Your job
The basic concept of docking a piece of timber to length hasn't changed at all. But this 'pop-up saw' has some very simple safety features.
For example, in order to activate the saw, the operator needs to press two buttons on the front panel, which means both of his hands are well clear of the blade when it pops up from under the table.
Because the occupational health and safety (OHS) laws in Australia are so strong, companies have no choice but to make workplace safety a core value in the way they conduct their business. It is common practice for safety to be built into all of the operating procedures for the machines used and tasks carried out on the shop floor – to the extent that they are often simply referred to as Safe Operating Procedures (SOPs).
Basically, the OHS Act, or its equivalent legislation in each state and territory, sets out the 'duty of care' that people owe each other while they're at work. This means that employers have a responsibility to ensure that the worksite is safe and that the activities being carried out don't endanger anyone. It also means that employees have a responsibility to look after their own safety and the safety of the people around them.
In this section, we'll look at how the OHS laws affect the way you go about your work and how they shape the policies and procedures that you need to comply with.
Here's your job
- Have a look at the Task for this section to preview the questions you'll need to answer at the end.
- Work through each of the lessons for more detailed information on the concepts covered, and complete the learning activity at the end of each topic.
- Complete the Task. You can hear Anton's answers to these questions by going to the case study.
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