Note: Provision of protective equipment should always be the last control option considered. A combination of controls may be appropriate, however the combination must be based on the control hierarchy.

Procedure

1. Hazards or near misses that have been identified outside of the regular hazard inspections  will be communicated in Brisbane to the Property Manager or reception and with the Location Pastor elsewhere,  for logging on the Maxpanda system. 

2. Hazard identification and risk assessment must accompany any proposal for the introduction of new equipment or processes or the modification of equipment or processes.

3. Once a potential hazard has been reported and it has not yet been rectified, it shall be brought to the attention of the workers immediately. 

4. If the fixing of a hazard alters the workplace in such a way as it may be considered a new hazard to a worker who was not informed, the workers will be notified as soon as possible. 

5. The Property Manager, Venue Manager, WHS Facilitator, Manager or Location Pastor will implement control measures where appropriate, based on the hierarchy of controls. 

6. The Maxpanda system will be utilized as part of the control mechanism for hazards for which there are no simple maintenance issues.

7. The WHS Facilitator, the Property Manager and/or nominated Manager/s and Location Pastors, accompanied by relevant workers, should review the controls within one week of their introduction to ensure that they are appropriate and that additional hazards have not been introduced.  They may recommend changes to controls where appropriate.

8. Modifications to the controls must be implemented as needed.

9. Review of controls is included in the regular hazard inspections of the area.

The list of identified hazards and the required action forms the hazard register as found on the Maxpanda system. These documents assist in monitoring the hazards and control progress. 

Record keeping of the risk management process via the Maxpanda system, demonstrates potential compliance with the WHS Act and Regulations. 

Where necessary and appropriate specialist advice is obtained for hazardous substances, i.e.

• Safety Data Sheets

• State based Government Safety Authority i.e, Workcover, Worksafe

• Consulting Occupational Hygienists

Purpose

This procedure describes how hazards must be reported by workers.  Any worker who comes across or locates a hazard or potential hazard regarding any health or  safety issues should report the hazard immediately. This procedure applies to all workers (which includes volunteers, interns  and contractors).

Responsibilities

Workers are:

• required to comply with all our reasonable efforts in providing a safe work environment. This includes working responsibly so they do not adversely affect the health and safety of other workers, volunteers, interns, contractors and visitors;

• to report hazards and unsafe work methods and are encouraged to suggest methods of controlling risk when they identify a hazard;

• not to perform any work or use any machinery that is not properly guarded or in safe working order; 

• to use all Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) provided. If PPE is either not suitable or damaged, bring it to the attention of your Manager and it will be replaced; and

• report all work injuries and serious near miss incidents.

If you believe the job, machine, plant or equipment is unsafe and may cause injury to yourself or others - DO NOT USE IT. 

Procedure

1. If there is an immediate risk of injury or illness, a worker (eg broken glass window, pothole in public thoroughfare from excessive rain) shall take action to make the area safe, ensuring their own safety is not jeopardised, and must not leave a site until support has arrived.

2. In Brisbane, the worker shall report the hazard to reception and note what action, if any, has been taken to secure the site. Other Locations must lodge reported hazards via the Maxpanda System and document the rectification of such hazards as part of the hazard register.  

3. If an accident or near miss causing injury has occurred, the worker should also fill in the Accident, Incident and Injury Report Form.

4. If the matter is important but not urgent (ie light out in toilets, clutter in hallway), the person identifying the hazard would still report the hazard to reception in Brisbane or the Location Pastor or WHS Facilitator if one has been appointed elsewhere or if in Brisbane, reception to have the issue logged in Maxpanda, or contact the relevant person to fix.

5. The WHS Facilitator shall provide all significant hazard reports from individual reporting along with monthly inspections for tabling at the Committee of Management meeting for all Locations.

6. The Hazard Reporting Procedure for all Locations is covered in this WHSMS at Induction and is part of ongoing training for all staff.