SITE SAFETY HUB
A safety hub for Chandler Macleod employees working at Primary Connect sites.
Welcome to the Primary Connect Safety Hub
This page provides access to safety information you have already received via your Induction and Onboarding process, or via other documents and procedures. We recommend bookmarking this page so you can refer back to it if you need clarification on any safety topics related to your workplace.
What should you do if you are unsure or have not been trained in a task?
Do not complete a task unless safety instructions/training has been provided. Speak with your Team Leader and alert them of the situation so that training can be delivered.
Do not hesitate to call your Chandler Macleod representative if you feel that the instruction for the job or task is not adequate, or you feel you are being asked to do something that you were not employed to do. You have the right to stop unsafe work.
Safety Topic Navigation
PPE and Uniform Requirements
All mandatory PPE must be worn at all times. Always check it is in good condition when getting ready for work.
Note:
- Items like earphones or headphones are not allowed to be worn at work.
- When wearing hoodies, the hood must not be worn up.
- No phone use except during breaks in designated areas
All sites require
- Steel-capped safety footwear
- Yellow hi-vis vests that can be securely fastened and provide 360-degree visibility
Cold storage sites require
- Yellow hi-vis freezer jackets
- Thermal or freezer gloves
- Safety footwear, can be composite or steel-capped toe
- Warm clothing should be worn underneath, including socks. Consider wearing Freezer pants and beanies to keep you warm.
Operating and Interacting with Mobile Plant
Mobile plant comes in many different forms: Forklifts, High-reach trucks, Ride-on transporters (pallet jacks, pallet movers, tuggers). There are many hazards associated with the operation and interaction of this equipment and it is vital that safety is front of mind at all times to avoid incidents and injuries.
Everyone is responsible for safety. Both mobile plant operators and pedestrians must follow the Traffic Management Plan, site safety rules & instructions that are in place.
When you are operating your machinery, you need to be very aware of your surroundings and of pedestrians who could be near you or crossing your path at any time.
Pedestrians must stick to the walkways at all times. When entering a shared zone, awareness and acknowledging each other is key. Never enter a mobile plant’s exclusion zone or approach a moving plant. Wait until it is safe to pass or cross.
Golden Rules
- Never walk or stand underneath a suspended load
- Do not coast
- Do not assume
Manual Handling
Picking requires repetitive lifting, carrying, and placing of items, which can put strain on your body. To minimise the risk of injury, always follow proper manual handling techniques. You would have been introduced to these techniques during your induction and reinforced them in your first few weeks on site.
Things to avoid:
- Do not overreach to grab an item.
- No pyramid picking.
- Do not step onto pallets to reach items.
- Avoid column stacking of boxes whenever possible.
- Do not attempt to catch falling objects with any part of your body.
How to stay safe:
- Use manual handling equipment, such as a grab bar, or ask for assistance to avoid straining your muscles.
- Always work layer by layer when picking items.
- Wear gloves with a non-slip coating to improve grip and help prevent cuts and abrasions.
- Step around pallets or use manual handling equipment if you cannot reach an item.
- Regularly assess the stability of your pallet to avoid accidents.
- Wrap your pallet as you continue to stack to keep your load secure.
- Step back and let a falling box drop to avoid injury. Notify your team leader to address the situation.
Stretches
Break up your workday with a few stretches to loosen tight muscles and improve blood flow. Performing stretches at regular intervals can reduce muscle fatigue and help prevent repetitive strain injuries.
Complete each movement slowly, aiming for a gentle stretch. If you feel any pain, stop immediately, as this indicates overstretching, which should be avoided. Make sure you perform stretches in a safe environment, ensuring you are clear of hazards and not creating risks for yourself or others.
Hand and Finger Safety
Our hands are so essential to everything we do, from work to everyday life. A simple injury can have far-reaching effects, leading to time off work, added stress, and concerns for our loved ones.
Remember to always look with fresh eyes, not tired fingers!
What are the risks and how to stay safe
Sharp Objects
Sharp objects, such as box cutters or glass materials, can easily cause cuts or lacerations if not handled properly.
Best Practices:
- Always use box cutters safely, following proper training and technique.
- Ensure blades are kept sharp; dull blades are more likely to slip and cause injury.
- Wear appropriate PPE, such as cut-resistant gloves, to reduce the risk of injury.
Cold Spots
Cold spots, commonly found in refrigeration systems or cold storage areas, can cause cold burns similar to heat burns if proper precautions aren't taken.
Best Practices:
- Wear insulated gloves and appropriate cold-weather gear when working in or around cold storage areas.
- Limit exposure time in extreme cold environments to prevent injuries.
- Take your warm up breaks and dry your PPE
- Regularly inspect equipment to ensure there are no unintended cold spots that could pose a risk.
Pinch Points
Machinery, tools, and even doors can create pinch points, which may crush or trap your fingers.
Best Practices:
- Stay aware of your surroundings and anticipate potential pinch points.
- Ensure moving parts have proper guards in place to prevent injury.
- Follow lockout/tagout procedures when servicing machinery to ensure it is safely deactivated.
- Never place your hands in areas where you cannot see them, and avoid distractions while operating equipment.
Manual Handling
Improper lifting or moving of objects can lead to hand injuries or strain.
Best Practices:
- Always use proper lifting techniques, such as bending your knees and keeping your back straight.
- Use manual handling aids, such as grab bars or dollies, to assist with lifting and carrying.
- Never carry more than the recommended load; if something feels too heavy, ask for assistance or use mechanical aids.
Physical Demands and Fatigue
When working physically in a fast-paced environment it is important to manage your fatigue & remain alert. Please advise your team leader if you feel you are not fit to work.
- Take Regular Breaks: Don’t wait until the last hour to take a break. Step away from your tasks throughout the day to recharge.
- Fuel Your Body: Eat balanced meals before and during work, and stay hydrated to maintain energy and focus.
- Get Fresh Air: Whenever possible, take a moment to step outside for fresh air to clear your mind and boost your mood.
- Stretch for Comfort: Stretch before starting your workday and after breaks to prevent stiffness and improve circulation.
Reporting Hazards and Incidents
All Chandler Macleod employees are required to report all hazards, incidents, injuries & illnesses immediately to their Team Leader and to Chandler Macleod regardless of how small or insignificant the incident may seem. It is critical that all incidents are reported in a prompt and timely fashion.
Potential safety issues or incidents are more than just accidents and injuries. Here are some other examples that must be reported to Chandler Macleod and Woolworths:
- Near misses
- Hazards
- Not being provided with instruction on how to do a task or use equipment
- Changes in duties or the workplace environment
- Psychological hazards or incidents
How to get in touch:
- Speak to your Chandler Macleod on-site consultant
- Scan the QR code on the reporting posters on site or click here to return to the Primary Connect page and follow the links
- Call your local office, our phones are staffed 24/7
