Report Unsafe Work Environment

== How To Report A Job In An Unsafe Work Environment - On The Road ==

Arrive to a job where something seems unsafe?

• Is somebody onsite acting aggressively or inappropriately?

• Are there hazards such as broken glass, syringes, body fluids, weapons, or anything else potentially dangerous?

• Is there a potential to fall more than 2 metres if something went wrong? 

• Do you have a feeling that this is an unsafe environment for you or your team mate to be in and around?

The correct course of action in these circumstances is to: Head back to the truck Check in with your team mate Call the office, and let the office staff member know you’d like to “report an unsafe work environment”.

The office staff member will transfer you to the most senior manager available, who will ask the following questions:

- “Is there a clear and immediate danger to you or your team mate?”

- “Are you in a safe place right now?”

- “How far into the move are you?”

- “Are you able to discuss this safety issue with your customer?”

- “Would it be safe for another team to attend after I’ve spoken to the customer?”

The manager or office staff member will then let you know:

- “Unless you’re already there, please go back to the truck with your team mate and wait there for further instructions. If you’re in immediate danger, please leave the location straight away.”

- “I will contact your customer and let them know we’re dealing with a logistical situation, and you and your team may need to be redirected elsewhere. I’ll arrange with them how we will complete their move.”

- “Please come in and report the situation to a manager or myself when you get back to the depot”.

- “Is there anything more I need to know, or any more help I can provide right now?”

You are not required to proceed with a move when the working environment is unsafe. Once the manager or office staff member has heard your responses to the above questions, MWAV will either cancel the job until the safety issue is resolved, or make arrangements with the customer to address the issue so another team can complete the move. Once you arrive back at the depot, you will need to fill in a safety report and debrief with a manager at your earliest opportunity.

Unfortunately it's not always possible for management or the phones staff to discern that the property is in an unfit state or that there are other safety issues in advance of the job taking place, so your discretion and judgement is required. As with all issues on the job, don't be afraid to pick up the phone and call the office for advice when you're not sure how to proceed.