Safety Matters - Rail, Tram and Bus Union of NSW

Safe systems of work
The way in which the work is done, including the activities, processes and
procedures that operate in the working environment should be designed
taking account of health and safety. Safe systems of work can be applied at the
individual level with regard to tasks that employees undertake as part of their
job and at a broader level, concerning the integration of tasks with those of
other employees at the workplace.
Safe systems of work consider how and when the task is done, steps involved,
equipment required, skills and knowledge of employees and specific safety
issues.
Unsafe work practices should be prevented by establishing systems of work and
work targets that are safe and by providing safety equipment where necessary.
Safe systems of work should be enforced through appropriate supervision.
Provision of information, instruction, training and supervision
Information relevant to the health and safety of employees should be available in
the workplace. This includes information about the safe use of plant, equipment
and substances that are used in the workplace.
Safety signs are part of management’s responsibility however the use of signs in
the workplace does not remove the need to provide safe systems of work or other
appropriate information and training, nor does it transfer OHS responsibility
to the employee.
Employers should ensure that employees are adequately instructed and trained
in safe systems of work. This includes safe methods for carrying out tasks, use
of equipment or substances, use of health and safety control measures and
personal protective equipment, reporting and emergency procedures.
Employees should receive the necessary supervision to ensure health and safety.
A range of factors will determine what is meant by ‘necessary’. These may
include complexity of the tasks, associated hazards and level of risk, skills,
knowledge and experience of the employee, the workplace and environment
and the system of work.
Working environment and facilities
Aspects of the working environment that ensure the workplace is without risk
with regard to welfare may include employee amenities (toilets, washrooms,
meal rooms), sufficient floor space, appropriate lighting and temperature
control, suitable work targets and work organisation.
Safety Matters A Guide for Workplace OHS Representatives
SECTION TWO
RAIL
TRAM AND BUS
5
Monitoring OHS Programs and Procedures
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