Workplace Health & Safety - Community Connection Inc. Townsville Support Services

Community Connection is extremely serious about Workplace Health and Safety and keeping everyone safe and well.

Make your work and workplace safe by:

finding what is safe or unhealthy in your workplace
deciding what is the highest risk, what needs to be fixed first and how to go about fixing it.
taking action to fix the unsafe or unhealthy workplace problems
checking the problems are fixed and won’t happen again
having a site-specific health and safety induction
having specific training to do work safely
making sure personal protective equipment (PPE) is used where provided.

Remember, everyone is responsible for workplace health and safety. Use the ALERT Sign below as a starting point to maintain a safer workplace.

ALERT

ASSESS EVERY SITUATION FOR RISK BEFORE AND DURING AN ACTIVITY

LOOK AT THE WHOLE ENVIRONMENT INCLUDING THE PERSON YOU ARE SUPPORTING BEFORE MAKING A DECISTION TO PROCEED

EDUCATE YOURSELF ON THE ISSUES RELATED TO THE PERSON SUPPORTED’S DISABILITY AND ADJUST YOUR SUPPORT TO MATCH

RECOGNISE YOUR OWN CAPABILITIES AND DO NOT TAKE ON AN ACITIVITY IF YOU ARE NOT CONFIDENT

TAKE THE TIME TO REVIEW ALL SITUATIONS – THOSE THAT GO WELL AND THOSE THAT DID NOT. LEARN FROM BOTH

Available Documents

External Links

	Workplace Health and Safety Queensland - http://www.deir.qld.gov.au/workplace/

Handwashing - why it's important

A number of infectious diseases can be spread from one person to another by contaminated hands. Washing your hands properly can prevent the spread of the organisms that cause these diseases.

When to wash your hands

You should wash your hands thoroughly:

Before preparing food
Before eating
Between handling raw and cooked or ready-to-eat food
After going to the toilet or providing personal care
After smoking
After using a tissue or handkerchief
After handling rubbish or working in the garden
After handling animals
After attending to anyone who is sick

How to wash your hands properly

To wash hands properly:

Wet your hands with warm water
Apply one dose of liquid soap and lather well for 15 - 20 seconds (or longer if the dirt is ingrained)
Rub hands together rapidly across all surfaces of your hands and wrists to help remove dirt and germs
Don't forget teh backs of your hands, your wrists, between your fingers and under your fingernails.
Wash your hands for at least 10 to 15 seconds (as long as it takes to sing one verse of 'Happy Birthday')
Rinse well under running water and make sure all traces of soap are removed, as residues may cause irritation
Pat your hands dry using paper towels (or single use cloth towels). Make sure your hands are thoroughly dry.
Dry under any rings you wear, as they can be a source of future contamination if they remain moist. If possible, remove rings and watches before you wash your hands.
Hot air driers can be used but, again, you should ensure your hands are thoroughly dry.