contractor safety and health guidelines · 9 hazard and risk management 18 9.1 hazard and risk...

Contractor Safety and Health Guidelines

OSH-3.6-1-32

OSH 3.6-1-32 Page 1 of 60 Version 1 Contractor Safety and Health Requirements ©Copyright Horizon Power March 2018


CONTENTS

1 DEFINITIONS 4

2 SCOPE AND APPLICATION 5

3 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS 5

4 SAFETY NON-NEGOTIABLES 6

5 WORKING ON OR NEAR THE HORIZON POWER NETWORKS 8

6 PLANNING 8

6.1 SAFETY AND HEALTH MANAGEMENT PLANS 9

7 SITE REQUIREMENTS 10

7.1 SMOKE FREE WORKPLACES 10 7.2 SITE MANAGEMENT 10 7.3 SITE SECURITY 10 7.4 TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT 10

8 IMPLEMENTATION 12

8.1 STRUCTURE AND RESPONSIBILITY 12 8.1.1 RESOURCES 12 8.2 TRAINING / COMPETENCY 12 8.3 CONSULTATION, COMMUNICATION AND REPORTING 13 8.3.1 CONSULTATION 13 8.3.2 COMMUNICATION: 13 8.3.3 REPORTING 15 8.4 MONITORING AND AUDITING 15 8.4.1 MONITORING 16 8.4.2 AUDITS 16

9 HAZARD AND RISK MANAGEMENT 18

9.1 HAZARD AND RISK MANAGEMENT 18 9.1.1 JOB RISK ANALYSIS (JRA) 19 9.1.2 TAKE 5 RISK ANALYSIS 19 9.1.3 MOBILE PLANT AND EQUIPMENT 21 9.1.4 VEHICLE AND JOURNEY MANAGEMENT 21 9.1.5 CONFINED SPACE 21 9.1.6 ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUGS 25 9.1.7 FATIGUE MANAGEMENT 27 9.1.8 MANUAL HANDLING 29


9.1.9 MANAGEMENT OF NOISE AND VIBRATION 30 9.1.10 ELEVATING WORK PLATFORMS (EWPS) 32 9.1.11 WORKING AT HEIGHTS 33 9.1.12 ASBESTOS HANDLING 34 9.1.13 EXCAVATION AND TRENCHING 35 9.1.14 HOUSEKEEPING 37 9.1.15 LONE WORKER 38 9.1.16 HOT WORKS 39 9.1.17 MOBILE CRANE, LIFTING AND RIGGING 41 9.1.18 PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT 42 9.1.19 HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES 43 9.1.20 MANAGING HEAT STRESS 46 9.1.21 EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE 47 9.2 INJURY MANAGEMENT AND REHABILITATION 48

10 MEASUREMENT AND EVALUATION 49

10.1 WORKPLACE INSPECTION 49 10.2 AUDITS 49 10.3 INCIDENT INVESTIGATION, CORRECTIVE AND PREVENTATIVE ACTION 50 10.3.1 INCIDENT MANAGEMENT 50 10.3.2 INCIDENT INVESTIGATIONS 52 10.4 CONTRACTOR SAFETY AND HEALTH REPORTING 53

APPENDIX A – SAFETY NON-NEGOTIABLES 54

APPENDIX B – DRUGS CUT OFF LEVELS 55

APPENDIX C – CONTRACTOR AOD TESTING FLOWCHART 56

APPENDIX D – HORIZON POWER INDUCTION REQUIREMENTS 57

APPENDIX E – GLOSSARY OF TERMS 58


1 DEFINITIONS

Term Definition

Approved Having appropriate Horizon Power endorsement in writing for a specific function or person.

Authorised/Authorised Person

A competent person with the delegated authority to perform the duty concerned on behalf of Horizon Power.

Competent A person who has acquired through training, qualification or experience, or a combination of those things, the knowledge and skills required to perform the work competently.

Contract The contractual obligation between Horizon Power and another business. The written Contract shall define the scope of work to be provided.

Contractor An individual or firm that provides services to Horizon Power under the terms set out in a Contract

Contract Manager

The Horizon Power Manager nominated to represent Horizon Power and cooperate with the Contractor in relation to completing the Contract scope of works in accordance with the contractual requirements including Safety and Health requirements.

Must Signifies mandatory requirements of the Horizon Power procedure. Deviation from the requirements is not permitted under any circumstances. (Non-Negotiable)

Shall Signifies mandatory requirements of the procedure. Deviation from the requirements in the procedure is permitted in accordance with Safety and Health Management of Change Procedure.

Should

Where the primary intent is to comply with the full requirements of Horizon Power, however there may be circumstances where the requirements is, either, not met, applicable or an alternative approach is necessary.

Significant Incident

Any incident that has been Risk Rated as having a Worst Credible Outcome of “High” or above. Note: An ‘Incident” is defined as “Any unplanned event resulting in, or having a potential for injury, ill health, damage or other loss.”

Subcontractor A business that takes a portion of a Contract from the Contractor or from another Subcontractor.

Worker A person who performs work for Horizon Power or the Contractor in any capacity.


2 SCOPE AND APPLICATION

This document details the minimum expectations on how all work is to be undertaken by contractors engaged by Horizon Power whilst meeting relevant legislative, standards and codes of practice requirements.

It is part of the Horizon Power Safety and Health Management System (SHMS) library of documents.

For the purpose of this document, a Contractor is defined as:

An individual or firm that provides services to Horizon Power under the terms set out in a Contract for Service.

The Horizon Power contracts for service levels are categorised in Table 1.

Table 1

Category Description

Level 1 Contracts are drafted for low risk minor engagements – i.e. in accordance with the Terms & Conditions of a Purchase Order

Level 2 Contracts are drafted for low to medium risk engagements.

Level 3 Contracts are drafted for higher risk engagements.

It is a requirement that contractors are in possession of the current version of this document before tendering or quoting on all Horizon Power scopes of work and Must be in possession of the current version of this document whilst undertaking any work on behalf of Horizon Power.

3 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

Level 1, 2 and 3 contractors are responsible for the Safety and Health Management of their own scopes of work and Shall provide the necessary resources to be able to safely carry out the scope of work under the Contract. These resources Shall include, but not necessarily be limited to:

• Safe plant and equipment, including vehicles; • Competent Workers with the training and skills necessary to undertake the

works under the Contract; • Safe systems of work (where appropriate) that include: • Safety and Health Policy; • Fitness for work management strategy; • Worker induction and familiarisation processes; • Communication and consultation processes (including issue resolution); • A defined safety organisation that sets out: • Safety and health accountabilities and responsibilities; • Managerial commitment to safety and health; • Workplace supervision strategy;


• Subcontractor management including the process for managing and supervising the Subcontractor;

• Alignment with the safety and health culture and systems of Horizon Power; • A risk management framework relevant to the scope of works under the

Contract, including risk identification, assessment and control methodology; • Safety documentation including but not limited to: • Procedures; • Forms; • Registers; • Plans; and • Permits. • Incident management and Investigation process. • A person representing the Contractor Shall serve as the Contractor’s

representative and interface between the Contractor and Horizon Power.

The relationship between Horizon Power’s safety and health management system and the Contractor’s is shown in Figure 1. Where a Contractor has been evaluated as not capable of providing sufficient resources for Horizon Power’s safety and health Management requirements, Horizon Power Shall provide a level of supervision commensurate with the project safety and health risk. Further information on general requirements may be obtained from your Horizon Power Contract Manager.

Figure 1

4 SAFETY NON-NEGOTIABLES

Non-negotiables are mandatory, important rules and a risk treatment for Horizon Power identified fatal risks. They provide clarity to what these risks are and clearly represent to all Workers (including Contractors) Horizon Power’s expectations in ensuring the implementation of system and behavioural controls in managing these risks.

NON-NEGOTIABLES MUST BE COMPLIED WITH IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCES


Workers Must not undertake any task unless it can be completed without posing a risk to themselves, others or the communities we serve.

The ten non-negotiables are:

• Risk management; • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE); • Prevention of falls; • Safe vehicle use; • Energy risks; • Safe areas of work; • Fit for Work; • Qualifications, competencies and authorisations; • Plant and equipment; and • Management Commitment.

Refer Appendix A A breach of Horizon Power safety non-negotiables will be viewed as a breach of Contract and could result in Contract termination. Further information on safety non-negotiables can be obtained from your Horizon Power Contract Manager.


5 WORKING ON OR NEAR THE HORIZON POWER NETWORKS

Work on or near the Horizon Power network is governed by the Horizon Power Electrical Safety Standards (ESS). These Electrical Safety Standards and associated documentation provide the minimum electrical safety principals for activities related to construction, testing, commissioning, operation and maintenance of Horizon Power electrical networks.

The standards govern electrical safety and provide a suitable match for the diverse breadth and depth of electrical activities in the Horizon Power business. They have been written to support Horizon Power’s overall safety and health framework and the hierarchy of statutory and non-statutory legislation, Horizon Power Policies, Procedures and supporting documentation.

These Standards do not detail all the necessary requirements to carry out activities, but together these standards and other instructions, procedures and operational manuals provide a structured safe system of work.

All Workers engaged by the Contractor that are required to work on or near Horizon Power’s electrical apparatus Shall not do so unless they:

• Have been appropriately trained for the work they intend to do; • Have competency in rescue and resuscitation where required; and • Are Authorised by Horizon Power to carry out that work through the provision of

a Contractor Authorisation Card prescribing the extent of work that they are Authorised to undertake.

Prescribed works on or near the Horizon Power networks Must be undertaken in accordance with the Field Practices specified in the Network Instruction Manual (NIM).

6 PLANNING

The Contractor Shall demonstrate Safety and Health planning in order to address its objectives, targets and safety and health events. This planning includes, as a minimum:

Planning for regular review and improvement of their Safety and Health Management System including:

• Specific plans for the control of hazards/risks in Horizon Power’s workplaces including but not limited to:

• Electrical Safety Standards; • If applicable, excavation work near the Horizon Power underground and

overhead networks; • Compliance with Horizon Power instruction manuals including where applicable: • Network Instruction Manual (NIM) • Low Voltage Aerial Bundled Cable (ABC) Manual • Network Permit to Work Standard (NPTWS) • Switchgear Instruction Manual • Testing and Commissioning Manual • Transmission Substation Field Instruction Manual • Underground Cable Installation Manual • Very Low Frequency (VLF) Testing of HV Cables Manual • Vegetation Management Manual


• Contingency plans to meet foreseeable emergencies (e.g. cyclones, medical emergencies, fires, evacuations etc.)

• Plans for dealing with crises 6.1 Safety and Health Management Plans

Legislation requires that employers Must identify each hazard to which a person may be exposed, asses the risk to Safety and Health and provide a methodology for reducing that risk. Legislation also requires that a method of communication and issues resolution exists concerning any stakeholders who may be affected by any process undertaken.

When a change is initiated sufficient planning Must be employed, in order to identify, risk assess and control, where reasonably practicable, hazards associated with the change. These changes include but are not limited to new projects.

Prior to commencement of a project, a Project Risk Register will be prepared identifying hazards associated with the project. The methodology for control and monitoring of the hazard Shall be documented and include but not necessarily be limited to:

• Procurement and deployment of new plant and equipment; • Introduction of new processes and procedures; • Extended road travel; • High risk tasks; and • Implementation of new contracts for service

Further information on safety and health management plans may be obtained from your Horizon Power Contract Manager.


7 SITE REQUIREMENTS

7.1 Smoke Free Workplaces

All Horizon Power operational and non-operational sites, including offices, depots, vehicles, substations and any other place where a Contractor works whilst engaged by Horizon Power are designated as no smoking areas. All Workers that wish to smoke Must do so away from the work site or in designated areas as appropriate. Smoking is not permitted in plant, equipment and vehicles.

7.2 Site Management

Contractors that have direct control of a site are responsible for its operation and management of the site. In the case of depots, substations, field operations and construction sites that are under Horizon Power’s direct control the Horizon Power Contract Manager will be the site coordinator/manager.

Where a site has both Horizon Power and Contractors working together, the overall site management responsibility Must be established prior to work commencing. The decision to take control of the site will be dependent on risk, competence and contractual provisions.

The site manager will be responsible for, but not limited to ensuring:

• Workers’ and visitors inductions including amenity and welfare provisions; • Daily pre-start meetings and Job Risk Analysis (JRA) development; • Site security, access, egress and emergency provisions; and • Roles and responsibilities assigned.

Further information on site management may be obtained from your Horizon Power Contract Manager.

7.3 Site Security

When controlling a worksite, Contractors Must have processes in place to identify hazards and apply appropriate risk controls to prevent injury or harm to the Workers, visitors and members of the pubic. Essential controls include but are not limited to:

• Ensuring that Horizon Power assets and materials are secured by appropriate fences or barricades to prevent a risk to the public and vehicles from unauthorised or inadvertent access;

• Appropriate signage to inform Workers, visitors and the public of potential hazards and site entry requirements;

• Traffic Management where required; • Ensuring that vehicles, plant and equipment are stored securely; and • Controlling site access by implementing site inductions and JRA development for

all personnel, new arrivals and visitors. Further information on site security may be obtained from your Horizon Power Contract Manager.

7.4 Traffic Management

Contractors are responsible for managing the risks of traffic on roads and road verges that form part of, or are adjacent to, a work site under their direct control. Adequate


precautions Must be taken at all times to protect Workers, the worksite, road users, associated plant and members of the public.

Where work will, or is likely to cause an obstruction of any public road, Contractors are required to develop and implement a Traffic Management Plan, which Must be Approved by Main Roads WA or the relevant local government authority depending on road classification or jurisdiction.

Contractors Must comply with the WA Traffic Management for Road Works, Code of Practice when working on or near public roads.

The Traffic Management Plan Must be communicated to all parties involved in the works.

Further information on traffic management may be obtained from your Horizon Power Contract Manager.


8 IMPLEMENTATION

8.1 Structure and Responsibility

Everyone is responsible for their own safety and health and for that of others whose activities they may influence or control. The degree of responsibility and accountability a person has will depend on their authority and level of influence or control.

This concept is recognised in law and Must be articulated in the Contractor’s safety and health plans.

8.1.1 Resources

The Contractor Must demonstrate and ensure that sufficient resources, including human resources and specialised skills, technology and financial resources is made available in order to implement, maintain, and improve their safety and health plans and reduce the risks associated with the scope of work.

Further information on resources requirements may be obtained from your Horizon Power Contract Manager.

8.2 Training / Competency

The Contractor Must identify the training, authorisations and competency needs for all roles associated with the Contract scope of work in order for tasks to be completed competently and safely. Workers Shall be assessed as Competent, based on skills achieved through education, training or experience to perform assigned tasks, taking into account the safety and health obligations and the hazards and risks of the work activities.

The Contractor’s training needs analysis Must address the training requirements associated with the scope of work taking into account:

• Any and all legislative requirements required for the role; • The characteristics and composition of the workforce which impact on

occupational Safety and Health management; • Responsibilities, hazards and risks; and • Horizon Power’s specific requirements

The extent of Competencies and Authorisations required Shall be maintained by the Horizon Power Contract Manager in the form of a Competencies and Authorisations matrix addressing the Contract scope of works.

The process for Contractor Authorisation can be found in the Horizon Power Network Instruction Manual, Field Instruction 1.2 Contractor Authorisation Process.

Note: Authorisations have a validity period of 2 years from the date of issue.

Further information on training and competency requirements may be obtained from your Horizon Power Contract Manager.


8.3 Consultation, Communication and Reporting

Consultation needs to be an exchange between the Horizon Power Contract Manager the Contractor, the Contractor’s Safety and Health Representatives (if any), its Workers and Subcontractor’s Workers that involves:

8.3.1 Consultation

• Sharing information about safety and health – information Must be timely and in a form understood by Workers, including in other languages where appropriate;

• The Contractor Shall consult with Workers who are, or are likely to be, directly affected by a matter relating to safety and health;

• Workers Shall be given a reasonable opportunity to express their views and to raise safety and health issues and the views of Workers Shall be taken into account by the Contractor; and

• If a health and safety representative represents the Workers, the consultation Shall involve that representative.

8.3.2 Communication

8.3.2.1 Meetings Kick-Off Meetings The first meeting between Horizon Power’s Contract Manager along with associated Horizon Power personnel and the Contractors representative and associated personnel.

This meeting Shall discuss the elements of the scope of work and other project planning activities. The meeting introduces the members of the Horizon Power project team and the Contractor’s project team and provides the opportunity to discuss the role of team members. Other elements of the scope Shall also be discussed at this meeting (schedule, status reporting, special conditions etc.)

Mutual understanding of the scope of work and project deliverables is confirmed.

There is a special discussion on Safety and Health requirements of the project. This discussion Shall include but not necessarily be limited to:

• Vehicle, plant and equipment utilisation; • Worker Competencies and Authorisations; • Fitness for work management strategy; • Worker induction and familiarisation processes; • Communication and consultation processes (including issue resolution); • Workplace supervision strategy; • Subcontractor management; • Risk management framework including:

Safety and Health Management Plan; and Risk Register

• Safety documentation including but not limited to: Procedures; Forms; Registers;

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Project_planning

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Project_planning


Plans; and Permits.

• Incident management and Investigation process; • Statistical reporting; • Inspection and auditing regime; and • Contractor Performance Review process.

Pre-Start Meetings At the beginning of each shift, operational teams and individuals Shall be briefed on the activities to be undertaken and any conditions that may affect the activities. The meeting Should also include general information that may have been received since the previous shift including any noteworthy events.

The meeting Should include but not be limited to:

• Scope of work/s and methodology for safe completion; • Weather conditions including any warnings (Total Fire Bans, Cyclones etc.); • Anticipated hazards and control methodology; • Any bulletins or alerts that might have been received since the previous meeting;

Note: Workers Shall separately acknowledge receipt of information related to Bulletins or Alerts and records Shall be maintained.

• Any updates to work instructions • Faults or other activities reported from the previous shift including after-hours

callout work; and • Any incidents relative to scope of work and any Significant Incidents.

The Horizon Power Contract Manager may attend Pre-Start Meetings

Minutes of the meetings and records of attendance Shall be kept.

Toolbox Meetings Toolbox Meetings Shall be held at least monthly and attended by all Workers associated with scope of work. The Horizon Power Contract Manager Shall attend Toolbox Meetings.

The agenda Shall (as a minimum) consist of:

• Site/Project Safety and Health issues; • Safety Bulletins or Alerts; • Risk Register; • Inspections;

Comments and Actions initiated as a result of previous inspections. These inspections may include, but are not limited to: Safety Inspections; Vehicle Inspections; Electrical Equipment Inspections; Office Inspections; Housekeeping Inspections; and

• Previous Meeting Actions. Review and update Action items; Minutes of the meetings and records of attendance Shall be kept.


Safety and Health Committee Meetings

Safety and Health Committees are an effective part of the Safety and Health consultation system because they provide a forum for management and representatives of Workers to regularly discuss and make recommendations on Safety and Health issues.

Lessons Learned Meetings

The objective of the Lessons Learned meeting is to discuss and collectively identify lessons learned during the previous phase or at project closure so that future projects may benefit from and usefully apply those insights that were gained on past efforts

8.3.2.2 Bulletins and Alerts • Safety and health bulletins and alerts issued by Horizon Power and relevant to a

Contractor’s work under a Contract Shall be communicated to the Contractor’s Workers and Subcontractors in a timely manner. Evidence of Workers’ receipt and understanding of the bulletins and alerts Shall be recorded within meeting minutes; and

• The distribution of bulletins and alerts Should be a two-way arrangement where the Contractor and Subcontractors Should also provide information to Horizon Power.

8.3.3 Reporting

Monthly reporting

A Safety and Health report is to be produced each month and made available to Horizon Power via the Horizon Power Contract Manager.

This report Should include, but guided by, the specific Contract:

• Outcome (lagging indicators) – Injury frequency and severity rates; • Positive (leading indicators – meeting occurrences, near hit/hazard reporting,

action completion, investigation close-out; • Alcohol and Other Drug testing and results thereof; • Workplace inspections and results; • Risk register updates; and • Any other Contract related safety and health issues;

Further information on Consultation, Communication and Reporting requirements may be obtained from your Horizon Power Contract Manager.

8.4 Monitoring and Auditing

A program for the ongoing monitoring of the Contractor’s safety performance as appropriate to the level of risk associated with the work to be performed under the Contract will be implemented by Horizon Power. Where applicable, audits of the Contractor’s Approved Safety and Health Management Plan will be undertaken. The monitoring Shall consist of measures identified as appropriate including:


8.4.1 Monitoring

The implementation of control measures (to eliminate or control risks) needs to be monitored to determine whether the measures are effective and have a positive impact in eliminating or minimising a risk. Monitoring of controls is also used to determine if other hazards have been created as a result of the implementation. If control measures do not adequately control the risk they Must be revised accordingly. Review and revision of controls may also be needed before workplace changes that may give rise to new risks, or when new hazards are identified.

Contractors Must monitor works in progress to ensure that risk management methodologies are effective and observed by Workers. The monitoring Shall include:

• Formal inspections of site safety where the results are recorded. Non-conformances or deviations will be discussed with the Horizon Power Contract Manager and a plan to initiate corrective and preventative action is to be agreed. Correspondingly, good safety performance Shall be recognised; and

• Informal site visits or safety walks by Horizon Power where activities are observed.

Feedback will be provided immediately with advice on correcting deviations from accepted safe working practice. Where the Contractor demonstrates proficiency in safe working practices it will be recognised. The frequency of inspections Shall be risk based and reflect the scale and complexity of the works under the Contract.

Inspection results will be recorded and contribute to the Horizon Power Contractor Performance Reporting process;

8.4.2 Audits

To meet the objective of providing a safe working environment, particularly for large and/or complex projects Horizon Power Shall conduct safety audits as a means of monitoring the implementation, application and effectiveness of a Contractors Safety and Health Management Plan (SHMP). Formal advice, where necessary, will be provided as to whether the Contractor is complying with its duties and obligations and in particular, adherence to the Contractors SHMP as Approved under the Contract.

Where audits are detailed by the Contract terms and conditions between Horizon Power and the Contractor(s), the audits Shall be conducted in accordance with the contracts. Where the Contract is silent on audits, Horizon Power Shall provide sufficient notice to the Contractor(s) to perform such audits.

There is an important difference between audits (conducted in accordance with this clause) and compliance inspections. Audits are usually planned on a regular basis as a proactive measure by Horizon Power and can provide guidance to Contractors to facilitate compliance with their statutory obligations and to Horizon Power’s safety and health requirements as well as test the controls recorded within the Contractors Safety and Health Management Plan. Compliance inspections are undertaken on a regular basis in order to validate that various components of the Contractors SHMP are being complied with.

The timing and extent of audits will be determined through a risk-based approach. Where appropriate to the level of risk associated with the work to be performed under


the Contract, Horizon Power will schedule an annual Contract audit programme. Horizon Power may also audit a Contractor’s implementation of its SHMP in order to identify any deviations early.

Additional audits, other than those identified in the initial audit program, may be undertaken.

The key steps in the audit cycle are:

• Notification of Audit; • Entry Meeting; • Conducting the Audit; • Exit meeting; • Preparation of the audit report; • Discussion of the audit report with the Contractor, including any non-

compliances identified; • Finalisation of the report; • The Contractor establishes a plan to address any issues or non-conformances

identified; and • Ongoing monitoring (possibly including inspections) to verify corrective action.

Horizon Power’s approach to the audit process is one of facilitated compliance, working with the Contractor to provide information and direction to improve their management and application of safety and health where safety and health systems are deficient.

Whilst Horizon Power will work with the Contractor, enforcement action available under the Contract may be taken at any time, dependent upon the seriousness of the issues found during an audit (or inspection) or with the findings at the conclusion of the audit.

Further information on monitoring and auditing requirements may be obtained from your Horizon Power Contract Manager.


9 HAZARD AND RISK MANAGEMENT

9.1 Hazard and Risk Management

The management of risk at Horizon Power’s workplaces is associated with, subordinate to the Horizon Power Risk Management Framework, and is aligned with:

• AS/NZS ISO 31000 Risk management - Principles and guidelines; • AS/NZS 4801 – Occupational Health and Safety management systems.

Specifications with guidance for use; § 4.4.6 Hazard identification, hazard/risk assessment and control of hazards/risks;

• WA Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984; 1 • WA Occupational Safety and Health Regulations 1996; 1

Contractors Must provide a workplace that is, as far as practicable, free of hazards. In the event that not all hazards can be eliminated then they Must be controlled until they present a risk that is As Low As Reasonably Practicable (ALARP – defined as a basic concept where risks are kept as low as ‘reasonably practicable’ where reasonable is determined taking into account social, technical, economic and public policy factors)

Figure 2 – Horizon Power’s Risk Tolerability

There are three basic steps in the risk management process, hazard identification, risk assessment and risk control. However, communication and consultation with stakeholders, key Workers and expert advisors is vital in each stage of the Safety and Health risk management process, as is ongoing monitoring of the outcomes of each stage and of the overall process.

Further information on hazard and risk management requirements may be obtained from your Horizon Power Contract Manager.

1 And any legislation introduced for the purpose of modernising the legislation.


9.1.1 Job Risk Analysis (JRA)

It is acknowledged that Contractors will operate differing risk assessment/s and recording tools, however all risk assessment processes are to meet the following criteria.

• Assessments Must be completed prior to the work commencing; • Assessments Must be reviewed and revised as regularly as necessary, in light

of changing conditions (including those specific to the site of work) in order to ensure that controls remain affective and reflect any changes to work scope and methodologies;

• Assessments Must be documented, copies kept for the life of the Contract and provided to Horizon Power upon request; and

• Contractors Shall be responsible for ensuring cooperation and coordination of risk assessments, controls and communication between Contractors, Subcontractors and any visitors or other third parties on site

Horizon Power may review and make recommendations regarding the suitability of formal risk assessments but will not ‘approve’ the document/s. It is the Contractor’s responsibility to eliminate or reduce the risk to ALARP.

Horizon Power has developed a Job Risk Analysis (JRA) tool in order to prescribe the process of breaking a task down into its key components and examining the identified hazards of each component in order to:

• Qualify/rate the risk; • Describe the methodology required to control the risk to As Low as Reasonably

Practicable (ALARP); • Qualify/rate the risk after the application of controls; • Review the efficacy of controls throughout the task; • Monitor the job for changes and the possible introduction of new hazards; • Provide a mechanism for stopping the work if the risk cannot be satisfactorily

controlled; and • Communicate the risk control strategy to all team members.

If the Contractor is utilising Horizon Power’s Safety and Health Management System this tool may be used by the Contractor in consultation with the HP Contract Manager but the liability of training in and preparation of the documents rests with Contractor.

Further information on JRA requirements may be obtained from your Horizon Power Contract Manager.

9.1.2 Take 5 Risk Analysis

Every work area or task poses a potential risk to Workers or property. These risks are heightened if:

• Inexperienced or untrained people perform the task; and • Changes occur in:

• Work practices; and/or • Environmental conditions (weather, people, fauna); and/or • Previously unobserved or unconsidered latent conditions


Managing the risk is the responsibility of everybody associated with the process. Having the right tools available to assist Workers in managing risks can make the difference between completing a task safely or not.

Take 5 is the least formal but most frequently used process tool for the management of risk of any individual task, step, or change that may creep into the work area.

The Take 5 process assists all Workers to recognise hazards and manage the Safety and Health risks that are associated with the performance of their day-to-day tasks. The diagram at Figure 3 - Risk Assessment Hierarchy demonstrates graphically how using the Take 5 assists in the final and informal risk analysis.

Take 5 creates a state of awareness in the minds of individuals before tasks are undertaken or during a task where an unexpected change has occurred.

A Take 5 Booklet provides a tool to assist in:

• Understanding the task; • Spotting / Identifying the hazard; • Assessing the risk; • Making the changes (controls); and • Determining if the task can be undertaken in a safe manner.

All Workers Should complete a Take 5 prior to the commencement of all jobs and in particular:

• Lone Workers; • For all Workers working alone a Take 5 Shall be completed before the

commencement of all tasks; • Routine and/or Repetitive Tasks; • If there is more than one Worker involved in the task and the task is routine

and/or repetitive then a Take 5 Should be done prior to the commencement; • If the work environment or conditions change; and • If there is any change in your work environment (e.g. Weather, Visibility or

People) or conditions (e.g. deadline, unplanned events) then a Take 5 Should be completed.

Further, if for any reason a Worker does not feel comfortable with their surroundings or if a sense of complacency is apparent then a Take 5 Should be completed.

This continual process Should be reviewed throughout the task or project.

Further information on Take 5 requirements may be obtained from your Horizon Power Contract Manager.


9.1.3 Mobile Plant and Equipment

The use of Powered Mobile Plant (PMP) has inherently high risk and has been identified as being associated with a number of workplace fatalities and injuries.

WA legislation has placed general duties not only on the employer, but also on a range of upstream parties (including persons who design, manufacture, import, supply, install and erect plant), whose actions have the potential to impact mobile-plant-related safety and health. The Contractor Must ensure, as far as is reasonably practicable, that the plant is safe and without risks. This duty also extends to persons who install, use or carry out any reasonably foreseeable activity at a workplace in relation to the proper use, decommissioning or dismantling of the plant or are in the vicinity, and whose health and safety may be affected.

Further information on powered mobile plant and equipment requirements may be obtained from your Horizon Power Contract Manager.

9.1.4 Vehicle and Journey Management

Driving vehicles presents hazards that Workers are exposed to and it is undertaken on frequent basis throughout the day.

The Contractor Must develop procedural requirements for safe driving and journey management to ensure the safety of Workers and other road users.

Further information on vehicle and journey management requirements may be obtained from your Horizon Power Contract Manager.

9.1.5 Confined Space

Confined spaces pose dangers because they are usually not designed to be areas where people work. Confined spaces often have poor ventilation, which allows

Figure 3 - Risk Assessment Hierarchy


hazardous atmospheres to quickly develop, especially if the space is small. The hazards are not always obvious and may change from one entry into the confined space to the next.

The risks of working in confined spaces include:

• Loss of consciousness; • Impairment; • Injury or death due to the immediate effects of airborne contaminants; • Fire or explosion from the ignition of flammable contaminants; • Difficulty rescuing and treating an injured or unconscious person; and • Asphyxiation resulting from oxygen deficiency or immersion in a free-flowing

material, such as grain, sand, fertiliser, water or other liquids.

What is a confined space?

A confined space is determined by the hazards associated with a set of specific circumstances and not just because work is performed in a small space.

Occupational Safety and Health Regulations 1996 - reg 3.82 states:

Confined space means an enclosed or partially enclosed space which: (a) is not intended or designed primarily as a workplace; and (b) is at atmospheric pressure during occupancy; and (c) has restricted means for entry and exit,

and which either: (d) has an atmosphere containing or likely to contain potentially harmful

levels of contaminant; or (e) has or is likely to have an unsafe oxygen level; or (f) is of a nature or is likely to be of a nature that could contribute to a person

in the space being overwhelmed by an unsafe atmosphere or a contaminant;

Contaminant means any substance, the presence of which may be harmful to safety or health

AS 2865, Confined Spaces sets out the particular requirements and risk control measures for the of safety of persons entering or conducting tasks associated with a confined space. This Standard is intended to help designers, manufacturers, suppliers, modifiers and users of confined spaces to achieve a safety outcome.

Contractors Must:

• Ensure appropriate training is provided to Workers engaging in confined space entry and the management of confined spaces;

• Ensure that as far as reasonably practicable all safety and health related risks associated with confined spaces are identified and eliminated. If it is not reasonably practicable to eliminate all risks then the risks Shall be minimised as far as reasonably practicable;

• Ensure that all Workers are trained in and understand the requirements associated with any confined space and how to address specific hazards and risks in relation to the task;

• Ensure that no Worker commences a task within a confined space for which they have not be trained and assessed as Competent;


• Ensure that all confined space tasks are risk assessed by Workers prior to commencement; and

• Ensure the veracity of confined space hazard controls that have been applied by reviewing regularly and modifying if necessary.

A comprehensive risk assessment is to be prepared for confined space tasks, to identify hazards associated with the activity, and the work to be performed.

As part of the risk assessment process, elimination of the need to work in the confined space is to be evaluated and assessed.

If it is essential for the work to proceed, appropriate planning and preparation is to be considered to ensure that minimal time is spent working within the confined space.

Workers with the appropriate authorisations are to be selected for confined space entry, with consideration to the type of space and the fitness for work requirements of the task.

Work team members are not to enter confined spaces unless they have been provided with appropriate training in relation to the work being conducted. The adequacy of training is to be determined based on currency and appropriateness of training for the type of confined space being accessed.

The appropriate Personal Protective Equipment is to be provided on site prior to the work commencing, specific to the requirements of the confined space. This Personal Protective Equipment is to be maintained and utilised as per AS/NZS 2865 Confined Spaces.

A Confined Space Entry Permit is to be issued by a Permit Issuer who is qualified in the nationally accredited unit of competency MSMPER300 Issue work permits.

A confined space emergency response plan is to be documented to ensure that a rescue strategy is in place from the confined space if it is required. This response plan is to be tested prior to the work commencing. The emergency response plan is to be referenced within the risk assessment

The confined space emergency response plan is to be consistent with the intent of the information contained in § 6 of the Model Code of Practice Confined Space (Safe Work Australia, 2014) which reads:

The person conducting a business or undertaking Must also ensure that openings for entry and exit are of a sufficient size to allow emergency access; openings are not obstructed; and any plant, equipment and personal protective equipment provided for first aid or emergency rescue are maintained in good working order. When establishing emergency procedures, the following factors Must be taken into account to manage risks associated with confined spaces:

o Whether the work can be carried out without the need to enter the confined space;

o The nature of the confined space; o Any changes in hazards associated with the concentration of oxygen

or the concentration of airborne contaminants in the confined space;


o The work to be carried out in the confined space, the range of methods by which the work can be carried out and the proposed method of working; and

o The type of emergency and rescue procedures required.

Consideration Should also be given to the following:

Location of the confined space

What is the geographic location of the space, how accessible is it in an emergency and how far away is it from appropriate medical facilities?

Communications

How can Workers working inside the space communicate to people outside in an emergency? Exactly how will the alarm be raised and by whom? Planning needs to ensure that rescue and emergency personnel can access the workplace during night shift, weekends and holiday periods.

Rescue and resuscitation equipment

What kinds of emergencies are contemplated? The provision of suitable rescue and resuscitation equipment will depend on the potential emergencies identified. Selected rescue equipment Should be kept in close proximity to the confined space so that it can be used immediately.

Capabilities of rescuers

Are rescuers properly trained, sufficiently fit to carry out their task and capable of using any equipment provided for rescue (e.g. breathing apparatus, lifelines and fire-fighting equipment)? How will rescuers be protected during the emergency operation?

First aid Is appropriate first aid available for immediate use? Are trained first aid Workers available to make proper use of any necessary first aid equipment?

Local emergency services— if they are to be relied on for rescue

How will the local emergency services (e.g. fire brigade) be notified of an incident? What information about the particular dangers in the confined space will be given to them on their arrival? Have prior arrangements been made with local emergency services to ensure they are able to respond in a reasonable time and have the specialist confined space retrieval equipment readily available?

Further information on confined space requirements may be obtained from your Horizon Power Contract Manager.


9.1.6 Alcohol and Other Drugs

Horizon Power has an obligation to Workers and the community to execute our operations in safe manner. Use of drugs and/or alcohol in excess of the prescribed cut-off levels is acknowledged as an unacceptable risk as well as potentially presenting a health issue to the affected Worker.

Contractors Duties

Section 19 of the WA Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984 (the Act) states:

Section 57A of the Act in relation to Visitors states:

The legislation, therefore, requires that Horizon Power and in turn the Contractor has a system in place to ensure, as far reasonably practicable, that Workers and visitors attend Horizon Power’s workplaces unaffected by alcohol and/or other drugs for their safety and the safety of others.

All Contractors and service providers that attend Horizon Power controlled workplaces or complete work on behalf of Horizon Power will be required to comply with the Horizon Power AOD Procedure, or where relevant, work to their own Fit for Work Policy that is, at least, equal to Horizon Power’s.

Testing Methodology

Alcohol • A Worker or visitor Must not be permitted to attend a Horizon Power work site

with a BAC exceeding 0.00% BAC, inclusive of attendance at a worksite when on availability roster or for pre-planned overtime;

• A test result that exceeds 0.00% BAC Must be deemed positive;

An employer shall, so far as is practicable, provide and maintain a working environment in which the employees of the employer (the employees) are not exposed to hazards and in particular, but without limiting the generality of the foregoing, an employer shall —

a) provide and maintain workplaces, plant, and systems of work such that, so far as is practicable, the employees are not exposed to hazards

2) (b) an authorised person believes on reasonable grounds that — i. any conduct of the visitor at the workplace; or ii. the presence of the visitor in the workplace or in a particular part of

the workplace, constitutes a hazard to any person. 3) The authorised person may direct the visitor —

a) to immediately cease engaging in the conduct concerned; or b) to immediately leave the workplace and not to return as a visitor to

the workplace until permitted by the authorised person to do so. 4) A person who, without reasonable excuse, fails to comply with a direction

given to the person under subsection (3) commits an offence


• Refusal to undertake a test will be managed as if the AOD test result was positive; • In accordance with AS 3547-1997 Breath alcohol testing devices for personal

use, portable testing devices are calibrated to within 0.01% BAC accuracy therefore a reading of 0.01 Must be deemed a reading of 0.00% BAC; and

• Any Worker who, as a result of a BAC test, is found to be at, or commencing work with a BAC in excess 0.00% BAC is in breach of the Horizon Power Safety Non-Negotiables (ref Appendix A Safety Non-Negotiables). Action Must be undertaken in accordance with the Contractors Approved case management/disciplinary processes, which Must, as a minimum, reflect Horizon Power’s process (ref Appendix C).

Note: Attendance at any Horizon Power work site including offices and other administrative areas Shall be considered as “at work”.

Other Drugs • Prohibited drugs are:

• Drugs and their metabolites listed in AS/NZS 4308:2008 Procedures for specimen collection and the detection and quantitation of drugs of abuse in urine;

• Synthetic substances that are chemically similar to and/or mimic the effects or are variants of prohibited drugs, including cannabis, ecstasy and cocaine; and

• The table can be found at Appendix B. • Urinalysis testing for the presence of drugs Must be undertaken by a Competent

person in accordance with AS/NZS 4308 Procedures for specimen collection and the detection and quantitation of drugs of abuse in urine;

• Refusal to undertake a test or tampering with a specimen Must be deemed as providing a sample that is positive for prohibited drugs or their metabolites;

• Testing may be conducted at the Collecting Agency premises or, providing that privacy can be maintained, at the Horizon Power/Contractor worksite;

• Prior to providing a Part ‘A’ sample, the collector will request the Worker to declare over the counter/prescription medication taken, that may potentially affect the sample. This declaration remains confidential. Should the On-Site Screening device provide an initial reading in alignment with the Worker’s declaration, the Worker will be permitted to return to work on the provision that fit for work risks can be managed. Should the Part ‘B’ sample be tested as non-negative by a NATA Approved laboratory utilising GCMS or LCMS and the confirmed results is not in alignment with declaration, this Must be deemed as non-conformance to this procedure and the Horizon Power Non-Negotiables;

• If the Part ‘A’ sample taken from the original urine specimen is non-negative without a declaration for a specified substance or substances in accordance with AS/NZS 4308 - Confirmatory Test Cut –Off Concentrations (ref 55 B) then the Worker Must be stood down, pending confirmatory testing of the ‘B’ sample by a NATA approved laboratory utilising GCMS or LCMS in accordance with AS/NZS 4308 - Confirmatory Test Cut –Off Concentrations (ref 55 B Drugs Cut off Levels); and

• If confirmatory testing by the NATA approved laboratory confirms a positive result for prohibited drugs or metabolites then it Must be deemed that the Worker is in non-conformance of the Horizon Power Safety Non-Negotiables and action undertaken in accordance with the Contractors Approved case management/disciplinary processes which Must, as a minimum, reflect Horizon Power’s process(ref Appendix C).


AOD Testing

AOD testing Must be conducted in the following circumstances:

• Pre-Employment A screening for drugs and/or alcohol by urinalysis in accordance with AS/NZS 4308 Procedures for specimen collection and detection and quantification of drugs of abuse in urine.

• For Cause “For Cause” drug and alcohol testing under one or more of the following circumstances:

o Where reasonably practicable, following incidents where the Worker is involved in an incident or near hit, that has a risk rating of ‘High’ or greater whether or not an injury, damage or loss resulted;

o Where a Workers erratic, dangerous, unusual or inappropriate behaviour gives rise to a suspicion that alcohol and/or other drugs might affect the Worker. This may be as an observation by a formal leader or as a report by a fellow Worker; or

o Where any evidence of possible alcohol and/or other drug use at work is discovered (e.g. drug paraphernalia, alcohol vessels on worksites or in vehicles), and those who have been involved can be identified.

• Post-Incident Workers Must be required to be stood down and undertake AOD testing post incident or near hit where one or more of the following conditions apply:

o Assessed as having an actual or potential risk rating of “HIGH” or greater; or

o There is reasonable suspicion that Alcohol and/or Other Drugs use may have contributed to the incident or near hit.

The Workers directly involved in the incident Must be tested.

• Random or blanket Random, unannounced AOD testing will be undertaken as a risk control measure at Horizon Power workplaces. From time to time unannounced, blanket (all Workers) AOD testing of all Horizon Power workplaces may be undertaken to establish baseline results in relation to the fit for work risks. Horizon Power requires that sufficient random or blanket testing is carried out to demonstrate 95% confidence in Horizon Power’s Fit for Work Policy in accordance with AS/NZS 1199 Sampling Procedures for Inspection by Attributes.

Further information on AOD requirements may be obtained from your Horizon Power Contract Manager.

9.1.7 Fatigue Management

Fatigue can be defined as extreme tiredness that leads to mental or physical exhaustion. This can result in a state of impairment that is associated with lowered alertness or reduced performance. There are a number of factors that contribute to fatigue.


Risk Assessment

Contractors are responsible for identifying roles under their control for which fatigue is considered an ongoing or regular risk, and conducting a risk assessment of each role in consultation with affected Workers.

Risk Control

Contractors Must, in consultation with affected Workers, determine appropriate risk control measures to address the risks identified as part of the risk assessment. Risk control measures may be recorded on the risk assessment utilised for the task.

Managing Fatigue-related Impairment

As a minimum, the following work arrangements Must apply for Horizon Power worksites:

On Call Arrangements The maximum availability “On Call” Shall be 3 weeks in every 4-week period. In addition, the following Shall apply:

• The maximum allowable time to be on call is 2 consecutive weeks, after which a Worker Must take 1 week off call; and

• After being on call 2 weeks on 1 week off continuously for 3 months, a Worker Must take 2 consecutive weeks off call, after which the pattern of 2 weeks on call 1 week off call may resume.

Hours of Work • The maximum allowable hours of work per day is 16 hours, after which a 10

hour break Must be taken; • A maximum of 2 x 16 hours of work may be worked consecutively, after which

a 16 hour break Must be taken; • A maximum of 3 x 16 hours of work may be worked in any 7 day period; • For shift Workers routinely working shifts of less than 12 hours, a maximum

of 8 shifts may be worked in any 9 consecutive days (NOTE: training is considered a shift); and

• For shift Workers routinely working shifts of 12 hours, a maximum of 5 shifts may be worked in any 9 consecutive days (NOTE: training is considered a shift).

Rest Breaks In addition to the work arrangements mentioned above, the following arrangements Shall also apply:

• Except in circumstances described in the ‘Hours of Work’ criteria, Workers Should have a rest break of at least 10 consecutive hours between completing work on one day and commencing work on the next day; and

• When overtime is required to be performed at night, adequate notice Should be provided to Workers and where practicable, arrangements Should be made so that Workers have an adequate break prior to commencing overtime;


The Contractor may choose to stand down a Worker or crew for a rest break in the following circumstances:

• Particularly adverse weather; • Arduous work; • Repeated telephone calls or alarms of more than 4 hours in total; or • Repeated callouts of more than 4 hours in total (regardless of the time of day).

Driving Arrangements Horizon Power identifies driving without implementing established risk mitigation as an activity of high risk. The risk level is magnified when driving for extended periods outside of major centres, usually at or near the maximum speed limits. It is therefore imperative that journeys are well planned and managed.

Contractors Should ensure:

• Before a long journey, ensure Workers have adequate sleep and avoid driving after being awake for a continuous period of 16 hours;

• When driving, Workers take a rest break every 2 hours, or more frequently if feeling tired;

• If possible, Workers share driving; • If possible, avoid driving at night; and • Workers avoid driving more than 12 hours in a 24 hour period; and

Addressing Fatigue-related Impairment

Identification and Notification of Potential Fatigue-related Impairment Identification and notification of potential fatigue-related impairment is a shared responsibility of Workers and management.

Contractors’ Workers Workers are required to identify when they are suffering the effects of fatigue or if the work has the potential to exceed maximum allowable working hours limit.

Contractors’ Managers\Supervisors Managers are responsible for assessing fatigue levels of Workers under their control to determine fitness for work if they have a reasonable suspicion that a Worker is impaired by fatigue. Assessment may be completed through observation or via a conversation with the Worker.

Further information on fatigue management requirements may be obtained from your Horizon Power Contract Manager.

9.1.8 Manual Handling

Common soft tissue injuries and muscular/skeletal injuries can arise from undertaking manual handling tasks. Contractors Must manage the risks associated with performing manual handling tasks in order to avoid these types of injuries. This required systematic identification, assessment and control of these hazards and the provision of manual handling information, instruction and training (including refresher training) to Workers.


9.1.9 Management of Noise and Vibration

Noise and vibration are closely linked in that noise originates from a vibrating body and both noise and vibration have similar physics as they are transmitted as waves through a medium.

Noise Hazards

The health impacts of noise hazards are well recognised with Occupational Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (ONIHL) identified as a priority work-related disease for Workers.

Noise, or sound pressure, is measured using the decibel (dB) scale, and can be either ‘A’ weighted (dBA), which is an average of exposure over a given timeframe, or ‘C’ weighted (dBC) exposure to peak levels of noise. As the human ear is not, equally sensitive to sounds at all frequencies, an extra 3 decibels doubles the noise level and impact

Exposure standard for noise is defined in the Occupational Safety and Health Regulations, reg 3.45, as an LAeq,8h of 85 dB(A) or an LC,peak of 140 dB(C). There are two parts to the exposure standard for noise because noise can either cause gradual hearing loss over a period of time or be so loud that it causes immediate hearing loss. LAeq,8h means the eight hour equivalent continuous A-weighted sound pressure level in decibels, referenced to 20 micropascals, determined in accordance with AS/NZS 1269.1. This is related to the total amount of noise energy a person is exposed to in the course of their working day. It takes account of both the noise level and the length of time the person is exposed to it. An unacceptable risk of hearing loss occurs at LAeq,8h values above 85 dB(A). LC,peak means the C-weighted peak sound pressure level in decibels, referenced to 20 micropascals, determined in accordance with AS/NZS 1269.1. It usually relates to loud, sudden noises such as a gunshot or hammering. LC,peak values above 140 dB(C) can cause immediate damage to hearing.

Table 2 Equivalent noise exposures

LAeq,8h = 85 dB(A)

Noise Level dB(A) Exposure Time Noise Level dB(A) Exposure Time 80 16 hours 106 3.8 minutes 82 12hours 115 28.8 seconds 85 8 hours 109 1.9 minutes 88 4 hours 112 57 seconds 91 2 hours 118 14.4 seconds 94 1 hour 121 7.2 seconds 97 30 minutes 124 3.6 seconds 100 15 minutes 127 1.8 seconds 103 7.5 minutes 130 0.9 seconds


Vibration Hazards

There are little or no legislative requirements for the management of Occupational Vibration hazards in Australia although the health consequences are well known. This gives rise to the “Due Diligence” imperative in providing a safe place of work. While the health impacts of noise and vibration differ, the controls are similar, particularly with respect to elimination and engineering.

The two main types of vibration that give cause for concern are “Whole-Body” and “Hand-Arm”. The health effect from whole-body vibration includes:

• Damage to the lower spine area; • Damage to internal organs; • Increase heart rate, oxygen uptake and respiratory rate; • Changes in blood and urine; and • It can produce an overall ill feeling as well as a gradual decrease in the

performance of Workers.

The main health effect from hand-arm vibration is caused by the disruption of blood and oxygen supply to the fingers from prolonged vibration exposure resulting in damage to blood vessels and nervous systems that initially are reversible but with continued exposures eventually become irreversible.

In contrast to the European Directive 2002/44/EC – Vibration (European Parliament, 2002), no Australian OSH jurisdiction has regulations in place to set limits for the exposure of Workers to vibration and it is not addressed in model Work Health and Safety Regulations. However, Safe Work Australia is considering whether to produce a Code of Practice on human vibration or adopt limits under a regulation in the near future.

Because no exposure standards have been established for Australian jurisdictions it is a legislative requirement that the company practices “Due Diligence” in the management of Hazards and Risks.

Typical vibration hazards that have the potential to present vibration hazards in Horizon Power operations include:

• Whole-Body

• Motor vehicle driving for extended periods; and • Operating Equipment e.g. Excavators, Rock Breakers, Drills and Borers,

Cable Recovery Units. • Hand-Arm

• Use of Power/Pneumatic tools; • Tampers; • Rattle Guns; • Drills; and • Chain Saws.

Contractors’ Responsibilities

• Demarcation/delineation of prescribed noise areas;


• Warning signs advising Workers of the requirement to use Hearing PPE (Ear Plugs/Muffs) Shall be deployed in all areas and on all plant and equipment where noise cannot be adequately controlled;

• Ensure that Workers undertake a JRA prior to commencing work. The JRA is to include an evaluation of noise implications and any vibration exposure that might constitute a hazard;

• Ensure that all Workers are aware of noise and vibration as a hazard and that the consequences of prolonged exposure to both are understood;

• Ensure that construction and maintenance work is only carried out between times nominated by Environmental and Noise legislation; and

• Conduct health surveillance where works are undertaken in prescribed noise areas

Further information on managing noise and vibration requirements may be obtained from your Horizon Power Contract Manager

9.1.10 Elevating Work Platforms (EWPs)

Elevating work platforms (EWPs) are useful but complex pieces of equipment that are often used for access in hazardous areas. People have been seriously injured and killed in accidents involving EWPs.

Some common hazards identified with operating an elevating work platform include, but are not limited to:

• Equipment failure; • Not following the manufacturer’s recommendations; • Poor equipment inspection, recording and reporting; • Tampering with safety interlocks; • Workers level of competence i.e. familiarity and experience with the elevating

work platform they are operating or working with; and • Ground conditions including sloping, uneven surfaces and/or ‘soft spots’.

Other safe working practices include:

• The ‘deadman’ switch ensures that all movements take place only while the controls are being actuated. When released, controls Should automatically return to the neutral or off position. The “deadman” function Must be used in accordance with the manufacturer’s Operating Manual and Must not be tampered with;

• Consideration Must be given to the effects of wind acting on both the EWP and loads with large surface areas whilst they are being handled from a EWP. Boom type EWPs Must only be used when the wind speed is less than 45 km/h or 40 km/h when using a gin pole to lift conductors for live line high voltage work. Notwithstanding, the maximum wind speed of the individual EWP type (as identified on the information plate) Must not be exceeded;

• When a power lead is attached to the inlet on the rear of the EWP the lead Must be protected from damage due to EWP rotation or wheel movement. This may require the use of insulated cable stands, hooks, or a combination of both;

• Where work activities (i.e. hot work, blasting, painting and hazardous substance etc.) are conducted near the EWP, methods to protect the EWP and operator(s) Must be implemented;


• The application of excessive side loads by Workers working on the platform Must be avoided. If a side load is applied, it Must not exceed the value specified by the manufacturer, or 200 Newtons (20 kg) where the manufacturer’s specification is not known;

• Where practicable no object or thing can be suspended, unrestrained from falling. This includes tools, containers, pole top hardware etc. If this requirement cannot be practicably achieved then an exclusion zone below the platform Must be implemented where persons are prohibited from entering;

• The EWP Must have an insulation rating equal to or greater than the voltage of any energised apparatus within the maximum reach of the boom and basket;

• An insulated Elevating Work Platform Must be tested every 6 months and the electrical test sticker replaced. An insulated Elevating Work Platform that does not display a current sticker or carry an electrical test certificate is classified non-insulating;

• Always ensure that the Elevating Work platform is level and remove basket bonding links before operating;

• When working near energised apparatus, the insulated fibreglass section Must not be compromised with items such as ropes, portable earths or extension cords;

• All persons involved in Elevating Work Platform operations Must maintain a ground approach distance from around the base when working near live apparatus. If this is not possible, insulating gloves rated to the highest voltage within the boom reach on the structure Must be used. Members of the public Must not be allowed to encroach on the Ground Approach Distance (GAD); and

• If transferring to or from an Elevating Work Platform basket and a tower structure or an Approved working platform, always remain attached while transferring. No work processes Must be conducted during the transfer movement.

Elevating Work Platforms are classified high-risk plant and therefore require valid annual service certification.

Further information on EWP requirements may be obtained from your Horizon Power Contract Manager

9.1.11 Working at Heights

According to Safe Work Australia, falls from heights are a major cause of death and injury in Australian workplaces. On average, around 26 Workers fall to their deaths each year and nearly 8,000 others are injured.

For work conducted at any height where there is a risk of a fall from one level to another that is reasonably likely to cause injury (‘Work at Heights ’) the following, as a minimum, Must be addressed;

• Workers Must not work at height unless training has been provided and Competency can be verified;

• Where Workers are required to work within 2 metres of an unprotected edge (including at the edge of pits and penetrations), they are to use fall restraint equipment, such as a harness and fixed lanyard at a minimum, so they are not at risk of a fall;

• All fall restraint equipment is to be fit-for-purpose, inspected prior to use, and tested and tagged on a minimum six monthly basis by a Competent person, and these inspections are to be documented;


• Inspection and testing is to be done in accordance with relevant Australian Standards;

• A register is to be maintained and a test-and-tag system is to be used; • Barricading and warning signage is to be erected in the area where Workers or

objects may fall; • Physical fall arrest/restraint systems are to be used whenever a risk of falling

more than 2 metres exists, unless legislation requirements specify systems to be used at a lesser height;

• Where Workers are exposed to a risk of fall, they are to wear appropriate fall arrest equipment as a minimum. Where reasonably practicable, Workers are to wear a full body harness and lanyard, or inertia reel;

• Work on all forms of portable and moving work platforms requires the use of a harness attached to a suitable anchor point. The use of all work platforms and cages are to comply with relevant Australian design standards; and

• Fixed scaffolding Must comply with the requirements outlined in Division 7 of the Occupational Safety and Health Regulations 1996 and relevant Australian Standards and will only be erected by a licensed scaffolder. A Competent person in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions will erect mobile and no-bolt scaffolding. Mobile scaffolds will not be moved while Workers are on the scaffold;

Further information on working at heights requirements may be obtained from your Horizon Power Contract Manager

9.1.12 Asbestos Handling

Asbestos is a contaminant that differs from most others. In particular, its toxicology is such that it primarily affects humans rather than being a risk to the environment. Inhalation of asbestos fibres can produce a range of lung-associated diseases, including cancers, sometimes resulting from only low levels of exposure.

In Western Australia, asbestos was extensively used in building and other products into the 1980s.

Asbestos usually occurs discretely in an impacted area and will not degrade over time to form less harmful materials (i.e. it is highly persistent). It can migrate through physical disturbance and this is when its dangerous fibres can be released.

Asbestos poses a human health risk through the inhalation of its fibres. If deposited in the lungs, the fibres can initiate diseases that take many years to produce major health effects. These effects include asbestosis, lung cancer and the normally rare cancer mesothelioma that affects certain chest membrane linings. These impacts tend to be the result of higher levels of exposure, most often occupational, but mesothelioma can also result from low-level exposures.

Safety and Health legislation refers to the requirements contained in the relevant Codes of Practice, that is,

• Code of Practice for the Safe Removal of Asbestos 2nd Edition [NOHSC: 2002(2005)]; and

• Code of Practice for the Management and Control of Asbestos in Workplaces [NOHSC: 2018 (2005)].


Asbestos containing material (ACM) means any material or thing than contains asbestos. On electrical networks and installations, it is possible to find ACM:

• As Ausbestos, Lebah and Zelemite in kwh meter boards; • Porcelain fuse cartridge holders with asbestos braiding; • Vinyl floor tiles in substations and other buildings; • Low-voltage underground pillars; • Cable ducts; • Cable lagging; • Sprayed beam insulation; • Rope seals; • Cement sheets; • Paint; • Mastic; • Insulation; • Gaskets; • Fuse blankets; • Fire rated board; • Fire doors; • Contaminated dust; • Bituminous membranes; and • Arc shields.

When working with suspected ACMs, as a minimum, the following Must apply:

• The Codes of Practice and this procedure Must be on site and available to all Workers who are engaged on Asbestos related works and all works Must comply with the Codes of Practice:

• Only Workers that have been trained and deemed Competent in Asbestos Handling are permitted to work on ACM;

• A licence is required if more than 10m2 of ACM is to be removed. • All materials identified in the Asbestos Containing Material list Shall be deemed

to be ACM unless determined otherwise by a NATA accredited laboratory; and • Workers involved in working with asbestos based material will at all times

minimise the dust generation from the asbestos material; Further information on ACM handing, removal and disposal may be obtained from your Horizon Power Contract Manager

9.1.13 Excavation and Trenching

Excavation is regarded as one of the most hazardous construction operations.

Excavation failure occurs very quickly, giving a Worker virtually no time to escape, especially if the collapse is extensive and the excavation is a trench. Normally, a slab of earth collapses off the trench face under its own weight and breaks against the opposite wall of the excavation, burying and crushing any person in its path. This can result in death by suffocation or internal injuries.

When Workers are involved with excavation or trenching the following conditions, as a minimum, Shall apply:


• No Worker Shall commence or be involved in an Excavation and Trenching task for which they have not be trained and assessed as Competent;

• A copy of the Code of Practice Excavation 2005 (CoP) Shall be available at all excavation and trenching tasks;

• Excavation and trenching operations are to be planned so that:

• Spoil piles are set back at least one meter from the excavation to minimise risk;

• Static Loads near the excavation are identified and managed appropriately; • Spoil piles Should not encroach onto roads and trafficable areas. If this is

unavoidable then sufficient warning signage, barricading and flashing lights Must be deployed in accordance with the CoP;

• Dynamic Loads near the excavation are identified and managed appropriately;

• Plant and equipment can be stored back from the trench to minimise risk; • Access and egress from the trench is provided; • Spotters and other control people are provided where required, and their view

of Workers in the trench remains unobstructed to ensure that no person works in a trench alone;

• Overhead assets and associated risks are identified and controlled, and no-go zones established, and any additional control measures implemented;

• Measurements are put in place for temporary slip out systems such as benching or side lacing;

• Edges are protected to prevent falls; and • Sufficient warning signage is deployed as an administrative control.

• ‘Dial before you dig’ to obtain information and plans indicating the location of underground assets in the area are to be obtained for all works, prior to the task commencing;

• Adjacent underground assets are to be located and proven prior to excavation, trenching or directional boring in accordance with the intent of Section 3.4 of the CoP;

• Where required, notifications are to be made to local authorities in accordance with their timelines before notifiable trenching or excavation activities commence;

• All directional-boring machines Should be earthed and fitted with a strike detector in the event that they strike an energised electrical asset;

• Earthing is to be in the form of an earth spike; and • Tracks on vehicles are not an acceptable form of earthing.

• An Emergency Response Plan is to be documented to ensure that a rescue strategy is in place from the trench or excavation as required. This response plan is to be tested prior to the work commencing. The emergency response plan is to be documented on the JRA;

• A Job Risk Analysis (JRA) is to be prepared and reviewed by the work team leader and Workers prior to the commencement of all works involving Excavation or Trenching to identify hazards associated with the activity, and the work to be performed:

• The hazard identification, risk assessment and risk control processes are to be consistent with the intent of the information contained in Sections 2 to 6 of the CoP;

• The intent of the JRA is to minimise the risk as far as is reasonably practicable by implementing control measures in accordance with the hierarchy of control to mitigate these hazards;


• The risks and hazards associated with the work are to be reviewed regularly as the work progresses and controls updated to suit;

• Particular attention is to be paid to the Safety Observer strategy and include considerations for any permits required from local authorities;

• Any changes needed are to be documented on the JRA. • Measures are to be taken to ensure that the work team understands the task,

and that everyone in the work team has the requisite training and competencies for the task; and

• Workers are not to sign onto the JRA until they understand the task and what the requirements of the task are. Measures are to be taken to minimise the depth of the excavation or trench where possible, as well as minimise the number of people in the trench and the amount of time they spend inside the trench or excavation.

Further information on Excavation and Trenching may be obtained from your Horizon Power Contract Manager

9.1.14 Housekeeping

Housekeeping is the term used to describe general duties (the overheads) that are not directly related to the output of a task but are necessary to support the execution of the task. In the case of safety, housekeeping relates to a work environment where there are no unsafe surprises, this could mean safe walkways, safe stacking of boxes, uncluttered work areas, tidy tools, safely positioned equipment, and the like.

In planning work, the following points Must be applied:

• Provisions are to be made for adequate storage and waste disposal facilities when planning work, including site set up, and before commencing each work task to minimise safety related hazards;

• Waste disposal facilities are to include provision for recycling and reuse of materials where appropriate;

• Contractors conducting procurement processes are to take into consideration the way goods are packaged and the way goods are required to be stored to minimise safety related hazards when making purchasing decisions;

• Materials are to be delivered in appropriate quantities and stored appropriately once delivered to minimise safety related hazards;

• Information sessions and instructions, both induction and refresher, are to emphasise the necessity to maintain a high level of housekeeping for the duration of the work to minimise safety related hazards;

• Each relevant JRA Should include a strategy on maintaining good housekeeping practices for the duration of the work;

• Risks and hazards of the work area are to be assessed to identify housekeeping hazards associated with the work area, including potential trip hazards;

• The hazard identification, risk assessment and risk control processes are to be consistent with the intent of the information contained in the following documents:

• Code of Practice ‘How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks’; and • Code of Practice ‘Managing the Risks of Falls at Workplaces’.

• Floor surfaces are to be suitable for the work area and the type of work carried out at the workplace;

• Floors are to be inspected regularly and maintained to eliminate slip and trip hazards;


• Floor surfaces require sufficient grip to prevent slipping, especially in areas that may become wet or contaminated and slip prevention devices such as an anti-slip cover, or appropriate signage is to be used on slippery surfaces where required;

• Suitable cleaning methods and agents are to be used to minimise of the potential for slips; and

• Regular inspections are to be conducted and recorded to ensure work practices are consistent with the requirements of this document.

Further information on housekeeping requirements may be obtained from your Horizon Power Contract Manager.

9.1.15 Lone Worker

The nature of the tasks required by Horizon Power requires Workers, in many cases, to undertake operations alone and often in remote areas. They may also be required to travel long distances through isolated places. When Workers are required to work alone, there is an increased risk of injury because of the difficulty in obtaining help when it is required.

Legislation requires that each hazard to which a person may be exposed be assessed, risk of injury or harm assessed and a methodology for reducing that risk is provided. Legislation also requires that a method of communication exists which will enable the Worker to call for help if they require.

A person is alone at work when they are on their own, when they cannot be seen or heard by another person, and when they cannot expect a visit from another Worker or member of the public for some time.

If Workers are likely to work alone the following points (as a minimum) Should be addressed:

• Do not allow any person to work alone if training in working alone requirements has not been undertaken;

• Do not allow any Worker to undertake any High Risk task alone; • Identify, risk assess and document any low risk work that can be deemed as

“works of a minor nature”; • Supervisors are to participate in the completion of a lone Worker risk

assessment tool in conjunction with the affected Worker; • Authorise Worker travel itinerary ahead of departure and ensure all vehicle

routes are assessed to ensure that a means of reliable communication is available at all times;

• Arrange for the regular inspections of vehicles to ensure the ongoing suitability to undertake remote travel;

• Ensure that the emergency procedures that have been developed are in place for the rescue and recovery of injured Workers working alone and Workers are trained the emergency procedure;

• Conduct and participate in periodic drills and review of Emergency Communication and Worker recovery procedures to ensure their continuing adequacy and understanding;

• Ensure that Supervisory contact is available to the Worker at all times and a system of regular welfare checks is implemented.


• Any equipment or substances that are required to be used in the course of working alone have been identified and training in the safe handling and use provided and competency assessed;

• Ensure that Contractor’s’ vehicles are suitably equipped, maintained and generally fit for purpose to support working alone. i.e.

• Emergency procedures are available in the vehicle; • It can carry a supply of fresh drinking water; • Spare tyre and basic toolkit is available including jack and associated

accessories; • There are suitable electronic communications; • A Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) is carried; • GPS and tracking system fitted and working; • Fire Extinguisher/s securely fitted and easily accessible in accordance with

the minimum requirements of the vehicle and its intended use; and • An adequately stocked first aid kit is fitted

Further information on Lone Worker requirements may be obtained from your Horizon Power Contract Manager

9.1.16 Hot Works

Hot Work is defined as:

“A planned activity that is fire or spark producing that presents a hazard of burns, fires, or eye injuries, including but not limited to: welding, thermal or oxygen cutting, grinding, soldering”

Before commencing hot work, the hazards associated with the work Must be identified, assessed and controls determined.

Factors for consideration could include high-risk situations such as:

• Properties where flammable or dangerous substances are stored, e.g. Paints, solvents and fuel;

• Flammable liquid processes, e.g. Solvent baths; • Oxygen and other industrial gas cylinders; • Diesel storage; • Combustible nature of materials where hot work has to be carried out, e.g. boxed

stored items; • Electrical switch rooms and electrical cables; • Waste management; • Outdoor areas where combustible materials are in close proximity, e.g.

Vegetation, wooden pallets; and • Working at height where you may be working above other Workers or a public

access way. Preparation for Hot Work Contractors’ Workers Shall:

• Undertake training in performing tasks related to any Hot Works and associated risk management processes;


• Not participate in any Hot Works unless training has been provided and instructions are understood;

• Not participate in any Hot Works before hazards have been identified and associated risks assessed and controlled;

• Ensure that all members of the work team involved in the Hot Works understand the process and associated risk management methodology being applied;

• Inspect equipment before commencement, e.g. welding, acetylene equipment etc. to ensure that;

• Hoses and gauges are in good condition; • Nozzles and tips are clean; • Flashback arresters Must be fitted. Arresters need to be inspected and tagged

on an annual basis; and • Pre-start inspection has been completed on any fire suppression systems to be

used in an emergency i.e. fire/water trailers; • Remove any flammable or combustible liquids or flammable gases and relocate

at least 20 metres away from the area. Alternatively provide physical barriers to liquids, vapours and gases between the storage and heat source;

• Provide welding screens to contain sparks and prevent welding flashes to other Workers in the area;

• Ventilate the area to ensure the atmosphere does not contain flammable vapours; and

• Sweep floors, wet them down, check walls and horizontal surfaces for collection of dust and lint, and if necessary sweep and wet down as for floors. If the area is outdoors, clear away combustible materials such as vegetation, sawdust, wooden pallets, and soak the area concerned

Permit to Work An authoring person Must be appointed by the Contractor in order verify that sufficient preparation and hazard controls are in place for undertaking hot works. When the Authorising person is satisfied the area is appropriately prepared for the work proposed, a Hot Work Permit will be issued, signed by that person and the work Supervisor /Recipient in Charge carrying out the work.

Prior to issuing a Hot Work Permit, the Authorising Person Shall:

• Assess the potential impact on and from other work being performed or facilities in the area;

• Personally inspect the proposed work area; • Complete a Job Risk Analysis to assess the risk associated with the hot works

taking place; • If there are risks rated as medium or above, complete a Hot Work Permit,

ensuring all reasonably practicable control measures are in place, to reduce the risk of fire or explosion, and the residual risk is acceptable;

• Ensure the scope of the Hot Work is Authorised, including any limitations, the specific types of equipment Authorised to be used and the name(s) of the people Authorised to do the Hot Work are recorded on the Hot Work Permit;

• A Hot Work Permit Shall not be issued on days of Total Fire Ban unless it is being undertaken in accordance with an exemption issued for Section 22C of the Bush Fire Act 1984, or a specific, formal exemption has been obtained from the relevant authority and any additional specified precautions are in place;


• If the work is to be performed in areas classified as a hazardous area, or the presence of flammable gases, vapours or dusts is otherwise possible, the atmosphere surrounding and upwind of the work area Shall be tested prior to issue of the Hot Work Permit. The area Shall be retested at defined intervals in accordance with the relevant Safety Data Sheet (SDS) to ensure the concentration of flammable vapours in the work area is less than 10% of their combined Lower Explosive Limit (LEL);

• In case of Hot Work being conducted in Confined Spaces, a Hot Work Permit Shall be obtained. Gas cylinders are not to be taken into a confined space and:

• Torches and hoses are not to be left in the confined space over breaks or when not in use; and

• There Must be an observer in place beside the cut-off switch or valves in the event of an emergency;

• Trained Safety Observer(s) Shall be in attendance for the entire duration of the Hot Work, unless the work is to be carried out in an area where there are no combustible materials and there is no risk of a flammable atmosphere. Sufficient Safety Observers Shall be provided to ensure adequate monitoring of potentially affected areas and to allow isolation of equipment in the event of a fire. The names of Safety Observer(s) Shall be recorded on the Hot Work Permit. Where the work may generate hot sparks, the Safety Observer(s) Shall be equipped with suitable fire extinguishing equipment. Safety Observers are only required where the risk associated with the activity to be performed is risk rated HIGH or above;

• On completion of the hot work, the person responsible for carrying out the work will inspect the area to ensure it is safe, fill in the completion time on the Hot Work Permit and return it to the person who originally Authorised the work. The area Must not be left unattended for 15 minutes after completion of the hot work to ensure any potential risk of fire has been identified; and

• The Permit Issuer or delegate Shall inspect the work area approximately 15 minutes after receiving notice that the job has been completed to check the area is safe and free from smouldering debris. When satisfied that the area is safe the Hot Work Permit Should be signed off and retained for future reference.

Further information on Hot Works requirements may be obtained from your Horizon Power Contract Manager

9.1.17 Mobile Crane, Lifting and Rigging

The Contractor Must have a Mobile Crane, Lifting and Rigging procedure equal to or exceeding the Horizon Power Mobile Crane, Lifting and Rigging procedure.

Only Workers with the applicable license Must be used to move and place materials.

All movement and erection of materials Must be in accordance with the following mandatory requirements:

• All crane operators, doggers and riggers Must hold applicable High Risk Work Licences in accordance with legislative and Horizon Power requirements;

• Obtain authorisation from the Contract Manager prior to delivering and placing steel members, plant and materials. Obtain location of unloading points/storage areas, access points, underground hazards and traffic management plan/procedures;


• Carry out a safety inspection of the site prior to work commencing to identify hazards such as overhead power lines or obstructions, adverse weather conditions;

• The Contractor has a responsibility for performing pre-start meetings with Workers. All persons involved in the task Must undertake a Job Risk Analysis specific to the task. The JRA Must be reviewed and amended as required if the scope of work or conditions change;

• All rigging and lifting equipment Must comply with and be certified to meet local statutory and national safety requirements. All lifting chains and slings Must be tagged or stamped with the Working Load Limit (WLL) or Safe Working Load (SWL). Make sure all lifting and support equipment is supplied, positioned and used in an appropriate way so that loads taken are at all times within the safe operating limits of the equipment being used and of the supports on which the equipment rests;

• All plant and equipment associated with lifting, slinging and rigging Must be part of a routine maintenance schedule (i.e. test and tag) to ensure it remains in a safe working order;

• A register Must be kept of all rigging equipment with details of the types of equipment, unique number of item, date of testing and inspection, type of testing or inspection carried out (i.e. visual, load, non-destructive testing etc.) and name of Competent person carrying out inspection (rigger, manufacturer, third party or supplier); and

• A visual inspection Must be conducted prior to every use of rigging and slinging equipment to ensure it is fit for purpose. Where, in judgement of user, equipment is damaged or excessively worn, an ‘Out of Service’ tag Must be attached and equipment withdrawn from use until the equipment is formally inspected by a Competent person and found to be acceptable, repairable or to be destroyed.

Further information on Mobile Crane, Lifting and Rigging requirements may be obtained from your Horizon Power Contract Manager.

9.1.18 Personal Protective Equipment

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Should always be used in conjunction with other hazard controls in accordance with the hierarchy of controls. It is a Workers last line of defence from injuries or illness caused from occupational incidents. The Horizon Power PPE standard prescribes the PPE to be used when undertaking defined tasks.

The purpose of the Standard is to outline the requirements associated with the selection and supply of appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in common work situations and to provide clear and consistent minimum standards for the provision and use of PPE.

The correct wearing and/or use Must be in accordance with Horizon Power’s PPE Standard, Network Instruction Manual and Switching Manual and is a Horizon Power non-negotiable.

The Horizon Power PPE standard is the minimum requirement for all Contractors.

Further information on PPE requirements can be obtained from your Horizon Power Contract Manager.


9.1.19 Hazardous Substances

Chemical hazards are a major occupational safety and health issue in Australia. While Workers in some industries and some types of workplace have a higher risk of exposure, all workplaces are affected. Chemical hazards are of two main types: reactive and toxic. Identification of the toxic effects of chemical hazards requires an understanding of acute and chronic exposure, and the compounding effect of latency in the expression of signs and symptoms.

Acute toxicity, which refers to “the adverse health effects following a single or limited number of exposures”, can occur because of exposure due to equipment failure, inadequate protection during maintenance or cleaning, or improper handling of a chemical. Although the effects of acute exposures are usually obvious within a short period, the effects of exposure to some chemicals such as pesticides may not appear for several days. Temporary effects of acute chemical exposure may include skin irritation, headache and nausea while permanent effects include scars from acid burns.

Chronic toxicity refers to “the adverse health effects that result from continuous or intermittent exposure” over a prolonged period, often to relatively low levels of chemical. There may be a latency period of many years before the effects of chronic exposure to a chemical are expressed. Some cancers are considered to be related to exposure to workplace chemicals.

Sources of information for hazard identification include the chemical label, the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and appropriate hazardous chemical databases (e.g. ChemAlert). Together with established exposure standards, these sources provide reference points against which workplace information can be compared. Risk assessment requires local knowledge of the chemical state, potential routes of absorption, exposure monitoring results, and the nature of the task, the activity and the Worker.

A Safety Data Sheet (SDS), previously called a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), is a document that provides information on the properties of hazardous chemicals and how they affect health and safety in the workplace. For example, it includes information on the identity, health and physicochemical2 hazards, safe handling and storage, emergency procedures and disposal considerations.

An SDS is an important tool for eliminating or minimising the risks associated with the use of hazardous chemicals in workplaces. Contractors Must provide an SDS for Workers that are in possession of all hazardous substances whether or not the substance is being used. Further, current SDS’ Must be available in all areas where hazardous substances are being stored. Emergency planning Must include a consideration for hazardous substances.

While there is a prescribed process for classifying chemicals as hazardous substances, hazardous substances may be operationally defined as “those that, following Worker exposure, can have an adverse effect on health”. Dangerous goods are “substances, mixtures or articles that, because of their physical, chemical (physicochemical) or acute toxicity properties, present an immediate hazard to people, property or the environment” and are prescribed as such by a Competent authority.

2 Physicochemical hazards generally result from the physical or chemical properties, like flammable, corrosive, oxidising or explosive substances


The term hazardous material has a broader definition, and is used by emergency agencies to refer to materials that are to be treated as hazardous. The more recent term, hazardous chemical refers to substances that fall into the internationally agreed Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) for health effects, physicochemical properties or environmental impacts, or otherwise meet the criteria for inclusion on the list of hazardous chemicals.

Identifying chemical hazards • Chemical label • From the perspective of the workplace user of the chemical, the important label

components under the GHS are signal words, hazard statements, precautionary statements and pictograms;

• Signal words ; • Are used to indicate the relative level of severity of a hazard. The GHS uses

‘Danger’ and ‘Warning’ as signal words. ‘Danger’ is used for a more severe or significant hazard, while ‘Warning’ is used for the less severe hazards; and

• Hazard statements • Describe the nature of a hazard, including the degree of hazard, where

appropriate. A unique hazard statement is assigned to each hazard class and category;

• Precautionary statements • Describe the recommended measures that Should be taken to minimise or

prevent adverse effects resulting from exposure to, or improper storage or handling of, a hazardous chemical. Precautionary statements are assigned to each hazard class and category;

• Precautionary statements are separated into five categories: • Prevention statements refer to precautions to be taken to prevent an accident or

exposure; • Response statements refer to instructions in case of an accident; • Storage statements refer to instructions for safe storage of the chemical; • Disposal statements refer to appropriate disposal instructions; • General statements for use as appropriate; and • Pictograms • Figure 4 GHS Pictograms Shows specifies the nine hazard pictograms relating

to physical, health and environmental hazards. Further information on Hazardous Substances requirements may be obtained from your Horizon Power Contract Manager.


Figure 4 GHS Pictograms


9.1.20 Managing Heat Stress

Working in hot or humid conditions or in confined spaces, particularly during the summer months has the potential to expose Workers to the risks of heat stress.

Heat stress can rapidly result in heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps, or heat rashes.

Factors that produce heat or affect the body’s dispersion of excess heat include but are not limited to:

• Air temperature - the higher the air temperature, the more difficult it is for the body to disperse metabolic heat and maintain normal body temperature through sweating;

• Humidity - the higher the humidity the lower the sweat evaporation rate and the less efficient the body is at cooling itself;

• Air flow - the lower the rate of air flow in the working environment the lower the rate of sweat evaporation;

• Radiant heat from surroundings - workplaces where there are high levels of heat being produced by processes such as welding, gas cutting or some processes associated with generation of electricity;

• Clothing - heavy or protective clothing (e.g. switching suits/jackets etc.) reduces heat dispersion by trapping the heat within the clothing. This reduces the airflow, preventing evaporation of sweat and therefore dispersal of body heat;

• Exposure to direct sun; • Working in confined spaces with reduced airflow; • Intense physical activity or high work load i.e. the heavier the work, the greater

the metabolic heat produced; • Physical condition or fitness of Workers - the physical condition including

personal hydration of a person can have an impact on how resilient the body is with regulating core temperature. People, who are medically unfit, overweight, suffer from medical conditions such as heart disease or consume alcohol inappropriately, are at a greater risk of heat stress and Should seek medical advice;

• Acclimatisation - Workers that may not have adapted to the climate or work rate are potentially at higher risk of heat stress. Workers moving from a cold climate to a hotter climate/returning from rest and recreation or visiting sites may need time for their body to acclimatise to the changed conditions;

• Suffering from an illness or are on medication; • Some people are less tolerant of heat than others.

Horizon Power’s operations are undertaken in all parts of the state in some of the most extreme climatic conditions. Contractors Must consider heat stress when developing risk mitigation strategies when engaged on works on behalf of Horizon Power.

Further information on managing heat stress may be obtained from your Horizon Power Contract Manager.


9.1.21 Emergency Preparedness and Response

An emergency is defined as:

An abnormal and dangerous situation. It requires prompt action to control, correct and return the situation to a safe condition. It also could be considered as a situation:

• That may not be contained immediately by the people on duty using the available resources;

• Where injuries have been, or could be, incurred; • Where damage has occurred to property or property is placed in jeopardy; or • With the potential to seriously damage the built or natural environment.

Several aspects of the day-to-day operations include work that is considered high risk is defined by NOHSC 1016:2005 - National Standard for Construction Work. (National Occupational Health and Safety Commission, 2005). These include:

• Construction work where there is a risk of a person falling two metres or more; • Construction work involving the disturbance or removal of asbestos (Meter

Boards); • Construction work involving a confined space; • Construction work involving excavation to a depth greater than 1.5 metres; • Construction work on or near pressurised gas distribution mains and consumer

piping; • Construction work on or near energised electrical installations and services; • Construction work on or adjacent to roadways or railways used by road or rail

traffic; and • Work on construction sites where there is any movement of powered mobile

plant. Further to the above, Workers are regularly deployed to remote and/or isolated locations to carry out work.

Research has shown that safety incidents, for several reasons, have the potential to escalate to full blown emergencies very rapidly. These reasons can include:

• Serious injuries or fatalities that can occur with unplanned and/or unprotected contact with electricity by Workers;

• Wrongly terminated connections at consumer premises potentially exposing the consumer/s to injury or fatality;

• Bushfire emergencies as a result of flash-overs or broken conductors; • Interaction of Workers with road traffic or plant; and • Traffic accidents.

Because of the high profile nature of Horizon Power’s operations there is an added dimension of increased public, media and regulatory scrutiny Should emergencies arise. This in turn demands a higher than normal level of emergency response planning. Arguably, the larger the effort that is applied to emergency planning the less likely will it be that emergencies eventuate.

The significance of the emergencies is also intensified by the nature and location of work performed in that it is possible to affect a number of Workers as well as members of the public.


Contractors Must develop Emergency Response Planning when engaged for work with Horizon Power. Contractors Must also:

• Be aware of and adhere to Horizon Power’s Emergency Response Planning for the area/region in which they are engaged;

• Ensure Workers are familiar with Emergency Response Plans; and • Engage in emergency simulation drills.

Further information on managing planning for emergencies may be obtained from your Horizon Power Contract Manager.

9.2 Injury Management and Rehabilitation

Horizon Power is required, in accordance with the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984 to ensure the health and safety of Workers whilst they are at work. Workers Must be provided with a supportive work place that encourages safe work practices and early reporting of injuries.

Where reasonably practicable, Contractors are to facilitate an appropriate Return to Work Program (‘RTW Program’) or suitable duties for Workers that are impacted by an injury or illness.

Contractors Must ensure that their Workers are to report immediately if they are injured on a worksite, outside of work or suffer from a medical condition that is affecting their ability to work.

Horizon Power Must be notified immediately if a Worker is injured because of an event occurring at the workplace. All workplace injuries Must be formally investigated in order to establish the root cause and any contributing factors in order to mitigate a reoccurrence of the event. `

Further information on injury management and rehabilitation may be obtained from your Horizon Power Contract Manager.


10 MEASUREMENT AND EVALUATION

10.1 Workplace Inspection

• All Horizon Power controlled work areas and work practices are to be maintained to a high standard and hazards are identified assessed and corrective actions are taken;

• It expected that the Contractors inspection program involves management and Workers to give everyone the opportunity to be involved;

• Work place inspections are to be conducted in accordance with an Activity Schedule. A thorough inspection Shall be conducted utilising the respective workplace inspection checklist for that workplace;

• The person undertaking the inspection Shall record the details of hazards and non-conformances;

• Hazards Shall be rectified immediately if there is a potential for further damage or harm;

• The Contractors management, supervisory staff and safety and health professionals Shall conduct site assessments. The assessments will focus on compliance to safe work practices and behavioural issues. Non-conformances and hazards identified Shall be rectified immediately where practicable. These assessments Shall also be used as an opportunity to ‘coach’ Workers;

• The person undertaking the assessment Shall record non-conformances, action taken on site and those requiring further action;

• The benefits of performing site assessments include:

• Provides for a safer and healthier workplace; • Visible demonstration of management’s commitment to Safety and Health; • Verification that compliance is being achieved; • Visible interest in ‘at risk’ individuals and teams; • Instantaneous feedback from the field; • Opportunities to improve field staff performance; • Provides an opportunity for management to see and feel what is happening in

the operational sphere; • Immediate feedback as to what works; and • Early feel for ‘bubbling’ issues.

• The Horizon Power Contract Manager Must be provided with a copy of the Contractors Activity Schedule and workplace inspection reports; and

• Horizon Power reserves the right to carry out inspections of the Contractors plant, equipment, vehicles and worksites and the Contractor Must cooperate and allow unfettered access. Contractors are required to carry out all reasonable requests for improvement based on these inspections at the Contractors expense.

Further information on workplace inspections may be obtained from your Horizon Power Contract Manager.

10.2 Audits

To meet the objective of providing a safe working environment, Horizon Power Shall conduct safety audits as a means of monitoring the implementation, application and effectiveness of the Contractors Safety and Health Management Plan (SHMP) and to provide formal advice where necessary.


There is an important difference between audits and compliance inspections. Audits are usually planned on a regular basis as a proactive measure by Horizon Power and can provide guidance to the Contractor on meeting its safety and health obligations. Compliance inspections are undertaken on a regular basis to validate the compliance with various components of the Contractors safety and health management plan.

Horizon Power Shall establish audit programs in conjunction with the Horizon Power Safety and Health team as a basis for monitoring the Contractors operational activities and compliance to the Contractors Safety and Health Management Plans as well as Contractual and Statutory requirements. The audit will determine whether the Contractors safety and health management strategy:

• Conforms with planned arrangements; • Has been properly implemented; and • Is effective in meeting established objectives and targets

The key steps in the audit cycle are:

• Notification of Audit; • Entry Meeting; • Conducting the Audit; • Exit meeting; • Preparation of the audit report; • Discussion of the audit report with the auditee, including any non-compliances

identified; • Finalisation of the report; • The auditee establishes a plan to address any issues or non-conformances

identified; and • Ongoing monitoring (possibly including inspections) to verify corrective action.

Horizon Power’s approach to the audit process is one of facilitated compliance: working with the auditee to provide information and direction to improve their management and application of safety and health where safety and health plans and application are deficient.

Further information on audit requirements can be obtained from your Horizon Power Contract Manager.

10.3 Incident Investigation, corrective and Preventative Action

10.3.1 Incident Management

Incidents

Horizon Power is committed to the provision of a safe place of work through the prevention of safety and health incidents (incidents) that cause or have the potential to cause personal injury, illness, property/asset loss or damage. To achieve this commitment it is important that all incidents or potential incidents (near hits and hazards) are reported, investigated and evaluated in order to identify and implement any necessary Actions or opportunities for process/system improvement.

Prior to commencement, and for the duration of works under the Contract, the Contractor Shall be able to demonstrate that controls exist for the management of incidents and investigations. The following is the minimum requirement for all Contracts:


• The Contractor Must notify Horizon Power of any safety and health incidents associated with the work performed under the Contract that have the following actual or potential consequences:

• Lost time injury/disease (i.e. where the injury/disease results in time lost from work of one full shift or longer);

• Medical treatment injuries (requiring treatment from a medical practitioner); • Injuries/incidents involving the public; or • Serious damage to plant, equipment or property.

• Horizon Power is to be advised immediately (within two hours) and a preliminary incident report is required to be provided to Horizon Power within five working days of any incident that Must be notified to Horizon Power by the Contractor;

• The Contractor Must provide Horizon Power with a copy of any Provisional Improvement Notice (PIN) or Prohibition Notice issued to the Contractor by WorkSafe WA (or any other regulator) where such notice is connected to the scope of the work under the Contract. For an Improvement Notice Horizon Power Shall be notified within two (2) days of receipt. In the case of a Prohibition Notice, the Horizon Power Contract Manager is to be verbally notified within two (2) hours, or as soon as is reasonably practicable.

The Contractor is responsible for reporting any incident that is “Notifiable” or “Reportable” to the relevant regulator in accordance with legislation and Must be managed in conjunction with the appropriate department in Horizon Power. The Horizon Power Contract Manager Must be notified immediately (within two hours) of any incident that:

• Is “Reportable” in accordance with r63 of Electricity (Licensing) Regulations-1991; or

• ‘Notifiable’ in accordance with r23 of the Electricity (Network Safety) Regulations 2015; or

• ‘Notifiable’ meeting the criteria stated in the Occupational Safety and Health Regulations – 1996, r2.4 and r2.5

All injury classifications for involving Workers that are engaged on works on behalf of Horizon Power Must be reported online through the Contractors reporting portal on the Horizon Power website. These injury classifications include:

• Lost Time Injuries; • Medical treatment Injuries; • Restricted Work Injuries; and • First Aid Injuries

Any incident that has been risk assessed as “High” or “Extreme” (Significant Incidents), actual or potential, Must be reported to the Horizon Power Contract Manager immediately (within two hours).

Significant Incidents affect people for a number of reasons; these are often not immediately apparent.

Investigations into Significant Incidents need to be undertaken to determine causes such as possible deficiencies in management controls, Worker violation or human error, ineffective risk mitigation controls or human factors. If human factors or violations are a contributor, a person may be at risk if placed straight back into the same operating environment in which the incident occurred. Similarly, a person may be


unduly affected by the incident and could respond adversely in this operating environment, thus presenting a hazard to themselves or their colleagues.

The Contractor Supervisor/Manager Should consult widely and quickly to determine whether the affected person(s) may be returned to full duties promptly, or wait until the investigation has been completed. Consultations Should include the Contractor’s Human Resources, Line Management, Safety and Health professionals and team members who may be aware of changes in a person’s behaviour.

The temporary placing of Workers on restricted duties as a result of an incident Should never be seen as punishment, but rather a preventative action to safeguard the involved person(s) by placing them on lower risk tasks. By applying this protocol, Horizon Power and the Contractor are upholding the duty of care responsibility to the affected person(s).

Alcohol and Drug testing is mandatory for all Workers involved in “Significant Incidents.

Further, Contractors Must: • Maintain an Incident Management Procedure that, as a minimum, complies with

the requirements and participation articulated by Horizon Power’s Incident Management Procedure;

• To the extent that Horizon Power exercises control, consider the Contractor’s Workers as Horizon Power Workers when they are conducting work on behalf of Horizon Power in accordance with the Western Australian Occupational Safety and Health Act, §§ 23(d), 23(e), 23(f);

• Consider an incident by a Contractor engaged by Horizon Power on a project controlled by Horizon Power as a Horizon Power incident. Similarly an injury to a Contractor’s Worker resulting from an incident on a Horizon Power controlled project Must be considered a Horizon Power injury;

• Participate in and contribute to incident investigations as required; • Preserve material evidence that may have contributed to a Significant Incident.

This includes but is not limited to:

• Equipment; • Tools; • Plant; • Documentation applicable to the task/s being undertaken (JRA, Plans and

Drawings, Permits, Meeting minutes etc.); and • Any debris that might have been associated with the incident

• Circulate relevant incident information, bulletins, alerts etc. whether on Horizon Power projects or other projects, via their own communication processes;

• Where practicable, attend Tool Box meetings to discuss incidents and be advised on incidents occurring within Horizon Power scopes of work; and

• Update the Contractor’s risk register with the incident details and mitigation strategy.

Further information on incident management requirements can be obtained from your Horizon Power Contract Manager.

10.3.2 Incident Investigations

The primary purpose of analysing incidents is to prevent the same or similar events happening again. The aim of the analysis is to establish the cause and effect


relationships of the contributing factors so that practical and effective remedial actions can be devised and implemented.

The intent Should not be to apportion blame but to clarify responsibilities and reduce errors in systems of work.

All incidents (those actually causing injuries and damage, as well as near hits) Should be investigated and analysed. The extent of the analysis will vary depending on the severity of the incident. All incidents Should be used to gather information required to create a credible database, which will allow meaningful information to be gathered. For example, a near hit will often produce valuable data that can be used to prevent possible future damage-causing incidents.

Further, Contractors Shall:

• Maintain an Incident Investigation Procedure that, as a minimum, complies with the requirements and participation as by Horizon Power’s Incident Investigation Procedure;

• Investigate and provide a report to Horizon Power on all Significant Incidents associated with works for and on behalf of Horizon Power. Horizon Power reserves the right to participate in the investigation;

• Participate in and contribute to incident investigations as required; • Circulate relevant investigation information, bulletins, alerts etc. whether on

Horizon Power projects or other projects; • Where practicable, attend Horizon Power Tool Box meetings to discuss

investigations or be advised of incidents for discussion as required and as per the Contractors communications processes; and

• A full Significant Incident investigation report detailing the incident root cause/s, any contributing factors and corrective actions emanating from the investigation is required to be provided to Horizon Power within 20 working days of the incident.

Further information on incident investigation requirements can be obtained from your Horizon Power Contract Manager.

10.4 Contractor Safety and Health Reporting

Contractors Shall report on the following information via the Horizon Power website, Contractor Portal (https://horizonpower.com.au/Contractors-suppliers), on a monthly basis:

• Exposure Hours associated with Horizon Power Scopes of Work • Injury Classifications associated with Horizon Power Scopes of Work (Lost Time

Injury, Medical Treatment Injury and First Aid Injury) • Alcohol and Other Drug testing statistics

As well as reporting, the portal also allows access to other Horizon Power Safety and Health and other network requirements documentation.

Further information on safety and health reporting can be obtained from your Horizon Power Contract Manager.

https://horizonpower.com.au/contractors-suppliers


APPENDIX A – SAFETY NON-NEGOTIABLES


APPENDIX B – DRUGS CUT OFF LEVELS

CONFIRMATORY TEST CUT-OFF CONCENTRATIONS (AS TOTAL DRUG)

Compound Cut-off level µg/L

Codeine 300

Morphine 300

6 – Acetylmorphine* (Heroin) 10 Amphetamine 150

Methylamphetamine 150

Methylenedioxymethylamphetamine (MDMA) 150

Methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA) 150 Benzylpiperazine * (BZP) 500

Phentermine* 500

Ephedrine* 500

Pseudoephedrine 500 11-nor-Delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol-9-carboxylic acid (Cannabis)

15

Benzoylecgonine (Cocaine) 150

Ecgonine methyl ester (Crack Cocaine) 150 Diazepam 200

Nordiazepam 200

Oxezepam 200

Temazepam 200

α– hydroxy - alprazolam 100

7 – amino - clonazepam 100

7 – amino - flunitrazepam 100

7 – amino - nitrazepam 100 *These drugs may be optionally tested within each class and the specified cut-off levels Shall apply

(AS/NZS 4308:2008 Procedures for speciment collection and the detection and quantitation of drugs of abuse in urine, 2008) Note: For synthetic substances that are chemically similar to and/or mimic the effects or are variants of prohibited drugs, including cannabis, ecstasy and cocaine the cut-off level Must be a reading of “detected”


APPENDIX C – CONTRACTOR AOD TESTING FLOWCHART


Is the worker a Horizon Power Employee under a contract of service?

Horizon Power Zone Induction Required

Yes

• Permanent Employee• Fixed Term Employee• Embedded Contractor

Is the worker engaged by a contractor under a contract for service performing

work on or near the Horizon Power Network

Does the contractor have an approved induction process for work on or near the

Horizon Power network Yes No

Contractor’s Induction Required

Yes

No

Yes

e.g.• Gardening• Building Services• Vehicle/equipment Servicing• etc

Approved by Horizon Power as part of contractor’s Safety and Health Management Plan (SHMP) post contract award

Is the contractor’s worker performing medium or high risk, non-network, ad-hoc

services

No

e.g.• Traffic Management• Fixed plant installation/

maintenance/service

Yes

No

Induction provided by contractor to its workers

e.g• Project Specific• Depot Specific• Power Station Specific

The worker is providing low risk, ad-hoc services at Horizon Power

premises on behalf of a service provider

Delivery drivers would not necessarily require induction unless entering the boundaries of operational areas or construction sites that require induction or constant supervision

Horizon Power Induction Requirement Guidelines

Horizon Power local Induction Required

ANDAND

APPENDIX D – HORIZON POWER INDUCTION REQUIREMENTS


APPENDIX E – GLOSSARY OF TERMS

Term Meaning

CPR Contractor Performance Review.

dB The unit for measuring sound levels

Exposure Hours The amount of time, in hours, that a Worker is engaged on works on behalf of Horizon Power including Contractors’ and Subcontractors’ Workers.

Hazard A source of potential harm or a situation with the potential to cause loss or harm in terms of people, environment, assets, or a combination of these.

Hazard Identification The process of recognising the existing of a hazard and defining its characteristics.

Hierarchy of Control

The priority order in which hazard and risk controls Should be considered with the eventual outcome often being a combination of these measures. The prime emphasis is on: • Elimination; and where this is not practicable, minimisation of

risk by: Substitution; and

• Engineering controls, including isolating the hazard from Workers; then when these options have been implemented as far as is practicable by:

• Administrative controls (e.g. procedures, training); and • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

Procedures Documents that describe an approach and method for undertaking certain activities or processes.

Reasonably Practicable

An assessment having regard to having regard, where the context permits, to: (a) the severity of any potential injury or harm to health that may be

involved, and the degree of risk of it occurring; (b) the state of knowledge about:

i. the injury or harm to health referred to in paragraph (a); ii. the risk of that injury or harm to health occurring; iii. means of removing or mitigating the risk or mitigating the

potential injury or harm to health; and iv. the availability, suitability, and cost of the means referred

to in paragraph (b)(iii).

Risk The potential for unwanted, negative consequences of an event.

Risk Assessment (RA)

The formal process of planning a task that identifies, in detail, hazards associated with all steps of the task and controls to be used.


Term Meaning

Risk Matrix

The Risk Matrix is also popularly known as the Probability and Impact Matrix. The Risk Matrix is used performing a Qualitative Risk Analysis in the Risk Management process. A Risk Rating is obtained by calculating the Likelihood x Consequence.

Risk Rating

A process of rating risks according to their severity and likelihood to determine the priority for the treatment or control of risks. Also known as ‘Prioritisation’. Risk rating ranges from quantitative to highly subjective.

Risk Register

A document detailing: • A list of hazards, their location and people exposed; • A range of possible scenarios or circumstances under which

these hazards cause injury or damage; • Nature of possible injury or damage caused; • The results of the risk assessment; and • Controls measures and priority for implementation.