This document discusses hazards and risks in the workplace. It defines hazards as anything that can harm health or safety, and risk as the probability and consequence of injury from exposure to a hazard. Five broad categories of hazards are identified: physical, chemical, biological, mechanical/electrical, and psychological. Specific workplace hazards are discussed for each category, including improper computer setup, poor lighting or ventilation, unsafe chemical storage, electrical hazards, and workplace stress. The importance of planning work safely and identifying hazards beforehand is emphasized.

1. Participate in WHS processes

2. • Section 1 Weeks 2 – 7
Plan and conduct work safely

3. Recap Week 3
August 1st 2013
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What is a risk?

4. Hazard identification and
management
What is a risk?
What is a hazard?

5. What is a hazard?
The Work Health and Safety
Regulation of 2011 defines a hazard
as 'anything (including work
practices and procedures) that has
the potential to harm the health or
safety of a person'.
Training package Pp 25 - 35

6. What is a risk?
In relation to any hazard, means the
probability and consequence of injury,
illness or damage resulting from exposure
to a hazard.

7. Before commencing any new task it is
very important to make an assessment of
the task, the available equipment and the
available personnel and to ensure that a
plan of action is implemented that is safe
and effective. Planning an activity before
carrying it through is part of 'best practice'
in any industry.

8. Hazards arise from....
• The work environment
• The use of machinery and substances
• Poor work design
• Inappropriate systems and procedures

9. 5 Broad areas of hazards
Week 4 8/8/2013
These include:
• Physical e.g noise, radiation, light, vibration
• Chemical e.g. poisons, dust
• Biological e.g. viruses, plants, parasites
• Mechanical/electrical e.g slips, trips and
falls, tools, electrical equipment
• Psychological e.g. fatigue, violence,
bullying.

10. Physical/Environmental hazards
Physical hazards relate to the work
environment i.e
• Extreme computer useage;
• Computer desk and chair at an
inappropriate height;
• Poorly lit room/ little ventilation;
• Insufficient lighting....

11. Physical/Environmental hazards
What would be defined as a hazard in
a children's centre?
• Computer desk and chair at an
inappropriate height;
• Insufficient lighting;
• Air quality i.e. lack of fresh
air/ventilation
• Lack of fresh air from outdoor play

12. Ergonomic hazards
• Ergonomic hazards are those related to the
physical workplace tasks that workers are
required to perform e.g. lifting, carrying,
data entry, putting away equipment,
emptying bins, sweeping floors
• What would be a main hazard within a
children's centre that relates to lifting?

13. Ergonomic hazards (cont)
All these tasks can cause
accidents or injuries if:
• Unsuitable equipment is
provided to undertake tasks;
• Tasks are performed in an unsuitable
environment i.e. you have very little
space to manoeuvre heavy
equipment....

14. Chemical hazards
• Chemical hazards must be stored safely and
out or reach of children in a high, locked
and labelled cupboard. Chemical should
be labelled - listing their contents, potential
risk to health, precautions, first aid and
expiry.

15. Material safety data sheets
(MSDS)
• Material Safety Data Sheets are a way of
conveying health and safety information to
users of chemicals in the workplace. Under the
Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011,
manufacturers and importers have an
obligation to prepare MSDS for chemicals as
hazardous substances or dangerous goods and
must pass this information on to persons using
those chemicals at work.
• For those chemicals used in your place of work
the appropriate MSDS must be readily available
and in close proximity to the place the

17. Electrical or mechanical hazards
• Electrical hazards All electrical circuitry or
appliances must be checked, fitted and
maintained by properly qualified electricians.
Equipment must be checked and tagged at least
every twelve months with some equipment required
to be tagged and checked more frequently, usually
every six months.
• In workplaces where children attend, or may visit, all
power points must have safety plugs inserted,
ensuring there is no access to the electrical circuitry.
• National Quality Standards, Element 2.3.2 Every
reasonable precaution is taken to protect children
from harm and any hazard likely to cause injury'.

18. Mechanical hazards
• What are mechanical trip hazards?
• What are some other possible hazards within a
children's service?

19. Pyschological hazards
• Psychological hazards include stress,
violence, discrimination and aggression.
These hazards are less easy to predict and
more difficult to control. The
violent/aggressive staff member, client or
visitor and the busy, understaffed,
workplace often arise with little warning.
Stressful events can be increased by lack of
training, lack of supervision, lack of staff
support and staff liaison.

20. Psychological hazards (cont)
• Workplace stress is a potential hazard
in all workplaces although some are more
susceptible than others due to
• The fluctuating workload,
• The demanding nature of the clients, and
the
• Unpredictability of the work

21. Psychological hazards (cont)
• All people are subject to workplace stress at
some point
• Each persons ability to cope with stress is
different.
• What are the ways we can alleviate stress?

22. Role play
• Using the playroom, students are to identify
3 different types of hazards, and set up a
work place scenario where these hazards
are affecting the safety of the work
environment.
• Group 1 – electrical and chemical and
physical hazards
• Group 2 – psychological and ergonomic
and biological hazards