WORK PLACEMENT ORIENTATION PROGRAM

INTRODUCTION The benefits of work experience and structured workplace learning (SWL) What is a workplace? Why is the workplace orientation program important?

WORK-RELATED INJURY & ILLNESS Examples of work-related injury and illness Statistics Costs of work-related injury

SAFE WORKING ENVIRONMENT A safe working environment is a workplace that is free of hazards and risks to the people working there. How can you be safer at work? Your duty of care in the workplace

THE LAWS Occupational Health, Safety and Welfare Act 1986 Essentially the safety law The chief objectives of the act are to secure the health, safety and welfare of persons at work, to eliminate hazards, to protect the public and to involve employees and employers in issues affecting OHS&W

THE LAWS Equal Opportunity Act 1984 This Act makes it unlawful to discriminate against people in the workplace, it is unlawful to be treated unfairly on the grounds of: Age Sex Marital status Pregnancy Sexuality Impairment – physical or intellectual Race

THE LAWS Children’s Protection Act 1993 This act provides for the care and protection of children Four types of abuse recognised by the act are: Emotional abuse Neglect Physical abuse Sexual abuse

EMPLOYER & EMPLOYEE RESPONSIBILITIES Employer responsibilities include providing: A safe work environment Safe systems of work Information, instruction and training Supervision Personal protective equipment when required Plant, equipment and substances in a safe condition Freedom from – discrimination, harassment, bullying and violence

EMPLOYER & EMPLOYEE RESPONSIBILITIES Supervisors responsibilities include: OHSW policies and procedures Training and instruction Responding promptly to OHSW issues when raised Maintenance

EMPLOYER & EMPLOYEE RESPONSIBILITIES As an employee, when starting a new job you are entitled to: An induction into the workplace Information about first aid facilities and emergency exits An introduction to staff you can approach about OHSW Information about where necessary forms are available and who to give them to Information and training on the work to be done Information about relevant hazards in the workplace Training on how to operate equipment and machinery safety (prior to using it!) The appropriate level of supervision

EMPLOYER & EMPLOYEE RESPONSIBILITIES As an employee you have legal responsibility for OHSW in the workplace too, you must: Follow reasonable instructions Follow all safe operating procedures (SOPs) and safe working procedures (SWPs) Work safely and wear protective equipment when it’s required Report accidents and near misses Made sure you are not affected by drugs or alcohol Do not discriminate, harass or bully workmates Treat workplace information as confidential

WORKPLACE HAZARDS What is a workplace hazard? Types of hazards Physical Biological/health Ergonomic Psychological Hazardous substances Hazard management

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT Clothing, equipment or substance designed to protect you from hazards in the workplace. Some examples: Goggles, glasses and face shields Masks Ear muffs, ear plugs Gloves Steel cap boots Safety helmet, hair nets, sun hats Aprons, lab coats

SAFETY SIGNS Signs are used in the workplace to cover all types of foreseeable risks. 4 basic colours: CAUTION PROHIBITION MANDATORY EMERGENCY

MANUAL HANDLING “Any activity requiring the use of force exerted by a person to lift, lower, push, pull, carry or otherwise move, hold or restrain any person, animal or thing.” Manual handling is a major activity of all workplaces. The right way !!!!

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES It is important that all employees know what to do if an emergency situation arises. Some examples include: fire, gas leak, chemical spill, bomb threat, robbery or violent incident.

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES Make sure you know the location of: The nearest emergency exits and emergency evacuation plan Emergency equipment relevant to your work and the nearest fire extinguisher (and how to use it) The nearest first aid officer and first aid kit Any isolating switches and gas taps relevant to your work area

DISCRIMINATION Discrimination means noting the difference or making a distinction in favour or against a person or thing. All workplaces should be free of discrimination and harassment. Under the Equal Opportunity Act it is unlawful for anyone to be treated unfairly because of: Age Sex Race Disability, or a past disability or presumed disability Sexuality, or presumed sexuality Marital status Pregnancy

HARASSMENT The following types of harassment are all unlawful under the Equal Opportunity Act: Sexual Harassment Racial Harassment Bullying Religious Harassment Stalking

HARASSMENT Harassment is when hurtful or upsetting things are repeatedly said or done to people, including: Bullying, teasing or peer abuse Can be physical, threats and violence Verbal abuse and put downs Damaging property, stealing and hiding your property Exclusion, spreading stories and not speaking to someone SMS and mobile phone calls and email Stalking someone

HARASSMENT If you experience any form of harassment during work placement notify your supervisor or their supervisor immediately, then contact your work experience coordinator and tell your parents.

INSURANCE You are covered for personal accident insurance by the school – only if you have completed fully the Workplace Learning Agreement Form.

CONFIDENTIALITY Confidentiality is about privacy Essentially what you see and hear at work stays at work. A breach of confidentiality may affect a business’s reputation and cause financial loss. Legal action could be taken.

EXPECTATIONS You are expected to: Be punctual Be committed Be interested Have a good attendance record Dress appropriately Work safely Be responsible Behave

WHAT EMPLOYERS LOOK FOR Undertaking work placement is an excellent opportunity for you to make contacts with potential employers. The single most important quality that employers look for is a good attitude. Other qualities include: Enthusiasm and motivation Self management Good people skills Personal presentation Trustworthiness Integrity