At GadgetNest, the health and safety of our employees, customers, and visitors is our highest priority. We are committed to ensuring a safe and secure working environment by promoting and maintaining workplace health and safety standards in line with Australian legislation. This manual outlines the essential policies and procedures all employees must follow to minimise risk and prevent workplace accidents.

GadgetNest is dedicated to:

• Providing a safe and healthy workplace by identifying and mitigating hazards.

• Ensuring that all employees understand their responsibilities when it comes to safety.

• Complying with all applicable WHS laws, regulations, and codes of practice.

• Providing appropriate training, supervision, and resources to ensure safety procedures are understood and followed.

1. Emergency Procedures

• Evacuation Plan:

  In the event of an emergency, such as a fire, natural disaster or other immediate threat, employees must follow the designated evacuation plan. This includes following the exit routes, assembling at the designated muster point, and waiting for further instructions from the emergency warden.

• Emergency Contacts:

  A list of emergency contacts is posted near all workstations, including numbers for emergency services and internal safety officers.

2. Hazard Identification and Risk Management

• Reporting Hazards:

  All employees are required to report any hazards they encounter in the workplace. This includes faulty equipment, slippery surfaces, and blocked exit routes. Reports should be made immediately to a supervisor or the designated WHS officer. A template of a report is found on Canvas.

• Risk Assessment:

  GadgetNest conducts regular risk assessments to identify potential hazards. This includes checking electrical equipment, storage areas, and ensuring that all work practices meet safety standards. Employees are encouraged to participate in risk assessments by identifying any areas they feel may present a risk. All employees must learn how to conduct a risk assessment. A template is found on canvas.

3. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Policy

• PPE Requirements:

  Depending on the task, employees may be required to wear PPE such as gloves, safety glasses, or protective footwear. PPE is provided by GadgetNest and must be used in accordance with the instructions provided during training.

• Maintenance of PPE:

  Employees are responsible for maintaining their PPE in good condition. Damaged or worn PPE should be reported immediately to a supervisor, and replacements will be issued.

4. Manual Handling Policy

• Lifting Guidelines:

  GadgetNest enforces strict guidelines for manual handling to prevent injury. For items over 90cm in length (such as large TVs), a two-person lift is mandatory. Employees should follow safe lifting techniques by keeping their back straight, bending their knees, and using their leg muscles to lift.

• Use of Equipment:

  Where possible, mechanical aids such as trolleys or lifting devices must be used to move heavy items. Employees should be trained on how to use these devices safely.

5. Electrical Safety Policy

• Use of Electrical Equipment:

  All employees must ensure that electrical equipment is used safely. This includes checking power cords for damage, ensuring equipment is turned off when not in use, and never overloading power points.

• Reporting Faults:

  Any faulty electrical equipment must be reported immediately to the WHS officer or store manager. The equipment should be tagged as “out of order” and removed from use until repairs are completed.

6. Incident Reporting and Investigation

• Reporting an Incident:

  All workplace incidents, including near misses, must be reported immediately. This includes injuries, unsafe conditions, and equipment malfunctions. Employees must complete an incident report form, which will be reviewed and investigated by the WHS officer.

• Investigation Process:

  All incidents are investigated to determine their root cause and to prevent future occurrences. Employees involved in the incident may be asked to provide additional information during the investigation process.

7. Employee Responsibilities and WHS Rights

• Employee Responsibilities:

  Every employee has the responsibility to work safely and follow GadgetNest’s WHS policies. This includes using equipment correctly, reporting hazards, and cooperating with WHS initiatives.

• WHS Rights:

  Employees have the right to refuse work that they believe is unsafe without facing repercussions. All employees are entitled to a safe workplace and can report safety concerns without fear of discrimination or dismissal.

1. Slip, Trip, and Fall Hazards

• Examples: Spilled liquids, cluttered aisles, or loose cables.

• Management: Regularly check the work area for hazards, report spills immediately, and ensure walkways are clear of obstructions. Signage should be used to warn of wet floors.

2. Electrical Hazards

• Examples: Frayed cables, overloaded power points, faulty devices.

• Management: Employees should inspect electrical cords and plugs for damage and report any faults. Avoid using equipment that appears damaged until it is repaired.

3. Manual Handling Hazards

• Examples: Lifting heavy or awkward items such as large TVs or heavy boxes.

• Management: Follow the two-person lift rule for items over 90cm in length. Use mechanical aids where necessary and ensure proper lifting techniques are followed.

• First Aid Kits:

  First aid kits (including automatic emergency defibrillators) are available in designated areas around the store. Employees should familiarise themselves with the locations of these kits and know who the designated first aid officers are.

• In Case of Injury:

  In the event of an injury, notify the nearest first aid officer immediately. If required, call emergency services and follow any instructions provided by first responders.

• Initial Training:

  All new employees at GadgetNest undergo an induction session covering key WHS policies, emergency procedures, and safe work practices. This ensures every team member is familiar with their responsibilities.

• Ongoing Training:

  WHS training is ongoing at GadgetNest, with regular refreshers on manual handling, electrical safety, and hazard identification. Employees are encouraged to stay informed about updates to WHS procedures.

• Safety Audits:

  GadgetNest conducts regular safety audits to ensure compliance with WHS standards. Employees may be asked to participate in these audits to help improve safety in the workplace.

At GadgetNest, the safety of our team members and customers is our top priority. To maintain a safe and healthy workplace, all incidents, accidents, near-misses, and hazards must be promptly reported and thoroughly investigated. This ensures that potential hazards are identified, managed, and prevented from reoccurring.

1. Incident Reporting

• What to Report: All incidents, including injuries, illnesses, property damage, and near-misses, must be reported immediately.

• How to Report:

  • Inform your supervisor as soon as possible.

  • Complete the GadgetNest Incident Report Form with all relevant details. This form can be found on the safety portal or obtained from HR.

• When to Report: All incidents must be reported on the same day they occur or as soon as possible after discovery.

2. Incident Investigation

• Purpose: Investigating incidents helps us understand the root cause, identify preventative measures, and improve workplace safety. An investigation must be conducted for all reported incidents, regardless of severity.

• Investigation Process:

  1. Gather Information: Collect details about the incident, including witness statements, equipment used, and the exact location.

  2. Examine the Scene: If safe to do so, inspect the incident area to identify potential hazards or unsafe practices.

  3. Analyze Root Causes: Determine why the incident happened by identifying any contributing factors, including environmental conditions, equipment malfunctions, and worker actions.

  4. Develop Corrective Actions: Create a plan to address the root cause(s) of the incident. This may involve updating procedures, providing additional training, or implementing safety controls.

  5. Follow-Up: Monitor corrective actions to ensure they are effective and prevent future incidents. This may include a review by safety officers or management.

3. Roles and Responsibilities

• Employees: Report all incidents promptly and participate in the investigation process as required.

• Supervisors: Ensure that incidents are reported, assist with the investigation, and help implement corrective actions.

• WHS Officer/HR: Oversee the investigation, document findings, and track corrective actions to completion.

4. Confidentiality and Non-Retaliation

• GadgetNest is committed to creating a safe environment where employees feel comfortable reporting incidents without fear of retaliation. All reports will be treated confidentially and used solely for the purpose of improving workplace safety.

5. Documentation and Record-Keeping

• All incident reports and investigation findings must be documented and stored securely for reference and regulatory compliance. This helps us identify trends, improve safety practices, and meet legal obligations.

6. Review and Improvement

• Incident reports and investigations will be reviewed periodically to identify any recurring patterns or opportunities for further improvement. This process helps GadgetNest create an evolving and proactive approach to workplace safety.

1. Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) and Environmental Legislation

• Work Health and Safety Act 2020 (WA): This legislation is the foundation for health and safety practices at GadgetNest. It mandates that all businesses take reasonable steps to ensure the safety and health of their workers, customers, and visitors. GadgetNest is committed to adhering to these requirements by maintaining safe work practices, equipment, and facilities.

• Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act): GadgetNest complies with environmental laws to minimize its environmental impact. This includes waste management, pollution control, and sustainable resource use in daily operations. Following the Environmental Protection Act, GadgetNest ensures that all practices are sustainable and do not harm the environment.

2. Equal Opportunity Legislation

• Equal Opportunity Act 1984 (WA): This legislation protects against workplace discrimination based on characteristics such as gender, race, disability, age, or marital status. GadgetNest follows the Equal Opportunity Act by promoting fair treatment in hiring, training, and career development. All team members have equal access to resources, support, and opportunities.

• Fair Work Act 2009: Although primarily focused on industrial relations, the Fair Work Act also promotes equal treatment in employment terms, conditions, and pay, ensuring a fair and supportive work environment for all employees.

3. Industrial Relations Legislation

• Fair Work Act 2009: The Fair Work Act governs workplace rights, conditions, and standards across Australia, covering issues such as employment terms, workplace rights, and workplace disputes. GadgetNest aligns its policies and practices with the Fair Work Act, providing clear terms of employment and a structured process for resolving workplace issues.

• Industrial Relations Act 1979 (WA): This act covers workplace relations specifically within Western Australia, including conditions of employment, dispute resolution, and industrial agreements. GadgetNest ensures that employment conditions comply with both state and federal industrial relations laws.

4. Anti-Discrimination Legislation

• Racial Discrimination Act 1975: This act prohibits discrimination based on race, color, descent, or national origin. GadgetNest enforces this by creating a workplace free from racial bias or discriminatory practices.

• Sex Discrimination Act 1984: GadgetNest upholds the standards of this act by prohibiting discrimination based on gender, sexual orientation, and marital or relationship status, fostering a respectful and inclusive environment.

• Disability Discrimination Act 1992: To create an inclusive workplace, GadgetNest follows this act by ensuring that team members with disabilities have equal access to employment, facilities, and services.

• Age Discrimination Act 2004: This act prohibits discrimination based on age. GadgetNest practices age-neutral policies in hiring, training, and promotion, ensuring that all individuals, regardless of age, are treated fairly.