Involve workers in identifying and resolving manual handling issues. Not only is this required under legislation but involving workers gets them thinking about safety. It gives them a sense of ownership of the safety program, leading to improved morale and a more successful safety record.
Consultation enables you to share information about manual handling issues and obtain your worker’s views before you make decisions. Through consultation both you and your workers become more aware of manual handling hazards and other safety issues, allowing you to address potential problems before they escalate and affect your business.
Whether you have a safety committee or elected representatives, your consultation arrangements must be agreed to by your workers. You should consider the diversity and structure of your workplace when setting up consultation ie make sure shift workers, trainees, casual workers etc are not excluded.
Workers are often hesitant to report safety issues but they have a responsibility to participate in the consultation process. Publicise your consultation arrangements within the workplace so that workers and managers know who to talk to. If they recognise a safety issue, they need to know what processes they have to follow. By publicising the process you let your workers know that it is not just acceptable for them to point out safety issues it is expected of them.
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