1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 HEALTH AND SAFETY IN THE WORKPLACE
Management of Lighthouse Care (the Organisation) will do everything reasonably practicable to ensure you can undertake your work in a healthy and safe manner. You also play a crucial role in achieving a safe workplace. You owe it to yourself, those close to you, and your colleagues not to expose yourself to unnecessary risks at work. You can do so by protecting yourself and others from hazards and hazardous situations, by following safe work procedures, and by adopting safe work practices.

1.2 PURPOSE OF HEALTH AND SAFETY HANDBOOK
Through the provision of important procedures and guidelines, this Health and Safety Handbook will help you, your colleagues, and others stay healthy and safe in the workplace. Health and Safety legislation rightly makes health and safety everyone’s responsibility. Therefore, this Health and Safety Handbook applies to all workers, including contractors and volunteers. Please read this Handbook carefully and ensure you comply with the guidelines set out below.

Any failure to comply with health and safety requirements is taken very seriously by the Organisation. As an employee, you may be subject to disciplinary action (up to and including termination of your employment) if you:
• Breach the policies or procedures contained in this Health and Safety Handbook
• Breach any other health and safety policy or procedure made known to you
• Take any action that could threaten the health or safety of yourself, your colleagues, or others
Appropriate action may also be taken against other workers, including termination of their engagement with the Organisation.

1.3 GENERAL
Amendments to this Health and Safety Handbook will be issued from time to time. The Health and Safety Handbook does not form part of your contract of employment or engagement agreement unless expressly stated otherwise. However, it may still be considered when interpreting your rights and obligations. You are encouraged to provide feedback and suggestions for improving health and safety to management at any time.

2 HEALTH AND SAFETY POLICY STATEMENT
The Organisation and its officers recognise that the health and safety of all workers and visitors is of the utmost importance and vital to the success of our business. We aim to continuously improve health and safety through consultation and increased awareness among management and workers.

Through the co-operative efforts of management and workers, we are committed to:
• Providing a safe environment for all workers and visitors
• Providing and maintaining buildings, equipment, and plant in safe working condition
• Supporting ongoing training and assessment of workers
• Developing, implementing, and monitoring safe work practices
• Continuously improving health and safety standards
• Managing risks in the workplace
• Providing information, instruction, and supervision

The Organisation’s health and safety management system focuses on hazard prevention. We will develop a framework for managing health and safety and a plan for systematic risk assessment and control of hazards to improve safe behaviours and systems across the business.

Ron Hill
Director, on behalf of Lighthouse Care

3 HEALTH AND SAFETY RESPONSIBILITIES

3.1 INTRODUCTION
The Organisation is committed to ensuring the health, safety, and welfare of its workers and anyone affected by its operations. Responsibilities are allocated to ensure successful health and safety management within the Organisation.

3.2 ORGANISATION RESPONSIBILITIES
The Organisation is responsible for:
• Providing and maintaining a safe workplace and systems of work
• Identifying, controlling, and monitoring hazards
• Ensuring safe handling, storage, and transport of equipment and substances
• Providing necessary information, training, and supervision
• Ensuring facilities for the welfare of workers
• Monitoring workplace health and safety to prevent injuries and illnesses

3.3 MANAGER/SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITIES
Managers and supervisors must:
• Maintain a safe working environment
• Implement safe systems of work and ensure proper equipment is used
• Monitor hazards and ensure compliance with safety laws
• Promote health and safety within their areas of responsibility

3.4 WORKER RESPONSIBILITIES
Workers are responsible for:
• Taking reasonable care of their health and safety, as well as others
• Using safety equipment correctly and reporting any injuries promptly
• Following all health and safety procedures and wearing required PPE
• Reporting unsafe conditions to management

4 HAZARD AND RISK MANAGEMENT PROCEDURE

4.1 INTRODUCTION
Hazard management involves identifying what may cause injury or illness and taking steps to eliminate or control risks.

4.2 ORGANISATION RESPONSIBILITIES
The Organisation will:
• Conduct regular inspections and hazard assessments
• Implement measures to eliminate or reduce risks
• Monitor the effectiveness of controls

4.3 WORKER RESPONSIBILITIES
Workers must:
• Report any hazards or unsafe conditions they observe
• Take immediate steps to prevent hazards if safe to do so
• Participate in hazard inspections and express safety concerns

5 REPORTING OF INCIDENTS AND INJURIES

5.1 INTRODUCTION
The Organisation aims to prevent incidents, but where they occur, it is essential to keep proper records.

5.2 ORGANISATION RESPONSIBILITIES
The Organisation will maintain a workplace injury register and provide medical attention if required. Investigations will be conducted to determine causes and recommend preventive measures.

5.3 WORKER RESPONSIBILITIES
Workers must report any incident or injury and complete the required report forms. Medical treatment should be sought immediately if necessary.

6 EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

6.1 INTRODUCTION
The Organisation will take precautions to prevent emergencies, but workers must be prepared to follow emergency procedures.

6.2 PROCEDURES
Fire: Alert others, activate alarms, call 000, and evacuate if necessary.
Motor Vehicle Accident: Seek medical help if needed, report the incident, and notify management.

7 WORKPLACE IN GENERAL
Management and workers must maintain a safe and clean workplace, ensuring that all safety signs are followed, and illegal drugs are not brought into the workplace.

8 BULLYING AND HARASSMENT

8.2 HARASSMENT
Harassment is any unwanted conduct that affects the dignity of others and includes:
• Insensitive jokes and pranks
• Lewd or abusive comments
• Unwelcome touching
• Displaying offensive material

8.3 BULLYING
Bullying involves repeated, unreasonable behaviour that intimidates or degrades others. It includes:
• Abusive language or criticism
• Deliberate exclusion from activities
• Spreading misinformation

8.4 CYBER-BULLYING
Cyber-bullying includes sending mean messages or posting hurtful content online.

8.5 REASONABLE MANAGEMENT ACTION
Providing fair feedback or allocating work is not considered bullying if done reasonably.

9 HAZARDOUS MANUAL HANDLING – GENERAL PRINCIPLES
Workers must assess tasks before performing manual handling and use correct techniques such as bending the knees and avoiding twisting.

10 DRUGS AND ALCOHOL
The Organisation prohibits illicit drugs and limits alcohol use. Workers must inform management if medication impacts their performance.

11 HEALTH AND SAFETY ISSUE RESOLUTION
If health and safety issues arise, workers should try to resolve them locally. If not possible, escalate them through management channels.

12 HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS
Workers must be familiar with any hazardous chemicals used and follow all safety instructions.

13 CONTRACTOR MANAGEMENT
Contractors must follow the same health and safety protocols as employees.

14 MOTOR VEHICLES
Workers driving for work must have a valid licence, follow traffic rules, and report any vehicle issues or accidents promptly.

15 OFFICE SAFETY
Workers are responsible for maintaining tidy workspaces and reporting hazards. Management ensures the environment is clean and safe.

16 CLIENT AGGRESSION
Workers must remove themselves from aggressive situations and report incidents to management.

17 THREATENING SITUATIONS
In threatening situations, workers should stay calm, avoid eye contact, and comply with instructions.

18 HEALTH AND HYGIENE FOR FOOD HANDLERS
Workers handling food must maintain hygiene, wash hands regularly, and notify supervisors if they are unwell.

19 FOOD ALLERGIES
Workers must inform customers about allergens in food and avoid cross-contamination.

20 WORKING OFFSITE
When working offsite, workers must follow health and safety protocols specific to the location.

21 WORKING FROM HOME
The Organisation will assess home workspaces to ensure they are safe, and workers must report any injuries promptly.

22 PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Workers operating equipment must follow safety guidelines and report defects immediately.

23 FORKLIFTS
Only trained and licensed operators may use forklifts. Pre-start inspections must be conducted.

24 PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)
Workers must use PPE provided by the Organisation and report any damaged equipment.

25 ARMED ROBBERY
In the event of an armed robbery, workers should comply with instructions and prioritise personal safety.

26 SAFE KNIFE WORK
Workers must use knives safely by keeping blades sharp, using proper cutting surfaces, and wearing appropriate PPE.

27 WAREHOUSE TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT
Workers must follow designated paths in warehouses and use protective equipment where necessary.

28 COLD STORAGE WORK
Workers performing cold storage tasks must wear PPE and follow safety procedures for cold environments.

29 SUN SAFETY
Workers must use sun protection measures when working outdoors to minimise UV exposure.

30 CHILDREN
Workers interacting with children must ensure the environment is safe and engage positively with children.

31 EVENTS AND FUNCTIONS
Workers must follow workplace policies during events and ensure responsible alcohol consumption if applicable.

32 TRUCK DRIVING SAFETY – GENERAL
Workers must maintain safe following distances and follow road rules when operating trucks.

33 DRIVER BEHAVIOUR
Safe driving behaviour is essential. Workers must avoid distractions and follow all traffic laws.

34 CHECKLIST AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FORM
Workers must complete the acknowledgement form confirming they have read and understood the Health and Safety Handbook.