Disability MacArthur

Our Culture

Office Induction

INTRODUCTION

Note: This document is a guide to what is expected of the Employee.

All Disability Macarthur Employees must have a current:

  • Working with Children’s Check (WWC)
  • NDIS Clearance Check
  • (if applicable) a current Police Check
 

WHS Rules

All workers must follow the WH&S Policies at all times.

  • Smoking &/or Vaping is only permitted in the Designated Smoking Area(s).
  • Do not use inappropriate language while conversing with all on-site
  • Do not wear clothing with offensive pictures and writing on it to a shift


There are several items of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

  • Always wear enclosed non-slip shoes. Do not wear thongs or sandals or high-heeled shoes.
  • Gloves are to be always worn when aiding with personal care.
  • Face masks or eye protection are to be worn when required.
  • When handling food hygiene practices must be always upheld, washing hands and wearing gloves.
  • JEWELLERY – do not wear long dangling earrings or chains as they can easily be pulled and course injury.
 

Safety Procedures must be adhered to at ALL times.

 

Incidents & Accidents

  • All employees must immediately report any incident/s or accident/s occurring at work.
  • A WH&S Incident, Injury or Near Miss Form must be completed and issued to the Manager within 24 hours of the incident/accident.
  • All incidents/accidents will be investigated by the HR Manager.

Licensing

  • All employees must have appropriate and a current license if driving/transporting clients.
  • All employees must have comprehensive car insurance when transporting clients.
( a copy of “Certificate of Insurance” must be provided for employee’s file)

COVID Safety

In the following scenarios staff cannot attend work if they have:

  • If you test positive to COVID
  • Employees who have symptoms of acute respiratory illness are recommended to stay home and not to come to work until they are free of fever (37.8 C or greater using an oral thermometer), signs of a fever, and any other symptoms for at least 24 hours, without the use of fever-reducing or other symptom-altering medicines (e.g. cough suppressants). Employees should notify their supervisor and stay at home if they are sick.

Employees who are in isolation due to one of the above situations should alert their Manager. Depending on the type of work, and providing the employee is well, flexible work options from home maybe offered but this will be determined on a case by case basis. If working from home is not viable the employee will be able to access Personal Carer’s Leave or annual leave entitlements.
 

COVID Safety Practices should occur:

  • Staff should regularly clean their equipment
  • Do not shake hands with staff, clients & visitors
  • Wear a mask if not able to socially distance from others
  • Keep 1.5 metres distance from others

Workplace Bullying

Here at Disability Macarthur, we do not tolerate or condone any kind of bullying or harassment .

  • Workplace bullying or workplace harassment is any ongoing harmful or threatening behaviour by a person or group of people in your workplace that creates a risk to your health and safety.
  • It can happen in any kind of workplace, and the person or group doesn’t need to be a manager or someone in a position of power over you.
  • Bullying in the workplace may lead to serious personal impact on individuals and is never acceptable.
  • Any forms of bullying will be investigated, and staff may face disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment if bullying occurs.
  • All staff have an obligation to report bullying if they witness it occurring in the workplace.

Electrical Safety

  • All Electrical equipment must be inspected before use
  • Only licensed electricians may work on energized electrical equipment and under strictly enforced SWMS where utilizing suitable PPE and equipment.
  • Staff are not permitted to use floor heaters under the desks without prior authorisation.

Worker Responsibilities

  • All staff must treat each other professionally.
  • Discrimination will not be tolerated.
  • Workplace bullying, violence or practical jokes are not acceptable.
  • Staff must take reasonable care of their health and safety and ensure that their actions (or inactions) do not put others at risk.
  • Staff must notify the Manager of any safety risks, as well as filling in a WH&S Hazard Identification Report.
  • Staff must notify the Manager if there is an incident or injury by filling in the WH&S Incident, Injury or Near Miss Form.

Housekeeping

Office Cleanliness and Safety Guidelines:

  • Desk Cleanliness: All staff are required to maintain a clean and tidy workspace at all times.
  • Lunchroom Cleanliness: Staff must wash and clean up after themselves in the lunchroom.
  • Food Disposal: Please dispose of all food scraps in the designated bins in the lunchroom.
  • Safety Hazards: If you notice any cords, trip hazards, or broken furniture, please inform your Manager immediately and fill in a WH&S Hazard Identification Report and notify your manager ASAP.

Evacuation Procedure

Emergency Evacuation Procedure:
(If safe to do – take the signing in book)

  • Stay Alert: Be aware of any emergency situations that may arise, including signs of smoke or fire in your area. Be prepared for a potential evacuation.
  • Follow Instructions: Wait for further instructions from your Manager or safety officer regarding the next steps.
  • Inform Others: Ensure that all workers around you are aware of the emergency and prepare to evacuate.
  • Evacuate Safely: Exit the building through the nearest safe exit route. Follow any directions from your Manager and evacuate in an orderly and calm manner.
  • Assist Those in Need: If you encounter mobility-impaired workers, assist them to the nearest emergency exit.
  • Stay Calm and Safe: Move quickly, but do not run. Maintain a safe distance (at least one step) between you and the person in front of you to prevent stumbling.
  • Proceed to Assembly Point: Once outside, go directly to the designated assembly point across the road at the car park.
  • Head Count: Once at the assembly point, account for all your fellow workers. If anyone is missing, inform your Manager immediately.
These points help ensure that everyone remains safe and follows a clear, calm evacuation process.

Emergencies and First Aid

  • Incident and Injury Reporting: Workers must immediately report all incidents and injuries to the Office Manager and complete an WH&S Incident, Injury or Near Miss Form.
  • First Aid and Fire Safety Awareness: Workers are required to know the locations of First Aid Kits and Fire Extinguishers within the workplace.
  • Emergency Procedure: In case of an emergency, workers should dial 000 for assistance.
  • Medical Facility Location: Workers should be familiar with the location of the nearest medical facility for urgent situations.

Desk Safety

These principles are key to reducing strain and discomfort during hours of work.

  • Feet Resting Flat on the Floor: Ensuring that your feet can rest comfortably flat helps maintain proper posture. If the chair is too high, using a footrest can help reduce pressure on your legs and improve circulation.
  • Neutral Hand, Wrist, and Forearm Position: Positioning your keyboard in a way that keeps your hands in a neutral, relaxed position can prevent strain and repetitive stress injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome. Ideally, your arms should form a 90-degree angle, with your wrists aligned naturally.
  • Screen at Arm’s Length & Shoulder Height: Keeping the screen an arm’s length away and at eye level prevents you from leaning forward or looking up/down too much, which can cause neck strain. The top of the screen should be aligned with your eyes so you don’t have to tilt your head.
  • Neutral Mouse Position: Just like with the keyboard, the mouse should be positioned at the same height as the keyboard and close enough so that your arm is relaxed. The mouse should also allow your wrist to remain in a neutral, straight position.
  • Document Holder Position: If you use physical documents, placing them at the same height and distance as your screen helps avoid neck strain from looking down at papers or twisting your neck to view them.
  • Reduce Screen Glare: Tilting your screen slightly downward can minimize glare from overhead lights or windows, reducing eye strain and making it easier to see the content on your screen.

Drugs & Alcohol

Drug and Alcohol Policy:

  • Zero Tolerance: There is a zero-tolerance policy for drug and alcohol use on this site.
  • Impairment: Workers must not be under the influence of drugs or alcohol while on site.
  • Random Testing: You may be subject to random drug and alcohol testing while working on this site.
  • Disciplinary Action: Workers found under the influence of drugs or alcohol will face disciplinary action, which may include termination.
  • Reporting Suspicious Activity: Workers are required to report any suspicious activity to their manager immediately.
  • No Drugs or Alcohol on Site: Drugs or alcohol must not be brought onto the site under any circumstances.

Smoking / Vaping

  • Smoking and vaping are strictly prohibited on all company premises, including company vehicles. This applies to traditional cigarettes as well as e-cigarettes.
  • Smoking and vaping are only permitted during personal breaks and must be done in designated smoking areas.

Note: To maintain a fresh breath, consider using breath mints, especially when interacting with clients or colleagues.

Manager Notes

  • Manager’s Office Tour: The Manager will now guide you through a tour of the office facilities.
  • Supervisor’s Safety Briefing: The Supervisor will provide you with the locations of the First Aid kit and Fire Extinguisher for safety purposes.

Mobile Phones and Driving

  • The use of mobile phones while driving is strictly prohibited under any circumstances.
  • Staff members should pull over to a safe location if they need to take incoming calls or allow the call to go to voicemail.
  • Text messaging is not permitted at any time while driving, including reading incoming messages.
  • Staff members who receive fines related to mobile phone use while driving will be responsible for paying the fine.
  • Any staff member who violates this policy, whether caught by the authorities or not, will face appropriate disciplinary action.

Acknowledgement

    I have been provided with an Office induction prior beginning work for the company and understand the hazards, risks, controls and safety rules that apply for the Company.

    I understand what is expected of me and agree to work in a safe manner in compliance with relevant WHS requirements.