Implement and Monitor Work Health and Safety Practices
Written Assessment
Learning Outline
Within this resource, you will be covering the following key topics:
Monitor and improve workplace operations.
Plan and organise workflow.
Monitor and support team members.
Solve problems and make decisions.
Using these key topics as a guide, you will work with your trainer/assessor to develop your skills and knowledge. The role of your trainer/assessor is to assist and guide you through your learning journey to achieve your goals.
Short answer written questions.
Projects
As part of this written assessment you will need to access the following resources to support you in this assessment:
E-Coach learning content
Computer with internet access and word
Complete all assessment tasks within this document, save and upload.
If you need to provide supporting documentation please ensure it is in Microsoft Office compatible document or a PDF.
This assessment will require you to refer to a “Virtual Hotel” (one that you know or a make believe one)
When a new team member starts working at your virtual hotel, what WHS information do you need to make them aware of?
The duties and responsibilities of the new position along with company safety rules and regulations. They need to be made aware of any known workplace hazards, control measures, and steps in place to deal with these issues. Company emergency procedures should be covered, including evacuation protocols and emergency contacts. The employee should also be instructed regarding any toxic chemicals used at the hotel. Safe handling, disposal, and storage of the toxic chemicals needs covered. Any personal protection equipment (PPE) needs to be covered with the employee given instruction on the use and replacement of PPE.
When WHS information is updated, how would you ensure all team members are informed? How can a team access up-to-date WHS information?
Pass around a memo that each employee needs to sign acknowledging they have read, understand, and received a copy of the updated information. This should also be documented in a centralized location that employees have access to such as posting in the break room. It also needs updated in the company SOP handbook and also online on the company website.
As a leader, you need to monitor your team to ensure they are following all WHS policies, procedures, signage, and safe work practices. Provide an example of when a team member may not be compliant. How would you address the issue?
A potential safety hazard is created when mopping floors and the employee is provided with large yellow warning hazard signs that must be placed to alert other employees and guests of the hazard. If the employee failed to place out those signs then this would be a violation of company policy. The employee needs to be immediately counselled and the violation needs to be placed in the employee’s file. “OSHA - Workplace Safety and Health Requirements” states “employers have the right to take appropriate corrective action toward employees who violate known safety rules” (number 6). Depending on the violation and the severity of it (ie. injury or illness), the employer could face fines or even lawsuits (“OSHA - Workplace Safety and Health Requirements” numbers 7-8).
Identify three things in your virtual hotel you can do to maintain the health, safety and security of personnel?
1. Place security cameras on the exits and control entrance from those points.
2. Place security lighting to illuminate any dark areas, especially those in the parking lot.
3. Hold safety drills and refresher training periodically.
How would you consult with team members on WHS issues and WHS management practices?
Having an open door policy so that employees can speak to management about issues and also having anonymous reporting so employees will feel safe in reporting violators are two ways to consult with team members. Holding meetings with all employees where WHS practices are discussed in an open forum is another way to consult with team members.
A new photocopier has been brought into the virtual hotel and no one knows how to operate it. Explain how you would use consultation with the appropriate personnel to ensure their health and safety.
First either one person needs to learn how to operate the photocopier or a specialist needs to be brought in for instruction. Small groups need to be taught the in and out of running the photocopier. They need instruction on safely clearing paper jams and handling toner cartridges. Toner cartridges should be placed on the toxic chemicals list and rules developed on handling, disposal, and storage. “OH&S Guidelines on the use of photocopiers” advises toner cartridges have a risk of causing cancer so “workers handling cartridges must be provided with disposable gloves and facemasks” (7).
According to WHS legislation, when is it important to schedule hazard identification activities?
“Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment and Control Procedure” states this is an "on-going process " and is " undertaken at various times" such as "i f it has not been done before," "w hen a hazard has been identified," "w hen a change to the workplace may introduce or change a hazard ," "a s part of responding to a workplace incident, even where an injury has not occurred ," "where new information about a risk becomes available or concerns about a risk are raised by workers" and "a t regularly scheduled times appropriate to the workplace" (par. 5).
What would you do if a team member reported a hazard to you?
Check to see if there are current rules and regulations regarding the hazard and if not begin to put them in place. File a report if a violation is discovered or if an illness, injury, or death has occurred because of the hazard.
When assessing risks, it is important to consult with other team members. As a leader, why do you need to take the lead role?
It is important to have one person in control so that things do not get out of hand. Someone needs to guide the meeting and ensure that all relevant topics are fully covered.
Imagine you have a new team member joining the customer service team and you are required to arrange a training session on WHS.
How would you identify the WHS training need for this area? How would you fulfill the WHS training need?
How would you monitor the effectiveness of the training?
How would you need to adjust your approach if the initial training was not effective?
a. The training would be dependent on the position the employee will be filling and the issues that have been previously identified for that position. Follow the steps outlined in dealing with the identified issue.
b. Employee surveys or feedback forms, employee evaluations to see if the employee is following the proper steps, or direct observation.
c. Might need to meet one on one with the employee, perhaps he or she did not understand the importance of the material that was covered. Or the employee may have a different learning style and need addressed with a different approach.
How should WHS records and reports be stored in the virtual hotel?
The safest most effective means of storing reports would be electronically with the computer requiring a password for access. If paper reports are stored they need to be kept in a locked filing cabinet. "Frequently Asked Questions" on the OSHA website states the length of time documents must be kept, when they should be displayed for the public, and explains employees "have the right to access injury and illness records" and the "employers must give the requester a copy of the relevant record(s) by the end of the next business day" (recordkeeping section).
How could data from WHS reports be used to effectively manage workplace health, safety and security?
The data gives a history on the type of illnesses and accidents that have occurred at the hotel. This data can be useful in making changes by adding new safety rules or new security features. The data contained in the reports will guide those changes by examining where the accidents are happening, when they are happening, and any other common factors.
13. List two reasons it is important to minimise the use of printed materials and maximise electronic transmission and filing of all documents to reduce waste?
1. Electronic documentation is easier to store and easier to safe guard.
2. It will also help cut costs by saving money with printed materials and garbage disposal.
References
"Frequently Asked Questions." OSHA. N.d., http://www.osha.gov/OSHA_FAQs.html. 16 Aug. 2016.
“Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment and Control Procedure.” Western Sydney University. 2015 August. https://www.uws.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0020/12917/12917_Hazard_Identification,_Risk_Assessment_and_control_Procedure.pdf. 18 Aug. 2016.
“OH&S Guidelines on the use of photocopiers.” Public Service Association of NSW. N.d., http://www.psa.asn.au/Oldsite/publications/files/Photocopierguidelines.pdf. 14 Aug. 2016.
“OSHA - Workplace Safety and Health Requirements.” Texas State. N.d.,
http://www.twc.state.tx.us/news/efte/osha.html. 15 Aug. 2016.
