Most organisations or PCBUs (persons conducting a business or undertaking) are aware of their obligations in keeping their workers safe at work. Transport organisations consider vehicles, journeys, work hours, and so on. They also need to consider the environment a worker is moving into, often the client‘s site. What hazards are present on these sites that can affect workers? Some sites will have operating machinery, dust or noise. Obviously, different types of business will have different hazards. It is the PCBU‘s responsibility to keep workers safe. This includes the employer and the client. There needs to be communication between both PCBUs so that the hazards the worker brings into the site do not harm others, and so that the worker is protected from the client‘s hazards. A simple way to manage this is to induct the worker before they enter the site.

Induction should include the required personal protective equipment (PPE), such as hearing protection and dust masks. Workers will then be prepared. The client PCBU should also have spare PPE available in case the worker doesn‘t have suitable equipment. Induction should also inform the worker of the places they can access, and the no-go zones. Many sites have specific rules for loading and unloading – places where drivers must stand, who can operate forklifts and who must secure the load, for example. The worker must still be aware of the hazards and controls when no induction is provided. The PCBU must still provide information and education to the worker. Part of this will be providing support to the worker so that they are comfortable in managing health and safety; essential when they are on site and must make immediate decisions.

How can Safewise help? We work with organisations that need more health and safety knowledge, or more time, than they have in house. For more information, check the website www.safewise.co.nz