Appendix 5 -
Safety and Organisation for Staff

Sutherland Environment Centre

Safety and Organisation for Staff and Volunteers Working Outdoors

All employers and employees, including volunteers, have obligations under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2000. The Act is administered by Workcover Authority. It aims to protect the health, safety and welfare of people at work.

Please take time to study the following and sign at the bottom to say that you have read and understand it. If you have any queries please do not hesitate to ask a member of staff.

Possible Hazards in Outdoors Environments

1. Twigs and Branches
   
   Hazard : When walking through bush and dense scrub a common injury is being poked in the eye by twigs or the sharp points on grasses and shrubs.
   
   Safety Plan : Take extra care and walk slowly through the bush. For extra safety wear safety glasses.

2. Heights
   
   Hazard : Cliff Tops and any rock outcrops > 2 metres high.
   
   Safety Plan : Keep well away from the edge and be aware of loose rocks and slippery surfaces.

3. Slips, Trips and Falls
   
   Hazard : Be aware of uneven ground, creek crossings with algae covered rock, steep slopes covered with dry natural leaf mulch can be very slippery. Beware of hidden stumps, rocks or holes that may trip you up.
   
   Safety Plan : Sturdy walking/work boots should be worn, preferably with ankle support to prevent sprains

4. Bites and Stings
   
   Hazard: Insects, Spiders, Lizards and Snakes
   
   Safety Plan : The First Aid Kit should be carried by the Supervisor (Coordinator) at all times on bushwalks. contact. Preferably at least one person in the party should have a knowledge of basic first aid techniques and the location of the nearest hospital. A mobile phone is also handy in an emergency. The Supervisor should carry personal insect repellant for application where mosquitoes and ticks are present.

5. Ultra-Violet Radiation
   
   Hazard : Long term exposure to the sun, particularly between the hours of 11am and 3pm, is harmful, and can lead to skin cancer in extreme cases.
   
   Safety Plan : It is recommended that staff and volunteers wear: a hat, long-sleeved shirt and sun glasses. The supervisor to provide sunscreen for volunteers.

6. Sharps Objects and Syringes
   
   Hazard : Broken glass, rusty metal, and discarded syringes
   
   Safety Plan : When picking up rubbish, always wear gloves. Never touch the sharp (needle) end of a syringe, pick up by the barrel end. Do not attempt replace the cap on the needle, but place syringe in a sharps container or screw top, puncture proof, plastic container and seal it.

7. Extremes of Weather
   
   Hazard : Heat Exhaustion, Hypothermia
   
   Safety Plan : On hot days drink plenty of fluids and take plenty of rests. Do not work in cold wet conditions without adequate clothing.

8. Working on Roadsides
   
   Hazard : Traffic
   
   Safety Plan : staff and volunteers must wear yellow safety vests if working within 3 metres of a road.