Guides: Carpentry & Joinery: Work Health and Safety

Legislation and Acts

Health and Safety Legislation in Australia Video length 4:38 minutes.
Western Australian Legislation Click on the link above to search for WA legislation.
Work Health and Safety (General) Regulations 2022 These regulations set the minimum requirements for specific hazards, work and administrative practices in relation to work safety and health.
Work Health and Safety Act 2020 This Act provides for the promotion, co-ordination, administration and enforcement of occupational safety and health in Western Australia.
Work Health and Safety Laws Information about WA’s new work health and safety (WHS) laws.
Worksafe WA - Approved Codes of Practice A code of practice provides detailed information on how you can achieve the standards required under work health and safety (WHS) law. Codes of practice do not replace the law, but can help you understand what you need to do to comply with specific regulations and provide a healthy and safe workplace.
Work Safe Australia - Law and Regulation Safe Work Australia is a national policy body responsible for the development and evaluation of the model WHS laws

Government Websites

Comcare Has functions and responsibilities as an insurer, regulator and scheme manager.
Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety Its prime responsibility is to regulate mining, petroleum and geothermal industries and dangerous goods in Western Australia.
WorkSafe WA The Western Australian Government agency responsible for the regulation of WHS in accordance with the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984.
WorkSafe WA - Safety and Health topics Aggression Bullying Slips, trips and falls Stress etc

Weblinks

Asbestos Advice: from WorkSafe Advice for people concerned about asbestos in the workplace.
Asbestos Safety: from Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency How to identify asbestos, your legal requirements and how to have it removed safely.
Asbestos Safety for Trades & Construction Workers Information on asbestos for tradespeople working in the construction industry.
Code of Practice - How to Manage & Control Asbestos in the Workplace: from Safe Work Australia Provides practical guidance how to manage risks associated with asbestos and asbestos containing material at the workplace thereby minimising the incidence of asbestos-related diseases.

DVD's in the Library

Asbestos: The Wittenoom Tragedy This film of Dr McNulty's reflections about the Wittenoom asbestos tragedy has been produced by WorkSafe to record the oral history of workplace health and safety in WA, as part of a Public Sector Commission oral history series
Hazardous Substances Risk Management Hazardous substances are any chemicals or other materials that may put people at risk. They include pesticides, acids, solvents, cleaners, paints, asbestos, wood dust and welding fumes. Hazardous substances are a major workplace hazard and must be safely managed to reduce the risk of injury and disease. It is vital to secure the health and safety of workers by undertaking adequate risk management. This film will show you how to identify hazardous substances, assess the risk of injury or harm, and control the risk
Asbestos Awareness Asbestos has caused the deaths of thousands of people around the world and is expected to kill thousands more in the years to come. Raising awareness of asbestos, its uses, and general methods of minimising exposure are vital steps in managing the risks of asbestos in the workplace. Produced in collaboration with a team of asbestos specialists, this training resource is suitable for personnel at all levels and highlights the fundamental concepts that underpin all successful asbestos management plans

Online Videos

Asbestos basics for duty holders If you manage, or are in control of, a workplace, you have a responsibility to protect those who work with asbestos.
Clear and present danger: Asbestos exposed The film shows common places where asbestos can be found in a typical Queensland home built before 1990, when asbestos was commonly used as a construction material. There are a host of safety tips to consider during renovation to prevent exposing yourself or others to asbestos fibres.
Asbestos Hazards in Renovations, Restorations, and Demolition Homes built prior to 1990 can contain an invisible hazard: asbestos. This video walks you through an older home, identifying the most common places asbestos is found and highlighting the importance of proper testing and removal.
Losing breath - The Adam Sager story Losing breath tells the tragic story of Adam Sager who died from mesothelioma (an asbestos related disease) at the age of 25.
Personal protective equipment for airborne contaminants Find out how to correctly and safely put on, wear, and remove personal protective equipment when managing airborne contaminants in the workplace.
Wittenoom A story about the town of Wittenoom.
Working safely with asbestos When renovating or repairing homes, you need to minimise the chance of exposing anyone to asbestos fibres that may result from your work. This film shows some safe work methods you can use to ensure you, your family and neighbours remain safe when working with building materials that could contain asbestos.

Websites

Biological Hazards - Comcare Biological hazards are organic substances that pose a threat to the health of humans and other living organisms.
Biological Hazards - WorkCover Queensland Lists a range of biological hazards, including bacterial and viral hazards and diseases from animals.
Biological Hazards - University of WA Biological hazards can pose the potential risk of contracting infectious diseases. When working with biological agents knowledge of appropriate safety protocols and procedures is essential.
Diseases and Health - WorkSafe Common hazards in the workplace and how to control them.

In The Library

Fighting infectious diseases Infectious, or communicable, diseases are a major global health concern. Managing and preventing the spread of diseases takes a concerted public health effort to deal with deadly outbreaks, epidemics and pandemics.

Physical and Biological Hazards of the Workplace Provides updated information on protecting workers from proven and possible health risks from manual material handling, extremes of temperature and pressure, ionizing and non-ionizing (magnetic fields) radiation, shiftwork, and more Details major changes in our understanding of biological hazards including Ebola, Chikungunya, Zika, HIV, Hepatitis C, Lyme disease, MERS-CoV, TB, and much more
Chapter 14: Controlling Exposure to Biological Hazards Book title: ICE Manual of Health and Safety in Construction (2nd Edition)

Infectious diseases, research and treatment Covers all aspects of infectious and sexually transmitted diseases in humans, including research, prevention, immunization, diagnosis, management, and treatment, bacterial, viral and fungal infections, relevant pathophysiology, genetics and epidemiology.

Biological Factors in the Workplace—Current Threats to Employees, the Effects of Infections, Prevention Options According to the definition, an occupational disease is both acute and chronic disease, resulting from the performance of an occupation, resulting from the nature of the work or the conditions in which it takes place
COVID-19--Practicing prevention in the workplace. A range of challenges are faced when COVID-19 prevention measures are to be followed at the workplace. Most of the sectors demand people to work in close proximity and many a time the management does not have contingency measures to tackle such a crisis.
Indoor fungal contamination: Health risks and measurement methods in hospitals, homes and workplaces. Abstract Indoor fungal contamination has been associated with a wide range of adverse health effects, including infectious diseases, toxic effects and allergies. The diversity of fungi contributes to the complex role that they play in indoor environments and human diseases. Molds have a major impact on public health, and can cause different consequences in hospitals, homes and workplaces.

Videos

Biological Hazards: A Type of Hazard in the Workplace In this video I will be giving a brief overview of Biological Hazards, which is an important type of occupational hazard that a worker can be potentially exposed to!
Identify the risks in the workplace Follow these steps to identify if your workers are breathing in hazardous air.
Venomous bites and stings in Australia Over 3,500 Australians were hospitalised due to contact with a venomous animal or plant in 2017–18.
Mould Exposure This video shows how mould can grow quickly on damp materials such as cardboard, paper, wood, and drywall. As mould grows, it releases spores into the air. Exposure to mould spores can affect your health, especially if you have allergies, asthma, or a weak immune system.

Videos

BBC One Night In Bhopal
Hazardous Substances A video about hazardous substances.
Managing chemical hazards using the hierarchy of controls While chemicals may present health hazards to the workers handling them, applying the hierarchy of controls can eliminate and minimise these risks.
Safety Data Sheets Explained Toolbox Talk information regarding safety data sheets
Working safely with chemicals With chemicals present in every workplace, this video will explain the rationale for regulation and practical tips and contemporary solutions to keeping people safe.

Websites

Chemical Hazards: from Comcare Hazardous chemicals in the workplace are substances, mixtures and materials that can be classified according to their health and physicochemical risks and dangers.
Hazardous Chemicals: from Safe Work Australia Hazardous chemicals are substances, mixtures and articles that can pose a significant risk to health and safety if not managed correctly.
Dial Before You Dig Dial Before You Dig delivers a vital national community service designed to assist in preventing damage and disruption to Australia’s vast utility networks such as electricity, gas, water and telecommunications.
Guidance about Hazardous Chemicals from WorkSafe WA Hazardous substances may be in the form of a liquid, solid or gas. Examples are poisons, and substances that could cause burns, eye irritation or cancer.

In The Library

The power of workspace for people & business Highlighting numerous real life examples of how companies and employers have made the 'right' workspace decisions, this book invites workspace users - employees and teams - to participate in the process by using their feedback constructively to help create innovative and thoughtful designs that meet employees' needs and support their work.
Human Factors in the Built Environment Human Factors in the Built Environment, Second Edition explains the relationship of the human body and space planning to the design process so that you can plan and detail interiors. Key topics include proxemics, anthropometrics, ergonomics, sensory components, diversity, global concerns, health and safety, environmental considerations, special populations, and universal (inclusive) design.
Ergonomics in Sport and Physical Activity It discusses issues such as the design of effective equipment, clothing, and playing surfaces; methods of assessing risk in situations; and staying within appropriate training levels to reduce fatigue and avoid over training.

How to manage stress Whether you crumble under pressure, get angry, or simply bury your head in the sand, this book provides effective techniques to help you take the edge off and even channel your stress in a positive way. · Know how to create a calm and stress-free environment ·
The Workplace You Need Now Accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, the world of work has undergone a lasting transformation. Individuals, organizations and institutions are seeking the right balance of workspace opportunities. Workers want to know how remote work can fit into their lives, and how the office can meet their needs.

Ergonomics Expert Explains How to Set Up Your Desk Our desks weren't made for us. They were made for everyone. So ergonomics expert Jon Cinkay from the Hospital for Special Surgery is here to show you how to make your desk and office chair adapt to you and not the other way around.
Workplace Ergonomics Our safety intern, Shawn Jones II, is studying Kinesiology and uses his expertise to go over some important do’s and don’ts for workplace ergonomics.
Ergonomics | Working From Home Nowadays people around the world are Working From Home more than ever. This video shares a few tips on how you can create an ergonomic workspace at home.
Ergonomic Risk Factors Discusses Posture, Forces and repetition risk factors

Websites

Computer Related Injuries: Better Health Channel Explains how you can help avoid computer-related injuries with proper furniture, better posture and good working habits.
Ergonomic Hazards: Comcare Outlines types of ergonomic hazards and how to eliminate them.
Office Ergonomics Fact Sheet: Recovre It is imperative that everyone working in an office environment observes adequate ergonomic requirements to minimise the risk of injury.
Office Safety: WorkSafe Learn about the risks of office-based work.
Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI): National Health Service (UK) Outlines the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of RSI.
Vehicle Ergonomics Fact Sheet: Recovre Being comfortable and well positioned in a vehicle aims to reduce driver fatigue and the development of musculoskeletal disorders.
What is Ergonomics: Dohrmann Consulting Useful and interesting information about ergonomics, safety and injury prevention.
WorkSafe Victoria: Office Work "Everything about office work in one place." -- taken from website.

First Aid Apps

Red Cross First Aid App This First Aid app is an quick and easy way to get reliable information on providing emergency care. The app is free and is regularly updated by Australian Red Cross. For Apple & Android products.
St John Ambulance WA First Aid App Notifies a suitably qualified app user of an incident in their vicinity, giving them an opportunity to provide first aid to the persons needing it. It is a free app and is available on Apple’s App Store and Google Play.

Online Videos

Choking First Aid First Aid advice on managing an adult, child and infant who is choking due to a partial, or complete blockage.
CPR- Safety Hub Examines the procedure for performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation in accordance with the current resuscitation guidelines.
First Aid Emergencies: In the Community This program looks at the types of injuries that often happen in a community, various factors that may be involved, and how those injuries should be treated.

Films on Demand

Manual Handling - Office Workplace Health & Safety Manual handling injuries and illnesses can occur suddenly or over a long period. While they may not be as graphic as many other workplace injuries, they are certainly just as debilitating.
Manual Handling - Toolbox Talks This short program on manual handling highlights the associated workplace hazards and/or what you can do to make your workplace safe.
Manual Handling This training program not not only takes viewers through a range of tips and preventative actions to make their workplace safe from injury, but also, importantly, motivates them to think about the why.
Lifting & Carrying - Office Workplace Health & Safety Back strains and sprains are often caused by incorrect lifting techniques. This program is a clear, concise, step by step approach to lifting and carrying.
Lifting & Carrying - Toolbox Talks This short program on lifting and carrying highlights the associated workplace hazards and/or what you can do to make your workplace safe.

Weblinks

Hazardous Manual Handling Health & Safety Guide - from WorkSafe Victoria Find out how to identify and fix hazardous manual handling.
Lifting, Pushing & Pulling (Manual Handling) - from Safe Work Australia Provides information about identifying and risk assessment of hazardous manual tasks.
Manual Tasks - from WorkSafe WA Provides training and advice on performing manual tasks.
Injury Hotspots - Manual Handling These are the most common injuries related to manual handling, as shown by injury claims.

Videos

Lifting in the Workplace Lifting is a common task in many workplaces. This animated video illustrates the risk associated with lifting and suggests ways to reduce this risk.
Managing hazardous manual tasks In Queensland over 50 per cent of workers’ compensation claims are for musculoskeletal disorders (also known as MSDs or sprains and strains). This film shows how businesses across various industries are identifying and managing hazardous manual tasks.
Sprains and Strains Five simple steps to avoid sprains and strains in your workplace.
Hazardous manual handling - Is the work safe? Do I feel safe? Video from WorkSafe Victoria
Manual Handling 8 basic steps to correct lifting technique Video from Engineering Education
Hazardous Manual Tasks: Introduction and Information An Introduction to the Building and Construction Industry and the possible risks involved with manual labour.
Manual Handling Training - There's a better way Video from WorkSafe Victoria

Interactive Pages

Office Safety Tool Developed by Comcare, "Identify health and safety risks in your work or home office."
Interactive Safety Hazard Diagrams These interactive diagrams that will show you some everyday safety hazards and how to avoid them in the workplace. [Must click on 'Enable All Features']
Injury Hotspots This tool provides an industry-wide snapshot of how people get injured at work, pinpointing areas on the body that are most likely to be injured.

Safe Use of Equipment

Safe Use of Ladders (3.18 minutes) From Safework NSW
Safe Use of Ladders (3.09 minutes) From Safework Australia: While using a ladder can seem intuitive, there are some key points to remember before using it, to ensure your safety and in the event of a fall.
Safety Rules for Using Power Tools From Safe Work Australia: Nick, a leading hand carpenter, knows first-hand the risks that can arise when using power tools and appliances.
Using Elevating Work Platforms Safely From worksafe Queensland: Elevating work platforms, or EWPs, are important for work at height. However, there have been many serious incidents where EWP operators have been trapped or crushed between the basket and overhead obstructions such as ceilings, beams, frameworks or other fittings. This film explains how to control the risks of using EWPs.

Websites

Electrical Risks at the Workplace - Safe Work Australia This fact sheet provides general guidance for persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBUs) and workers on managing electrical risks at the workplace.
Noise - Safe Work Australia Work-related noise-induced hearing loss is a preventable but irreversible condition that affects many Australian workers.
Physical Hazards - Comcare A physical hazard is defined as a factor within the environment that can harm the body without necessarily touching it.
Physical Hazards - SafetyLine Of all the hazards in your workplace, Physical Hazards might the least obvious. Despite their name, Physical Hazards aren’t always something that you can see or touch.
Incident Statistics Workplace health and safety statistics and how they are calculated and used.
Safety Solutions Content includes the latest industry news, case studies and more.
WorkSafe Checklists WorkSafe has a number of checklists to assist you in making your workplace safe.

Videos

Construction Safety Training Video This is a Safety and quality training orientation video for workers on commercial construction worksites. Covers a list of topics useful in training employees the basics of general safety procedures.
Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces Falling from one level to another is a major workplace hazard and is the most common cause of death from traumatic injuries in construction. Fall hazards occur in all industries and most fatalities occur from a relatively low height. It is vital to secure the health and safety of workers by undertaking adequate risk management.This film will show you how to identify fall hazards, assess the risks, control the risks, and implement and maintain controls.

WebLinks

Accelerated Silicosis Overview: from Royal Australasian College of Physicians An overview of accelerated silicosis which affects workers and stone masons using manufactured stone materials found in stone benchtops.
Accelerated Silicosis FAQs: from Royal Australasian College of Physicians Read key information about queries and concerns relating to this condition.
Stonemasons - Preventing Crystalline Silica Exposure: from Work Safe Victoria How to prevent stonemasons from being exposed to crystalline silica dust.
Silicosis - Here's What you Need to Know: from ABC News Information about the disease, and why some workers may not know they have it.
Respirable Crystalline Silica: from WorkSafe Queensland Outlines the health effects and how to manage exposure.
Silica health and safety from WorkSafe List of web links on Silica safety and health.

Online Publications

Respirable Crystalline Silica - The Facts: from IOSH A fact sheet from the www.notimetolose.org.uk campaign.

An Australian government statutory body established to develop national policy relating to WHS and workers’ compensation. An Australian government statutory body established to develop national policy relating to WHS and workers’ compensation.
Working with silica and silica containing products You should use this guide if you are a person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) who has workers (including yourself) that work with silica or silica containing products, except if you are working with engineered stone.
Silica – Technical guide to managing exposure in the workplace Work-related disease strategy 2012-2022

Videos

Accelerated Silicosis This is a crisis. The really alarming numbers of Silicosis and other lung disease cases are coming from those who cut engineered stone, but of course Silica dust comes from concrete and other products too.
Deadly Silicosis and the new silica dust standard Dr Ryan Hoy, Respiratory and Sleep Disorders Physician at Cabrini Medical Centre, talks to CFMEU Health and Safety Reps and other guests about Silicosis, Lung Cancer and the dangers of silica dust.
Safe Work Month - Silica Safety Do you work with manufactured stone, concrete, bricks or rock? Cutting or grinding these materials releases silica dust, which is so small, you might not even know you’re breathing it in. Exposure can lead to silicosis. Which can be fatal within five to 10 years – sometimes for people as young as 20 or 30.
Working safely with crystalline silica Crystalline silica (or quartz) is found in most rocks, sands, and clays. It’s estimated that one in every 100 workers exposed to silica dust will develop disease due to past exposure. Learn how to manage the risks involved when working with silica dust.

Websites

Accident/Incident Report Form Sample form to report accidents or incidents.
Bullying in the Workplace Workplace bullying is repeated and unreasonable behaviour directed towards a worker or group of workers that creates a risk to health and safety.
Code of Practice: Violence & Aggression at Work This information has been developed and compiled to prevent and manage bullying in the workplace.
Hazard Identification Form The hazard identification form can be used to document hazards and risks in the workplace.
How to Handle Stress at Work Outlines strategies that everyone can adopt to manage and reduce their own stress levels, as well as finding a positive work-life balance.
Psychosocial Hazards Psychosocial hazards include but aren’t limited to stress, violence and other workplace stressors.

Videos

No Place for Drugs and Alchohol From safe Work Australia: Working under the influence of drugs and alcohol puts you and everyone around you at risk.
Workplace bullying Workplace bullying is any workplace behaviour that's physically, mentally or socially threatening. It's everyone's responsibility to stop workplace bullying, including your employer, and if necessary, the police. If you are being bullied, there are actions you can take.
What is the legal definition of sexual harassment? Sexual harassment has dominated headlines throughout 2018. But do most people know what the term means, according to law? This video explains the legal definition under Australian law.
Mentally Healthy Workplaces - Managing your mental health while working remotely Get tips on how to look after your mental health while working from home or remotely. Visit mentalhealthatwork.nsw.gov.au to access free mental health programs and resources.

Health and Wellbeing

WA Government Mental Health Unit The Mental Health Unit (MHU) assists and supports Western Australia's Mental Health Services in delivering an evidence-based, patient centred, caring, safe, respectful and supportive mental health system for all West Australians.
Mental Health resources Downloadable PDF resources that are culturally sensitive to Aboriginal people. Contains information on grief, how to talk to children and funeral arrangements. It also has sections on social media, getting help and how to support a friend or colleague through the loss of a loved one to suicide
Workplace Wellbeing : Black Dog Institute Mentally healthy workplaces are positive and productive. They are environments where people want to come to work.
Mental Health in the Workplace (AHRC) Mental illness is more prevalent than many people realise. Around 45% of Australians aged between 16 and 85 will experience a mental illness at some point in their life, while one in five Australian adults will experience a mental illness in any given year
Workplace Health & Safety Tips and information on workplace health and safety.

Topics

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Carpentry & Joinery: Work Health and Safety

Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

Terminology Explained

Legislation and Acts

Glossary of WHS Legal Terms

Government Websites

Weblinks

DVD's in the Library

Online Videos

Websites

In The Library

Videos

Videos

Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

Websites

In The Library

Charts and Checklists

Websites

eBooks

Books in the Library

First Aid Apps

First Aid Kit

Websites

Online Videos

Films on Demand

Weblinks

eResources

Videos

Job Safety Analysis (JSA)

Interactive Pages

Safe Use of Equipment

Websites

Online Journals

Image

Videos

Industry Profiles

WebLinks

Online Publications

Fast Facts - Infographic on Silica

Videos

Websites

Infographic - Safe Work Australia

eBooks

Videos

Health and Wellbeing

I need my SmartMove Certificate. How do I access SmartMove?

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