Work Experience

Key Points

Overview

• Approach potential employers yourself

• Have a meeting at least 2 weeks before– Sign all forms– Understand the workplace and your job role

• Have realistic expectations

Rights & Obligations

• Expect an induction• Expect a safe working

environment.• Know your rights with:

– Equal opportunity– Health and Safety– Harassment

• Ring if you will miss work

• Treat your placement like a paid job

• Expect to learn by observation

• Ask questions

Health and Safety Responsibilities

• Health and Safety at work is everyone's responsibility

Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment and Risk Control

• It is mandatory for employers in all work places to provide and maintain a working environment that is safe and without risks to health.

• The Think Safe steps – Spot the hazard, – Assess the risk – Make the changes

Manual Handling

• Includes any activity requiring the use of force exerted by a person to lower, push, pull, hold or restrain a person, animal or thing.

• You should speak to your supervisor or employer if you feel your job puts you at risk of injury.

• Don’t do anything another worker wouldn’t

Hazardous Substances and Dangerous Goods

• A hazardous substance can be any substance, whether solid, liquid or gas, that may cause harm to your health.

• If you feel unsure about any goods in the workplace, ask your employer first.

Noise

• If the noise around you forces you to raise your voice to make yourself heard a metre away your hearing may be at risk.

• If noise cannot be reduced, personal protective hearing equipment (PPE) must be worn.

Electricity

• Only licensed electrical workers can legally perform electrical work.

• An unqualified person must not be employed to undertake electrical work.

Falls from Height

• There are many jobs that require people to work at heights greater than 2 metres, or at ground level where a fall is possible.

• Your employer must make sure it is safe before allowing you to work in these conditions.

• If you don’t feel safe, don’t put yourself at risk!

Mechanical Equipment

• Mechanical equipment ('plant', machinery and hand-held power tools) can cause serious injuries,

• The most common mechanical equipment injuries are to hands and fingers.

• Your work place must ensure that all equipment and machines are in safe working order.

Personal Safety

• Working Alone – Students must be supervised at all times and

must not be expected to work alone.

• Violence and Bullying at Work – Employers must protect employees and other

people in the work place from violent and bullying incidents.

– If you experience bullying, it is important that you talk to someone in your work place.

– Bullying can only continue where it is not reported.

Personal Protective Equipment

• Employers are required to provide personal protective equipment and clothing (PPE).

• Employees must be instructed and trained in the correct use of any personal protective equipment (PPE)

• If personal protective equipment and clothing is provided you must wear it and use it correctly.