Whs CHPT 5 PDF

WORK HEALTH,
SAFETY AND
SUSTAINABILITY
Key topics
• Legislation
• Safe systems of work
• Work incidents
• Health and safety records
• Sustainable work practices
• Environmentally friendly practices
Health, safety and the environment are critical

aspects of business management. Billions of
dollars are spent by Australian businesses annually
to promote work health and safety, with a view to
reducing the potential for harm to employees. Work
injury, fatal accidents and work-caused illness can
have a devastating impact on individuals, their
families and the organisations they belong to,
resulting in low staff morale, disruptions and loss
of business. To minimise these issues, businesses
5
must comply with legislation, develop and train
employees in risk management and emergency
procedures, maintain a healthy workplace and
keep accurate records.
With the media spotlight on carbon pollution
and the demands of customers, organisations
are looking for ways to expand environmentally
sustainable work practices to reduce their carbon
footprints and promote their business as ‘green’.
ISBN: 9781107688056 © Rasmussen, Mylonas, Beck 2012 Cambridge University Press

Photocopying is restricted under law and this material must not be transferred to another party.
120 | Investigating Business Communication and Technologies
LEGISLATION
Queensland Work Health Work health and safety (WHS) policy is Despite WHS legislation, accidents continue
and Safety is part of the determined by federal and state governments, to happen in workplaces, and according to the
Office of Fair and Safe with the participation of a broad range of federal government’s Australian Safety and
Work Queensland within community voices, industry groups, unions Compensation Council (ASCC), on average
the Department of Justice
and Attorney-General.
and the public. Once the policy is developed someone in Australia dies every two to three
Further information can it becomes law and must be adhered to by all days as a result of a work injury.
be accessed at DEIR organisations. ACTION TASK
Queensland at www.
ACTION TASK Access the Safe Work Australia website at www.
cambridge.edu.au/
bct1weblinks. Form groups of four or five students. Your teacher will cambridge.edu.au/bct1weblinks and click on ‘Industry
give each group a piece of paper and different coloured Information’ to answer the following:
pen. Each team is to put ‘WHS’ in a circle in the centre • Which industry had the most fatalities and which had
of the paper and then create a web around the topic to the least?
highlight what you know about WHS. After five minutes’ • Which industry had the most non-fatal accidents and
working time, take your pen and move to the next which had the least?
group’s web, adding more points. • What are the main types of accidents that occur and
FACT! Continue working in this way (four to five minutes why?
The mining per web) until you are back at your group’s original
industry has its web page. Highlight common themes that emerged, These statistics exemplify the importance
own specific WHS selecting two or three major WHS issues for class of WHS legislation, and the continual need
legislation. discussion. for businesses to educate and train employees

Work Health, Safety and Sustainability | 121
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on the importance of following the strict
procedures implemented in an attempt to
prevent accidents occurring.
Historically, one of the difficulties with
WHS legislation has been that each state
and territory (including the Commonwealth)
had its own particular Act. These differences
made compliance confusing, and resulted in
additional expenses for businesses operating
across more than one state. As a result, the
federal government developed a model Act
that each state and territory (including the
QUEENSLAND LEGISLATION FACT!
Between August
Commonwealth) had to use as the basis of On 26 May 2011, the Queensland Government
and October
their own WHS Act, although some differences became the first state to pass the Work Health 2011 four people
specific to their own jurisdictions were and Safety Act 2011 based on the guidelines died undertaking
permitted. The purposes of the model Act were of the model WHS Act with minor necessary recreational
to: changes for operation within the Queensland water activities in
Queensland, three of
• develop uniform, equitable and effective jurisdiction. This Act came into effect on
whom were tourists.
safety standards and protections for all 1 January 2012.
workers One of the necessary changes that
• ensure all sections of each state and territory Queensland introduced was a new Safety in
Acts are numbered the same for ease of Recreational Water Activities Act 2011 (the
reference SRWA Act). This was done to enforce strict
• reduce compliance and regulatory burdens safety standards in Queensland’s popular diving
for businesses who operate in more than one and snorkelling industries.
state or territory
• reduce the incidence of death, injury and The Work Health and Safety Act 2011
A workplace is
health issues in the workplace The Work Health and Safety Act (Qld) defined as a place
• ensure consultation, coordination and 2011 sets out laws about health and safety where work is carried
cooperation between all duty holders requirements affecting most workplaces, out for a business or
• improve government processes in regard to work activities and specified high-risk plants undertaking including
any place where a
WHS regulatory and support services. in Queensland. It seeks to protect the
worker goes, or is
A new initiative of the Act was the health and safety of everyone at a workplace likely to be, while
introduction of protection for people against including visitors, contractors, apprentices and at work, which can
discriminatory, coercive and misleading volunteers. include a shopping
conduct in relation to work health and safety With ever-increasing mobile workforces, centre, a vessel,
vehicle or aircraft, or
matters – behaviours that can be interpreted as it is essential for employers to thoroughly
home.
bullying (Table 5.1). understand what constitutes a workplace.
Table 5.1 WHS protection behaviours
Discriminatory conduct Coercion and inducement Misleading representation

This can include: This involves coercing or This involves making false or misleading
• the dismissal of a worker inducing a person to: representation to another person about
• termination of a contract for • perform or not perform a that person’s:
services with the worker function • WHS rights or obligations
• altering the current working • perform a function in a certain • right to make a complaint to a
position of the worker to their way regulator empowered to seek
detriment • exercise or not exercise a compliance with the model act
• treating a worker less favourably power. • right to participate in a process or
than another in relation to terms proceeding.
of engagement.

A PCBU can Work Health and Safety Regulation ACTION TASK

be a business
owner, manager of
(Qld) 2011 Undertake research to see if Safe Work Australia’s
Bullying code of practice has been endorsed. Then see
a shopping centre, Regulations are designed to complement and
CEO of a corporation, if Queensland has developed its own bullying code.
expand on the duties imposed by the Act,
unincorporated
fleshing out details to make compliance easier. Where there is no regulation or code of
body or government
department. It The WHS Regulation 2011 sets out the legal practice addressing a specific risk, it is the
does not include a requirements to prevent or control certain responsibility of the person in control of the
volunteer association hazards that might cause injury or death in the business or undertaking (a PCBU) to choose
comprised solely workplace by prescribing ways of preventing or
of volunteers who an appropriate work method or system to
minimising exposure to a risk, as well as setting manage exposure to the risk, take reasonable
do not employ any
person to do work. A out the administrative matters that relate to precautions and exercise due care.
social club or minor those risks.
football club may fit
into this category,
ACTION TASK
Look up the Queensland WHS Regulation and, in
EMPLOYER AND EMPLOYEE
provided the club
does not employ groups, each select a different section to prepare a RESPONSIBILITIES
anyone. PowerPoint summary of what is covered. Present your According to legislation, all employees and
findings to the whole class. employers should feel safe at work. Therefore,
everyone – employers and employees – has
Together, the WHS Act 2011 and the WHS a ‘duty of care’ while carrying out their work
Regulation 2011 provide a framework for to ensure the health and safety of themselves
managing health and safety risks in Australian and their colleagues. The Queensland WHS
workplaces. Interpreting these is further Act 2011 lists the legislated responsibilities of
assisted by the development of work health and employers and employees in regard to their
safety codes of practice. ‘duty of care’ as positive, primary, officers,
workers and others, as outlined below.
Codes of practice
Codes of practice provide further practical ACTION TASK
advice on how to manage exposure to specific Your school is an organisation that employs staff and
has a duty of care for anyone on its premises (including
hazards and the associated risks, accompanied
you). For this reason and because of legislation, policies
by pictures and drawings to assist business and procedures governing work health and safety
in understanding how to comply with the must be in place. What is your understanding of WHS?
regulations. There are codes for specific Is it obvious that your school has WHS policies and
Hazardous industries and occupations such as building procedures in place? Provide examples.
substances (also and construction, diving, the sugar industry What responsibilities (if any) do you and
known as dangerous
and call centres, as well as more generic codes your teachers have with regard to WHS? Justify
goods) include
poisons, lead, and of practice such as first aid, bullying, fatigue, your response.
any chemicals that work amenities, noise, hazardous substances
burn or irritate the and working from heights, which are applicable Positive duty of care
skin or eyes. to all industries. As codes of practice are All duties of care are positive, which means
admissible as evidence in court regarding what it is a criminal offence if a duty of care is not
is considered reasonably practicable behaviour, demonstrated at all times (and not just when an
all businesses are required to comply with the accident occurs). This duty of care is qualified
details outlined in these documents. by the term ‘where reasonably practicable’,
which means that the duty holder must
ACTION TASK
Working in pairs, access the Queensland Department demonstrate they have carried out regular risk
of Justice and Attorney-General website at www. assessments considering:
cambridge.edu.au/bct1weblinks and select ‘Work health • the likelihood of an incident occurring
and safety codes of practice’. With each pair selecting • the severity of possible harm
a different code of practice, prepare a brochure • the person’s knowledge of the hazard
outlining the major points. Include appropriate websites • the availability of ways to minimise the risk
and graphics. • whether the cost of eliminating the hazard is
proportional to the risk itself.

5
ACTION TASK • provide adequate facilities for the welfare of
In groups, try to think of situations where the cost workers, including access to those facilities
of eliminating a hazard could be greater than the (e.g. washrooms, eating areas)
possibility of an accident occurring. Compare your ideas • provide any information, training and
and discuss how this might impact on positive duty supervision that is necessary
of care. • provide for the safe use, handling, storage
and transport of substances (e.g. toxic
PCBUs and officers of corporations and chemicals, fibres)
unincorporated bodies are required to exercise • monitor the health of workers and work
‘due diligence’ to ensure the safety of all conditions to prevent injury or illness
workers. Under the Act, due diligence means • maintain accommodation owned or under
an officer or PCBU is required to: their management or control
• keep up-to-date knowledge of work health • consult with workers and Health and Safety
For information on HSRs,
and safety matters Representatives (HSRs) about matters that see page 128.
• gain an understanding of the nature of the directly affect them
operations of the business or undertaking of • consult, coordinate and cooperate with other
the body and specifically of the hazards and duty holders involved in work situations (e.g.
risks associated with those operations contractors, building owners and suppliers of
• ensure that the body has available for use, plant, structures or substances) to ensure all
and also uses, appropriate resources and obligations are met.
processes to eliminate or minimise risks Besides the employing organisation, it is
to health and safety from work carried out also incumbent on designers, manufacturers,
as part of the conduct of the business or importers, suppliers, and installers of plant
undertaking substances or structures to demonstrate a
• ensure that the body has appropriate primary duty of care.
processes for receiving and considering
information regarding incidents, hazards and Officers’ duty of care
risks, and responding in a timely way to that An officer is a senior executive (such as a
information company secretary, partner, director or CEO of
• ensure that the body has, and implements, a company or unincorporated club) who makes,
processes for complying with any duty or or participates in making, decisions that affect
obligation of the body under this Act the whole or a substantial part of a business Safe systems
• verify the provision and use of the above of work include the
or undertaking. It is an obligation that officers prevention, detection
resources and processes exercise due diligence to ensure the PCBU and resolution of
• maintain a continuous duty to ensure complies with all duties as specified in the Act. work bullying, and
compliance with the duties and obligations. Officers are required to take proactive steps to discriminatory,
eliminate or reduce hazards or risks within a coercive and
Primary duty of care workplace that the PCBU is responsible for.
misleading conduct.
The PCBU must ensure the health and safety

of individuals whose activities in carrying out
work are influenced or directed by them,
including employees, visitors, apprentices, work
experience students and contractors.
This means that a PCBU is obliged to:
• provide and maintain the work environment
without risk to health and safety
• provide safe plant and structures (e.g. guards
on machines, scaffolding)
• provide safe systems of work (e.g. pace and
frequency of work)

An officer’s main duties include: Workers’ duty of care

• acquiring knowledge on health and safety
Work health and safety is not just the
matters (e.g. legislation and business safety
domain of employers. Employees also have
performance)
a responsibility to maintain health and safety
• understanding the hazards and risks
in their work. Just as employers are covered
associated with the business with a focus on
by the concept ‘reasonably practicable’,
the major risks
employees are also subject to a consideration
• ensuring the PCBU provides adequate
of what is reasonable. This issue of ‘reasonably
resources and processes to eliminate or
practicable’ depends on all relevant factors,
minimise risks
Lead indicators including whether:
are the WHS systems • ensuring the PCBU considers accidents and
• the instruction, policy or procedure is lawful
and processes put in hazards with a focus on ‘lead’ indicators
• it complies with the model WHS Act and
place. • ensuring the PCBU has, and implements,
model WHS Regulations
processes for complying with their duties
• it is clear
A notifiable and obligations (e.g. reporting notifiable
incident involves
• affected workers are able to cooperate.
incidents, consulting with workers, training
a death, serious ACTION TASK
and instructing workers)
injury or illness, or Think of work situations that might not comply with the
dangerous incident. • personally ensuring systems are implemented
and working to fulfil obligations. above points. Have you experienced any of these if you
Officers also have a personal liability in work part-time?
ensuring the health and safety of workers, as
With this in mind, employees must:
shown in the article below.
• take reasonable care for their own health and
safety
Company directors • take reasonable care that their acts or
omissions do not adversely affect the health
fined over work death and safety of others
Two directors of a Perth crane company have • comply so far as reasonably able with any
been fined $45 000 each for causing the death of ‘reasonable’ instruction from the PCBU
a worker by failing to provide and maintain a safe • cooperate with any reasonable policy or
workplace. procedure of the PCBU.
Luke Aaron Murrie, 22, was killed when he
was hit by a 375 kilogram section of crane mast at
D and G Hoists and Crane’s Malaga yard in 2007.
Company directors David Patrick Majella
Keating and Luigi Vincenzo Decesare were
found guilty in the Perth Magistrates Court late
last year.
Today Magistrate Pamela Hogan fined the
company $90 000 and imposed a $45 000 fine on
each director. …
‘Hopefully, for everyone, both employers and
employees, this puts work safety at the forefront
of their minds.’
Source: ABC News, Friday, 11 March 2011.
www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2011/03/11/3161974.
htm?site=perth.

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Others’ duty of care The model WHS Act sets out categories
of offences and their penalties (see Table 5.2
The duty of care of other persons, such as
below).
volunteers, visitors to a workplace or work
Appeals to any of these decisions can
experience students, is similar to a worker’s
be reviewed by the Director of Public
duty of care. However, if volunteers hold an
Prosecutions or taken to the High Court.
‘officer’ position, they need to follow the same
duty of care as officers because they can be ACTION TASK
prosecuted for failing to comply with a health Examine the three examples in Table 5.2, and for each
and safety duty under the Act. category state who would be responsible. Justify your
responses by referring to the duties of care.
Table 5.2 Categories and penalties for WHS breaches
Category Definition Example Maximum Penalty

Category 1 Involves ‘reckless conduct’ A supervisor is aware of a Corporation
that exposes someone to a risk hazard of missing guard rails $3 million
of death or serious injury or on erected scaffolding and Individual as PCBU/Officer
illness. does nothing about it despite $600 000 and/or 5 years jail
knowing it could lead to a Individual as worker/other
serious accident. $300 000 and/or 5 years jail
Heard through District Court
Category 2 A person fails to comply with Young apprentice not following Corporation
their duty of care, placing correct procedures that had $1.5 million
another person in risk of death, been provided in training. Individual as PCBU/Officer
serious injury or illness. $300 000
Individual as worker/other
$150 000
Heard through Magistrates Court
Category 3 A person fails to comply with A worker is being bullied at Corporation
their duty of care – worker is work and the manager does $500 000
not at immediate risk of injury. nothing about it. Individual as PCBU/Officer
$100 000
Individual as worker/other
$50 000
Heard through Magistrates Court

ENFORCEMENT OF • providing advice and information to duty

holders and the community
WHS LEGISLATION • fostering a cooperative, consultative
Other names Each state and territory has a statutory relationship between duty holders, their
used by the authority, known as the Regulator, which is workers and their representatives
Regulator are Fair responsible for the enforcement of WHS • promoting and supporting education and
Work Queensland
legislation. In Queensland, the Regulator is training
and Work Safe
Queensland. Work Health and Safety Queensland (WHSQ), • collecting, analysing and publishing statistics
and it follows the National Compliance and • monitoring and enforcing compliance with
Enforcement policy guidelines developed by the Act through enforceable undertakings,
the Heads of Work Authorities in Australia and legal proceedings and prosecutions.
New Zealand. The WHS Act (Qld) 2011 has also
Functions and powers given to the Regulator introduced the concept of gradual enforcement
include: (Figure 5.1), which focuses on remedial
• advising, reporting and making strategies when businesses are found to be in
recommendations on the effectiveness of the breach of the Act, rather than immediate legal
WHS Act to the relevant Minister proceedings (i.e. fines or imprisonment).
• sharing information with other Regulators
Figure 5.1 Gradual

enforcement pyramid Issue Infringement Notice
• On-the-spot fines as alternative to prosecution
Enforceable Undertakings
• A legal agreement to carry out required changes
• Money from possible financial costs channelled into improvements
Issue Infrigement Notice

• On the spot fines as alternative to prosecution
Obtain an Injunction
• Allows a relevant court to enforce compliance
Issue Non-disturbance Notice

• Inspector deems it necessary to enable execution of powers
• Must be complied with (site can be preserved up to 7 days)
Remedial Action
• Undertaken by Regulator and costs charged to PCBU
Issue Prohibition Notice

• There is possibility of bodily harm
• Requires immediate action
Issue Provisional Improvement Notice

• There is no threat to bodily harm
• Used if consultation has not resulted in issue being rectified
Source: Graeme Backholm, WHS Officer, Moreton Bay College 2012.

5
Gradual enforcement means that before An example of WHS personnel and the Figure 5.2
actually prosecuting, WHSQ can issue a communication flow is shown in Figure 5.2. WHS personnel and
communication flow
prohibition or enforcement notice giving
the business time and knowledge to make
any necessary changes for the good of the
workers. If this fails, then WHSQ will serve an Management – including WHS
‘enforceable undertaking’, which gives direct adviser
and prescribed action the business must take
to avoid prosecution. Hence, businesses are
forced to spend money they would otherwise
be paying in fines on actually making their
workplaces safe.
ACTION TASK
Undertake research on Provisional Improvement WHS Committee
Notices (PINs). Then prepare a diagram on A3 paper to
demonstrate the steps involved in issuing a Provisional
Improvement Notice. As a group, select the best
diagram to display in your classroom.
Each business served with an enforceable

undertaking and prosecution is listed on the HSR HSR HSR
WHS website along with the reasons for these
notices. This is a legal obligation under the Act
and should serve as an incentive for businesses
to comply with the legislation.
ACTION TASK
Access the Queensland Department of Justice Workgroup Workgroup Workgroup
and Attorney-General at www.cambridge.edu.au/
bct1weblinks and search for ‘enforceable undertakings’.
Examine the different prosecutions that have been
undertaken. In groups of three, select a case and then ACTION TASK
present it to the class. Discuss whether you agree or Do you think it is necessary to have an elected Health
disagree with the outcome. Justify your decision. and Safety Representative (HSR) in an organisation
irrespective of its size? Explain why or why not. What
alternative could there be?
WORK HEALTH AND
SAFETY PERSONNEL
Under the WHS Act 2011 there is no legal
obligation to appoint a Health and Safety
Officer. However, for PCBUs to meet their
primary duty of care, they need to appoint
someone with the skills and knowledge
to advise management on compliance
with legislation and the business’s safety
performance. This person must be at a
particular level in management to ensure input
at the decision-making level.

A workgroup Work health and safety representatives • accompany an inspector during routine
consists of workers inspections
with similar work
Any worker in a workgroup within an
• review circumstances of work incidents
conditions, such as organisation may ask their PCBU to facilitate
or issues
night-shift workers, the election process for a Health and Safety
electricians or • investigate WHS complaints by members
Representative (HSR) and the PCBU is obliged
teachers. • order a ‘cease to work’ notice if they
to undertake this election process (Figure 5.3).
‘reasonably’ consider risk of serious injury
HSRs are elected for three years unless they
is possible. ‘Cease to work’ means to refuse
A Provisional resign, are disqualified, cease to be a worker in
to carry out work if it exposes a worker to
Improvement their group or are removed from the position
serious risk. The PCBU must be notified
Notice can be issued by the majority decision of the workgroup.
if there is a serious of this as soon as practicable, and suitable
A PCBU has an obligation to consult with the
risk of immediate or alternative work negotiated.
HSR, so far as reasonably practicable, on all
imminent exposure • issue a Provisional Improvement Notice
to a hazard but can health and safety matters, including policies
(PIN) on the PCBU when necessary.
only be issued by and procedures.
The HSR can seek assistance from a union
a trained HSR or The rights of an HSR are to:
inspector. official who has the right to enter a work site
• consult with PCBU on health and safety
to investigate a safety matter raised by its
issues
members, provided they are properly trained to
• request training
hold an ‘entry permit’. While carrying out their
• monitor the compliance of the WHS Act by
duties, the HSR cannot be personally sued for
the PCBU
anything done or omitted in good faith.
• carry out inspections after giving reasonable
notice to the PCBU unless there is an
incident or situation involving a serious risk
to a worker
Figure 5.3 The process
1
for the election of Worker requests PCBU to
an HSR organise elections for an HSR in
S TEP
their group (e.g. administration
staff or cleaners)
If requested, union official must be included in
2
PCBU commences negotiations negotiations
with workers within 14 days
S TEP of request to discuss numbers
of HSRs and composition of If negotiations fail, or PCBU ignores request,
workgroups a worker can request an inspector be called
in to determine workgroups
3
After successful negotiations
S TEP the PCBU advises workers of
outcomes
4
Workers within each group
PCBU must provide resources, facilities and
S TEP determine procedure to elect
assistance to enable elections
HSR
5
Workgroups and PCBU notified
S TEP of election outcomes by person/s
who conducted it

5
WORK HEALTH AND • assisting in the development of standards,
rules and procedures relating to health and
SAFETY COMMITTEES safety that are to be followed and complied
The primary function of the Work Health and with at the workplace.
Safety Committee (WHS) is to encourage While organisations are not automatically
employers and workers to work together for a required to establish a WHS committee, they
healthier and safer workplace. According to the must do so within two months after a request
WHS Act, the roles of this committee include: is made by an HSR or a group of five or more
• facilitating cooperation between PCBU and workers. At least half the WHS committee
workers must be elected by the workers, and these
• developing and carrying out measures representatives must not be nominated by
designed to ensure health and safety of the PCBU. The HSR is entitled to be on the
workers committee should they desire.
ACTIVITY 5.1
1 In pairs, undertake further research then prepare a 4 Consider the following situations:
series of podcasts and a poster to outline the various a An employee has refused to read and sign the
duties of care under the WHS Act 2011. employer’s safety documentation.
2 In groups of three, prepare a vodcast on b An employee worked while affected by alcohol or
discriminatory, coercive and misleading conduct in drugs.
relation to WHS. Include the PCBU’s responsibilities c Several male employees on a building site refused
in regard to this. As a group, select the most to wear sunscreen, as it is too messy and makes
effective video to upload to the school’s intranet. dust stick to their bodies – some also choose not
Present your vodcast to the principal. to wear shirts.
3 Organise a PCBU from both a large and a small d A contractor is working at your school and has his
business to come to the school to discuss the impact little brother helping him. The boy has thongs on
of the new legislation on their businesses. After the and is climbing up ladders that are not secure.
presentation, prepare an article for the next issue In small groups, discuss the above situations
of the Business Queensland magazine outlining the and decide who has responsibility in each
impacts on both businesses. (Alternatively, you could scenario – the employer and/or the employee.
invite your principal and the HSR adviser to explain Present your decisions to the class, justifying your
its impact on the school and write an article for the reasons.
next school newsletter.)

SAFE SYSTEMS OF WORK

All businesses must implement safety systems WHS POLICIES
to prevent injuries in their workplace.
Because accidents are costly to the employee, As part of demonstrating due diligence, a
business and families, accident prevention is PCBU must have a documented WHS Policy
at the forefront of all policies and procedures that outlines the business’s commitment to
developed. Consultation is an obligation under work health and safety. The policy should
the WHS Act 2011 and, through this process, be displayed within the workplace and all
policies and procedures developed are more employees made aware of its presence. A policy
likely to be accepted and implemented in the can be a simple one-page document as shown
workplace. in Figure 5.4 below.
It is not sufficient for organisations to simply
ACTION TASK document WHS policy and procedures to
When you were first offered a part-time job, what meet compliance with the legislation. They are
WHS training were you offered? At what stage of obligated under the Work Health and Safety
your employment was this training undertaken? What
Act 2011 to ensure all staff are fully conversant
specific risks of injury or work-related illness were
addressed? with the responsibilities of a task, by conducting
Access the Queensland Department of Employment regular training sessions, and also to provide
and Industrial Relations at www.cambridge.edu.au/ adequate supervision.
bct1weblinks and search for ‘Induction Checklist’. An area often overlooked in safety training
Compare any training you were given with the is work travel. In many states and territories,
requirements stated on this form. Do you believe your including Queensland, the employer may be
training was sufficient? Explain why/why not. If not, how liable for any injuries that occur during an
would you address deficiencies in the training? employee’s regular route to and from work
whether by car, public transport or on foot.
Figure 5.4 Example of

a WHS policy Your Business/Company Name and Logo
Your Business/Company details
WORK HEALTH & SAFETY POLICY
(Company name) is committed to providing a safe and healthy workplace for all employees, visitors and contractors.
The company also recognises the responsibilities and requirements placed upon it by Work Health and Safety
legislation and codes of practice and will adhere to these principles, and provide:
1. Safe systems of work and maintenance of company plant and equipment.
2. Information, instruction and supervision for all employees, visitors and contractors relevant to the WHS systems
and procedures of the site.
3. Consultation with all employees on WHS issues, including any changes to work practices, procedures or before
the introduction of new plant and equipment.
4. Ongoing programs to prevent accidents, including coordinating regular work inspections in conjunction with
employees.
Managers and supervisors will fully implement the company safety programs and are responsible for ensuring a
safe work environment is provided for all employees under their direct control. Managers and supervisors are also
responsible for promptly acting on any WHS concerns or issues they become aware of.
Employees are expected to fulfil their obligations with respect to WHS legislation by fully participating in company
safety programs, reporting injuries and incidents and following all safety directions, regulations and procedures.
Every employee, regardless of their position, has the authority to take action to reduce the immediate risk of
injury or illness in their work area.
<<Name>>
<<Position>>

5
Some major risk areas in regard to the health
ACTION TASK
Individually, list things you could do to make travelling and safety of workers include:
to work safe whether in your car, on public transport or
• Work environment related • Biological waste
by foot. Discuss your list with three or four others and
hazards, e.g. uneven or slippery • Airborne contaminants, e.g.
compare.
floor surfaces, high noise levels, fumes, dusts, vapours, smoke
Then access Smart Manager at www.cambridge.
very high or low temperature, • Working at heights or over depth,
edu.au/bct1weblinks and add any tips that are not on
poor ventilation e.g. risk of falling
your list.
• Psychological stress, e.g. conflict, • Manual handling, e.g. pushing,
bullying, harassment, excessive pulling, carrying, lifting and
workloads, lack of support restraining or repetitive tasks
RISK MANAGEMENT • Machinery and related hazards, • Confined spaces
e.g. entrapment, crushing • Over-exertion and physical stress
Risk management is the foundation of effective projectiles Source: A. Douglas, OH&S Handbook,
health and safety procedures. For a PCBU to • Heat and fire H1/4-5 Douglas LPT Law, 2011.
be able to demonstrate they have done all that • Electricity
was ‘reasonably practicable’ to manage a risk as • Hazardous substances, e.g. toxic
per the legislation, there must be evidence of or poisonous chemicals
undertaking regular risk assessment processes.
One of the first steps in risk management
is to distinguish between what constitutes a
ACTION TASK
hazard and a risk.
Research the major types of hazard in the retail industry
• A hazard is any situation, substance, activity, or in your own workplace. Create a table showing each
event or environment that has the potential hazard and the risk associated with that hazard.
to cause harm.
• A risk is present when a person is within the After a hazard has been identified, and
vicinity of a hazard and is therefore exposed the risks associated with it are assessed and
to the possibility of harm. deemed appropriate, effective control measures
Examples of these are shown below. are implemented to eliminate or minimise
the risk to an acceptable level. Controls must
Hazard Risk then be continually monitored to ensure the
Paint fumes A worker might suffer effectiveness of the measures.
health issues from inhaling To effectively manage exposure to risks, a
paint fumes while spray risk management process (see Figure 5.5 on the
painting in an enclosed following page) must be developed and, if the
area such as the hull of a risk assessment is complex, it should be carried
ship. out by a suitably qualified person.
Using swivel chairs on A chair may easily move ACTION TASK
casters to get items off causing the worker to fall Consider the last school excursion you attended.
high shelving and pull down the item on Interview relevant parties to learn about the risk-
top of him or her. management assessment and processes undertaken
by your teachers (and any external parties involved in
Cleaning machinery Possibility of electrocution the excursion) that enabled this school excursion to
if machine is not turned proceed.
off; machine may begin Access ‘Cycling: Track, Road and Bike Path’ at
working, resulting in person www.cambridge.edu.au/bct1weblinks. Analyse the risk
cleaning getting caught in assessment form. Is the school risk assessment form
moving parts. similar to that of Education Queensland? If there was
less detail, discuss whether you think it still met the five
steps detailed on the following page.

1
Figure 5.5 The risk-
management process Identify the hazard
S TEP • Look for things that could harm, e.g. noise, chemicals, electrical cables
Assess the risk

• What is the likelihood of risk resulting from the hazard?
2
Almost certain Likely Possible Unlikely Rare
S TEP
• What are the consequences if the risk occurs?
Catastrophic Major Moderate Minor Insignificant
Decide on control measures
S TEP
3 • Inform the workers of the risk and consult with the HSR and WHS committee regarding remedial
action
• Isolate the hazard or remove workers from the risk if serious
• Consider personal protective equipment
Implement control measures
S TEP
4 • Install guards, alter or fix unsafe plant or structures
• Introduce new work procedures to eliminate risk
• Provide training and supervision of new procedures
• Provide personal protective equipment as required
S TEP
5 Monitor and review
• Undertake periodical checks on the effectiveness of the new procedures
• Educate employees on their part in maintaining a safe work environment
Of major importance to PCBUs, when

undertaking risk assessments, is fully
understanding the definition of a ‘workplace’,
which may include an employee’s home, as
outlined in the article below.
Worker gets avoid potential occupational health and

safety lawsuits, following a case in which
in the normal work and at home.
‘Businesses ought to consider things
compo after falling a Telstra employee claimed compensation like conducting risk assessments of the
down stairs at after being injured at home.
The warning comes as the number
home work environment,’ she says.
‘That doesn’t necessarily mean we’re
home, SMEs told of ‘work from home’ requests increases able to monitor daily what people are
and SMEs are more willing to allow doing from home, or have control over
to conduct risk employees to finish their work outside that. But if they take no steps, that’s
assessments of of the normal business area in order to when they aren’t going to be able to
provide flexibility and a good work/life demonstrate they acted to make a safe
employee homes balance. environment.’
By Patrick Stafford Harmers Work Lawyers senior associate Ramsey says the Telstra case highlights
and Brisbane team lawyer Kristin Ramsey the need for businesses to develop plans
Businesses should conduct risk says the Telstra case highlights the need and regulations around how employees
assessments of employee’s homes if they for businesses to ensure their employees can work from home.
are working out of the office in order to are working in safe environments – both In the case, Telstra was ordered to

5
pay compensation by the Administrative things they need to do.’ businesses haven’t taken proper steps
Appeals Tribunal after employee Dale Some of the aspects included in such to ensure health and safety, they could
Hargreaves fell down a flight of stairs and a report could include whether a work be exposed to breaches which could
hurt her shoulder while working at home. environment has adequate lighting, eventually give rise to penalties.’
Ramsey also says the growing number heating and ventilation, and whether the Source: www.smartcompany.com.au/
of work-at-home requests is set to actual work place is near any electrical or legal/045782-20110914-worker-gets-compo-
continue, as the Fair Work system allows trip hazards. after-falling-down-stairs-at-home-smes-told-to-
conduct-risk-assessments-of-employee-homes.
for employees to request flexible working ‘You need to ask whether the computer html. This article was first published by
arrangements where possible. is set up in an ergonomically correct way, www.smartcompany.com.au.
SMEs must conduct practical risk and so on. This isn’t something that is
assessments, she urges, although she overly onerous, it’s just thinking about INVESTIGATE
notes these don’t have to be overly maintaining a system you put in place and Divide into groups of four students, with two
cumbersome or time consuming. make sure it’s working safely.’ taking on the role of employers and two role
‘This doesn’t necessarily mean the Ramsey says businesses need to keep playing employees. Discuss the situation
business has to go and look over the home in mind there is now a legal precedent for highlighted in the above article and, in
physically. But someone needs to conduct businesses having to pay compensation for your respective roles, try to come to an
a risk assessment there.’ injuries that occur at the home, and that agreement regarding with whom the duty of
‘It could just be a checklist that an this needs to play into business owners’ care resides – employer or employee.
employee does themselves, and then thinking.
sends it back. These are really important ‘Even if employees aren’t injured, if
When trying to determine the risk factor

associated with a hazard, a matrix (see Figure Figure 5.6 Sample
risk assessment ratings
5.6) can be used. matrix
Risk Assessment Ratings Matrix Step 2: Likelihood of risk
A B C D E
Not
Common Has occurred Unlikely expected
Consequences – How bad? occurrence on occasion Could occur to occur to occur
1. Fatal
2. Permanent disability
3. Lost time due to injury
4. Medical treatment necessary
5. First aid necessary
Risk Rating High Risk Medium Risk Low Risk

Source: A. Douglas, OH&S Handbook, H1/4-5 Douglas LPT Law, 2011.

A critical aspect for all businesses is that a risks should be implemented in the appropriate
risk should never be ignored. To meet its legal order, starting at Level 1 and working towards
obligations with duty of care, the standard Level 6.
hierarchy of control (see Figure 5.7 below) for
Figure 5.7
Hierarchy of control
1 Eliminate (remove the cause of the danger completely)
2 Substitute (replace the hazardous work practice or equipment with an alternative)
3 Isolate (isolate the hazard by controlling or guarding it

to prevent injury)
4 Engineer Controls (redesign work processes/

equipment to reduce or eliminate hazard)
5 Administrative Controls
(promote safe practice
through policies, signs
and training)
PPE stands for
Personal Protective 6 PPE (provide gloves,
Equipment. hard hats, etc.)
The risk of injury in the workplace is always

of concern and despite the best policies and
procedures, accidents still occur because not all
hazards can be eliminated or removed.
Some equipment or substances that are
essential to a business’s operation may be
inherently hazardous, such as a crane on
a building site, forklifts, chemicals and
machinery. These contribute to injuries in
workplaces each year despite Australia having
very stringent WHS legislation. In an attempt
to reduce accidents and deaths in hazardous
workplaces, the WHS Act 2011 requires
PCBUs to focus on major hazards, and show
that they are meeting compliance in these
situations.
Businesses involved in dealing with
hazardous substances or practices are obliged
to undertake health monitoring to track the
effectiveness of risk control strategies and
to identify any adverse health effects that
may result from exposure to these situations.
Failure to manage risks can involve legal action,
significant fines and/or imprisonment for
PCBUs and officers.

5
Another process for controlling risks is Many safety signs are internationally
through the use of a flowchart (see Figure 5.8) recognised, such as those in Figure 5.11 on
to identify the procedures needed when the the following page, and are most suited to
hazard is minor and can be eliminated by a areas where there may be language barriers
worker, or whether it is more serious, requiring or a likelihood of impaired reading ability.
Figure 5.8 Hazard
further investigation. This means that everyone should be able to inspection and
understand what the signs are indicating. reporting flowchart
ACTION TASK
In pairs, research a company that has been sued for
failing to protect its employees. Prepare a presentation ALL EMPLOYEES
of the case to the group. In your presentation explain
whether you agree or disagree with the decision. Justify Identify the hazards
your stance. Observation Can I fix or eliminate this
Inspection hazard myself?
Task observation
Safety signs Accident investigation
Safety signs, symbols and coloured markings
are a recognised method of identifying hazards
within a workplace; for example, yellow lines
Fill in hazard report NO YES
are often painted at the top of steps to ensure
they can be seen. These identifiers, however,
are not a physical control. Rather they are an
administrative control required by law, which
states that known hazards must be identified.
Risk assessed and corrective
Safety signs (see Figure 5.9 on the following • Fix hazard
actions identified by the supervisor
page) must comply with Australian Standards • Advise supervisor
such as AS1319 (design and use) and AS1216
26 (Dangerous goods), and should be placed in
areas where the possibility of a hazard exists.
Multilingual signs (see Figure 5.10 on the Supervisor enters detail in hazard
following page) are available for industries record book
with employees from different cultures where
English is their second language.
ACTION TASK
In groups, and with an allocated area, undertake a
safety sign audit of your school. Prepare a checklist that Supervisor nominates person
will enable you to record the type of safety warnings responsible to fix the hazard
that are in place (for example, a sign or symbol, use
of coloured markings, or other method), where these
warnings are located and why. Also include your own
observations as to the effectiveness of these signs.
During your audit, take note of where additional safety Hazard fixed, supervisor completes
signs are required. record book
Collate your groups’ observations into one audit
report. Include recommendations and justifications
for any suggested changes or additions. Present your
report to the school WHS officer.
Feedback given to originator

Figure 5.9 Examples of safety signs Figure 5.10 Examples of multilingual signs
Danger signage – When a hazard or

danger is featured hazardous condition
inside a red oval, is likely to be life
which in turn is inside threatening.
a black rectangle
Hazard signage – Used to indicate a

yellow background hazardous situation
with black triangle that may result in an
injury.
Emergency Indicates the location

information signage and directions to
– green with white emergency facilities
(except fire, which such as fire equipment
is red) and exit routes.
Informational Provides information

signage regarding various
situations including
reminders to take
care.
Figure 5.11 International safety signs
Prohibition signs – Specifies behaviours

annulus and slash or actions that are
should be depicted not permitted – good
in red over the action choice where there
symbol in black may be worker or
visitor language
barriers.
Mandatory signs Specifies that an

instruction must be
carried out – symbols
(or ‘pictograms’) are
depicted in white
on a blue circular
background.
Hazchem signs Used when dangerous ACTION TASK

goods are stored or With a partner, explain what each of the signs in Figure
being transported – 5.11 represent. Did you experience any problems
come in a range of interpreting the meaning?
colours but are always Compare your explanations with another pair. Do you
a diamond shape. have similar explanations? If different, why do you think
this occurred?
Source: Australian Standard Safety Signs © Brady Corporation.

5
Material safety data sheets the characteristics of the substance; possible
health effects after exposure; precautions for
A material safety data sheet (MSDS), or safety
its safe use, storage and disposal; and first aid
data sheet (SDS), is a document prepared and
treatment should an accident or exposure
supplied by a manufacturer or importer of a Figure 5.12 Material
occur. safety data sheet
hazardous substance (Figure 5.12). It outlines
(MSDS)
MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET

Revision Date: July 2012. Supersedes version June 2007
1. CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

Product Name: Waterchlor Liquid Pool Acid Manufacturer’s Product Code: B67304
Other Names: HCL Container Size: 5L and 15L
Hazard Statement: Classified as a hazardous substance according to the criteria of the NOHSC.
Use: Acid solution for acidifying swimming pool water.
Appearance: Clear colourless liquid with irritating vapours.
Company: Waterco Ltd Phone Number: (07) 3876 5500

ACN Number: 344 567 002 Fax Number: (07) 3876 5512
Company Address: 44 McEvoy St, Acacia Ridge, Qld 4122
2. COMPOSITION/INFORMATION ON INGREDIENTS 4. FIRST AID MEASURES

Chemical Entity Synonyms CAS Number Amount First Aid: Take a copy of this MSDS to medical advisers if signs or
symptoms of over exposure occur and medical attention is required.
Hydrochloric Acid Hydrogen Chloride 7647-01-00 35% Swallowed: Immediately rinse mouth out with water. Give two glasses
solution, HCl of water and do not induce vomiting. If vomiting occurs, give further
Water H2O 7732-18-5 To 100% water. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Seek
advice immediately from a medical practitioner or Poisons Information
Centre.
3. HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION Skin: Thoroughly wash exposed skin with plenty of soap and water. For
Routes of Exposure: The primary hazard of this product is eye and acid burns, immediately flood area with plenty of water, and cover with
skin contact to the liquid and inhalation of irritating vapours. a clean dry dressing. Seek medical advice if skin irritation occurs or for
Acute Effects: all acid burns.
Swallowed: Corrosive to the mouth and digestive system. Other Eye: If contact occurs, or if eye irritation arises, hold the eyelids open
symptoms include gastric pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. and flush the eyes with fresh lukewarm water (or, if available, other eye
Skin: Severely irritating to skin, causing symptoms from itching to cleansing solutions) for at least 15 minutes. Seek medical advice
redness, with chemical burns and blisters to moderate exposures immediately for all eye contact. If necessary, transport patient to
and the possibility of corrosion (scarring). hospital.
Eye: Severely irritating to the eye on contact, with symptoms of Inhaled: Remove affected individual from exposure to fresh air.
discomfort, tears and blurred vision. Conjunctivitis may also occur. Keep individual warm and comfortable. If breathing is laboured and
Corrosion to the cornea and other eye surfaces is also possible. the individual has blue lips (cyanotic) ensure airways are clear and
Inhaled: Airborne vapours are severely irritating to the upper arrange oxygen from a qualified person. If breathing has stopped
airways and lungs producing discomfort, coughing and sneezing, supply artificial respiration at once. If cardiac arrest occurs, apply
inflammation and ulceration of the upper respiratory tract, possibly cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Seek medical advice if respiratory
pulmonary oedema. Effects may be delayed. symptoms occur.
Chronic Effects: Repeated low level exposures may produce erosion First Aid Facilities: If practicable, an eyewash station and a deluge
of the teeth and ulceration of the mucosal membranes of the nose and shower should be available.
mouth. Advice to Doctor: No specific treatment recommended. Treat
Medical Conditions may be aggravated by Exposure: Pre-existing symptomatically for exposure to strong acid solution.
respiratory and skin conditions may be aggravated by inhalation of this
product.

A full MSDS can be A PCBU must ensure there is an MSDS workers from injury or illness. A JSA is a ‘living’
downloaded at www. held for every chemical on site. Workers using document – it should always be adjusted
cambridge.edu.au/ these chemicals must be properly trained on to meet the conditions on a job site at any
bct1weblinks. the safety data contained in the MSDS to particular time.
ensure they are fully aware of the risks and the Management processes must also be in
safety precautions to follow. place to ensure that workers have the skills to
The MSDS should be clearly displayed in complete the job and that there is a required
the area where the product is stored and used level of supervision to ensure that the tasks
so that all workers involved in the handling are completed as documented. A JSA is a legal
of the substance are continually reminded of document that can be used in a court of law
the care that needs to be taken, and also as a and must be signed by all parties who have
quick reference for treatment in the event of an responsibility for the tasks.
injury, exposure or a spill. ACTION TASK
Ask your HSR for a copy of a JSA for repairs undertaken
Job Safety Analysis within the school by an external person (such as an
Job Safety Analysis (JSA), also known as a Job electrician). Search online for an example of a JSA.
Safety and Environmental Analysis (JSEA), Compare the two. Are similar processes outlined? Did
is a safety management tool used to identify, one JSA outline the processes more clearly than the
measure and control hazards in relation to other? If yes, explain why.
jobs, tasks or processes in order to protect
ACTIVITY 5.2
1 Obtain an electronic copy of your organisation’s 4 Access the Everything OHS website at www.
WHS Policy. Analyse the policy in line with current cambridge.edu.au/bct1weblinks and search for
legislation. Using Track Changes and Comments inspection checklist. Then download the Workplace
make and/or suggest any changes that you feel Inspection Checklist. Divide into groups of three. Each
are required to comply with this legislation. When group is to select a different area within the school to
completed, prepare an email to your principal and conduct a basic safety inspection. Combine all findings
WHS manager, explaining the process you undertook into a report to be presented to the WHS manager.
and attaching your edited document. 5 Access the Comcare website at www.cambridge.edu.
2 Explain the difference between a hazard and a risk. au/bct1weblinks, scroll down to the bottom of the
3 Individually prepare checklist templates for risk page and click on the ‘Virtual office’ picture. Enter
management processes and risk assessment ratings the various rooms to explore issues and levels of
within the school environment using check box, safety, identify potential risks and hazards, and outline
text and drop down fields. Select the most effective possible solutions.
checklist. Then divide into groups and allocate each 6 Working in pairs, select an industry to research for
group one section of the school – e.g. teachers, the purpose of identifying the hazards common to
administration, grounds staff, cleaners, volunteers. that industry, and ways of eliminating or minimising
You may like to divide the teaching staff into a the identified risks. Then, prepare a multimedia
number of different groups, too; for example, by presentation for your class. HINT: Use the search
subject departments. Using your prepared checklists, function in the Queensland Department of Justice and
interview staff to determine their level of knowledge Safety Concept websites to assist with this research
and understanding of WHS processes. task. Go to www.cambridge.edu.au/bct1weblinks.
When completed, prepare a report outlining your 7 With so many people working in the health and
findings. Include recommendations, supported by service industries, the Queensland Government has
appropriate academic references. Make sure you developed a Guide to Working Safely in People’s
clearly identify the group you researched. Attach your Homes. Divide into groups of three or four to search
report to an email to the HSR explaining the process for this document plus other related material. Divide
you undertook to discover your results. the subtopics equally. Your aim is to produce a guide
for workers in this industry. Include suitable graphics,
diagrams and references.

5
5.2
FACT!
ACTIVITY
Some statistics
about work injuries:
8 Analyse the following scenario and prepare a to express their concerns and have been told that • Mental health has
250–350 word response for the manager of RAH it will be investigated. Everyone keeps notes in overtaken physical
Enterprises. Comment on current WHS practices – their diaries of any accidents. injury as the cause
correct practices and those requiring attention – and 9 Search the web for ‘MasterChef an OH&S hazard’. of the longest
suggest recommendations for improvements. Justify absences from
After reading the article, prepare a 400–600 word
your reasoning. work.
report to the producer of the TV show on their work • Fractures are
RAH Enterprises has 40 employees. They are health and safety practices, relating your responses the next largest
concerned about the health and safety of the to the information covered in this section. Questions category of work
workers in the packing and loading area, as there to assist in this process could include: injury, with 54 per
have been a few small accidents involving boxes • Who has responsibility for the overall safety of the cent of those with
falling from shelves onto employees and near contestants? broken bones away
misses when the trucks are backing in to pick • What was the major concern? for a week or more.
up loads. Many of the employees like to listen • How was it handled by Matt Preston and Adrian • Fifty-four out of
to their iPods while working, and management Mott? every 1000 workers
suffer a work-
allows them to do so. The employer has provided • Would their comment be legally sound? Why/why
related injury or
the employees with instructions on how the not? illness – about
boxes are to be stored, and training has also • What steps have been taken in regard to WHS? 640 000 workers a
been provided. As there is no WHS representative, • Do you believe these are adequate? Justify your year.
some employees have been to see management opinion. • Work-related
injuries and
illnesses cost
about $60 billion a
year.
• The accommo-
dation and food
WORK INCIDENTS services industry

has the highest
injury rate – 84 per
ACTION TASK 1000 employees.
Work incidents are extremely costly to a Source: Australian
business due to the following factors: The Independent Voice (October 2011) identified that in Bureau of Statistics’
• the need to retrain or replace injured workers 2009/2010 in Queensland, there were 2843 workers’ publication Australian
compensation claims in the education sector alone with Social Trends, June
• loss of productivity with unsafe workplaces 2011.
an average of 37.4 working days lost to each claim and
• increase in workers’ compensation premiums
8.8 per cent of workers not returning to their pre-injury
• legal costs if cases go to court
position.
• loss of quality staff who will leave if safety is For students who have part-time employment,
not considered. discuss the types of incidents you are aware of that
The main causes of accidents in the have occurred in your workplace. What actions were
workplace include: taken in regard to the hazard that caused those
• complacency – especially workers who have incidents? Are some accidents more common than
been in the same role for several years others?
• tiredness – especially shift workers
• ignoring set policies and procedures
• not taking sufficient precautions
• being overconfident
• insufficient training for new employees
• lack of concentration.

ACTION TASK
Looking at the picture at right, which of the main
causes of accidents listed on the previous page could
apply to this situation?
When an incident occurs in a workplace, it

must be investigated and documented whether
it is a minor or notifiable incident (Table 5.3).
All incidents must be reported to management
and notifiable incidents reported to the
Queensland Regulator – Work Health and
Safety Queensland.
Table 5.3 Notifiable incidents
Death of a
person Serious injury or illness Dangerous incident
The work incident • requires immediate • spillage, leakage or
has resulted in the treatment as an inpatient at uncontrolled escape of a
death of a person a hospital substance
• amputations • explosions, implosions or incidence of a work fatality does not always
• infections from micro- fire lead to a prosecution, it can result in negligent
organisms, e.g. Hendra • uncontrolled escape of employers or supervisors receiving severe fines
virus gas, steam, pressurised or even being imprisoned.
• serious head or eye injuries substance
• burns • electric shock ACTION TASK
• spinal injuries • collapses, overturning Investigate different types of Accident Report Forms and
• severe lacerations of plant, equipment or Accident Investigation Forms, including the ones at your
• other medical treatment structures school. As a group, select which ones are the easiest
needed within 48 hours of • interruption to ventilation to follow. Prepare new ones for your school if necessary.
exposure to a substance systems or surges of water
or gas in underground
tunnels
FACT! In Queensland the maximum penalty for

In the first week
failing to notify the Regulator is $2000 for
of March 2012, three an individual and $10 000 for a corporation.
workers were killed However, a PCBU will not be charged with an
while working on offence if they:
electrical installations • did not know about the incident
in Queensland –
one while working
• were incapacitated by the work-caused illness
on a billboard in or work injury
Sherwood, one on a • notify the Regulator and make a record as
construction site at soon as possible after recovery.
Clermont and one The area where an incident occurs must also
during the erection
of an electrical
be preserved so that inspectors can investigate
transmission tower at thoroughly what has occurred.
Jandowae. In the case of a fatal accident, police will
be required to investigate and inform the
victim’s next of kin and the coroner. Based on
the completed accident report, Work Health
and Safety Queensland will decide whether
a prosecution should commence. While the

5
High-risk work areas are targeted under SAFETY TRAINING
the model WHS Act and PCBUs are required
to have comprehensive systems in place to
AND SUPERVISION
prevent the possibility of accidents. In all high- Every organisation is legally obliged to provide
risk areas, employees should be drug free to training to employees and have supervisors
meet their WHS obligation of not endangering oversee the way work is undertaken, especially
self or others in the workplace, and this is in potentially dangerous situations. To
usually promoted through the use of signs minimise the possibility of an incident, PCBUs
around the workplace. Whether mandatory have a responsibility to educate employees
drug and alcohol testing is lawful is often a in work procedures, and employees have a
matter for the courts and depends on the responsibility to carry out those procedures
individual situation, as shown in the article accordingly. This includes remote workers
below. and people working from home. As well, with
the increase in the number of employees with
ACTION TASK
English as a second language, managers have
Obviously it is impossible to directly supervise workers
who are working remotely or at home. How do you think the added responsibility of ensuring these
an employer can ensure they are carrying out their duty employees understand correctly all safety
of care in these situations? procedures.
Mandatory drug The Full Bench held:

1. It is not unusual to secure safety
or procedure of a PCBU, (S28 (c) and
(d)).
and alcohol testing through the use of random drug and The combined effects of the Wagstaff
– is it lawful? alcohol testing. The fact that Wagstaff’s
incorporation of the Victorian Building
decision and the changes in the model
Work Health and Safety Bill should
By Joanna Weekes Industry Alcohol and Drugs Policy is silent strengthen the resolve of employers to
on random alcohol and drug testing does institute mandatory random drug and
In Thiess, Wagstaff Piling v CFMEU not preclude Wagstaff and Thiess from alcohol testing.
(2011), Fair Work Australia was asked to requiring alcohol and blood testing; and There is no doubt, the process would
determine whether a unilaterally imposed 2. The risk to employee safety posed benefit from appropriate consultation
requirement for drug and alcohol testing by drug and alcohol use has long been with any affected employees and their
was permissible under the Fair Work Act. recognised and compulsory drug representatives (unions). Nonetheless,
The critical facts were that Thiess and alcohol testing is, of itself, not so this decision recognises the primacy of
introduced a fitness for work policy extraordinary that it could not be argued drug and alcohol testing as a method of
unilaterally across its Tulla-Sydney Lines to be a reasonable employee instruction. ensuring safety for workers in workplaces.
Project (a road-widening project in the Section 28 of the model Work Health Source: http://ohshandbook.com.au/2011/11/02/
greater Sydney area). The fitness for work and Safety Act imposes duties upon mandatory-drug-and-alcohol-testing-
procedure covered all subcontractors on workers to comply, so far as the worker %E2%80%93-is-it-lawful.
the site and employees of Thiess. One of is reasonably able, within reasonable
the contractors was Wagstaff. Wagstaff’s INVESTIGATE
instruction that is given by the PCBU and Consider the following statement:
EA with the CFMEU contained a clause to co-operate with any reasonable policy
which incorporated the Victorian Building Mandatory drug testing should be
Industry Alcohol and Drugs Policy – a implemented by all businesses.
consultative policy that was silent as to Is this a ‘reasonable’ instruction?
drug and alcohol testing. Allocate three areas around the room – Yes,
The CFMEU was successful before No and Undecided. Move to the area that
the Victorian Construction Panel, again best represents your opinion. People in
on appeal to Commissioner Blair, but was the Yes and No areas are to present their
unsuccessful before the Full Bench of ideas one at a time in an attempt to get the
Senior Deputy President O’Callaghan, Undecideds to move to their side. It is also
Deputy President Ives and Commissioner appropriate for the Yes and No people to
Gay. move to the other side. Try to get everyone
to agree.

FIRST AID
According to the WHS Regulations, every
PCBU has a legal responsibility for ensuring
adequate first-aid provisions, including access
to a trained first-aid person any time of the day
or night. If there are situations where the risk
assessment deems a trained first-aid person
is not necessary, it is still a requirement that
alternative procedures are implemented; for
example, having access to emergency transport
or special arrangements with a local medical
centre.
According to Safety Concepts Australia, a ACTION TASK
safety program should cover: • Have you noticed any first-aid signs around your
• accident prevention and safety promotion school?
• safety compliance • What colours are associated with first-aid kits?
• accident and emergency response • Where are the kits located?
• Can you think of a reason why these locations have
• personal protective equipment
been chosen?
• safety practices
• equipment and machinery
The minimum qualification for first-aid
• chemical and hazardous materials safety
officers in low-risk workplaces is a current
• work hazards
Senior First Aid certificate, and in high-risk
• employee involvement.
workplaces a current occupational first-aid
Training involves teaching workers how
qualification is required.
to identify and assess risks and hazards, and
First-aid personnel are responsible for:
helping them understand safety processes.
• maintaining current qualifications
Effective training programs can reduce the
• ensuring that first-aid kits are fully stocked
number of incidents, deaths, illnesses, workers’
and easily accessible, that their location is
compensation claims, retraining costs, damage
clearly signed, and that they are regularly
to property and legal costs. It is therefore
checked to ensure that expired items or
beneficial for organisations to develop a safety
equipment are replaced
culture within their organisations so that
• undertaking initial care of work-caused
everyone accepts responsibility for work safety.
injuries or illnesses
All safety training must be documented. This
• recommending further special medical
should include:
treatment if required, including calling an
• recording each staff member in attendance
ambulance
with their signature
• recording details of the injury – the amount
• keeping a training matrix of who has been
of paperwork to be completed depends on
trained, when they were trained, the
the severity of the accident/incident
training topic and when a refresher course is
required.
ACTION TASK
Search the web for ‘safety training for workers’ and
select the SmartCompany article. After reading the
article, answer the following questions:
• Do you believe WHS is both the employer’s and
employee’s responsibility? Justify your answer.
• Do you believe you can make workers follow
documented procedures? Why/why not?
Outline some situations where it would be difficult to
make employees follow set procedures.

5
Mental health
Mental health has been recognised in the WHS
legislation as a major issue and businesses need
to control their work to ensure minimum harm
comes to their employees from work issues.
Stress, caused by a variety of situations, is a
major area impacting on workers’ health.
Stress is something that occurs over a period
For more information on
of time as a result of situations such as bullying, bullying, see page 58.
struggling to cope with workloads, harassment
and violence. Employees in these situations
often suffer from depression, indecision and
anxiety. The problem with stressful situations
is that they continue over a period of time,
making it difficult to identify and prove unless
the employee keeps a detailed diary of events.
To comply with WHS legislation, organisations For more information
need to ensure that a bullying policy is in place on WorkCover and
and any complaints are dealt with immediately. rehabilitation,
• reporting details to management see pages 145 and 146.
ACTION TASK
• following up outcomes Have you (or a friend) ever experienced a stressful
• assisting in WorkCover claims and situation in part-time employment? If so, what created
rehabilitation. the situation?
First-aid kits with contents that suit the Brainstorm situations that could create stress in the
particular business should be clearly labelled workplace.
and accessible in areas of high risk. Disposable Do you think you may have contributed to a stressful
sterile items should be used as much as possible situation, intentionally or unintentionally? Explain.
to prevent cross infections. The number of
ACTION TASK
kits required depends on the size and types of
Access the Eve Ash website at www.cambridge.edu.
activities undertaken by the business. au/bct1weblinks and read the blog on ‘The fine line of
bullying: Four things you need to know’. After reading
WORKERS’ HEALTH this, has your understanding of what constitutes
bullying changed? How many of you believe you have
Health issues, while not actual injuries in experienced bullying in your work or schooling? Is there
themselves, may be stress-related, leading a bullying policy at your school? And do you believe
to psychological and physical injury. Under bullying is handled satisfactorily? Explain why/why not.
the WHS Act 2011 the importance of ‘health’
as a WHS issue has much greater emphasis.
While accidents and physical hazards are Work violence
acknowledged and obvious, there are other Another area of concern for businesses is the
areas of risk to an employee’s health such as increase in violence in the workplace, which
lack of correct ergonomic practices, stress and can be internal (an extension of bullying)
violence in the workplace. or external (e.g. robberies). In September
2010, the Heads of Work Safety Authorities
Ergonomics across Australia formed a workgroup to
Ergonomics is the process of designing develop a national guide on ‘Preventing
workplaces and systems that suit the specific and Responding to Violence at Work’ for all
user. It includes workstations, lifting, bending, industries, in particular those where violence
reaching and twisting in conjunction with the is most prevalent – community and emergency
frequency of these movements. With all jobs, services, education, police and nursing.
alternating tasks to prevent repetitive strain The guide defines violence at work as
should be normal practice. ‘any incident in which a person is abused,

threatened or assaulted in circumstances EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

relating to their work’, where:
• abuse is the ill treatment of someone and/or Basic emergency situations include fire,
insulting language medical situations, violent intruders, bomb
• threat is declaring an intent to cause pain or threats and chemical spills. By law, planning
loss to someone for these types of situations is mandatory
• assault is an unlawful physical attack, and all organisations are expected to prepare
including an attempt to do violence to an emergency response plan to suit their
another. individual business. Areas to address in the plan
Internal violence should be covered under a include:
specific bullying policy that outlines reporting • work layout/location
mechanisms as well as investigation and • exit points for different areas
grievance procedures. All employees should • arrangements for raising alarm
receive a copy, and sign it to show that they • assembly points
have read and understood the contents. It is • personnel appointed to assume
important to realise that abuse from violent responsibilities during emergencies
behaviour does not only relate to the office • procedures for different types of
environment: it can occur at business-related emergencies.
functions such as conferences, work parties or ACTION TASK
trade shows. What emergency situations have you been involved in –
External violence is completely real-life or drills – to date? Did you know what to do?
unpredictable but organisations can undertake Explain why or why not.
risk assessment and control measures in Who assisted you in these emergency situations?
consultation with workers to minimise the
dangers. The guide strongly emphasises the When developing emergency plans, all
need for staff to be trained in ways to identify foreseeable emergencies must be considered,
and prevent possible risks as well as how to deal including taking notice of neighbouring
with violence should it occur. businesses. If these businesses deal with
dangerous substances, then procedures on how
ACTION TASK to deal with emergencies resulting from an
In small groups, access the national guide to violence
accident at their premises should be included.
and prepare a wall chart on questions to consider when
Other areas to be considered include:
undertaking a risk assessment on possible violence.
Select the best chart for display around the school. • remote and isolated workers – a group
of geologists working in inland Australia
would need access to satellite phones and
emergency contact for the Flying Doctor
service
• a community nurse – access to a Duress
Alarm when working alone
• people with disabilities – special procedures
required.
ACTION TASK
What types of disabilities would need to be considered
in these plans? In groups, discuss and write procedures
for dealing with each different type of disability. Access
the Safety Concepts website at www.cambridge.edu.au/
bct1weblinks, click on ‘Archives’ and select November
2011. Find the article ‘Evacuation of people with
disabilities’. Then access CATS (Creating Accessible
Teaching and Support) at www.cambridge.edu.au/
bct1weblinks and compare what you have written.

5
ACTION TASK WorkCover
Safe Work Australia has undertaken steps to harmonise is a self-funded
the workers’ compensation arrangements through their government
statutory authority,
National Workers’ Compensation Action Plan 2010–
and is the largest
2013. Access this plan through Safe Work Australia at provider of workers’
www.cambridge.edu.au/bct1weblinks. compensation
What outcomes have been achieved? What, if any, insurance in
changes have been made to Queensland legislation? Queensland.
Access WorkCover
All employees can apply for workers’ Queensland at www.
compensation (WorkCover) benefits cambridge.edu.au/
bct1weblinks.
regardless of who or what caused the work-
related injury. To ensure that claims are
paid for the entire period missed from work, FACT!
applications for compensation should be lodged Every year,
WorkCover
as soon as possible following the injury, and
Queensland
within a maximum of six months of seeing a receives over 73 000
Simply developing a plan is not sufficient. doctor. applications for
Practices of procedures and testing of Under the Workers’ Compensation and compensation,
equipment should be conducted regularly to Rehabilitation Act 2003, both employees with costs of
ensure evacuations or lockdowns are conducted approximately $5.2
and employers have certain responsibilities
billion annually.
safely and without panic. A different alarm when either claiming for, or receiving, Of these, around
system should be used for a lockdown and compensation benefits from WorkCover. 13 000 claims are
an evacuation, and employees should be Penalties may apply if people do not comply from Queensland
conversant with both sounds. with these requirements, and WorkCover may workers who suffer
During emergency situations (whether a drill an injury as a result
suspend a worker’s compensation benefits or
of a slip, trip or fall,
or real) employer-appointed safety wardens prosecute for an offence under the Act if these costing Queensland
are responsible for ensuring correct procedures responsibilities are not fulfilled. businesses more than
and protocols are followed by employees and 256 000 lost work
visitors. days and over $60
All staff nominated to the role of a work million in workers’
compensation
safety warden must be given time to undertake payments.
initial and subsequent refresher training
courses to ensure that their qualifications
Safety wardens
remain current and relevant to the position
may also be known
being filled. A record of these practices is to as safety officers, fire
be kept to demonstrate due diligence and that wardens, or building,
everything reasonably practicable has been floor or area wardens.
done to ensure the safety of everyone on site.
WORKERS’ COMPENSATION
Workers’ compensation is a compulsory levy
imposed by the government on employers to
fund their potential liabilities associated with
injured workers. Employees are covered by the
Workers’ Compensation and Rehabilitation Act
(Qld) 2003, which states that employers must
have accident insurance for any injury sustained
by a worker in the course of their work or
on their usual route to or from work. It also
provides compensation for their dependants if
the injury results in the worker’s death.

Rehabilitation and return to work

Under workers’ compensation legislation,
PCBUs are obliged to create a return to work
program for employees who have suffered
some type of injury and workers are obliged
to participate in this program. This involves
the employer and employee participating
in discussions with each other, WorkCover
Queensland and other professionals such
as medical specialists, physiotherapists,
occupational therapists and counsellors. The
outcome of these discussions is an individual
program to help the injured worker return to
work.
Because injury downtime is costly and
disruptive for employers as well as other staff
who may be required to take on additional
duties during an injured employee’s absence,
it is in everyone’s best interests to have injured
workers return to work as soon as possible,
even if they can only do light duties or part-
time work.
If an employee is unable to return to the
job because of a work injury, WorkCover will
discuss options with both the worker and
employer. However, the main aim is to work
closely with health providers, and help workers
and employers throughout the rehabilitation
process.

5
ACTION TASK All incidents have an impact on business,
Prepare a brochure or podcast on workers’ reinforcing the need for strict adherence to
compensation as an inservice for teachers. Include the risk-management processes, as highlighted in
employee and employer responsibilities when making the following article.
WorkCover claims and rehabilitation procedures.
Business impacts receives appropriate professional

treatment. The business may have to
Avoiding an incident
There is a great deal businesses can
of a work health adjust workloads and staffing levels to do to reduce the risk of work injuries.
and safety incident accommodate the absence of the injured
worker. If the worker cannot immediately
All businesses should ensure they have
completed a thorough risk assessment of
The impact on a business of a health and resume the duties they had before being work hazards, implemented a system of
safety incident in the work can range injured, the business would need to work continuous improvement for work health
from little or no impact, to the kind of with the worker to implement a return to and safety practices and provided quality
impact from which it may be difficult for work program. inductions and training for staff.
a company to recover. The cost of work The business must also ensure that Fundamental injury prevention and
incidents to the Queensland economy in the incident has been recorded and reduction practices involve identifying
2009–10 was estimated to be $6.2 billion. investigated appropriately. Following and assessing the known risks in the
In Queensland, more than 99 per cent an investigation, the business is likely workplace, complying with company and
of all compensated work-related injury to incur some costs for improvements regulatory health and safety requirements,
claims are for non-fatal injuries. Of to work health and safety. For some discussing potential risks with workers and
these non-fatal claims, 62.9 per cent are businesses, the impact of even a moderate working together to find solutions.
for short term, temporary injuries that incident can be significant. For instance, Finding solutions to work health and
require less than five working days off if an incident involved a major piece safety risks can often provide businesses
work, and 37.1 per cent are for serious, of equipment that turned out to be with long term cost savings and immediate
temporary injuries requiring five or more hazardous, the equipment would have to returns on productivity. Some of the
days off work. Claims resulting in work be repaired, modified or replaced before it proven benefits for businesses include
related impairment accounts for 8.5 per could be used again. For a small business, reduced workers’ compensation insurance
cent of these claims. (Q-COMP, 2010–11 this could be too great an expense. premiums, improved health and safety,
Statistics Report.) Legal consequences productivity gains, savings on plant, labour
Impacts of an incident Any electrical incident or work incident and maintenance costs, and improved staff
While most injuries are minor, even a that is severe enough to have caused morale.
seemingly small accident can have a serious injury or illness, or be classed Source: Taryn Doherty, Principal Awareness
as a dangerous event or major incident and Engagement Officer, Work Health and
significant impact. For instance, in a
Safety Queensland.
small company with few staff, the impact under work health and safety legislation
of one worker being injured (physically must be reported to the appropriate work INVESTIGATE
or psychologically) and requiring only health and safety regulator and workers’ After reading the above article, summarise
a few days off work can have indirect compensation authority. The business the information in dot point form, using the
costs such as lowered staff morale, lost must work closely with these authorities same subheadings as in the article. Then
productivity while the injured worker is during an investigation. as a group, discuss incidents that you know
absent, job dissatisfaction, staff turnover In a worst case scenario, a serious have occurred in your workplace. Make a
and recruitment costs. Incidents also incident may result in the business owners list of these on the board and discuss ways
impact the worker’s family and friends, and/or individuals within the company they could have been prevented. Do you
work colleagues and even the community being prosecuted for a breach of the know of the impact these incidents had on
with far reaching financial, social and legislation. This outcome may incur time their workplaces?
psychological consequences. and financial costs for a business, and be
With any work injury, a company is distressing for those involved.
required to ensure the injured worker

ACTIVITY 5.3
1 In small groups, each select a different industry comments in the document using the Comment
and then undertake research on the most common function in Word. When you have completed this,
types of accidents in that industry (include farming you are to individually write a 700–800 word report
and mining). Using collaboration software, prepare for the HSR outlining the practices undertaken, the
a graph in Excel showing the main types of CEO Mr Jones’s knowledge of an Officer’s duty of
accidents and the numbers in each state. Create a care and compliance, and whether you believe the
chart depicting the comparisons. Officer should be held liable for the death of the
2 Access Safe Work Australia’s statistics at www. worker. Justify your decisions and support them with
cambridge.edu.au/bct1weblinks, and search for academic references. Other articles to assist with
‘Statistics’. Then answer the following questions your response the same site are ‘Work bullying sins
using figures from 2012: of past penalties in the future’ and ‘Work bullying
a Which industry lodged the most claims? and the Work Health and Safety Act’.
b What age group has had the highest number of 6 Access Job Access at www.cambridge.edu.au/
recorded accidents in that industry? bct1weblinks and search for ‘evacuation and
c On average, what is the most accident-prone emergency checklist’. Create your own checklist
age group? from this information, then in small groups, with
d On average, who has made the most claims – each selecting a different staffing area, undertake
males or females? interviews to ascertain knowledge on evacuation
e In which industry were there more claims by procedures. When completed prepare a letter to the
males? HSR outlining your findings and recommendations
f In which industry were there more claims by for improvement if necessary. Make sure you justify
females? your recommendations.
Repeat for the previous year. Have accidents 7 Find the OHS Procedures for a Queensland business
increased or decreased? that you are familiar with and, in groups of three,
3 Search the web for the Queensland First Aid examine the way WHS is managed within this
Code of Practice and prepare a checklist of organisation. Discuss whether you believe it meets
the requirements for locations, contents, signs, its compliance requirements and duty of care
trained personnel and record keeping. Using this under the WHS Act (Qld) 2011. Make a note of any
checklist, undertake a survey of your school to areas you feel are lacking. Prepare a report and
determine whether these requirements have been accompanying letter to send to the company advising
met. Prepare a report for the health and safety them of your evaluations and the steps required to
manager on your findings. Make sure you justify make the company compliant.
any recommendations for improving the first-aid 8 Noise is an area of health that can be overlooked
facilities. but it has its own Code of Practice. Many of you use
4 In groups of three, prepare a vodcast or vlog on earphones on a regular basis. Have you considered
correct ergonomic use with laptops. Each group the impact this can have on your hearing? Undertake
is to select a class or group of classes throughout research to discover the acceptable limits of noise to
the school and present the vodcast to them. As a the human ear. Then invite your HSR to test the level
whole class, select the best. of sound set for your earphones.
Then individually, prepare a letter to the principal 9 Access the Q-Comp website at www.cambridge.edu.
covering the following details: au/bct1weblinks and use the search feature to find
• what your class has prepared ‘The better practice in return to work guide’. Using
• details of where the vodcast can be viewed the information in this chapter and the Q-Comp
• permission to upload the video onto the intranet. guide, create a ‘Return to work’ brochure that would
Select the most professional letter to send to the be suitable to give to employees who have been
principal. injured at work. Include diagrams and websites in
5 Access the ‘bullying hypothetical’ case study at the your brochure.
Safety Concepts website at www.cambridge.edu. 10 In pairs, create a set of 12 cards using the table
au/bct1weblinks and search for ‘risk management feature in Word, with a definition and a statement.
and workplace bullying’. Copy the article into When you have completed your cards, each pair
Word. Read through it, highlighting issues that are should take turns asking the whole group their
appropriate and inappropriate practices. Then in questions.
groups of three or four discuss your ideas, making

5
HEALTH AND SAFETY RECORDS
Keeping records about general work health • results of inspections, reviews and audits
and safety activities and the risk-management • training and inductions undertaken
process of a business are essential as they: • emergency plans
• demonstrate compliance with legislation • licences and permits
• demonstrate due diligence • repair and maintenance records
• may be called for as evidence in a court of • health surveillance records (hazardous
law substances, atmospheric testing, employees
• assist management in developing a risk- exiting confined spaces)
management plan • records relevant to any investigation and/or
• enable progress checks through continuous prosecution
monitoring and reviewing • administrative controls for all risks
• provide an audit trail • MSDS and JAS sheets
• enable the sharing of information. • displayed lists of HSRs and WHS managers.
ACTION TASK
By maintaining and examining these records,
In your part-time work and at school, there are certain the WHS manager can identify problem areas,
procedures to follow when accidents occur. What forms make improvements to safety and update the
must be completed in these situations? Discuss with business’s risk-management plan.
your employer or school the types of records generated If there is an incident in a workplace,
and how long they need to be kept. inspectors can request to see the records kept
by the organisation as well as seek clarification
Records must be kept for specific periods of from the PCBU. This is a change for PCBUs
time according to the Work Health and Safety as they no longer have a right to remain silent.
Regulation 2011. As a general rule, the length Any questions or information sought must be
of time is five to seven years, although some provided; however, the answers or documents
records require keeping for a greater length of provided are not admissible as evidence against
time such as registers of health surveillance; that individual in criminal or civil proceedings,
for example, records relating to hazardous unless the information was false or misleading.
substances, such as lead, must be kept for five
ACTION TASK
years unless exposure to the substance has the Do you think the removal of ‘right to silence’ complies
potential to affect the long-term health of the with the rights of individuals facing possible criminal
individual, in which case these records must be charges? Invite your Legal Studies teacher to discuss
kept for 30 years. this situation with your group.
Examples of record keeping obligations
include:
• accident and injury reports (for five years
after the employee leaves)
ACTIVITY 5.4
1 Read the scenario below and complete the following they were entering the canteen. When she fell,
activities. Paula hit her head on the doorway, which resulted
On Thursday 1 March, at about 12.30 pm, Paula in bleeding. Veronica helped her up and took her
McIntyre was walking into the canteen area of immediately to a nearby hospital. As well as four
RAH Enterprises for lunch when she slipped in stitches to her head, Paula sustained a sprained
some spilt coffee. There was a safety sign outside left ankle and a fracture to her right wrist, which
the door indicating the spill but Paula had been she received when she put out her hand as she
talking to Veronica Webb, a work colleague, as fell. She was required to have one week off work.
Paula’s date of birth is 3/10/90.

ACTIVITY 5.4
a Using an accident form from the school first-aid Compensation claims recorded for each year.
officer (or the one at www.cambridge.edu.au/ Compare the years.
bct1weblinks), record the details of the accident in c Prepare a letter to send to your school’s WHS
the scenario. manager, explaining what you have prepared,
b Analyse and evaluate the WHS procedures attaching the graphs for a pictorial reference.
outlined in the scenario. Present your findings Insert into an envelope printed with the WHS
in a report for the WHS committee. Justify your manager’s name and address.
findings and any decisions made. 3 Access South Australia’s SafeWork website at
2 Create a spreadsheet similar to the one below. www.cambridge.edu.au/bct1weblinks, go to the
a Ask your HSR or health centre to provide you ‘Resources’ tab, then ‘Education & Training’ and
with statistics for the past five years on the click on ‘Activities and tests’. Take a trip through
categories listed below and enter them into your the virtual offices. Make a list of the things you have
spreadsheet. learned on the way. When you have completed the
b Create a chart showing the Admissions, tours, prepare a brochure that would be suitable for
Panadol, Accidents, Falls, Drugs and Workers’ a new junior employee commencing work.
Health Centre Statistics
Panadol and
other pain
Admissions relief Accident reports Falls Drugs
Dangerous incidents
Insulin dependant
Medical incidents
Workers’ comp.
Ambulance
Students
Epipens
Asthma
Visitors
Other
Staff
Staff
Staff
Staff
Year
Sec
Sec
Sec
FACT!
Although Australia
only contributes 1.5 SUSTAINABLE WORK PRACTICES
per cent of global
carbon emissions The link between health, safety and the In 2011, the Australian Government began
per person, we are environment is incorporated into the core a review of its Environment Protection and
the worst polluters
in the world – at 23.7
business of every organisation as part of Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 in response
tonnes of carbon continuous improvement. As debate about to increasing concerns about the sustainability
dioxide each year climate change increases, governments, of the planet. It also introduced a carbon
– due to our high businesses and individuals recognise the pricing scheme on 1 July 2012 as a major
emissions energy need to work together to minimise harm to initiative to reduce carbon pollution. This
sector, which reflects
the availability of
the environment. World-wide, countries are has encouraged industries to develop cleaner
cheap and abundant channelling funds into developing sustainable energy production to reduce detrimental
coal. work practices, in particular new ways of impacts on the environment. A breakdown of
Source: Federal sourcing energy, in an attempt to reduce the industry areas and their carbon emissions is
Government, IRESS.
carbon emissions. illustrated in Figure 5.13.

5
Australia’s pollution profile Figure 5.13 Industries
and their carbon
footprint
Electricity generation
3% 3%
Agriculture
5%
7% Direct fuel combustion
37%
Transport
15%
Fugitive emissions
15% Industrial processes

15%
Deforestation and forestry
Waste
Source: Courier-Mail, ‘Don’t let savings go up in smoke’, 18 July 2011.
GREEN OFFICE SPACE ACTION TASK

In pairs, research the environmentally sustainable
More and more, property developers are
characteristics of Green Square North Tower. Then
building sustainable office buildings to meet investigate two other buildings in Australia that have
the demands of both public and private won awards for being environmentally friendly and find
organisations wanting ‘green space’ approved out what features won them their awards.
by the Green Star® rating systems of the Green
Building Council of Australia and the National According to a survey conducted by AFS (a A Green Star®
Australian Built Environment Energy Rating specialist market research company) and Net rating incorporates
System (NABERS). Balance, a sustainability advisory firm, more the design,
One building to receive two 6 star Green construction, indoor
than one in five businesses are finding pressure
environmental
Star® rating and a 5 star NABERS Rating is coming directly from customers (including quality, energy,
Green Square North Tower in Brisbane, as government procurement) to be more water, transport, land
shown below. sustainable. use, emissions and
innovation in design.
FACT!
Queensland
has the highest
greenhouse gas
emissions per person
in Australia.
Source: www.
towardq2.qld.gov.au.

With social media providing the means their purchasing of ‘green’ products, as shown
for people to discuss organisations providing in the article below.
sustainable practices, all businesses will need The terms ‘sustainable’ and ‘green’ are
to improve their environmental performance to closely linked but can be distinguished as
remain competitive. follows:
• Green refers to products or services that
GREEN PRODUCTS are less damaging to the environment or
are produced using methods or processes
Before an organisation can market itself or that save resources or reduce environmental
its products as ‘green’ or environmentally impact as compared to those previously
Access the Green friendly, it must meet the requirements set out available or other products used for the same
Marketing document in the Australian Competition and Consumer or similar purpose. As a general rule, green
on the ACCC website at Commission’s Guide to Green Marketing
www.cambridge.edu.au/
products do not generate detrimental ‘waste’
bct1weblinks and search
and Consumer Law to show compliance with and contain recyclable components.
for ‘Green marketing the Competition and Consumer Act (Cth) • Sustainable means considering the
and the Australian 2010. As well, the Trade Practices Act (Cth) environmental and social impacts of business
Consumer Law’. 1974 sets guidelines for companies making operations and taking action to eliminate
environmental claims on their products and all negative environmental, social and
prohibits any business from making false or economic impacts of operations at each phase
misleading representations, or engaging in of a product’s life cycle. An example of a
misleading or deceptive conduct. sustainable product is bamboo as it can grow
By promoting environmentally friendly and be harvested in five years and, after being
For information on life practices, a business will gain a competitive cut, will regrow on its own.
cycles, see page 155.
edge as consumers become more selective in
Big bucks in and inform consumers how their products

reflect these attitudes. For example,
‘In terms of the influence in the
supply chain, you can use your power as
going green for awareness could be built through multiple a retailer and encourage your suppliers to
businesses channels, such as using social media, in-
store signage and making environmentally
mirror and adopt your policies,’ she said.
‘International players, like Marks and
By Jo-Anne Hui friendly products easier to find through Spencer and Walmart use scorecards for
informative labelling. their suppliers and only work with those
Shoppers want to buy from ‘It’s interesting to note that 40% of who match their policies and strategies
environmentally friendly retailers and respondents [in our survey] couldn’t around green.’
are happy to pay more for their products, actually name a local brand or retailer that Source: http://smarter.telstrabusiness.com/
according to a recent report from the was actively green in Australia,’ she told news/big-bucks-in-going-green-
Australian Centre of Retail Studies. Smarter Business Ideas. ‘There are great for-businesses.htm.
Conducted by the ACRS in June last examples coming into the marketplace
year, The Green Consumer Study found INVESTIGATE
of brands and retailers who are adopting How important is the environment to you?
46% of Australians regularly buy green significant investments in this regard, but
products. Not only will consumers respect Is the purchase of ‘green’ products a major
our committee couldn’t tell us who they factor when you wish to buy something?
environmentally-conscious brands, but were. What they’re asking for are constant
49% are also willing to spend up to a 10% In groups of three or four, research the
communications and greater transparency companies mentioned in this article to see
premium on their items and will visit their and info about what brands are doing.’
stores more regularly, said Carla Ferraro, why their products are considered to be
According to Ferraro, some particularly ‘green’ friendly.
ACRS research fellow. … green-friendly brands in Australia include
However, while consumers are willing Create a definition for the terms
outdoor store Paddy Palin, beauty retailer ‘sustainable’ and ‘green’. Compare your
to buy green, they need to be better Aesop and larger businesses such as
educated and given more information definitions with other groups.
Bunnings, Woolworths and McDonald’s. Do you think the following items are
from businesses, as they often feel Retailers are in a unique position to
‘overwhelmed by the science that sits green?
influence others in their industry when it • your iPod
behind these issues’, Ferraro explained. comes to adopting greener attitudes, as
Businesses also need to better publicise • green shopping bags
they’re connected to manufacturers and • recycled office paper.
the fact that they are socially-conscious growers, said Ferraro.

5
For example, the timber in a house is a sustainable products, developed guidelines for
‘green’ product – but is it sustainable? The eco-labels in line with International Standards
answer to this is ‘Yes’ if: (ISO 14024). The purpose of eco-labelling is
• it is all recycled timber, which is both green to identify and promote products that have a
and sustainable reduced environmental impact.
• it is harvested in an environmentally ACTION TASK
responsible way, i.e. the area the timber How much do you know about ‘green’ labelling? What
is taken from is not depleted and it is not terms have you seen that made you think a product was
transported any great distance. environmentally friendly? What do you think would help
ACTION TASK you make an informed decision on the accuracy of a
Think of a product that you buy. Then research and product labelled ‘green’?
prepare a flowchart of what it takes to get that product
from the raw materials through manufacture to the shelf Naturally, there is no single eco-label that
of the business you buy it from. Access the EPA website can ensure all environmental, ethical and social
at www.cambridge.edu.au/bct1weblinks and read the issues have been addressed. For example,
document (page 15) to get an idea of this process. the Fair Trade logo, which helps to support
industry in developing countries, does not
To assist people in making choices about the reflect the pollution through air miles and
products they wish to purchase, green labels through the primary, secondary and shipping
have been introduced both in Australia and packaging required to transport a product
internationally. around the globe.
Labels can, however, provide an informative
Green labelling guide, as shown by the following examples.
In 2011, Good Environmental Choice Australia
(GECA), Australia’s leading certifying body for
Good Environ- Australian and state/ the more stars, the better. These stars
mental Choice territory government indicate the effect the window will have
Australia program, the Energy on the energy performance of the whole
www.geca.org. Rating Label is house.
au/ recognised as a Fairtrade
The Good key initiative to www.fairtrade.
Environmental reduce greenhouse net/
Choice Label aims to provide an gas emissions. The
Products carrying
independent environmental labelling mandatory labelling
the Fairtrade
scheme in Australia that is non- program covers
Certification Mark
government or industry affiliated and refrigerators, freezers,
are those that have
meets the needs of small and large room air-conditioners, dishwashers,
been produced and
producers. GECA reviews the impact clothes washers and clothes dryers. The
sold ensuring that the farmers, workers
of a product against standards for program requires that these household
and communities in developing countries,
environmental performance and a appliances display an energy star rating
normally disadvantaged through current
life cycle assessment methodology is label (1 to 6 stars [6 best]).
international trade rules, get a fair price
employed where possible. Following Australian Window Association for their products and labour. It aims to
verification of the claims, a license is Window Energy Rating Scheme continuously improve working conditions,
issued that provides the rights to use the www.wers.net/ increase sustainability and invest in
GECA logo on the product and associated To participate in WERS, window makers community development for workers and
literature. It is the only Australian label must obtain energy ratings for their small farms. The Mark is most commonly
recognised by the Global Eco-labelling products from a rating organisation that found on commodity products such as
Network (GEN). is accredited by the WERS Management coffee and tea. An increasing number of
Energy Rating Committee. Rated windows carry a label cafes, retail outlets and supermarkets are
www.energyrating.gov.au/ that certifies their rating by the Australian selling Fairtrade Certified products in
Energy labelling for major appliances in Window Association. The window’s Australia.
Australia was introduced in 1986. A joint cooling and heating performance is rated Source: www.greenbeings.com.au.
separately on a scale of 0 to 5 stars –

Although improving, there is still a need for set by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC),
greater regulation of labelling. Many ‘green’ a global standard-setting and certification
claims are neither supported by evidence organisation that endorses sustainable fisheries,
nor well explained. Statements made on brands and retailers, and the Australian Marine
products, such as ‘low carbon’, ‘100% natural’, Conservation Society. These organisations are
‘recyclable’, ‘earth-friendly’, ‘renewable’ or pushing for a seafood labelling standard that
even ‘organic’ are designed to create a good clearly identifies the species of seafood, how it
impression without providing scientifically was caught or farmed and which company was
proven information about environmental responsible for getting the product onto the
benefits. For example, the packaging of a supermarket shelf.
product may say ‘up to 40 per cent recycled’ ACTION TASK
but this does not state what is recycled – the On their websites, research the statements made by
carton or the contents of the carton. The Coles, Woolworths and Aldi regarding their seafood
term given to these unsubstantiated claims is products. Then, in groups, visit a Coles, Woolworths
‘greenwashing’, which undermines the whole or Aldi store to seek clarification on what these
process of genuine environmental sustainability. organisations are doing in regard to labelling. Find out
One of the areas that lack meaningful how many of their products have been approved by the
standards and labelling laws in Australia is MSC. Does their packaging show how their products
sustainable seafood, although guidelines are are caught? Do they provide only the ‘common’ name
of fish? After the visits, discuss your findings with the
whole class. Which of these three businesses do you
believe provides the most accurate information?
A business wanting to benefit from

promoting itself as green must gain
endorsement from organisations such as
GECA. After this is done, it can provide well-
defined, clear messaging on its packaging, web
and social media sites to encourage potential
customers. Prior to seeking certification,
businesses are required to develop a life
cycle assessment (LCA) of their product.
This involves examining each life stage of
the product from raw materials, through
manufacture, distribution and disposal (see
Figure 5.14 on the following page).
By having access to standard information
on products, consumers can make informed
decisions on purchases.
ACTION TASK
How much attention do you pay to the type of labelling
that appears on packaging? Do you automatically think
that ‘green’ must mean that the product is safe for
the environment or is sustainably produced? Examine
the labelling on products you have at home. For one
of the products, research the labelling to see if it is
greenwashing or genuine – consider the questions
relating to greenwashing in this section. Bring the
packaging and the result of your research to school and
share your findings with the group.

5
Figure 5.14 Product
life cycle assessment
Resource use, Energy and water

extraction effects Raw
usage, emissions
materials
to air and water
Transportation
Manufacturing
Recycling or Transport
disposal through
all stages
Packaging
Use
Emissions to water/air Recyclable, minimal
LEGISLATION AND REGULATIONS Analysis (JSEA) for each activity that might For information on JSEAs,
potentially harm the environment. see page 138.
There is a range of national legislation The Act also requires that any worker who
protecting all aspects of the environment, from becomes aware of any serious or material
fauna and marine parks to hazardous wastes. environmental harm that has occurred, or is Go to the Department of
In Queensland, the Environmental Protection about to occur, must report the situation to Sustainability, Environment,
Act 1994 and its subordinate legislation the employer or the Environment Protection Water, Population and
ensure protection of the environment and Agency (EPA). Details about the event and Communities website at
this is enforced through the Department of the circumstances under which it happened www.cambridge.edu.au/
Environment and Resource Management. bct1weblinks and search
must be recorded. Failure to notify the for ‘environmental strategy
Subordinate legislation includes: employer or the EPA of such events results principles’.
• Environmental Protection Regulation 2008 in serious penalties under the law. In the case
• Environmental Protection (Air) Policy 2008 of an environmental accident, penalties are
• Environmental Protection (Noise) Policy not usually incurred if the business can prove
2008 that all reasonable and practicable measures
• Environmental Protection (Waste to prevent or minimise the harm had been
Management) Policy 2000 implemented.
• Environmental Protection (Water) Policy Australia has outlined objectives and
2009. principles for Australian industry in its
The Environmental Protection Act 1994 National Strategy for Ecologically Sustainable
charges everyone with an environmental duty, Development. Guidelines on environmental
which prevents governments, businesses or management are also available from the
individuals from carrying out any activity that International Standards Organisation (ISO)
causes (or may cause) environmental harm. through its ISO 14000 series.
For this reason, organisations are required
to complete a Job Safety and Environmental

ACTION TASK Simply having a policy in place will not mean

Divide into six groups. Each group is to select one of the that environmentally friendly practices will be
subordinate legislation policies listed on the previous implemented. Sustainability practices need to
page, the national environmental strategy principles or be communicated internally to employees, and
the ISO standards. Use the internet to access a copy of externally to suppliers, customers and other
the selected policy and explore the section relating to stakeholders.
‘Environmental management decisions’. Make a note Internally, sustainability should become
of the key issues identified and summarise the impact ingrained in the organisation’s culture so that
for businesses operating under this policy. Present your employees are proud of the efforts made by
findings to the whole class. their business in ‘doing their bit’ for the earth.
Involving staff by asking them to provide input
Australian state and territory governments
into ways to improve sustainability will also
have agreed to legislation called National
increase the likelihood of the practices being
Environment Protection Measures (NEPMs),
implemented, and staff who are happy are
which requires Australian industries to:
more likely to be productive and loyal.
• measure and monitor their emissions in order
By communicating externally, the
to maintain and improve air and water quality
organisation establishes expectations on how it
• minimise the environmental impacts
conducts business, setting an example to others
associated with hazardous wastes
in the community. This can be a great incentive
• improve the sustainable use of resources.
to attract workers who expect the business they
ACTION TASK work for to have a commitment to sustainability
In pairs, investigate the NEPMs and then search for and also to entice new customers.
a company that has failed to meet compliance with One element of business practice in
environmental standards in Australia. Present your which sustainability should be addressed
findings to the whole group. is procurement, where businesses expect
their suppliers to adopt ethically and socially
Policies and procedures environmentally responsible practices in regard
to the products and services they provide. This
To meet compliance, organisations develop a includes labour conditions, compliance with
sustainable policy and proudly display it (see industrial and environmental regulations and
‘Our Green Policy’ below) to demonstrate WHS legislation. The Queensland Government
their commitment to quality environmental has made a commitment to progressing
practices, their contribution to the environment sustainable procurement and reflects this
and their understanding of customer in their State Procurement Policy 2010 (see
expectations. Figure 5.15 on the following page).
Our Green Policy power, water and fuel.

• Reducing waste-to-landfill by improving
work practices and operations within
our organisation, and the local business
The Daintree Red Mill House has made recycling practices. community.
a strong commitment to environmental • Considering environmental factors in Source: www.redmillhouse.com.au/
best practice and the promotion of purchasing decisions. greenpolicy.html.
environmentally friendly policies. We • Working closely with our guests to
INVESTIGATE
aim to continually improve and to continually improve our management of
Think about your workplace or school at the
identify additional opportunities that will environmental issues.
present time. Does it have a sustainable
assist the business to operate in a more • Regularly monitoring and reporting our
work policy? Did you consider sustainability
environmentally responsible manner. environmental performance.
when you decided to undertake part-time
Through a philosophy of ‘rethink, • Incorporating environmental
work?
reduce, reuse, repair, recycle’ we management considerations into our
Imagine you have left school or
will identify, manage and reduce our core business plans and management
university and are looking for full-time work.
environmental footprint by: practices.
How important will sustainability be to you
• Minimising greenhouse gas emissions • Actively promoting and encouraging
when researching organisations you wish to
by further reducing our consumption of the adoption of ecologically sustainable
work for?

5
Figure 5.15 Extract
6 Sustainable procurement from the Queensland
Government
The Queensland Government is committed to protecting the environment and doing business with ethical and Procurement Policy
socially responsible suppliers. Agencies must integrate the practice of sustainability into the procurement of goods, 2010
services and construction.
Budget sector agencies should seek to progressively increase the proportion of their procurement expenditure on
goods, services and construction that demonstrate improved sustainability outcomes from year to year. To achieve
this, budget sector agencies must:
• demonstrate that sustainability considerations related to each significant procurement have been addressed
during the significant procurement planning process. This includes the establishment of new, or renewal of
existing, standing offer arrangements where these are also significant procurements.
• include sustainable procurement strategies and targets in the Corporate Procurement Plan and report annually
on progress against targets in the plan. Requirements with respect to setting, measuring and reporting on
sustainable procurement targets are outlined in the Operational Concept. The selection of targets should align
with the agency’s strategic and operational procurement objectives.
• comply with certain product based targets as mandated by the Queensland Government Chief Procurement
Officer.
As part of a commitment to continuous improvement and better practice, Government Owned Corporations,
statutory bodies and Special Purpose Vehicles should seek to progressively increase the proportion of their
procurement expenditure on goods, services and construction that demonstrate improved sustainability outcomes,
from year to year.
Source: www.qgm.qld.gov.au/02_policy/pdfs/state_procurement_policy_0910.pdf.
ACTIVITY 5.5
1 Undertake research to find examples of misleading the most effective poster/brochure for display around
‘green’ claims. For example, you could study product the room.
advertisements or even visit your local shopping 3 Access the Ten Per Cent Challenge website at www.
centre. Create a table illustrating the marketing cambridge.edu.au/bct1weblinks. In groups of three
terms and how they purport to be environmentally to four students, select a different tip for businesses
friendly. Where applicable, include examples of and prepare a five-minute oral presentation on what
symbols that are used to encourage consumers to the business is doing to improve its sustainable work
purchase products. practices.
2 Research the Australian Packaging Covenant 4 Working in pairs, research an innovation within
(APC) to discover its packaging guidelines at www. the past five years that has contributed to the
cambridge.edu.au/bct1weblinks. In pairs, prepare a sustainability of the planet. Present your findings to
poster or brochure outlining these guidelines. Select the class.

ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY PRACTICES

As issues such as climate change, global 2020. Part of this involved the introduction of
FACT!
warming and the sustainability of the planet an industry waste levy, which is an additional
In 2010 in Australia continue to dominate the news and scientific charge above the normal gate fee for waste
almost 10.4 million
tonnes of material
debate, successful businesses will be those delivered to a disposal facility. This is to
not used as landfill that develop environmentally sustainable encourage all businesses to rethink their waste-
was recovered at practices to show customers, suppliers and management programs and concentrate on
waste facilities. This other industries their commitment to the recycling. Materials that are not used as landfill
included 2.2 million environment. However, it is not just businesses (i.e. they are recycled or reused) do not attract
tonnes of metal, 1.7
million tonnes of
that need to develop sustainable practices – the levy.
paper and cardboard, individuals also have a part to play in managing Waste management includes finding the
and 1.7 million tonnes the environment. best way to dispose of products such as plastics,
of construction and glass, cardboard, chemicals and e-waste.
demolition waste. ACTION TASK
Source: Australian What sustainable practices are being undertaken by
Bureau of Statistics. organisations and the government in the area in which E-waste
you live? Are there any practices being undertaken that E-waste consists of items that contain electrical
For information on
you believe are detrimental to the area? Make a list of components such as computers, mobile phones,
this strategy, access these and discuss them as a class group. Outline a plan TVs, white goods (fridges, dryers, etc.), home
the Department of for addressing these detrimental practices. entertainment systems, toys, toasters and
Environment and Resource kettles.
Management website at The main areas into which sustainable work
www.cambridge.edu.au/ practices can be categorised are waste, energy, ACTION TASK
bct1weblinks.
land, water and air. At the end of 2012 Australia changed to digital TV. What
impact do you think this had on e-waste? Undertake
research to see if you can find out information regarding
WASTE this issue. Was there a government initiative to manage
the disposal of all the TV sets? How did you dispose of
The Queensland Government has developed a your TV?
Waste Reduction and Recycling Strategy 2010–

5
FACT!
Australians are
the second-highest
producers of waste
per person in the
world, discarding 2
tonnes of waste per
person per year.
Source: Robert Bryant,
IBISWorld.
As technology continues to rapidly advance, As with any business practice, unless there is FACT!
disposal of e-waste is becoming a significant a sustained commitment to implementing the Waste that has
problem with the greatest threat being the system, it will not be successful. Everyone in previously been used
health of individuals and the planet due to toxic the workplace should be involved in developing as landfill (called
components, as highlighted in the article on the the system and ensuring it maintains its solid recovered
following page. effectiveness. fuel) is now being
converted to clean
To minimise the impact of e-waste on the Some of the ways recycling can be adopted energy.
environment, organisations and individuals are are outlined in Figure 5.16 on the following
encouraged to take advantage of the services page.
provided by specialist e-waste recycling
companies. Waste prevention and minimisation
should be the main aim of all organisations and
individuals. When waste cannot be prevented,
the Reduce, Reuse, Recycle program is the
next best option.
ACTION TASK
Online shopping may be producing unsustainable side
effects because more and more packaging is required.
How many of you purchase online? Do you think the
packaging is in excess of what is really required? Why
do you think so much packaging is used?
What impact does this have on the environment?
Investigate the life cycle of cardboard.
ACTION TASK
Develop and enact a campaign to educate fellow
students and housemates of the facts about plastics
and the benefits of reducing, reusing and recycling.
Prepare posters to display around the school. Include:
• facts about plastic – access Reuse This Bag, the
Australian Museum, or SITA at www.cambridge.edu.
au/bct1weblinks
• facts about recyclable products – access Closed
Loop at www.cambridge.edu.au/bct1weblinks
• Europe’s Green Dot recycling scheme. Do you think it
should be adopted in Australia? Explain why/why not.
Then hold a recycling-disclosure rally in the
quadrangle or playground of your school, raising
student awareness and encouraging recycling.

Computer recycle – dangerous toxins associated with

lead are leached from landfill into
with computer recycle carcinogens in
women and children.
how green is our waterways and soil, or into the Source: 1800ewaste: www.ewaste.com.au/
your e-waste? atmosphere via incinerated ash.

• Excessive levels of lead in our bodies
ewaste-articles/computer-recycle.
INVESTIGATE
Every year, over 2 million computers result in serious health issues including
With reference to the statistics in this article,
are dumped in landfill sites, while cancer, learning disabilities, behavioural
do you think about this when you dispose
approximately 500 000 are recycled. problems, seizures and even death.
of your computers or mobile phones? Take
Dumping computer equipment has a • Cadmium is a recognised carcinogenic
specific note of the last paragraph.
devastating impact on our environment. and chromium has been shown to cause
Then access the video at www.
Just look at these statistics: high blood pressure, liver disease and
cambridge.edu.au/bct1weblinks. Watch the
• Used computer hardware, monitors, brain damage in animals.
video and read the article and comments.
hard drives, circuit boards, batteries etc. Almost 5% of e-waste is exported to
Discuss the ethical implications of the
contain hazardous materials, including third world countries where recycling
West’s e-waste. What do you, as a group,
lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent methods are unsafe and unregulated.
think you can do in an attempt to stop this
chromium and radioactive isotopes. This dumping of our waste products in
practice?
• Every colour monitor contains developing countries has resulted in an
approximately 2.5 kilos of lead. The alarming increase in illnesses associated
Figure 5.16 Reduce,

reuse, recycle
REDUCE
RECYCLE REUSE
Reduce Reuse Recycle

• Car pool • Print back-to-back • Have collection areas for cardboard
• Use renewable energy • Use the second side of used paper for • Place paper recycling containers near
• Dispose of e-waste appropriately draft copies printers
• Use email instead of paper documents • Recharge and reuse batteries • Exchange used toners
• Eliminate disposable plates, cutlery and • Refill water bottles • Cut up used paper to use as notepaper
cups • Reuse envelopes, tubes and packaging • Place recycling bins for cans, bottles,
• Use paper bags instead of plastic • Use rags for cleaning and rewash plastics in eating areas
• Turn off lights, fans, equipment, air- • Buy products made from recycled • Have collection areas for batteries and
conditioning material mobile phones
• Set sleep mode for office equipment • Give non-working equipment to repairers
Source: www.reusethisbag.com/reusable-bag-infographics/the-truth-about-plastic.asp.

5
ENERGY FACT!
Paving slabs that
Governments, businesses and individuals
convert people’s
worldwide recognise the critical impact coal footsteps into
and oil are having on the environment, and electricity were used
are developing goals to eliminate these as in the urban mall at
energy sources in the future. According to The the London Olympic
site.
Zero Carbon Australia Report, 100 per cent
of Australia’s energy should be coming from
renewable sources by 2020. Biodiesel is fuel
As a result, a whole new industry of produced from animal
alternative and renewable energy sources is or vegetable fats.
being developed.
Queensland’s alternative energy sources Access the Zero Carbon
include biofuels (such as ethanol and Australia Report at www.
cambridge.edu.au/
biodiesel), coal seam gas, solar, tidal,
bct1weblinks.
geothermal and hydrogen.
ACTION TASK
How much power do you think Google’s products such FACT!
as Gmail, YouTube, Google+ and its cloud services A desktop
consume? Research this to see what is being done to computer used
reduce their carbon footprint. eight hours a day
generates over
Because of its climate, Australia is one 600 kg of greenhouse
of the best placed countries in the world to gases each year.
take advantage of solar energy. Conservative LAND
estimates by the International Energy Agency
FACT!
state that solar has the potential to provide five Land pollution can be caused by a variety
of sources such as the use of pesticides, Korean
per cent of Australia’s power by 2020 and 40 researchers have
per cent by 2050. To meet this, farmers are mineral exploration, industrial discharges, discovered a way
being encouraged by the federal government poor agricultural practices and indiscriminate to charge mobile
to convert sections of their property into a solar disposal of urban wastes. There are strict phones using
or wind farm so they can provide their own guidelines on land management in Australia, people’s voices as
and governments and councils use their they chat, leading
renewable energy and feed any surplus into the to possibilities of
mains electricity grid. legislation to manage its use. One way this is converting other
Every business and individual has a being done is through environmental impact noises into energy.
responsibility to reduce energy consumption studies being undertaken before development
and the best way for a business to succeed can be undertaken.
in this is to develop a work culture where The Australian Government’s key FACT!
everyone is involved. advisory body on all matters relating to land Two US
management is the Australian Landcare universities have
ACTION TASK developed devices
Council, whose major role is to advise the
Research the Queensland Government’s Renewable to fit into shoes to
Energy Target to see what is being done to reduce government on priorities and strategies capture the energy
dependence on coal and oil. Then investigate what for natural resource management to produced by walking.
is done within your school. Prepare a report to the achieve efficient, sustainable and equitable
principal outlining possible changes that could be made management of natural resources in Australia
to improve energy consumption. in line with the principles of ecologically FACT!
sustainable development. A general rule of
thumb for lighting
ACTION TASK is: if the light is not
In pairs, research a case where a company has going to be used for
breached the Environmental Act. Select different cases, 10 minutes or more,
then discuss your findings with the whole group. turn it off.

WATER • encouraging staff and cleaners to report

leaking taps, cisterns, etc.
Australia is the second driest continent in the • installing low flow aerating restrictors on
FACT!
world (Antarctica is the driest), yet Australians water outlets.
A dripping tap can
waste up to 31 000
have one of the highest water consumption
rates per capita. As water shortages continue to ACTION TASK
litres each year –
As a group, discuss how serious you believe water
more than half the be a serious issue, all industries and households
shortage is in Australia. What initiatives has your school
volume of a backyard are required to enact procedures for managing
swimming pool! implemented to minimise water wastage? Create a list
efficient water usage. of other possible actions the school and students could
ACTION TASK undertake to further minimise the waste of water.
Examine your water rates bills for the past year. What
did you find about water usage in your household? Besides managing water consumption,
Identify ways of decreasing the use of water and taking care of waterways and oceans
encourage your family members to implement is of extreme importance to Australia’s
your plan. ecosystems. According to Australia’s CSIRO
(Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial
Water saving tips include: Research Organisation), it has been estimated
• purchasing five-star rating water-use that land-based contaminants contribute up to
appliances/equipment 80 per cent of all marine pollution and pose a
• installing dual flush toilets and sensor flush major threat to the long-term health of coastal
control urinals waterways.
• scraping rather than rinsing dishes for a
dishwasher

5
AIR
As the world’s population continues to
expand, air pollution remains a major issue for
governments. A carbon tax is one attempt at
trying to minimise the harmful effects of air
pollutants both to human health and the planet.
ACTION TASK
Access the CSIRO website at www.cambridge.edu.
au/bct1weblinks and make sure the animation tab is
selected to see the increase in carbon pollution over
the past 30 years. Then brainstorm ideas on how
businesses and individuals can reduce their carbon
footprint.
Monitoring air quality is a regular practice

undertaken by the Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) to help protect air quality and
safeguard the health and wellbeing of all
Australians. While some of the air we breathe
contains natural substances, many other
substances come from human activity, such as
industry emissions and the use of vehicles.
The main outdoor air pollutants are gases
and particles such as carbon monoxide,
nitrogen and sulphur dioxides. Air quality
standards and goals for pollutants, such
as carbon monoxide, have been set by
governments and health organisations around
the world. As a result, industries have a
responsibility to ensure that their emissions
meet legal requirements. The National
Pollutant Inventory (NPI) provides the
community, industry and government with One of the most effective ways to improve For more information on
free information about substance emissions in air quality indoors is through the use of plants, air quality in Australia,
Australia and ways of reducing those emissions. which absorb carbon dioxide. At the University access the Department
of Technology Sydney, researchers have of Sustainability,
Internal air control is also important for Environment, Water,
businesses, as poor air quality impacts on produced positive results that show that indoor Population and
the health and productivity of employees. plants make a big impact on indoor air quality Communities website at
Failure to keep a clean environment results by: www.cambridge.edu.au/
in high absenteeism, increased premiums for • reducing work stress bct1weblinks.
workers’ compensation and health insurance, • improving speed and accuracy at tasks
and the potential loss of quality employees. • fostering a sense of identity and loyalty
Good ventilation is the most important because employees feel cared for.
aspect of internal air quality. Some symptoms More serious illnesses, such as Legionnaire’s
experienced by employees as a result of poor disease, respiratory complications and cancer,
air quality include: may be caused by long-term exposure to poor
• headaches indoor air management.
• tiredness
• asthma
• poor concentration
• irritation of the skin, eyes and throat
• general ill health.

ACTIVITY 5.6
1 Research the Queensland Government’s initiatives blogs or vlogs, interviews, articles and/or pictures.
in regard to sustainability. Working in pairs, each 6 Write an article for the next Office Magazine on the
select a different area and prepare a six- to eight- myths associated with sustainable work practices.
minute oral presentation supported by a PowerPoint Access the Energy Star and Climate Change websites
presentation that includes links to relevant websites. at www.cambridge.edu.au/bct1weblinks to assist with
2 Research statistics on the impact of waste on the your research.
planet before designing a poster for display around 7 Access the National Geographic website at www.
the school. Access the My Green Australia website cambridge.edu.au/bct1weblinks and undertake the
at www.cambridge.edu.au/bct1weblinks and search water quizzes. How well did you do? Make a list of
for ‘The ugly journey of our trash’ to get you started ideas that could be implemented in order to make a
with ideas. difference in water conservation.
3 Access the YouTube video ‘Keep Australia Beautiful’ 8 Explore your local council or shire website to discover
at www.cambridge.edu.au/bct1weblinks to see an sustainable practices that have already been initiated
experiment undertaken in Brisbane and Sydney. in your area.
It is based on a similar experiment in Japan. How a Write to your mayor to congratulate him or her
effective do you think this would be in encouraging on these initiatives, as well as to request further
people to stop littering? information on policies relating to specific
4 Access the following websites at www.cambridge. sustainable practices.
edu.au/bct1weblinks: b Using a Wiki or online chat forum, develop a link
a GreenPower with other regions to investigate whether other
b SMART-Biz councils are undertaking the same or similar
c Green Pages. sustainable practices.
Prepare a PowerPoint presentation on ‘green c Access the Queensland Health Green Office
power’ that you can present to the administrators Resource Guide at www.cambridge.edu.au/
of your school. Include examples of what other bct1weblinks. Use this guide to help you examine
businesses are doing. how effective your council’s plans and actions are
5 As a class group, use the information provided in the for reducing carbon emissions.
sustainable work practices section of this chapter to 9 There has been controversy over coal seam gas
create a set of questions to send to the health and fracking being used as a source of energy. Consider
safety representative at your school. (Access the the statement:
sustainable practices checklist on OneStop Digital to Coal seam gas is a viable option to supply cleaner
assist in this process.) Then invite the WHS manager power.
to address the class with responses to these
Research this concept and prepare a 500–800
questions.
word article either supporting or disputing this concept.
After the session, and in small groups, design
Justify your reasons and support them with academic
material on sustainable work practices to add as a
referencing.
link for the school’s website incorporating all aspects
of sustainability. Ideas could include: a series of
An activity on work health, safety and sustainability is available

at www.cambridge.edu.au/bct1weblinks.


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WORK HEALTH,

Health, safety and the environment are critical

ISBN: 9781107688056 © Rasmussen, Mylonas, Beck 2012 Cambridge University Press

ISBN: 9781107688056 © Rasmussen, Mylonas, Beck 2012 Cambridge University Press

Table 5.1 WHS protection behaviours

Discriminatory conduct Coercion and inducement Misleading representation

ISBN: 9781107688056 © Rasmussen, Mylonas, Beck 2012 Cambridge University Press

A PCBU can Work Health and Safety Regulation ACTION TASK

ISBN: 9781107688056 © Rasmussen, Mylonas, Beck 2012 Cambridge University Press

The PCBU must ensure the health and safety

ISBN: 9781107688056 © Rasmussen, Mylonas, Beck 2012 Cambridge University Press

An officer’s main duties include: Workers’ duty of care

ISBN: 9781107688056 © Rasmussen, Mylonas, Beck 2012 Cambridge University Press

Table 5.2 Categories and penalties for WHS breaches

Category Definition Example Maximum Penalty

ISBN: 9781107688056 © Rasmussen, Mylonas, Beck 2012 Cambridge University Press

ENFORCEMENT OF • providing advice and information to duty

Figure 5.1 Gradual

Issue Infrigement Notice

Issue Non-disturbance Notice

Issue Prohibition Notice

Issue Provisional Improvement Notice

Source: Graeme Backholm, WHS Officer, Moreton Bay College 2012.

ISBN: 9781107688056 © Rasmussen, Mylonas, Beck 2012 Cambridge University Press

Each business served with an enforceable

ISBN: 9781107688056 © Rasmussen, Mylonas, Beck 2012 Cambridge University Press

Figure 5.3 The process

If requested, union official must be included in

ISBN: 9781107688056 © Rasmussen, Mylonas, Beck 2012 Cambridge University Press

ISBN: 9781107688056 © Rasmussen, Mylonas, Beck 2012 Cambridge University Press

SAFE SYSTEMS OF WORK

Figure 5.4 Example of

ISBN: 9781107688056 © Rasmussen, Mylonas, Beck 2012 Cambridge University Press

ISBN: 9781107688056 © Rasmussen, Mylonas, Beck 2012 Cambridge University Press

Assess the risk

Decide on control measures

Implement control measures

Of major importance to PCBUs, when

Worker gets avoid potential occupational health and

ISBN: 9781107688056 © Rasmussen, Mylonas, Beck 2012 Cambridge University Press

When trying to determine the risk factor

Risk Assessment Ratings Matrix Step 2: Likelihood of risk

3. Lost time due to injury

4. Medical treatment necessary

5. First aid necessary

Risk Rating High Risk Medium Risk Low Risk

ISBN: 9781107688056 © Rasmussen, Mylonas, Beck 2012 Cambridge University Press

2 Substitute (replace the hazardous work practice or equipment with an alternative)

3 Isolate (isolate the hazard by controlling or guarding it

4 Engineer Controls (redesign work processes/

The risk of injury in the workplace is always

ISBN: 9781107688056 © Rasmussen, Mylonas, Beck 2012 Cambridge University Press

ISBN: 9781107688056 © Rasmussen, Mylonas, Beck 2012 Cambridge University Press

Danger signage – When a hazard or

Hazard signage – Used to indicate a

Emergency Indicates the location

Informational Provides information

Figure 5.11 International safety signs

Prohibition signs – Specifies behaviours

Mandatory signs Specifies that an

Hazchem signs Used when dangerous ACTION TASK

ISBN: 9781107688056 © Rasmussen, Mylonas, Beck 2012 Cambridge University Press

MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET