Safety Matters - Rail, Tram and Bus Union of NSW

Work Environment
Factors in the work environment that influence risk include climate, lighting,
space, and floors and other surfaces underfoot.
Answering YES to any of the following questions indicates an increased risk:
• Are the floors and surfaces underfoot uneven or slippery?
• Are there different floor levels in the workplace?
• Is the workplace untidy with a lack of attention to housekeeping details?
• Are there extremes of heat, cold, wind or humidity?
• Are there high levels fumes, dusts, gases or vapours?
• Is there excessive vibration?
• Is the task performed in a confined space?
Risk Control
The NSW Occupational Health & Safety Act, 2000 and Occupational Health and
Safety Regulations, 2001 require that risks associated with work performance
are controlled in consultation with employees required to carry out the tasks.
Safe Work Practices Checklist:
General Risk Identifi cation
Please place a ✔ in the appropriate box for general practices which occur in
your work area.
Movements, Posture and Layout During Work
1. Is there frequent or prolonged bending down where the hands pass below
mid-thigh height?
2. Is there frequent or prolonged reaching above the shoulder?
3. Is there frequent or prolonged bending due to extended reach forward?
4. Is there frequent or prolonged twisting of the back?
5. Are awkward postures assumed frequently or over prolonged periods, that
is, postures that are not forward facing and upright?
BACK TO CONTENTS
Yes
No
Safety Matters A Guide for Workplace OHS Representatives
SECTION TWO
RAIL
TRAM AND BUS
69
Monitoring OHS Programs and Procedures
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