2.2 Unsecured Room
A large hole punch device was wedged in a self locking doorway that separates the retail section and office area, leaving the door insecure. This presents a number of risks because staff are allowing the secured area to be accessed by the general public, resulting in the possibility of theft and endangers the staff and public.
This door not being secured properly weakens the security of the warehouse and breaches the 2008 Work, Health and Safety Act on the grounds of safety to staff and property.
The door not being closed is also in breach of the Organisational Policy and Procedures Manual under two sections: ''Managers will adhere to policies and procedures to provide a workplace where employees will be safe'', ''Where self locking appliances are fitted to doors, staff will ensure the door closes completed.''
2.3 Fire Exit
While inspecting the warehouse it was noticed that the Emergency Fire Exit leading outside was blocked by several filing cabinets. While the Emergency Exit is clearly marked there is no immediate access to it. In the case of a fire, this door would not be accessible to any public or staff.
Blocking a Fire Exit is in breach of the 2008 Occupational Health and Safety Act which states: '' All Fire Exits must remain free and unobstructed at all times. There must be appropriate illuminated signage on all Fire Exit doors.
2.4 Carpet
During further inspection of the warehouse it was recognised that there were large areas of the carpet in the main office area that were worn-out and ripped. This is a potential tripping hazard for employees and visitors. There were no visible signs to warn the visitors or staff of this risk.
The damaged carpet is clearly in breach of the 2008 Occupational Health and Safety Act which states: ''Any potential tripping hazard must be clearly signed to warn staff and the general public. In addition, all tripping hazards must be repaired as a matter of urgency.''
3.0 Recommendations
3.1 Workplace Health and Safety Officer
This report has outlined that by not having a trained Workplace Health and Safety officer at the warehouse at all times is a serious breach of the Workplace Health and Safety Act. Three months have been given to train and appoint a suitable person for this position.
A register must also be created for the newly appointed Workplace Health and Safety Officer to record all equipment faults and additional safety hazards revealed in the building.
3.2 Unsecured Room
The large hole punch device found wedged in the self locking door that separates the office area and the retail section, should be removed immediately to prevent the general public being able to access this secured area and reduce the possibility of theft.
It is also recommended that a self-closing device be fitted to the door along with a numeric security code pad ensuring only authorised staff can gain access to the office area.
Following these simple steps will ensure that the warehouse is in line with the Organisational Policy and Procedures Manual.
3.3 Fire exit
It is highly recommended that the filing cabinets blocking the Emergency Fire Exit be removed immediately. The filing cabinets should be moved to a different location in the warehouse and all staff should be properly trained in the importance of keeping all Fire Exits unblocked.
After appointing a Workplace Health and Safety Officer, part of their weekly safety check should be to ensure that this and all other emergency exits are unobstructed and safe for all staff and public using the premises.
3.4 Carpet
All worn-out and damaged carpet recognised in the inspection should be replaced immediately. Until this is dealt with, appropriate signage should be placed around the damaged area to warn visitors and staff of the potential tripping hazard.
Further inspections should be done to all floor areas by the current Workplace Health and Safety Officer.
4.0 Conclusion
This report has outlined four of the major Workplace Health and safety hazards within the Warehouse Toowoomba. If these recommendations are compliant under the appropriate Acts and the Organisational Policy and Procedures Manual, this will ensure that the employees and visitors at the Warehouse will be working and operating in a safe workplace environment. Failure to comply with these recommendations within the three months from the date of this report, will result in a full safety audit and possibly a recommendation to close down the business until compliance occurs.
5.0 Bibliography