Welcome to the Green Ribbon Safety Induction.

 

Please use the continue button to navigate to this module.

You'll be assessed upon completion. 

OUR POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

As an employee or contractor to Green Ribbon Cleaning Services it is a condition that you are aware of all our policies and procedures. These are retained in our communications folder so please ensure you read them as soon as possible. The policies and procedures you will be expected to read and understand are;

• Accident Incident Recording Reporting Investigation Policy & Procedures.
• Bullying and Occupational Violence policy & Procedures.
• Code of Ethics and Integrity policy & Procedures.
• Drug and Alcohol Policy & Procedures.
• Environmental Management policy & Procedures.
• Equal Employment Opportunity Policy & Procedures.
• Fatigue Management Policy & Procedures
• Hazard Reporting Policy & Procedures
• Occupational Health and Safety policy & procedures
• Personal Protective Equipment Policy & Procedures                                  
• Privacy policy
• Quality Policy & Procedures
• Rehabilitation Quality & Procedures
• Risk Management Policy & Procedures
• Safe Driving Policy & Procedures                   
• Smoking Policy & Procedures

SAFETY IS EVERYONE’S RESPONSIBILITY

COMMUNICATION AND CONSULTATION when cleaning

A supervisor is stationed at every site and on each shift. This is the person you report to at commencement and completion of the shift and when you have a concern about any matter relating to your safety and public safety.

• Report it to your supervisor IMMEDIATELY
• Start of shift
• Any unusual occurrences
• Unknown persons on site
• Murals
• Incidents/accidents
• Any other matter that may concern you in the work place

If it is URGENT it will be fixed immediately or barricaded or tagged to prevent it harming anyone

If it is a safety or security risk the supervisor may contact the area manager for further action to be determined. You will be kept informed.

If it involves safety at your work place, you may be asked to help find a solution to the hazard. The person you reported it to will get back to you and tell you what is happening. This may involve alternative ways of doing things, training, and change of processes, additional protective equipment or other solutions supervisors will then ensure all other workplaces are notifies of the hazard and the solution.

ISSUE RESOLUTION   - Safety issues other than injury/ return to work matters

The objective of the agreed procedures is the speediest and effective resolution of all OHS issues, as when they arise. It is the responsibility of management to resolve issues in their work place.

• Step 1 – Problem or Issue

Where an employee identifies an OHS problem or issue they should raise it with their immediate supervisor, preferably in writing and list it on the hazard register.

• Step 2- Actioning the problem/issue 

The problem/issue should be dealt with as soon as possible after being reported. If it cannot be rectified immediately then a solution should be implemented as soon as practicable.

• Step 3 – Unsatisfactory response

Where a problem has not been satisfactorily resolved and may be life threatening the OHS employee or management representative may stop the work being carried out untill further discussions are undertaken and the problem resolved.

• Step 4- Dispute 

If no further action occurs, then the employee or OHS Representative may consider the situation in dispute make contact with a WorkCover inspector. The inspector may direct that the problem be addressed by issuing an improvement notice or prohibition notice.

• Step 5- Action as Directed 

The issue should be communicated to the company director who will decide on the extent of advice to other designated work groups. This communication should be formal & in writing.

• Step 6 – Outcome

Solution should be monitored for effectiveness and recoded as well as being passed on the relevant employees for their information. All actions and outcome must be recorded.

WORKPLACE HAZARDS                                    

                                                     

      Hazards may occur in a work place which need to be controlled to prevent injuries occuring. As a cleaner you have a responsibility to report any hazards that you might find. Even if you are not sure that something is a hazard, you should still report it to your supervisor.Hazards should be classified as; High Risk   Requiring immidiate control as they have the potentiol for permanent / serious injury or death. Moderate Risk  Require a level of improvement over a realistic period of time as they may cause serious injury. Low Risk   Identifies opportunities for improvement as they may provide a level of workplace risk to employee health and safety.

 

 

 

What you should do

• List any hazards you find on the hazard report form and give it to your supervisor.
• The supervisor will put these on a hazard register and will ask you to help them find solutions to the hazard.
• If solutions cannot be found, then ways of minimising the risk will be implemented.

REPORTING OF ACCIDENTS, INCIDENTS AND NEAR MISSES

 

All employees must ensure accidents, incidents and near misses are correctly reported and documented. Area managers to ensure relevant reporting and documentation is completed by authorised location personnel in line with procedures.

Worker’s compensation officer at head office is responsible for claims processing and advice to authorities on notifiable incidents per regulation. (via WorkCover forms for INCIDENT NOTIFICATION) 

 

What should you do?

• You must complete an incident/accident report form for;
• Every injury - no matter how minor and regardless of whether or not injury results in a claim.
• Serious near misses.
• You must update the register of injuries.
• To be completed by worker or person acting on behalf of injured worker.
• Ensure that corrective practical measures are implemented to ensure non- recurrence.
• Serious accidents and near misses must immediately be notified to area manager and workers compensation officer by telephone, followed by documentation.

HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES

A substance can be identified as hazardous by reading both the label and the material safety data sheet (MSDS). The label may say “poison”, “caution”, “warning” or “Hazardous”.

 

The MSDS may state: “This substance has been determined to be hazardous against the Worksafe criteria.

Examples of hazardous substances include but are not limited to: degreasing agents and solvents, disinfections, graffiti removers, soaps and detergents, bleaches, etc.

 

 

What you should do;

• Read the MSDS and make sure you understand them.
• If you have any doubts, ask your supervisor.
• Follow the instructions and procedures provided during training and also on chemical labels and MSDS, to make sure you use the substance correctly.
• If you have any adverse health effects to a chemical, stop using it immediately and tell your supervisor.

USING LADDERS

It is the policy of Green Ribbon Cleaning Services to avoid working at heights wherever practical. When avoidances is not an option a ladder may need to be used. Extreme care must be taken when selecting and using ladders to undertake work.

Each cleaner should assess the likely hazards of the task on the day, as weather conditions and surfaces may vary greatly increasing the risk of fails.

What you should do

 

• Check the ground surface area for a safe flat, hard surface to position the ladder.
• Where the surface is ballast or crushed rock and the surface is soft a second person will be required to assist by holding the ladder firm
• Make sure you visually check the ladder for any signs of wear and damage
• When using a ladder, do not proceed on to the taped wings as these are not to be used for access in this task.
• where the surface area is too great to reach from the position on the ladder, get down from the ladder and reposition so that the next area can be reached.
• In the case of strong winds or heavy rain where the conditions could prove to be hazardous, stop work until conditions improve. Do not stay on the ladder in heavy winds.
• Under no circumstances are any personal to climb onto a roof.

 

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)

A cleaner’s job could sometimes be subject to dangers such as chemical spills, noise, and excessive sun. Most of these situations can be assisted by using some form of protective

Legislation, codes of practice and standards cover the basic requirement for protective equipment, but risk assessment and control must always be carried out for individual worksites and consultation with employees.

You will be provided with suitable protective equipment for your job such as,

• High visibility clothing/ vest
• Clothing / uniform                                                          
• Footwear
• Gloves
• Safety glasses / goggles/ shields
• Head protection (including sun protection)
• Sun screens
• Hearing protectors

Using the protective equipment supplied to you is a condition of employment.

 

What you should do

• Wear the PPE when it is a requirement for a particular task/ area
• Not wilfully damage any PPE that is supplied to you.
• Follow the instructions and training provided on the use of PPE
• Notify your supervisor/team leader if the PPE is damaged, not suitable or does not fit

ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT

The occupational health and safety act provides regulations to protect the health and safety of people at work from the risks arising from electricity.

What you should do

All electrical appliances/ equipment should be fitted with a an electrical testing tag showing that they have been tested and are safe to use;

If you find any equipment, or see any electrical fittings that do not appear safe, complete a hazard report form or inform your supervisor immediately.

                                                          

 

 In the event of electric shock,

• Break the contact by switching off the current at the mains or meter if it can be quickly reached.
• If not switch off at the power point and remove the plug before attempting to touch the victim.
• Contact for medical assistance immediately.
• Contact site first aid person immediately and call for assistance.

 

SHARPS

Sharps can include hypodermic needles, lancets, razor/scalpel blades, or any other instrument which could result in puncture injuries, damage to skin etc. the main risk associated with a needle-stick injury is the acquisition of blood borne viruses such as HIV (AIDS)) and Hepatitis B or C.

What you should do

• Never put your hands in areas where you cannot see or run fingers behind objects such as, wash basins, cupboards. Etc. never put your hand in to bins.
• Never pick up a sharp wit your bare hands.
• When disposing of sharps, Use tongs to pick up a needle or syringe and put it in a sharp container, do not hold (or have someone else hold) the container while you are putting a syringe in to it-put the container on the floor. Once the container is ¾ full make sure that you secure- the cap, and notify your supervisor that it needs to be replaced.
• Make sure that nobody else could get hurt by the sharp.

 

      First Aid Procedures

• Wash immediately and thoroughly with soap and water.
• If mouth, nose or eyes were affected, immediately rinse well with water or saline seek immediate medical advice.

MANUAL HANDLING

Many workplace injuries can occur if manual handling techniques are not followed. We provide work instruction and training to make sure you are following safe methods of work. This way, you are likely to hurt yourself.

What you should do

• Always follow the work instructions and training that has been provided.
• If you are not sure how to do something, stop what you are doing and ask your supervisor.

 

Pushing / pulling

• Whenever is possible push rather than pull. Brace your abdominals and use your legs. If you do have to pull, make sure your palms are facing upwards.
• High lifting
• Lifting above shoulder height places increased amounts of strain on your back. Wherever possible it should be avoided. Consider other options such as steps, storing equipment at lower heights etc.

 

Lifting rules

 

• Do not lift items you find heavy or awkward. Use trolleys, lifting equipment or team lift instead. If lifting equipment is provided use it.
• Report all strains, sprains, aches and other injuries you receive from lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling etc to your supervisor.
• Plan the lift – know where you are going, clear the way.
• Check the weight of the load - make sure it is not too heavy.
• Place feet- keeping well balanced. Squat down by the load, bending knees without going too low.
• Keep a straight back – do not bend/ slump.
• Get a good grip- use the palm - not just fingers.
• Pull the load close to the body, tuck in chin lift smoothly using leg muscles to stand up.
• If you are bending forward etc, change positions every few minutes by standing straight, and arching your back to a comfortable position.

 

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY POLICY

Relevant Act: Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004. Other relevant Acts/regulations are; Accident compensation Act; Occupational health and safety (manual handling) regulations 1999; occupational health and safety (Noise) Regulations 1992; Dangerous goods (storage and handling) Regulations 2000; Dangerous goods regulations (prescribed list) 1986; occupational health and safety (Hazardous substances) Regulations 1999 and occupational health and safety (plant) regulations 1995.

Purpose

To promote the highest practicable standard of occupational health and safety within the employ of Green Ribbon Cleaning Services and ensure compliance of Occupational Health  and Safety Act 1985.

To also provide the necessary support and guidance to Green Ribbon Cleaning Services and its staff to ensure that Green Ribbon Cleaning Services meets its legal and moral responsibilities to provide clear guidelines for all Green Ribbon Cleaning Services employees, contractors, clients, visitors and other in meeting their legal obligations.

Policy Statement

Green Ribbon Cleaning Services and its management are committed to ensure a safe and healthy environment for employees, contractors, clients, visitors and others. Green Ribbon Cleaning Services recognises that each individual has a prime responsibility to co-operate with all occupational health and safety measures.

Green Ribbon Cleaning services considers prevention of injury or ill-health to all individuals foremost an conducting its activities. Therefore, Green Ribbon Cleaning Services is not only committed to ensure that all legislative requirements approach in handling the occupational health, safety and welfare issues affecting its activities. In observances of these commitments Green Ribbon Cleaning Services has established this occupational Health and Safety policy.

Objectives

Protect the health and safety of all employees, contractors, clients, visitors and other persons at or near our work places;

Prevent accidents and ill health caused by working conditions;

Place and maintain staff in an occupational environment designed to satisfy their needs for health, safety and well-being at work.

Monitor and evaluate our OH&S procedures against our performance;

Participate in external meetings that encourage best practice in OH&S;

 

Implementation

Green Ribbon Cleaning Services will ensure the health, safety and welfare within the workplace of their employees, contactors, clients and others. The implementation of this policy includes;

Providing or maintaining equipment and systems of work that are safe and without risks to health,

Maintaining places of work, under their control, in a safe condition,

Making arrangements for ensuring the safe use, handling, storage and transport of equipment and substances,

Providing the information, instruction, training and supervision necessary to ensure the health and safety at work of employees, contractors, clients, visitors and others.

 

Training

Management will ensure that all workplace supervisors and staff are provided with the necessary training to carry out their responsibilities;

Management will ensure that all workplace supervisors and staff are provided with updated information about legislative changes.

All staff will be informed of the implementation of the company’s policy and the roles and responsibilities held by management, health and safety representatives and designated workplace supervisors.

Management will ensure that training in basic occupational health and safety principals is offered on an on-going basis to all staff.

Responsibilities/ Accountabilities  

Managing Director – overall accountability for the safety of all activities conducted by Green Ribbon Cleaning Services and will provide adequate resources and organisation to meet the objectives contained in the occupational health and safety policy. The managing director is empowered to enforce such actions are considered necessary to protect the occupational health and safety of employees, contractors, clients, visitors, others and plant and equipment;

Managers and leading hands- responsible for the safety of all activities conducted under their supervision, and are accountable to the Managing Director for ensuring the health and safety of the employees, contractors, clients, visitors, and others. They are also obliged to report any breaches of the procedures or if they believe a deficiency might be occurring or about to occur.

Monitoring and Review

This policy will be monitored constantly and will be reviewed every two (2) years or sooner if legislative changes have occurred. The review will take account of Green Ribbon Cleaning Services OH&S performance and any changes in work place risks which may have occurred since the policy was last reviewed.

 

 EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

• An emergency could be;
• An accident causing injury which requires an urgent medical treatment.
• Any case of collapse, unconsciousness or heat stress.
• Electrocution.
• A major collision causing injury.
• Contact by a machine with power lines.
• Discovery of a fire which cannot be controlled in less than two minutes.
• Vehicle Accident.

What you should do

The location where you work should have a map which shows you where to go in an emergency and who you should contact (including the contact names and phone numbers).

This map should also show the normal entrances and exits, positions of fire extinguishers and first aid equipment. It shall also contain location details, e.g. main entry, alternative entrance and emergency access points, emergency assembly areas, firefighting equipment etc.

It is your responsibility to read these instructions and know what to do before an imergency occurs.

 

WORKPLACE VIOLENCE WHEN WORKING ON SITE

Violence is a major occupational health and safety issue. Violence is often random and unpredictable. Many of these types of incident could be avoided or minimised if safe systems of work are in place.

Violence towed cleaners often occurred after working hours and at night hours and is related to robberies. It is often carried out by drug affected individuals.

Violent incidents can overwhelm an individual’s normal coping skills and cause strong emotional and psychological trauma which may not be immediately evident.

Dealing with Violence: Tips for cleaners

Watch for signs of violence. Staff should know how to recognize the potential for violence in a person’s behaviour. The potential for violence is usually signalled by verbal and non- verbal clues.

Verbal clues:

• Raised voices
• Threats
• Repetitive statements by the person

Non – verbal clues:

• Agitated movements
• Threatening gestures
• Eye to eye staring
• Standing very close
• Banging on the furniture
• Clenching the fists

 

Physical Violence

When confronted with violent behaviour:

• Withdraw from the situation immediately and contract your supervisor, the security service and/or the police.
• If you cannot withdraw from the situation:
• Do not attempt to physically stop them by stepping in between them and property they are attacking.
• Do not attempt to restrain them unless it is a life threatening situation and there are no other options. It normally takes four or five people to restrain an angry person without damage to themselves.
• There is a temptation to react to threatening behaviour by adopting the same confrontational body language in response. This may inflame the situation.
• To ensure that pacifying words and body language match:
• Take a step back to create space.
• Raise hand in front to waist level (as if warming them of a fire)
• Continue eye to eye contact but blinking every few seconds ( a feature of normal eye to eye contact)
• Continue to use non – confrontational language and do not touch the aggressive person.
• If the aggressive person leaves first DO NOT attempt to chase or follow them.
• Call the police.

 

 

What to do after a violent incident

• Provide first aid treatment for injured people and/ or arrange for medical treatment for any serious injuries.
• Record details of the incident.
• Report the incident to the business owner or senior manager and the police if necessary. Complete any reporting forms required. Notify all crimes to the police.
• Management cannot override this, nor should it interfere with any victims wish to report less serious acts of aggression to the police.
• Support employees and other involved:
• Provide a debriefing to affected workers:
• Allow workers time to recover- this may range from a few hours off work to longer periods. Do not force workers to “get over it” and continue work. Doing so may place them at risk of further trauma and even other injury because they cannot concentrate on their tasks;
• Offer professional counselling.
• Acknowledge the incident and take steps to prevent a repeat occurrence. This includes investigating the causes of the incident and looking to see why your prevention measures, if any, did not work.
• Remember, in some cases, violence and aggression issues are not “one-offs”. There may be underlying causes that need to be addressed. Identify and overcome these.

 

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM GUIDE

Green Ribbon Cleaning Services requires that you follow these rules to the letter. If you are ever in doubt, always stop and ask your manager/supervisor. Once the risk has been identified and a JSA completed, complete the job. If an incident occurs, report it immediately.

Environmental Management

• Improving how the environment is managed required that:
• We comply with all relevant statutory obligations.
• We report all potential problems.
• We adopt the continual improvement process.
• Remember blaming people does not improve our environmental management techniques.
• We change our thinking so that wastage is minimised and our personal safety is guaranteed.
• We strive to better our world and future, always.

To achieve Environmental Excellence, you must strive towards these common environmental goals:

• Minimal wastage on all sites and operations.
• Minimising all potential sources of pollution.
• Reporting all environmental incidents ASAP.
• Know your HSSE coordinator and understand our environmental management system. (EMS)

 

“What you can do to help right now”

Actively participate in all toolbox talks and environmental initiatives.

Continually try to reduce energy consumption.

 

 

Land Air Water Noise (LAWN)

The environmental impact of Green Ribbon Cleaning Services has four main concerns.

Land pollution (L)

Air pollution (A)

Water pollution (W)

Noise pollution (N)

 

The “LAWN” Principal

To reduce the most common environmental problems, apply the LAWN principals as follows.

LAND – keep it clean

AIR- clean enough to breath

WATER- good enough to drink and swim in

NOISE- quit and peaceful.

 

Land pollution

• We can minimise land pollution by adopting these steps:
• Always clean up at the end of the day.
• Never let materials spill onto spoils and the site.
• Check the job first, complete a JSA and always use PPE

 

Air Pollution

By simply breathing, air pollution can harm your health. These steps must be followed to reduce the risks:

Report all smoky exhausts.

Never burn off rubbish or cause unnecessary smoke.

Check and report all unpleasant smells. ASAP

Report all complaints to your supervisor.

Water pollution

Self Assessment Questions

 

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