ICS Hazard Identification Project - 2006

The Division of ICS proposes to undertake a comprehensive review of hazards during 2006. This involves identification and assessment of hazards and elimination where possible, or control through changing equipment, materials, work methods or introducing personal protective equipment. This initiative is identified in the Action Plan 2005-2008 at Section 3.2.

Rationale

One of the key principles of the NSW OHS Act 2000 (the Act) and the OHS Regulation 2001 (the regulation) is risk management – the process of identification, assessment and elimination or control of hazards in the workplace.

Responsibility

As identified in the ICS Roles/Responsibilities document and the University draft OHS Manual, Deans have a broad responsibility for ensuring that the occupational health and safety procedures are implemented in all places of work under their control.They are also responsible to ensure that line managers and supervisors within their area of control are accountable for managing health and safety.

The supervisor's major occupational health and safety obligation lies in controlling hazards.Supervisors will need to perform particular tasks in relation to the identification, assessment, and control of hazards.

Aim

1. For each Department of the Division to undertake a comprehensive process of identification and assessment of hazards in all areas under their management, including all work practices undertaken in those areas.

2. To assess whether the identified hazards can be eliminated and if not, to identify appropriate controls to manage the risks.

3. To document findings in accordance with legislative requirements to demonstrate systematic implementation of a safety management system.

Method

  1. It is proposed that each location in the Division be inspected by a small team of observers comprising the area manager (HOD or nominee), one member of the OHS Committee and a third person (to be nominated by the HOD). At least one of the team should work in the area to be inspected. A list of areas in each Department/Section with draft timetable is attached for Department Head/Section Manager agreement and inclusion in the Department Action Plan for 2006.
  1. It is proposed that observers record findings using a HAZPAK worksheet that includes guidelines for judging severity and likelihood of incidents, guidelines for dealing with hazards and thinking prompts for observers. A copy of the proposed worksheet is attached.
  2. It is proposed that Departments develop a plan for eliminating or controlling identified risks based on priorities as assessed by the observers with a view to eliminating or controlling all priority 1-2 hazards as soon as possible and priority 3-4 hazards by the end of 2006. Priority 5-6 hazards will be reviewed and costed for action in 2007 unless they can be quickly and easily rectified by the Department at departmental cost in 2006.
  1. A notional priority has been assigned to each area. It is proposed that high priority areas may be reviewed more frequently than once a year as assessed by the observation team using such methodology as the observers feel appropriate (eg checklist).
  1. It is proposed that each completed HAZPAC worksheet be kept in the Department to be updated as actions are completed and to form the basis for evaluation of actions later (see below).

Evaluation

It is proposed that a review to assess whether controls are effectively managing risk be undertaken in 2007. This will essentially involve a revisit of each area with similar teams of observers with the 2006 HAZPAC worksheets. Any new hazards identified will be recorded on a 2007 HAZPAC worksheet.

Prepared for: ICS HODs

By Cathy Wright, ICS HR Manager

Date: 27/1/06