MADEC Client WHS Assessment - 2024

Title Page

Company name
Location
Type of business
Company representative (name and title)
Conducted on
Prepared by (name and title)

Introduction

Scope

The scope of the Client WHS Assessment is limited to the examination of information sourced, and observations made at the time of the onsite visit. The principal objectives of this report are to:
- Evaluate the host employers' work health and safety documentation to determine an appropriate level of understanding of WHS issues and legislation required to manage WHS risks associated with the operational activities of the business.
- Determine if the host employer provides and implements practical systems and processes for managing WHS risks
- Identify good practices and opportunities for improvement based on operations specific to the business.

Having considered the matters discussed during our visit this WHS report has been finalised to provide an overview of MADEC's observations.

Confidentiality Statement

In order to maintain the integrity and credibility of the risk analysis processes and to protect the parties involved, it is understood that MADEC and its representatives will not divulge to unauthorised persons any information obtained during this WHS Assessment unless legally obliged to do so.

Copyright 2024

All rights reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced or transmitted in any form by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and recording, or by an information storage or retrieval system, accept as may be permitted, in writing, by MADEC.

Section 1 - Hazard/Task Information for Job Safety Analysis (JSA)

If all MADEC workers are performing similar tasks with similar risks, one comprehensive JSA can be prepared to cover these various tasks. However, if each worker has a designated, specialised role with unique risks, then separate JSAs are required for each specific task or role to ensure all potential hazards are properly addressed.

Client + Job Information

Client Name
Client Representative
Location of the job (list all worksite addresses this work will be performed at)
Workers' job title (note: ensure it reflects the work they will be performing)
Description of job (list of tasks to be performed by worker)
Work schedule
1. Will any MADEC workers need to operate quad bikes or side-by-side vehicles (SSVs)? Note: this includes ATVs, RTVs, and UTVs.
1.a) Has the MADEC Senior Leadership team provided authorisation for the use of these types of vehicles?
Before allowing a worker to operate this type of vehicle, you need to obtain approval from the MADEC senior leadership.
2. Will any MADEC workers be required to operate any plant, mobile plant and machinery? e.g. packing shed machinery, forklift, trackers, bagging machines
2. a) List all plant / mobile plant / machinery to be operated
2. b) Will training on Safe Work Procedures associated with the operation of this plant / mobile plant /machinery / banana bagging machines be provided to MADEC workers?
3. What qualifications, licenses, and/or skills are required for the MADEC worker to safely perform their job?
4. Are any vaccinations required?
What vaccinations are required?
5. What is the name of the person who will supervise the worker?
6. Who should the worker raise health and safety issues with?
7. Is there a Health and Safety Representative onsite?

Work Appropriate Attire

Work-appropriate attire is clothing that is suitable for the nature of work, and is not necessarily PPE. They are the clothing requirements set by the host employer, however not for the purposes of managing health and safety risk. Identify below the required work-appropriate attire, and who will provide this.
Closed-toe shoes
Who will provide this clothing?
Long pants
Who will provide this clothing?
Long-sleeved shirts
Who will provide this clothing?
Gumboots
Who will provide this clothing?
Gloves i.e., required for produce protection not for the workers health and safety
Who will provide this clothing?
Raincoat
Who will provide this clothing?
Other work appropriate attire. Note: list any other work appropriate attire and identify who will provide this clothing.

Personal Protective Equipment

Personal Protective Equipment worn by workers to reduce their risk of exposure to hazards.
Hi-visibility clothing
Who will provide this PPE?
Protective footwear (e.g., safety boots)
Who will provide this PPE?
Eye protection (e.g., goggles, glasses)
Who will provide this PPE?
Face shield (clear)
Who will provide this PPE?
Welding helmet, jacket and hood
Who will provide this PPE?
Gloves i.e., required to manage health and safety risks to the worker
Who will provide this PPE?
Skin protection e.g., sunscreen, broad-brimmed hats
Who will provide this PPE?
Respiratory protection e.g., respirator, face masks, cartridge filters)
Who will provide this PPE?
Hearing protection e.g., ear plugs, ear muffs
Who will provide this PPE?
Clothing and body protection e.g., aprons, safety harnesses
Who will provide this PPE?
Crash helmet e.g. securely fitted and fastened for quad bike use.
Who will provide this clothing?
Other personal protective equipment. Note: list any other PPE and identify who will provide this clothing.

Hazards associated with the Job

For any of the hazards that you select yes to, that cannot be validated in the Client WHS Assessment, create an action under the applicable hazard or refer to the corresponding action created in the Client WHS Assessment.
Areas where pedestrians and vehicles interact
Asbestos
Silica Dust
Manual tasks
Use of tools and/or knives
Confined spaces
Plant, and Machinery
Electrical
Falling objects
Fatigue
Hazardous chemicals
High Job Demand
Bacterial diseases e.g., leptospirosis
Slips, trips and fall hazards
Work that requires a High Risk Work (HRW) Licence
Working at heights
Working in hot or cold environments
Working remote or isolated work
Banana humping (team of two or self cutting)
Dehanding and declustering (fast and sharp knife work)
Quad bikes
Side by Side Vehicles (SSV)

Section 2 - Injury / Illness Information

1. Have any injuries occurred in the past year? (note: this includes minor injuries such as cuts)
1.a) What are the most common causes of injury/illness at your worksite?
1.b) Will MADEC labour hire/seasonal workers be working in the areas where there are high rates of injury/illness?
Describe these areas

Section 3 - WHS Systems & Processes - Mandatory Criteria

1. Is there a process in place to proactively identify hazards in the workplace e.g., regular workplace inspections, risk assessments, hazard reports, pre-start checks? TIP: Explain this process, and take a photo, or request a copy of completed workplace inspections, task risk assessments, hazard report form and/or pre-start check as evidence.
2. Are there written safe work procedures/safe work method statements or other measures that describes how jobs should be done to ensure safety, and workers are instructed and trained on these? (Note: SWPs should be prepared for tasks such as safe knife use, operating a tractor, operating plant, banana bagging machine and equipment). TIP: view safe work procedures that are applicable to the work your workers will perform. Take a photo of these procedures or request copies.
2.a) Do the safe work procedures include visual aids to assist workers with literacy barriers and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds?
NOTE: if high risk construction work is carried out, a safe work method statement must be prepared before work is carried out
3. Is there a process in place to prevent and respond to inappropriate workplace behaviours e.g. bullying, sexual harassment, aggression, violence, under the influence of alcohol and other drugs? TIP: Explain this process and take a photo, or request a copy of the standards of behaviour as evidence.
4. Is there a process in place to regularly (e.g., weekly/monthly) consult (talk and get feedback) with workers on health and safety? e.g. via toolbox talks TIP: Explain this process, and take a photo, or request a copy of a completed toolbox talk or meeting minutes where workers are involved in health and safety discussions as evidence.
5. Has an emergency plan been prepared for the worksite and includes response procedures for the different types of emergencies that could occur? Is this communicated to all workers? TIP: take a photo of the site emergency plan, or explain in the notes the types of emergencies covered by the plan, and how this information is provided to workers.
6. Are workers provided with a site-specific WHS induction prior to commencing work? TIP: Explain how the induction is delivered to workers, and take a photo of the induction content and/or induction record identifying the content, or explain in the notes what is covered in the induction.
6. a) Explain how you check that the workers understand the information that has been provided to them.

Outcome

If you have answered “no” to any of the above mandatory criteria you must seek authorisation from CEO and/or the Relevant Leadership Team member before the placement of workers.
Is all mandatory WHS criteria satisfied?
- Yes, all mandatory WHS criteria is satisfied
- No, not all mandatory WHS criteria is satisfied
Report to MADEC labour hire senior leader for next steps.
Proceed with the Site Assessment

Section 4. Site Assessment

Location of the worksite
Date of site assessment
This may include a check of packaging shed and field worksite.

General housekeeping and environment

1. Do MADEC workers have access to adequate amenities and facilities? i.e., access to shade during breaks, somewhere to eat their food away from workplace hazards, food storage, drinking water, toilets, and handwashing facilities during work. TIP: take a photo of the facilities, or explain in the notes what you observed at the time of the visit. NOTE: Where work is carried out in the field, describe in the notes the amenities that are provided, and how workers can easily access these.
Explain how workers in the field have convenient access to amenities and facilities such as chariots or vans equipped with containers of water, portable toilets, and shaded areas for taking work breaks.
2. Is there adequate lighting and ventilation to safely perform the work? TIP: take a photo of the work areas where MADEC workers will be working, or explain in the notes what you observed at the time of the visit.
3. Are floors, stairs, and surfaces designed, installed, and maintained for the tasks being undertaken, and do not present a risk to health and safety? TIP: take a photo of floor surfaces, and stairs, or explain in the notes what was observed at the time of the visit.
4. Are the risks associated with extreme temperatures effectively controlled? Please consider the work tasks performed, the working environment, and the temperature when assessing the controls in place. TIP: take a photo of temperature controls used at the site e.g., chariots for workers to sit under during breaks, industrial fans in packing sheds. Explain these controls in the notes.
5. Are first aid kits available at the workplace, including in work vehicles, and suitably trained first aiders on all shifts (provide details of first aid arrangements)? TIP: take a photo of first aid kits in vehicles and in the workplace, or explain in the notes where kits are located, and the type of kits available e.g. snake bite kits (where there is a risk of snake bite incidents)

Information and Instruction

6. Is signage displayed to indicate the location of the emergency assembly point and first aid kits? TIP: take a photo of the emergency assembly point, and first aid signage.
7. What guidance do you offer to employees regarding hygiene measures in the workplace to prevent infections related to injuries?
8. Where is the nearest medical clinic/facility? TIP: provide the name and location of the nearest medical facility.
9. Are workers provided with information on an Employee Assistance Program and/or mental health support contact details? TIP: take a photo of the EAP or mental health support contact information provided to workers, or explain in the notes how workers are informed of mental health support available to them.
Inform the client that MADEC has resources it can provide for this purpose. These can be accessed by the Account Manager via the intranet.

Section 5. Worksite Hazard Management

Plant + Mobile Plant + Vehicles

1. Will MADEC workers be interacting with plant and machinery in the workplace? TIP: If yes, describe in the notes the type of plant and equipment workers will be interacting with. Examples include forklifts, Elevated Work Platforms (EWP) scissor lifts, trailer or vehicle mounted lifts, cherry pickers, banana bagging machines.
1. a) What safety measures have been implemented to ensure that the equipment is safe for workers to work with and be around? e.g., maintenance routine, pre-start checks, guarding, emergency stop buttons, roll over protection, protective overhead barrier, weight loading displayed. SWP's include information on terrain and speed at which machinery and plant can be operated and considers environmental and operational conditions that may affect use.
1. b) Will MADEC workers be operating any plant or machinery?
1. b) i) Explain how the host ensures MADEC workers are adequately trained and instructed on how to safely operate the plant and machinery. e.g., through practical assessments, maintaining training records, seeking feedback from workers, and observing their performance during tasks.
2. Will MADEC workers be expected to operate equipment that requires a High Risk Work License? i.e., forklift license. If yes, detail in the notes what equipment this is.
2. a) Do existing MADEC workers, who operate equipment requiring a High Risk Work License, hold the appropriate license? TIP: If yes, take a photo of the workers High Risk Work License.
Instruct MADEC worker to immediately cease operating the equipment, and notify the MADEC Chief Operating Officer, and/or the HR Manager.
3. During their time at the workplace, will MADEC workers be exposed to mobile plant, such as forklifts, and other traffic, such as trucks, even when they are taking breaks, accessing toilets, meal rooms, office areas, etc.?
3. a) Is there a documented traffic management plan in place, and various traffic management controls implemented, such as physical bollards, signs, cones, barriers, delineation zones to separate vehicular traffic from work areas, line marking, gates, warning alarms, clear visibility and communication with drivers and speed limits? Are traffic control measures adjusted and updated as necessary to accommodate changing traffic conditions? TIP: take a photo of the traffic management plan document, and traffic management controls used at the site or explain in the notes what you observed at the time.
4. Are quad bikes present at the site? Note: this includes ATVs, RTVs and UTVs. MADEC workers who are required to operate these vehicles as indicated in the JSA, then proceed with the necessary safety checks below. TIP: Take a photo of each control and add it to the media section of the check, to verify it is present.
4. a) State the make and model of the quad bike
Provide a photo of all sides of the quad bike (front, back & both sides).
4. b) Is using a quad bike an inherent job requirement?
4. c) The Account Manager has checked and evaluated the risks of using the quad bike and obtained permission for use?
4. d) Are quad bikes securely stored to avoid unintended access? TIP: take a photo of the quad bikes being safely stored, such as with the keys removed from the ignition and placed in a locked cabinet, or explain in the notes what you observed at the time of the visit.
4. e) Are the quad bike seats and seatbelts present and in good working order? Note: seatbelts prevents you from being ejected from the vehicle.
Provide a photo of the present and working OPD.
4. f) Is the built in Operator Protection Devices (OPD) present and in good working order? Note: OPD prevents you from crush injuries in the event of a roll over.
Provide a photo of the present and working OPD.
4. g) Is the cab nets/doors present and in good working order? Note: cab nets/doors prevents body limbs protruding from the vehicle and being crushed in the event of a rollover.
Provide a photo of the present and working cab nets/doors.
4. h) Are there safe operating instructions provided for the quad bikes? Available and accessible at the worksite
Provide a photo of the quad bike safe operating instructions.
4. i) Are MADEC worker/s responsible for operating/driving a quad bike?
4. j) Who is the nominated MADEC driver/s (include full name as per passport)?
4. k) What evidence or training exists that demonstrates driver competency? Please detail in the comments.
Provide photographic evidence of driver competency records.
4. l) Does the host farm conduct a pre-start check on the quad bikes?
How often is a pre-start check conducted on quad bikes?
DO NOT allow MADEC workers to operate a quad bike until all required controls have been implemented by the client and verified by MADEC and approval obtained from the Director of Labour Hire.
If the site has Side-by-Side Vehicles (SSVs), and MADEC workers are required to operate these vehicles as indicated in the JSA, then proceed with the necessary safety checks below. TIP: Take a photo of each control and add it to the media section of the check, to verify it is present.
5. Are Side by Side Vehicles (SSV) present at the site? MADEC workers who are required to operate these vehicles as indicated in the JSA, then proceed with the necessary safety checks below. TIP: Take a photo of each control and add it to the media section of the check, to verify it is present.
5. a) State the make and model of the SSV.
Provide a photo of all sides of the SSV (front, back & both sides).
5. b) Are SSV's securely stored to avoid unintended access? <br>TIP: take a photo of the quad bikes being safely stored, such as with the keys removed from the ignition and placed in a locked cabinet, or explain in the notes what you observed at the time of the visit.
5. c) Are the SSV seats and seatbelts present and in good working order? Note: seatbelts prevents you from being ejected from the vehicle.
Provide a photo of the present and working seats and seatbelts of the SSV.
5. d) Is the built in Rollover Protection Structure (ROPS) present and in good working order? Note: ROPS prevents you from crush injuries in the event of a roll over.
Provide a photo of the present and working ROPS.
5. e) Is the cab nets/doors present and in good working order? Note: cab nets/doors prevents body limbs protruding from the vehicle and being crushed in the event of a rollover.
Provide a photo of the present and working cab nets/doors.
5. f) Are there safe operating instructions provided for the SSVs? Available and accessible at the worksite
Provide a photo of the SSV safe operating instructions.
5. g) Has the worker been educated on passenger safety when in an SSV as a passenger?
5. h) Are MADEC worker/s responsible for operating/driving an SSV?
Who is the nominated MADEC driver/s (include full name as per passport)?
5. i) What evidence or training exists that demonstrates driver competency? Please detail in the comments.
Provide photographic evidence of driver competency records.
5. j) Are MADEC workers passengers on SSVs?
5. k) Does the host farm conduct a pre-start check on the SSVs?
5. l) How often is a pre-start check conducted on SSVs?
DO NOT allow MADEC workers to operate the vehicle until all required controls have been implemented by the client and verified by MADEC.

Manual Tasks

6. What measures have you implemented to minimise the risks associated with manual tasks? e.g., work area design and layout, availability of mechanical aides, adherence to weight limits, ensuring comfortable working surface heights, job rotation, and introducing variety to reduce repetition and static postures. TIP: take a photo of any aides used to control the risk, or explain in the notes what you observed at the time of the visit.

Tools, Equipment + Knives

7. What specific guidelines do you give to workers regarding the secure storage of knives and sharp objects when they are not being used?

Hazardous Chemicals

8. Will any MADEC workers be exposed to hazardous chemicals while at work? Tip: Consider all hazardous chemicals that are used at the workplace, that could be applied to products or materials that workers are exposed to.
8. a) Do you maintain a register of all hazardous chemicals and are Safety Data Sheets available for hazardous chemicals workers are exposed to? TIP: take a photo of the hazardous chemicals register, and a sample of Safety Data Sheets, or explain in the notes where the register and Safety Data Sheets are located, and if they are accessible to workers.
8. b) Do you have an eye wash shower and is it easily accessible to workers who may be exposed to chemical burns? TIP: take a photo of the location of the eye wash shower, or explain in the notes where this is located.

Working at Heights

9. Will any MADEC workers be required to work at heights where there is a risk of fall?
9. a) Are specific control measures are in place to manage the risks associated with falls? i.e., temporary work platforms, guardrails, fall arrest systems, etc. TIP: take a photo of the work areas where workers will need to work at heights, and the controls in place to prevent falls e.g., guardrails, or explain in the notes what you observed at the time of the visit.

Banana Bagging Machines (Mobile Elevated Work Platforms)

This section is specific to banana farms.
9. b) Are Banana Bagging Machines (mobile elevated work platforms) fitted with a fall restraint system? For example positioning belt with one or two tethers that can be connected to a certified anchor point on the bagging machine. TIP: take a photo of the bagging machine and fall restraint system to prevent falls, or explain in the notes section what you observed at the time of the visit.
9. c) Is there a Safe Work Procedure for use of the banana bagging machine?
9. d) Explain how the host ensures MADEC workers are adequately trained and instructed on how to safely operate the banana bagging machines. e.g., through practical assessments, maintaining training records, seeking feedback from workers, and observing their performance during tasks.

Confined Space

10. Will any MADEC workers be required to work in confined spaces? Note: A confined space in refers to an enclosed or partially enclosed space not primarily for human occupancy, at atmospheric pressure, that poses risks due to harmful airborne contaminants, unsafe oxygen levels, or engulfment. These typically include pits, silos, vats, pipes, and tanks.
10. a) Are confined space entry permits required for entry? TIP: take a photo of the confined space risk controls e.g., confined space entry permit, atmospheric monitoring equipment, training records, or explain in the notes what you observed at the time of the visit.
10. b) Do MADEC workers need to complete confined space training before they are allowed to perform such work?

Electrical + Powerlines

11. What electrical equipment and appliances will MADEC workers interact with in the workplace?
11. a) Does electrical equipment appear to be in good condition? TIP: take a photo of the electrical equipment and leads in the working areas where workers will be performing tasks, as well as a picture of the tag indicating the date of the last test and the date of the next scheduled test, or explain in the notes what you observed at the time of the visit.
12. Are there any overhead powerlines that MADEC workers may be exposed to anywhere on the property, posing potential risks?
12. a) Is there a process in place to ensure a safe distance from powerlines is maintained (i.e. exclusion zones, markers on powerlines, site map of powerlines)? TIP: take a photo of the powerline site map and the risk controls in place to prevent contact with powerlines, or explain in the notes what you observed at the time of the visit.

Falling Objects

13. Is there a risk of objects falling from height and injuring a MADEC worker?
13. a) Are loads secured to prevent them from falling from one level to another e.g., isolation/no-go zones, fall prevention, fall arrest systems, PPE, signage? TIP: take a photo of objects stored at height that could potentially fall on a worker, and the risk controls in place to prevent the fall e.g., secure racking systems, netting, restraining bars, or explain in the notes what you observed at the time of the visit.

Validation of Risk Control Measures

Has the Client WHS Assessment identified adequate risk controls for all hazards identified in the JSA?
- Yes, the Client WHS Assessment has validated the risk controls for all hazards deemed relevant to the job in the JSA
- No, the Client WHS Assessment has not yet validated the risk controls for all hazards deemed relevant to the job in the JSA
Escalate to the Regional Manager for discussion with the WHS Consultant, HR Manager and/or Director Labour Hire.
Has a review date been noted for verification of Quad Bike Induction Training and/or SSV Induction Training? Note: the checklist is to be completed once workers commence onsite.
Review date for Quad Bike and/or SSV Induction Training.
Refer to MADEC Quad Bike Induction Training and Side by Side Vehicle (SSV) Induction Training checklists for validation of risk control measures.
Schedule the review date on your email calendar. If you need assistance, please ask a MADEC team member.

Next Review

Next review date Note: the review date is 6 months from the date the site assessment was completed.
Has the review been set as a reminder in the email calendar?
Schedule the review date on your email calendar. If you need assistance, please ask a MADEC team member.