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.