Workplace Health and Safety (WHS)
The college places critical importance on WHS, and welfare, of all persons employed and connected to the organisation. The Institute is committed to ensuring the workplace is safe and expects all staff to actively identify risks and reduce hazards. It is the mutual responsibility of all staff to actively promote and maintain a work environment free from harm and hazard. The college will provide the necessary funding and resources to ensure that the workplace is safe and without risk of harm to any person working in or entering the workplace.
WHS responsibilities of the college include:
The management of the college assumes responsibilities for the health, safety, and welfare of staff and others in the workplace by:
- Setting up a system for finding, reporting, and fixing all actual and potential hazards related to work processes and the environment
- Providing, purchasing, and maintaining plant and equipment that is free from hazards.
- Making sure all systems of work used are safe and meet or exceed minimum safety standards.
- Making sure time and resources are allocated to provide adequate information, training, and supervision for all staff.
- Consulting with staff on issues involving health and safety.
- Reviewing and improving the WHS program.
WHS responsibilities for staff and students include:
All people in the workplace have responsibilities in relation to WHS. This includes:
- Following safe work practices and all WHS rules.
- Not misusing or interfering with anything provided in the interest of health and safety.
- Wearing and maintaining personal protective equipment supplied
- Reporting all hazards and encouraging others to maintain a workplace free from harm.
- Actively participating in WHS training programs.
- Student Handbook also refers to WHS
Manual Handling
Manual Handling is any activity involving the use of muscular force (or effort) to lift, move, push, carry, hold or restrain an object. It is your responsibility to ensure you apply the correct lifting techniques when using manual handling or mechanical aids to lift, move, push, pull, carry, hold or restrain any objects.
Guidelines for manual handling objects
Where possible use mechanical aids provided to assist when lifting or transporting objects manually. A trolley is available for moving goods. The following points are a guide only to assist you when manual handling objects.
- Size up the load – if it’s too heavy get help
- Position your feet with proper balance and control
- If the load is low, bend your knees and keep your back straight
- Grasp the load firmly with both hands
- When lifting the load, straighten your legs, keeping your back straight, don’t twist or bend
- Keep the load close to your body
- When transporting the load, move your legs, do not twist your upper body
- Lower the load by keeping your back straight and bending your knees
- Where possible wear non-slip gloves and safety boots to protect your hands and feet
An injury from manual handling can leave you coping with the pain for the rest of your life
Electrical Equipment
Electricity cannot be seen, yet it can burn and kill. DO NOT take any chances with electricity. Follow the advice below.
- Regard all electrical wires as dangerous. Do not permit any object, which you are
- handling to come in contact with electrical lines.
- Before using an electrical extension cord or tool, check for the correct inspection tag, bad insulation, broken or cracked fittings and loose pins.
- Electrical leads are to be placed where they do not become a tripping hazard, lay in water or are likely to be cut or chafed.
- Do not stand in water while using electrical equipment without correct insulation and personal protective equipment.
Ergonomics
Ergonomics is largely about fitting the tasks we perform to the physical attributes we have. Posture, lighting, furniture, organisation and other conditions affect the way staff and students feel, and how well they study. By adjusting the environment and personal practices, students may be able to minimise fatigue and discomfort, and reduce the likelihood of injury. For example, an ergonomic workstation layout promotes work efficiency and an uncluttered desk with frequently used items within easy reach enhances efficiency.
Whenever a person uses a computer, choices are made which can affect comfort and, potentially, the user’s safety. This is true whether people use a full-size keyboard and monitor on a desk, a notebook computer, or a wireless keyboard on the lap. In every case, choose the working posture and their position relative to the keyboard, pointing device, monitor, remote control, phone, and any reference books and papers. Consider some control over lighting and other factors.
Practice good posture
As you sit at your computer, don’t work with your neck or body twisted in unnatural positions or slouch or hunch your shoulders. Proper posture will not only lower your risk of a Cumulative Trauma Disorder (CTD), it will also help you feel more energised while you work.
Configure your computer
When you set up your computer, you should make your workspace fit your body, not the other way around. Here are some guidelines for optimum comfort and safety:
- Adjust the height of your chair so that your knees are slightly lower than your hips.
- Rest your feet firmly on the ground. Use a footrest if you need one.
- Position the top of the monitor at about the same height as your eyes and about 18 to 24 inches from your face.
- Keep your elbow angle at 90 degrees as you work with the keyboard, with your arms held close to your sides.
- Keep your wrists flat when you are typing.
- Keep the mouse and keyboard as close together as possible to eliminate unnecessary reaching.
- Support your lower back.
Protect your eyes
People who spend long hours in front of their PCs frequently complain about eyestrain. Use these tips to prevent damage to your eyes:
Make sure the room is adequately lit, and turn down your monitor brightness to the lowest level that is still readable.
Reduce glare on the screen by moving the room lighting, adjusting the monitor’s position, or using a non-reflective glare screen, especially next to a window. Trying to view the monitor in natural light can strain your eyes.
Look away from the screen periodically, and blink your eyes often to keep them lubricated. Use moisturizing or lubricating eye drops to ease eyes already suffering from strain. A gentle massage starting from the bridge of your nose outward along your eyebrows and underneath your eyes can also alleviate discomfort.
Take a break
If you work at your computer for long stretches of time, get up and move around for a few minutes every hour. Simple activity improves your blood circulation, eases back and neck tension, and gives a rest to your overworked eyes.
