Safety Alert
SIGNIFICANT INJURY INCIDENT INVOLVING LIGHT VEHICLE AND WORKERThis incident DID NOT involve a WorkPac employee however it serves as a reminder of the risks associated with unplanned vehicle movement.A Pump Operator was temporarily pinned between his own light vehicle and the pump he was operating after his vehicle rolled forward approximately 13m. The Operator self evacuated and was able to raise the emergency from the two-way radio in his own vehicle.INJURY: Although no serious injuries were identified, the Operator was required to remain in hospital overnight for observation in relation to the potential crush injury.EQUIPMENT: Toyota Landcruiser and site pump.HAZARD: In the line of fireCAUSE: The vehicle was not parked as per procedure and the vehicle handbrake was defective.CONTRIBUTING FACTORS:Unplanned movement due to vehicle not parked as per site procedureHandbrake was defectiveVehicle not fundamentally stablePrestart checks not forwarded for actionWORKPAC RECOMMENDATIONS:Follow all Site Policies and ProceduresEnsure vehicles are serviceable prior to useTag out and report all non serviceable Plant and EquipmentEnsure vehicles are fundamentally stable when parked and prior to exiting the vehicleForward all Plant and Equipment defect notices to Maintenance for actionEducation awareness relating to line of fireCONTACT: For any further information contact Peter Zigmantas, Regional Risk Manager, Central Queensland, (07) 49694722.
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Fatigue Management: A Worker's Guide
WHAT IS FATIGUE?Fatigue is more than feeling tired and drowsy. In a work context, fatigue is a state of mental and/or physical exhaustion that reduces a person’s ability to perform work safely and effectively.It can occur because of prolonged or intense mental or physical activity, sleep loss and/or disruption of the internal body clock.Signs of fatigue include:Tiredness even after sleepReduced hand-eye coordination or slow reflexesShort term memory problems and an inability to concentrateBlurred vision or impaired visual perceptionA need for extended sleep during days off work WHAT CAUSES FATIGUE?Fatigue can be caused by work related or non-work related factors or a combination of both.Work related causes of fatigue include excessively long shifts, not enough time to recover between shifts and blocks of shifts, very strenuous jobs and long commuting times. An example of non-work related fatigue would be poor quality sleep due to street noise or family demands.THE BODY CLOCKMost people are day-orientated meaning they are most alert and productive in the daytime and sleep at night. The circadian rhythms (the body clock) cause regular variations in individual body and mental functions repeated approximately every 24 hours.These rhythms regulate sleeping patterns, body temperature, heart rate, hormone levels, digestion and many other functions.These rhythms influence job performance and quality of sleep. Most of the body’s basic functions show maximum activity by day and minimum activity by night.The body rhythms affect the behaviour, alertness, reaction times and mental capacity of people to varying degrees.WHY IS FATIGUE A PROBLEM IN THE WORKPLACE?Fatigue may increase the risk of incidents because of a lack of alertness. Fatigue may result in a slower reaction to signals or situations and affect the ability to make good decisions, particularly when:Operating fixed or mobile plant including driving vehiclesUndertaking critical tasks that require a high level of concentrationUndertaking night or shift work when a person would ordinarily be sleeping.A person conducting a business or undertaking must ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety of workers while they are at work.This means if fatigue is identified as causing a risk to work health and safety, then suitable control measures should be implemented in consultation with workers to eliminate or minimise the risks.YOUR RESPONSIBILITY AS A WORKERWorkers have a duty to take reasonable care for their own safety and health and that their acts or omissions don’t adversely affect the health or safety of others.Workers must also comply with any reasonable instruction and cooperate with any reasonable policy or procedure relating to fatigue at the workplace, for example fitness for work policies and policies regarding second jobs.REDUCING THE RISK OF FATIGUETo reduce the risk of being involved in a work incident caused by fatigue, you should:Comply with your organisation’s policies and procedures relating to fatigueUnderstand your sleep, rest and recovery needs and obtain adequate rest and sleep away from workSeek medical advice and assistance if you have or are concerned about a healthcondition that affects your sleep and/or causes fatigueAssess your own fitness for work before commencing workMonitor your level of alertness and concentration while you are at workLook out for signs of fatigue in the people you work withIn consultation with your supervisor, take steps to manage fatigue, for example take a break or short nap (night shift), maintain hydration (drink water), do some stretching or physical exercise, adjust the work environment (lighting, temperature)Talk to your supervisor or manager if you foresee or experience being impaired by fatigue likely to create a health and safety risk e.g. because of a health condition, excessive work demands or personal circumstancesAssess your fatigue levels after work and take suitable commuting and accommodation options (e.g. avoiding driving if fatigued) HOW MUCH SLEEP DO WE NEED?Sleep researchers believe there is no one magic number for ‘sleep need’ and there are a lot of individual differences in what children and adolescents need to sleep to be at their best. But below is a guide of the best evidence we have so far:Babies under 1: 14-18 hours throughout the day and nightToddlers: 12-14 hours per 24 hour periodPrimary school: 10-12 hours per dayHigh school: 8-10 hours per dayAdults: 7-9 hours per day GOOD SLEEP HYGIENE CAN HELP PROMOTE GOOD SLEEP"Sleep hygiene" - this can be defined as habits that can help us to sleep or stop us from sleeping. If you or someone you know is having trouble sleeping you can try to change or include some of the things on this list and see if it helps.No TV/computer games 1 hour before bed. No TV s in bedroomsMonitor mobile phone use in bedNo caffeine, high sugar or high spicy food 3-4 hours before bedEnsure relaxing and regular bed time routine - special time with children, relaxation techniques such as breathingNo vigorous exercise 1 hour before bed - it raises the body temperatureFinish eating 2-3 hours before bed - digestion competes with sleeping - hot milk is OKMake sure the bedroom is comfortable (temperature, light, noise)Set bedtimes and wake times - try and keep these regularLearn to relax - deal with worry and stressUse a sleep diary to check how many hours you are sleeping - Are you sleeping enoughConvince children that it is important to sleep well - reward them for complying with bedtime rules
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Safe Work Month 2015 Re-Cap
A message from WorkPac’s National Safety and Risk Manager, Rachel Pearse on National Safe Work Month 2015."With October being National Safe Work Month, we decided this was a great opportunity for us to focus on and promote safety in the workplace to reduce death, injury and disease in support of this year’s theme, Be safe. Be healthy. Because….The involvement from our Business Centres and FTMs has been overwhelming and we don’t intend to stop just because October is over. We are committed to keeping the energy high and the momentum going, staying focused on ensuring we all go home to the things that matter each and every day!" In WorkPac Biloela The Biloela Team attended a WorkPac Toolbox Meeting at Ostwalds, Moura. WorkPac have had several onsite injuries so we arranged a safety awareness breakfast BBQ, just one of the ways we promote our commitment to a zero harm workplace. The BBQ gave us an opportunity to discuss the importance of identifying hazards, looking out for your mates, presenting fit for work and most importantly managing your fatigue coming into the festive season.In WorkPac Townsville The WorkPac Townsville team promoted Sun Safety & Hydration. Being a hot and humid region with some extreme UV ratings, the team focused on the slip, slop, slap message and the importance of drinking at least 1.5 litres of water a day.
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National Safe Work Month - Mental Health & Wellbeing
Mental Health can affect anyone regardless of their age, gender, ethnicity or social group. The most common forms of mental ill health are anxiety, depression, phobic anxiety disorders and obsessive compulsive disorders. It is anticipated that by 2020 depression will rank second to heart disease as the leading cause of disability worldwide. Health and wellbeing at workConnection between health and work:The connection between physical hazards such as noise, dust and chemical hazards and health are well recognised amongst employers and employees alike. Less well understood is the relationship between mental and physical wellbeing and the jobs we do.Over two million people report suffering an illness they believe has been caused or made worse by their work.This can take the form of stress, anxiety, back pain, depression and increased risk of coronary heart disease.Possible signs of mental illness in the workplacePoor mental health increases the likelihood of sleep disturbance and anxiety, which can reduce the ability to concentrate on work tasks and production. Fatigue and other outcomes of stress and poor mental health can increase the likelihood of an employee being hurt. Some key signs to look for are:Constantly feeling down or hopelessHaving little interest or pleasure in doing thingsAn employee maybe more irritable, restless, feeling tired all the time, or experience a loss of energyIncrease in sick daysExcessive use of alcohol or drugsRapid changes of emotional moodPoor performanceOverall, a person’s usual behaviour changes - they don’t seem their usual selves.StressStress can be defined as “the adverse reaction people have to excessive pressures or other types of demand placed on them.”Employees have responsibilities to talk to their managers about any external influences which can turn otherwise normal pressures of work into excessive ones.Breaking the silence around mental illnessThe negative attitudes and behaviours that surround mental illness prevent many workplaces from understanding how to deal with mental health issues. Stigma can cause co-workers to isolate someone with a problem, and cause those living with mental illnesses to hide their condition.How do we create an accepting, non-discriminatory environment?In WorkPac it starts from the top down. Our management strive to ensure a good working culture where differences are valued, discrimination is not accepted, and cooperative and flexible approaches to working situations for everyone are the norm.This is achieved by fostering an environment that promotes:InclusionRespectListeningUnderstandingWhat can I do?There are things that you can do to help yourself be well and stay well. These are the simple, effective things that you know work for you. What's in your wellness toolbox? Some examples include:Talk to a friendEat three healthy meals per dayExercisePlay with your family or pet after workGo for a walkDo some stretching exercisesReadDo something nice for someone elseWatch a videoListen to musicSee a counsellorAsk for a medication checkGet outdoors regularlyMost importantly seek help, speak to someone and don’t struggle through alone! Remember it’s not just a case of trying to be tough, if you don’t feel mentally well seek help.WorkPac has an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provided by Gryphon Psychology; this company offers professional counselling for all employees, partners and dependent children to help resolve personal and work related problems. EAP is a free service and is completely confidential.This month is National Safe Work Month and is a great opportunity for all of us to focus on promoting safety in the workplace to reduce death, injury and disease. If assistance or information is required relating to WorkPac’s EAP provider Gryphon Psychology, please contact your assigned WorkPac Recruitment Coordinator. The WorkPac Employee Assistance Number is 1800 056 076.
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National Safe Work Month - Workplace Safety Awareness
Safety awareness is required in everything that we do on a work site. Hazards can be found in the simplest of tasks. Below are examples on what to look for and information on how to reduce hazards in the workplace. Workplace House KeepingHousekeeping includes office, site, tool sheds, kitchen, printing rooms, walkways, factories, yards, etc.What can cause slips, trips and falls in your workplace?Is your area and equipment organised before you start your task?Are spills cleaned up as they are made?Are you storing chemicals and PPE in its designated areas in their correctly labelled containers?Are floors and emergency areas cleared from obstruction?Are the latest Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) available?Are your areas too hot or cold or susceptible to weather conditions such as rain, frost or sun?Plant and EquipmentAre you hanging and storing lifting equipment correctly? E.g. Slings and chains.Can you see that the equipment is clean and ready for use?Are you reporting faults/ issues to your supervisor or safety representative?Are the relevant guards in place on all machinery?ElectricalElectrical covers any power cables, cords, points, stations, appliances, substations or anything that can carry a current within an electrical zone.• Are all electrical devices tested, tagged and dated?• Are electrical devices repaired by a qualified and experienced electrician?• Have you isolated the power to your area if you are working on electrical appliances?VehiclesVehicles i.e. cars, trucks, forklifts, road trains, trailers, vans, utes, 4x4, etc.Are daily Pre-starts conducted on your vehicles?Are vehicles parked according to workplace/site procedures?Are you reporting any faults using relevant site procedures?Emergency Evacuation ProceduresThis includes evacuating from your area, buildings, vehicles, plant, visiting areas, sites, etc.Do you know your evacuation procedures in your area?Do you know your muster point?Are you aware of your wardens in your area? So how do we act effectively to be aware and react, eliminate or reduce hazards in the workplace? StopUnderstand the task and get it right. Information, tools and equipment, work safe instruction, procedures, consider people/systems affected, environmental impact, safety access and alternative methods.Think about the HazardsWill hazards arise due to; Pressure, mechanical equipment, posture, manual handling, electrical, uneven surfaces, temperature, heights, mobile equipment?Access the riskWhat is the consequence if it does happen? How likely is it to happen?RespondRemove the hazard, isolate the hazard, barricade the hazard, and wear PPE. This month is National Safe Work Month and is a great opportunity for all of us to focus on promoting safety in the workplace to reduce death, injury and disease, so be proactive in managing workplace safety awareness. Remember to always ask yourself;What can go wrong?What can cause it to go wrong?What is the risk of it going wrong?What can I do to stop it?Take the time to stop and think.WorkPac is focused on Zero Harm, the safety of our people is our absolute priority. To report a safety incident or hazard call us on 1300 967 572.
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Fatigue Management - National Safe Work Month
October is National Safe Work Month and is a great opportunity for all of us to focus on promoting safety in the workplace to reduce death, injury and disease, so be proactive in managing your fatigue.What is Fatigue?Fatigue is more than feeling tired and drowsy. In a work context, fatigue is a state of mental and/or physical exhaustion that reduces a person’s ability to perform work safely and effectively.It can occur because of prolonged or intense mental or physical activity, sleep loss and/or disruption of the internal body clock.Signs of fatigue include:Tiredness even after sleepReduced hand-eye coordination or slow reflexesShort term memory problems and an inability to concentrateBlurred vision or impaired visual perceptionA need for extended sleep during days off workWhat causes Fatigue?Fatigue can be caused by work related or non-work related factors or a combination of both.Work related causes of fatigue include excessively long shifts, not enough time to recover between shifts and blocks of shifts, very strenuous jobs and long commuting times. An example of non-work related fatigue would be poor quality sleep due to street noise or family demands.The body clockMost people are day-orientated meaning they are most alert and productive in the daytime and sleep at night.The circadian rhythms (the body clock) cause regular variations in individual body and mental functions repeated approximately every 24 hours. These rhythms regulate sleeping patterns, body temperature, heart rate, hormone levels, digestion and many other functions.Circadian rhythms influence job performance and quality of sleep. Most of the body’s basic functions show maximum activity by day and minimum activity by night. These body rhythms affect the behaviour, alertness, reaction times and mental capacity of people to varying degrees.Reducing the risk of fatigueTo reduce the risk of being involved in a work incident caused by fatigue, you should:Comply with your organisation’s policies and procedures relating to fatigue.Understand your sleep, rest and recovery needs and obtain adequate rest and sleep away from work.Seek medical advice and assistance if you have or are concerned about a health condition that affects your sleep and/or causes fatigue.Assess your own fitness for work before commencing work.Monitor your level of alertness and concentration while you are at work.Look out for signs of fatigue in the people you work with.In consultation with your supervisor, take steps to manage fatigue, for example take a break or short nap (night shift), maintain hydration (drink water), do some stretching or physical exercise, adjust the work environment (lighting, temperature).Talk to your supervisor or manager if you foresee or experience being impaired by fatigue likely to create a health and safety risk e.g. because of a health condition, excessive work demands or personal circumstances.Assess your fatigue levels after work and take suitable commuting and accommodation options (e.g. avoiding driving if fatigued).WorkPac is focused on Zero Harm, the safety of our people is our absolute priority. To report a safety incident or hazard call us on 1300 967 572.
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