Fire Protection
Fires are often preventable disasters that can cause hundreds of thousands of dollars in damage, production losses, the loss of jobs and the loss of lives.The basic elements necessary for the production of fire are fuel, oxygen and an ignition source. Prevention means keeping any of these three elements away from the other two.Everyone has a vested interest in fire prevention in the workplace and there are many simple things that you can do to minimise this risk.Various first aid and back-up fire fighting facilities are available on all sites. Make sure you are familiar with all the fire fighting appliances and check procedures with your site supervisor. If you come across any equipment that is empty or faulty, please inform your supervisor immediately. If you do discover a fire, extinguish it if possible, then advise your supervisor. If you cannot extinguish it, raise the alarm immediately. Never use conductive extinguishers, such as water or foam, on electrical fires.You must never interfere with this vital equipment: Fire hydrants, hoses, and extinguishersThis equipment is exclusively for the fighting of fires and nothing else.
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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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Get cyclone ready with WorkPac’s emergency kit
Cyclone season occurs from November through to April in Australia so it’s a good idea to have an emergency kit and household plan organised. Be prepared this season.Get cyclone smartTrim treetops and ensure branches are clear of your home, clear your property of loose material that might cause damage during extreme weather and clear out your gutters.Create an emergency contact list.Organise an emergency management plan and clearly communicate this to all of your family.Prepare an emergency kit.Our pets are so special, make sure you don’t forget to pack for them too! Ensure they have a collar, are clearly identifiable and have a secure pet carrier, leash or harness on hand. Include them in your emergency plan – if there’s a weather warning, keep your animals close.Handy emergency contactsLife threatening emergenciesTelephone Triple Zero (000). For life threatening, critical or serious situations only.State Emergency Service (SES) flood and storm assistanceTelephone: 132 500 for help with a damaged roof, rising flood water, trees fallen on buildings, or storm damage.Local CouncilVisit your local council website for information for your specific location, or look up your local council contact numbers.Weather and warningsVisit the Bureau of Meteorology web site at www.bom.gov.auAlternatively, visit the Bureau's Telephone Weather Services Directory for Queensland.Additionally, tune to your local radio station for warnings and advice. Details of your local ABC radio frequency and local web-page can be obtained from www.abc.net.au/local.Animal emergenciesWildlife Hotline: To report wildlife emergencies, marine strandings and pollution incidents, call the Wildlife Hotline on 1300 130 372.To report lost or missing animals during times of disaster and emergency events visit your state RSPCA lost/found web site:QueenslandNew South WalesVictoriaSouth Australia Western Australia Northern Territory TasmaniaAustralian Capital Territory Should you need to report an animal in distress, or you have concerns for the welfare of an animal, please contact one of the following options:RSPCA websiteEmergency Animal Disease and Biosecurity MattersSocial mediaFollow your state police service, SES, fire and rescue service and local council for real time information.Sources:http://www.burdekin.qld.gov.au/2012/media-releases/get-emergency-kits-ready-now-for-cycloneflood-season/
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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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