COOLIO WORKPLACE INDUCTION & SAFETY
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Welcome
Organizational Chart
Workplace Health and Safety
including heat stress, working alone, snakes
Emergency Procedures
Hazard and Incident Reporting
Consultation and Communication
Conduct on Site
Traffic and Speed Limits
Designated Smoking Area
Drugs and Alcohol
Housekeeping
Hazard Management
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Manual Handling and Proper Lifting Techniques
Chemicals
Safe Knife Use (Knives and Machetes)
Appendix
Induction Checklist
Emergency Contact List
Incident Report Form
Farm Plans
Declaration to Sign
WELCOME
Welcome to Coolio Farms this induction is designed to provide you with an overview of the policies, procedures and responsibilities while working on our Walkamin farm. Please read through this document carefully and make sure that you understand everything. At the back of the guide, you will need to sign a form confirming you have read and understood the document. If you have any questions, please make sure you come and ask us.
It is important that you understand your and our responsibility for Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) and our expectations and standards in terms of providing a safe place for all.
This booklet details information that you need to understand to meet your and our commitment to workplace health and safety. We ask you to read this handbook carefully and make sure that you understand everything. We will review this detail when you are on site. If you do not understand anything, please come and ask us.
Your safety is as much your responsibility as it is ours.
If you feel that you cannot do a job safely, stop and discuss it with us.
Let us know about any hazards or incidents IMMEDIATELY.
HOURS OF WORK: Full time staff typically work 7am to 4pm Monday to Thursday and 7am to 12noon on a Friday. Casual staff typically work within these hours for some or all of these hours.
BREAKS: We have two paid 10 minute breaks and a 45 minute unpaid break at lunchtime. The two paid 10 minute breaks are taken from 9am to 9.20am and the lunch break 12.30pm to 1.15pm
COOLIO FARMS CONTACT PERSONS
| NAME | TITLE | TELEPHONE | |
| Andrew or Michael Coulson | Farm Owner Farm Manager | 0425 218 664 0430 313 162 |
COOLIO FARMS WORKPLACE HEALTH AND SAFETY POLICY
Coolio Farms is committed to ensuring the workplace is safe and without risk to the health, safety and welfare of all staff, contractors, customers and visitors. It is the mutual objective of all management and employees to actively promote awareness of health and safety measures and to observe and practice safe working methods.
We will consult with you on WHS matters.
As the persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) it is Coolio Farms responsibility to:
ensure all employees have completed a Coolio Farms Health and Safety Induction prior to performing any work on one of our sites
To ensure our employees have the necessary personal protective equipment and training to ensure they can work safely while on a Coolio Farms site
It is your responsibility as an employee visitor or contractor to:
Take reasonable care for your own health and safety in the workplace
Take care and show respect for workers around you.
Follow all guidelines, safe work procedures, information and rules.
Comply with directions given by management relating to WHS.
Report all incidents, unsafe conditions and hazards.
Engage in communication and consultation with management.
Participate in safety training as required.
Keep the work area clean and tidy.
ALL WORKPLACE HEALTH AND SAFETY ITEMS ARE IMPORTANT
Here are some particular items you should be aware of.
HEAT STRESS: Always have your own water bottle with you and hat. We have water on our banana bump out tractors and we have a heat stress management toolbox meeting/ procedure (TOOLBOX TALK 10)
LONE WORKERS: We have good phone access on our farms. Working alone on our farm is rare but to be safe always carry your phone for emergencies with our contact number. (TOOLBOX TALK 9) Phones are not to be used for personal calls during working hours.
SNAKES Keep away from snakes. If you see one on the farm LEAVE IT ALONE. In the unlikely event of receiving a snake bite remain calm, do not run around, call your supervisor for assistance. Our First Aid kits contain compression bandages (TOOLBOX TALK 11)
MENTAL WELLBEING Beyond Blue 24 hour helpline: 1300 224 636 Toolbox Talk Week49 and www.benestar.com
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
In the event of an emergency, please note the following:
The emergency assembly point is located in the open area adjacent to the packing shed. You should think about how you would make your way to this point from any position within the farm. Consider alternatives in case your usual path is blocked as a result of the emergency.
- The person responsible for emergency coordination is the Farm Manager or their delegate.
- The emergency contact list and first aid personnel are listed in the Appendix and are located on the pump house notice board.
- First aid kit is located in the upstairs office
- Fire extinguishers are located as per the site map.
- You should not try to fight fires, deal with the spillage of hazardous substances, undertake rescues or do anything to control an emergency situation unless you are confident to do so and have been trained in the correct procedures.
HAZARD AND INCIDENT REPORTING
| All incidents, hazards and near misses must be reported When an incident, hazard or near miss occurs it is important that you notify Coolio Farms management immediately. Once we know an incident has taken place we can conduct an investigation as to what happened and determine how we can stop it happening again. Management will complete the accident investigation form with you and report any findings and corrective actions. Certain injuries or incidents are required to also be reported to the department of Workplace health and safety and WorkCover Queensland immediately once management becomes aware of an incident. This must be followed up with written documentation as soon as reasonably practical but no later than 48 hours. If you do not report an incident, near miss or hazard, management will not have the opportunity to assess the situation that caused it and put in controls to prevent it from re-occurring. |
CONSULTATION AND COMMUNICATION
Day-to-day communication and consultation will typically occur between employees and Coolio Farms management. A Toolbox meeting is where employees meet with management to discuss, for
example, safety issues, to communicate changes in work practices, an update on procedures, or any other information.
You may be required to sign a staff/toolbox meeting record sheet to demonstrate that you have attended the meeting. In addition to staff/ toolbox meetings, any employees may raise safety issues or report an incident directly with Coolio Farms management at any time.
There is an ‘ideas’ letterbox in the Pack Shed staff kitchen where you can record any safety improvement suggestions or identified hazards or concerns. These will be reviewed by Coolio Farms and you will be informed as to what actions will be taken.
We have security cameras located around the farm. We also use photos and video of staff for training, multimedia and all Coolio media opportunities to which you agree are the property of Coolio Farms by signing this induction.
CONDUCT ON SITE
It is important that everyone working on a Coolio Farms site act in a safe and respectful manner. It is Coolio Farms management’s responsibility to ensure that all employees act in accordance with the standards expected. In particular, unacceptable behaviours include:
- Horseplay and practical jokes
- Bullying, harassing or discriminatory
- Interfering with or removing the property of the company or any other person without permission
- Interfering with, bypassing or rendering inoperative controls designed to provide protection
- Failing to adhere to safe operating procedures
- Being affected by drugs and alcohol and the resulting consequences endangering the safety of any person including yourself
- Traffic and Speed Limits
TRAFFIC AND SPEED LIMITS
Employees and visitors are to obey all signs posted in and around the shed and farm. Pedestrians are to use the designated walkways through the sheds and tractor parking areas.
Speed limits vary depending on the location, please note and abide by the following maximum speed limits:
20km speed limit within the plantation area
10km speed limit within packing sheds
DESIGNATED SMOKING AREAS
| Smoking is prohibited within the packing shed. Smoking is only allowed in designated smoking areas. |
DRUGS AND ALCOHOL (ZERO TOLERANCE
All employees and contractors must not be in possession of, consume or be suffering the effects of alcohol or illicit drugs. You must advise management if you are taking prescription drugs that may cause an adverse reaction. Coolio Farms may at any time arrange drug and alcohol testing of staff.
HOUSEKEEPING
While conducting work onsite, employees must take all reasonable steps to maintain the work area in a clean and tidy condition. Prior to leaving site you and must return the work area to a clean and tidy condition, disposing of any waste in designated bins. Lockers are provided for your personal belongings.
HAZARD MANAGEMENT
It is the employers’ responsibility to make sure that the people they employ are trained to perform their roles safely and are provided with the necessary personal protective equipment (PPE).
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)
As an employer it is our responsibility to ensure that our employees are provided with the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) you need to work safely. PPE is the equipment worn by workers to reduce their exposure to hazards. A task which PPE might be used includes operating whipper snippers, stashers chipping hoes. Prior to the commencement of any work or task you must discuss with the Farm Manager the PPE required and ensure you and have the required PPE. Any PPE supplied by Coolio Farms or provided by yourself should be used as instructed, be of the required standard and be well maintained.
Depending on the task the following PPE are examples of what may be required:
- Foot protection — Steel cap boots or sturdy work boots with non-slip soles must be worn if working within the packing shed and around the farm.
- Skin protection – Hat broad brimmed or peaked with good shade protection, clothing that covers the skin and sunscreen for outdoor work; protective gloves and face shields for handling cleaning agents (refer to the Material Safety data sheet or MSDS).
- Eye protection — goggles or glasses when mixing chemicals.
Signs are located at various points within the site that indicate the forms of PPE that may be required to enter/exit the area.
PLANT AND EQUIPMENT — TRACTOR, QUAD BIKE, BANANA BAGGER AND FORKLIFT
Only trained and licenced forklift drivers to operate forklifts.
Only trained and licenced truck drivers to operate trucks.
In order to operate a tractor a current State Driver’s Licence must be held.
Prior to the operation of any equipment that requires a licence, a copy of a current licence must be obtained from the operator.
ASSESSMENT OF COMPETENCY
Before operating equipment at Coolio Farms you must be trained and assessed as competent to operate the equipment.
This includes the Quadbike, tractor, cherry picker, baggers and other equipment as required, DO NOT operate any equipment without Management approval
FARM EQUIPMENT PRE OPERATIONAL CHECKS
Pre-operational inspection check must be conducted at the commencement of each shift for all identified equipment including tractors, Quad bike and Bagging Machines
Yellow Maintenance Folders are located at the end of the packing shed.
Defective or damaged equipment must be tagged out and reported to management to enable repairs to be carried out.
PACKING LINE PRE OPERATIONAL CHECKS
- Pre-operational inspection check must be conducted at the commencement of each shift for all identified equipment.
- Yellow Maintenance Folders are located at the end of the packing shed.
- Defective or damaged equipment must be tagged out and reported to management to enable repairs to be carried out.
- Ensure the power has been isolated before removing the guards on any machinery for maintenance or testing.
OPERATION
- Make sure you and have received instruction/training and have been assessed before operating any equipment for the first time.
- Read, understand and comply with all the safety warnings on machinery and equipment and in the operator’s manual.
- Seatbelts are compulsory and must be worn.
- Do not use mobile phones whilst operating any vehicle.
- The rated capacity of a vehicle must never be exceeded.
ATTACHMENTS FOR TRACTORS
- Only workers trained to use a tractor with attachments are permitted to use this machinery.
- Attachments to be stored and maintained as per safe operating procedures.
- Defective or damaged attachments must be tagged out and reported to the supervisor/manager to enable repairs to be carried out.
- Ensure prior to attaching that the area is clear of people and obstacles and check attached.
Manual Handling & Proper Lifting Techniques
Correct manual handling procedures must be followed, such as:
- Be prepared to assess the load and check the weight. Is there a clear path?
- Is the load secure?
- Never carry an object that blocks your view. Does it require two people?
- Brace your core and tense your tummy muscles
- Never twist while lifting — turn your feet in the direction of lift
- Keep objects close to you — keep elbows tucked in
- Always bend your knees
- Keep your head up and your back natural upright position
MANUAL HANDLING PRINCIPALS
Manual Handling is not just about lifting, other forms to include:
- Repetitive lifting of banana bunches
- Repetitive or sustained use of awkward postures
- Sustained use of force e g Using secateurs, Planting, Chipping,
- Repetitive or sustained movement
- Exposure to sustained vibration
MAXIMUM SINGLE PERSON LIFTING WEIGHT 25kg (except for banana bunches) Ask for assistance if above this weight or discuss alternatives eg mechanical aids as installed for use in the bunch loading line in the pack shed, revised ordering sizes with supervisor, training to accommodate banana bunches in field(rev 1 ac 6dec22 refer Manual Lifting Risk Hazard Analysis dated 1 Dec 2022.)
CHEMICALS
Chemicals on the farm and surrounding areas are used for cleaning, to control insects, weeds and fungus. Only use chemicals if you have been trained in their use and are authorised to do so.
- Anyone handling chemicals must comply with the instructions on the label and the material safety data sheet (SDS Safety Data Sheet). The SDS’s are located in the chemical shed and office.
- If you do not understand the label or SDS, or have difficulty reading them, ask for help before continuing.
- You must wear the recommended personal protection equipment (PPE) when using any chemical,
When you have finished the job, the equipment should be washed down and the chemicals locked away in the chemical shed.
- You must be aware of the emergency procedures in the event of a spill/accident.
SAFE KNIFE USE
Knives and machetes are used as part of the growing, harvesting and packing of bananas and pose an injury risk if used incorrectly.
- Only use a knife or machete if you have been trained in their use and are authorised to do so.
- Do not attempt to sharpen knifes or machetes
- Report any damaged or broken knives or machetes to Coolio Farms management for replacement
APPENDIX
- EMPLOYEE INDUCTION CHECKLIST
- EMERGENCY CONTACT LIST
3. INCIDENT REPORT FORM
PLANT & EQUPIMENT ONSITE PROCEDURES
Plant and equipment that could present a hazard, Tractors, Quad bikes, Banana Baggers , Packing Line, Banana Trailers, All Vehicles including cars & trucks
RISKS AND HAZARDS INCLUDING GUARDING
‘Danger’ and ‘Out of Service’ tags, ‘Lock out’ procedures, Emergency Stops, What to do if the equipment requires repair, Inspection and maintenance processes and schedules. You should always ask if unsure
MANUAL HANDLING AND PROPER LIFTING TECHNIQUES
Explain the procedure for identifying and reporting hazardous manual tasks
Explain how to recognise the symptoms which may indicate a sprain or strain, and note the need to report symptoms early
Show workers the mechanical aids at the workplace (e.g. forklifts, pallet jacks and trolleys)
Train workers in safe work procedures, including the use of machinery, tools, equipment and work techniques
Have workers demonstrate the safe work procedure to do the manual tasks involved in their job
CHEMICALS
Show worker where hazardous chemicals are stored
Explain any important handling and storage details about the chemical
Show worker where the SDS (safety data sheet) register is kept
Show worker where the SDS are kept and explain the information in the SDS
Explain any precautions for use and emergency procedures (e.g. location of eye wash stations)
SITE ORIENTATION WALKABOUT
including parking, amenities, evacuation point, toilets, sinks, showers, fire extinguishers, fire hoses and fire blankets, emergency plan, workplace exits, fire exits and any alarm processes, assembly point (where to go if evacuating the work area), Drinking water, First aid kit location, electrical switchboard locations, smoking and non smoking areas, introduce co-workers
WORKPLACE HAZARD SIGNS and what they mean
Electrical switchboard locations and dangerous areas in the workplace (including slip, trip and falls)
WORKERS COMPENSATION
Workers compensation insurance, return to work policies and procedures
HEALTH AND SAFETY DUTIES AND RESONSIBILITIES OF ALL PARTIES
Coolio farms has a legal duty of care for workers, contractors and visitors
Workers have a legal duty of care for self, fellow workers and visitors
Coolio farms expects workers to behave in a safe manner and not to put themselves or others at risk (no fooling around!)
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
The first aid kit and incident record forms are located at our upstairs office
What to do if a fire breaks out or there is an emergency and emergency evacuation plan
HAZARD AND INCIDENT REPORTING PROCEDURE
If you are injured no matter how minor, report it immediately to your supervisor If you see something unsafe, report it to your supervisor
CONSULTATION AND COMMUNICATION PROCEDURE
Introduce the worker to safety personnel (e.g. Health and safety representative and first aid staff)
Indicate the times of staff meetings/toolbox talks where safety issues can be raised
Show process for reporting hazards
Explain purpose of ‘staff/toolbox talks’ and when they will be held
Workplace bullying will not be tolerated. Explain the policy and procedures
CONDUCT ON SITE
Bullying, harassing or discriminatory behaviours
Interfering with or removing the property of the company or any other person without permission
Interfering with, bypassing or rendering inoperative controls designed to provide protection
Failing to adhere to safe operating procedures
Being affected by drugs and alcohol and the resulting consequences endangering the safety of any person including you Horseplay and practical jokes
House keeping
Traffic and speed limits
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)
Issue worker with PPE if required and/or show where it is stored (PPE is for personal use and not to be shared) Explain when PPE must be worn
Show worker how to fit and use PPE correctly, how to clean and maintain PPE, how to store PPE when not in use, what to do if PPE is damaged including PPE replacement policy
Get the worker to demonstrate the use of PPE and explain when it is used
www.cooliofarms.com.au
2. EMERGENCY CONTACT LIST
for Emergency dial 000
When contacting emergency services: Do not panic. Speak slowly. Give clear details. Nature of emergency. Your name and Location of Emergency – 3 Hansen Road OR 6079 Kennedy Highway Walkamin 4872 depending on which farm you are on.
| Property COOLIO FARMS | 3 Hansen Road WALKAMIN 4872 and 6079 Kennedy Highway WALKAMIN 4872 |
| Nearest intersection or main road | Hansen Road and Kennedy Highway |
| Property | Entrance gate and biosecurity vehicle wash are set back on the lefthand side of Hansen Road 700 m from the Kennedy Hwy inter-section. |
| SERVICE | PHONE NUMBER |
| Michael Coulson | 0430 313 162 |
| Emergency services | 000 |
| Poisons Information Centre | 13 11 26 |
| Electricity Provider — Ergon Energy | 13 16 70 |
| Gas Emergencies — Natural & LP | 13 27 71 |
| SES | 132 500 |
3. INCIDENT REPORT FORM Incident Book in Mezzanine Office
| Incident details | |||||||
| Name of person involved in the incident: | Date of incident: | ||||||
| Location of incident: | |||||||
| Incident investigation team: | |||||||
| What task was being performed at the time of the incident? | |||||||
| What happened? (e.g. ‘employee tripped over box’ or ‘forklift hit wall’) | |||||||
| What factors contributed to the incident? | |||||||
| Environment: | Equipment/materials: | ||||||
| Noise | Layout / design | Wrong equipment for the job | Equipment failure | ||||
| Lighting | Dust / fume | Inadequate maintenance | Material / equipment too heavy / awkward | ||||
| Vibration | Slip / trip hazard | Inadequate guarding | Inadequate training provided | ||||
| Damaged / unstable floor | Other | Other | |||||
| Work systems: | People: | ||||||
| Hazard not identified | No / inadequate risk assessment conducted | Procedure not followed / no procedure exists | Drugs / alcohol | ||||
| No / inadequate safe work procedure | No / inadequate controls implemented | Fatigue | Time / production pressures | ||||
| Hazard not reported | Inadequate training / supervision | Change of routine | Distraction / personal issues / stress | ||||
| Other | Lack of communication | Other | |||||
| Corrective actions: | |||||||
| Contributing factor (from above list) | What are we going to do to fix the problem? | Who | When | Completion date | |||
| Issue fixed? | |||||||
| Name | Signature | Date | |||||
| Person involved in incident: | |||||||
| EMPLOYEE DECLARATION SIGN-OFF PAGE |
| EMPLOYEE I __________________________________________ confirm that the items above in the Coolio Farms Induction, the checklist in the Appendix were received, read by me and gone through on site by Coolio Farms staff. I agree to abide and comply with the conditions explained to me as they appear in these documents and will work in a safe and environmentally responsible manner. I have read and understand the contents of the Coolio Farms Induction Handbook I understand breaching the policies may result in the permanent removal from Coolio Farms. NAME: ____________________________________________ SIGNATURE: ________________________________________ DATE: __________________________ EMPLOYER SIGNED: ___________________________________________ DATE: __________________________ INDUCTED BY: ______________________________________ |