excavators
.
Course Number and Name
The management of hazards and risks while using Mobile Plants
Student Name
Introduction When working close to, or together with, construction equipment, an organisation’s main consideration should be for the safety of any member of the public that is present in the construction zone, as well as the environmental impact it will have. This is reinforced by the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 Section 21 where it states “An employer must, so far as is reasonably practicable, provide and maintain for employees of the employer a working environment that is safe and without risks to health” (Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 Section 21). The Code of Practice for plant also provides guidance to persons with duties, under the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2007, on how to operate certain types of plant and which skills and knowledge the operator must establish. Operating certain types of plant can be hazardous which can lead to a high-risk environment. The definition of a hazard is anything in the workplace that has the potential to harm people, which include objects in the workplace, such as machinery or dangerous chemicals, (Work safe, 2008). It can also relate to the way work is done i.e. excessive noise, fatigue caused by the pace of work or competence in operating plant machinery. A risk arises where there is potential or a possibility that a hazard will actually cause harm. Factors such as the number of workers involved, the seriousness of any injuries and how often the job is done will determine the level of risk (Work safe, 2008).
In this report we will be closely looking at the management process organisations use to manage hazards and risks associated with earthmoving machinery, in particular excavators. The report will be covered from different aspects in regards to the responsibility an employer, employee, and the organisation as a whole have towards managing
Course Number and Name
The management of hazards and risks while using Mobile Plants
Student Name
Introduction When working close to, or together with, construction equipment, an organisation’s main consideration should be for the safety of any member of the public that is present in the construction zone, as well as the environmental impact it will have. This is reinforced by the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 Section 21 where it states “An employer must, so far as is reasonably practicable, provide and maintain for employees of the employer a working environment that is safe and without risks to health” (Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 Section 21). The Code of Practice for plant also provides guidance to persons with duties, under the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2007, on how to operate certain types of plant and which skills and knowledge the operator must establish. Operating certain types of plant can be hazardous which can lead to a high-risk environment. The definition of a hazard is anything in the workplace that has the potential to harm people, which include objects in the workplace, such as machinery or dangerous chemicals, (Work safe, 2008). It can also relate to the way work is done i.e. excessive noise, fatigue caused by the pace of work or competence in operating plant machinery. A risk arises where there is potential or a possibility that a hazard will actually cause harm. Factors such as the number of workers involved, the seriousness of any injuries and how often the job is done will determine the level of risk (Work safe, 2008).
In this report we will be closely looking at the management process organisations use to manage hazards and risks associated with earthmoving machinery, in particular excavators. The report will be covered from different aspects in regards to the responsibility an employer, employee, and the organisation as a whole have towards managing
References: (Department of Education, Employment, and Workplace Relations). (2008, April). National code of Practice for the Prevention of Falls in General Construction (Publication). Australian Government. Health and safety in construction procurement checklist: Monitoring the construction work. (2010, October). Retrieved July 7, 2012, from http://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/wsinternet/worksafe/home/forms+and+publications/forms/health+and+safety+in+construction+procurement+checklist+monitoring+the+construction+work Occupational Health and Safety. (2009). Laws and regulations. Retrieved July 6, 2012, from http://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/wsinternet/ WorkSafe/Home/Laws+and+Regulations/ Victorian Consolidated Regulations. (2007). Occupational Health and Safety Regulations (Report No. 54). Victorian workcover Authority. (2001, July). Code of Practice – (No. 19) - Plant (Technical Report No. 19). Melbourne, Australia. Worksafe Victoria. (2008, September). Compliance code: Workplace Amenities and Work Environment (Publication No. Edition No. 1). Melbourne, Australia: Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (the OHS Act).