Having a Big Mouth to help you speak up is an important part of maintaining
workplace safety. But it's not the only part. Click around on the face below
to find everything else you need to stay safe on the job.
A Big Brain isn't much use unless you can fill it with equally big bits of knowledge.
Here are a few big thought-starters to keep in mind whenever you're at work.
If you're aged between 15 and 24, you're more likely to be injured at
work than any other age group.
Regardless of whether you are permanent, casual, fulltime or parttime and are a contracter,
apprentice, trainee or taking part in work experience or a structured workplace learning program,
your employer is legally obliged to ensure that your conditions of work are safe and healthy.
Your employer must make sure that you are protected from both physical and psychological hazards.
That means not requiring you to lift heavy loads or work with faulty machinery; taking action
to prevent slips, trips and falls; and taking steps to prevent to bullying
and work-related stress from occurring.
A big set of eyes can get you out of a big lot of trouble when you're working.
Here are some points on how to keep yours safely peeled at all times.
Your own awareness should first start with your employer, who is responsible
for providing induction, other forms of training and supervision so that you can
then recognise and report any hazards you see on the job.
Spend time getting to know the layout of your workplace, inside and out.
Knowing your surroundings is a big asset to staying safe.
Get to know your immediate supervisor, your health and safety
representative and your trusted workmates, and where they are situated
within the workplace. They're all there to help you.
It's not always easy to stop and listen. But when it comes to workplace
safety, listening can make all the difference.
Listen closely when your employer first explains to you how to use any
machinery and equipment, and how to perform all tasks safely. Make sure you
use protective gear such as gloves, safety footwear and goggles when
instructed to.
Perk your ears, too, when new equipment and training is introduced into
your work area, when attending team or toolbox meetings, and when meeting
with your health and safety representative.
Talking about safety at work isn't a one-way conversation. It's equally
important for you to provide feedback to your supervisor and health and
safety representative about safety issues in the workplace.
Don't hesitate to ask for input when looking at any workplace hazard and
ways to control those hazards.
If you aren't certain of how to do something safely, ask for help or
training before you attempt it.
Raise any safety issues you have with your manager immediately. It's not
always easy knowing how to speak up, so, the following phrases might help:
-
"I'm not sure how this works. Could you spare a few minutes to show me
again?"
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"I think I've got the hang of this, but can you watch to make sure I'm
doing everything right?"
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"I'm still a bit uncomfortable with this. Would you mind explaining
it/showing me again?"
For free, confidential safety advice call WorkSafe's Advisory Service
on 1800 136 089.
Sometimes, even despite everyone's best efforts, workplace
accidents can still happen. Here's some advice on what to do if you are injured at work.
1. Seek medical treatment.
Nothing is more important than your health and well-being. The most important thing to
do if you have a work-related injury or illness is to seek appropriate medical treatment
as soon as possible.
2. Tell your boss.
The best and easiest way to report your injury or illness is to put the details in
the Register of Injuries that every workplace must have. This can be filled in by
you or by someone on your behalf, and needs to be done within 30 days of the injury.
If you don't have access to the Register of Injuries you can give written notice instead.
3. Get a medical certificate.
If you can't do your normal job as a result of your injury, you should see a
doctor and ask for a Certificate of Capacity, similar to a medical certificate.
The certificate will need to describe the injury, any anticipated time
off work and possible alternative duties.
4. Get a claim form.
If you want to claim benefits for time off work and/or medical treatment because
of a work-related injury or illness, you need to complete a Worker's Injury Claim Form.
You can get one simply from worksafe.vic.gov.au, any post office or by contacting
WorkSafe directly. Complete the Claim Form, attach the Certificate of Capacity
(if you have one) and give them to your employer as soon as you can. Also, so you
know, it's against the law for your employer to refuse your claim or dismiss you
for making one. Last but not least, remember that the most important person in your
recovery is you. Actively participating in your rehabilitation and talking regularly
to your employer can help you return to work faster.
