At Hirestaff, our temps Health & Safety is important to us. We want to make sure that while you’re working for us you stay safe. We’ve pulled together some key information and links which will help you understand your role in ensuring that you’re safe whilst working on a job. It will give you some of the information you need to identify a situation where your Health & Safety could be affected.

Each individual assignment will mean that you also have to comply with the health and safety policies of the company or business you’re working for. Make sure you read this guide to understand your responsibilities when it comes to Health & Safety and some key tips to identifying risks and hazards in the workplace.

What is a risk or hazard?

• A hazard is anything that could cause potential harm or injury to someone.
• A risk is the likelihood that the hazard could cause harm or injury.

When starting a job, your supervisor should show you around the work environment and make you aware of any risks and hazards. If there is anything that makes you feel unsafe or unhealthy, you should notify your supervisor and inform Hirestaff immediately. We want to make sure that you are safe whilst working on the job.

Potential hazards in the workplace

Here are some potential hazards to look out for in your work environment

• Poor lighting
• Flammable liquids & materials, chemicals
• Loose cables, wiring & cords
• Loud noises
• Working at heights
• Asbestos
• Dust & fumes
• Unstable shelving
• Unclear passageways
• Loose floor coverings
• Uneven floor surface
• Slippery or wet floors

For more information on risks, you can visit the WorkSafe website. Click here.

Identifying a hazard

Depending on the type of job you’re doing, the types of risks and hazards in the workplace will be different. The first step to having a safe work environment is identifying and understanding what the potential risks or hazards are and how to avoid & manage them.

What to do when starting a job?

Once you start your job, always be aware of your environment and surroundings. Always think about what could happen – like could those cables be a trip hazard? Do I have sufficient lighting?

Also, make sure to ask your supervisor about the Health & Safety policies and procedures they have in place if they don’t show you when you start. You need to know what to do if you or another staff member get injured or harmed whilst at work.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Additional to understanding how to identify hazards and risks, it’s important to know what Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) you need for the job. You may be required to provide your own PPE for certain jobs or Hirestaff will provide it to you.
If you are required to wear PPE to carry out your work, the responsibility is on you to ensure you’re complying with what is required.

Your responsibilities

As an employee it’s important that you understand your responsibilities when it comes to Health & Safety. You must know what you need to do in order to carry out your work in a safe manner. Here are a few things you should do:

• Ensure that the job you have been placed into matches the skills and experience you have put on your CV
• Make sure you have read and understood this document & have asked anything you are unsure about
• Avoid any activities that cause unnecessary risk
• Always follow Health & Safety procedures
• If you don’t feel safe in the workplace you must advise your supervisor and Hirestaff immediately
• Any accidents or incidents that occur in or around your workplace must be reported. You must tell a supervisor and advise Hirestaff so that the necessary forms can be completed