This booklet is designed to provide clear information for young people as part of their preparation for Work Experience. The information highlights some of the most common hazards in the world of work. In all cases employers are responsible for providing instruction and guidance on health and safety in their individual workplaces.
WORKPLACE SAFETY The workplace may look harmless to you when you first arrive, but unless someone tells you the dangers you may not be aware of the things that could cause you harm. A person who knows the workplace well must inform you of what the dangers are. Always be ready to ask a question if you are unsure of anything. YOUR HEALTH You should not feel embarrassed if you have a health problem or a disability. Tell the employer about it when you arrive so they can take account of what is required for your health and safety. Tell the employer about any condition you may have To protect yourself and others from harm always follow: SAFETY RULES SAFETY SIGNS SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS such as: asthma skin condition allergies medication which has to be taken during the working day physical or other disability The employer will need to know this because of the kind of work you might be asked to do, or because of the risks in the workplace. Never try to hide your health needs or disability. 1 Contact details for Careers Wales are on: www.careerswales.com
YOUR WELFARE You should be told your hours of work and times of the rest breaks you are to take. You should be shown where to get a drink and eat your WORKPLACE RISK ASSESSMENT Employers have to think about the risks to young people in their workplace. If you are under 16 years old the risk assessment should be sent to you or explained to you, and you should ensure your parent or guardian knows what it says. food, and also where the toilets are. All these things should be in place for you so do not be embarrassed to ask. The main purpose of the risk assessment is to inform you of the way anything that could cause you harm is controlled. It may say what safety rules have been put in place to keep you safe. Your placement supervisor should: explain the rules to you at your induction on your first day show you around the premises and tell you what to do in an emergency train you and supervise you for the tasks you are asked to do give you protective clothing where necessary and show you how to use it correctly. You should: follow all rules put in place for your safety report anything you see which may be dangerous never put yourself or others at risk by messing around use tools and equipment only when supervised and under instruction use protective clothing and equipment. safety first... know the rules 2
FIRE You must: know and understand the company's fire instructions keep away from naked flames or sparks not handle petrol or other highly flammable substances find out about the company's smoking policy and obey "No Smoking" rules keep fire doors free from obstruction It will be important for you to know What to do if there is a fire How to raise the alarm What the alarm sounds like Where the fire exits are Where the assembly point is If you don't know something be sure to ask! 3 safety first.. know the fire e arrangements
FIRST AID AND ACCIDENT REPORTING Make sure you know about the first aid arrangements in your workplace FIRST AID Report to your supervisor any accidents, injury or any ill effects you suffer Get to know the names of the first aiders and where they can be found ACCIDENT REPORTING The supervisor should ensure that details of accidents or injury are entered in the accident book The co-ordinator for work experience at your school must also be notified Report anything you see which may be unsafe to your supervisor so that accidents can be prevented YOUR FIRST AIDER IS... THE FIRST AIDER IS LOCATED IN... safety first.. know the first aid arrangements 4
HYGIENE AND TIDINESS Dirt, contact with chemicals and all sorts of other substances can be harmful and cause unpleasant skin complaints. If you have an allergy tell the employer before you start. Always: wash your hands, using soap and water or suitable cleanser, before you eat a meal and before and after using the toilet speak to your supervisor about any skin complaints, rashes or blisters, and follow any treatment recommended to you dry your hands with towels or dryers provided. Don't wipe them on rags or on your clothes use barrier creams if they are supplied to protect your skin when doing dirty jobs. You may also need to put on a cream after washing when the job is finished report any spills or breakages to your supervisor straightaway keep walkways clear, do not leave anything where people could fall over close cabinets and drawers after you never leave items on the stairs where someone could trip over them 5 safety first... keep it clean
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT Ear defenders, eye protectors, dust masks, overalls, safety boots and helmets are some types of personal protective equipment. It may feel strange, it's not fashionable, but it is for your protection. goggles overalls boots catering wear gloves (if you have an allergy to latex gloves, tell your supervisor) ask how to put on protective equipment correctly and how to look after it ask your supervisor to replace anything that doesn't fit properly or any item that gets damaged or worn any protective clothing should be put away tidily and where it will be clean and ready for use in future Think what would you wear if you saw these signs: WEAR IT safety first... use protection 6
MOVING ABOUT IN THE WORKPLACE walk, don't run use the gangways provided and never take short cuts look out for and follow all warning notices and safety signs take particular care where lifting equipment, overhead gantries and cranes are operating. Make sure you can be seen by the operator never ride on any vehicle not designed to carry passengers beware of vehicles which may be reversing or manoeuvring, such as cars, lorries, fork lift trucks and tractors never attempt to drive any vehicle The following signs may be displayed in a variety of workplaces 7 safety first... look out
LIFTING AND CARRYING You must be shown how to lift and carry items correctly. Only light work should be given to you to do. Take care that: you only lift or carry what you can easily manage, make the load smaller by taking part of the load and doing more than one journey you can see clearly where you are going you get help with anything that you think might be too heavy or awkward to manage on your own As a general rule: bend your knees, not your back keep the load close to you, avoid reaching forward keep your back straight, do not twist around where wheelbarrows or trollies are provided you use them safety first... watch your back 8
USE OF STEPS Ladders, scaffolding and mechanical access equipment are out of bounds. As a general rule no young person on work experience will work at height. You may in some workplaces be asked to use low-level steps. However if you are nervous tell your supervisor, or ask them to hold them for you, never pretend you are OK if you are not. If it states in the risk assessment that you are not to use the steps then don't do it. Some workplaces have lowlevel platform steps specifically designed for safe use, providing handles and a platform with rails at the top. If you are supposed to use them you must follow safety instructions, but if you feel unsafe you must say so immediately. For safety: Position the steps on a flat surface and in the way you are shown to do it Never overreach, stretch or upset the balance of the steps you are using If in any doubt do not use them until your supervisor has shown you; ask again if you are not sure Different kinds of steps are used in the workplace, never assume they are for you to use 9 safety first... watch your steps
Compressed Air This is regularly used in motor vehicle garages and some factories Only use compressed air for its proper purpose and after you have been trained how to use it Never use it for cleaning machines, benches or personal clothing Always wear eye protection You must never use air driven tools, for example nail guns and staple guns Never mess around with air lines and equipment Gas Cylinders Industrial premises and motor garages may use gas in cylinders for welding, burning metal or other work that is performed. Also they may be used for heaters in the workplace. Do not handle these, they are usually extremely heavy and awkward and if dropped can cause very serious injury Do not turn the valve on a gas cylinder nor touch the fittings If you recognise a problem, hear or smell a gas leak, or see a flame tell someone and keep your distance The storage and use of gas is strictly controlled. COMPRESSED GAS Pipeline Gases If you are working with a gas fitter you should follow all safety instructions. Only qualified and experienced people are allowed to work with gases. You will only be allowed to observe Never tamper with equipment, valves or fittings that control gases You may be given instruction in identifying the tools and fetching and carrying items for the fitter depending on the risk assessment safety first... be aware 10
ELECTRICITY You have to be told how to work safely because there are no second chances with electricity. Make sure you: Understand the instructions before using any electrical equipment. If you are not sure ASK Always switch off at the mains before connecting or disconnecting any electrical appliance Tell your supervisor of any damaged electrical tools or equipment, broken cables and extension leads Be aware that water and electrical current together is dangerous 11 safety first... no second chance
WORKPLACE EQUIPMENT Before you use any workplace equipment such as a photocopier, battery-powered tools or hand tools, you should be shown how to use them correctly. You will not be allowed to use power tools or heavy machinery. Be sure that you know where all the controls are and what they do before using any tools and equipment. Make sure you know how to stop it in an emergency. Safety guards are fitted to equipment to protect you. If you think that any moving part could cause injury, keep away and tell your supervisor. Do not wear dangling chains or loose clothing that could get caught in moving parts. Keep long hair tucked under a cap or tied back Do not distract other people who are using machinery Do tell your supervisor at once if you think something is not working correctly Ordinary everyday things like hand tools and knives can be dangerous. You should be trained to use the correct knife or tool for the particular job. Never use worn or broken equipment Never misuse tools Clean the tools correctly, and store them safely, when you finish safety first... take no risks 12
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND COMPUTER EQUIPMENT With the enormous variety of computer systems now in use never simply assume that you know everything about them - rather, ask if unsure of anything and be open to learning more. IT equipment is used in all sorts of business. There is nothing to suggest that it could cause you harm, provided that you: are trained how to use the equipment adjust your chair correctly adjust the screen for position and brightness use a footrest and a document holder, if you need them make sure that you have regular breaks, or change to other work away from the computer screen to rest your eyes you should wear your glasses if you need them never shut down or unplug anything unless told to do so You must report any problems with your eyes or any aches and pains in your wrists, arms or neck to your supervisor. 13 safety first... be comfortable
HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES Any harmful liquids solvents and oils should be strictly controlled and you should not be in contact with them. The risk assessment should tell you, if in doubt ask. YOU CAN IDENTIFY HARMFUL SUBSTANCES BY THE FOLLOWING SIGNS IRRITANT HARMFUL OTHER HAZARD WARNING SIGNS AND LABELS COMPRESSED GAS Be sure you know how to recognise signs that are displayed in the workplace for your safety safety first... know the signs 14
WORKING WITH ANIMALS You may be asked by the employer to have an up-to-date tetanus injection before you attend the placement. Treat all living creatures - domestic and farm animals, birds, and fish - with care and respect. All animals can cause injury. You can avoid accidents by: following instructions exactly not entering areas containing animals unless told to, and you are supervised Health: always wash your hands after contact with animals be careful with personal hygiene Animals under stress, who are ill or have young, are more likely to be dangerous. 15 safety first... don t horse around
WORDSEARCH All the 25 words or terms to be found here are contained somewhere in this booklet. The answers are on page 17. It may help you to use 2 or more colour pens or highlighters for vertical, horizontal and diagonal words or terms. Note that 3 read backwards and 5 read diagonally. R F O A S K R E R A F L E L I G H T W O R K Y R T N X R S A F E T Y B O O T S Z S B K T R O L L E Y E N W T A Z A O M X Z R Z N O M A I N S S O C K E T J I R I S X A L S O A V S O T A D U H Y G I E N E T Y C L T P A H Z S F S R E A U A I E Z Y A O I T S P B R E D R A P O N X G I F L T R I V R X E U D A N N E S I N I D O O O N S G S G N F E S O A Z Z P G A S Z I Z S O U R E A D L R A E N X S R S F F I R E E X I T 2 x 3 letter words 2 x 4 letters 2 x 5 letters 1 x 6 letters 3 x 7 letters 1 x 8 letters 3 x 9 letters 1 x 10 letters 1 x 12 letters 9 terms of 2 words safety first... no cross words ds 16
PREPARATION FOR SAFETY How do you feel now? Are you ready to go? Whatever your feelings about the work experience ahead of you please read this check-list of advice: q Do not worry q Read the information sheet and show the risk assessment (if you are under 16) to your parent or guardian q Prepare the right clothing and your safety shoes (if required) q Plan how you are going to get there q Plan to arrive at your place of work in good time q Report to the person you have been instructed to go to, learn their name (this is important) q Give yourself time to become familiar with the workplace and to get to know the people q Make notes in your work experience diary of the things which are important to remember q If you feel nervous say so; tell them if you are unsure of anything, don't pretend to understand something that you don't q Have a helpful attitude in the workplace but never attempt anything without proper instruction q Never run or rush around; never be tempted to do too much at once to impress somebody q The employer will not appreciate laziness, you may be sent back to school for your own safety if you show no interest q Keep the hours of work as agreed but discuss any difficulties or outside appointments with your supervisor q Never leave the place of work without saying where you are going and the time you expect to return q Do have a safe and enjoyable work experience q Remember to write and thank them Words for Wordsearch Fire Alarm, Fire Exit, First Aid, Hygiene, Wash Hands, Safety Boots, Young People, Trolley, Gantry, Motor, Lifting, Mains Socket, Gas, Hazardous, Tidiness, Risk Assess, Instructions, Signs, Supervisor, Step, Reversing, Light Work, Ask, Read, Enjoyable 17 safety first... be prepar epareded