New Staff: Workplace Health and Safety
IELTS Reading Practice
Reading Passage
Health and Safety Guidance for New Employees
This guidance is provided to every new member of staff during their first week. Please read it carefully and keep it for future reference. Following these rules protects you, your colleagues and our visitors, and is a condition of your employment.
Reporting hazards
If you notice anything that could cause harm – a wet floor, a damaged cable, a blocked exit – you must report it to your supervisor as soon as possible. Do not assume that someone else has already done so. Minor hazards that you can safely deal with yourself, such as a small spill, should be cleaned up straight away, and a warning sign placed if necessary. Never attempt to repair electrical equipment yourself; instead, remove it from use and label it clearly.
Fire safety
Make sure you know the location of the nearest fire exit and the assembly point for your area. If the fire alarm sounds, leave the building immediately by the nearest safe exit and go to the assembly point. Do not stop to collect personal belongings, and do not use the lifts. A fire drill is held twice a year; you are expected to take part exactly as you would in a real emergency. Fire exits must never be blocked, even temporarily.
Lifting and carrying
Many injuries at work are caused by lifting objects incorrectly. Before lifting anything heavy, consider whether you can reduce the load or use a trolley. When you do lift, bend your knees rather than your back and keep the object close to your body. If an item is too heavy or awkward to move safely on your own, ask a colleague for help. There is no benefit in risking an injury to save a few minutes.
Accidents and first aid
All accidents, however minor, must be recorded in the accident book kept at the main reception. This is true even if no first aid was needed. The names of trained first-aiders are displayed on the notice board in the staff room, along with the location of the first-aid kits. In a serious emergency, call for an ambulance first and then inform your supervisor.