EMPLOYEE

OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND

HEALTH MANUAL

A REFERENCE PROVIDING DETAILS ON SAFE WORKING PROCEDURES

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 OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH POLICY

ATC Employment Solutions (“ATCES”) is committed to providing and maintaining, so far as is

practicable, the highest standards of occupational safety, health, welfare and rehabilitation
for all employees.

This will be achieved by ensuring appropriate resources and effort are effectively utilised in
the areas of accident and injury prevention.

Managers and supervisors will regard safety and health at the workplace as their highest
priorities. They will be responsible for ensuring employees are given appropriate information,
instruction and education on safe working practices and procedures, together with the correct
technique for performing the job.

Every employee has an important and responsible role in accident and injury prevention and
will be encouraged to participate in improving standards of workplace safety and health. This
will involve consultation and communication through OHS Committees, Tool Box Meetings
and on going training.

Management will consult and co-operate with employees and Health and Safety Committees,
on workplace safety and health issues. This will ensure that we work together to promote
and maintain a safer working environment.

This policy, along with all OHS documentation, will be reviewed on a regular basis to ensure
continued improvement to the OHS Management System and to address changes on OHS
and organisational standards.

Stan Liaros
Chief Executive Officer

Tom Hall
Chairman of the Board

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 1. LEGAL ASPECTS OF SAFETY

OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ACT OF WA (1984)

Occupational Safety and Health (OS&H) laws aim to make workplaces safer and to prevent injury or
disease to workers.

Under the Act, all people involved in the workplace have responsibilities for safety and health at work.
This includes:

 People in control of workplaces

 Employers or people who hire labour
 Apprentices-trainees and self employed people
 People who design and construct buildings
 People who design, manufacture or supply materials, plant, equipment or substance
for use in a workplace

The Act provides guidelines to employers and apprentices-trainees on how to effectively consult and
communicate on OS&H matters. In particular, the Act aims to:

 Promote and secure the safety and health of people in workplaces

 Protect workers from hazards
 Ensure safe and hygienic working conditions
 Reduce, eliminate and control hazards in the workplace
 Encourage co-operation and consultation between employers, apprentices-trainees
and others in the workplace

 Promote education and awareness of OS&H laws and regulations

The Act provides a framework where consultation, co-operation, regulations, codes of practice and
procedures for resolution of issues support the General Duties of Care which are the guiding principals
for all other parts of the Act.

The OS&H Act is supported by regulations which have the force of law and set out the legal
requirements for particular hazards or workplace activities. These regulations are enforceable and
breaches may result in prosecution and fines.

Approved Codes of Practice are also issued by the minister to provide practical guidance on how a
particular standard can be achieved and to detail the preferred methods or courses of action to
achieve that standard.

Codes of Practice do not have the same legal force as regulations and people cannot be prosecuted
for an offence under a code of practice.

Guidance Notes are also provided to help explain certain aspects of the Act, Regulations, Standards
and Codes of Practice.

All employees of ATCES are directed to ensure that they are familiar with all Safety and Health
policies, information, instructions and requirements applicable to the client employer's workplace or
site.

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 Each employee must:

 Adhere to all safe work practices, instructions and rules

 Perform all duties in a manner which ensures the individual's safety and health and that of
others

When in the employment of the host employer and working at another employer's workplace or site all
apprentices and trainees are to comply with any Occupational Safety and Health procedures. rules,
regulations, instructions etc. for that workplace or site.

2. DUTY OF CARE

WorkSafe when investigating accidents use a legal concept called Duty of Care. Duty of Care means
that every employer and employee has an obligation to act in a manner that is not negligent. If a
person is negligent, it means that they failed to taken some action that is expected of them to take, to
prevent an accident.

Under the OSH Act and your Duty of Care you must:

 Perform work duties in a safe and responsible way

 Cooperate and follow the instructions given by ATCES and the client employer or supervisor in
regard to safety and health
 Use personal protective equipment where provided and in the way you have been instructed
 Report all hazards to the ATCES and the client employer
 Not perform any work that you believe to be unsafe. Discuss the issue with your client employer
and if you are not convinced that the problem has been fixed you must contact ATCES.

The client employer must do the following to demonstrate a Duty of Care:

 Make the work place safe and without risk to your health
 Ensure the safe use, handling, storage and transport of equipment and substances
 Provide an adequate level of instruction, training and supervision to ensure safety, especially
to staff who operate complex and potentially dangerous equipment

ATCES must do the following to demonstrate a Duty of Care:

 Provide a safety induction programme to all employees

 Check the client employer’s workplace for safety and health systems, procedures and the
general work environment
 Monitor safety and health, and as needed help the client employer by suggesting safer
practices and/or conditions
 Remove the apprentice from the client employer if a safe workplace cannot be provided and
maintained

3. PENALTIES

If you fail to comply with your Duty of Care and/or supply false information, obstruct inspectors or do
not abide by the OSH law you could receive a fine of up to $25,000.00 for a first offence. (Refer to
OSH Act 20A(i)(a))

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 4. HOUSEKEEPING

Housekeeping is the general cleanliness and tidiness of your work environment. Ongoing good
housekeeping standards require commitment and perseverance by both the client employer and the
employee involved.

Good housekeeping is essential in preventing accidents and promoting good safety. Employees are
required to keep their machines/equipment and work areas clean and tidy. The following points
should be adhered at all times:

 Working areas are to be kept free of all rubbish and waste materials
 Nails protruding from timber are to be pulled out or bent over
 Use bins provided for waste, rubbish, wire, sawdust and general scrap
 Immediately wipe up or use the spill kit provided, to clean up any spills, particularly oil and grease,
to prevent slips and falls
 Return containers that have contained flammable liquids carefully
 Return all tools to their proper storage areas
 Keep toilets and washrooms tidy
 Keep passageways clear at all times
 Do not leave stock on the floor or in passageways
 Shield welding jobs (i.e. welding screens)
 Do not participate in any form of horse play
 Follow safe work procedures (e.g. handling asbestos, working at heights, working in the outdoors
etc.)

Ask your supervisor if you are unsure about any of the above

5. WORKERS COMPENSATION

You are covered for workers compensation during working hours. All claims for compensation must
be made through ATCES in person. A claim cannot be processed without the correct doctor's
certificate (Form 5) being obtained.

It is essential that you consult a doctor on the day of injury as a backdated doctor's certificate will not
be accepted by the Workcover.

6. ACCIDENT REPORTING

The Occupational Safety and Health Act imposes a duty of care on employers, visitors to company
offices, work sites and all employees.

Records of all injuries are required to be kept. All accidents no matter how minor must be reported to
the client employer and to ATCES immediately.

Admission to a hospital of any employee, for any period resulting from a work related injury, must be
reported to the Division of Accident Prevention by ATCES within 24 hours.

If the injury results in absenteeism you must report to ATCES’ office and complete a workers
compensation claim form.

7. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)

ATCES’ employees are required to wear personal protective equipment whenever it is necessary,
including during attendance at all training providers facilities. All PPE must comply with relevant
Australian Standards.

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 8. FIRE AND SAFETY

Apprentices and trainees who have to operate burning and welding equipment, must ensure that the
area is safe, and the surrounding area is clear of flammable and combustible materials.

Do not use petrol, thinners or other flammable substances in a hot unventilated room, near an open
flame near power sources or on hot surfaces.

All oils, paints and other flammable substances must be stored in specific labelled containers. Only
small quantities of these materials should be taken into the work area.

Do not block access to hydrants, fire hose boxes, fire extinguishers or other fire fighting equipment.

In case of fire:

Inform: Raise the alarm to the supervisor and all personnel.

Decide: A decision whether to fight the fire or not needs to be made. The supervisor should
make this decision. If the fire is small and controllable the fire may need to be fought.
This can be done by using a suitable fire extinguisher or a fire blanket.
Call: The nearest fire department and give them all the relevant details eg. address, type of
fire, the cause and if dangerous goods are involved etc.
Retreat: If the fire is too big or dangerous to control retreat to the designated assembly area in
a calm manner.

Types of Extinguishers:

Pressurised Water Extinguishers

Solid Red in colour
Use on only Paper, Rubbish and Furniture fires

Carbon Dioxide Extinguishers

Red in colour with a black band
Use on only Electrical, Petrol/ liquid Fuel fires. Limited effectiveness on
Paper, rubbish and furniture fires

Dry Chemical Extinguishers

Red in colour with white band
Use on Petrol/ liquid Fuel fires. Not necessarily suitable for Paper, rubbish
and furniture fires. Discharge near electrical equipment may damage the
equipment. There are two types of this extinguisher- check which you have.

Foam Extinguisher
Solid blue in colour
Use on only Paper, rubbish, furniture fires and Petrol/liquid fuel fires

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 9. NOISE

Noise is often described as unwanted sound. There are two important characteristics of sound -
frequency and intensity. Low frequency noises are what we hear from bass guitars or rumbling
noises. High frequency noise might be a shriek or a high pitched whine. Both can be very damaging.

All workplaces generate noise. In some cases, this level of noise will lead to discomfort and pain.
Repeated exposure to excessive noise will eventually lead to permanent damage. Extreme levels of
noise can also result in immediate hearing loss (acute).

The effects can include:

 Hearing loss
Too much noise can cause permanent damage and reduced quality of life. There is no remedial
treatment and hearing aids are of limited benefit. Hearing loss can result in social withdrawal and
feelings of isolation as the person may find it difficult to take part in normal conversation.

 Tinnitus
Many people who have a certain degree of hearing loss may also suffer from tinnitus - a ringing and
buzzing sound in their ears. These sounds can be extremely annoying and can interfere with sleep.

 Fatigue/Low Productivity
Many people find that noise adds to the fatigue of work, which can make it difficult to concentrate.
Productivity can suffer as a result.

 Annoyance and Stress

Noise is a common source of annoyance and stress. It has been found that noise can often be the
main complaint regarding working conditions.

Noise is a safety hazard. It can distract attention. It could drown out the sound of an alarm.

A variety of hearing protectors are available when the level of noise cannot be controlled by other
means. The use of hearing protectors must be supported by information, instruction and training on
how to use them correctly.

Eployees have a responsibility to wear hearing protection when noise levels are high and when
instructed to do so.

10. SMOKING

Smoking is only permitted in designated areas. Cigarette butts must be extinguished in ash trays and
other approved containers. You must obey 'No Smoking' signs at all workplaces or training facilities.

11. MANUAL HANDLING

Most people think of manual handling as lifting and carrying objects by hand, however manual
handling also includes other movements where a force is exerted. The correct definition for manual
handling is any activity requiring the use of force exerted by a person to lift, lower, push, pull, carry or
otherwise move, hold or restrain any person, animal or thing.

There is a Code of Practice on Manual Handling that can help identify, assess and evaluate and
control risks associated with manual handling tasks.

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 The Code of Practice promotes using mechanical lifting devices before manual handling. Next would
be a team lift approach.

Manual handling applies to a wide range of every day work procedures. Unfortunately, many of these
manual handling tasks have led to injuries to workers.

If the job requires you to handle or lift objects and materials, use the following method to avoid injury:

 Place your feet apart (about hip width), as close as possible to the object being lifted and one
foot slightly ahead in direction of travel
 Always bend your knees as this uses the leg muscles and will protect your back

 Hold your arms as close to your body as possible

 Keep your back very straight

 Take a firm, secure grip. Where possible use the palms of hands, not just the fingertips

 Tuck you chin in as this helps to keep the back straight

DON'T twist at the waist - Turn your whole body and move your feet

DON'T lift awkward or heavy objects by yourself - Get assistance

12. ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT

Only electricians are permitted to install or repair electrical equipment. Defective electrical equipment
and unsafe wiring must be reported immediately to your supervisor and tagged out with an “out of
service” tag.

Electrical cords must not be placed across aisles or walking areas as they may create a tripping
hazard and could be damaged by other equipment (e.g. Forklift). At all times, assume electrical
equipment and wiring to be 'live' and therefore dangerous.

Protective footwear may provide some protection against electric shock. In situations where contact
with overhead wires is possible, head protection should be worn. For example by a linesman, head
protection is available that provides protection from electric shock and burn. When selecting head
protection, knowledge of potential electrical hazards is important as different helmets provide different
levels of protection.

An important aspect of preventing injuries from electricity is to ensure that electrical equipment is
properly insulated.

If electric shock does occur follow the instructions below:

High Voltage Power

 Stay more than six metres from the victim

 Shout reassurance

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 Low Voltage

 Turn off electricity if possible

When Power is Off

If Victim is Unconscious

 Follow Emergency Action Flow Chart

If Victim Conscious

 Apply sterile non-stick dressings to entry and exit burns

 Fix dressings with a light bandage

13. CHEMICALS

Introduction

Every business and industry type uses a wide variety of chemicals.

Thousands of new chemicals are produced every year that add to the existing chemicals. Data shows
that chemicals can contribute up to 50% of occupational illness and disease.

Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) provide information on the risks associated with chemical use,
including PPE to be worn and first aid requirements. MSDS provides information on the following:

(1) Physical Effects of Chemicals

Physical effects of chemicals are those effects that can cause harm and injury due to the physical
properties of the chemicals. These include:

Explosiveness

Substances that pose the danger of blast and explosion eg - LPG

Flammability
Materials that pose the danger of fire, can add heat to a fire and generate toxic fumes - petrol,
synthetic materials.

Reactivity

Chemicals that react violently when in contact with other material eg. pool chlorine and brake fluid.

Oxidation

Chemicals that release oxygen, increasing the potential for fire or adding to the violence of fires.

Corrosiveness
Chemicals that bum the skin, eyes, respiratory or digestive tracts, causing irreversible damage eg -
acids and caustics.

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 Other physical hazards include the temperature and pressure of the materials. Hot or very cold
chemicals burn the body on contact eg - dry ice. Chemicals under pressure may explode or become
projectiles if damaged.

It is important when working with chemicals that you not only know what is potentially harmful, but also
the secondary hazards such as the potential for explosion or violent reaction.

(2) Toxic Hazard of Chemicals

Toxic hazards relate to the chemical's ability to damage the human body because of irritation with
processes within the body.

These effects include:

 Irritants that cause irritation at the point of contact producing either reversible effects eg - rash or
irreversible effects eg - scarring. Irritants include ammonia, solvents and chlorine gas.

 Asphyxiants inhibit the body's ability to absorb or transport oxygen. These include simple
asphyxiants eg - oxygen depleted atmosphere, or chemical asphyxiants eg - cyanide, carbon
monoxide.

 Sensitisers cause or provoke allergic reactions such as asthma or allergic dermatitis eg -

isocyanides, formaldehyde or chromium salts.

Chemicals are discussed in terms of toxicity. The toxicity of a chemical is based on the following
factors:

 the physical properties of the chemical

 how the chemical enters the body
 how much of the chemical entered the body and over what period of time;
 the susceptibility of the exposed individual

(3) Physical Properties

The physical properties of a chemical relate to the state of that chemical under different situations.
These states include:

 Vapour: The evaporated or gaseous form of a substance that is normally in a liquid state. An
example in the workplace could be the vapours from petrol or thinner's.
 Dust - Particulates: Tiny solid particles that do not tend to mix and move through the air,
eventually settle. Dust is usually generated by the break-up of materials by crushing, grinding, or
disturbing powdered material.

 Fumes: Fumes are created when a vapour is formed above the surface of a liquid (normally
molten metal). This reacts with the oxygen in the air to form a metal oxide. For example, a welder
can be exposed to welding fumes.

 Mist: Suspended liquid droplets are generated when a gas or vapour condenses to the liquid
state. An example is oil mist from cutting and grinding operations.

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 (4) Route of Entry

The three main routes of entry of chemicals into the body are:
 inhalation through the lungs
 absorption through the skin
 ingestion into the body

(5) Dose of a Chemical

A dose is the amount of chemicals taken into the body. Exposure to chemicals can be described as
either acute or chronic.. Acute generally means single or short term exposure, and chronic exposure
usually means low level of exposure for long periods of time.

The three main factors in evaluating exposure at work are:

 what amount of the substance is present
 how long is the exposure
 how often does the exposure occur

(6) Susceptibility of the Exposed Individual

Some individuals are more sensitive to the effects of chemicals than others. This could lead to the
person having serious side-effects when coming into contact with a specific substance.

The Use of Material Safety Data Sheets

Client employers have a legal responsibility to ensure that employees working with substances are
provided with information on the use, handling, transportation, storage and disposal of these
substances. Apprentices and trainees have a legal responsibility to follow these instructions. Ask for
directions on use etc, when uncertain. The following provides examples of what MSDS covers:

The quality of Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) can vary. They give advice on:

 Ingredients of a product;
 Health effects and first aid instructions;
 Precautions for use
 Emergency procedures
Identification

This section should first identify the product, with portions of the product, with portions of the product in
a mixture. Details should also be given regarding:

The dangerous goods class:

 HAZCHEM code

 Poisons schedule

 Boiling point-melting point

 Vapour pressure

 Specific gravity
 Flash point

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  Flammability limits
 Solubility
 Physical appearance

Health Effects

Information should cover the acute and chronic effects of exposure to skin, eyes, inhalation and
swallowing. The most severe effects of the product should be stated first.

First Aid

Information on the MSDS should show the basic initial care and if medical attention is required. If
special first aid facilities, such as showers or eye wash are required, then this should be stated on the
MSDS.

Advice to Doctor

Information should be of a specific nature that will be of use to medical staff. Specific remedies should
be indicated. Where no remedy is available, the doctor should be advised to contact a poison's
information centre.

Precautions for Use

The precautions for use should provide sufficient warning about the substance and provide details for
developing safe work procedures.

Exposure Standards

Exposure standards represent airborne concentrations of individual chemical substances, which

should not impair the health or cause undue discomfort to all workers. Exposure standards are
intended only for use as a guide in the control of potential health hazards and should be interpreted by
a qualified experienced personnel.

Engineering Controls

The MSDS should outline those engineering controls that are appropriate for the recommended uses
and application of the substance.

Emphasis should be on engineering methods rather than the need for protective clothing.

Personal Protection
Information on the need for and the type of protection required should be provided. Specific types of
respirators should be listed, if required. Special requirements may exist for gloves, eye protection or
other equipment, and these should be stated.

Flammability

Details should include where necessary the need for ventilation, the need to avoid ignition sources,
and any other special requirements.

Safe Handling Information

Details include information on storage and transport, spills and disposal, fire/explosion hazards.

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 Conclusion

The potential for injuries and harm to health associated with chemicals at work can be high. Incidents
that have occurred in the past were usually caused by lack of information, procedures, training and
knowledge. Your client employer should have MSDS for ALL hazardous chemicals in your workplace.
No apprentice should be allowed to work unless they know what is in the chemical and its health
effects.

The Materials Safety Data Sheet is invaluable and an indispensable source of information on the
hazardous substances used. It helps to formulate safe working practices and procedures and create
safe handling and emergency procedures.

MSDS are required to be updated at least every 5 years. If the MSDS is older than that, report the
matter to your supervisor.

14. MECHANICAL HAZARDS

The majority of hazards associated with machinery can be regarded as mechanical hazards.
Examples of mechanical hazards are shown. These cause injuries that are a result of:

 Entanglement with the machinery

 Being trapped between the machine and any material or fixed structure
 Entanglement with any material in motion
 Being struck by ejected parts

Entanglement

Entanglement is usually caused by loose clothing, jewellery, cleaning brushes or rags. Bodily contact
may occur due to contact with machines with rotating surfaces.

Entanglement caused by catch, rip points or gaps

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 Drawing -in hazards between two counter-rotating parts

Stabbing and Puncture

Stabbing and puncture injuries can be caused by flying objects such as an abrasive wheel
disintegrating, or by rapidly moving parts a machine or by pieces of material such as drilling machines.

Impact Hazards
Impact hazards care caused by objects which act against the general weight of the body but do
penetrate it, such as being struck by protrusions or moving counter-weights.

Impact

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 Risk Controls for Machinery Hazards

When operating any sort of machinery, always adhere to the following points:

 Never operate any sort of machinery unless guards are in place

 Do not tamper with machine guard or warning signs
 Always wear suitable eye protection
 Remove off-cuts or objects from around moving machine parts with a brush or a stick -
never with the hand or compressed air
 Do not operate lathes or drills with the chuck keys in place
 Do not leave running machines unattended
 Before making adjustments or repairs, always stop the machinery and attach a danger tag

15. OFFICE SAFETY

Accidents can and do occur in the office. There are many objects that can cause injury, unless the
following guidelines are observed:

 Keep desk drawers and files closed when they are not in use
 Open one file drawer at a time - if more than one is opened the cabinet may tip over
 Practice caution when using the stairways and always wear sensible footwear
 Do not stand or lean back on chairs
 Never carry pens or pencils in your mouth or with the exposed point upwards in your
pocket
 Electrical leads to office machines and telephones should not be trailed along aisles or
looped around desks - this can create a serious tripping hazard
 Do not keep sharp objects in the desk drawer's eg - pins, thumb tacks. Always keep these
objects in containers
 Follow the basic rules for lifting - manual handling
 Maintain correct posture for computer operation by using equipment
supplied such as chairs, document holders, foot rests etc.

16. PREVENTION OF FALLS (working at heights and working at same level)

Fall arrest systems are designed to prevent falls from elevated workplaces where redesign of the work
is not possible. Guardrails provide protection from falling and provide greater mobility to workers than
safety harnesses. Protective footwear should be worn for greater grip and protection from falling
objects.

Fractures are the most common injuries caused by a fall or trip. To help prevent trips and falls from
happening in the future, the following should be done:
 Clean up spills immediately - display a hazard sign until the area is safe
 Make sure passageways are clear of obstructions
 When carrying a load remember to walk forwards not backwards
 Report broken tiles or uneven floors - display a warning sign until repaired;

 Use a step ladder rather than chairs, cases, saw horses or trolleys to reach items that are
out of reach

 Assess structures for sturdiness before walking on them.


17. LADDERS

Do not use defective ladders. To prevent the ladder slipping, either tie it securely or have someone
hold it while in use.

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 Do not use metal ladders when working close by to electricity.

18. OTHER HAZARDS

A large number and a wide range of accidents may be related to poor housekeeping eg - trips, falls. It
is every apprentice's responsibility to report any hazardous practice or condition in the workplace.
This will prevent injury or damage to apprentices and equipment in the future.

There are a number of things that must be ensured in every workplace.

Machinery and Equipment

 Clean and free of unnecessary material
 Free of dripping oil or grease
 Proper guards provided and in good condition

Stock and Material

 Properly piled and arranged
 Loaded and/or stored safely and orderly

Tools
 Properly stored
 Free of oil and grease when stored

Aisles

 Provided to work positions, fire extinguishers and exits

 Safe and free of obstructions
Floors
 Surfaces safe and suitable to work
 Clean, dry and free of unnecessary material, oil and grease

Buildings

 Walls and windows that are reasonably clean for operations on that area and free of
unnecessary hangings
 Lighting systems that are maintained in an efficient manner
 Stairs that are clean, free of materials, well lighted and with adequate hand rails
 Platforms are clean, free of materials and well lighted

19. ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUGS

The consumption of alcohol or other drugs is prohibited in workplaces at all times. This
includes before, during or after work at any workplace or training facility that employees are
required to attend.

If employees report to work under the influence of alcohol or drugs they will be suspended
immediately.

Studies by the WA Health Department show that employees suffering from alcohol or drug
related intoxication are:

 Up to 25% less productive

 Are absent from work 2 to 3 times more often
 Significantly more likely to be involved in a workplace accident
 More likely to suffer from other health or psychological problems
 Less able to react appropriately in emergency situations

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 Workers who are intoxicated or under the influence of drugs in the workplace are not able to ensure
their own safety and health at work and pose substantial risks to the safety and health of their fellow
workers.

Statistics from 1995 show that almost 30% of workplace fatalities were related to alcohol or
other drug use and nearly one quarter of all workplace accidents reported that year involved
intoxicated persons.

EFFECTS OF INTOXICATION

ALCOHOL

All alcoholic beverages impair both the performance and cognitive abilities of users. The risk of
accidents increases rapidly with increased consumption and measurable impairment occurs after only
2 standard drinks.

Blood Alcohol Level Risk Factor

0.05% 2 times the risk

0.08% 5 times the risk
0.12% 25 times the risk
0.18% 50 times the risk

Alcohol is slow to metabolise and can be retained by the body for up to 14 hours. A person who
consumes 4 standard drinks per hour over a 3 hour period before midnight, will still register a Blood
Alcohol Level in excess of 0.05% at 10.00 am the next day. Driving ability and the ability to safely
operate machinery, will still be impaired by as much as 25% by midday.

CANNABIS

The degree of impairment caused by cannabis is related to the dose consumed. A single cannabis
cigarette can cause significant, measurable impairment for up to 10 hours after the dose was taken.

Cannabis is stored in the body’s fat cells and can be detected in the urine, hair and nails of regular
users for up to 21 days after the last exposure. Even occasional recreational use can be detected up
to 10 days later.

Cannabis use causes:

 Reduced reflexes and impaired cognitive ability

 Slower reaction times
 Shortened attention span – easily distracted
 Significantly reduced motivation
 Memory impairment

Cannabis also contains higher tar levels and more potent carcinogens (cancer causing agents) than
tobacco and has a cumulative effect when combined with alcohol or other drugs.

Studies into road accidents in the USA during 1995/96 showed that almost 38% of people killed in
road accidents, tested positive to cannabis use.

AMPHETAMINES

Amphetamines are highly addictive and the effects of amphetamine use are associated with:

 Aggressive behaviour
 Increased risk taking
 Restlessness and inability to concentrate

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 Intoxication often leads to:

 Disorientation
 Hallucinations
 Paranoia
 Psychosis

Withdrawal symptoms can often include severe, almost pathological depression, anxiety and
increased irrationality.

LSD (Acid, Trips etc)

LSD is a synthetically manufactured chemical compound which causes:

 Disorientation and confusion

 Hallucinations – often severe, uncontrollable and traumatic
 Very limited attention span
 Paranoia and psychosis

The effects of LSD are unpredictable and often traumatic in individual users and in some cases,
people never really ‘come back’ from their first and only ’trip’.

BENZODIAZEPINES

Benzodiazepines are depressant drugs, which act on the central nervous system and include such
compounds as Valium, Serapax, Mogodon etc.

These substances are generally only available on prescription.

The effects of benzodiazepines vary depending on the particular drug and the dose taken, but long
term use is usually addictive and can lead to:

 Chronic depression
 Drowsiness
 Loss of motivation

When combined with alcohol or other drugs, the consequences can be serious, leading to coma and
even death.

OPIATES

Opiates include legal drugs such as codeine, panadeine and some cough mixtures, as well as illegal
substances such as heroin and morphine.

Effects include:

 Depression of central nervous system

 Suppression of the body’s response to pain
 Addiction and dependence

Drug users are often depicted as unemployed, unwashed no-hopers, but Health Department figures
show that approximately 70% of all people treated for chemical dependency, were in full time
employment and that up to 10% of Australia’s total workforce suffer from problems associated with
alcohol or drug abuse.

Use or abuse of any drug, including alcohol, can have a detrimental effect on a person’s ability to learn
and retain knowledge and to work safely in hazardous environments.

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 20. ADDITIONAL SAFETY INFORMATION

WORKSAFE WA

WorkSafe provides a comprehensive range of safety information, including:

 Copies of the Act and Regulations

 Codes of Practice approved by the minister, on such matters as Manual handling,

Elevated work platforms, Hazardous substances, Prevention of falls and Excavations and
workplace bullying and harassment.

 National codes of practice adopted by WA, including Safe removal of asbestos,

Preparation of MSDS, Labelling of workplace substances, Protection of hearing and
others

 Guidance Notes on matters such as Formation of safety committees, General duties of

care and Electrical residual current devices

In addition, WorkSafe also produce a variety of pamphlets and other publications dealing with a wide
range of common workplace hazards.

Information on WorkSafe publications and a lot of other safety related information including a video
library is available on WorkSafe’s Safety Line web site.

Copies of the Occupational Safety & Health Act WA, the OS&H Regulations and most Codes of
Practice are available to be read at ATCES’ office. Any employee wishing to refer to any of this
material should contact their ATCES representative.

Employees will also receive considerable training in safety aspects concerning their particular trade,
once they commence their Certificate of Trade Studies course at their Registered Training
Organisation, as safety will continue to be of vital importance throughout your training.

Please remember your Duty of Care, Safety is more than just an important responsibility

SAFETY IS A WAY OF LIFE

- Look out for others as well as yourself

1. Spot the Hazard

2. Assess the Risk

3. Make the Changes

QA 08/06/2015 Page 19 of 19