Target Audience: All citizens participating in the 21st Century Citizenship Program.
Module Duration: 75 minutes
Learning Objectives:
Understand the importance of workplace safety and OHS for individual well-being and organizational productivity.
Identify common workplace hazards and risks across various industries.
Develop knowledge of OHS regulations and best practices.
Acquire skills in hazard identification, risk assessment, and control measures.
Foster a safety-conscious mindset and promote a culture of safety in the workplace.
10 minutes
Safety First: Begins with impactful visuals or statistics highlighting the consequences of workplace accidents and the importance of prioritizing safety.
Module Overview: Definition of workplace safety and OHS, outlining the learning objectives and emphasizing their significance for individuals, organizations, and society.
20 minutes
Hazard Categories: Categorize common workplace hazards:
Physical Hazards: Noise, vibration, temperature extremes, radiation, slips, trips, and falls.
Chemical Hazards: Exposure to hazardous substances, including dusts, fumes, liquids, and gases.
Biological Hazards: Exposure to infectious agents, such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
Ergonomic Hazards: Musculoskeletal disorders caused by repetitive motions, awkward postures, and heavy lifting.
Psychosocial Hazards: Stress, bullying, harassment, and violence.
Industry-Specific Hazards: Discussion about hazards specific to different industries (e.g., construction, healthcare, manufacturing) and provide relevant examples.
20 minutes
Legal Framework: Introduction to relevant OHS legislation and regulations, emphasizing the responsibilities of employers and employees in maintaining a safe workplace.
Key Rights and Responsibilities: An outline workers' rights, such as the right to a safe workplace, the right to refuse unsafe work, and the right to information and training.
Employer Duties: General discussion about employer duties, including providing a safe work environment, conducting risk assessments, providing safety training, and reporting incidents.
15 minutes
Risk Assessment: An explanation of the process of risk assessment, including hazard identification, risk evaluation, and control measures.
Hierarchy of Controls: Introduction to the hierarchy of controls, prioritizing elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls, and personal protective equipment (PPE).
Emergency Procedures: Open dialogue about emergency procedures and evacuation plans, emphasizing the importance of preparedness and training.
Incident Reporting and Investigation: Explains the importance of reporting workplace incidents and the process of investigating incidents to prevent recurrence.
10 minutes
Safety Mindset: Encourages participants to adopt a safety-conscious mindset, taking personal responsibility for their safety and the safety of others.
Communication and Collaboration: Emphasis placed on the importance of open communication and collaboration between employers and employees in identifying and addressing safety concerns.
Continuous Improvement: Promotes a culture of continuous improvement in workplace safety, encouraging feedback, suggestions, and proactive safety initiatives.
Workplace Hazard Hunt: Simulation of a "hazard hunt" where participants identify potential hazards in various workplace scenarios.
Risk Assessment Exercise: Analysis of a risk assessment exercise for a specific job or task, applying the hierarchy of controls to develop appropriate control measures.
Safety Equipment Demonstration: Demonstration of the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) relevant to different industries.
Case Study Analysis: Analyze real-world workplace incidents to identify contributing factors and discuss preventative measures.
Workplace Safety and Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) provides a comprehensive overview of workplace safety and OHS, equipping citizens with the knowledge, skills, and awareness necessary to contribute to a safe and healthy work environment. By fostering a culture of safety and promoting responsible practices, this subject empowers citizens to protect themselves and others in the workplace.