Work Health and Safety (WHS) – Internal

According to Safe Work Australia, managing work health and safety risks in the workplace involves four steps (see figure below – source: Safe Work Australia):

1. Identifying hazard—finding out what could cause harm
2. Assessing risks (if necessary)—understanding the nature of the harm that could be caused by the hazard,      
3. How serious the harm could be and the likelihood of it happening
   Controlling risks—implementing the most effective control measure that is reasonably practicable in the circumstances
4. Reviewing control measures—ensuring control measures are working as planned.

Control measures must be selected to eliminate the risk, so far as is reasonably practicable. If elimination is not reasonably practicable, the risks must be minimised so far as is reasonably practicable. This will equally apply to both internal and external environments.

Depending on your practice location, patient demographics and services provided, the levels of security will vary.

• Is the area free of all current and potential hazards?
• If the hazard is identified remove the hazard or make it safe; use appropriate staff or tradespeople as required.
• Ensure an ambient temperature is maintained throughout the practice.
• Can people exit the immediate area if required due to an emergency?
• Ensure an emergency plan* is in place, exits marked and that staff are aware of the plan.
• *An emergency plan is a written set of instructions that outline what workers and others at the workplace should do in an emergency.
• As the practice manager, you (or the nominated safety officer) should review all areas of the practice on a regular basis to ensure a safe environment.
• Is your practice compliant with the relevant legislation: federal, state or local council? At times the most onerous can be local council.
• Ensure there is appropriate equipment, furniture, seating and computer viewing as required allowing staff/doctors to perform their duties required.
• Staff using computers and viewing monitors should have a short break on a regular basis.
• Ensure there are internal and back-to-base monitored alarm systems throughout the practice.
• Keep appropriate disposal bins in rooms: sharps, contaminated waste and general waste.
• Best practice for staff working outside normal hours is to have at least two members of staff onsite at all practicable times.
• Include WHS in the induction program for the practice.
• Keep records of any WHS training, issues and outcomes.

• Reception staff are able to visually monitor the waiting room. (You may require a mirror and/or video monitoring.)
• Provide a variety of seating.
• Use child safety plugs for power points that are not in use.
• Provide appropriate access for staff, patients and visitors.

• Establish an appropriate distance or barrier between staff and patients.
• Be aware of items that could be used as weapons – e.g. glass vase, picture frame.

• The ideal layout allows the doctor to exit the room directly without having to move across a patient.

• Limited access to dangerous drugs, instruments, etc. to staff only.
• Provide ambulance entry if building structure allows.

• Provide an appropriate area for staff rest/meal breaks.

• Check at opening and closing of a day, for both supplies and patients.
• Do you require sharps containers or similar in the toilet area?

• Keep clear and free of potentially dangerous items.