OH& S at Construction Sites in Australia

Muhammad Zafar Iqbal KhanMuhammad Zafar Iqbal Khan 11

OCCUPATIONAL OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH & SAFETY HEALTH & SAFETY

(OHS)(OHS)


What can be likely results What can be likely results of poor OH&S measures?of poor OH&S measures?

Loss of Life, injuries and AccidentsLoss of Life, injuries and Accidents Government fines & penalties,Government fines & penalties, Lawsuits Lawsuits Negligence claimsNegligence claims Increased workers compensation Increased workers compensation

premiums. premiums.


Are you at Risk in Are you at Risk in Australia?Australia?

According to report workplaceAccording to report workplace– Injuries occur every 2.4 seconds. Injuries occur every 2.4 seconds. – 1 in 12 workers are injured seriously enough to 1 in 12 workers are injured seriously enough to

lodge workers compensation claims every year.lodge workers compensation claims every year.– Over 2500 work-related deaths annually…Over 2500 work-related deaths annually…

compared to 1,compared to 1,– 596 road fatalities and 300 homicides. (NOHSC, 596 road fatalities and 300 homicides. (NOHSC,

2003). 2003).


Goal of OH& SGoal of OH& S

The goal of all occupational The goal of all occupational health and safety programs is health and safety programs is to foster a safe work to foster a safe work environment. environment.


The National Occupational Health and Safety The National Occupational Health and Safety

Commission (NOHSC) Commission (NOHSC) leads and coordinates leads and coordinates

national efforts to prevent workplace national efforts to prevent workplace

deaths, injury and deaths, injury and diseasedisease in Australia. in Australia.


Occupational Health & Safety Occupational Health & Safety (OHS)(OHS)

Related Acts and Regulations

GuidanceNotes

Alerts Practical Guides

AustralianStandards

Guidance MaterialWorksafe VIC

OHS RegulationsMinister

OHS Act 2004VIC Parliament

Codes of Practice

Compliance CodesMinister


OH&S Act 2004OH&S Act 2004

Highest Level Of ProtectionHighest Level Of Protection Persons who mattersPersons who matters Proactive MeasuresProactive Measures Exchange of InformationExchange of Information Entitlement of EmployeesEntitlement of Employees


OH&S Act 2004OH&S Act 2004 Highest Level Of ProtectionHighest Level Of Protection . .The employees, The employees,

other persons at work and members of the public other persons at work and members of the public to be given highest level of protection against risk to be given highest level of protection against risk to their health and safety that is reasonably to their health and safety that is reasonably practicable in the circumstances.practicable in the circumstances.

Persons who mattersPersons who matters .Persons who control or .Persons who control or manage matters are responsible for eliminating or manage matters are responsible for eliminating or reducing those risks so far as is reasonably reducing those risks so far as is reasonably practicable.practicable.

Proactive MeasuresProactive Measures. . Employers and self Employers and self employed persons should be proactive and take employed persons should be proactive and take all reasonable practical measures, to ensure all reasonable practical measures, to ensure health and safety at workplaces. health and safety at workplaces.


Exchange of InformationExchange of Information.. Employers Employers and employees should exchange and employees should exchange information and information and ideas about riskideas about risk to health to health and safety and measures that can be and safety and measures that can be taken to eliminate or reduce those riskstaken to eliminate or reduce those risks

Entitlement of EmployeesEntitlement of Employees.. Employees Employees are are entitled,entitled, and should be encouraged, to and should be encouraged, to be represented in relation to health and be represented in relation to health and safety issues safety issues


Work Area AffectedWork Area Affected

Plant/ equipmentPlant/ equipment TrenchingTrenching Roofing/perimeter protectionRoofing/perimeter protection ScaffoldingScaffolding Electrical requirements and Electrical requirements and

hazardous substanceshazardous substances


Typical OH&S Items to Be Typical OH&S Items to Be MonitoredMonitored

Electrical cables carried in stirrupsElectrical cables carried in stirrups Ladder fixed to wallsLadder fixed to walls Scaffolding of the appropriate typesScaffolding of the appropriate types First aid provisions in the site sheds First aid provisions in the site sheds A qualified First Aider at siteA qualified First Aider at site


Induction and Likely HazardInduction and Likely Hazard

All personnel visiting the site for extended All personnel visiting the site for extended periods should be inducted.periods should be inducted.

A simple schedule should be drawn up A simple schedule should be drawn up outlining likely hazards and risk factors on outlining likely hazards and risk factors on site.site.

On site personnel should be checked for On site personnel should be checked for their knowledge of those hazards and risks their knowledge of those hazards and risks and schedule be signed off by each personand schedule be signed off by each person


Most Common Construction Most Common Construction Site Accidents Site Accidents

Scaffolding AccidentsScaffolding Accidents Crane accidents Crane accidents Electrocution (injury from electrical hazards) Electrocution (injury from electrical hazards) Faulty or defective equipment Faulty or defective equipment Forklift injuries Forklift injuries Machinery accidents Machinery accidents Toxic exposure Toxic exposure Visitor or pedestrian injuries Visitor or pedestrian injuries Workers falling from elevated heights Workers falling from elevated heights Workers struck by falling equipment or Workers struck by falling equipment or

objectsobjects


More informationMore information

www.workcover.vic.gov.auwww.workcover.vic.gov.au


Regulation and Guide Regulation and Guide LinesLines









Code of Practice - Code of Practice - PlantPlant










PlansPlans









DefinitionsDefinitions

HazardHazard Risk Risk Out comeOut come


HazardsHazards

A hazard is A hazard is something something that can that can cause harm if cause harm if not not controlled. controlled.


RiskRisk

A risk is a combination of the A risk is a combination of the probability that a particular probability that a particular outcome will occur and the severity outcome will occur and the severity of the harm involved. of the harm involved.


OutcomeOutcome

The outcome is the harm The outcome is the harm that results from an that results from an uncontrolled hazard. uncontrolled hazard.


Responsible Entities for Responsible Entities for AccidentsAccidents

Entities that maybe held liable in a Entities that maybe held liable in a construction accident lawsuit include:construction accident lawsuit include:

• • Property OwnersProperty Owners• Contractors (including general • Contractors (including general contractors, prime contractors, and sub-contractors, prime contractors, and sub-contractors)contractors)• Construction Managers• Construction Managers• Equipment Manufactures• Equipment Manufactures• Equipment Suppliers• Equipment Suppliers• Insurers• Insurers


What sort of hazards we can perceive in this What sort of hazards we can perceive in this classroom…classroom…

Hazard PerceptionHazard Perception

Power-off

Fire (Short-circuit etc)

Suffocation

Toxic gas release

Earthquake


HAZARD ASSESSMENT HAZARD ASSESSMENT

Hazard analysis or hazard assessment Hazard analysis or hazard assessment is a is a process in which individual process in which individual hazards of the workplace are hazards of the workplace are identified, assessed and identified, assessed and controlled/eliminated as close to controlled/eliminated as close to source (location of the hazard) as source (location of the hazard) as reasonable and possiblereasonable and possible. .


RISK ASSESSMENT RISK ASSESSMENT Modern occupational safety and health legislation Modern occupational safety and health legislation

usually demands that a risk assessment be usually demands that a risk assessment be carried out prior to making an intervention. carried out prior to making an intervention.

It should be kept in mind that risk management It should be kept in mind that risk management requires risk to be managed to a level which is as requires risk to be managed to a level which is as low as is reasonably practical.low as is reasonably practical.

This assessment should:This assessment should:– Identify the hazards Identify the hazards – Identify all affected by the hazard and how Identify all affected by the hazard and how – Evaluate the risk Evaluate the risk – Identify and prioritize appropriate control Identify and prioritize appropriate control

measures measures



Duty of CareDuty of Care

Duty of care outlines the basic Duty of care outlines the basic responsibilities of employers.responsibilities of employers.

These include:These include: Provision and maintenance of safe plant Provision and maintenance of safe plant

and work systems.and work systems. Provision of a safe working environment Provision of a safe working environment

and monitoring of safety conditions in the and monitoring of safety conditions in the workplace.workplace.

Ensuring that employees are given Ensuring that employees are given adequate information and instructions for adequate information and instructions for maintaining work safety.maintaining work safety.


If you are an Employer…If you are an Employer…

EmployeesEmployees ContractorsContractors Customers / VisitorsCustomers / Visitors

As an Employer your duty of care obligations require:

To provide a safe workplace for…


What youWhat you MUSTMUST have…have…


HEALTH AND SAFETY HEALTH AND SAFETY TOPICS..TOPICS..

AlcoholAlcohol AsbestosAsbestos Building and Building and

Structure DesignStructure Design Bullying and Bullying and

Occupational Occupational ViolenceViolence

Confined Spaces Confined Spaces Cranes and Lifting Cranes and Lifting

EquipmentEquipment Dangerous GoodsDangerous Goods

Falls Prevention Falls Prevention FireFire ForkliftsForklifts Hazardous Hazardous

SubstancesSubstances Incident Incident

NotificationNotification Infectious Infectious

Diseases Diseases LeadLead Manual HandlingManual Handling Material Safety Material Safety

Data SheetsData Sheets


Health and Safety Topics..Health and Safety Topics..

No Go ZonesNo Go Zones NoiseNoise Office WorkOffice Work PlantPlant Safety Map / Evacuation PlanSafety Map / Evacuation Plan SmokingSmoking StressStress Sun ProtectionSun Protection Traffic Management Roadside Traffic Management Roadside

WorksitesWorksites WasteWaste First AidFirst Aid


AlcoholAlcohol


AlcoholAlcohol

Initial stimulation Loss of inhibition Impairment of co-ordination, judgment, intellectual capacity and ability to act quickly Blurred vision Slurred speech Headache, shakiness, nausea and vomiting In longer term, toxic to the brain, liver, heart and stomach

Possible effects of alcohol on performance include:


AlcoholAlcohol

The highest rate of drinking is among administrative and executive staff. Other heavy drinking occupations include mine workers, salespersons, clerical staff, professionals, transport workers, trades people and labourers.


Alcohol in the workplace, alcohol policy and program development, information and training, employee assistance programs (EAPs), approaching a worker under the influence, counseling and discipline procedure, how alcohol and chemicals affect performance and tips for setting out a workplace alcohol policy.

Workplace Alcohol Policy


AsbestosAsbestos


AsbestosAsbestos

Australia has the highest incidence of asbestos-related cancer in the world.

Exposure to asbestos fibres in the air can cause a range of lung diseases and diseases of related tissue, including mesothelioma, a form of cancer which is usually fatal.

Due to the danger that it poses, asbestos has been banned.

However, a large amount of asbestos-containing material is still present in the community and there is a significant risk, particularly for workers carrying out asbestos removal as well as refurbishment and demolition work.


Building & Structure DesignBuilding & Structure Design

Designers of buildings and structures which are going to be workplaces must make sure that the design does not pose risks to people when using the workplace for a purpose for which it was intended.


The likelihood of a person being exposed to harm

The potential seriousness of injury or harm

What the person concerned knows, or ought to be known about the risk and any ways of eliminating or reducing the hazard or risk

The availability and suitability to eliminate or reduce the hazard or risk

The cost of eliminating or reducing the hazard or risk

The Designer MUST consider:


CONFINED SPACES


Limited means of entry and exit, poor ventilation and the presence of toxic gases and vapours in confined spaces pose serious risks to workers.

CONFINED SPACES


Examples of potential confined spaces can include: Tanks and silos Pipes and ducts Ovens and chimneys Underground sewers/stormwater pipes/pits Underground wells Shafts, trenches, tunnels and pits

CONFINED SPACES


CONFINED SPACES

Some of the risks include:

Loss of consciousness, injury or death due to contaminants in the air

Fire or explosion from the ignition of flammable contaminants

Suffocation caused by a lack of oxygen Enhanced combustibility and spontaneous

combustion Suffocation or crushing after being

engulfed by loose materials stored in the space, such as sand, grain, fertiliser, coal or woodchips.


Cranes and LiftingCranes and Lifting

You must hold a Certificate of Competency to operate any of the cranes or hoists defined in the following list, unless you are working under the direct supervision of a competent person (someone with a Certificate of Competency or equivalent qualification).

There are 14 certificate classes for crane and hoist operation.


FALLS PREVENTION


Analysis has shown that the risk of injury from a fall increases significantly for falls from two metres or more.

Falls Prevention


Even from a relatively low height, a fall can cause very serious injuries, including fractures, spinal cord injury, concussions and brain damage.

Typical falls that cause death and injury include those resulting from: Using unsafe or incomplete scaffolds Inappropriate ladders/ladder use Falling from or through roofs Falls from trucks Falls into holes, pits or shafts Accessing shelving Accessing mezzanine areas.

Falls Prevention


FIRE

Heating equipment is the leading cause of home fires during the winter months.

Cooking equipment; cooking is the number one cause of home fires.


FIRE Electrical Distribution Equipment; wiring, outlets, switches, circuit breakers and other electrical devices are the third leading cause of home fires and the second leading cause of fire deaths.

Smoking is the leading cause of home fire deaths in the United States.


Fire ClassificationFire Classification

Type AOrdinary Combustibles

(Wood & Paper)

Type B Flammable Liquids (Paint & Petrol)

Type CFlammable Gases

(LPG & Natural Gas)


Fire ClassificationFire Classification

Type DCombustible Metals

(Magnesium & Lithium based metals)

Type E Electrical Equipment (Computers & Toasters)

Type FOil & Fats

(Vegetable oils & animal fats)



Hazardous ChemicalsHazardous Chemicals


Hazardous Hazardous ChemicalsChemicals

3WE

1 Water Jet

2 Water Fog/Fine Water

3 Water based Foam

4 Dry Chemical Powder


Fire- TerminologiesFire- Terminologies

V : Can be violently or explosively reactive

BA : Breathing Apparatus plus protective gloves

FULL : Full body protective clothing with BA

BA for FIRE only : If no fire BA not essential

DILUTE : May be diluted with water and washed to drain

CONTAIN : Prevent entering into drains/water courses


Manual HandlingManual Handling

Manual Manual handling means handling means using your using your body to exert body to exert force to handle, force to handle, support or support or restrain any restrain any object, object, including including people or people or animals.animals.



Manual handling means Manual handling means using your body to using your body to exert force to handle, exert force to handle, support or restrain any support or restrain any object, including people object, including people or animals.or animals.

It is not just lifting or It is not just lifting or carrying heavy objects; carrying heavy objects; it includes: lifting, it includes: lifting, pushing, pulling, pushing, pulling, holding, lowering, holding, lowering, throwing, carrying, throwing, carrying, packing, typing, packing, typing, assembling, cleaning, assembling, cleaning, sorting and using tools.sorting and using tools.



Muscle fatigue or stress Muscle fatigue or stress on joints and nerveson joints and nerves

Sprains and strains of Sprains and strains of muscles, tendons and muscles, tendons and other soft tissueother soft tissue

Broken bones, bruising Broken bones, bruising and arthritisand arthritis

Potential Health and Safety Effects:



Risk Factors:

Lifting, lowering, pushing, pulling or Lifting, lowering, pushing, pulling or carryingcarrying

Twisting, reaching, bendingTwisting, reaching, bending Repetitive activity or movementRepetitive activity or movement Frequent manual handling or extended Frequent manual handling or extended

durationduration Location of loads and distancesLocation of loads and distances Shape, weight, size and other Shape, weight, size and other

characteristics of the loadcharacteristics of the loadCont--



Handling large, unusual, unstable or Handling large, unusual, unstable or unpredictable objectsunpredictable objects

Clothing, age, skills and experience or Clothing, age, skills and experience or other special needsother special needs

Restricted work areas or unsuitable Restricted work areas or unsuitable workplace layoutworkplace layout

Awkward postures or working positionsAwkward postures or working positions Handling people or animalsHandling people or animals

Risk Factors:





No Go ZonesNo Go Zones

Above GroundAbove Ground UndergroundUnderground






Underground AssetsUnderground Assets

Primary step before design Anyone can apply through website/fax/phone No fee required All the design plans should include the logo


Telstra Telstra PlanPlan


Sewer and Water PlanSewer and Water Plan


NoiseNoise


NoiseNoise

What is noise ?

All sound in the workplace whether wanted or unwanted. Maximum noise levels are set out in the regulation because people react or perceive noise differently.


NoiseNoise

Fatigue, stress and headachesFatigue, stress and headaches Ringing or buzzing in the earRinging or buzzing in the ear Loss of hearing (temporary and permanent)Loss of hearing (temporary and permanent) Communication difficulties i.e. unable to hear Communication difficulties i.e. unable to hear

warning alarms, instructions, normal warning alarms, instructions, normal conversationconversation

Social isolationSocial isolation



NoiseNoise

LoudnessLoudness Very high or very low frequency soundsVery high or very low frequency sounds Constant noiseConstant noise Duration and frequency of exposureDuration and frequency of exposure Noise reflecting off surfaces causing echo Noise reflecting off surfaces causing echo

resonanceresonance Distances from the noise sourceDistances from the noise source Type, size, working condition, location and Type, size, working condition, location and

number of noisy machines or other equipmentnumber of noisy machines or other equipment Type, number and location of work processes Type, number and location of work processes

that create noisethat create noise

Risk Factors:


NoiseNoise

Substitution ---Substitution --- Purchase quieter plantPurchase quieter plantModify existing plant to reduce noiseModify existing plant to reduce noise

IsolationIsolation--- Enclose noise sources--- Enclose noise sourcesNoise absorbent materials and surfacesNoise absorbent materials and surfacesIsolate noisy equipmentIsolate noisy equipmentMufflers and noise dampening equipmentMufflers and noise dampening equipmentIncrease separation between noise source Increase separation between noise source and peopleand people

Engineering ControlsEngineering ControlsReduce metal to metal impactsReduce metal to metal impactsReduce vibrationsReduce vibrations

Controlling the Risk: Eliminate the Hazard


NoiseNoise

Administrative ControlsAdministrative Controls

Regular maintenanceRegular maintenance

Job rotationJob rotation

Minimize frequency and/or duration of exposureMinimize frequency and/or duration of exposure

Safety signsSafety signs

Warning labelsWarning labels

Training and informationTraining and information

Hearing assessmentsHearing assessments Personal protective equipmentPersonal protective equipment

Earplugs or earmuffsEarplugs or earmuffs



Sun ProtectionSun Protection


Sun Sun ProtectionProtection

Australia has the highest incidence of skin cancer in the world with more than 380,000 people treated for the disease every year.

Construction workers have a higher risk of skin cancer than many other workers due to long periods exposed to UV radiation from direct sunlight and UV rays reflected from nearby surfaces such as concrete. Studies have shown that construction workers can be exposed to 10 times the recommended daily exposure levels for UV radiation.



Sun ProtectionSun Protection

Employers should conduct a risk assessment on outdoor work scheduled for the period from September to April, when UV radiation levels peak, to assist in developing appropriate sun protection measures. Employers need to ensure protection measures are implemented.

The most effective way of reducing UV exposure is to use a combination of protection methods such as: Re-organising work to avoid the UV peak of the day. Providing natural or artificial shade. Providing appropriate protective clothing, hats and sunglasses. Applying sunscreen


Traffic Management - Roadside WorksitesTraffic Management - Roadside Worksites

Major issues for roadside activities: Advance warning for motorists Sufficient and suitable signage High visibility clothing Pathways for road users and workzone delineation Work zone separation from passing traffic.

Roadside worksites is not just road construction and maintenance, rather any activity being undertaken on, or beside a road.


Safety Signs – Color and Symbol Safety Signs – Color and Symbol CodesCodes


Safety Signs – Color and Symbol Safety Signs – Color and Symbol CodesCodes


ElectricityElectricity

What is electricity ?

Electricity is potential energy that provides power to run or use various plant and equipment



Electric shock, Electric shock, temporary tingling or temporary tingling or numbnessnumbness

Electrocution leading to Electrocution leading to death, burns or brain death, burns or brain damagedamage

Fire or explosionFire or explosion Damage to propertyDamage to property




Overheating or fusion of equipmentOverheating or fusion of equipment Sparks or short-circuitsSparks or short-circuits Excess current and excess voltageExcess current and excess voltage Lightning strikeLightning strike Static electricityStatic electricity Overcharging of batteriesOvercharging of batteries Dirty or dusty work environmentsDirty or dusty work environments

Risk Factors:


Contact with overhead power linesContact with overhead power lines Contact with flammable substances Contact with flammable substances

(gases or liquids)(gases or liquids) Hazardous areasHazardous areas Contact with waterContact with water Current storing devices (capacitors, Current storing devices (capacitors,

batteries)batteries) Exposed conductors, cables and Exposed conductors, cables and

terminalsterminals

Risk Factors:



SubstitutionSubstitution Isolation --Isolation -- Insulating materials (mats, Insulating materials (mats,

covers)covers) Engineering ControlsEngineering Controls

Voltage limitation devices (transformers)Voltage limitation devices (transformers)Current limiting devices (fuses and circuit Current limiting devices (fuses and circuit breakers)breakers)Earth leakage protection and residual Earth leakage protection and residual current devicescurrent devices




Administrative ControlsAdministrative ControlsIdentification of underground and overhead Identification of underground and overhead servicesservicesIsolation, lockout and permit to work systemsIsolation, lockout and permit to work systemsTest circuits before commencing worksTest circuits before commencing worksCompetent electrical tradespersonCompetent electrical tradespersonEmergency stopsEmergency stopsWarning signsWarning signsTesting and inspection of electrical equipmentTesting and inspection of electrical equipmentMaintenanceMaintenanceEmergency equipment and first aidEmergency equipment and first aid

Personal protective equipmentPersonal protective equipmentInsulating gloves and footwearInsulating gloves and footwear

Controlling the Risk


Emergency ResponseEmergency Response



First aid ResponseFirst aid Response


Personal Protective Personal Protective EquipmentEquipment


Incidence ResponseIncidence Response


Emergency Emergency NotificationNotification








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