Occupational Health And Safety For Safety & Health Practitioner

The aim of this report is to return to the health and safety lessons learned and give a brief idea about the risks associated with the confined spaces. This report highlights the risk assessment measures that the supervisors and the management of Assignment Games Pty should included in the job or procedure to stop comparable accidents later on. According to Assignment Games Pty Westbound Weigh Bridge is the confined space. Also, individuals can be truly harmed from different risks found inside confined spaces (Veasey, 2006). Thus, the purpose of this report is to audit the Westbound Weigh Bridge. This purpose of the audit report would help the management of Assignment Games Pty to understand their risks management structures related to confined space. It also helps to draw up some plans for making corrective actions. This report gives some conceivable suggestions to redress the existing issues and concerns with additional proposals.         

According to the Occupational Health and Safety Amendment Regulations 2014(Worksafe.vic.gov.au, 2014) prevention of any accident or safety risks and makes the essential courses of action to evade any injuries, occurring amid the working hours (Confined Spaces).Therefore, based on this concept the scope of the report is to manage risks associated with the confined space of Assignment Games Pty and create awareness about the code of practices related to confined space that will help the organization to relate to most activities that obligate area into a confined space of a Weigh Bridge. Here, the confined space of Assignment Games Pty will beanalysed based on the criteria of confined space and analyse the safety precautions undertaken by the organization to give a safe field to the labourers and additionally the contractors of AGwho are working at the Weigh Bridge.Safe work and Risk Controls Processes for hazardous activities may be fulfilled and filed/executed in different way(Summation of the Frequency, Severity, and Primary Causative Factors Associated with Injuries and Fatalities Involving Confined Spaces in Agriculture, 2013).

This report audits the safety procedures, documents and other programs that AG is following currently and observes the strengths and weakness of their overall safety process related to confined space. Then based on the observation an audit opinion is written to help the organization to take corrective actions. Thus the scope of this assignment is:

Definition of confined space and criteria

Hazards of Weigh Bridge and procedures used by AG

Responsibilities undertaken

Unauthorized entry obligations

Risk assessment procedures

Safety management procedures

This audit report is focused on helping businesses and labourers lessen misfortunes through working environment harm by giving quality data and assets to the Assignment Games Pty identified with Westbound Weigh Bridge limited space. Since the audit reviews all the safety activities of the Weigh Bridge, the audit of the Weigh Bridge will be conducted according to the standards and guidelines and regulations of the pre-described meaning of the confined space(Spear, 2005).

The audit criteria are based on Australian Standard Safe working in a confined space. The audit methodology incorporated, determines the activities audit planning, approbation, and undertaking checking requirements of Code of Practice (Santia, 2014). The audit finding mainly follows the code of practice under section 274 of the Work Health and Safety (National Uniform Legislation) Act 2011 (WHS Act) regulations. It applies the jurisdiction in relation to work carried out in a confined space by AS2865-2009. An inspector may refer to an approved code of practice when issuing an improvement. The audit information provided in the report provides a practical guidance on how to meet the WHS regulations related to confined space (Safeworkaustralia.gov.au, 2015).

The word “confined space” generally means any area involving tank, vessel, vat, silo, container, cellar, compartment, chamber, well, flue, sewer, pipe, trench, bund or other comparable confined space which, by righteousness of its encased nature makes conditions which offer climb to a probability of mischance injury, harm or accident, of such a nature as to oblige crisis activity because of the vicinity or sensibly predictable vicinity of (safeworkaustralia.gov.au, 2011):

combustible or riskiest environments,

destructive gas, smoke or vapour,

free streaming robust or an expanding level of fluid,

abundance of oxygen,

unreasonably elevated temperature

the need or sensibly predictable need of oxygen

The reason behind that a Weigh Bridge is considered to be a confined space because as defined “confined space is some space that is sufficiently extensive to enter, that has a limited system for moving out, and that is not proposed for determined worker inhabitancy”(Riaz et al., 2014).Additionally, Weigh Bridge also meets the following criteria (Robson and Toscano, 2007):

The space is generously enclosed.

There is a risk of no less than one type of hazard, recorded in the definition above, happening inside the space.

There is a risk of genuine damage by virtue of the enclosed nature of the space.

The health and safety documents demonstrated by Assignment Games Pty ensure that no hazards happen while working on Westbound Weigh Bridge (oshc.org.hk, 2001). The Assignment Games safety officers and managers have implemented few procedures while working on Weigh Bridge. The procedures mainly focuses on working on road and barricading and is mainly applies to Assignment Games (AG) employees and AG contractors working(McManus, 1999).

Working on road- The safety procedures described by AG for working on roads are well structured. The document includes the definition related to traffic controls and also process of handling the road related work. The safety weigh bridge equipments are mentioned properly to mitigate accidents. The AG plan also includes a five standard traffic control options namely: Intermittent Works, Near Traffic, Closed lane, Closed Traffic and Closed traffic with detour. These traffic controls helps the AG employees and the contractors to eliminate exposure to various TCAWS hazards. The purpose of this safety document was to make sure that road user and AG employees and contractors are not harmed when work exercises are needed at or close streets. Routine exercises may be attempted as per this methodology yet any velocity limitations and activity control likewise require an Authority To Work(ATW) before the movement initiates(safeworkaustralia.gov.au, 2014)

Barricading: This safety procedure is mainly to protect staff being presented to perils from live weigh bridge equipments and plant. This Procedure ought to be read in conjunction with SP05 Isolating of Plant and SP17 Working On or Near Roads. This It was found that the barricading procedure of AG do not cover working at or near streets, live equipmentor risks on plant and supplies that requires permanent guarding(from the giving document). AG mainly documents the issues of barricade and also uses three different unique signs(source: taken from the give documents of AG);

Caution Flag: A unique flag to be utilized with a blockade where alert is needed before entering.

(source: taken from the give documents of AG)

Warning Tag: A unique yellow tag to be utilized to label Isolators, blockades and weigh bridge equipments.

(source: taken from the give documents of AG)

RiskFlag: A unique banner to be utilized with a blockade where no unapproved entrance is allowed.

(source: taken from the give documents of AG)

AG has not mentioned any specific responsible person for monitoring the health and safety systems. AG expects that it is the responsibility of the employees and the self-employed individuals for doing or actualizing the important wellbeing and safety measures to guarantee safe working inside a confined space as permits (Martin, Lippitt and Webb, 2000):

AG management in appreciation of work completed by their own particular representatives and work did by whatever other individual as the work is to any degree in the control of executives and (Keller, 2010)

The independently employed in appreciation they could call their own work and did by whatever other individual insofar as that work is to any degree underneath the power of the independently employed individual (hsa.ie, n.d.)

Where work control is imparted between the executives or independently employed, those executives or independently employed must communicate and collaborate with one another to concur their particular obligations in guaranteeing the security of any individual entering a bound space. Liaison and collaboration is additionally obliged when (Jo and Park, 2004):

Identifying the potential risks furthermore surveying the risks.

Mounting and executing a safe framework for entering and working in a confined space.

Creating appropriate and adequate game plans for the salvage of persons in the occasion of a crisis.

At the point when captivating AG Contractors who might encompass power over any degree of work in confined space, the supervisor or independently employed will require making all important moves to guarantee that the AG Contractors are skilful for the work included.

AG employees and contractors must co-work with their AG management, considering data, preparing and guideline got, to empower the AG management actualize a safe arrangement of work and execute successful crisis plans to guarantee secure working in confined spaces(hcpc-uk.org, 2014). AG employees and contractors should likewise make fitting utilization of any weigh bridge equipments gave counting individual defensive weigh bridge equipments supplied by their AG management, where needed as a major aspect of the safe arrangement of work, for instance, utilization of wellbeing saddles, respiratory protective equipment (RPE) and reflective attire(Harris, 2002).

According to AG health and safety documents, nobody should enter or be obliged to go into a confined space to complete work for any reason except it is not sensibly feasible to accomplish that reason devoid of allowing toward the inside the confined space (Fishwick, 2012).

Suppliers and manufacturers of weigh bridge equipments as well as planners, architects and engineers ought to expect to wipe out the requirement for people to go into a confined space. This may be attained to by introducing in-situ inspecting devices, set up cleaned frameworks, openings and/or consolidating a framework for destroying the plant or weigh bridge equipments (Firl, 2007). AG, employees and the contractors in control to any degree of a working environment must take sensible actions to guarantee that unapproved entrance into a limited space to that working environment is anticipated. Measures may incorporate instruction of the labour force on the risks of restricted spaces, putting of caution signs at entrance focuses and successful manage of visitors, AG contractors and others in the working environment. Sensible safekeeping measures may be important to anticipate illegal passage (Davies, 2011).

According to the Entry Authorization and control of AG, apart from PUP paint no other chemical agents will be taken to the confined space. Personnel entering the confined space must use the protective equipments like hearing protectors, protective clothing, feet protection, eye protectors, safety belt, rescue line or safety line. AG ensures that barricading and TCAWS isolation procedures are used to reduce accidents while working in Weigh Bridge. For maintaining precautions in Hot work, mainly three things are observed (Davies, 2011):

Welding machine is earthed in a straight line to equipment that is welded close to the welding point as possible

Proper fire extinguishers are used on site near ignition

The area is properly cleaned and is free of all combustible material till 15 metres

Further, in order to make sure no harm occurs due to excess of deficiency of few gases in atmosphere, a threshold limit has be followed by AG like :

Oxygen: 19.5 %min-23.5 % max

CO: 30 ppm max

H2S: 10 ppm max

SO2: 2 ppm max

LEL: 5% max

However, it is atmosphere reading recorded using the CS-R-US hire model and observed that in each 30mins the oxygen level reached upto- 21%, LEL- 2%-2.1%, CO-12 ppm, H2S-8ppm and SO2- 1.1-1.2ppm. This shows that AG has been properly maintaining the threshold limit of the necessary gases in the working environment. Additionally, a Confined Space First Aid and Rescue Checklist, a confined space log taking a statement of standby person is been used effectively.

Before doing work which includes section into a confined space, a risk appraisal (directed as per section 19 of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 (No. 10 of 2005)) is important to figure out what actions should be taken to guarantee the security furthermore soundness of those going in and working under the confined space. The motivation behind the risk appraisal is to distinguish the significant perils and plan a safe framework of work. It will likewise focus the crisis game plans, which must be set up before entrance.

This risks assessment is utilized in combination with the following:

Confined Space Procedure (SP 06)

Confined Space Identification Log (SAForm 12)

Risk Assessment Calculator (SAForm 19)

Hazard Identification and Control Procedure (SP 04)

Some of the other risks has also been analysed like hazards related to asbestos for which the risk can be controlled by cleaning the pit and replacing them. However, it has been done only once that is last year. Further, to access the confined space, the AG had placed the strong fixed ladders, to prevent accident like falling from height.

AG had mainly focused on controlling the risk in this space by using cramped and hot under bridge, repairing the steelwork and welding, using jacks for lifting the Weigh Bridge and also the AG workers need to carry their load cells.

Different risks controlled mechanism is being used by the organization like communication, monitoring and testing the atmosphere and also lightening process.

Whenever it is insensibly practicable to stay away from going inside a confined space to attempt work, a safe arrangement of work have to be conceived and utilized. A working safety system is a forbidden and considered method for doing work that diminishes the safety risks. It sets out the work to be carried out and the safeguards to be taken (Confined Space Manure Storage and Facilities Safety Assessment, 2014). AG uses few elements to follow the precautions of safe work related to confined space like:

Training, suitability and Supervision: Training in AG involves demonstrates related to the confined space and also practical activities. Somewhere practice is given as a component of the training, also imperative that it is put into practice is sensible in replicating the real situations that are probable to be experienced. Personnel going inside a confined space to complete work is completely educated and have a complete comprehension of the potential risks that the work involves

Authority- to- work procedure: AG also uses the permit-to-work procedure to co-ordinate and control distinctive exercises and people. For Instance, it is obliged when completing work in the confined space that is the weigh bridge, where control of detachment of equipment or plant is in the hands of somebody who is not in immediate contact with the person(s) entering(California targets confined space safety, 2012)

Communication: A powerful and reliable method for communicating between people surrounded by the confined space and those outer is picked as a crucial safety measure. Speech, hand signals and telephone is mainly used by the AG employees and the AG contractors to communicate rapidly, easily and unambiguously with the relevant person in the confined space.

Testing and monitoring of environment: AG also follows effectively the monitoring and testing the environment to check the quality of air before entering the confined space.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): The PPE chosen by the AG employees and contractors makes sure that it is suitable for the reason for which it is utilized. This implies that the equipment gives successful assurance to the user for the characterized function and in the determined working surroundings. It is given by the accountable individual and great utilization is made of it by those going inside and operating in the confined space (Brown, 2013).

The audit protocol given below is a safety infection checklist designed according to the Standard of AS2865-2009, to evaluate the Weighbridge safety environment. This protocol need to be revised according to the needs of the organization. This protocol assesses the risks involved in considering the Weighbridge confined space. What could happen if somebody is exposed to the Weighbridge risks. There are various factors that the protocol considers: conditions of entry and exit, atmospheric level measures, authority to permit, etc.

AG has an extensive suite of procedures and policies identifying with health and safety, which incorporates descriptions of roles and responsibilities for AG employees and contractors. This policies and procedures follows the jurisdiction in relation to work carried out in a confined space by AS2865-2009. All the employees are working according to the policies and procedures. It is clear that the Weighbridge is a confined space. All polices and systems are accessible on the intranet for staff to access. An annual review of risk assessment takes place properly in the organization. However, from the audit, it is observed that first aid details are not placed properly. Further, there is no information related to health and safety in extranet that would help to improve the environment. Additionally, according to the safety policy, there should be one safety committee, the AG do not operate such committee.

This report has highlighted on the fact that it is important to take some preventive steps to help the employees to be aware of the risk associated with the working environment they are working in and also how to mitigate those risks to prevent accidents. Working at confined spaces is extremely hazardous. Taking into the current situation of measure extension, one needs to work with most extreme consideration. Additionally one ought to dependably be there to distinguish the risks quickly and begin evaluating the risks before holding up for any reviews to occur, most of the time the evaluated risk is prior and with no reviews to happen. Additionally, here the risk evaluated, were given the Safe work in Confined Spaces Regulations 2001- Approved Code of Practice, Regulations and Guidance.

Therefore, based on the overall audit report, it is recommended that:

AG should establish a team of atleast 5people from different departments for conducting safety internal audit. This ensures objectivity and neutrality. Through this process, AG can make sure that all their safety program materials are up-to date.

Further, every quarterly, some surveys should be conducted related to health and safety from the employees, to understand what are the safety issues they are facing or might face while working and how to mitigate those issues.

The Safety Policy ought to be upgraded with the concurred reporting furthermore audit process.

An Annual Report on Health and Security matters ought to be delivered furthermore evaluated by Members. Regularly such reports give subtle element of existing strategy structures counting audit/redesign, operation of the security administration framework, synopsis of occurrences, and so forth.

AG ought to return to the alleviating controls for Risk to guarantee these stay proper to deal with this risk also roll out improvements as needed. This ought to incorporate guaranteeing important wellbeing and security substance ought to be included on the extranet.

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