Contents Operative Handbook Section Topic Section One: Introduction 2 Section Two: Help us help you 3 Section Three: Money Matters 9 Section Four: Health and Safety Information 10 Section Five: Confirmation of documentation and agreement of Obligations 22 Section Six: Confirmation of Receipt of PPE 23 Section Seven: Time sheet example 24 © Copyright Construct Recruitment Pty Ltd 2011 v7 Page Page 1 Section One Introduction Welcome to Construct! In order for us to provide you with the quality of service and safety you deserve, we have compiled this Policy and Procedure Handbook (PPH) to help familiarise yourself with your responsibilities as a representative of Construct Recruitment Pty Ltd. We ask that you familiarise yourself with the content of the Policy and Procedure Handbook (PPH) to ensure that you are aware of Construct’s requirements and assist with the prevention of communication problems that can occur between the three parties on site i.e. Yourself, the Client and Construct, therefore helping to create a happier and organised working environment. Your Induction with Construct Recruitment During your induction/registration process, we ask that you thoroughly read all the information outlined in this document, including the agreement of terms and conditions between yourself and the agency and the Health & Safety handout. Once agreed, please sign the agreement confirming that you have received, read and agreed to all of the above. We hope that you enjoy your time with Us. Yours faithfully, The Team @ Construct © Copyright Construct Recruitment Pty Ltd 2011 v7 Page 2 Section Two Help Us to Help You 1. Office Hours & After-Hours Mobile Telephone Services Construct’s office operating hours are from 8.00am-5.00pm Monday-Friday. Our office number is 07 3385 0444. There is a voicemail service available during out of office hours, however... If you are: 1. 2. 3. 4. Running Late Sick Have been involved in an accident/have a family emergency or Any other reason why you cannot attend site Then please call our after-hours mobile on 04 77 266 777. This service is available 24hrs Monday-Sunday. We will have workers on standby who are waiting to be placed in work. All we ask is that you give us at least 3 hours notice before you are due to start on site so that your Consultant has enough time to arrange a suitable replacement. Please save these phone numbers in your mobile phone. 2. Offered Work from Another Agency or Company Whilst Working with Construct If you have been offered other work from another Agency or Company work whilst working for Construct, you will need to give us at least 48 hours notice. 3. Leaving Messages or Texting to our After Hours Mobile Phone If you leave a message or send text messages to our after-hours mobile phone, please make sure you leave/text your NAME and contact MOBILE NUMBER so we know who left the message and we can call you straight back if we need to. 4. Submitting Your Bank Account Details/Tax File Number (TFN) If you haven’t already filled out the payroll form, please make sure that you either email or text your details to us as soon as possible as we will need to pass your records onto our Payroll Department so that they can set you up on our payment system. Please note that we are unable to take these numbers over the phone, in order to eliminate any possible discrepancies that may eventuate. © Copyright Construct Recruitment Pty Ltd 2011 v7 Page 3 5. Bookings for Jobs Most of our clients usually give us less than 24 hours notice when they require operatives. As soon as a job booking comes in, and you are available for work, your Consultant will contact you and inform you about: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. The location and start time of the job The duration of the job The pay rate and site operating hours (including weekend shifts/rates) The job description Other requirements such as Tickets Required/Tools/PPE etc Once you agree to accept the job your Consultant will book you in and send you a text message, confirming the name of the company, site address and contact details of the Foreman. You will then receive a call to confirm you received the text message o.k. 6. Confirming Monday and First Day Starts All operatives who are starting new jobs on a Monday will be called Sunday afternoon to double check that they are still available to attend site the next morning. We carry out this procedure just in case operatives don’t have any credit to call or text us as well. This helps us eliminate any “No Shows” happening on Monday, and allows us to organise replacements if need be. On the Monday OR the first day you start on a new site, a Consultant will contact you just to make sure that you have arrived on site without any problems. 8. Updating Calls From time to time you may be called by your Consultant to see how things are going and to ensure that you are happy on site. If there are any issues at all, please tell your Consultant as they will be able to sort it out for you. 9. Availability For More Work It is important that you call your Consultant as soon as you know when you are finishing on site. This is so they can input your availability date in your database records and have you earmarked for jobs starting the following day OR when you are ready to go out again. This also assists the Consultants in forecasting whether or not they need to get more workers in to register, as mentioned earlier, clients sometimes give us less than 24 hours notice. 10. Extending Your Time On Site If you are booked in jobs for shorter periods, for example, 1 weeks work and the Foreman says he would like to keep you on longer, then again, please let your Consultant know so they can extend your payroll booking. 11. Feedback Calls to Foremen © Copyright Construct Recruitment Pty Ltd 2011 v7 Page 4 Every Friday your Consultant will call the Foreman to ask if they have been happy with your attendance, quality of work and work ethic. All feedback is added to your personal database records. This helps us monitor quality operatives which makes it easier to market you to other clients and keep you in ongoing work. If there are any areas that need improving on, your Consultant will call you and discuss ways that can help you move forward for future feedback. Please also refer to 19 and 20 – Your Personal Conduct on Site and our Three Strikes Process 12. Completing, Submitting and Confirmation of Weekly Timesheets Your consultant will have explained to you how to complete and send in your timesheet via email, fax or hand delivery. Your timesheet must be received no later than MONDAY 12pm. Timesheets are your guaranteed payslip! Therefore, you are solely responsible for ensuring that your timesheet gets signed by the relevant company representative at the end of the working week or at the end of your assignment. Failure to do this may result in you having to go back to site to get this signed off in order for you to be paid. Please make note your Consultant will not be responsible to chase up unsigned or missing timesheets on your behalf. You can call our Receptionist anytime if you need more timesheets sent out to you via post. Please make sure we have your current postal address and post code on file. You can also download a timesheet from our website, www.constructreruitment.com 13. Timesheets for the Same Client of Different Sites You will need 1 timesheet per client, per site. If you are with the same client but get moved to another site, you will need to fill out a separate timesheet. 14. Complications on Site and Our Complaints Procedure If you are placed on a site where you are unhappy due to: 1. 2. 3. 4. The type of work required Confrontations with foreman and/or other site operatives Health and safety Any other matters of concern © Copyright Construct Recruitment Pty Ltd 2011 v7 Page 5 Try to remain calm and call your Consultant straight away so that they can deal with the situation in a professional manner. Remember that your needs and the needs of other operatives on site are important to us. If it cannot be dealt with over the phone, our Directors will come and see you face to face. 15. Time Off/Holidays During Work If you need to take any time off for personal appointments or have booked a holiday, please contact your Consultant and let them know the date/s you are leaving and the date you wish to start work again. This is so we can give your supervisor adequate notice and organise a suitable replacement if required. We can also block these dates out in your personal record calendar so we can work around the dates of your absence. 16. Security Risks for High Profile Clients Construct has carried out work on a number of high profile celebrities and clients. Therefore cameras are not permitted on sites, or photos taken from mobile phones. Please respect the client’s privacy and personal contact details such as address/location of jobs. 17. Tradesmen Carrying Out Work With Inadequate Tools for Trade During your registration process you would have completed your trade Job Enquiry Form, listing all the skills you are 100% confident in carrying out, including a checklist listing all the tools you have to complete these skills. Please note that should you arrive on site without a FULL set of tools for your trade, you will be charged out and paid as a Labourer. With the same respect, please do not use other tradesmen’s tools. 18. Your Professional Conduct on Site Please bare-in-mind that you are a representative of Construct during your placements with our clients. How you choose to communicate, perform your duties, adhere to site safety rules or behave on site reflects this company and the Construct colleagues who work alongside of you. We AND our clients would appreciate your help in maintaining a professional relationship. 19. Three Strikes Process In order for Construct to uphold a good reputation for placing and maintaining quality operatives, we have implemented a three strikes process. This means that if you receive 3 negative comments based upon: 1. 2. 3. 4. Attendance – which includes failing to contact us Attitude – towards foremen, clients, work colleagues including Construct staff Poor or Faulty workmanship Failing to adhere to site Health & Safety Rules (including smoking in a non-smoking area) © Copyright Construct Recruitment Pty Ltd 2011 v7 Page 6 You will no longer be required to work for Construct If we receive 1 negative comment concerning: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Failing to adhere to site Health & Safety Rules causing a near miss or injury to yourself or others Arriving to site under the influence of drugs or alcohol Abusive/Physically abusive towards foremen, clients, work colleagues etc Racial Discrimination Theft You will immediately be removed from site which may also result in contacting the Police. Construct conducts a ZERO TOLLERANCE towards all 5 of the above. All dismissals will be based upon factual information and investigations carried out. 21. Complaints Received Regarding Faulty Workmanship Should a Client complain about any faulty work carried out on your behalf, Construct will be responsible for conducting a full investigation into the matter, which will include a site visit. Should we find that the complaint is valid, you will be dismissed from site without pay. If found otherwise, i.e. based upon poor instructions received from the Client etc, Construct will pay you for the hours you have already completed. This will not tarnish your reputation with us. Please be aware that our contract/terms and conditions for all Clients state that they are entitled to dismiss you on your first day of commencement, should you not meet their work standards or requirements. Clients will not incur a charge for this. 22. Request from Clients to Complete Work Outside your Respective Trade Should you find yourself in this situation, you must immediately contact Construct so that we can liaise with the Client on your behalf. Only accept work that you are 100% trained/qualified and confident in. Problems that can occur may result in faulty work being carried out in which you will be held responsible for. Please also bare-in-mind that various trade descriptions may require you to be paid on a higher rate (if qualified), which the client must agree to. Alternatively, we can place the appropriate person for the job. 23. Clients Approaching Construct Temporary Workers We have been aware in the past that some Clients have approached Construct’s temporary workers for fulltime work directly with their company. In this instance please contact your © Copyright Construct Recruitment Pty Ltd 2011 v7 Page 7 consultant at the first instance this has taken place. We have contracts which are in place with our Clients that determine how this can be progressed and what transfer fee needs to be paid by the Client. 24. Theft of Tools and Personal Belongings on Site Whilst working on site, keep in mind that there could possibly be thieves operating in the area. Lock your tools in the Client’s site box if possible and carry your wallet and mobile phone with you at all times. Try and leave any valuables at home if you can. It is essential that you take all necessary precautions possible to prevent this situation happening, as your tools are not covered by Construct or the Client. If you do find yourself in a position where you are absolutely sure that tools/equipment have been stolen, report this to your supervisor as soon as possible and call us so we can report it to the police if necessary. 25. Construct Recruitment Pty Ltd Health & Safety Policy Statement We acknowledge the fact that Health & Safety covers such an extensive field in the Construction Industry, therefore Construct Recruitment Pty Ltd’s Health & Safety Policy is available for you to view in the office, should you require further information. 26. Insurance Cover Construct has a public liability cover and employers liability for its temporary workers. Stolen or damaged tools are not covered by Construct or the Client. Casual and full-timeworkers paid through PAYG are covered under this insurance. If you are self-employed you are advised to arrange your own insurance described above. 27. Data Protection Act Upon your registration/induction with Construct Recruitment Pty Ltd, all information received about yourself will be entered into our database system and filed as part of your CV. Reference checks will also be carried out by our consultants. Any feedback from referees, Clients, temporary workers and consultants (including specific checklist information relating to job performance and Health & Safety) will be included throughout your time with Construct. CVs and a copy of your passport visa may be faxed to a Client upon their request. Our bank will be given your bank account number for payment reasons once you have completed your first assignment with us. All remaining information e.g. contact numbers, address etc, will be in strict confidence and any person enquiring information on your personal records, unless described above, will be denied. © Copyright Construct Recruitment Pty Ltd 2011 v7 Page 8 Section Three Money Matters 1.How will my pay rates be decided Your hourly/daily rate will be agreed upon with your consultant prior to the beginning of each assignment. 2.When do I need to complete payroll and taxation forms Payroll and Taxation forms (requiring your Tax File Number if applicable) must be completed at interview or prior to the commencement of a contract assignment. If your tax file declaration is not received within 14 days, your withholding tax rate will be charged to the highest tax bracket. If you are to be paid as a Company you must provide your Consultant with your Certificate of Currency, evidence of Insurances and Registration documents for a business or company name. See your Contract of Service Terms and Conditions or Independent Contractor Agreement for more information on what is required. 3.What do I need to know about superannuation Construct makes a contribution of the applicable State Guarantee Levy to a superannuation fund on all “ordinary time” earnings, when you earn more than $450 (gross) in any one month. With the introduction of Super User Choice effective 1 July 2005, you are now able to select the superannuation fund that your employer contributions are remitted to. You will receive a Standard Choice form upon confirmation of your first assignment with Construct or within 7 days from the date you request one. You are able to nominate your own superannuation fund by completing this form and returning it to the nominated address on the Super User Choice form. In addition to the completed Standard Choice form you will also need to provide us with the following: • The full name and contact details of the fund • The account name in full • The number or other unique identifier (if any) that the fund uses to refer to your account • The Australian Business Number (ABN) and Superannuation identifier or number • What method can be used to make contributions to the fund and any necessary details to enable the payment to be made © Copyright Construct Recruitment Pty Ltd 2011 v7 Page 9 • A written statement provided by or on behalf of the trustee of the fund, that the fund is a resident regulated fund that can accept Construct’s contributions. Provided the superannuation fund you have nominated is a complying fund and all documentation is completed correctly, all future contributions will be directed to that fund. If a fund choice has not been made all employer contributions will be remitted to Construct’s default fund. The default fund will be nominated on the Standard Choice Form supplied to you. Currently we remit to the Superannuation Fund monthly. After a period of 12 months you may change your choice of fund. This can done only once within a 12 month period. Please note: If you are paid as a company Super User Choice does not apply to you. If you are registered as a Company or Trust it is your responsibility to pay, to an approved fund, the required amount of superannuation. If you are paid under an Award, Australian Workplace Agreement (AWA), Enterprise Bargaining Agreement (EBA) or a defined benefit fund, Super Choice may not apply to you. Please ask your Consultant if you are unsure. If you have any questions please contact the Australian Tax Office on 13 28 64, visit www.superchoice.gov.au or contact a Construct representative. © Copyright Construct Recruitment Pty Ltd 2011 v7 Page 10 Section Four Construct Recruitment Pty Ltd Health and Safety Information THE DELEGATED HEALTH & SAFETY REPRESENTATIVES FOR CONSTRUCT RECRUITMENT PTY LTD IS MARK O’CONNOR It is your responsibility by Law to read and comply with all Health & Safety rules and requirements (including risk assessment controls and method statements) of each particular site you have been placed with. Most clients will require you to attend a site induction on commencement of your assignment, others may have their site representative/foreman explain or highlight any specified works or requirements. Always make sure that you are aware of the fire and evacuation procedures on site. Any accidents, big or small, must be reported to your foreman and Construct in order to be entered into the accident book. DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES CARRY OUT ANY WORKS OR USE ANY EQUIPMENT/MACHINERY THAT YOU ARE UNFAMILIAR WITH OR HAVE NOT BEEN PROPERLY TRAINED IN. Any acts of carelessness, clowning-around or arriving to site under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol, will constitute for immediate removal from site including disciplinary proceedings under Gross Misconduct. Should you experience any problems with regards to your health or safety on site, please immediately address your concerns to the site foreman, or alternatively, contact Construct’s Health & Safety representative (Mark O’Connor) so that we can assess the problems and take affirmative action on your behalf. PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) Please familiarise yourself with the safety sign requirements of each site you are placed with, for example: It is a requirement by Construct Recruitment Pty Ltd and our Clients that all operatives wear the basic protective equipment such as a high-visibility vest, health & safety approved hardhat and steel-capped boots. © Copyright Construct Recruitment Pty Ltd 2011 v7 Page 11 Please ensure that you use the protective equipment provided on site whilst operating machinery and power tools. Should you find any safety gear that is defective, please immediately report this to your site foreman, or alternatively call Construct Regular checks should be conducted on your behalf to ensure that your PPE gear does not show any signs of wear and tear. Please do not write on your hardhat as basic substances such as felt pens/permanent markers or paint may cause erosion and affect the safety condition. To clean or remove any marks from your hardhat, use warm water and a cloth. Health & Safety Notes 1. Building in Safety and Common Site Hazards Fact: Construction and mining have the highest rate of deaths and injury in Australia. The most common cause relate to falls and slips. 1. 2. 3. Falls through roofs are the highest single cause of death. Crush injuries caused by falling materials, the collapse of excavations or being hit by machinery or plant. People die in trenches less than 1.5 meters deep. Slips, trips, minor falls or bumps are another main cause of injury. These are mainly caused by poor housekeeping and poor manual handling. 2. Site Inductions Site inductions should cover the following points upon commencement of an assignment. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 3. Statement of commitment by senior management to health and safety. An outline of the project. Site specific risks (review of risk assessments/method statements). Site rules including emergency and evacuation procedures. Welfare facilities and first aid arrangements. Main control measures on the site. Additional planned training e.g., toolbox talks. Information about workforce representatives. Arrangements for reporting accidents, dangerous occurrences and near miss incidents. Permit to work explanation. Know your Work Place and Find Out About Safety Rules Walk around and familiarise yourself with the work environment and the job you are required to undertake. A Health & Safety plan must be displayed on each construction site. This includes specific safety rules relating to that site such as Risk Assessments and Method Statements. You must read these rules and obey them. Ask your supervisor if you are unsure or do not understand any rules explained. Check for work place hazards and be prepared for emergency situations and procedures. © Copyright Construct Recruitment Pty Ltd 2011 v7 Page 12 4. Emergency Procedures A generic emergency plan gives a framework for the development of such procedures to match individual site circumstances. The emergency plan outlines procedures to be adopted in the event of any of the following incidents occurring: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 5. Fire. Explosion, or risk of explosion. Chemical spillage. Fuel/oil spillage. Serious accident/incident. External situations. Hazardous substances and dangerous goods Hazardous substances are those that, following worker exposure, can have an adverse effect on health. Examples of hazardous substances include poisons, substances that cause burns or skin and eye irritation, and substances that may cause cancer. Dangerous goods are substances or articles that, because of their physical, chemical (physicochemical) or acute toxicity properties, present an immediate hazard to people, property or the environment. Types of substances classified as dangerous goods include explosives, flammable liquids and gases, corrosives, chemically reactive or acutely (highly) toxic substances 6. Risk Assessments A risk assessment is a study of your workplace to identify any hazards that could be a health or safety risk. If something has the potential to hurt you or make you ill, e.g., unguarded machinery, obstacles in gangways, slippery floors, working from ladders, hazardous substances etc, they will need to be identified. Significant hazards need precautions in place so that the risk of harm is small. 7. Method Statements Method statements set out how a job or process will be carried out including all control measures. It is an effective way of providing you with critical information. Your duties under the method statements are as follows: 1. 2. 3. 4. To take care of your own health and safety and that of others that may be affected by your acts or omissions. To co-operate with management to achieve a healthy and safe workplace and a duty not to interfere with or misuse anything provided in the interests of health, safety or welfare. Use anything provided by the client in accordance with the instructions and training given. This includes machinery, equipment, dangerous substances, means of transport, plant and safety equipment etc. Inform the client or any dangerous work situation or any matter that is considered to be a shortcoming in your employer’s health and safety protection arrangements. Follow the safety arrangements and rules established for your work activities. © Copyright Construct Recruitment Pty Ltd 2011 v7 Page 13 5. 6. 7. 8. Ensure all accidents, incidents, dangerous occurrences and near misses are reported. Not to undertake any task for which authorisation and or training has not been received. Ensure a clean and tidy workplace is maintained. Personal Conduct You must act in a professional manner at all times, obeying the site health and safety rules and including your responsibilities to your agreement with Construct Recruitment Pty Ltd. Anyone found to act under gross misconduct will lead to instant dismissal. Gross misconduct will be identified as follows: 1. 2. Disclosure of confidential information to unauthorised sources. Serious negligence or incompetence which causes damage to the company’s relationships with clients or other unacceptable loss or in injury. 3. Refusal to obey a reasonable instruction. 4. Theft, fraud or the deliberate falsification of records. 5. Physical assault upon another person or any means of horseplay. 6. Arriving to site under the influence of alcohol or drugs. 7. Failing to work in accordance with the training and instructions given. 8. Failing to follow the safety arrangements and rules established for your work activities or interfering with safety equipment. 9. Failing to make use of all safety equipment provided (P.P.E). 10. Failing to advise supervisors of any defective plant, safety hazards or deficiencies in the safety arrangements and controls. 11. Failing to ensure all accidents, incidents, dangerous occurrences and near misses are reported to the supervisor. 12. Undertaking a task for which authorisation and or training has not been received. 9. Housekeeping Remember that poor housekeeping can cause accidents at work. Protruding pipes, exposed nails and reinforcing rods, electrical cords near water or equipment left lying on the ground. By noticing these problems and simply: 1. 2. 3. Removing Repairing or Reporting it Will help prevent accidents from happening. 1. 2. 3. Keep platforms, floors, access areas and roadways clear at all times. Store tools, equipment and materials tidily and in appropriate areas such as a site box. Never block emergency exits/fire extinguishers. Never underestimate the hazards associated with poor housekeeping. House keeping on site is everyone’s’ responsibility. © Copyright Construct Recruitment Pty Ltd 2011 v7 Page 14 9. Special Work Permits Special permits are as follows: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. To Work To enter a confined space To dig To load and Hot work permit These permits tell you what checks have been or must be made in order to ensure safety, they also tell you about additional precautions. 10. Working at Heights There are many height hazards you need to guard against. Even if you’re only a couple of metres off the ground, an awkward fall could cause serious injury or even result in your death. Openings such as holes in floors, gaps on working platforms, shafts and stairwells must be covered over and barricaded or fenced off. Before starting work, check your clearance from any overhead power lines. Don’t take risks. Discuss awkward access situations with your supervisor. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 11. Always choose the most suitable equipment for the job and the particular site and access conditions. In the case of elevated work platforms, make sure they are situated on firm levelled round. If the unit is fitted with outriggers, make sure these are properly extended before raising the platform. Always wear a safety harness secured to the platform by a small lifeline. Take great care while working with scaffolding. Scaffolds must be fully boarded and guardrails and toe boards must be in place. Before commencing work, inspect the scaffold and make sure it is safe. When working at height, always be conscious of the safety of those below you. Mesh in-fills, screens or other means of stopping falling objects should be installed. Working with Ladders 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. When using a ladder, make sure you have both hands free for climbing. Carry tools in a belt or shoulder bag and hoist equipment up to the work area. The ladder must be placed on a firm levelled surface. Secure the ladder at the top and in its space where practical. Don’t stretch in order to reach something. Climb down and more the ladder instead. Ladders must be correctly angled to minimise the risk of slipping outwards. As a rule of thumb, the ladder should be 1 metre out to every 4 metres up. Rest the ladder against a solid surface and make sure it extends over 1 metre of the landing platform. When working at height, always be conscious of the safety of those below you. Mesh in-fills, screens or other means of stopping falling objects should be installed. © Copyright Construct Recruitment Pty Ltd 2011 v7 Page 15 12. Working on Roofs Be especially cautious while working on a roof. There are many hazards : 1. 2. 3. Roofs made of fragile materials Roof lights and roof openings Sloping and slippery surfaces Stay alert to the hazards and always take great care, it only takes one false move for a disaster to strike. 13. Public Safety Never compromise the safety of members of the public. always be in place i.e. 1. 2. 3. Sufficient safeguards must Protection from falling materials Signs for traffic and pedestrians Barriers and safe walking surfaces Store your equipment and materials so that they will not cause injury and make sure there are not tripping hazards. 14. Manual Handling Your back needs to be treated with care. Just one injury and you could be inflicted with back problems for the rest of your life. Wherever possible, save your back by using mechanical aids to move loads. A key to proper lifting is to keep the 3 curves of your back in their natural positions. Always adopt the following essential steps. 1. 2. 3. 4. Stop and think, plan the lift by checking the weight of the load. Are there any suitable mechanical aids, which could be used. Stand close to the load with feet apart so that you have a balanced stable base for lifting. Don’t bend your back, bend at the knees and keep your back as straight as possible. Always keep your arms and the load close to your body and when turning, use your feet rather than twisting the body. When carrying out a team lift, make sure that one person gives clear instructions during the lift. Remember when lifting to use any available support and don’t try to act the hero. If there is any potential risk to your back, then find a mechanical aid or get somebody to help you. Hand held devices can cause damage to the hands, nerves and fingers. If your hands are numb and your fingertips are white, report it immediately and take medical advice. 15. Hazardous Materials Health hazards from substances can be divided into the following categories: 1. External contact; corrosive, skin absorption, dermatitis, cement, acids, epoxy resins 2. Inhalation – gases, fumes, dusts, vapours, vehicle exhaust fumes. 3. Ingestion – swallowing. © Copyright Construct Recruitment Pty Ltd 2011 v7 Page 16 4. Hazards may be classified as toxic, harmful, irritant, corrosive, biological or a combination of these. Highly flammable substances should be kept in the correct storage areas. They can cause fires, poisoning, injury and death also long-term health problems such as sensitivity to certain materials developing allergic reactions. Dermatitis is a skin disease which is long term and painful. Get into the habit of first checking for any warning signs on the container label. If you need more information or are unfamiliar with the material, then ask your supervisor for a copy of the assessment and safety data sheet. These contain information about how to use, handle and store the chemical safely. If you are unsure about how to handle or work with any hazardous substance, then don’t take the risk. Ask your supervisor and find out before it’s too late. Remember that hazardous materials may enter your body by being absorbed through your skin, your eyes or by being inhaled or ingested when you swallow. Make sure you also know what to do in the event of a hazardous material accident occurring on site. 16. Asbestos Make sure you wear a mask when working in areas, which may be affected by Asbestos. Breathing in asbestos dust can kill causing irreversible damage and lung cancer. Asbestos is likely to be found in insulation to boilers, pipes, ductwork and insulation boarding partitions to ceiling tiles. If found, stop work immediately and tell your supervisor. 17. Working in Confined Spaces Entry into a confined space can be one of the most hazardous activities a construction worker has to face. Be aware of the confined spaces, which may exist on site. Generally there will be areas with limited openings for personnel to enter and exit and are not designed for regular occupancy. There may be areas, which contain or cause an accumulation of atmospheric hazards. They may also have a deficiency or a supply of oxygen. Confined space entry is a specialised field requiring detailed training and a thorough understanding of the appropriate work and safety practices. Don’t attempt to enter a confined space unless you are fully trained and know what you are doing. Also make sure you have a permit and the correct equipment. Never enter a confined space alone. 18. Excavations Proper precautions must be taken at all times. Never be tempted to take shortcuts. The risks are simply too great. © Copyright Construct Recruitment Pty Ltd 2011 v7 Page 17 1. 2. Always excavate using safe digging practices. Prevent trench collapse by either reducing the slope of the trench walls or installing a suitable support system. Always make sure you know where the underground services are before you start to dig. At the beginning of your shift, check for evidence of slags or cave-ins. Excavations should be barricaded and prominent warning signs displayed. 3. 4. 5. 19. Electrical Hazards Keep an eye out for electrical hazards, cracked or faulty insulation, equipment that is overheating, damp or humid conditions. Report it immediately. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Always adopt safe work practices when dealing with electricity. Remove metal wristwatches, jewellery and belts with large metal buckles. Make sure you wear nonconductive footwear. Before starting work, check to see that your tools are clean and in good shape. Your electrical equipment should be thoroughly inspected by a competent person on a regular basis and records maintained of these inspections. 6. Remember to keep power sources well away from heat sources, wet areas, sharp objects and other places where they could be damaged. 7. Run cables at height or underground to prevent them from being damaged. 8. When walking near live power cables, ideally use non conductive, wooden or fibreglass ladders. 9. Remember to keep as far away from power lines and electric cables as possible – especially in damp conditions. 10. For trip or earth leakage devices, cut the current if contact is made with any live part. These devices should be in place and checked regularly. If you see worn wiring or damaged equipment – report it immediately. 20. Fires Keep a look out for possible fire hazards such as electrical wiring defects, flammable vapours and dust, accumulated rubbish or flammable liquid spills and hot work activities. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 21. When carrying out hot work, make sure wherever possible that it happens in designated areas where no fire risks exist. There should be no combustible material in the near vicinity and check to see that fire fighting equipment is close by. Remember that good house keeping and the proper disposal of rubbish and waste material is a vital part of any fire safety programme. You must also know what to do in a fire emergency situation. Remember to follow the site’s fire response procedures. Keep your head and above all DON’T PANIC. Know where fire extinguishers and hose reels are located. If the fire alarm goes off then immediately stop working and evacuate to the assembly point. Remain at the assembly point until everyone is accounted for and the all clear has been given. Fire Extinguishers © Copyright Construct Recruitment Pty Ltd 2011 v7 Page 18 It is important to use the right type of extinguisher on burning material. Ordinary combustible material such as wood, paper and textiles are best extinguished by using water. 1. 2. 3. 22. In the case of flammable liquids, use foam extinguishers to smother the flames. Carbon dioxide extinguishers are good general-purpose extinguishers and are ideal for use on electrical fires. Powder extinguishers can also be used on electrical fires but are as not as effective on wood or paper fires as water extinguishers. Do not use water or foam extinguisher on electrical fire, you could electrocute yourself. Plant Tools and Machinery The tools and equipment you use must be kept in safe working order. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 23. Make sure you choose the right tool or piece of equipment for the job and check it thoroughly before use. With machinery, it is a good idea to have a written pre-operation checklist, which you should go through before commencing work. If any faults or problems are identified, then immediately get these attended to. Don’t attempt to operate faulty equipment. Special care must be taken when working with or near hoists and mobile cranes. Complacency concerning there safe use will often end in disaster. Stay alert to the movement of sight vehicles and always wear high visibility clothing when working with mobile plant or if you are near roadways. It may be mandatory on your site for all personnel to wear high visibility clothing and safety hats. Always travel at a safe speed. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) There are over 4,000 head injuries every year, 1,000 eye injuries and 4,000 foot injuries. Industrial deafness is a national health hazard. PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) include a hardhat, steel capped safety boots, highvisibility vest, goggles, ear defenders and appropriate gloves for the different types of work carried out. You must also use masks for various types of work relating to dust, fumes and hazardous vapours. Use proper work gloves and overalls to protect yourself against dermatitis. Whenever you wear P.P.E, don’t let it give you a false sense of security. The hazards are still out there, by wearing P.P.E you are limiting your exposure to those hazards. 1. You must therefore make sure that other control measures are in place to help reduce the risks. 2. When choosing P.P.E, make sure it matches the hazards i.e. it should fit correctly, be comfortable and it must be compatible with other items of P.P.E. 3. Shorts should not be worn on site unless previously agreed by the client. 24. Natural Elements As a construction or mining worker, you need top guard yourself against extremes of heat and cold. © Copyright Construct Recruitment Pty Ltd 2011 v7 Page 19 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 25. Be sun smart, place a neck protector under your hard hat. Wear clothing made of closely-knit material and shirts that have long sleeves and collars. Also make a point of applying a 15+ sun block to exposed areas of the skin, prior to working outside. In cold conditions, wear several layers of clothing instead of a single heavy overgarment. Make sure you keep your fluid intake up in both hot and cold conditions. Stay alert for signs of physical distress. Drug and Alcohol Abuse If under the influence of drugs and alcohol, do not report to work as immediately you are a danger to yourself and those around you. This is identified as gross misconduct. 26. Personal Hygiene Toilets and washbasins are provided for your use. Keep toilets and washbasins clean, wash hands before eating and after being to the toilet. Wipe hands with clean towels and not dirty rags. 27. How to Prevent Accidents 1. 2. 3. Cooperate with your employer on Health & Safety issues. Take responsible care of yourself and others. Don’t interfere or misuse anything provided for your safety. If you have an injury, no matter how small it is, you must report it and have it entered into the site accident book. Attitude and behaviour are the key elements in preventing accidents. Having a positive attitude to safety means: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 28. Being alert to actual and potential hazards. Assessing the risk and minimising remaining/or reporting them. Developing a positive approach to safety. Anticipating the safety implications of your job for both yourself and the ones around you. Being aware of your own strengths and limitations. Concentrate, organise your work and don’t take short cuts. Think about what can go wrong and plan for it. Always think safety and act safely. Incorporate safety in everything you do. What to Do in Case of an Accident If you are first at the scene of an accident, you must assess the situation. 1. 2. 3. What happened? What help is needed? What dangers remain? Always put safety first and protect the casualty from further harm by removing the source of danger or removing the casualty if there is no other alternative. Don’t put © Copyright Construct Recruitment Pty Ltd 2011 v7 Page 20 yourself at risk. 29. In First Aid – Remember Your ABCs Unconscious casualty check – Airways, Breathing, Circulation. Take action if you can, get help and call for emergency services. Report all accidents to your supervisor. Should you be involved in an accident on site, please ensure that you contact Mark O’Connor within 3 days of the incident so he can file a report for our records. 30. Reporting If your planned method of doing a task is working or you have a better idea of how to work or solve a problem, stop and tell your supervisor. Report all defects or unsafe situations. Do not carry out any repairs yourself unless authorised to do so. ALWAYS REMEMBER: THINK SAFETY BE ALERT FOR HAZARDS OBEY THE RULES WEAR THE APPROPRIATE PPE SAFETY INVOLVES YOU © Copyright Construct Recruitment Pty Ltd 2011 v7 Page 21 Section Five Temporary Worker Agreement of Obligations & Documentation Received (Please print your full name) I, _____________________________, agree to my responsibilities to Construct Recruitment Pty Ltd as outlined in their handout (Your Obligations as a Temporary Worker Registered with Construct), including their Agreement of Terms and Conditions between the Agency and the Temporary Worker, and also confirm that I have received a copy of all the above information including their Health & Safety handout. Obligations To Agency Checklist I agree to carry out the following: 1. Contact the agency if I am running late for work 2. Contact the agency within 3 hours if I cannot attend site 3. Give the agency 48 hours notice if I wish to leave the site I am on due to have being offered other work 4. Inform the agency when I am looking for more work 5. Inform the agency if I have been kept on site for ongoing work 6. Get my timesheet signed and sent in on time (Monday lunchtime) 7. Give the agency 1 week’s notice if I have any personal appointments or have booked a holiday in advance This contract for service commences as dated below and applies to this and every subsequent period of service between the Agency and myself. Signed: Date: Print Name: © Copyright Construct Recruitment Pty Ltd 2011 v7 Page 22 Section Six Temporary Worker’s Confirmation of Receipt of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) I confirm that Construct Recruitment Pty Ltd have informed me that it is my responsibility as a temporary worker that, by law, I must comply with all Health & Safety rules on the sites I am placed with. I confirm that I have received the following personal protective equipment (PPE) and understand that it is my responsibility to use additional safety gear provided by clients as and when required. Hard Hat High Visibility Vest Safety Glasses Gloves Ear Plugs Issued Issued Issued Issued Issued by by by by by Construct Construct Construct Construct Construct In addition to the above, I have my own Steel Capped Boots Signed: Date: Print Name: Emergency Contacts Name: Relationship: Address: Mobile Phone: Home Phone: Email: Name: Relationship: Address: Mobile Phone: Home Phone: Email: © Copyright Construct Recruitment Pty Ltd 2011 v7 Page 23 Section Seven Time Sheets This is to be Sunday’s date MUST BE IN BY MIDDAY MONDAY in order to be processed that week. If received late your time sheet will be processed the following week Hours worked should be in 24 hour clock, lunch breaks must be noted PLEASE NOTE Your authorised site manager will not sign off on your time sheet if it is completed incorrectly. Your name and address must be completed Total hours worked must be completed for each day and must not include your lunch break Total weekly hours must be completed Must have the company’s name Must be signed by a foreman or authorised person © Construct Enterprises Limited 2010 Must have the foreman’s Name and position Must have the site address