Workplace Safety

Good morning Ladies and Gentlemen. Im very happy to be here today to talk to you about workplace safety. My name is Jan McGurgan. As you all know, there was a bad accident here one month ago, so I am going to focus on what to do when there is an accident or emergency. Because this is a chemical manufacturing factory, we will spend some time on chemical spills and fires. Your organisation is committed to providing a safe workplace for its workers. Of course, a company must follow the Safety Act because it is the law. However, this company is doing more and has a Safety Programme. This talk is part of the safety programme. The program includes such things as guest speakers like me, brochures, videos, workshops and training for the staff. There will also be fire drills and practice evacuations throughout the year. First, what happens if you or a colleague is injured while on the job? What should you do? All of you are covered by Workers Compensation. This means that you will still be paid if you are injured at work and need time off. However, you must report the injury. So, the rules are, for every injury: 1) Tell your supervisor or as soon as possible 2) Complete the Injury Report Form If you dont report the injury to your supervisor or fill out the Injury Report form, you may not be paid if you need time off work after an injury. Now, what if something happens at work that does not cause an injury but it may cause an injury at a later date? For example, if some dangerous chemical is spilt. What do you think you need to do? Of course, you must tell someone. And, of course, it needs to be the right person. And it needs to be done quickly. Your company has a section that handles all these kind of reports. Just dial 4000 the company emergency number and someone will be sent immediately. This section is available 24/7. Thats all day, every day. Do not leave the area until the Emergency team arrives. Dont worry they will arrive quickly. But you dont want anyone to come along and walk into the spill. You stay there, to warn people to keep away. But stay at a safe distance to avoid dangerous fumes or gases.

The rules for what to do when you find a chemical spill are: 1) Whatever you do, dont touch anything 2) Dial 4000 and get the experts to come and clean up the spill 3) Wait at a safe distance for assistance to come so that others are not in danger Now, because people and equipment are moving through the buildings there are many other ways that accidents can happen. You need to be aware of these, too. There can be structural or physical hazards like as oil spills, spilt water, obstructions in walkways or electrical problems etc. Some of these problems can be fixed immediately. If you see an electrical cord or something small in a walkway then move it. The other problems should all be reported immediately to the front desk from 8am to 6pm, Saturday through Wednesday by calling 6091. All other hours, call the emergency number at 4000. As Ive said many times already, the emergency number is 4000. This is the primary emergency number to call in case of any emergency. The 4000 number will connect you to the company emergency section and provide you with immediate assistance. The emergency section will call fire and police e if necessary. You will have noticed emergency telephones located in every section of the company... They all have a greenish-blue light, and provide one button/no dialing access to the emergency section. Please use these phones for reporting emergencies or for requesting immediate police assistance. Now we move on to fire safety. What do you do if you discover or suspect a fire? 1. Sound the alarm in the building. You will see the red buttons clearly marked on all floors. 2. Shout a warning to the occupants of the building, and then contact the closest supervisor. 3. Call Emergency immediately on 4000. When they know its a fire, Emergency staff will respond immediately and the local Fire Department will also be notified. 4. Attempt rescue efforts ONLY if there is no immediate danger to you. First Aid 1. There are First Aid Kits available in every section. Discuss what you need for your kit with your immediate supervisor. However, a first aid kit should include gloves for protection when blood is present. Always know where the kit is located and its general condition. 2. First aid training is held regularly. See the noticeboards for times.

If your job needs personal protective equipment such as hard hats, it will be provided without cost. If in an area where personal protective equipment is not required, but you feel it might be useful, talk to your supervisor or ring the Health Officer at extension 2881 or 4503. All protective equipment is for your benefit, so please use it! Work Site Hazards The company values your comments on safety in the workplace. If you feel improvements are needed, then do something about it or talk to your supervisor. Creating a safe work place goes beyond what we have talked about today. Most accidents are the result of unsafe acts, not an unsafe workplace. Stress, fatigue, drug and alcohol abuse, emotional problems and poor physical conditioning all contribute to an increased probability to becoming injured at work. The company provides a number of services through its Wellness Program and the Staff Assistance Program which are designed to help employees with problems which may interfere with their ability to work safely and effectively. Please take advantage of these services. I hope you have learned something from this talk today. All this information is available from your supervisor. Please, stay safe. Good morning.

What two things does the safety program include?

guest speakers, brochures, videos, workshops, training for the staff. fire drills and practice evacuations you may not be paid if you need time off work after an injury You can warn people to stay away 4000 The local Fire Department

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What might happen if you dont complete an injury report form? If you find a chemical spill you must stay near it so that . What number do you call to report physical hazards Who will be notified when you

dial 4000 to report a fire? What should a First Aid kit always gloves include? Name two things that can increase your chances of having an accident in the workplace. Stress, fatigue, drug and alcohol abuse, emotional problems and poor physical conditioning

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The talk is about: General Workplace safety What to do in an accident or emergency Fire safety Handling chemical spills