Policy 56: Cease Unsafe Work Policy
References: Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Qld), sections 84, 85 and 85A.
Purpose:
This policy establishes the requirements for stopping work where unsafe conditions exist and ensures workers can cease or refuse unsafe work without fear of reprisal. The objective is to prevent injury, illness, property damage and environmental harm by immediately addressing hazards that present an unacceptable risk.
Scope:
This policy applies to all workers, contractors, labour hire personnel, visitors and management personnel engaged in activities conducted by Bean Growers Australia Limited.
Policy:
Bean Growers Australia Limited is committed to providing and maintaining a safe and healthy workplace. Any worker who reasonably believes that a task, activity, process, equipment or workplace condition presents an immediate or imminent serious risk to health and safety has the authority and obligation to stop the unsafe activity, warn others who may be affected, report the hazard immediately and take reasonable action to prevent injury or damage.
No employee, contractor or worker will be disciplined, disadvantaged or subjected to adverse action for stopping work due to a genuine safety concern raised in good faith.
Responsibilities:
Workers must identify and report hazards, stop work where an immediate danger exists, cooperate in investigations, follow implemented control measures and participate in consultation regarding the hazard.
Supervisors must respond immediately to reports of unsafe work, ensure workers are not exposed to unacceptable risks, investigate reported hazards, implement interim and permanent controls and authorise recommencement of work only when safe.
Management must support workers exercising their right to cease unsafe work, provide resources to eliminate or control hazards, ensure investigations are completed and monitor compliance with this policy.
Examples of Unsafe Work Conditions:
§ Uncontrolled electrical hazards.
§ Working at heights without suitable fall protection.
§ Structural instability, unsafe excavation conditions, fire, explosion or gas leak risks.
§ Exposure to hazardous chemicals without controls or failure of critical safety equipment.
§ Mobile plant operating without required controls, severe weather creating immediate risks, or fatigue or impairment creating significant danger.
Procedure:
1. Identify the hazard: Any worker who identifies an immediate threat to safety must assess whether the hazard presents a serious risk and an immediate or imminent danger to health and safety.
2. Stop the work: Where an immediate danger exists, cease the task, instruct affected personnel to stop work, remove personnel from the danger area where safe to do so and isolate the hazard if competent and safe.
3. Notify the supervisor: Report the issue immediately to the direct supervisor or manager, WHS representative or Health and Safety Representative where applicable. The report should include the location, description of the hazard, people exposed and any controls already implemented.
4. Assess the risk: The supervisor must inspect the situation, conduct a risk assessment, consult affected workers and determine the required controls using the hierarchy of controls.
5. Implement controls: Before work recommences, hazards must be eliminated or reduced to an acceptable level, controls must be communicated to affected workers and training or instruction must be provided if required.
6. Verify controls: The supervisor or manager must verify that controls are effective, equipment is safe, permits and approvals are current and workers understand revised requirements.
7. Authorise work to resume: Work may only recommence once the hazard has been controlled, a responsible supervisor or manager has approved the activity and workers have been informed of the controls.
8. Record the event: The date and time work ceased, person initiating the stop work, hazard identified, risk assessment undertaken, controls implemented and approval to recommence work must be documented and retained in accordance with company document control requirements.
It is the responsibility of employees to comply with this Policy and Procedure.
