Who's responsible?
Instructions:
Decide who is responsible for safety in the following eight situations:
- Jason.
- Jason's boss.
- Both Jason and his boss.
1. Jason has been asked to use a hammer and chisel to remove a rusted nut; he will need to wear protective equipment including safety glasses.
The correct choice is Jason. He is required to take care of his own health and safety. Although the boss should tell Jason to wear protective equipment if he sees that he is not wearing it, it's really the responsibility of Jason to take care of his own safety.
2. Supplying the appropriate protective equipment needed to do the range of jobs performed in the workshop.
The correct choice is Jason's boss. Although Jason may wish to own his own protective equipment, the responsibility is with the boss to supply what is needed.
3. Making sure that the noise levels generated by workshop equipment are at a safe level.
The correct choice is Jason's boss. This is not Jason’s responsibility, the responsibility lies with the boss. Should Jason believe there is a problem with noise levels in the workshop he should bring it to the boss’s attention.
4. Taking action when a potential danger is noticed in the workshop, eg the guard cover on the compressor is damaged.
Both Jason and the boss are responsible. If Jason notices the problem he must report it. If the boss notices the problem, or the problem is brought to his attention by Jason or someone else, he must take action to have the danger removed.
5. Jason is given the task of operating an orbital sanding machine for the first time.
In this situation both have responsibilities. The boss must provide instruction on how to use the equipment. Jason should ask for instruction if needed and follow the advice provided.
6. Keeping information and records relating to safety, eg emergency procedures and records of injuries.
This is the responsibility of the boss
7. Accessing information and records relating to safety; an example of these may be emergency procedures or records of injuries.
Jason must be able to access information and records when needed. It is the boss’s responsibility to keep information and records available for when Jason may need them. It is Jason’s responsibility to access them.
8. Maintaining the oxyacetylene equipment to make sure it is in safe working condition.
The responsibility of having workshop equipment that is in safe working condition is the boss’s. He may achieve this by asking Jason or another person to perform regular checks and maintenance on the equipment.
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