EHS RISK AND SAFETY CHECKLIST

This checklist covers the environment, health and safety (EHS) procedures expected in offices and general areas (i.e. not laboratories
or workshops). The checklist should be completed at least annually.

Faculty/Unit

Department/School/Branch

Building/Floor/Room(s)

Date

Name of person(s) completing the checklist

Work through these questions - if the answer is ‘yes’, then no further action is required.
If the answer is ‘no’, then please note what you intend to do to fix the problem in the ‘Action to be taken’ section on page 2 of this
checklist.

Work environment - slips and trips, electrical and lighting Yes No N/A If the answer is ‘no’ - then
Are walkways free of trip hazards (e.g. electrical cords)? Move or secure the offending cord or obstruction.

Do floors have even surfaces (no lifted carpet or holes)?

Are stair treads in good condition? Contact Building Services on ext 7477 or 7476 or
Are corridors, walkways and work areas adequately lit? send a maintenance request via the FMU website at
http://datasearch.uts.edu.au/fmu/building_services/m
Are window coverings available to minimise glare and reflection on aintenance/index.cfm.
computer screens?
Are electrical sockets and switches in good repair?
Are plug-in electrical equipment and electrical cords kept in good
Contact the EHS Branch on ext 1063 to discuss
condition, away from exposure to moisture, heat, vibration, corrosive doing a risk assessment on the equipment.
chemicals and the cord kept relatively straight i.e. not flexed?
Has the use of double adaptors been eliminated? Replace adaptors with power boards.

Manual handling Yes No N/A If the answer is ‘no’ - then

Is work organised to limit unnecessary or excessive bending and the Redesign the work area or the work, or call the EHS
need to transport heavy loads? Branch on ext 1326 or 1056 for advice.

Consult with staff to determine the type of trolley

Are trolleys available for transporting heavy loads? needed…then purchase it. Call the EHS Branch on
ext 1326 or 1056 if you require assistance.

Are heavy items stored between mid-thigh and shoulder height? Reorganise storage areas if possible. If this is not
possible consider providing more space or reduce
Is stored material secured to prevent shifting/falling? the amount stored.

Computers and workstation setup Yes No N/A If the answer is ‘no’ - then
Do staff know how to adjust their workstation, computer monitor and Refer to the EHS Branch website at
chair height? www.ehs.uts.edu.au/hazardguidelines/workstationset
up.html or phone the EHS Branch on ext 1326 or
Is information available to help staff (and students) set up their 1056.
workstation?
Cash handling Yes No N/A If the answer is ‘no’ - then
Check the FSU website for options at
Has action been taken to eliminate cash handling? www.fsu.uts.edu.au/about/index.html#cash_alternativ
es.

Have risk assessments been completed for all cash handling tasks
Contact Security on ext 1169.
and action taken to reduce the risk?
Have staff handling cash been trained in robbery safety? Contact the EHS Branch on ext 1326.

EHS management, information, consultation and training Yes No N/A If the answer is ‘no’ - then
Has action been taken to reduce the risk of dangerous activities and Contact the EHS Branch on ext 1063 or 1326 for
tasks? advice.

Do staff know to report hazards, accidents and near misses to their E-mail a reminder to staff or include in the agenda for
supervisor? your next staff meeting.

EHS Risk and Safety Checklist – v020608 Page 1 of 2

 Use the HR orientation checklist and resources at
Is EHS information included in staff (and student) orientation? www.hru.uts.edu.au/start/checklist.html.

Are staff consulted on EHS issues as part of regular meetings, Talk to staff about EHS risks and issues and how
communications and/or committees? they might be resolved.

Are staff encouraged to attend “office safety” training?

For training course information, check the Staff
(to learn how to set up their computer workstations and how to Notices (www.uts.edu.au/staff/notices/).
reduce the risks related to manual handling and computer use)
Emergencies Yes No N/A If the answer is ‘no’ - then
Are emergency evacuation procedures posted in the main work
areas?
Is the emergency telephone number ‘6’ clearly displayed (e.g. Contact Security on ext 4689.
stickers on phones, coasters, phone lists, etc.)?
Are emergency wardens trained and available in an emergency?
Are fire extinguishers easily accessible and signposted?
Contact Building Services on ext 7477 or 7476 or
Check the tags attached to fire extinguishers - have the fire send a maintenance request via the FMU website at
extinguishers been inspected within the last six months? http://datasearch.uts.edu.au/fmu/building_services/m
Are overhead sprinklers and smoke detectors clear of obstructions, aintenance/index.cfm
stores, etc.?
Clear up and/or contact Building Services on ext
Are the exit doors marked, clearly visible and clear of obstructions? 7477 or 7476.
Send them a reminder and refer to
Have all staff seen the ’Escape from UTS’ video? www.fmu.uts.edu.au/emergency/escape_video.html

Accidents/incidents and first aid Yes No N/A If the answer is ‘no’ - then
Download Accident/Incident Report forms from the
Is the Accident/Incident Report forms readily available to staff? web at www.ehs.uts.edu.au/forms/index.html.

Is a First Aid Officer readily available during normal work hours?
Are the details of your First Aid Officers up to date on the EHS
Branch website listing?
Are posters/notices indicating the contact details of the First Aid
Officers on display?
Check the First Aid Officer database at
www.fao.uts.edu.au and contact the EHS Branch on
ext 1102 to request changes.
Ask the First Aid Officers to check the details on all
First Aid Officer signs. Additional posters and
notices are available from the EHS Branch by calling
ext 1102.

Are the First Aid Officers keeping their First Aid kit stocked and Ask the First Aid Officers to order missing supplies
via the order form at
aware that they should never include medication (including Aspirin, www.ehs.uts.edu.au/emergency/firstaid.html
Panadol or other headache preparations or pain killers of any kind)? Dispose of any medication appropriately.

Signature of staff completing the checklist Date Signature of staff consulted for checklist Date

Sign and date when

Action to be taken By whom? By when?
action is completed

Sign when all required actions are complete.

Name of Supervisor/Manager Signature Date

EHS Risk and Safety Checklist – v020608 Page 2 of 2