involved in the consultation process to assess feedback on services or products offered. In case they are not effective or hazardous, the company or organization can improve. g) What makes a Health and Safety Representative ineligible? If disqualified by section 60 by the magistrate court if performed an act for an improper purpose Breach of confidentiality under section 65 h) How can a Health Safety Committee help? The committee facilitates cooperation between workers and the employer’s representative to promote health and safety. The committee also helps develop standards and procedures and act according to regulation 23 under section 81(2) on matters regarding default in resolving health and safety issues. i) There are over 350,000 volunteers within the community; what are they obliged to do? What advantages can they offer within the consultative process? Volunteers are obliged to take reasonable care of their health and safety; they are also to comply with the owner’s instructions, and cooperate to the health and safety of others in the workplace, The community is involved in the consultation process since they are familiar with the area and can provide valuable information that an organization is not aware of when putting together a work health and safety plan. 1.3 a) Under the WHS Legislative Process, Give a detailed overview of Management responsibilities. Managers have a legal responsibility to consult stakeholders and key personnel to make informed decisions, the reason being they have adequate skills and experience The managers have responsibilities in ensuring stakeholders participate in the WHS consultation process. Stakeholders help in problem-solving and work success; their facilitation involves motivation and working with them. Managers have a legal duty of care to support WHS requirements. This entails facilitating key personnel and ensuring that workers are not placed at risk. The managers are also obliged to ensure the workplace is safe and consult workers' failure to do so managers are held liable. Managers have a duty of care to act within their scope of authority, responsibilities, and knowledge to ensure the organization sets up work health and safety participative arrangements. Managers are responsible for supporting and motivating workers to enhance the success of WHS. b) Under the WHS Legislative process, what are employees/Workers' responsibilities? WHS legislation obliges workers to follow their employer's instructions as long as they do not feel at risk when doing so. Employees are required to participate in decision making that affects their health and safety. c) Describe what you think is meant by ‘Safety Culture’ and why is it essential to maintain one in the workplace? Safety culture is made up of attitudes, beliefs, expectations, and actions involving workplace safety. Maintaining a safety culture is essential for strengthening the workplace's safety process; it reduces the risk of injury to stakeholders, decreases absenteeism in work due to injury, and decreases the costs associated with injuries. d) To maintain a Workplace Safety Culture, what should be encouraged and supported? The management should encourage and support the following to maintain workplace safety culture; The commitment and consultation process Ensure open communication across all organization levels Support training when required Managers should promote a systematic approach to improving the documentation process, such as policies and procedures and evaluation and continuous improvement process. e) Name all the roles/members of the workplace you would consider a ‘stakeholder.’ contractors employees volunteers subcontractors and their employees f) Describe the ‘Stakeholders’ contributing to the consultative process in a workplace you have been involved in. Employees; the management should provide workers with information about an incident to get feedback from them. Employees are also consulted in decision making and change, mostly if they requested the change. This improves employee confidence in a working environment. Managers and supervisors; can consult through health and safety representatives and the health and safety committee. Under section 48 of the WHS Act, managers and supervisors must share information with workers, give workers a chance to share their views, consider workers in the decision-making process, ensure workers are provided an opportunity to give feedback. They are also to give workers change when requested. Contractors, contractors, subcontractors, and employees should participate in an induction process on the worksite to ensure they are familiar with their operations. Consultation is essential for these personnel on hazards likely to impact their activities. Clients should be consulted, especially when they purchase hazardous substances or products from a company. Consultation involves providing information that will help in controlling and maintaining the hazard to minimize the risks. Community; the community is always familiar with the area and can be consulted to provide valuable information to an organization that enhances a steadfast work health and safety plan Visitors; According to section 70(1), the work health and safety representative may invite Health and Safety Professionals or industry specialists onto the worksite and give advice based on their knowledge to make a work health and safety decision. WHS committees, the work health and safety representatives provide information that keeps the workplace safe; they also control WHS in the workplace and are essential in consulting with personnel. g) How would you describe the safety culture in any previous workplaces you have been a part of - both positive and negative 2.1 a) What needs to be considered to have an effective consultation procedure? For an effective consultation procedure, the following are included; the matters that require the consultation Who will be consulted? For instance, how the consultation will occur through health and safety representatives, toolbox talks, and regular meetings? How information will be shared with workers and health and safety representatives. Providence of opportunities to workers and health and safety representatives to give their views on proposed matters Mode of feedback How consultation will occur in cases of language and literacy needs Timeframes for reviewing the procedures. b) Describe the different strategies and tools used to implement the WHS Consultation process: - Employee meeting Workers ought to be given convenient times and dates to participate in an employee meeting. It is also essential to ensure that personnel obtains access to the meeting by considering the date and time. Information should also be provided in time to ensure personnel participates effectively and reflect on the information, which promotes active participation in the consultation process. - Hazard alert Hazard alert provides information where there are high chances of injury in the workplace, for instance, places with dangerous material, i.e., forklifts. - Informal Discussions Managers and supervisors should be accessible to staff; when walking through the working site and coming in contact with workers, they should stop and discuss their latest concerns. The workers will provide feedback and ask questions. These discussions build employee confidence. - Safety Audits, Hazard Identification, Risk assessment process Workers who contribute to providing information on safety audits, hazard identifications, and risk assessment have n impact in resolving workplace risks. Workers should report any mischief that contributed to a hazard or a threat, for instance, fellow workers who put others at a hazard that causes injury. - Intranet/email system The consultation process focuses on sharing information and feedback concerning health and safety issues. This ensures organizational and legislative requirements of the workplace are met. Emails and intranet provide information to reach workers at their level of capacity in time. Email is essential in contacting personnel to source information that may be useful to an organization. - Meetings with WHS members The WHS members consult with workers. These members are essential in stipulating regular, planned, and structured discussions on health and safety issues. They also formulate a cooperative approach to health and safety and ensure that organizational information is retained within the workplace. - Suggestion Boxes Suggestion boxes enable workers to present anonymous issues regarding work health and safety in the workplace. Some workers prefer privacy and do not want to be seen as different when proposing good ideas for an organization. - Surveys Surveys help in the collection of information on the WHS process. Participants enable organizations to improve on areas they are weak in. surveys are used to obtain feedback on the company's performance and productivity. Surveys should be standardized to enhance reliable and factual feedback. Surveys promote data collection in a lump sum within a short time. - Checklists Checklists ensure tasks and procedures are continuously completed. Checklists allow workers to check their progress and maintain safety and performance standards to minimize workplace risks. - Toolbox and Internal meetings Toolbox meetings raise awareness of accidents in the workplace. The meetings discuss unsafe acts and conditions rising in the workplace. They can be in the form of diagrams, handouts, and photos, which workers can study. Training, mentoring, and coaching provide an employee with necessary support when there are gaps in workers' learning. 2.2 a) Describe what you think Facilitation within the workplace involves? Facilitation is an attribute that enables workers to work as a group. It promotes diversity in cultures and sharing of interests and abilities Facilitators are essential in the consultation process, mostly when changes are made to procedures. b) A Facilitator should be able to enact several attributes within the workplace; using your own words, briefly describe what is meant by: - Leading by example A facilitator who leads by example conforms to the WHS requirements. He or she keeps promises, is action-oriented, maintains duty of care compared to other workers through effective communication, reporting mischief in creating hazards, and ensuring the workplace is safe. - Maintaining an open environment A facilitator ought to receive all feedbacks from employees, whether positive or negative. They are not to judge any worker on their comments as these will discourage participation. In cases where a problem arises, a facilitator should study in detail and provide workers with efficient training and information on a company's products and services as per Section 3 of the WHS Act. - Involving everyone A facilitator should consult as many personnel as to possible when a hazard occurs. It can be through emails and meetings. A facilitator creates time to consult various workers, especially when working in shifts. This attribute encourages workers to express their views and concerns in the workplace. - Providing Facilities Facilities provided to workers include; toilets, coffee, notes for study on organizational matters, and books and pens during meetings. Facilitators should also provide a conducive environment and promote the reputation of a company. c) What do you think should be displayed by ‘Active Listening’? Active listening entails giving full attention when someone is expressing their views or opinions. It is characterized by providing feedback and acknowledging contributions. Active listening promotes decision making in alignment with the consultation process. d) Why is it essential to ensure that as much information and data should be considered when enacting the “Hierarchy of Control”? To ensure information is appropriately communicated to the management. e) What is meant by the “Hierarchy of Control”? Hierarchy of control is a tool in an organization used in ranking the level of protection and reliability a hazard control technique has regarding risk elimination. f) Can you design a method of remembering it? Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Reliability Least Medium High Level of protection High Medium Least g) Give examples using one incident scenario of how you would use it. During the coronavirus pandemic, I use PPE (face mask) is the most reliable protection method (Level 3). However, its level of protection is poor (Level 1) h) What is the most preferred option within the “Hierarchy of Control”? Why do you think it is so? Level one control measures; these are measures taken to eliminate hazards. This measure is more efficient as it is developed during the planning stage. This method is more practicable than the others; it aligns the department's needs from the first time it is adopted. i) Give an overview of what is ‘reasonably practicable’ within the Hierarchy of Control process, including the applicable considerations. According to the WHS Act, Section 18, Reasonably practicable is a duty to ensure health and safety in the line of duty. This duty assesses the chance of a hazard and risk happening; it considers the level and amount that could arise from the risk, the amount of information a person may require regarding the risk, and suitable ways of minimizing the risk based on the available resources. j) Give an overview of Level 1 Control Measure and what it entails This is a hazard control measure in which actions are taken to eliminate hazards. Eliminating risks in this method is more practicable, and the procedure is developed during the planning stage. The organization can align its needs the moment it is initiated to avoid the occurrence of risks, for instance, installing a soundproof room when working in a night club. k) Give an overview of Level 2 control measures and what they should include? It entails the elimination of risks that are not reasonably practicable. It involves substituting another process or product to replace the hazard. For instance, if a roof is leaking, you can seal the distorted area without removing the whole roof. Isolating the hazard by separating it from potential harm to those who may encounter the risk, and using engineering control by consulting professionals, for instance, re-diverting water flow from the leaking roof to minimize risks. l) Give an overview of Level 3 control measures and what they should include this control measure involves improving administrative control, for instance, changing procedures, training, and formulation of policies. The method is the least efficient among the three. This measure maintains that risk is minimized by ascertaining the behavior of the staff m) What is considered the least effective control? Why? Level 3 control measure is the least since the hazards are not controlled at source. Control does not relate to the hazard or risk itself. It relies on employee/ worker duty of care. n) When Considering PPE as a control, what types of PPE should be included? The PPE considered during control include; Head protection such as the helmet, face, and eye protection prevents workers from inhaling foreign and polluted fumes. Respiratory protection protects an individual from polluted fumes. Hearing protection from noisy environments, Hand protection from germs and chemicals, and clothing and footwear for protection from falling debris or dropped material. o) In regards to Section 44 to 47. (Part 3.2, Div. 5), what instructions must be observed regarding the use of PPE? The PPE should be fitting to the worker The worker wears the PPE as far as it is practicable Ensuring that the PPE is chosen to minimize the risks The PPE should be appropriate to the nature of work and the hazards associated with it The is sufficient PPE in case they are raptured to facilitate replacement. p) According to WHS risk assessment requirements, what should be considered strict legal instruction? The strict legal instruction obliges any person who is conducting or undertaking a business to consult with workers who will be affected by a matter relating to work and safety and consult according to the procedures agreed upon by the two parties. q) Give an overview of the examples of Legislative responsibility within the workplace regarding audits, inspections, etc. Section 48 requires that workers; be given required information to the hazard or risk given an opportunity to express their views have their views taken into account, and advised on the outcomes of consultation within time. Section 49 requires that the WHS Act consult workers when identifying and accessing risks, making decisions to eliminate risks, and deciding on the adequacy of facilities needed for the workers. r) Explain the procedures for reporting hazards, raising awareness, and reporting WHS issues, including who is responsible for what role. Employee and workgroup meetings; workgroups may delegate health and safety representatives to represent them in a meeting and provide feedback if possible. Meetings enhance consistency and up-to-date information Use of formal and informal processes to exchange information and views on WHS hazards and risks; information can be put in magazines and newspapers to raise awareness, team and employee meetings, and use of posters and mouth. s) What are the benefits of Employee and workgroup meetings regarding workplace information being shared amongst managerial levels? Employee and workgroup meetings provide up to date information. The information provided to the employees is considered consistent and safe. 2.3 a) Describe the main methods of communicating information regarding Hazard Identification to Management? Formal communicating processes, which entail team and employee meetings, updates in procedures, and updates in intranet Informal communicating processes having access to the internet, access to employee associations or trade magazines, and Information can be passed through word of mouth, newsletters, or updates placed on bulletin boards. b) Give a brief overview of the points to consider when delivering PowerPoint Presentations to colleagues regarding WHS information? PowerPoint presentations should be short and precise, avoid non-factual information. It should be a well-practiced presentation. Jokes are not allowed; only the necessary stuff is required. On the slide, bullets and not paragraphs are recommended, change of intonation, engage the audience by asking questions, and emphasize key points to draw the audience's attention. c) What are the main points that you must remember regarding the WHS Committee's legality in the workplace? d) Describe the functions of a WHS committee? The committee helps in developing procedures and standards It facilitates cooperation between workers and them employer’s representative to enhance worker health and safety at work They are entitled to a copy of a written agreement in case of default in resolving health and safety issues. e) Describe the functions and how they fall into the WHS Act (Section .77. of the Act) f) What does Part 5, Div.3 Sect. 50 - 74. of the WHS Act tell you? It defines the obligation of the health and safety representatives, their rights, powers, and obligations regarding the consultation process. g) What does Part 5? Div. 3. Sect 47(1) of the WHS Act tell you? It requires that a person who is conducting or undertaking business must consult with workers who will be affected by the matter relating to their safety and health. h) Can you find the equivalent in the WA WHS Act 1984? WA WHS Act 1984 requires that an employer must consult with workers who will be affected by the matter relating to their safety and health. i) What does Section 48. of the WHS Act require? Section 48 requires that workers during the consultation process be given relevant information relating to the hazard or risk, workers views must be taken into account, and workers must be advised on the outcomes of consultation on time j) What does Section 49. of the WHS Act require? Section 49 requires that workers be consulted when identifying risks and hazards, when making decisions, and when ascertaining adequacy of facilities for the welfare of the workers k) Explain the critical procedures for reporting Hazards, Raising Awareness, and addressing WHS issues l) What are some considerations to make regarding Employee and Workgroup meetings? When a workgroup delegate, a health and safety representative consultation should be made with them, feedback given to the health and safety representative should be upto date. When holding meetings, they should be planned; workers ought to be aware of the meeting, and placement of contingencies in face-to-face meetings when individuals cannot attend workgroup meetings. m) Give some examples of both external and internal processes for exchanges of information through formal and informal processes, through word of mouth, newsletters, or updates placed on the bulletin boards. n) Using the table from within the workbook (page 42), briefly describe how the workplace demonstrates effective behavior within the consultation process? WHS Act maintains that managers and supervisors demonstrate four effective behaviors, which include; They are to consult with the workers on work processes by asking workgroups for ideas and opinions and acting on subordinate actions and opinions. Workers' views are taken into account based on the decisions made and provided with feedback on consultations on time. Providing socioemotional support by supporting team members in stressful situations, addressing negative feelings, socializing, and demonstrating support for workgroup decisions. This process involves sharing information with workers, giving workers a chance to express themselves, and provision of feedback Recognizing acceptable work practices both publicly and privately, through providing feedback. The process involves sharing information, opinions and making decisions They are to Monitor work practices by giving feedback on time and providing support to resolve problems in a timely and helpful manner. This is through the sharing of opinions, information, and provision of feedback. o) In your own words, what do you think is meant by ‘2-way feedback’? Two-way feedback in an organization involves relationships between workers and their leaders in conveying information. If a worker requests a piece of information, their leaders ought to provide feedback. It improves relationships within the workplace. Give examples. p) What does the term ‘Socio-Emotional” mean? Socio-emotional entails expressing feelings, experiences, and management of emotions o establish relationships with other people. 3.1 a) Why is it essential to maintain consultation with Stakeholders? Maintaining consultation with stakeholders is essential in identifying their needs since different stakeholders have different needs. It is vital to be aware of the organizational procedures and the requirements you can and that you cannot address to stakeholders. b) Under Section 271 of the WHS Act, what are important considerations when dealing with information? Confidentiality of information must be maintained. An employee must not disclose any information and contents to anyone else or use the information or document for a different purpose. However, this does not apply when giving access to information with the consent of the worker. c) When dealing with information under Section 271 of the WHS Act, what is involved if you have the person’s permission to use their data? What happens if you do not have their permission? If you have the worker's permission, information may be granted without the name of the worker. If the worker's access to information does not grant permission is denied. d) What is the difference between dealing with Confidentiality issues in the WHS Act compared to...