CODE OF PRACTICE

WORKING HOURS RISK MANAGEMENT MATRIX

3.5

Risk Management Matrix

The Risk Management Matrix is provided on the following pages for use in considering potential hazards and risks from the workplace/industry working hours arrangements, and the diagram below demonstrates how to use it. The Matrix shows at which point action should be taken to introduce risk control measures. A holistic approach should be taken in assessing risks and implementing control measures. How to use the Risk Management Matrix

Step 1 Hazard identification

To assist in carrying out a hazard identification, a list of potential hazard factors is provided. Consider them in the context of specific workplace/industry circumstances

Step 2 Risk assessment

To assist in carrying out a risk assessment, general levels of risk for the hazard factors (listed in the first column) are indicated along a continuum. Assess the risk for those hazard factors identified in Step 1. Consider possible interaction between hazard factors that may affect the level of risk.

Step 3 Risk control

Where risk is assessed as medium or higher for a hazard factor, control measures should be implemented, such as those outlined in Section 4 of the Approved Code of Practice: Working Hours.

Medium / higher risk when, after full

consideration, risk is assessed for a particular hazard factor as medium/higher risk, implement control measures such as those suggested in Section 4 of the Approved Code of Practice: Working Hours. Interaction between the hazard factors may influence the overall level of risk and the measures implemented.

1. Working hours arrangements 2. Demands of the work tasks 3. Fatigue critical tasks 4. Extended exposure to hazards 5. Information and training 6. Supervision 7. Organisational factors 8. Individual factors

General risk indicator for hazard factors Lower risk Increasing level of risk High Risk

14

CODE OF PRACTICE

WORKING HOURS RISK MANAGEMENT MATRIX

Risk Management Matrix

To start considering hazards and risk that may be associated with the working hours arrangements at your workplace/industry, follow the three steps set out below.

Step 1: Hazard identification

Identify potential hazard factors at the workplace/industry, such as those listed in the column below.

Step 2: Risk assessment

Assess level of risk for the hazard factors identified at the workplace (such as those listed in the column to the left), using the general risk indicator arrow guide below. In assessing risk: 1) consider interaction between hazard factors that could influence level of risk; and 2) as level of risk for each hazard factor is only indicative, take into account specific workplace/industry circumstances that may influence it.

Step 3: Risk control

Where a hazard factor is assessed as being above low risk/medium risk, consider implementing control measures, such as those outlined in Section 4 of the Approved Code of Practice: Working Hours.

General risk indicator for hazard factors

Action: Where risk is assessed as being above low/medium risk, undertake Step 3 in the next column.

Increasing level of risk Lower risk

1. Working Hours Arrangements

Higher risk

1.1 Hours 1.1.1 1.1.2 Average weekly hours (other than FIFO) Total hours over a threemonth period (other than FIFO) Daily work hours Daily work hours and work-related travel Scheduling of work Regular and predictable hours 9 hours 10 hours 35-40 hours 48 hours 56 hours

624 hours Consider control measures see those suggested for working hours in Section 4 of the Approved Code of Practice: Working Hours.

1.1.3 1.1.4 1.1.5

12 hours 13 hours Irregular and unpredictable hours Short notice of schedule Extended overtime On call across shift cycle

15

CODE OF PRACTICE

WORKING HOURS RISK MANAGEMENT MATRIX

General risk indicator for hazard factors

Action: Where risk is assessed as being above low/medium risk, undertake Step 3 in the next column.

Increasing level of risk Lower risk

1.2 Shiftwork, including Fly in/Fly out (FIFO) 1.2.1 1.2.2 Length of shift (other than FIFO) Time of shift Day shifts Afternoon shifts 10 hours 12 hours Night shifts

Higher risk

1.2.3

Speed and direction

Forward rotation (ie morning/afternoon/night)

Backward rotation (ie night/evening/ morning) or slower rotation (eg weekly rotation/3-4 weekly rotation) Consider control measures see those suggested for shiftwork in Section 4 of the Approved Code of Practice: Working Hours.

1.2.4 1.2.5 1.2.6

Split shifts FIFO total hours over a three-month period FIFO sequential night shifts 728 hour period 7 x 12 hour shifts 7 x 8 hour shifts 6 x 10 hour shifts 6 x 12 hour shifts 48 hours 24 hour minimum

13 hour period

1.2.7

FIFO period of nonwork following a sequence of night shifts FIFO return from rest and recreation to FIFO operations

1.2.8

Adequate sleep prior to first shift

Extended travel prior to shift start

16

CODE OF PRACTICE

WORKING HOURS RISK MANAGEMENT MATRIX

General risk indicator for hazard factors

Action: Where risk is assessed as being above low/medium risk, undertake Step 3 in the next column.

Increasing level of risk Lower risk

1.3 Night work 1.3.1 Shift end (for those working eight hours or more between 10.00 pm and 6.00 am) Length of shift Sequential night shifts (other than FIFO) 8 hours 10 hours After 10.00am Before 6.00 am

Higher risk

1.3.2 1.3.3

12 hours

6 or more 8 hour shifts 5 or more 10 hour shifts 4 or more 12 hour shifts 48 hours Less than 48 hours

Consider control measures see those suggested for night work in Section 4 of the Approved Code of Practice: Working Hours.

1.3.4

Period of non-work following a sequence of night shifts (other than FIFO) Frequency of breaks

1.4 Breaks during work 1.4.1 Adequate and regular breaks Infrequent or no breaks Consider control measures see those suggested for breaks during work suggested in Section 4 of the Approved Code of Practice: Working Hours.

1.5 Breaks between work periods 1.5.1 Recovery time Adequate time for sleep, travel and meals etc Inadequate time for sleep, travel and meals etc

1.6 Seasonal work arrangements 1.6.1 Hours worked Regular hours over 12 months Long hours during peak season

17

CODE OF PRACTICE

WORKING HOURS RISK MANAGEMENT MATRIX

General risk indicator for hazard factors

Action: Where risk is assessed as being above low/medium risk, undertake Step 3 in the next column.

Increasing level of risk Lower risk

2. Demands Of The Work Tasks Varying task demands Highly repetitive work and/or high concentration work, with high demands over an extended period of time. Highly physically demanding work that results in muscle fatigue. Long periods of high concentration and/or mentally demanding work. Consider control measures see those suggested for breaks during work period and work task demands in Section 4 of the Approved Code of Practice: Working Hours. 2.1 Repetitive work (physical and/or mental)

Higher risk

2.2 Physically demanding work

Minimal physically demanding work

2.3 High concentration and/or mentally demanding work

Minimal periods of high concentration and/or mentally demanding work

3.

Fatigue critical tasks where there are potentially increased risks of incidents, injury or harm should employees become fatigued.

Non-fatigued employees operating plant and/or making critical decisions

Fatigued employees operating certain plant and/or making critical decisions

Consider control measures see those suggested for fatigue critical tasks in Section 4 of the Approved Code of Practice: Working Hours.

4.

Extended exposure to hazards For hazardous substances, low risk calculated using national exposure standard1 For hazardous substances, high risk calculated using national exposure standard. Consider control measures see those suggested for exposure to hazards in Section 4 of the Approved Code of Practice: Working Hours.

4.1 Exposure to hazardous substances and atmospheric contaminants

To access exposure standards, see the internet database, Hazardous Substances Information System, available at www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au

18

CODE OF PRACTICE

WORKING HOURS RISK MANAGEMENT MATRIX

General risk indicator for hazard factors

Action: Where risk is assessed as being above low/medium risk, undertake Step 3 in the next column.

Increasing level of risk Lower risk

4.2 Exposure to noise Low risk calculated according to formulae in AS/NZS 1269.12

Higher risk
High risk calculated according to formulae in AS/NZS 1269.1 Long period of exposure Long period of exposure

4.3 Exposure to extreme temperatures 4.4 Exposure to vibration

Minimal exposure

Consider control measures see those suggested for exposure to hazards in Section 4 of the Approved Code of Practice: Working Hours.

Minimal exposure

5.

Information and training Adequate information is provided Adequate training is provided Adequate training for job demands No information is provided Consider control measures see types of information suggested in Section 4 of the Approved Code of Practice: Working Hours.

5.1 Provision of information on fatigue management and health and lifestyle factors 5.2 Provision of training on fatigue management and health/ and lifestyle factors 5.3 Training on job skills

No training provided

Inadequate training for job demands

6.

Supervision Adequate supervision In some instances, working alone (refer to Division 2.14 of the OHSW Regulations) Consider control measures see those suggested for supervision in Section 4 of the Approved Code of Practice: Working Hours.

6.1 Adequacy of supervision

Risk should be calculated according to formulae in Australian/New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 1269.1 Occupational noise management - measure and assessment, published by Standards Australia (www.sai-global.com).

19

CODE OF PRACTICE

WORKING HOURS RISK MANAGEMENT MATRIX

General risk indicator for hazard factors

Action: Where risk is assessed as being above low/medium risk, undertake Step 3 in the next column.

Increasing level of risk Lower risk

7. Other Organisational factors Work-life balance is recognised as important & where practicable a range of flexible work arrangements are offered. Flexible work hours available to staff. Deadlines set based on work required and resources available. Employees expected to work for as long as needed whenever needed. Consider control measures see those suggested for individual and lifestyle factors in Section 4 of the Approved Code of Practice: Working Hours. 7.1 Work Culture

Higher risk

7.2 Flexibility or lack thereof

Flexible work hours not feasible &/or tolerated. Deadlines set without consideration of the work involved. Timing and volume of work highly variable.

7.3 Planning

7.4 Control over work demands

Steady flow of work able to set own deadlines.

8.

Individual factors Night sleep 8 hours night sleep (in 24 hrs) Access flexible work arrangements when needed. Has good support networks in times of peak work demands. Minimal travel time between work and home. Day sleep 6 hours night sleep (in 24 hours) Experiencing life trauma such as serious illness of self or loved one. Sudden surge in non-work responsibilities. Long travel time between work and home. Influence of drugs or alcohol Consider control measures see those suggested for individual and lifestyle factors in Section 4 of the Approved Code of Practice: Working Hours.

8.1 Lack of sleep (amount and quality) due to e.g. illness, sleep disorder, second job 8.2 Conflict between work and personal commitments

8.3 Travel time between work and home 8.4 Fitness for work

20