Within the industry of waste management, it is crucial to employ effective risk management strategies to ensure the safety of workers and the public. This involves the identification of potential risks but also the implementation of proactive measures to eliminate and control these risks.
SafeWork NSW will be visiting employers who manage and control waste recycling facilities to verify compliance with work health and safety obligations and provide practical advice and assistance to improve safety standards.
Here are some practical tips to help keep your workers safe:
• separate people from moving plant such as forklifts, loaders, excavators and trucks using barriers or guardrails
• if you cannot physically separate moving plant from people, clearly mark walkways and safe work zones, and make sure your workers stick to them
• where required, make sure your operators have a current and valid high risk work license. E.g. Forklift (LF)
• make sure your plant is fitted with seat belts, warning devices where required
• make sure your workers and visitors, including delivery drivers, stick to your traffic management plan and site safety rules
• talk to all of your workers – including operators and those who work near moving plant – about
how to work safely around moving plant
• If work at height is required, then adequate controls to prevent falls must be in place
