The document provides an overview and guidelines for new employees at a design studio. It discusses the importance of teamwork, outlines what a first day will include like introductions and a tour. It details safety procedures, equipment checks, health representatives, hazards to watch out for like posture and stress, how to report issues, emergency plans, responsibilities of employees and employers, and resources for more information. The goal is to ensure a safe and efficient work environment where employees can work at their best.

1. W E L C O M E
T O O U R D E S I G N S T U D I O
T E A M

2. p r e s e n t e d b y
K e r y n F o u n t a i n

3. WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
You are important to us. Whatever the job in the studio we are all dependant on each
other to deliver the services we promise to our clients. There is a lot to learn and a lot to
remember.
Never be afraid to ask.
EVERYONE HAS HAD A FIRST DAY!
Your supervisor will …
• show you your workstation
• instruct you on your terms of employment and conditions
• introduce you to your co-workers
• give you a tour of the studio, machines and equipment
• show you: our inspiration library
the meeting room
tea station
conveniences
stationary storage & ordering systems
• outline the studio protocols and use of personal devices
• discuss our green policies

4. SAFETY PROCEDURES
For the studio to operate and function effectively and safely, the workplace requires:
• computers with current software that can generate expected results
• ergonomically designed workstation with desk, seating, storage and lighting
•studio equipment-stationery, paper, printer, photocopier, scanner, telephone, camera
• meeting and recreational break spaces
• smoke free environment
• temperature controlled environment
• fresh drinking water
• first aid
• WHS representative
•fire warden
• union representative
• WHS communication and consultation
• WHS incident recording, notification and management

5. EQUIPMENT SAFETY CHECKS
We conduct regular maintenance on studio machines, equipment and
appliances and conduct regular safety checks throughout our studio workspace to
ensure thatthere are no hazards:
•computers are updated every 3 years
• software is continuously updated
• workstations are checked annually for suitability
• annual maintenance checks are completed on all office equipment
• electrical connections are checked annually
• the workplace has a six-monthly check for hazards
YOU are an important cog in the wheel of
our creative business.
We want to ensure that our employees and
our studio equipment are working safely
and efficiently together.

6. WORKPLACE HEALTH & SAFETY REPRESENTATIVE
Sarah Markland
YOUR HEALTH AND WELL BEING IS OUR CONCERN
PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE
talk to your supervisor and to Sarah regarding your concerns and the procedures for reporting
an incident. Our WHS policies and practices are an important part of our working studio.
things can go wrong so keep an eye out for yourself and others

7. HAZARDS IN THE WORKPLACE
As graphic designers we spend a lot of time working at our computers and at our
desks...we are creative people, and there are constant deadlines to be met, but there
is a chance that we forget to take care of our own wellbeing. This is our greatest asset
so it is important to follow WHS procedures.
The best way to deal with workplace hazards is to fix them.
Spot the Hazard
Assess the risk
Fix the problem
Evaluate the result
1. backache - set your desk at the correct height
2. bad posture - ensure that your ergonomic chair is adjusted to suit your body size & weight
3. neck strain - position your computer monitor so that your vision is level with the centre of the
screen
4. RSI - position your mouse close to your body and at 90 degrees to avoid reaching
5. eye strain - ensure adequate lighting around your workspace
6. muscle tension - stand up and stretch your body for 5 minutes at least every hour.
7. tiredness - drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration
8. accidents - keep your workspace organised-don’t let objects pile up around you
9. tripping & falls - keep electrical cords to machines and equipment hidden from walkways
and thoroughfares
10. physical injury - wear protective clothing when visiting printing workshops
11. psychological stress – don’t put up with bullying. The Design Studio has zero
tolerance.

8. IMACT OF WORKPLACE HAZARDS
ACCIDENT physical injury
DISEASE physiological injury
LOW WORK LIFE QUALITY psychological stress
STRESS socio-psychological damage
1. high compensation costs
2. medical claims
3. lost productivity time
4. poor productivity
5. Inefficiency
6. Ineffectiveness
7. high worker dissatisfaction
8. Low job involvement

9. ADOPT GOOD PRACTICES

10. CONTROLLING RISKS
ADOPT DUE DILIGENCE
understand the graphic design prepress studio business and its risks
•identify hazards
•use available resources/obtain information…is there a code of practice?
• follow the WHS guidelines – there are legal compliances
or
•choosean appropriate way to manage the risk
•assess the risk
•decide on control measures
•implement control measures…change processes and adopt procedures
•monitor & review the situation to ensure that the hazard has been eliminated

12. REPORTING RISKS
ACCIDENTS HAPPEN! At best we can sustain only minor injuries. At worst death!
ALL INCIDENTS MUST BE REPORTED
…even near misses! We want to ensure that they don’t happen again.
•get first aid as soon as possible
•report the incident to your supervisor and to our WHS representative
•serious injury/illness, a dangerous incident &death must be reported to…
WorkSafe Tasmania
•write up the incident in our Studio Incident & Accident book
• obtain a medical certificate
• notify your supervisor of the outcomes
• obtain a worker’s compensation form if necessary
• keep your employer updated of your condition
•participate in rehabilitation if required

13. CONSULTATIVE PROCESSES
Studio meetings take place every Monday morning in the meeting room. In studio
meetings we discuss:
studio business – news – events – staff concerns – work practices – workplace safety
•ask questions
• raise concerns and report problems
• make safety recommendations
• be part of the problem solving process
We encourage you to share your observations and views to help create the best
environment where we can all work at our best.
While regular workplace inspections take place, often employees are in a better position
to observe and anticipate problems that may arise in the future. This is the perfect time
to discuss any issues that may need attention so that they may be addressed before
developing into a greater problem. We value your input.
Minutes are taken and all staff are sent electronic copies for their reference. Updates of
any new WHS information and legislation are circulated when they become available.

14. EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
from time to time we practice emergency procedures to familiarise employees and
WHS delegates with routines to follow in the unlikely event of an emergency or an
unexpected natural disaster.
Fire Wardens have been trained and their instructions MUST BE OBEYED at all times.
Your safety is their priority and it is IMPORTANT that you follow the directions
as quickly as possible to:
•EVACUATE the building
•MEET in the designated place
•REPORT to the Fire Warden
•WAIT for a situation update and further instructions
•DO NOT RE-ENTER THE BUILDING without direct instruction from the
Fire Warden

15. RESPONSIBILITIES
Your EMPLOYER has a RESPONSIBILITY to provide:
• a safe work environment
• an outline of safe practices of doing your work
• safe equipment that is maintained and repaired
• information relating to tasks at work and existing hazards in the workplace
• include employees in any discussions about health and safety
• training to give you the skills and knowledge to do your job safely
• supervision to ensure you are following best practices
• protective equipment
As an EMPLOYEE it is your RESPONSIBILITY to:
• comply with all reasonable instructions
• follow safe procedures for doing your job
• use equipment safely and correctly
• not put yourself or your co-workers at risk
• report hazards, accidents or near misses
• not be adversely affected by alcohol or drugs and tell employer if using
prescribed medication that could affect your ability to work safely.
• work with your employer and team to improve health and safety in the studio

16. COMMON HAZARD SIGNS
Safety signs are designed to alert you to potential hazards in the workplace.
PLEASE OBSERVE THESE SIGNS
THEY ARE POSITIONED FOR YOUR SAFETY
These signs are there to remind you of possible risks in your working
environment, so please take the time to be aware of the signs around the studio
and printing workshops that you may visit in the course of your work and be
mindful of their messages.

17. RESOURCES
Healthy@Work:
http://www.people.tas.gov.au/themes/people_performance/healthyatwork
Safe Office Practices:
http://www.openerg.com/dse/setup.html
Fairwork Australia:
https://www.fwc.gov.au/
SafeWork Australia:
www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au
Safety Institute of Australia:
http://www.sia.org.au/
WorkSafe Tasmania:
http://workplacestandards.tas.gov.au/
WorkCover Tasmania:
http://www.workcover.tas.gov.au/safety_advisors
WHS Australian Government: http://australia.gov.au/topics/employment-and-workplace/ohs-workplace-
health-and-safety
Design Institute of Australia:
http://www.dia.org.au/