Week 1

2 August, 2011

This week Diploma in Library and Information Studies students were introduced to the subject "Implement Workplace Health, Safety and Security Procedures".

We began by doing an activity which we identified hazards in a typical house. We later discussed the existing hazards as a group and why we thought they were.

We then read a summary of the OHS Act 2000 as a class. The Act aims to protect the health, safety and welfare of people at work. The Act must be met at all places of work in New South Wales.

• Employers must ensure the health, safety and welfare of their employees when at work.
• Employees must take responsible care of the health and safety of themselves and others.

The risk for is the potential for the hazard to actually cause harm. To determine the level (or severity) of the risk, we must consider:

• OUTCOME - For each hazard, what is the worst likely outcome from the exposure to hazard?
• LIKLIHOOD - What is the likihood of harm occuring if the person is exposed to the hazard?
• EXPOSURE - How many people are exposed to the hazards and for how long?

Hazards were also discussed in class. A hazard is defined as "an actual or potential source of personal injury, ill health or disease in the work place".

Hazard identification is the process of investigating any item, activity, situation, product or service that could give rise to injury or illness in the workplace.

It was established that hazards can be grouped into 7 different classes:

1. Physical
2. Chemical
3. Biological
4. Physiological
5. Mechanical
6. Ergonomic
7. Radiation