Subject: Accounting Firm located in central Sydney with 35 members of staff.
1. List 5 store policies and procedures that might be relevant to organising and maintaining work areas in a manner that is safe, effective and efficient – and environmentally sustainable. Explain the purpose of each policy.
* Turning off electricity at night,weekends and holiday periods when the office is empty and if not already have all light bulbs changed to the energy efficient bulbs if possible. Save energy and costs to the company
* Types of bins for staff to use and get in a routine of recycling. Colour co-ordinate eg Blue = paper and cardboard, green = food products and waste, Red = garbage (non recyclable products)
* Office products eg paper, ink cartridges etc could be researched to find a more sustainable business provider.
*Go paperless in the office by trying to minimise all paper being distributed if and when possible, email can be used as an alternative.
*
2. What do ‘safe waste disposal and waste minimisation’ mean in the context of your selected workplace, taking into account environmental concerns?
Taking initiative in the workplace to minimise waste in any way possible. In an office workplace as my example above are reasons to minimise electricity and energy costs, provide a choice for staff to recycle their waste and learn while doing it and having policies to encourage waste minimisation.
3. What action should you take in response to spills or breakages on the shop floor?
There would be a spills or breakages manual explaining the correct and safe way to clean up the mess according to OH & S guidelines. All staff should be aware of the manual and conduct themselves in a professional manner.
4. Why is personal hygiene and cleanliness important in your workplace? How can we ensure this all happens in an environmentally sustainable manner?
There are plenty of choices business can make according to the way they want to run their business. From basic hygiene to paying staff their wage. These choices affect the environment and it is up to the owner/manager to decide how Eco friendly they want to conduct the process. These choices affect the staff but are essential for the running of the business and need to be the same guidelines for every person to be fair. Many business have contracts or agreements that are signed by the staff upon employment and have guidelines on the workplaces policies.
5. What important information should staff know about the chemicals – both toxic and non-toxic- used in your workplace. Select 2 chemicals to research and report on.
Hazardous substances are those that, following worker exposure, can have an adverse effect on health. Examples of hazardous substances include poisons, substances that cause burns or skin and eye irritation, and substances that may cause cancer. Many hazardous substances are also classified as dangerous goods.
A substance is deemed to be a hazardous substance if it meets the classification criteria specified in the Approved Criteria for Classifying Hazardous Substances [NOHSC:1008(2004] (Approved Criteria).
Substances that have been classified according to the Approved Criteria are provided in the online database called the Hazardous Substances Information System (HSIS).
Dangerous goods are substances, mixtures or articles that, because of their physical, chemical (physicochemical) or acute toxicity properties, present an immediate hazard to people, property or the environment. Types of substances classified as dangerous goods include explosives, flammable liquids and gases, corrosives, chemically reactive or acutely (highly) toxic substances.
The criteria used to determine whether substances are classified as dangerous goods are contained in the Australian Code for the Transport of Dangerous Goods by Road and Rail (ADG Code). The ADG Code contains a list of substances classified as dangerous goods.
State and territory workplace dangerous goods storage and handling laws also capture combustible liquids. The criteria for classifying combustible liquids are contained in Australian Standard AS1940 (The Storage and Handling of Flammable and Combustible Liquids).
Many dangerous goods are also classed as hazardous substances.
6. How can good housekeeping improve energy/water efficiency and waste reduction? Think of at least 10 suggestions
The advantages of a sustainable workplace extend far beyond only impacts on the environment. While environmental protection is vitally important, a sustainable approach also has positive impacts in terms of your business image, attractiveness to clients and staff and the health and well-being of those who use your business premises.
1. Communication and Education so staff are aware of workplace policies when hired
2. Policies and procedure manuals that staff have access to at all times
3. Motivation and support for staff to feel like they are making a difference and helping in any way they can
4. Workplace ccommuting. How staff and clients get to and from the place of business
5. Awareness so that staff are aware of their contribution and get recognition for their input.
6. Rewards to keep staff motivated
7. Recognition for staff to feel appreciated at being a part of something good
8. Input by staff to they feel they are heard and have their ideas and contribution recognised and taken seriously.
9. Research - so staff are aware of upcoming events that may further their education on sustainability in the workplace.
10. Proof - that the workplace had made a difference in any ways possible eg. decreased electricity bill
Refrences.
http://www.cityswitch.net.au/Portals/26/SuccessStories/PDF/CitySwitch%20Case%20Study%20-%20Colliers%20International3.pdf
http://www.sustainabilityatwork.com.au/downloads/research-report.pdf
Khobi Graham
No comments:
Post a Comment