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Case study
This is information about a real business
| Name of business | Hardware and General Supplies Ltd |
|---|---|
| Type of business | Retailer and wholesaler of hardware and building supplies |
| Location of business | Brookvale, NSW |
| Year established | 1960 |
| Number of employees | 320 |
- Does this business have an Occupational Health
and Safety (OH&S) Committee?
Yes
- If yes, how many members are on this
committee?
17
- What positions on staff do these people
hold?
Company Secretary, OH&S Officer (“ex officio”), salesperson, store person, yard person, delivery person, department manager, assistant manager, personal assistant, store manager.
- What are the duties of this committee?
To represent the views and concerns of the staff on safety issues, make recommendations to management, conduct OH&S audits and inspections.
- How often does the committee meet?
Monthly
- Whose responsibility is it to inform staff of
safety issues?
The OH&S Officer provides training and memos to various departments and/or managers regarding changes in legislation. There are also systems in place for information to come from the CEO through management.
- If a hazard is identified in the workplace, to
whom is it reported?
To the manager in charge of that department. If it is not resolved, then to the OH&S Officer or senior management.
- Explain the procedures involved in reporting a
hazardous situation.
If the person identifying the problem cannot rectify the situation him/herself, then they advise (usually verbally) the manager responsible or their deputy in their absence. If nothing is done or action is not quick enough, then an OH&S Committee member or the OH&S Officer or a director of the company is notified. No records are kept if the matter is minor and is fixed immediately. Written records are kept if it is reported to the OH&S Officer.
- What hazard symbols are used in this business
and when are they used?
Portable signs and traffic cones are used for temporary hazards and fixed signage for permanent hazards. (eg. “Stop” signs, “Forklifts in Use” signs)
- Is equipment checked every day before work
commences?
Yes
- Is the equipment checked during the
day?
If required.
- How often is a safety audit completed?
At least twice yearly.
- What form does a safety audit usually
take?
Inspection using a checklist or by external audit by a company with experts in the field.
- Are staff trained in manual lifting and
handling techniques?
Yes
- Do you have (and please explain if you do have)
an emergency procedure for
- Chemical spills
Yes – secure the area, evacuate if necessary, obtain spill kit, clean up the spill if possible without risk, and call fire brigade if necessary. (HAZMAT) - Fire
Yes – contain the fire if possible without risk, otherwise evacuate and call the fire brigade.
- Chemical spills
- Do you have an evacuation policy and
procedure?
Yes
- Is this information readily accessible for
staff?
Yes – posters are displayed in each location with multiple copies in the larger locations.
- Do you need to inform WorkCover of any
accidents?
Yes
- If so, what kind of accidents?
Accidents resulting in death, or a person needing to be placed on a life support system; major damage to buildings, plant or equipment; entrapment of a person in machinery or a confined space; collapse of an excavation; uncontrolled fire or explosion; exposure to hazardous substances, electric shock or lack of oxygen; escape of gas or steam; injuries involving loss of consciousness, serious burns or traumatic amputation.
These are called “Non Disturbance Occurrences”. They must be reported to WorkCover immediately and the area for 4 metres around the accident site must not be touched for 36 hours or until the investigating WorkCover Inspector gives permission.
In addition, all injuries involving a worker’s absence from usual duties in excess of seven days must be reported to WorkCover within 7 days.
- What are your reporting and recording
procedures for minor accidents or injuries requiring first
aid?
A register of injuries is kept in every department, as is a first aid kit.
- What are your reporting and recording
procedures for worker’s compensation?
The insurer is notified within 48 hours and WorkCover within 7 days for serious accidents, the insurer is notified with 7 days for all other incidents. Paper and electronic records are kept in accordance with Australian Code of Practice.
- How often does management meet with staff to
discus occupational health and safety issues?
Two management representatives are on the OH&S Committee, which meets monthly. The Company Secretary is able to authorise expenditure for OH&S matters within a reasonable limit. If large amounts of money are required, it is referred to the Board of Directors.
- Explain the effect the new Occupational Health
and Safety legislation has had on this business.
It has increased the need for the consultation between management and staff, the responsibilities of people in control of work places as well as increasing the need for the dissemination of information, record keeping, effective training of employees and external audits to qualify for the premium discount scheme.
- What is the premium discount scheme?
If external auditors pass the company on six set benchmarks, the company qualifies for a discount on the premium to be paid for worker’s compensation, up to $75000 the first year, $50000 for the second year and $25000 for the third year. The more workers’ compensation claims the company has, the higher the premium each year. By being more vigilant in OH&S matters, Hardware and General has decreased the number of worker’s compensation claims by 35% thus saving on the worker’s compensation premiums in the long term. As a result, Hardware and General were nominated for WorkCover Employer of the Year for 2002.
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