Working safely in the workplace

It is important to realise that as an employee you are required by law to take responsibility for your safety in the workplace. This means you always need to think about your personal safety no matter what task you are carrying out.

No matter which industry you work in, you'll be bound by a set of government, industry and workplace safety policies and procedures. These rules can cover everything from how you go about reporting hazards, to safe use of specific tools, equipment and chemicals.

Here's an example of the Western Australian Occupational Safety and Health Act (1984) that states employees are to:

• follow, so far as they are reasonably able, instructions given by the employer for their own safety or health or for the safety or health of other persons; and
• use such protective clothing and equipment as is provided by the employer.

This means you need to assess the risks for every task you carry out in the workplace and be fully prepared by selecting the right equipment and work materials for the right task.

WorkSafe Western Australia states that personal protective equipment must: be appropriate for the job fit the operator correctly be accompanied by training on its proper use be clean and functional be regularly serviced by appropriately trained staff.

Working outdoors means that you need to consider the weather, and then dress appropriately. In summer you will need a wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen and sunglasses. A bottle of cool water is an excellent idea and will stop you from dehydrating. You also need the following protective clothing: a pair of strong leather gloves for your hands, sturdy clothing for your arms and legs, especially for thorny and allergenic plant material, and a good pair of leather boots for your feet. In some situations you may also need to use safety goggles and a dust mask, especially if there is a lot of dust or sawing involved.

If your tasks require the use of machinery such as mowers, slashers, line trimmers, rotary hoes and tillers, remember to use them with extreme care. You should only use machinery you have had instruction on how to use safely, including what personal protective equipment, such as eye protection, should be worn when using them.

Remember to also use extreme care if you are using chemicals (herbicides). Always read the labels and instructions carefully to find out the particular weed it is designed for and how to use the product safely. Herbicides are poisonous and you need to know the first aid steps to take if anything goes wrong.

Ensuring safety onsite

When working on a site there are three things you need to consider:

• your own personal safety
• the safety of others and
• protecting existing plants.

When working along a verge or median strip you need to mark out your work area with witches' hats so that motorists know to keep clear. You should also wear a reflective vest so that you are clearly visible to oncoming traffic. If working near a footpath, or an area accessed by the public, you should use witches' hats to cordon off the work site. This will prevent passers-by from being hit by falling branches or tripping over plant off-cuts. If the site is frequently used, such as a lunch area or public access to a building, then you should advise the users in advance when and where you will be working and that they should make alternative arrangements.

You also need to consider the safety of existing plants. Be careful where you walk and avoid trampling on plants or knocking them over. If you are using a wheelbarrow to collect waste material, then position it so that it can be accessed easily, without damaging any surrounding plants. If working near water, make sure you use chemicals and work practices that will not contaminate the waterway.