Workplace Hazards Fact Sheet



This fact sheet is for secondary school students undertaking work experience programs, and for their host employers. It can be used as a tool to assist with task planning, and to develop appropriate induction, training and supervision to minimise any risk to students while they are ‘at work’.

Students must be given instruction, and must be supervised at all times. Consideration must always be given to hazards when allocating tasks. If any risk exists, students must NOT undertake the activity.

|Hazard |Possible Harmful Effects |Possible Employer Action to Prevent Injury / |Preventative Action Students Can Take |

| | |Illness | |

|Gymnasium equipment |Back and shoulder strains and |Arrange floor layout to enable pedestrians to|Don’t walk near equipment when in use by |

| |sprains, injuries to feet if weights |avoid contact with others using equipment |patrons |

| |are dropped | | |

|Slips, trips and falls |Broken bones, sprains and strains |Provide floor mats |Wear non-slip shoes |

| | |Practise good housekeeping: ensure that |Walk carefully when near pool surrounds or |

| |Swimming pool surrounds are often |equipment is stored away after use |other slippery surfaces |

| |slippery and serious falls may occur |Install signs to warn of slippery surfaces | |

|Hazardous substances |Skin contact may cause irritation or |Use the least hazardous product for each job |Use personal protective equipment (PPE) when |

|(cleaning products, |dermatitis |Ensure good ventilation |provided – this could include rubber gloves, |

|including pool chemicals) | |Make sure safety information is on label and |eye protection, face mask |

| |Vapours or fumes may cause headaches |Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) is provided|Read chemical safety information and follow |

| |and/or respiratory problems | |recommended practices |

| | |Provide appropriate personal protective | |

| |Long-term exposure may lead to |equipment (PPE) | |

| |chronic (ongoing) health effects | | |

|UV radiation |Sunburn, skin cancer |Provide appropriate headgear, PPE and |Be conscious of how long you are working |

| | |sunscreen for employees working outdoors |outdoors – limit your exposure to UV |

| | |Arrange work to minimise time which must be |radiation |

| | |spent outdoors |Wear head protection |

| | | |Use PPE and sunscreen |

|Manual handling (bending, |Musculoskeletal disorders, including |Assess risks before heavy equipment is |Use mechanical aids where provided |

|reaching, |sprains and strains |handled |Follow instructions and training |

|stretching, pulling, | |Provide mechanical aids |Seek help if you think a task may present |

|lifting) | |Arrange team lifts if required for heavier |manual handling risk |

| | |items | |

| | |Provide training in correct manual handling | |

| | |techniques | |

|Contact with public |Abuse, assault, robbery |Provide adequate security |Follow procedures and instructions regarding |

| | |Students should not be asked to work in |security and contact with the public |

| | |change rooms or shower areas |Report any concerns about public behaviour |

| | |Arrange customer service and emergency |immediately |

| | |response training | |

|Sexual harassment, work |Emotional stress, fear and anxiety, |Establish work place policy |Report any concerns immediately |

|place bullying |physical illness |Provide staff briefings or training | |

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