2. Induction Program
An induction programme is the process used within many
businesses to welcome new employees to the company
and prepare them for their new role. Induction training
should, according to TPI-theory, include development of
theoretical and practical skills, but also meet interaction
needs that exist among the new employees. An Induction
Programme can also include the safety training delivered
to contractors before they are permitted to enter a site or
begin their work. It is usually focused on the particular
safety issues of an organisation but will often include
much of the general company information delivered to
employees.
3. Benefits of an induction programme
An induction programme is an important process for bringing staff
into an organisation. It provides an introduction to the working
environment and the set-up of the employee within the organisation.
The process will cover the employer and employee rights and the
terms and conditions of employment. As a priority the induction
programme must cover any legal and compliance requirements for
working at the company and pay attention to the health and safety of
the new employee.
An induction programme is part of an organisations
knowledge management process and is intended to enable the new
starter to become a useful, integrated member of the team, rather
than being "thrown in at the deep end" without understanding how to
do their job, or how their role fits in with the rest of the company.
Good induction programmes can increase productivity and reduce
short-term turnover of staff. These programs can also play a critical
role under the socialization to the organization in terms of
performance, attitudes and organizational commitment.
4. A Typical Induction Program
A typical induction programme will include at least some of the
following:
any legal requirements (for example in the , some Health and Safety
training is obligatory)
any regulatory requirements (for example in the graphic design
sector certain copyright laws need to be adhered to)
introduction to terms and conditions (for
example, holiday entitlement, how to make expense claims, etc.)
a basic introduction to the company, and how the particular
department fits in
a guided tour of the building.
set-up of payroll details
introductions to key members of staff
specific job-role training
5. Best practice
In order to fully benefit the company and employee, the induction
programme should be planned in advance. A timetable should be
prepared, detailing the induction activities for a set period of time
(ideally at least a week) for the new employee, including a named
member of staff who will be responsible for each activity. This plan
should be circulated to everyone involved in the induction process,
including the new starter. If possible it should be sent to the new
starter in advance, with opportunity for the new employee to discuss
any alterations that may be identified.
It is also considered best practice to assign a buddy to every new
starter. If possible this should be a person who the new starter will
not be working with directly, but who can undertake some of the
tasks on the induction programme, as well as generally make the
new employee feel welcome. (For example, by ensuring they are
included in any lunchtime social activities.)
Reference: ask.com
6. What the studio uses as current safety
procedures
Workplace safety procedures are designed to keep
employees, visitors and customers safe while helping to
reduce the stress associated with the work area.
Company management should take the time to develop
safety procedures at work that get the entire staff
involved in making company safety a priority.
7. Reporting Process
One of the ways to help get employees and
management involved together in the safety procedures
of your company is to implement a reporting process.
When employees see potential safety problems, they
should be trained to avoid trying to handle the problems
on their own. Employees should be aware of the safety
reporting process, and report safety issues immediately.
When the staff knows how to report safety concerns, it
will keep everyone more vigilant on looking out for
problems. This creates a culture of safety within the
company that can help the company maintain a safe
work environment.
8. Evacuation
When an emergency happens within your facility, such
as a fire or explosion, it is important for everyone in the
company to know the evacuation procedure. Develop an
evacuation procedure that covers everyone in the
company. Point out the closest emergency exit to each
department, and develop a set of procedures for the safe
evacuation of the building. Those procedures would
include what personal items to bring when evacuating,
the route each person should take and how to report to a
member of the management team once an employee is
outside the building. Post evacuation maps throughout
the building, and check emergency exits regularly to
make sure they remain accessible.
9. First Aid Kit
Well-stocked first aid kits should be a part of any
company safety program. Place first aid kits in each work
room, and have a small first aid kit in every manager's
office. A first aid kit should contain sterilized bandages,
medical adhesive tape, headache medication,
antibacterial ointment, surgical gauze and over-the-
counter pain medication. It should also include any site-
specific emergency items, such as an eye wash for
areas that use potent chemicals. Instructions for basic
CPR should be included.
Refernce:http://smallbusiness.chron.com/safety-procedures-work-2615.html
10. What the equipment safety checks are
Equipment Inventory
Your checklist for equipment safety should include a list
of all machinery in your workplace. Record the location
of each piece of equipment and a brief physical
description. Also note the potential safety problems this
equipment could cause, and how to account for these
dangers.
11. Training
For each piece of equipment, determine whether
adequate safety training has been provided to each
person who uses it. Determine if further training must be
scheduled to bring employees up to speed on the risks
and precautions of each piece of equipment. Ensure that
the training is properly documented, with signatures from
all involved that the proper training has taken place.
If the equipment in your workplace came with written
instructions, ensure that each employee has a copy of
them. Verify that everyone has read and understood the
sections of the instruction manual that explain dangers
and warnings about the use of the equipment. Safe
operating procedures should be clearly identified at each
equipment site.
12. Environment
Ensure that all equipment is being used in a safe
location. Some equipment can only be used in well-
ventilated areas. Some must only be stored in a room
that falls within a specified temperature range. Consider
fire hazards near the equipment that may cause danger.
Some equipment can be dangerous to use in damp
conditions.
13. Signs
Place easily visible warning signs and labels
near each piece of equipment in your workplace.
If only certain people are authorized to use a
piece of machinery, post the list of authorized
personnel near it. Also post the required safety
gear that must be worn near the equipment.
Post safety instructions and cautions where
employees will easily notice them before using
the equipment. Clearly label all storage
containers with contents and safety instructions.
“Out of order” signs must be placed on any
equipment that is not in full working order.
14. Schedule
Every workplace must schedule routine inventory and
maintenance on a regular basis. Each piece of
machinery must be checked to ensure it is in working
condition. Safety standards must be checked. Warning
labels and instructions must be updated to ensure that
they are easily visible and understood. Safety training
must be repeated regularly to ensure that employees
retain the information. The maintenance schedule will
vary widely based on the types of equipment you use.
Make safety a priority in your workplace by following a
regular routine of safety maintenance and training.
Reference: http://www.ehow.com/way_5418267_equipment-safety-checklist.html
15. Who is the designated safety
representative?
The designated safety representative is elected
through the OH&S Committee. This person had
expressed interest and a willingness to train if
necessary as a safety representative.
16. List 10 important existing & potential
hazards in the studio
Sitting on a chair for a long time without proper back support may cause
back injury
Over reaching or twisting may cause injury
Unrealistic expectations of management can cause stress over a sustained
period of time.
Not using a document holder may cause eye strain and tilting and turning of
the head may cause neck injury.
Computer monitor may cause eye strain/soreness, dry eyes, blurred vision
and tearing.
Contrast and brightness of computer monitor can result in strain on eyes.
Glare from the computer screen may result in squinting and eye strain.
Fluorescent light can be a problem for harshness on the eyes.
Poor vision can affect posture in trying to view the monitor, leading to
muscular/skeletal conditions.
Occupational Overuse Syndrome may occur from frequent and repetitive
movements, forceful movements and postures that are held for long periods
17. Describe a procedure for controlling
these risks.
To begin with I would put the following information up on the notice
board of the workplace and messages around specific areas where
the problem occurs.
I would not sit for a long time I would get up each 30 mins from the
computer and have a stretch. I would make sure everything is close
to me while working from a desk to prevent twisting and over
reaching.
I would make sure that the back of the chair that I was using had
lumbar support up or down. I would make sure the office chair had
lumbar support back and forwards. I would also make sure the
chair’s seat height was adjustable to go up and down. I would make
sure all computers in the studio had document holders.
In preventing eye strain/soreness, dry eyes, blurred vision and
tearing and general eye care I would put a message on each
computer to say “look away from the monitor when the eyes are
starting to get a bit strained and focus on an object that is further
away from the computer screen.
18. Describe a procedure for controlling
these risks.
Make sure the contrast and brightness is correct on the monitor to
prevent strain on eyes. Make sure there is no glare coming from the
computer screen, a good way to prevent this is to close blinds on
windows.
I would install correct lights not fluorescent bulbs to prevent
harshness on eyes. I would tell the employees to get an eye test every
2 years to prevent bad posture in trying to view the computer monitor
which may lead to muscular/skeletal problems.
To prevent OOS from occurring I would let the employees know and
put up a sign to take 5 minutes break every half hour. Arrange the
work area correctly to prevent stretching or twisting. Check that you
have the correct posture with a sign showing the correct way. Start
keyboard work slowly. Don’t accumulate work breaks. Undertake
appropriate exercises. Report break downs. Do not eat your lunch at
your desk. Include full body stretches. Observe your sleeping
position. Develop an exercise program.
Discuss with management any stressful situations to avoid escalation
of workplace stress.
19. Describe a procedure for reporting risks
and incidents
Risks and incidents can be reported either verbally and documented
on a specific form. The form should include.
Date and time of incident
Persons involved, date of birth and address
Witnesses to the incident
Description of incident
Any identified cause of incident
Injuries incurred
Treatment given
Medical referral attended
Person responsible (victim) notified
Reported to OH&S safety representative
Action Taken
Any modifications to the work site required
Risk Assessment performed
20. Describe the studio’s
meetings/inspection and consultative
process for OH&S issues
There should be an inspection by the OH&S safety
officer monthly. Any defects found would be assessed
for risk and dealt with as soon as possible. If necessary
refer to management. He would have to fill out a risk
assessment form and a maintenance form as previously
described. When the problem is fixed complete the
outcome section on the form and log in the OH&S file.
21. Describe the procedure for emergencies
(fire, injury, assault, power outs)
In the emergency procedure manual instructions for
varying codes of emergency will be documented. Staff
should have a mandatory 12 month revision of the
procedures including those in particular roles such as
chief wardens and wardens. It is the responsibility of the
OH&S safety officer to oversee all training and insure
that members of staff attend training. Regular reviews of
the procedures (12 monthly) is essential to continually
update the changing work environment.
22. Responsibilities of employers and
employees under relevant health and
safety legislation
Employee responsibilities
As an employee, you have responsibilities under work health and
safety law. You must act responsibly, take care of yourself and others
and cooperate with your employer in matters of health and safety. This
applies to all workers, whether they have a disability or not.
If you don’t do these things, you could be disciplined by your
employer under your conditions of employment. You could be
prosecuted under the work health and safety laws in your state or
territory.
In addition, under the Commonwealth Disability Discrimination Act
1992 your ability to work safely is an 'inherent' or essential
requirement of any job. If your disability could reasonably be seen to
cause a health and safety risk for other people at work, then failing to
disclose that risk could be a breach of your obligations under work
health and safety legislation.
23. Responsibilities of employers and
employees under relevant health and
safety legislation
Employer responsibilities
Employers are required to provide a safe and healthy workplace to
protect employees against potential health and safety risks. Your
employer has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are covered
by workers compensation insurance and, in the event of a workplace
injury they must assist an injured employee return to work safely.
Reference
http://jobaccess.gov.au/Jobseekers/Getting_work/What_should_you_consider_before_looking_fo
r_work/Occupational_health_and_safety
