Case study 5: WHS issues raised

The company's WHS Consultation and Communication procedure states that consultation will occur in team meetings where WHS will be a permanent agenda item. It also states that staff will be informed of decisions via the meeting minutes, the health and safety notice board and where applicable, a direct email or other form of communication such as training.

During the weekly team meeting two health and safety issues were raised by the health and safety rep:

1. One of the consultants slipped over in a customer's warehouse last week and hurt her knee quite badly for which she received immediate medical attention and will require on-going care. Upon investigation the health and safety rep discovered that the consultant used the required PPE (hi-vis vest, hard hat and safety glasses) but had stiletto shoes on. Footwear has not been included in the risk assessment.

2. During an online meeting with one of the consultants during the week the operations manager noticed in the background of the webcam that the consultant had the smoke detector hanging out of the ceiling. When questioned, the consultant stated that it was faulty and kept going off every time someone cooked toast. Smoke detectors have not been included in the risk assessment.

QUESTION 14

Use the hierarchy of control to recommend a risk control for both scenarios. Re-create the table below to represent your data:

Hazard Identification Risk Assessment Risk Control Factors that contribute General risk indicator for factors that contribute to Hierarchy Control to work fatigue Measure Lower Risk Higher Risk