Resources
Frequently asked questions (Helpline)
We have a hazard that could be controlled by a number of different methods. Which one do we choose?
What temperature should my workplace be in summer?
How do I make an effective workplace health and safety complaint to Workplace Standards?
What areas in a workplace should be smoke-free?
When and how must I notify Workplace Standards about a workplace accident or a near miss?
We have a hazard that could be controlled by a number of different methods. Which one do we choose?
Regulation 19 of the Workplace Health and Safety Regulations 1998 deals with the control of risk.
It requires the accountable person to make sure the exposure of anyone to an identified hazard at a workplace is controlled — in order to eliminate or minimise the risk to their health or safety, and not exceed any relevant exposure standards. If you’ve identified a hazard (and even possible solutions), you must use the ‘hierarchy of control’ to help you decide the most appropriate and effective solution for your workplace. Your aim should be to completely remove the hazard from your workplace.
The hierarchy of control is:
- firstly, the elimination of the hazard from the workplace
- secondly, if elimination is not reasonably practicable, the substitution of the hazard by something that is a lesser hazard
- thirdly, if substitution is not reasonably practicable, the isolation of the hazard from the person being put at risk
- fourthly, if isolation is not reasonably practicable, the control of the hazard by engineering means
- fifthly, if engineering means are not reasonably practicable, the control of the hazard by administrative means, including the adoption of safe working practices
- sixthly, if administrative means are not reasonably practicable, the use of personal protective equipment.
You must use the highest-ranked control measure that is practical for controlling the risk (you will need to provide proof that a higher ranked control measure was not reasonably practicable, if asked by an inspector). Sometimes, a combination of more than one measure may be the most effective way to control risk.
For more information on risk control, read GB081 Hazard Management: Play it SAFE.
What temperature should my workplace be in summer?
Tasmanian OHS legislation requires that at an enclosed workplace, an accountable person must ensure, where practicable, that the workplace is maintained at a comfortable temperature. Studies on indoor thermal comfort describe optimal conditions for OHS in an office environment as:
- optimum summer temperature range 21–24 degrees Celsius
- optimum humidity range 40–60%.
Thermal stress associated with heat, inadequate airflow or cold conditions can increase fatigue and the risk of health problems occurring. Measures that can help alleviate uncomfortably hot and humid conditions and risks of dehydration include:
- use blinds and curtains to minimise sunlight penetrating into the workplace
- optimise air movement by using a fan — air passing over the skin helps to cool the skin. Consider a portable air conditioner in small workplaces
- wear appropriate clothing which enables arms and legs to be uncovered, and therefore help with cooling
- drink plenty of cool water at regular intervals
- take breaks in cooler and/or less humid areas, or transfer some work to less humid areas
- negotiate to alter working hours so that work can be done in the cooler parts of the day such as early morning.
How do I make an effective workplace health and safety complaint to Workplace Standards?
One important point is to make sure you have all the necessary information to hand when you make your call (or letter):
- details of the workplace: address, phone numbers, person in control, type of industry
- examples of the issues: accidents or incidents that have actually happened, the type of machinery involved, names of people involved
- details of any relevant reports — such as incident reports or workers compensation claims — made to the person with management and control of the workplace.
Be prepared to be contacted by a Workplace Standards inspector wanting more information, and to be a potential witness. The full story is not always immediately apparent from one phone call, and it may be necessary for an inspector to seek more information to get to the crux of a matter.
Workplace health and safety legislation refers to several Australian Standards and national standards and codes of practice. How can I access these documents?
Australian Standards can be purchased from Standards Australia, through their website at SAI Global
You can view some standards online at the State Library of Tasmania. You can do this at their Hobart, Launceston, Burnie, Devonport, Glenorchy, Rosny and Kingston branches (conditions apply).
Workplace Standards Tasmania has copies of some of the more commonly-used Australian Standards. They can be read at the Rosny, Launceston and Burnie offices. National standards, national codes of practice and other guidance material can be found at www.ascc.gov.au
I’m planning some renovations to my business and think that there may be some asbestos sheet in the ceiling. What are my responsibilities?
Regulation 118 of the Workplace Health and Safety Regulations 1998 requires that if you are the accountable person who has management or control of a building, then you must:
- take all reasonable steps to identify the presence of any asbestos
- carry out a risk assessment on the potential exposure to airborne asbestos fibre of anyone entering or working in the building
- take all reasonably practicable steps to ensure that anyone working in the building is not exposed to airborne asbestos fibre exceeding the exposure standard
- inform relevant people of the location of the asbestos
- fix signs or labels to the asbestos material in areas where regular maintenance or repair work is likely to be carried out.
This regulation also requires you to maintain a register of any asbestos identified and regularly inspect any asbestos identified to ensure it does not deteriorate or constitute a health risk. These regular inspections must be recorded in the register.
What areas in a workplace should be smoke-free?
Stringent smoking legislation is administered under the Public Health Act 1997 by Tasmania’s Department of Health and Human Services. This Act requires indoor public places and enclosed workplaces to be smoke-free.
For more information, go to www.dhhs.tas.gov.au/agency/pro/tobacco/index.php
Under the Workplace Health and Safety Regulations 1998, the accountable person can create a smoke-free area (or make the whole workplace smoke-free) by prominently displaying a written notice in the relevant area. People must not smoke in an area declared to be a smoke free area.
For more information, see the Workplace Safe guides Stress, Bullying, Alcohol and other Drug Misuse. Hidden Hazards, both A guide for employers (GB136A) and A guide for workers (GB136B). Go to www.workcover.tas.gov.au
When and how must I notify Workplace Standards about a workplace accident or a near miss?
Section 47 of the Workplace Health and Safety Act 1995 requires the person in control or management of a workplace to notify a Workplace Standards Tasmania Inspector by the quickest available means; and then, within 48 hours, supply a written report. This must be done when:
- someone is killed
- someone suffers serious bodily injury or illness, or
- a dangerous incident occurs which could have resulted in someone being killed or suffering serious bodily injury or illness.
Except in extreme circumstances, you must not move or otherwise interfere with anything involved in the incident unless you have the prior permission of an inspector.
Notify a Workplace Standards inspector by calling the Helpline on 1300 366 322 (from inside Tasmania) or (03) 6233 7657 (from outside Tasmania).
You can send a report by fax to (03) 6233 8338, by mail to PO Box 56, Rosny Park 7018, or by delivering the report in person to any Workplace Standards office.
An example of the written accident/incident notification forms are below in pdf and word format.
Form - Accident/Incident reporting form (Pdf)
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