Your Work Health and Safety Induction

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Welcome to Robert Walters

Robert Walters is committed to providing a safe place of work

for all our employees. This induction is designed to increase

your awareness and understanding of workplace safety and to

encourage safe behaviour.

On completion of this induction, you are required to complete

an assessment to test your knowledge and understanding of

the content covered in this induction.

If you have any difficulty in understanding the information in this induction,

please raise this with your Robert Walters Consultant who will be happy to

assist you with the information

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Health and Safety Responsibilities

Maintaining a safe working environment is everyone‟s responsibility – yours, Robert

Walters and your Host Employer. These responsibilities include:

Thinking about your own health and safety and that of others at your workplace

Read and follow Robert Walters and your Host Employers health and safety

instructions

Speaking out if you‟re concerned about your safety

Report any incident, hazard, a near miss or if you are suffering any stress,

bullying or harassment at your workplace

Be familiar with the emergency and evacuation procedures at your workplace

Contact your Robert Walters Consultant should anything change in your

assignment and/or your workplace location

Do not operate any equipment unless you have been trained on how to use it

Only use equipment for the purpose for which it was supplied for

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Health and Safety Policy

Our commitment to the management of health and safety of our

employees is critical to achieving our vision as Australia‟s leader in

recruitment.

The Robert Walters Work Health and Safety (WHS) Management

System has policies, procedures and documents in place for its

Australian operation and has been developed in accordance with

current Work Health and Safety Legislation. Robert Walters also

consults and communicates with you on all health and safety

matters that may affect you as a worker.

To read the Robert Walters policies, including the full version of this policy -

use your login details (sent on your engagement by our Payroll Team) to

access Robert Walters Policies and click Candidate Services.

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Code of Conduct

Everyone working for Robert Walters is expected to adhere to our Code of Conduct

policy. This is a formal policy and forms part of your contract of employment. The

Code of Conduct is designed to help you to make the right choices and to illustrate

how you are expected to meet our core values of:

Demonstrating Respect for Others at the Workplace

Acting with Integrity

Working with Diligence

Working within the Law

To read the Robert Walters policies, including the full version of this policy - use your login

details (sent on your engagement by our Payroll Team) to access Robert Walters Policies and

click Candidate Services.

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Fitness for Work

You have a legal obligation to take care of your health and safety,

and to ensure that your acts or omissions do not affect the health

and safety of others.

Our Fitness for Work Procedure provides you with guidelines to

follow. This is a formal policy and forms part of your contract of

employment.

To read the Robert Walters policies, including the full version of this policy -

use your login details (sent on your engagement by our Payroll Team) to

access Robert Walters Policies and click Candidate Services.

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Equal Opportunity Policy

At Robert Walters we aim to have a workplace free from harassment,

discrimination, bullying, victimisation and vilification, where all

employees are treated fairly and with respect.

Discrimination. Discrimination occurs when a person is treated

differently or less favourably on the basis of attributes protected by

law.

Harassment. Harassment is unwelcome conduct on the basis of one

or more of the protected attributes which victimises, humiliates,

undermines, or threatens an individual or a group of people.

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Equal Opportunity Policy

Bullying is repeated unreasonable behaviour directed towards an

individual or group, that creates a risk to their health and safety. It is

behaviour that victimises, humiliates, undermines, or threatens the

person being bullied, or would reasonably be expected to do so.

In some cases bullying may be a criminal offence e.g. physical

violence.

Examples of bullying include but are not limited to:

Constant ridicule, abusive, offensive or insulting language

Unjustified criticism and complaints

Spreading misinformation or malicious rumours

Regularly making someone the brunt of practical jokes

Deliberately excluding or isolating a person

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Equal Opportunity Policy

Sexual harassment is when a person makes an unwelcome sexual

advance, request for sexual favours, or engages in any other

unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature, which a reasonable person,

having regard to all the circumstances, would have anticipated that

the other person would be offended, humiliated, or intimidated.

Examples of sexual harassment include but are not limited to:

Staring or leering, suggestive comments or jokes

Physical contact (i.e. touching, patting or brushing up against a

person)

Intrusive questions or statements about your private life

Sending sexually explicit emails, attachments or text messages

Requests for sex or repeated unwanted requests to go out on

dates

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Equal Opportunity Policy

Your responsibility as an employee. It is imperative that you do not

engage in any behaviour that is in contradiction of Robert Walters Equal

Opportunity Policy. This policy applies to all interactions with your host

employer and their employees, as well as employees of Robert Walters.

Employees who have engaged in discrimination or harassment, or who

have induced or aided other employees to discriminate or harass can be

held liable under law. In addition, Robert Walters may be held vicariously

liable for the employee‟s actions.

Reporting breaches of the policy. If you feel that you have experienced

or witnessed any form of bullying, discrimination or harassment, report it

to your Robert Walters Consultant.

It is your responsibility to be aware of this policy – please ensure you read the full

version of this policy - use your login details (sent on your engagement by our

Payroll Team) to access Robert Walters Policies and click Candidate Services

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Identifying Hazards in the Workplace

A hazard is something that has the potential to harm you and other people at your

workplace.

You should be on the lookout at all times for potential hazards. If you identify a

hazard in your workplace, you have a responsibility to do something about it:

If the hazard can be easily removed without risk to your health and safety, you

should take the appropriate action immediately

If the hazard is serious or persistent, you must immediately notify your

Supervisor/Manager or the Health and Safety Representative at your workplace

By being aware of potential hazards and taking steps to eliminate or minimise them,

we can reduce injuries in the workplace.

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Risk Management (controlling hazards)

Where there is a risk of injury or illness from a hazard, you must take action to make

the area safe while ensuring your own safety is not at risk.

The process to follow is the risk management process. There are 5 steps:

Step 1: Stop and think through the task Has the job been explained sufficiently to you

Step 2: Look for the hazards A hazard is anything with the potential to harm you

Step 3: Assess the consequences What is the likelihood and severity of injury or damage from this hazard?

Step 4: Take control – make the change Eliminate the hazard

Step 5: Do the job safely

If changes happen, STOP and REDO the risk process.

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Electrical Hazards

Electrical equipment and appliances have the potential to cause quite

serious shocks, burns and electrocution. The most common electrical

hazards are:

Overloaded power sockets

Defective cords

Unsafe equipment

Incorrect placement of electrical equipment

Electrical equipment should be treated with caution and any damaged

or faulty equipment should be reported and replaced immediately.

All electrical equipment must be tested at regular intervals and have a

current inspection tag.

Under no circumstance use any electrical equipment that is faulty

and/or is tagged “Do Not Operate”

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Slips, Trips and Falls

Slips, trips and falls are the most common cause of non-fatal injuries.

Follow these simple tips to ensure you reduce the risk of slips, trips

and falls:

Always pay attention to where you are going and be on the

lookout for potential hazards

Always walk at a pace appropriate to the condition of the floor

surface

Remember to keep your vision clear when carrying large objects

Falls are quite common on stairways so always take care and use

the handrail

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Housekeeping

Housekeeping is the practice of cleaning and keeping your work

environment tidy and free from hazards to help prevent slips and

trips.

One of the main reasons people slip over at work is due to wet floors

resulting from spills not being cleaned up or wet weather.

By following good housekeeping practices and being observant, you

will help to prevent injuries in the workplace.

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Access and Exits

Access ways, exits from buildings and main passageways should be

kept clear of obstructions and all stairways should be in good repair.

It is important that all signage is indicative and clear (eg. Exit signs

must be visible in case of an emergency evacuation).

Lighting levels for access and exit must be adequate and all light

fittings must be clean so that they minimise glare and do not flicker.

If you see obstructions in access/exits passageways and/or faulty Exit

lights, make sure you report this to your Supervisor/Manager or the

Health and Safety Representative.

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Hazardous Substances

People don‟t often think about the use of hazardous substances in

the workplace. All chemicals you may use or come in contact with in

your workplace requires a risk assessment. This means you should:

Read the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) – refer to the Health and

Safety Representative at your workplace

Follow the safe work procedures on handling, storage and use

Wear the appropriate safety equipment

Refrain from eating or drinking when working with a hazardous

substance

Wash your hands and face and other exposed areas with soap

and water before eating, drinking or going to the bathroom

If you are unsure about any of the products at your workplace,

speak with your Supervisor/Manager or the Health and Safety

Representative Next Back

Noise

Noise generated in open plan offices is generally at a level without

potential for permanent hearing damage. Other workplaces require

specific noise control.

Noise can impact on your general health, wellbeing and productivity.

To minimise noise in the workplace:

Schedule noisy printing jobs during lunch and other off-peak

periods

Place noise-producing equipment away from immediate work

areas

Be considerate of social noise in open plan and shared spaces

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Air Quality

Air conditioning and/or ventilation and extraction systems should be

maintained so that your work environment has high air quality and is

well ventilated.

Thermal comfort (too hot or too cold) in the workplace should also be

adequate so that you are able to work comfortably.

Raise air quality concerns with your Supervisor/Manager or the

Health and Safety Representative.

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Workplace Equipment

Equipment is a major cause of serious injuries in workplaces due to

their unsafe use. To minimise the risk of injury from equipment you

may use in your workplace, ensure you:

Apply the risk management process

Ensure you apply the required safe operating instructions

Only use the equipment for the purpose for which it was supplied

for

Check that equipment is in good working order

Ensure there is safe access and exit around the equipment

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Manual Handling - Lifting

Manual handling tasks include any activity requiring you to use force

to lift, lower, push, pull, carry, to move, hold or restrain an object or

person. It also includes tasks that require us to maintain a still

posture for extended periods, such as sitting and standing.

If you undertake any manual handling task in your work, use the

SMART lifting techniques:

Size up the load

Move the load as close to your body as possible

Always bend your knees

Raise the load with your legs

Turn your feet in the direction that you want to move the load

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Manual Handling – Safe Storage

We encourage all employees to keep these safe storage principles in

mind:

Always follow safe lifting procedures to prevent back strain

(especially in confined spaces like stationery cupboards,

compactuses)

Use compactus locks to stop being caught in the unit

In large storage areas follow site procedures for the prevention of

falling equipment/boxes or being hit by a stores vehicle

Do NOT overload file or storage cabinets

Place heaviest boxes on shelves that are between knee and shoulder

height

NEVER stand on an office chair to reach items stored in a high

location

Check the weight of an object before you attempt to lift it, either into

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Ergonomics

Ergonomics is the study of how tools, tasks, the environment and

individual work techniques affect the human body. By taking these

factors into consideration, ergonomics aims to obtain a good fit

between a person and the equipment that they will use to do the job.

By following good ergonomic practices (next slides in this induction),

you can prevent fatigue, discomfort and injuries that are caused by

poor ergonomic practices.

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Setting up your Workstation Correctly

The key to working correctly is to organise your workstation to fit

your individual needs. A correctly set out workstation prevents

fatigue, muscle strain or injury.

You should be aware of the following elements of your

workstation:

Your posture Laptop

Your office chair Telephone

Your computer screen Hand Tools

Keyboard Lighting

Mouse

To ensure your workstation is correctly set out, a Workstation

Ergonomic Assessment Guide is provided on the next slide for

you to follow. Next Back

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Other Hazards to be aware

Pedestrian Safety

Always obey traffic signals (don‟t jaywalk)

Look out for others at all times

Don‟t use your IPOD, or MP3 player so loudly that you are unable

to hear your surroundings

Don‟t text message or use a mobile device while walking

Wellbeing

Eat a well-balanced diet and take the time to get some exercise

Take frequent rest breaks (eg. 10-15 second stretch and eye rest

break) throughout your daily tasks and work day

Drink at least 1.5 litres of water per day

Warm up if you do exercise in your lunch break

Consider getting a flu shot to avoid winter colds and flu Next Back

Other Hazards to be aware

Stress and anxiety

Life can be stressful at times. Stress can be both positive and

negative. Positive stress encourages high performance. Negative

stress can cause insomnia and other health issues. Some tips to

„stress less‟:

Get plenty of sleep

Exercise regularly

Take up meditation or yoga

Enjoy laughter and some music

Prioritise your workload, make a list

Remember to breathe!

Ask for help

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Other Hazards to be aware Driving vehicles

Driving is one of the riskiest activities performed each day. Whether you are

driving a car, motorbike or bicycle, do not travel when you are fatigued or

distracted. Do not rush, speed or use a mobile device while driving.

If you are required to drive a Host Employer vehicle or use your own for

company purposes, speak with your Supervisor/Manager or Health and Safety

Representative about safe driving policies and procedures BEFORE your trip.

Cycling safety

Treat your bicycle as you would your car, and obey the road rules. Flag your

intention to turn by hand signalling or using your indicators if your bicycle

has them

Use appropriate cycle ways or outer lanes

Ride in a predictable way, about one metre out from parked cars

Look out for pedestrians

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Reporting Hazards, Incidents and Injuries

Where there is a risk of injury or illness from a hazard, you must take

action to make the area safe while ensuring your own safety is not at

risk.

All hazards, incidents, injuries and near misses must be reported

(within 24 hours) so action can be taken to remove or minimise the

hazard and prevent the recurrence of a similar incident. You should

notify your Supervisor/Manager and your Robert Walters Consultant.

You will be required to complete a Hazard/Incident Notification Report

Form with details of the incident. You may also be required to

complete a similar form for your Host Employer.

All health and safety issues are dealt with and resolved according to

our Health and Safety Issue Resolution procedure.

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Injury Management

If you suffer a work related injury or illness, the most important thing to

do is to seek suitable medical assistance if required – First Aid. It is

also important to let your Supervisor/Manager AND your Robert

Walters Consultant know as soon as possible and to fill out a

Hazard/Incident Notification Report form.

Early reporting of an injury will ensure you receive appropriate support

to either remain at work or to return to work following your absence. It

will also ensure necessary action is taken to prevent further injury.

For workers compensation, all claimable injuries are reported using a

Workers Claim form which will be sent to you.

To read the Robert Walters policies, including the full version of this policy -

use your login details (sent on your engagement by our Payroll Team) to

access Robert Walters Policies and click Candidate Services. Next Back

First Aid

Unfortunately, accidents do happen in the workplace and if you are

injured at work it is vital that you seek first aid treatment.

Ask your supervisor who are the First Aid Officers in your workplace

and where the First Aid Kits are located.

If an injury is serious, further expert medical assistance should always

be sought as soon as possible.

It is also important to let your Supervisor/Manager AND your Robert

Walters Consultant know as soon as possible and to fill out a

Hazard/Incident Notification Report form.

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Emergency Response

Everyone on the site/workplace is responsible for ensuring fire and other

emergency situations are avoided by following safe practices and good

housekeeping. You should familiarise yourself with:

Emergency and Evacuation procedures

Who are the Fire Wardens

Emergency sirens/tones

Location of fire fighting equipment in your area

Location of the designated Emergency Evacuation Assembly

area(s)

Inform the Fire Wardens if you have any mobility restrictions

Ensure you follow all instructions in an Emergency.

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What your Host Employer needs to tell you when you start

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About their emergency procedures

Where the emergency equipment and exits are

Orientation of the office – show you where the toilets, kitchens, the correct entry

and exit from the workplace

Safe operation of any equipment you will use

How to contact the First Aiders and Fire Wardens

How to report an Incident

If you have not received this information – please ask your Supervisor

What to do if you have a problem

Your Robert Walters Consultant is there to assist you should you

have a problem regarding your assignment. It could be that:

Your assignment is not what you thought you would be doing

You need to have a licence or certificate for a particular job task

you have been asked to do

You have been asked to do a job at another workplace

You are ill and need to leave work

You are ill and not able to go to work

You have a health and safety concern

In all cases, contact your Robert Walters Consultant by phone

immediately. If you are ill and not able to go to work – you may be

required to produce a medical certificate

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Summary

Throughout this induction, we have discussed the various elements of

workplace safety. You should be able to identify the common hazards

in your workplace and apply knowledge provided in this induction to

ensure a healthy and safe workplace.

Please click on the link below for the Induction Assessment to test

your knowledge and understanding of the content covered in this

Induction. It will automatically guide you through the questions to

completion.

Robert Walters WHS Induction Questionnaire

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