DSPR2 SEM1 HS1: Web Research Task

This research task is about Workplace Health and Safety in Queensland. The source for this information is the Queensland Government’s Workplace Health and Safety Website - http://www.dir.qld.gov.au/workplace/

Act
The Act is known as the ‘Workplace Health and Safety Act 1995’ and the full PDF version of the act can be found at http://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/LEGISLTN/CURRENT/W/WorkplHSaA95.pdf

The Workplace Health and Safety Act 1995 is about making workplaces and work practices safer for everyone. The Act sets out the laws about health and safety requirements affecting most workplaces, and seeks to protect the health and safety of everyone at a workplace.

Regulation
The Regulation is known as the ‘Workplace Health and Safety Regulation 1997’ and the full PDF version of the regulation can be found at http://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/LEGISLTN/CURRENT/W/WorkplHSaR97.pdf

The Regulation sets out the legal requirements to prevent or control certain hazards which might cause injury or death in the workplace.
· It prohibits exposure to a risk.
· It prescribes ways of preventing or minimising exposure to a risk.
· It deals with administrative matters.

Codes of Practice
Codes of practice state ways to manage exposure to risks and if a code of practice exists for a risk at your workplace, you must do what the code says or adopt another way that identifies and manages exposure to the risk. You must also take reasonable precautions and exercise due care.

Ministerial Notice
Ministerial notices are urgent workplace warnings that override any existing regulation. They are issued when a situation occurs that puts someone at imminent serious risk of harm at a workplace. A notice may set out methods of work to prevent or minimise exposure to the risk.

General Obligations
To understand your obligations and safety requirements you must be familiar with the Workplace Health and Safety Act 1995 and the Workplace Health and Safety Regulation 1997. As an employee, you must do what the regulation and the codes of practice say. If there is no regulation or code of practice about a risk at your workplace you must choose an appropriate way to manage exposure to the risk. People must take reasonable precautions and exercise proper diligence against the risk.

In a graphic design workplace it’s important to have an appropriate:
· Seating to help prevent back problems
· Lighting to prevent eye strain
· Ventilation or air-conditioning to prevent illness from heat