MADEC Client WHS Assessment - Vessel Safety - 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
Work schedule
1. Will any MADEC workers need to operate vessels? e.g. fishing, towing, snorkeling
1.a) Has the MADEC Senior Leadership team provided authorisation for operating a vessel?
Before allowing a worker to operate this type of vehicle, you need to obtain approval from the MADEC senior leadership.
1. b). List all vessels to be operated. Tip: Refer to boat classification and ratings.
1. c) What qualifications, licenses, and/or skills are required for the MADEC worker to safely perform their job? TIP: This is dependent on boat classification and ratings.
2. Are any medical checks required? TIP: Requirement for extended offshore work assignments.
Is a medical clearance required?
Who is responsible for the medical checks?
What vaccinations are required?
Is a swimming assessment required? Tip: This may be required for snorkeling tasks.
Who is responsible for the swimming assessment?
3. What is the job title for the individual overseeing the workers? For example, Master of the vessel.
4. Who should the worker raise health and safety issues with? TIP: This should be the Master of vessel for work offshore.
5. 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. (e.g., crew members may be required to wear footwear that provides a good grip and stability on slippery surfaces)
Who will provide this clothing?
Long trousers
Who will provide this clothing?
Long-sleeved shirts
Who will provide this clothing?
Gloves i.e., required for produce protection not for the workers health and safety
Who will provide this clothing?
Waterproof clothing
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?
Hard hats
Who will provide this PPE?
Steel capped gumboots
Who will provide this PPE?
Eye protection (e.g., goggles, glasses)
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) TIP: Maintenance and cleaning tasks.
Who will provide this PPE?
Hearing protection e.g., ear plugs, ear muffs
Who will provide this PPE?
Safety harnesses and tethers. Note: these may be required to secure workers to the vessel, particularly in rough seas or when working near deck edges.
Who will provide this PPE?
Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs). Note: crew members may be required to wear Coast Guard approved, properly fitting personal flotation devices when on deck.
Who will provide this PPE?
Other safety equipment. Note: list any other safety equipment and who will provide it. e.g. distress beacon, bilge pump, compass, battery operated torch, radar reflector, sound signal, flares, marine radio, sea anchor, first aid kit, international code flags, life buoy with light and smoke signal, bailing bucket, fire extinguisher.

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.
Collision e.g. loss of steering, vessel capsizes, grounding, towing
Confined space
Electrical e.g. engine start up and shut down, maintenance, service and operation.
Entanglement e.g. working with a net, engine room access.
Environmental e.g. changing weather and sea state
Falling objects e.g. dragging, moorings, anchors, lease marker deployment, hiab use, retrieving lease markers
Fatigue
Fire e.g fuel transfer, refueling vessel
Hazardous chemicals e.g. vessel cleaning, battery bank use and maintenance.
High job demand
Manual tasks e.g. lifting, hauling heavy pots, unloading bins
Slips, trips and fall hazards
Work that requires a Licence
Working at heights e.g. accessing crows nest, wheelhouse roof
Working in hot or cold environments
Working on water
Working remote or isolated work e.g. long distance from shore, fishing at night
Working with knives and sharp objects

Section 2 - Injury / Illness Information

1. Have any injuries occurred in the past year? (note: this includes minor injuries such as cuts and abrasions)
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 operating a vessel, abandon ship, adverse weather, engine failure, medical emergency, vessel collision, vessel flooding, vessel grounding, vessel loss of steering, watch keeping, person overboard, master incapacitated, fire on board vessel, fatigue management). 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?
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 and contact list been prepared and includes response procedures for the different types of emergencies that could occur? TIP: take a photo of the emergency plan, or explain in the notes the types of emergencies covered by the plan, and how this information is provided to workers. For example abandon ship, adverse weather, engine failure, fire on board vessel, person overboard, vehicle collision, vessel flooding, vessel grounding, vessel loss of steering.
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

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 navigation lights, cabins, deck spaces, and navigation areas and windows, hatches and vents that can be opened for fresh air, or explain in the notes what you observed at the time of the visit.
3. Are floors and surfaces designed as non-slip, comfortable and durable, and maintained for the tasks being undertaken, and do not present a risk to health and safety? TIP: take a photo of floor surfaces, 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: examples include insulation of vessel's interior, fans, vents or hatches, shade awnings or sunshades and air conditioning in cabin. Explain these controls in the notes.
5. Are first aid kits available on the vessel, and suitably trained first aiders on all shifts (provide details of first aid arrangements)? TIP: take a photo of first aid kits on the vessel, or explain in the notes where kits are located.
6. Are the risks associated with working on water effectively controlled? TIP: take a photo of life jackets, fall prevention, such as guardrails, safety nets, non-slip surfaces, gangways, ladders, handrails, weather monitoring, man overboard procedures. Explain these controls in the notes.
7. Are the risks associated with working off shore effectively controlled? TIP: buddy system, sufficient lighting, safety briefings, two-way radios or satellite phones, emergency response procedures. Explain these controls in the notes.
8. Are the risks associated with fatigue effectively controlled? TIP: work hour limits, rotations or workload monitoring. Explain these controls in the notes.

Information and Instruction

9. Is signage displayed of the general alarm to alert crew of an emergency and first aid kits? TIP: take a photo of the emergency alarm, and first aid signage.
10. What guidance do you offer to employees regarding hygiene measures in the workplace to prevent infections related to injuries?
11. Where is the nearest medical clinic/facility? TIP: provide the name and location of the nearest medical facility.
12. 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

Vessel Safety

1. Will MADEC workers be interacting with machinery and equipment on the vessel? TIP: If yes, describe in the notes the type of machinery and equipment workers will be interacting with. For example, engine maintenance, hull inspections, electrical system checks, testing of safety equipment.
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, safety equipment checks (life jackets, fire extinguishers, emergency flares, first aid kits, navigation lights).
1. b) Will MADEC workers be operating a vessel?
1. b) i) Explain how the host ensures MADEC workers are adequately trained and instructed on how to safely operate the machinery and equipment. 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 the vessel? i.e., boat license. If yes, detail in the notes type of license required depending on size and type of vessel and jurisdiction.
2. a) Do existing MADEC workers, who operate a vessel requiring a Boat License, hold the appropriate license? TIP: If yes, take a photo of the workers Boat License.
Instruct MADEC worker to immediately cease operating the equipment, and notify the MADEC Chief Operating Officer, and/or the HR Manager.
3. a) Safe Work Procedure available and accessible
3. b) Records of training and competency kept at the worksite
3. c) Start-up checks are completed before every use and records are available at the worksite
3. d) Adequate PPE is available at the worksite including helmets that conform to Australian Standards, life jackets, hard hats, safety boots, gloves, eye protection.

Electrical

4. What electrical equipment and appliances will MADEC workers interact with in the workplace?
4. 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.

Falling Objects

5. Is there a risk of objects falling from height and injuring a MADEC worker?
5. 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., securing of loose items, guardrails and barriers, or netting, explain in the notes what you observed at the time of the visit.

Hazardous Chemicals

6. 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.
6. 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.
6. b) Do you have an eye wash station or eye cups /eye wash solution 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 station, or explain in the notes where this is located.

Manual Tasks

7. What measures have you implemented to minimise the risks associated with manual tasks? e.g., work area design and layout, availability of mechanical aides such as winches, hoists, davits, dollies, carts, pallet jacks, 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

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

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., guardrails, safety nets, handrails, 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.

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 tanks and compartments.
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?

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.

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.