Types of workplace rules

Purpose of this module

The purpose of this module is to provide you with an understanding of and insight into the development of workplace rules and personal protective equipment systems.

    Learning outcomes and objectives

    The aim of this module is to provide you with the necessary information and activities to enable you to:

    9. Develop workplace rules and personal protective equipment systems by:

    9.1 Interpreting the types of workplace rules.
    9.2 Developing and managing workplace rules.
    9.3 Analysing personal protective equipment systems.

      Types of workplace rules

      Introduction

      Violation of established risk management rules and regulations is one of the most common causes of losses. Compliance with the rules encourages equity, consistency and accomplishment of risk control objectives.

      In his book Coaching For Improved Work Performance, Ferdinand Fournies discusses his survey of 4,000 managers – from foremen to CEO’s. Below are some responses to “Why do subordinates not do what they are supposed to do?” 

       

        Why subordinates do not do what they are supposed to do 

        1. They do not know what they are supposed to do.
        2. They do not know how to do it.
        3. They do not know why they should do it.
        4. There are obstacles beyond their control.
        5. They do not think it will work.
        6. They think their way is better.
        7. Not motivated; poor attitude.
        8. Personally incapable of doing it (personal limits).
        9. Not enough time for them to do it.
        10. They are working on wrong priority items.
        11. They think they are doing it (no feedback).
        12. Poor management.
        13. Personal problems.

            The majority of reasons do not call for punishment. They call for:

            • Better: management/supervision/leadership.
            • Communication, motivation, training, coaching, enforcement and leadership example.

                Types of rules

                Rules can be categorised as:
                1. General, and
                2. Specialised.

                General rules may apply to all personnel at the worksite while others apply only to individual groups of employees.

                By separating the rules, an organisation will ensure that appropriate personnel are provided with suitable and applicable information.

                    General risk control rules

                    General risk control rules are broad in nature and apply throughout the organisation. These rules may address safety, health, environment and/or quality concerns, depending on the focus of the organisation. Listed below are some examples of general rules:

                    • Follow instructions. Do not take chances. If you do not know, ask.
                    • Report immediately any condition or practice you think might cause injury to employees, damage to equipment, sub-quality or harm to the environment.
                    • Put everything you use in its proper place. Disorder causes injury and wastes time, energy and material. Keep your work area clean and orderly.
                    • Use the right tools and equipment for the task.
                    • Use, adjust, alter and repair equipment only when authorised.
                    • Whenever you or the equipment you operate is involved in an accident, regardless of how minor, report it immediately.
                    • Wear approved personal protective equipment as directed. Keep it in good condition.
                    • When lifting items, bend your knees, grasp the load firmly, then raise the load, keeping your back as straight as possible. Get help for heavy loads.
                    • Obey all rules, signs and instructions.

                      Specialised work rules

                      Organisations with a comprehensive task analyses and procedures program may have a reduced need for the number of specialised work rules; however, there will always be a need for a select few specialised rules related to high-risk activities. 

                      Specialised work rules apply only to certain:

                      • Occupations (e.g., electrician or forklift operator).
                      • Areas of operation (e.g., machine shop or radiography), or
                      • High-risk tasks (e.g., cleaning tanks or lighting a furnace).

                       Below are some examples of specialised work rules.

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                          Example

                          Pipe Fitter Rules
                          • Protective screens must be in place prior to the commencement of welding.
                          • Fume extraction must be used.
                          • All oxygen/acetylene cylinders must be turned off and hosed down when not in use.
                          • All flammable items must be stored in the proper storage cabinet.
                          • On plant shutdowns, all welding work must stop and pipe fitter should return to the pipe shop.

                          Work permit systems

                          Certain high-risk operations should be controlled through the use of special permits and procedures.  Listed below are several types of work which would require permits:

                          • Confined space entry.
                          • Hot work.
                          • Excavation
                          • Radiation
                          • Work with energy sources.
                          • Work at heights.
                          • Work over water.
                          • Major lifts (hoists).
                          • Work with hazardous material.

                           

                          Permit administration systems should specify:

                          • A system of issue. The system should describe methods to obtain permits during both normal and late or unusual shift operating hours.
                          • Individuals who have the responsibility for issuing a special work permit. They should be formally trained prior to designation as an issuing authority.

                          Employees who are involved in work requiring special permits should also receive formal training regarding the permit system.

                              Work permit systems

                              Certain high-risk operations should be controlled through the use of special permits and procedures.  Listed below are several types of work which would require permits:

                              • Confined space entry.
                              • Hot work.
                              • Excavation
                              • Radiation
                              • Work with energy sources.
                              • Work at heights.
                              • Work over water.
                              • Major lifts (hoists).
                              • Work with hazardous material.