Safety & Prevention

Workplace accidents and injuries can be avoided if appropriate care is taken by both workers and employers. There are a number of steps workers and employers can take to improve safety in the workplace.

Employers should look at:

• the provision and maintenance of a work environment without risks to health and safety
• the provision and maintenance of safe plant and structures
• the provision and maintenance of safe systems of work
• the safe use, handling and storage of plant, structures and substances
• the provision of adequate facilities for the welfare at work of workers in carrying out work for the business or undertaking, including ensuring access to those facilities
• the provision of any information, training, instruction or supervision that is necessary to protect all persons from risks to their health and safety arising from work carried out as part of the conduct of the business or undertaking
• monitoring the health of workers and the conditions at the workplace for the purpose of preventing illness or injury of workers arising from the conduct of the business or undertaking.

Workers should:

• pay attention to any training they receive, including workplace induction training
• know the health and safety procedures in their workplace, including emergency procedures
• always follow the health and safety procedures in their workplace
• ask for training when starting a task for the very first time or using / operating new tools or machinery
• ask to be supervised to make sure they are doing the job safely
• talk to their supervisor if they think a task is too dangerous or difficult
• always wear any personal protective equipment supplied by their employer
• report all hazards, near misses and injuries to their supervisor
• ask their supervisor or a workmate for help if they can’t remember how to do a job safety
• keep an eye out and help new or young workers
• discuss safety concerns with more experienced workers or their supervisor.