Task / Project Title Hooded Plover Monitoring, Nest Protection, Chick Wardening Date of Assessment 5.12.2013 Site / Location Victorian & South Australian coastline Permit to Work Requirement Date of Site Visit Various - Ongoing Analysis by Grainne Maguire Management Rep OHS Rep David Coutts Activity Description Undertake monitoring of Hooded Plovers and other Beach-nesting Birds sighted along the Victorian Coastline Walking on uneven surfaces (sand, coastal vegetation, steep steps/access paths) Possibility of standing on hard/sharp implements buried in the sand Walking on sandy beaches in remote areas (not in every case) Carrying heavy equipment Exposed in varying weather conditions; ranging from cold, windy and rain to days of intensive heat, tide heights Talking to the public on the beach YES Wildlife Act permit National Parks Act permit Indicate Worst Hazard PPE Required Personal or physical assault or verbal abuse from a beach user, falling/tripping injuries: major/minor cuts and bruises, sunstroke and sun related illnesses Sun hat, appropriate footwear (sandals/closed to shoes), sunscreen, wet weather and sun safe clothes, water, first aid kit, mobile phone with phone reception Tick when the Following Hazards have been considered in the Analysis: Your Safety Others Safety Manual Handling Barriers Cliffs / Falls from Height Warning Signs Noise Trip Hazards Sharps Falling Objects Communications First Aid Emergency Response Induction and Supervision
ACTIVITY HAZARDS RISK CONTROL MEASURES WHO IS RESPONSIBLE List the tasks required to perform the activity in the sequence they are carried out. Planning beach visit Against each task list the hazards that could cause injury when the task is performed. List the control measures required to eliminate or minimize the risk of injury arising from the identified hazard. Working alone Always carry mobile phone and make sure you get reception on the beach. Ensure you let people know where you are going and when you expect to be back. Ensure Regional coordinator has emergency contact details for all volunteers. It may be suitable to work in a team of at least two determine where it is possible for volunteers to team up. Write the name of the person responsible (supervisor or above) to implement the control measure identified. Poor communication Determine where reduced or unreliable communications exist. For these sites, ensure coordinator knows when you are visiting and notify of safe return. It may be suitable to work in a team of at least two determine where it is possible for volunteers to team up. Fire Refer to Beach-nesting Birds Fire Management plan (see appendix 1) Training Lack of knowledge of task & conduct Land managers, BirdLife Australia and volunteer coordinators to mentor volunteers. Mandatory attendance at BirdLife Australia monitoring training. Familiarisation with area Unclear of local or environmental Familiarize with local area, access points, maps & condition & risks hazards. 1
Travel to survey sites Carrying equipment Transporting equipment Loading and unloading equipment & materials Installing/ Removing Temporary Beach Closure fencing and signage Take a buddy or mentor when undertaking tasks. Remote area with no reliable telecommunications services. Carry mobile phone and inform coordinator of your presence at the site. Volunteer to inform coordinator of departure from site. Volunteer to supply adequate drinking water, meals & take adequate breaks. Lifting and holding spotting Park vehicle carrying tools & materials as close to scope/tripod on uneven surfaces the work area as possible. Ensure volunteers lift within their own weight limitations and bend knees when lifting. Seek assistance with transporting bulk materials over long distances. Volunteers to aim for times of low tide to ensure they are able to walk on harder, wet sand. Transporting equipment such as Ensure equipment is adequately secured for the fencing posts, signage, shelters safety of driver, passengers and others. Ensure the driver has adequate rear view vision. Lifting, loading & carrying Park vehicle carrying tools & materials as close to the work area as possible. Volunteer to undertake warm up exercises. Ensure volunteers lift within their own weight limitations and bend knees when lifting. Seek assistance with transporting bulk materials long distances. Using tools ( shovels, mallets) Volunteers to undertake warm up exercises. Use mechanical aid where possible. Seek assistance with transporting bulk materials long distances. Wear appropriate protective gear, in particular for 2
Survey by foot eyes, hands and feet. Slips, trips, falls and standing on sharp Volunteers to wear appropriate protective implements footwear. No bare feet. Volunteers to be aware of terrain and geological features, and walk at a measured pace to minimize the chance of slipping or tripping, where possible. Volunteers to consider which access point suits their mobility and which beach is suitable. Volunteers to aim for times of low tide to ensure they are able to walk on harder, wet sand. Select route to avoid steep/loose dunes and unstable cliff faces. Volunteer to exercise care when working around embankments, dunes and coastal cliffs. Volunteers to carry basic first aid kit. For emergencies, call 000 or emergency contact Tidal awareness Schedule all walks to coincide with low tides. Volunteers should be aware of tidal surges and walk with experienced walkers. Knowledge of current tide schedules. Knowledge of route and any areas which can become cut off at times of high tide. Bites & stings Basic first aid kit to be carried at all times. Volunteer is to have divulged any allergies to BirdLife Australia in their volunteer registration form. First aid treatment for stings and insect bites & Snake-bite module to be included in First-Aid kit. Any serious bites or stings are to be reported to volunteer coordinator and BirdLife Australia. For emergencies, call 000 or emergency contact 3
Public Engagement / Encounters Weather exposure Take adequate drinking water, meals & take breaks during volunteer shift. Provision of shade/shelter for breaks and meals. Work at a rate that is comfortable. ow for additional breaks in extreme weather conditions. Avoid going out in extreme weather conditions do not visit the beach in temperatures exceeding 36 degrees. Refer to Beach-nesting Birds Fire Management plan (see appendix 1) Wear appropriate clothing for environment conditions. Ensure adequate means of communication. Report any adverse reactions to weather to volunteer coordinator & BirdLife Australia and seek appropriate medical advice Pre-existing injuries (back or knee Volunteer is to have divulged any pre-existing problems) or conditions injuries or conditions to BirdLife Australia in their volunteer registration form. Volunteers are to prioritise their health over participation in volunteer activities. For knee or back injuries, avoid beaches with undulating and steep topography. Beaches with harder, flatter terrain should be chosen, and visits made at times of low tide. If pre-existing injuries flare up after a beach visit, consult doctor and do not resume volunteer activities until medically advised. Threatening behaviour HP activities are generally conducted on the beach 4
Beach users who are dismissive or aggressive with potential for verbal or physical abuse within the public arena & as such can result in personal engagement. Volunteers must wear name tags or vests or uniform that clearly identifies their affiliation with BirdLife Australia and their identity. Volunteers involved in wardening activities must follow BirdLife Australia s wardening guidelines and undergo an online induction. They must maintain professionalism and a friendly manner at all times. They must not raise their voice or be abusive at any time. Conflict situations must be terminated immediately. You must cease engaging with an abusive person and leave the area immediately. Abusive or aggressive incidents should be reported to Police immediately. Report all incidents to the Volunteer Coordinator, Land Manager and BirdLife Australia ASAP. Mobile phone to be carried at all times. Counseling to be made available to persons subjected to any incident. Threatening behaviour from off-leash dogs Volunteers should be made aware of what to do if an off leash dog approaches in a threatening manner (e.g. growling or barking). Volunteers are to report an incidence of dog bite, attack or near attack to the Land Manager, BirdLife Australia and Volunteer Coordinator ASAP. 5