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TLIE307C Participate

in basic workplace
communications
Learner Guide
Contents
What this Learner’s Guide is about ........................................ 1  
Planning your learning ........................................................... 2  
How you will be assessed ...................................................... 4  

Section 1............................................................................................. 5  
Foundation for effective collection and communication of
information ............................................................................. 5  

Section 2........................................................................................... 21  
Completing standard workplace forms................................. 21  

Additional resources....................................................................... 37  

Feedback on activities .................................................................... 41  


TLIE307C Participate in basic workplace communication

What this Learner’s Guide is about

This  Learner’s  Guide  is  about  the  skills  and  knowledge  required  to  
participate  effectively  in  basic  workplace  communication  including  
communicating  information  about  routine  tasks,  processes,  events  or  
skills,  participating  in  group  discussions  to  achieve  appropriate  work  
outcomes,  and  representing  views  of  a  group  to  others.  

The  Elements  of  Competency  from  the  unit  TLIE307C  Participate  in  
basic  workplace  communication  covered  in  this  Learner’s  Guide  are  
listed  below.  

Communicate  information  about  routine  tasks,  processes,  events  or  


skills  

Participate  in  group  discussions  to  achieve  appropriate  work  outcomes  

Represent  views  of  the  group  to  others  

This  unit  of  competency  is  from  the  Transport  and  Logistics  Training  
Package  (TLI07).  

© Australian National Training Authority 2003 Page 1


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TLIE307C Participate in basic workplace communication

Planning your learning

It  is  important  to  plan  your  learning  before  you  start  because  you  may  
already  have  some  of  the  knowledge  and  skills  that  are  covered  in  this  
Learner’s  Guide.  This  might  be  because:  
• you  have  been  working  in  the  industry  for  some  time,  
and/or  
• you  have  already  completed  training  in  this  area.  

Together  with  your  supervisor  or  trainer  use  the  checklists  on  the  
following  pages  to  help  you  plan  your  study  program.  Your  answers  to  
the  questions  in  the  checklist  will  help  you  work  out  which  sections  of  
this  Learner’s  Guide  you  need  to  complete.  

This  Learner’s  Guide  is  written  with  the  idea  that  learning  is  made  
more  relevant  when  you,  the  learner,  are  actually  working  in  the  
industry.  This  means  that  you  will  have  people  within  the  enterprise  
who  can  show  you  things,  discuss  how  things  are  done  and  answer  any  
questions  you  have.  Also  you  can  practise  what  you  learn  and  see  how  
what  you  learn  is  applied  in  the  enterprise.  

If  you  are  working  through  this  Learner’s  Guide  and  have  not  yet  found  
a  job  in  the  industry,  you  will  need  to  talk  to  your  trainer  about  doing  
work  experience  or  working  and  learning  in  some  sort  of  simulated  
workplace.    

Page 2 © Australian National Training Authority 2003


ADELG1005 Customised and Developed by Armstrong’s Driver Education P/L March
2008
TLIE307C Participate in basic workplace communication

Section 1: Foundation for effective collection


and communication of information
Are  you  able  to:   Yes   No  
1. use  the  telephone  in  an  effective  and  
positive  way?        
2. speak  to  people,  face  to  face,  in  a  
courteous  and  effective  manner  and  
understand  the  words  commonly  used  in  
the  transport  industry?        
3. use  the  workplace  computer  to  access  
information  you  require  to  fill  in  standard  
forms?    If  you  do  not  use  the  computer  in  
you  work  role,  do  you  know  how  others  in  
your  workplace  access  information  from  
the  computer?        
4. locate  the  workplace  documents  used  for  
obtaining  information  required  to  
complete  standard  forms?        

Section 2: Completing standard workplace


forms
Are  you  able  to:   Yes   No  
1. access  information  required  for  the  
standard  forms  completed  in  your  
workplace?        
2. complete  the  standard  forms  used  in  your  
workplace?        
3. have  the  forms  you  have  completed  
checked  or  authorised  by  the  correct  
person  in  your  workplace?        
4. follow  instructions  given  to  you  in  the  
workplace  to  complete  tasks  as  required?        
5. give  instructions  that  are  clearly  
understood  so  that  tasks  may  be  
completed  as  required?        
6. participate  effectively  in  small  work  group  
discussions?        
7. work  effectively  as  a  team  member  to  
complete  a  group  task?        

© Australian National Training Authority 2003 Page 3


Customised and Developed by Armstrong’s Driver Education P/L ADELG1005
TLIE307C Participate in basic workplace communication

How you will be assessed

Assessment  of  this  Unit  of  Competency  will  include  observation  of  real  
or  simulated  work  processes  using  workplace  procedures  and  
questioning  on  underpinning  knowledge  and  skills.  It  must  be  
demonstrated  in  an  actual  or  simulated  work  situation  under  
supervision.  

You  will  be  required  to:  


• complete  workplace  documents  
• follow  given  instructions  
• give  instructions  
• actively  participate  in  a  group  activity.  

Page 4 © Australian National Training Authority 2003


ADELG1005 Customised and Developed by Armstrong’s Driver Education P/L March
2008
TLIE307C Participate in basic workplace communication

Section 1

Foundation for effective


collection and communication of
information

© Australian National Training Authority 2003 Page 5


Customised and Developed by Armstrong’s Driver Education P/L ADELG1005
TLIE307C Participate in basic workplace communication

Section outline

Areas  covered  in  this  section  

Using  the  telephone  in  an  effective  and  positive  way  

Communicating  face  to  face  

Jargon  in  the  transport  industry  

Accessing  information  from  the  workplace  computer  

Locating  work  place  documents  

Giving  and  receiving  

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ADELG1005 Customised and Developed by Armstrong’s Driver Education P/L March
2008
TLIE307C Participate in basic workplace communication

Using the telephone in an effective and positive


way

Making  calls  

When  making  telephone  calls  it  is  important  to  follow  certain  
guidelines.  

In  preparing  for  your  call,  you  should  check  the  following:  


• Know  what  you  want  to  achieve  by  making  the  telephone  
call.    For  example,  you  may  want  to  let  a  customer  know  
the  time  a  product  will  be  picked  up.  
• Know  what  you  will  say  before  you  pick  up  the  telephone  
to  speak  to  the  person  you  are  calling.    Make  a  note  for  
yourself  if  it  will  help  you.  
• Have  all  the  necessary  and  appropriate  paperwork  close  to  
you  so  that  you  do  not  need  to  leave  the  telephone  during  
the  conversation.  
• Have  a  pen  and  paper  ready  to  take  down  any  notes  of  
things  you  need  to  remember.  

In  making  your  call,  you  should  follow  the  guidelines  below:  


• Greet  the  person  on  the  other  end  of  the  telephone  by  
saying  good  morning,  or  good  afternoon.  
• Introduce  yourself  and  your  organisation.    If  the  call  is  
within  the  organisation,  introduce  yourself  and  the  
department  you  are  working  in.    Use  the  other  person’s  
name  if  you  know  it:  
− “Good  morning/good  afternoon,  Peter,  this  is  Mike  from  
Preston  Transport.  
• Tell  the  person,  clearly,  why  you  are  calling:  
− “I  am  calling  to  find  out  the  customer  code  for  Napoli  Foods”  
− or  “I  am  calling  to  let  you  know  that  I  have  made  arrangements  
to  have  the  goods  picked  up  later  in  the  afternoon  as  you  
requested.”  
• Take  notes  while  the  person  is  speaking  and  read  back  
what  you  have  understood  to  check  that  you  have  the  
details  recorded  correctly:  
− “So  the  customer  code  for  Napoli  Foods  is  Z2341,  is  that  right?”  

© Australian National Training Authority 2003 Page 7


Customised and Developed by Armstrong’s Driver Education P/L ADELG1005
TLIE307C Participate in basic workplace communication

Answering  calls  

Greet  the  caller  and  then  introduce  yourself  and  your  organisation  or  
department/section,  as  follows:  
• “Good  morning/  good  afternoon,  Preston  Transport,  this  is  
Mike  speaking.    How  may  I  help  you?”  

Take  notes  while  the  person  is  speaking  and  read  back  what  you  have  
understood  to  check  that  you  have  recorded  the  details  correctly.  

Your  attitude  and  manner  

It  is  important  that  you  are  courteous  and  positive  on  the  telephone  at  
all  times.    Below  is  a  list  of  strategies  that  will  help  you  to  achieve  a  
positive  outcome  with  your  calls.  
• Take  a  deep  breathe  and  smile.    Although  your  listener  
cannot  see  you  smile,  it  will  put  you  in  a  pleasant  frame  of  
mind.  
• Speak  clearly  and  at  a  comfortable  rate  (if  you  are  too  slow  
you  will  sound  bored,  if  too  fast,  you  will  seem  nervous).  
• Excuse  yourself  if  you  must  leave  the  telephone  for  a  
moment  and  put  the  receiver  down  gently  or  put  the  caller  
on  hold  if  your  telephone  has  this  facility.  
• Use  the  person’s  name  throughout  the  telephone  
conversation.  
• If  you  do  not  know  the  answer  to  a  question  you  have  
been  asked,  refer  the  caller  to  the  appropriate  person  or  
ask  someone  for  the  answer.  
• Always  follow  up  further  issues  that  arise  in  the  
conversation.    Give  a  time  that  you  will  get  back  to  the  
person  and  make  sure  that  you  stick  to  this  time.  

Page 8 © Australian National Training Authority 2003


ADELG1005 Customised and Developed by Armstrong’s Driver Education P/L March
2008
TLIE307C Participate in basic workplace communication

Activity 1: Why is correct telephone use important?

You can do this training task on your own or by talking to other


people in your organisation.

Write down why is it important to follow the steps in effective


telephone communication in your organisation.

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

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____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

There is feedback on this activity at the back of this Learner’s


Guide.

© Australian National Training Authority 2003 Page 9


Customised and Developed by Armstrong’s Driver Education P/L ADELG1005
TLIE307C Participate in basic workplace communication

Common use of the telephone in a transport


industry

Below  is  a  list  of  the  most  common  uses  of  telephone  communication  
in  the  transport  industry:  
• calls  from  customers  wanting  goods  to  be  transported  
• calls  from  customers  wanting  to  know  pick-­‐up  times,  
arrival  times  or,  transporting  costs  
• calls  to  different  sections  within  an  organisation  to  obtain  
information  for  completing  documents  
• calls  to  different  sections  within  an  organisation  to  obtain  
information  to  answer  customer  questions  
• calls  to  customers  to  notify  them  of  arrival  or  pick-­‐up  
delays  
• calls  to  suppliers  for  goods  required  by  transport  
organisation,  e.g.  cleaning  materials,  pallets  
• calls  to  or  from  people  carrying  out  maintenance  of  trucks  
• calls  to  drivers  on  the  road  (when  they  have  mobile)  to  
find  out  movement  of  goods  or  to  arrange  other  pick-­‐ups.  

Page 10 © Australian National Training Authority 2003


ADELG1005 Customised and Developed by Armstrong’s Driver Education P/L March
2008
TLIE307C Participate in basic workplace communication

Activity 2: What communication will you be required to carry


out on the telephone?

Use the list provided and speak with your trainer to identify when
you will be required to communicate on the telephone. List these
duties in the space provided below.

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____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

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____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

Communications I will carry out on the telephone.

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____________________________________________________

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____________________________________________________

© Australian National Training Authority 2003 Page 11


Customised and Developed by Armstrong’s Driver Education P/L ADELG1005
TLIE307C Participate in basic workplace communication

Communicating  face  to  face  

Although  most  of  your  contact  with  customers  will  be  over  the  
telephone,  it  is  possible  in  rare  instances  that  customers  may  come  
into  the  workplace.      

Communicating  effectively  and  courteously,  face  to  face,  with  


customers  and  with  co-­‐workers  is  a  critical  part  of  your  effectiveness  
as  a  worker.  

Be  task  focused  

It  is  important  to  be  task  focused  when  communicating  with  people  
face  to  face.    Know  the  work  purpose  for  your  communication.    You  
may  require  particular  information  or  you  may  be  providing  
information.  

Listen  carefully  and  be  polite  


• Greet  the  person  you  are  speaking  to.    Use  the  person’s  
name  if  you  know  it.  
• Focus  only  on  the  communication  -­‐  don’t  allow  yourself  to  
be  distracted  by  other  thoughts  or  noises.  
• Look  at  the  person  you  are  communicating  with.  
• Ask  questions  to  obtain  the  information  you  require.  
• Summarise  what  you  understand  of  what  you  have  been  
told  or  asked,  and  make  sure  you  have  understood  the  
person’s  message  clearly.  
• Be  polite  in  your  interactions.    For  example,  excuse  
yourself  when  beginning,  thank  the  person  for  information  
they  provide  to  you,  tell  them  it  was  a  pleasure  to  help.  
• Speak  clearly  and  at  a  comfortable  pace.  

Page 12 © Australian National Training Authority 2003


ADELG1005 Customised and Developed by Armstrong’s Driver Education P/L March
2008
TLIE307C Participate in basic workplace communication

Activity 3: Who are the people inside and outside the


organisation that you will be required to communicate with?

Complete the table below listing all the people within and outside
the organisation that you are required to communicate with face to
face. List the work purpose for your face to face communication.

Person Purpose for communication

e.g. Customer making Tell customer when the goods can be


transport enquiries picked up, the cost and the delivery
time.

© Australian National Training Authority 2003 Page 13


Customised and Developed by Armstrong’s Driver Education P/L ADELG1005
TLIE307C Participate in basic workplace communication

Jargon  in  the  transport  industry  

“Jargon”  means  words  used  in  any  industry  that  are  specific  to  that  
industry.    These  words  are  understood  by  the  people  working  in  the  
industry  and  often  not  by  people  outside  the  industry.  

It  is  important  for  you  to  understand  the  jargon  of  your  industry  for  
the  purpose  of  communicating  effectively  with  co-­‐workers.    It  will  
allow  you  to  communicate  your  messages  more  effectively,  as  well  as  
allow  you  to  understand  more  accurately  what  co-­‐workers  are  saying.  

Jargon  should  not  be  used  with  people  outside  the  industry  unless  you  
are  certain  they  will  know  exactly  what  you  are  referring  to  -­‐  
remember,  communication  is  effective  when  your  message  is  clearly  
understood.  

Page 14 © Australian National Training Authority 2003


ADELG1005 Customised and Developed by Armstrong’s Driver Education P/L March
2008
TLIE307C Participate in basic workplace communication

Activity 4: What is the meaning of these commonly used


jargon words?

You may complete this activity on your own or you may ask for
assistance from the people you work with.

Below is a list of words (jargon) commonly used in the transport


industry. Write down the meaning or draw a diagram of the words
used in your organisation.

Add 10 more commonly used words or abbreviations you hear


used, and provide their definition or a diagram.
Word/Abbreviation Meaning of word/diagram
Rig
Dog
Pig trailer
T.I.N.
Tri-tri
Tandems
VMD
Reefer
Pans
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.

There is feedback on this activity at the back of this Learner’s


Guide.

© Australian National Training Authority 2003 Page 15


Customised and Developed by Armstrong’s Driver Education P/L ADELG1005
TLIE307C Participate in basic workplace communication

Accessing  information  from  a  workplace  computer  

This  section  is  to  be  completed  if  information  is  accessed  from  a  
computer  in  your  workplace.    If  you  are  not  responsible  for  accessing  
information  from  the  computer  yourself,  ask  the  person  responsible  to  
tell  you  how  information  is  accessed.  

Some  transport  organisations  store  information  on  the  computer,  or  


may  even  generate  paperwork  using  the  computer.    Information  that  
may  be  kept  on  computer  in  a  transport  company  may  include:  
• location  codes  for  pick  up  
• location  codes  for  drop  offs  
• customer  account  numbers/customer  codes  
• transport  costs  
• transport  mode  codes  (e.g.  refrigerated,  non-­‐refrigerated,  
etc.)  
• goods  codes.  

Page 16 © Australian National Training Authority 2003


ADELG1005 Customised and Developed by Armstrong’s Driver Education P/L March
2008
TLIE307C Participate in basic workplace communication

Activity 5: How do you access records that are kept on the


workplace computer?

You may ask people in the workplace for assistance in completing


this activity or you may do it yourself.

List the records that are kept in the computer and explain what
computer functions are used to access information.

Information accessed from How information is called up


computer on the screen

e.g. Customer account number Press F1

© Australian National Training Authority 2003 Page 17


Customised and Developed by Armstrong’s Driver Education P/L ADELG1005
TLIE307C Participate in basic workplace communication

Locating  workplace  documents  

Often  in  the  transport  industry,  information  required  for  filling  in  forms  
is  obtained  from  written  documents  instead  of  from  the  computer.  

Some  of  the  documents  commonly  found  in  the  transport  industry  
that  are  used  to  complete  standard  forms  are:  
• location  codes  for  pick-­‐ups  
• location  codes  for  drop-­‐offs  
• customer  account  numbers  
• customer  codes  
• transport  costs  
• transport  mode  codes  (e.g.  refrigerated  or  non-­‐
refrigerated)  
• goods  codes.  

Page 18 © Australian National Training Authority 2003


ADELG1005 Customised and Developed by Armstrong’s Driver Education P/L March
2008
TLIE307C Participate in basic workplace communication

Activity 6: What workplace documents are used to access


information for standard forms?

You may complete this activity on your own or you may ask people
in the workplace for assistance.

List all the documents that are found in your workplace, state
where they are located, the information that can be obtained from
these documents, and what the information is required for. Write
the information in the following table.

Document Location Information Purpose


e.g. Customer Pasted on the Customer Information is
codes wall over name, their used to fill in
reception desk code and invoices for
address regular
customers

© Australian National Training Authority 2003 Page 19


Customised and Developed by Armstrong’s Driver Education P/L ADELG1005
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Page 20 © Australian National Training Authority 2003


ADELG1005 Customised and Developed by Armstrong’s Driver Education P/L March
2008
TLIE307C Participate in basic workplace communication

Section 2

Completing standard workplace


forms

© Australian National Training Authority 2003 Page 21


Customised and Developed by Armstrong’s Driver Education P/L ADELG1005
TLIE307C Participate in basic workplace communication

Section outline

Areas  covered  in  this  section  

How  standard  forms  are  used  in  the  transport  industry  

The  various  standard  forms  used  in  the  transport  industry  

Checking  forms  and  having  them  authorised  

Giving  and  receiving  instructions  

Participating  in  small  group  work  

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TLIE307C Participate in basic workplace communication

How standard forms are used in the industry


The  forms  used  in  the  transport  organisation  you  work  for  will  depend  
on  the  various  functions  that  your  organisation  performs.  

Some  of  the  larger  transport  companies,  for  example,  may  hold  goods  
for  the  customers  they  provide  transportation  for.    The  smaller  
transport  companies  usually  pick  up  goods  from  one  location  and  
transport  them  to  another  location.  

The  forms  used  and  the  names  given  to  these  forms  also  vary.  

Some  transport  companies  have  very  little  paper  work  and  such  details  
as  goods  being  picked  up,  loaded  and  transported  may  all  be  recorded  
on  one  form  instead  of  each  detail  being  recorded  on  individual  forms.    
Other  organisations  require  that  different  paperwork  is  completed  for  
each  of  these  stages.  

One  other  significant  difference  between  the  paperwork  completed  by  


various  transport  companies  is  that  in  some  organisations  the  
standard  forms  are  computer  generated.    In  others  they  may  all  be  
handwritten  or  a  combination  of  handwritten  and  computer  
generated.  

A  transport  organisation  requires  records,  either  computerised,  


written  or  both,  in  order  to  run  the  organisation  effectively.  

The  information  that  is  required  can  include  the  following:  


• customer  orders  for  transport  
• customer  details  
• information  on  the  type  of  goods  being  transported  
• proof  of  pick-­‐up  of  goods  
• proof  of  delivery  of  goods  
• the  order  in  which  goods  will  be  delivered  
• the  order  in  which  goods  will  be  picked  up  
• the  order  that  goods  will  be  packed  in  if  goods  are  kept  on  
location  
• whether  goods  need  to  be  refrigerated  or  not  when  
transported  
• movement  of  vehicle  -­‐  stops,  departure  and  arrival  times  
• damaged  stock  
• customer  payment  records  

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• pick  up  and  drop  off  of  pallets.  

Standard forms commonly used by transport


organisations

Some  of  the  standard  forms  commonly  used  by  transport  


organisations  are  listed  below  with  explanations.  

Freight  forwarding  form/consignment  note/outward  goods  form  

These  forms  are  used  when  stock  is  being  moved  out  of  a  storage  area  
or  moved  from  one  section  within  an  organisation  to  another  section.    
If  your  organisation  is  small  and  does  not  store  any  goods  for  
customers,  it  is  unlikely  that  you  will  need  to  use  these  forms.  

SENDER RECEIVER THIRD PARTY   


PAYEE S R 3
EBI000012
DESCRIPTION WEIGHT CUBES DATE:

Cartons 10 kg 10x10x10

DANGEROUS GOODS
YES  NO 

SENDER DRIVER

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Freight  inwards/requisition  order/  inwards  goods  form  

Some  transport  organisations  use  Freight  Inwards  forms,  otherwise  


known  as  Requisition  Orders  or  Inwards  Goods  forms,  when  goods  are  
being  ordered.      

Two  examples  of  possible  situations  where  such  forms  would  be  used,  
are:  
• the  organisation  may  wish  to  requisition  (order  in  writing)  
pallets  to  be  used  for  transporting  goods  
• a  transport  company  that  also  stores  goods  for  their  
clients  may  complete  a  requisition  order  for  more  stock  so  
they  can  continue  supplying  the  client’s  customers.  

Inwards  goods/requisition  order/purchase  order  

REQUISITION ORDER
R.100014
DATE DESCRIPTION GOODS QTY

DRIVER PICK UP
SIGNATURE

© Australian National Training Authority 2003 Page 25


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Invoices  

Invoices  are  used  to  bill  the  customer  for  the  services  your  
organisation  has  provided.    An  invoice  contains  most  of  the  details  
required  by  a  transport  company  and  is  often  used  for  various  
purposes  besides  billing  a  customer.    An  invoice  may  be  used  in  some  
instances  to  prove  that  goods  have  been  picked  up.  

XYZ TRANSPORT P/L INVOICE


12/12/1997 1022712
CUSTOMER REP
K WRIGHT
30 DAYS
ITEM CODE DESCRIPTION QTY PICKED UP TAX PRICE
BY
1 007 $110.00
2 009
3 110
4
5
6
TOTAL
RING US FOR QUALITY SERVICE

Log  book/travel  log  

The  Log  Book  or  Travel  Log  is  used  to  record  the  departure  times,  
arrival  times,  waiting  periods  and  rest  breaks.    Sometimes  these  forms  
also  require  the  exact  kilometres  travelled  from  location  to  location  
and  explanations  for  any  delays.  Look  at  the  Additional  Resources  
section  for  an  example  of  a  Driver’s  Daily  Worksheet.  

Run  sheets  

A  run  sheet  provides  details  about  the  order  in  which  goods  are  to  be  
picked  up  and  dropped  off.    The  pick  ups  and  drop  offs  are  ordered  to  
minimise  travel  time  and  delays.    Some  of  the  larger  organisations  
have  run  sheets  organised  and  printed  by  computers.  Look  at  the  
Additional  Resources  section  for  an  example  of  a  run  sheet.  

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Motor  vehicle  accident  proforma  

These  forms  are  completed  when  an  accident  occurs  with  a  transport  
vehicle.  

The  information  provided  in  the  accident  proforma  is  used  to  
determine  who  was  responsible  for  the  accident  that  occurred.  

Accidents  cost  transport  companies  a  great  deal  of  money.    It  is  
important,  therefore,  that  these  forms  are  completed  accurately  so  
that  your  organisation  is  not  paying  out  money  unnecessarily.  

The  forms  will  vary  from  transport  company  to  transport  company.    
Sometimes  the  form  will  be  one  provided  by  an  insurance  company.    
Other  times  the  company  will  have  a  form  for  the  driver  to  fill  out,  and  
will  then  need  other  company  personnel  to  complete  the  details  on  
the  insurance  form  based  on  the  information  the  driver  has  provided  
on  the  company  accident  form.  

The  information  on  these  forms  is  also  used  to  monitor  the  driver’s  
driving  ability.    Larger  companies  use  these  forms  to  determine  the  
training  needs  of  their  drivers.    For  example,  if  drivers  are  having  too  
many  accidents  reversing,  the  company  may  develop  a  training  
program  to  develop  the  reversing  skills  of  their  drivers.    Ask  your  
trainer  to  show  you  a  copy  of  an  accident  proforma.  

Injury  form  

Injury  forms  are  completed  when  you  are  injured  at  work.    These  forms  
are  completed  so  that  your  organisation  can  claim  the  cost  of  your  
injury  from  the  company  they  insure  all  their  workers  with,  i.e.  
workers’  compensation  insurance.  Look  at  the  additional  resources  
section  for  an  example  of  an  injury  form.  

Authorisation/signatures/checks  

Sometimes  in  a  transport  organisation  there  are  people  who  must  


authorise  the  various  forms  or  check  that  they  have  been  completed  
correctly.    In  the  case  of  a  requisition,  often  a  senior  person  in  the  
organisation  must  authorise  the  form  before  it  is  sent  off  to  ensure  
that  only  necessary  stock  is  ordered.  

Many  of  the  forms  also  require  that  customers  sign  to  verify  that  
goods  have  been  picked  up  or  dropped  off.    This  protects  the  driver,  
the  organisation  and  the  customer,  for  it  is  proof  that  goods  have  
been  picked  up  or  dropped  off.    When  money  is  collected  on  pick  up  or  
drop  off,  signatures  are  especially  important.  

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Activity 7: What information and checks are required for the


standard forms used in your workplace?

You may complete this activity on your own or with the assistance
of your trainer.

Collect all the standard forms you will be required to complete in


your workplace.

List the names commonly given to these forms in your workplace.

Under each heading in the form, make a short note about what
information your organisation wants recorded there and where this
information can be obtained. Be specific about the details required.
For example, some transport companies use codes for goods,
whilst others write a description of the goods. Some organisations
use abbreviations that everyone understands, others write
information out fully.

Write a list of people who must sign, check or authorise the


completed forms on the sample you have pasted in this Learner’s
Guide.

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Giving and receiving instructions

There  will  be  times  in  your  workplace  when  you  will  be  required  to  give  
someone  instructions,  or  when  someone  will  give  you  instructions  to  
do  something.  

Giving  and  receiving  instructions  accurately  and  effectively  is  critical  to  
workplace  effectiveness.  

Giving  instructions  

When  you  are  giving  instructions  to  someone  in  the  workplace  it  is  
important  that  you:  
• organise  the  information  you  will  give  in  a  logical  order,  
that  is,  the  steps  of  the  tasks  are  in  the  correct  order  
• use  appropriate  language  -­‐  language  that  is  clearly  
understood  by  the  person  you  are  giving  instructions  to  
• make  sure  that  the  person  you  are  instructing  has  
understood  your  instructions  clearly  by  asking  the  person  
appropriate  questions.    For  example,  “Tell  me  what  I  asked  
you  to  do  first.    Then  what  will  you  do?    Have  you  
understood  what  I  said?”  
• watch  the  person’s  reaction  (in  a  face  to  face  situation)  
and  ask  yourself  whether  the  person’s  expression  looked  
confused  or  understanding  
• eliminate  any  barriers  to  your  communication  by:  
− talking  to  the  person  in  a  quiet  area  
− making  sure  the  person  understands  the  importance  of  
following  your  instructions  accurately  (if  a  person  does  not  
understand  the  importance  of  what  you  have  asked  them  to  
do,  they  may  not  do  as  you  have  asked)  
• in  face  to  face  instructions,  demonstrate  the  task  you  want  
the  other  person  to  complete  and  check  that  the  person  
knows  how  to  do  it  before  allowing  him/her  to  perform  
the  task  alone.  

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Activity 8: Give instructions to a co-worker on a work task

List the most common instruction you may have to give to a person
(including to a customer).

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

Write out all the steps to an instruction you will give to someone in
the workplace (making sure the steps are arranged logically).

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

Give instructions to a co-worker and ask the co-worker to tell you


how well they were able to follow your instructions.

From the feedback you received from the co-worker that you
instructed, is there anything you have learned about giving
instructions that you will do next time to get better results?

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

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Receiving  instructions  

When  you  are  receiving  instructions  from  someone  in  the  workplace,  it  
is  important  that  you:  
• ask  for  explanations  of  terms  and  steps  that  you  do  not  
fully  understand  
• look  at  the  person  while  he/she  is  speaking  to  you  (in  face  
to  face  situations)  
• ask  for  a  demonstration  of  practical  skills  and  ask  the  
person  to  watch  you  perform  the  task  to  ensure  that  you  
fully  understand  what  you  are  to  do  
• write  down  the  key  points  of  the  task  so  that  you  can  refer  
to  these  notes  if  you  should  forget.  

© Australian National Training Authority 2003 Page 31


Customised and Developed by Armstrong’s Driver Education P/L ADELG1005
TLIE307C Participate in basic workplace communication

Activity 9: How well are you able to carry out instructions


given to you?

This activity can be completed when you are given instructions by


someone in your workplace.

After the co-worker has instructed you to carry out a particular task
and you have then carried out the task, complete the following self-
evaluation.
Self evaluation

What kinds of questions did you ask while you were being
instructed?

What might have been the results if you had not asked the
question/s that you asked?

When you saw the demonstration of the task, what were you able
to learn from watching, that you may not have been aware of had
you only been told?

Did you carry out the task as you were directed to? Yes/No

Was the person who instructed you pleased with the way you
completed the task? Yes/No. If no, why not?

What have you learned in this exercise about what to do when you
are receiving instructions from someone in the workplace to ensure
that you understand the task clearly?

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Participating in small group work

Group  discussions  and  group  tasks  

It  is  important  in  small  work  group  discussions  that  you  listen  carefully  
to  the  contributions  everyone  makes  to  discussions  about  group  
work.  
• Don’t  interrupt  other  speakers  -­‐  allow  people  to  finish  
what  they  wish  to  say  before  you  make  your  own  
contribution.  
• Be  considerate  of  other  people’s  opinions  by  listening  
carefully  and  by  seeking  to  understand  their  point  of  view.  
• See  differences  of  opinion  as  something  helpful  rather  
than  as  a  problem.    Differences  of  opinion  help  the  group  
to  examine  and  identify  things  that  may  have  been  
overlooked.  
• Contribute  any  ideas  you  have  to  help  the  group.  

The  goal  of  the  group  discussion,  in  other  words,  what  your  team  
wishes  to  achieve  from  the  discussion,  must  be  made  clear  to  all  group  
members.    The  person  who  has  the  responsibility  of  leading  the  team  
should  make  the  goal  clear  to  all  members.    If  you  are  ever  unclear  
about  the  goal  of  a  discussion,  ask  questions  to  find  out  what  it  is.    An  
example  of  a  goal  for  a  small  group  discussion  may  be  to  decide  who  
will  take  responsibilities  for  the  different  jobs  in  a  group  task.  

After  a  group  discussion,  it  is  important  that  each  person  is  aware  of  
what  role  he/she  will  play  to  attain  the  group  goal.    For  example,  it  may  
be  your  role  to  get  all  equipment  ready  for  securing  a  load,  or  to  put  
the  equipment  away.  

Each  member  must  know  what  his/her  role  is  and  must  carry  out  this  
role  in  order  for  the  group  to  function  effectively  and  appropriately.    
Only  in  this  way  can  a  job  be  completed  on  time  and  accurately.  

Your  role  is  important  in  group  discussions  and  group  tasks.    In  the  
group,  it  is  important  to  contribute  what  you  can  and  to  listen  to  the  
other  members’  ideas.    In  a  group  activity,  you  need  to  know  what  role  
you  will  play  in  completing  the  group  task.  

© Australian National Training Authority 2003 Page 33


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TLIE307C Participate in basic workplace communication

Activity 11: Reflect on a recent group discussion

This activity may be done in writing or may be the basis of a


discussion with your trainer.

Reflect on a recent discussion that you were involved in with a


group in the workplace.
• What was the purpose of the discussion?
• What was the decision reached after the discussion?
• What ideas did you contribute to the group discussion?

After reading the notes on small group discussion, what, if


anything, would you do differently next time there is a group
discussion?

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Activity 12: What small work groups are you involved in and
what is the role of each member?

Complete the table below on the small group tasks you are
involved in at your workplace.

Small group task People involved Each person’s role

e.g. Loading truck Supervisor Paperwork

Truck driver Supervision of


loading and loading

Me Load as directed

© Australian National Training Authority 2003 Page 35


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TLIE307C Participate in basic workplace communication

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Additional
resources

© Australian National Training Authority 2003 Page 37


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Log book
DRIVERS DAILY WORKSHEET IMPORTANT
Yes No Initials
Have you completed your  
Safety Check?

ALL TIMES TO BE ENTERED TO NEAREST FIVE MINUTES


Brch Arrival Docking Depart Total No. Units Pallets Drivers Remarks
Branch/Location No. Time Time Time Time Delivered Signature IN OUT Docket No. Signature (Please explain delays
longer than 5 mins.)
: : : :
: : : :
: : : :
: : : :
: : : :
: : : :
: : : :
: : : :
: : : :
: : : :
: : : :
: : : :

Driver’s Name OFFICE USE ONLY


(Please Use Block Letters) Vehicle Reg. Fleet No. Trailer No.
Rate Amount Contract
Hours N.
Date Normal Actual Clock Actual Clock Hours T.1/2.
Start Time On Time Off Time
Hours D.T.
Kilometres
SPEEDO READING FUEL OR OIL Pallets
Metro Country Type Qty Place of Docket Tonnes
Purchase No.
Finish Tea Money’s
Start Work Sheet No.
Total Kms TOTAL $ 237856

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TLIE307C Participate in basic workplace communication

Run sheet

XYZ TRANSPORT P/L


CUSTOMER PICK UP
Driver Date

Inv. No. Customer A/C No. Ctns Cooler Others Inv.Amount 30 Days to Cash Cheque A/C Amount Signature
Pay Amount Amount

© Australian National Training Authority 2003 Page 39


Customised and Developed by Armstrong’s Driver Education P/L ADELG1005
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Injury Form
XYZ TRANSPORT P/L
Register of injuries and treatment

Particulars of injured worker


Name

Address

Date of Birth Occupation

Sex Marital Status

Industry in which worker was engaged

Operation in which worker was engaged at time of injury

Particulars of accident
Date of Injury am/pm

Nature of Injury

Cause of Injury

Part of Body Injured

Treatment Given

Name of First Aid Attendant

Was Worker Referred for Further Treatment? No  Yes 

If Yes, Give Details

Present Medication
Allergies
Other Medical Conditions
Tetanus Coverage Less Than 2 Years  More Than 2 Years  Never 

Name of Person Making Entry


Date of Entry
Signature

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TLIE307C Participate in basic workplace communication

Feedback on
activities
The responses provided in this section are suggested responses.
Because every workplace is different, your responses may vary
according to your specific workplace procedures, the equipment
available and the nature of the business.

© Australian National Training Authority 2003 Page 41


Customised and Developed by Armstrong’s Driver Education P/L ADELG1005
TLIE307C Participate in basic workplace communication

Activity 1: Why is correct telephone use important?

It is important to follow all the steps for correct telephone usage for
the following reasons:
• the customer feels valued and will continue using the services
of your organisation
• the people you work with will feel respected and be more helpful
and supportive
• you are helping to create a more positive work environment
• you will prevent yourself from making errors by checking details
you record and by ensuring that all work can be carried out
accurately and as required by your organisation and your
customers
• you will help your organisation’s/department’s reputation to
grow.

Page 42 © Australian National Training Authority 2003


ADELG1005 Customised and Developed by Armstrong’s Driver Education P/L March
2008
TLIE307C Participate in basic workplace communication

Activity 4: What is the meaning of some of the common jargon


used in the transport industry?

Word/abbreviation Meaning of the word/abbreviation


Rig Usually means any combination of truck or prime
mover and trailer (trailers)
Artics/Articulated Vehicles with two section - where a semi-trailer fits to a
vehicle prime mover - it is articulated only when coupled (that
is when both sections are together)
Dogs A device used to tension chains when securing loads
Pig trailer A trailer having one non-steerable axle group near the
middle of the load carrying platform
T.I.N. Traffic Infringement Notice - a traffic fine
Tri-tri Two trailers and three axles
Tandem Vehicle with tow axles
VDM Vehicle monitoring device
Reefer Refrigerated vehicles
Pans Containerised trailer
Tautliner Most common type of vehicle in Australia with a van
type body and curtain sides that are held down along
the sides by straps attached to the tie rail and pulled
tight lengthwise by a ratchet
Bobtail A prime mover without semi-trailer attached

© Australian National Training Authority 2003 Page 43


Customised and Developed by Armstrong’s Driver Education P/L ADELG1005

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