Workplace hazards: they're all shapes and sizes

A workplace hazard does not have to be spectacular. It can be as simple as a spill on the floor.  Things that might seem minor can potentially have a big impact on your health at work or the health and safety of others.

Some other examples of workplace hazards include: 

• Unsafe or unguarded equipment
• Loose wiring on electrical goods
• Slip hazards, such as spills 
• Trip hazards, such as loose electrical cabling
• Poorly stored items in shelves or cupboards which may fall
• Poor lighting or glare in offices
• Incorrectly stored or labelled hazardous substances and dangerous goods including cleaning chemicals
• Excessive noise in any environment (having to raise your voice in order to be heard at arm's length may indicate excessive background noise)
• Property damage such as loose floor or ceiling tiles
• Unsafe structures or tree limbs following heavy weather.

What can you do if you spot a hazard?

If you spot a hazard, you should control it, if it is possible to do so safely.  If you think the hazard poses an immediate threat, then isolate the area, contact Security Services on ext: 15888 (Callaghan) or 84222 (Ourimbah) or 16293 (Port Macquarie) and complete the hazard report through the Online Incident Reporting system.

If the hazard is not immediately threatening, you should still submit a hazard report and also submit a maintenance request via Maximo noting the health and safety issue so that Facilities Management can fix the issue if needed.

Reporting hazards in this way will also notify the Health and Safety Team who can then follow-up and monitor trends (for example ongoing spill hazards in an area may relate to a building or plumbing leak which requires maintenance).

Contact the Health and Safety Team for more advice and information.