Safety Matters - Rail, Tram and Bus Union of NSW

need to be translated into a multi-dimensional matrix. To use the example of
psychological hazards in the workplace, another layer may be added to the
model to include:
1. How severely could
it cause psychological
harm to someone
or
How ill could it make
someone?
(a) Very likely
could happen
any time
2. How likely is it to be that bad?
(b) Likely
could happen
some time
(c) Unlikely
could happen
but rarely
(d) Very
Unlikely
Could happen
but probably
never will
(i) Cause permanent
1 1
psychological disability
2 3
or ill health
(ii) Long term
psychological illness or
serious injury 1 2 3 4
(iii) Psychological or
Medical attention and
several days off work
2 3 4 5
(iv) Counselling needed
3 4 5 6
The numbers indicate how important it is to do something about the problem
1. High risk of serious OHS occurrence = top priority = act immediately
2. Low risk of serious OHS occurrence = low priority = act when feasible
There are many situations in workplaces where the first model would not
indicate that a risk existed, because it focuses on physical harm. However, in
the rail, tram and bus industry there are a range of hazards and risks that can
adversely affect an employee, without necessary physical harm or injury.
Examples of some of these hazards or risks are verbal abuse by passengers or
members of the public, threats of violence, exposure to a range of volatile or
violent behaviour, such as fights, or drug abuse. Similarly, abuse by co-workers
or management can have an adverse effect on an employee’s psychological and/
or physical health and wellbeing.
Clause 9(2) of the Regulation specifically identifies workplace violence as a
hazard that must be identified, assessed and the risks associated with those
hazards should be eliminated or controlled.
Safety Matters A Guide for Workplace OHS Representatives
SECTION TWO
RAIL
TRAM AND BUS
45
Monitoring OHS Programs and Procedures
U N
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