Workplace Safety, Health and Environmental Practices
Domain focus
This domain tests hazard identification and control in warehouses, terminals and vehicles. The exam expects safe loading, manual handling, vehicle inspection, fatigue awareness, fire safety, fuel and spill control, waste segregation and emission reduction. You should apply the hierarchy of control rather than relying only on PPE.
Core rules and concepts
- Eliminate or substitute the hazard first; then use engineering controls, administrative controls and PPE last.
- Keep aisles, exits and fire equipment clear. Stack goods safely and secure racks. Report damaged racking or leaking containers.
- For manual handling, assess the load, use trolleys or team lifting, keep the load close and avoid twisting. Do not set a universal safe weight; use the risk assessment.
- Pre-trip checks include tyres, brakes, lights, mirrors, load security, fuel and documents. Drivers must manage fatigue with breaks and proper scheduling.
- Prevent fuel spills, segregate waste, avoid unnecessary idling and follow local disposal rules.
Worked example
Workers repeatedly lift 25 kg boxes from floor level. The supervisor first considers eliminating the lift by delivering on a raised pallet, then provides a trolley and adjusts the workbench height. Training and two-person lifting are added for awkward boxes, and gloves are issued as a last layer. The reasoning follows the hierarchy of control and reduces the chance of back injury more effectively than telling workers to “lift carefully”.
Traps that cost marks
Do not treat PPE as the first or only control. Do not block exits with stock. Do not skip pre-trip checks because the trip is short. Do not pour fuel or chemicals into drains. Do not ignore fatigue or a damaged load restraint.
Key points
- Apply the hierarchy of control before relying on PPE.