OHS: Whyalla First To Launch Statewide Safety Initiative

Whyalla will be the first in the state to launch an initiative developed by Safework SA in order to compel community businesses to collaborate on reducing workplace injury.  Safework SA Executive Director Bryan Russell met with local business leaders and industry groups to discuss the Zero Harm Business Leaders forum . Safework SA proposed that a periodical forum be held in Whyalla.

“We met with key business groups to establish a high level discussion group to share ideas and solutions to drive further improvements in safety performance in Whyalla,” Mr Russell said. The general consensus regarding the forum was positive and Russel indicated Safework SA intends to work on implementing it.

“The participants in the meeting fully supported the proposed business leaders forum and everyone welcomed the opportunity to work collaboratively towards improving safety at work,” Mr Russell said.

“Any injury in the workplace is one injury too many and efforts by all individual parties to reduce injuries in the workplace are welcome.” Mr Russell said the initiative was an exciting opportunity for Safework SA to work collaboratively with key business leaders in Whyalla to achieve safety improvements. “This is as a significant initiative to engage businesses, workers and government in achieving a shared vision for reducing accidents in the work place,” Mr Russell said.

Source: http://www.whyallanewsonline.com.au/story/1190906/whyalla-first-to-pilot-statewide-workplace-safety-initiative/

More info on Occupational health and safety

Construction Workers Awarded For Crane Fire Bravery

Three construction workers were awarded for their bravery after a crane was engulfed in flames and began to collapse inner Sydney last month.

Workers were cleared from the site and the road close-by was closed after the fire at the construction site at the University of Technology Sydney.

Glen May was operating the crane and  was fortunately able direct it away from busy streets  before the arm came crashing down.

Fellow employee, Nuno Nunes, helped guide May to safety while Gordon Cameron, the site’s construction union delegate, cleared the area of all civilians and workers.

The men received their awards at  the inaugural Joes Owens Bravery Award at Sydney Trades Hall.

New South Wales Opposition Leader John Robertson presented the awards.

“Today is a significant day because we acknowledge three heroes of the building industry,” Mr Robertson said.

The three men were humble in the receiving of their awards and are reluctant to be referred to as ‘heroes’

“I would do the same again. I’ve worked with Glen for a while and there’s nothing I wouldn’t do for him,” Mr Nunes said.

The WorkCover Authority of NSW continues to  investigate the incident.

More info on Construction Safety

Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-12-14/bravery-awards-for-sydney-crane-fire-workers/4428142

Unions Worried Asbestos Report Will be Concealed

THE Australian Workers Union visited Hobart saying it feared Cement Australia would hide a long-awaited research report into worker asbestos exposure because of legal advice.

AWU national occupational health and safety co-ordinator Yossi Berger, speaking before asbestos talks with the government last week, said he had been told the company’s lawyers opposed releasing the historical study of the plant’s workforce between 1947 and the 1980s.

“(The report’s) been going through an editorial process for a couple of years now,” Dr Berger said.

“The promise from the executives always was it would be made public.”

However, Dr Berger said he had been informed company management was still keen to release the academia-related study report but its “legal team will not allow it”.

“At the moment they have backed off – I have been told it will not be released,” he said.

Asbestos Free Tasmania chief executive Susan Wallace said she understood some of the data might be presented to Cement Australia workers, adding she was puzzled as to why it had not yet been made public.

“I’m about to write them a letter on that very matter,” Ms Wallace said.

The historical worker study was part of a four-step strategy to deal with worker asbestos exposure at the site.

The plan included ridding the plant of asbestos, health screenings for workers, a Monash University study to compare the health of workers with the general Railton community, and the historical study involving Goliath Cement board minutes, interviews with former workers and asbestos removal research.

Dr Berger said the company deserved credit for what it had achieved so far, however it must be transparent.

A Cement Australia spokeswoman based interstate said the company was making no comment about the study or disclosure.

“I’m not in a position to comment on that particular matter,” she said.

 

More info on Asbestos Training
Source: http://www.theadvocate.com.au/story/1186111/union-fears-asbestos-report-will-be-hidden/?cs=87

 

Confined Spaces Report Reveals Inadequate Training in Mining Industry

 A new report revealed that some companies in the Australian mine industry are providing an inadequate level of training to employees.

Australian mines appear to be cutting corners in order to meet safety regulations. A Queensland Department of Mines safety report cautioned that some training organizations commissioned by the mining companies were rushing mine safety training to comply with pressure from mining companies in order to cut training time.

The report states that the 2011-2012 fiscal year,has the potential of being the most dangerous fiscal year in mining sites in the past 10 years. There’s been increases in injuries, in the time employees needed to recover from inuries, and in employees who needed medical attention

According to the report, mines were employee untrained workers and putting said workers through inadequate training regimens. The report did not indicate however that despite an increase in injuries, Australia still boasts one of the world’s safest mining industries.

In an effort to improve these safety failings, complaints will be reported to the Australian Skills Quality Authority, a regulator of training programs. This agency will be taking over responsibility from the Department of Training and Employment.

More info on Confined Spaces Training

Source: http://ohsonline.com/articles/2012/12/18/australian-mines-cutting-corners-in-safety-training.aspx?admgarea=news

OHS: Christmas Season Bad For Bosses

 Australian employees are expected to take approximately one million sick days this holiday season, costing employers $350 million.Absenteeism will be especially high this season with data suggesting that 1,069,889 working days will be lost mainly because Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve both fall Mondays.

This means that anyone who decides to fake sickness on December 24 will be subject to a five-day break. In addition, those who decide to avoid work on December 31 will get a four day break. Approximately 570,000 ‘sickies’ are expected on these two days.

Surveys conducted by PricewaterhouseCoopers, Morgan and Banks and Direct Health Solutions on workplace absenteeism, revealed that 67 per cent of workers admit to taking a sick day on a Monday.Reports indicate that employees who have become more privy since they are now 50 per cent more likely to ask for a certificate before or after a public holiday.

Many workplaces that stay open during the Christmas- New Year period suffer from higher levels of absenteeism.According to Paul Dunden, chief executive of Direct Health Solutions, service and production roles going full throttle during the Christmas period.”As a result these industries are at risk of high levels of absenteeism either side of public holidays over the festive season,” he said.

Retailers are  especially susceptible to absenteeism.

“Retail tends to increase shifts during the Christmas and Boxing Day sales period because it is the busiest shopping period in the year,” said Margy Osmond chief executive of the Australian National Retailers Association.

More info on Occupational Health and Safety

Source: http://tools.themercury.com.au/stories/53873245-business-news.php

Take an Owner Builder Course to Build Your Own Projects

an owner builder constructing a houseWhat is an owner builder? That is a term we don’t hear very often but it is one that still manages to have its own course. An owner builder is someone who does all the building work on a property that they own instead of hiring a building company or licensed builder in order to get the job done. Anyone can be an owner builder but of course there are safety regulations and codes a person must be aware of before they undergo building anything, even if it is on their own property. If you want to save yourself the fees of hiring a contractor and having to wait on them to finish your building project you can take matters into your own hands and take the owner builder course.

As mentioned above, anyone can take owner builder training; it does not require any prerequisites and you can even take the course online. Of course the lessons do take effort, have an affinity for construction, and you do have to study hard, learning all the safety regulations and the processes that a licensed builder must go through. There are also some cases where the person might be exempt from taking the online course such as if they worked in the industry or hold a BSA. Those that have worked in the construction industry before should also be aware that there is a cut off period at times. In addition, once you’ve taken the course you will get a certificate as an official owner builder however you’ll need more than a certification to starting building your project; you’ll need to get a permit.

To get your building permit you’ll not only be required to show that you own the land you are building on, but also that you are qualified to build whatever building you’re going to be constructing. You also will have to deal with restrictions placed on the builder permit so that you can retain ownership once your building is erected.

Getting the required permit for the building you are going to construct, the proof of ownership for the land, the certificate upon completing the owner builder course, and all the required materials for the job such as building materials, blue prints, safety equipment and more can be quite difficult. On the other hand it is often more affordable than hiring contractors and it can open up the door to more building opportunities, and even lead to a career. Legislation can make it a hassle but being able to construct your own buildings is not only liberating but also very cost effective.

If you are interested in constructing your own buildings, or perhaps getting started on construction as a business, a great place to begin is with an owner builder course. It can get your foot in the door and on the path to constructing your own buildings efficiently, and making sure they adhere to safety codes and local legislations.

Click here to find out more about our Owner Builder course.

OHS Newsletter – November 2012 – Noise in the Workplace

LISTEN UP!! – Let’s Talk Noise in the Workplace
Occupational noise-induced hearing loss is caused by exposure to excessive noise at work. The degree of hearing loss increases with the length of exposure and the level of noise. It is almost entirely preventable but, once acquired, the damage is mostly irreversible.
In NSW, the number of claims for Occupational Diseases is increasing and the average cost is double the cost of a workplace injury. Between 2007 and 2010, noise-induced hearing loss accounted for over 9400 claims at an average cost of more than $46,600. (Reference – NSW Occupational Disease and Wellbeing Strategy 2011-2015)
Managing the risk of noise in your workplace
Hazardous noise can destroy the ability to hear clearly and can also make it more difficult to hear sounds necessary for working safely, such as warning signals, instructions etc. Damage to hearing generally occurs gradually over a number of years. It is often an irreversible condition that can have a terrible impact on a person’s life. Hearing can also be damaged immediately by exposure to impulse noise such as from explosive powered nail guns, firearms, stamping presses and forges (known as acoustic trauma). The hair cells in the inner ear are destroyed by loud noise. Once they are destroyed they do not grow back.
Health and Safety Duties in relation to Noise
A PCBU has the primary duty under the WHS Act to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that workers and other are not exposed to health and safety risk arising from the business or undertaking. The WHS Regulations details more specific obligations for PCBUs to manage the risks of hearing loss associated with noise at the workplace, including:
– ensuring the noise a worker is exposed to at the workplace does not exceed the exposure standard for noise
– providing audiometric testing to a worker who is frequently required to use personal hearing protectors to protect the worker from hearing loss associated with noise that exceeds the exposure standard.
Designers and manufacturers of plant must ensure the plant is designed and manufactured so that its noise emission is as low as reasonably practicable. In addition, they must provide information about the noise emission values of the plant and any conditions necessary for minimising the risk of hearing loss and other harm.
Officers – Those in a position who can make, or participate in making, decisions that affect the whole, or a substantial part, of the business of the corporation, such as company directors, have a duty to exercise due diligence to ensure that the business or undertaking complies with the WHS Act and Regulation. They must take all reasonable steps to ensure that the business or undertaking has and uses appropriate resources and processes to eliminate or minimise the risk associated with noise in the workplace.
Workers – Any person who carries out work for a PCBU has a duty to take reasonable care for their own health and safety and that they do not adversely affect the health and safety of other persons. As a worker, you must comply with any reasonable instruction, policy or procedure relating to health and safety at the workplace. e.g. if you have been provided with hearing protectors by your PCBU, you must wear them in accordance the information, instruction and training provided on their use.
What is required to manage the risks associated with hearing loss?
According to the WHS Regulation, a duty holder must: identify reasonably foreseeable hazards that could pose a risk eliminate the risk so far as is reasonably practicable if not able to eliminate the risk, minimise the risk so far as is reasonably practicable by implementing control measures in accordance with the hierarchy of control maintain the implemented control measures so that they remain effective Review, and if necessary, revise, risk control measures so as to maintain so far as is reasonably practicable, a work environment that is without risks to health and safety.
The Code of Practice – Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work, provides guidance on how to manage the risks of hearing loss associated with noise by following a systematic process involving:
– Identifying sources of noise that may cause or contribute to hearing loss
– Specialist skills in identifying sources of hazardous noise may not be required, but you must undertake the process in consultation with your workers and their HSR/s. As a guide, if you need to raise your voice to communicate with someone about one metre away, the noise is likely to be hazardous to hearing.
Inspecting the workplace by regularly walking around and talking to workers and observing how things are done can help you identify noise hazards
Review available information regarding noise levels from manufacturers or suppliers of plant and equipment that is used at the workplace. Seek advice and information from regulators, industry associations, unions, technical specialist and safety consultants regarding hazards relevant to your industry. Review your workers compensation claims – have there been any previous claims made for hearing loss. Has there been any history of hearing loss or tinnitus found during audiometric testing
What should you do if you identify activities that may pose a risk?
If after consultation with workers and reviews you have identified any noisy activities that may expose your workers or others at your workplace to hazardous noise then, unless you can reduce the exposures to below the standard immediately you should assess the risks by carrying out a noise assessment. Noise assessments will help you:
– Identify which workers are at risk of hearing loss Determine what noise sources and processes are causing that risk
– Identify if and what kind of noise control measures could be implemented
Check the effectiveness of existing control measures.

Controlling the risks
The WHS Regulations require duty holders to work through a hierarchy of control to choose the control measure that most effectively eliminates or minimises the risk in the circumstances. The hierarchy ranks the ways of controlling the risk of hearing loss from noise from the highest level of protection and reliability to the lowest so that the most effective controls are considered first.
If it is not reasonably practicable to eliminate the source of noise, you must minimise the risk associated with hearing loss so far as is reasonably practicable. This includes ensuring that the noise does not exceed the exposure standard by choosing one or more of the following measures:
  • substitute the hazard with plant or processes that are quieter
  • modify plant and processes to reduce the noise using engineering controls
  • Isolate the source of noise from people by using distance, barriers, enclosures and sound-absorbing surfaces.
If there is a remaining risk, it must be minimised so far as is reasonably practicable by implementing administrative controls, and if a risk still remains, then suitable personal protective equipment must be provided and used.
Effective risk control may involve a single control measure or a combination of two or more different controls.
Training
When implementing a training program, the training should be provided to:
  • those workers who may be exposed to hazardous noise or other agents that may contribute to hearing loss
  • their managers and supervisors workplace health and safety committees and health and safety representatives
Those responsible for the purchase of plant, noise control equipment, personal hearing protectors and for the design, scheduling, organisation and layout of work.
The contents of the training program should include:
  • the health and safety responsibilities of each party at the workplace
  • how hearing can be affected by exposure to noise
  • the detrimental effects hearing loss and tinnitus have on the quality of life, both at work and socially
Once you have consulted with your workers and have identified that your workplace may have noise related risks, please refer to the appendices in the Code of Practice – Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work – December 2011, as detailed below, as they will assist you in determining the level of risk and the appropriate control options available.
Typical Sound Levels
The following table lists some common noise sources and their typical sound levels which can be used to compare whether noise in the workplace sounds as loud as, or louder than the 85dB(A)
140db – Jet engine at 30m
130db – Rivet hammer (pain can be felt at this threshold)
120db – Rock drill
110db – Chain saw
100db – Sheet-metal workshop
90db – Lawn Mower
85db – Front end loader
80db – Kerbside heavy traffic
80db – Lathe
70db – Loud conversation
60db – Normal conversation
40db – Quiet radio music
30db – Whispering
0db – Hearing threshold

Legal Limits for Noise

A PCBU must ensure that appropriate risk control measures are taken when noise levels in the workplace:
  • Exceed an eight hour noise level equivalent of 85 dB – Whether the exposure standard of 85 dB(A) averaged over eight hours is exceeded depends on the level of noise involved and how long the workers are exposed to it.
  • Peak at more than 140 dB – Peak noise levels greater than 140 dB(C) usually occur with impact or explosive noise such as sledge-hammering or a gun shot. Any exposure above this peak can create almost instant damage to hearing.
Noise Assessments
Who can carry out testing to determine the level of noise in my workplace?
A simple visual and aural assessment may be required if the noise is from a single source
and is obviously loud. There are often simple changes you can make to significantly reduce
the noise, such as removing the noise source or enclosing it. Further information is available
for the NSW WorkCover Website where it states the following people can carry out testing:
  • self
  • competent person
  • industrial association, insurance company or risk assessor, or
  • Acoustical consultant
A noise assessment may not always need measurement. e.g. If the identified activity is using a particular machine, and the manufacturer has provided information about the machine’s noise level when in operation, then a sufficient assessment can be made without measurement.
Where noisy equipment is used at various times for various periods, a visual and aural inspection may not be sufficient to determine levels of noise exposure.
The Code of Practice – Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work states a noise assessment should be done by a competent person in accordance with the procedures in AS/NZS 1269.1 Measurement and Assessment of Noise Emission and Exposure. The more complex the situation, the more knowledgeable and experienced the persons needs to be.
A competent person is one who has accurately calibrated noise measuring instruments and, through training and experience:
– Understands what is required by the WHS Regulations for noise
– Knows how to check the performance of the instruments
– Knows how to take the measurements properly, and
– Can interpret the results of the noise measurements.
Firms providing this service are listed in the Yellow Pages telephone directory under the headings ‘Acoustical Consultants’, ‘Noise Control Equipment’ and ‘Hearing Conservation Consultants and/or Services’.

Audiometric Testing
It is a requirement of the WHS Regulations (58), that a PCBU must provide audiometric testing for a worker who is carrying out work for the business or undertaking if the worker is required to frequently use personal hearing protectors as a control measure for noise that exceeds the exposure standard – i.e. exceeds an eight hour noise level equivalent of 85 dB or peaks at more than 140 dB.
Before introducing an audiometric testing program, you must consult with your workers and their health and safety representatives. It is important that your workers understand that the aim of the testing is to evaluate the effectiveness of control measures to protect their hearing.
Audiometric testing and assessment of audiograms should be carried out by competent persons in accordance with the procedures in AS/NZS 1269.4:2005 – Occupational Noise Management – Auditory Assessment.

Using Personal Hearing Protectors – PPE
Personal hearing protectors, such as ear-muffs or ear-plugs, should be used in the following circumstances:
  • when the risks arising from exposure to noise cannot be eliminated or minimised by other more effective control measures, as an interim measure until other control measures are implemented
  • where extra protection is needed above what has been achieved using other noise control measures.
References:
WHS Act 2011
WHS Regulation 2011
NSW WorkCover – NSW Occupational Disease and Wellbeing Strategy 2011-2015
AS/NZS 1269.1 Measurement and assessment of noise emission and exposure
AS/NZS 1269.4:2005 – Occupational Noise Management – Auditory assessment
Code of Practice – Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work – December 2011
Appendix A – Other Causes Of Hearing Loss In The Workplace
Appendix B – Noise Hazard Identification Checklist
Appendix C – Ready Reckoner
Appendix D – Contents Of A Noise Assessment Report
Appendix E – Engineering Control Measures
Need more info? Contact us 1300 627 246 or E-mailservice@alertforce.com.au

OHS Newsletter – October 2012 – First Aid – Part 2

FIRST AID FACILITIES

A risk assessment will assist in determining the type of first aid facilities.  This could simply be a quiet, clean and private area within a workplace or it may identify that a first aid room or a health centre is required in certain workplaces.

A First Aid Room is recommended for:

Low risk workplaces with 200 or more workers

High risk workplaces with 100 workers or more

The contents of the first aid room should suit the hazards that are specific to the workplace.

A Health Centre located at a workplace is staffed by a registered health practitioner such as a doctor, nurse or paramedic and is equipped to provide emergency medical treatment to cater for the types of hazards in high risk workplaces such as a large mine site.

EYE WASH AND SHOWER EQUIPMENT

Eye wash and shower equipment may be permanently fixed or portable, depending on the workplace. Eye wash equipment should be provided where there is a risk of hazardous chemicals or infectious substances causing eye injuries.

FIRST AIDERS

A PCBU must ensure that an adequate number of workers are trained to administer first aid at the workplace or that workers have access to an adequate number of other people who have been trained to administer first aid.

As a minimum, the following ratios are recommended regarding the number of first aiders.

Low risk workplaces – one first aider for every 50 workers

High risk workplaces – one first aider for every 25 workers

FIRST AID TRAINING

First aiders should hold nationally recognised Statement/s of Attainment issued by a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) for the nationally endorsed first aid unit/s of competency.

Apply First Aid provides competencies required to recognise and respond to common life-threatening injuries or illnesses, including life-support using cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and to manage the casualty and incident until the arrival of medical or other assistance. In low risk workplaces, first aiders are sufficiently trained if they can perform CPR and treat minor illnesses and injuries.

Apply Advanced First Aid – provides additional competencies required to apply advanced first aid procedures. This type of training is suitable for some high risk workplaces.

Manage First Aid in the Workplace (Occupational First Aid) – provides competencies required to apply advanced first aid procedures and to manage a first aid room.

Provide First Aid in Remote Situations – provides the competencies required to administer first aid in a remote and/or isolated situation, including preparing for aero-medical evacuation. This type of training is suitable for high risk workplaces that are likely to have a major delay in accessing emergency services.

First aiders should attend training on a regular basis to refresh their first aid knowledge and skills and to confirm their competence to provide first aid. Refresher training in CPR should be undertaken annually and first aid qualifications should be renewed every three years.

First aiders may also need to undertake additional first aid training to respond to specific situations at their workplace. For example, first aiders should be trained to respond to anaphylaxis if this topic has not been covered in previous first aid training.

In Summary, you should:

  • Develop and implement emergency plans and first aid procedures to ensure that workers have a clear understanding of how emergencies and first aid is managed in their workplace.
  • Regularly review your first aid arrangements in consultation with your workers to ensure they remain adequate and effective.
  • Ensure that your first aiders remain appropriately trained
  • Regularly check the contents of all first aid kits
  • Maintain first aid treatment records in a confidential manner
  • Display well recognised First Aid signs to assist workers and other persons easily locating first aid equipment and facilities.

Further information and guidance is available in:

First Aid in the Workplace – Code of Practice

Work Health and Safety Consultation, Cooperation and Coordination – Code of Practice

Managing the Work Environment and Facilities – Code of Practice

AS1319 – Safety Signs for the Occupational Environment

AS4775 – Emergency Eye Wash and Shower Equipment

WorkCover Hosts Crane Safety Discussions

WorkCover New South Wales – Australia hosted a tower crane safety roundtable on Tuesday, following the fire and jib collapse last week. It has followed up with a communique covering the meeting which pretty much speaks for itself, so here it is in full:

“The Tower Crane Safety Roundtable was held 4 December 2012. The Roundtable was convened by WorkCover NSW and attended by representatives of the building industry, unions, crane suppliers and the Industry Plant Consultative Committee.

The Roundtable considered a range of tower crane safety issues following the fire that seriously damaged a crane causing significant damage to part of the construction site located at the University of Technology, Sydney Broadway on Tuesday 27 November 2012.

Roundtable representatives were provided with updates by WorkCover officials, industry and unions in relation to tower crane safety initiatives.

These tower crane initiatives included:

  • WorkCover’s Pant Verification Program 2009 -2011.
  • WorkCover’s High Consequence Low Frequency Program 2012.
  • Crane Industry Council of Australia CraneSafe program.
  • The NSW Industry Plant Consultative Committee.

WorkCover officials provided a preliminary briefing in relation to possible root causes and preliminary actions in relation to reviewing and monitoring risk controls. While the actual cause of the incident is not yet known, a number of potential causes have been identified. The Roundtable agreed that all persons in control of tower cranes should address the following key risk controls:

Fire prevention measures

  • Check fuel lines and hydraulic hoses are located away from ignition sources or guarded to prevent leaking fluid from contacting potential ignition sources.
  • Do not store unnecessary quantities of combustibles on the machine deck.
  • Enhance inspection and maintenance programs to prevent or minimise fluid leaks, including preventative maintenance to replace hoses before they fail.
  • When replacing hoses ensure that they meet crane manufacturer’s specifications.
  • Ensure hydraulic systems are operating as designed and any malfunctions, including leaks, are repaired prior to the crane resuming service.

Fire control measures
• Ensure fire extinguishing equipment and fire detection and control systems are correctly maintained and serviced.
• Ensure operators understand the use of fire extinguishing equipment provided.

Evacuation procedures and systems
• Review site evacuation procedures to include consideration of structural collapse including tower cranes.
• Ensure emergency plans and communication systems are adequate and well maintained.

The Roundtable was also reminded of the need to be vigilant about general site safety including falls from heights.

The Roundtable noted that WorkCover is to release a tower crane safety alert to industry which will include the preliminary actions discussed at the Roundtable.

The Roundtable agreed for the Industry Plant Consultative Committee to review existing risk control advice and industry practice, including independent crane pre-erection and pre-use inspection systems, to ensure that they address the risks identified in this most recent incident.

Roundtable attendees were advised that the WorkCover investigation into the fire will take some time to complete, however as further more detailed risk information comes to hand this information will be disseminated to industry in a form which will assist industry in progressing prevention actions.

The chair thanked all attendees for their willingness to work constructively to identify key issues and apply lessons learnt from this unusual but high consequence incident. The outcomes of the Roundtable are designed to secure the safety and security of workers and the public in relation to use of tower cranes at construction sites.”

More info on Cranes,Hoists and Slings

Source: http://www.vertikal.net/en/news/story/16356/

WesTrac Pays Out For Worker’s Lost Leg

Two companies will pay out a quarter million dollars for a workplace accident which resulted in a  man’s leg getting crushed while he was working on a reservoir at Eraring power station.

According to the Industrial Court, On July 2,2009 the WesTrac employee was at the site to repair a dozer which was leased to earthmoving company, Hardy Bros Mining and Constructions Pty Ltd.

The victim — with the help of other workers, was attaching a 1352 kg piece of equipment to the dozer when the equipment fell and stuck the victim and falling on his right leg.

His leg was subsequently amputed below the knee.

WesTrac, Hardy Bros and Hardy Bros director Robert Hardy all face charges under the OHS act, and have pleaded guilty.

The judge presiding over the case said they had failed to provide a safe system of work and failed to provide adequate equipment for carrying the replacement part.

WesTrac was fined $150,000, Hardy Bros $105,000 and Robert Hardy $11,250.  The judge ordered them to also pay legal costs.

‘‘The evidence demonstrates that [the offenders] have taken responsibility in different ways for their acts and omissions in relation to this accident,’’ Justice Haylen said.

‘‘In particular, WesTrac has provided not only financial [support], but support at many levels for [the victim] from the time of his hospitalisation through to his rehabilitation, and in securing a career for him within the company structure.

‘‘It is to be noted that, despite its extensive safety programs, there remained a significant gap in [WesTrac’s] safety processes relating to repairs in the field.’’

More info on Confined Spaces Training

Source: http://www.theherald.com.au/story/1168039/companies-fined-for-lost-leg/?cs=305 

 

Confined Spaces:CFMEU Campaigns Against QLD Mining Legislation

The CFMEU has launched a campaign against the Queensland State Government’s proposed safety legislation changes.

The ad which was recently broadcasted, utilizes the symbol of death itself, the grim reaper, and makes reference to the recent disaster at the Pike River mine in New Zealand which killed 29 men.

The ad went to air to coincide with Joanne Ufer’s address to parliament. Ufer’s son was killed in the 2010 Pike River mine disaster.

She used her address to appeal to the government to stop its proposed safety legislative changes, CQ news reported.

“Mine safety is a matter of life and death.” Ufer said.

“My family will never recover from what happened to Joshua but I wanted to make sure the government knew the implications of messing with a safety system acknowledged to be the best in the world.”

The union said the State Government was under pressure from the Queensland Resources Council (QRC) to remove powers currently held by mine check inspectors and place the authority in the hands of mine management.

Check inspectors currently have the power to halt production; any move to restrict or remove this authority would reverse the lessons learnt from the Pike River Royal Commission, the CFMEU said.

CFMEU Queensland secretary Tim Whyte has appealed to the QRC to drop its proposed safety deregulation plans.

“Queensland has the safest mining industry in the world – why mess with it?” he said.

Earlier this month Australian Mining reported the CFMEU was fighting the Queensland Resources Council’s push to ‘deregulate’ mine safety.

At the time the QRC said the union had abused its ability to close mines and these changes to safety rules would bring regulations closer to those in NSW.

This latest campaign comes after the CFMEU’s mining adverts were last week shelved by Qantas, marked as being against the company’s advertising guidelines, Luke Enright Qantas spokesman said.

“It ran for a day and then we had it pulled off the next day,” he said. “It wasn’t censoring a union ad – we don’t allow any political ads.”

The CFMEU’s national secretary Michael O’Connor condemned the decision, saying it was undemocratic to stop legitimate public debate.

“There is nothing remotely controversial about these commercials,” he said.

More info on Confined Spaces

Source: http://www.miningaustralia.com.au/news/cfmeu-calls-to-stop-the-deregulation-of-mine-safet

Vic Premier :Mirvac Unsuitable For Construction Safety Probe

THE push for an independent inquiry into soaring construction costs in Australia was in danger of collapsing last night over Labor’s insistence that it be run by the chairman of one the country’s biggest property developers.

Victorian Premier Ted Baillieu recently denounced Tasmania’s bid for Mirvac chairman James MacKenzie to head up the construction industry panel.

In a letter to Tasmania’s Premier Lara Giddings, Baillieu commented on the inappropriateness of appointing a panel or chair members who lacked experience independent of the government or industry, no would it be appropriate for one who had already stated a position on the inquiry.

Baillieu flatly rejected such an appointment.

The letter was in response to Giddings’ writing to all the states and stating that the battle over MacKenzie raised questions considered  into construction costs, since she believed some states were prioritizing politics over the merits of the inquiry.

Giddings criticized Mackenzie opponents for allegedly holding up the inquiry since COAG had previously agreed that a panel would be organized by the middle of next year.

“If states continue to put apparent considerations of personality and partisanship ahead of the merits of a review, then it is questionable as to whether such a review should proceed at all,” she wrote.

Tasmania is one of the two remaining Labor states which has lead to Victoria alleging that MacKenzie was a “put-up job” by the Prime Minister to stifle any investigating into construction costs.

Gillard’s office declined any comment and MacKenzie has not been included in any public discourse.

Mr MacKenzie is one of the nation’s most prominent  industry leaders and is a former head of a Victorian workplace insurance scheme under the previous state Labour Government.

He also has been a highly visible critic of Baillieu government intention to strip  $500 million from Victoria’s WorkCover Authority.

Ms Giddings commented on the opposition to MacKenzie stating, “Such behaviour has resulted in four months of delay to the process and is therefore at odds with the arguments made regarding the urgent importance of this review,” she said.

More info on Construction Safety

Source: http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/state-politics/mirvac-boss-unfit-for-build-probe-baillieu/story-e6frgczx-1226530809120

Tests Commenced on Crane Following Dangerous Collapse

Engineers will today start testing parts of a crane that collapsed in Sydney last week, as WorkCover tries to find out what went wrong.

The collapse happened at a building site at the University of Technology (UTS) in the inner-city.

Authorities could not believe that no one was hurt or killed when a crane at the Lend Lease construction site caught fire, 45 metres above the ground.

The driver managed to steer it away from Broadway so that it did not hit the busy street when it came crashing down.

Instead it fell on a building site.

Over the weekend, Lend Lease undertook the massive task of removing most of the crane from the site.

John Watson, a general manager at WorkCover says the parts will be sent to Londonderry in Sydney’s west for testing.

“We’ve seized part of the crane – the main engine and hydraulic systems of the crane,” he said.

“They’ve been transferred to Test Safe Australia.”

Mr Watson says it is only the third collapse involving this kind of crane in the world.

More info on Cranes,Hoists, and Slings

Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-12-03/tests-begin-on-crane-after-dramatic-collapse/4404084?section=nsw

Workers Protest over Suspicious Dismissal of Two Fellow Employees

 Numerous construction workers at the Royal Adelaide Hospital have taken a stance against the firing of two workers they believe were punished for raising health and safety concerns.

The protestors walked to the offices in North Terrace of the HYLC joint venture group. The project their working on is meant to be a hospital for the SA Government.

Union rep Darren Roberts said the protest was in response to two workers on probation who were dismissed without explanation.

HYLC stated it was proud of its safety record and management had an open-door policy with workers.

The hospital is to be erected at the western end of North Terrace. It will replace the old RAH at the eastern end of the city

More info on Construction Safety

Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-12-06/workers-protest-on-rah-site-safety-issue/4413070?section=sa

DOCs Workers Compensation Claims Rise by Almost a Third

The NSW opposition stated that a big jump in the number of workers compensation claims being made by caseworkers from the Department of Family and Community Services should be a cause for alarm.

Recently released figures from the department’s annual report reveal that the amount of caseworkers lodging claims has increased by almost a third this year.

Psychological injury remains prime reason for workers seeking out compensations. Psychological injury accounts for approximately a third of all claims.

New figures from the department’s annual report show that the number of caseworkers lodging claims in the past year has increased by almost a third.

Spokesperson for the opposition Linda Burney, attributes the figures to coworkers being stressed by a system that has too many vacant positions.

She called on the Minister for Community Services, Pru Goward, to take notice.

“Pru Goward refuses to reveal what the vacancy rates are. We know that vacancy rates are up to 40 per cent in the western parts of New South Wales and some parts of western Sydney,”  Burney said.

“If there are vacancy rates of 40 per cent that means caseworkers are under enormous stress, because they are trying to cover those vacancy rates.”

A spokesman for  Goward has disputed the accuracy of the Opposition’s vacancy rate figures, stating that there had been no reduction in the number of child protection workers since the Government came into power.

The Minister requested a full briefing on workers compensation from the head of the department.

More info on Occupational Health and Safety

Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-12-06/docs-workers-compensation-claims-leap/4412032?section=nsw

 

Ausgrid Tackles Underground Asbestos At Substations

By Christmas time workers will have commenced the removal of  asbestos from Sydney’s small underground power stations. This is seen as a effort to rid the entire power industry of the deadly building material.

Asbestos will be removed from 10 small electricity substations throughout the city in the next few months,  in areas such as  Circular Quay and Hyde Park.

The Electrical Trades Union unveiled internal Ausgrid documents last month that documented approximately 49 asbestos-related illness cases at the company over 22-years. The union reports that friable– or easily crumbled– asbestos is still hidden away at the underground electricity substations and meter boards. They have since called on the companies to be reviewed and have the asbestos removed.

However, an Ausgrid spokesman said the holiday asbestos-removal was was part of the provider’s ”normal asbestos removal program” at over 250 substations under the city’s footpaths and roadways.

The spokesperson stated that the work will predominantly take place in the evening to avoid significant disruptions, but a small number of households will experience interrupted electricity supply.

The spokesman added,anyone being affected by electricity cuts will be notified of any planned interruption.

According to the government’s National Health and Medical Research Council, estimates indicate there have already been at least 4,700 deaths from mesothelioma in Australia since records began in the early 1980s. Over 25,000 Australians will die from it over the next 40 years and currently 500 men and 100 women develop mesothelioma annually in Australia. This number is expected to rise to 900 cases per annum  by 2020.

More info on Asbestos Training
Source: http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/power-stations-to-be-rid-of-asbestos-20121206-2ay5s.html#ixzz2EUpFtmqe

 

Construction Safety: AcetewAGL Would “Rather a Disgruntled Customer than Dead Worker”

construction safety trainingActewAGL boss Michael Costello says he would rather have a disgruntled customer than a dead worker and Canberra’s construction industry risks falling prey to unrealistic deadlines and cost-cutting which directly impacts on workplace safety.

In a submission to the ACT government’s workplace safety inquiry, Actew AGL and ACTEW Corporation have both called for tender processes to be reformed to include weight given to a contractor’s workplace health and safety record, equal to that of the cost and schedule.

Mr Costello said the tender process needed to reward companies which built workplace safety into their bottom line, not penalise them in a highly competitive marketplace.

As head of ActewAGL, which maintains and supplies the ACT’s electricity and gas supply, Mr Costello said he was obsessed with mitigating the risk of such dangerous industries to his 900-strong workforce – 350 of whom worked in the field.

In 1999 Actew lost electrical linesman Gary Waters, who was electrocuted on a Hughes substation, having spent 11 years with the company and in 2001 another ActewAGL worker fell seven metres off a ladder while connecting power to a building site in Braddon.

Both incidents still resonated with company management to this day, Mr Costello said.

He believed it was timely for the government to call an inquiry – due to report on Friday – not only because of the four recent workplace deaths but because safety culture needed to evolve constantly in order to prevent complacency from setting in.

“Safety is not a static thing. It is not a case of ‘I’ve done it, I’ve got a safe workplace’. You’re dealing with humans and one of the biggest problems we have is you get complacent, you get bored, you cut corners.”

Since his appointment as chief executive of the part-government-owned utility in 2008, Mr Costello instigated a “root and branch” review of safety systems undertaken by Deloittes. He also hired a specialist director of Environment, Health, Safety and Quality, Dianne King – who holds a Masters of Occupational Health and Safety and has a background is in Defence.

Mr Costello said he was acutely aware of the innate dangers of a workplace in electricity and gas supply – “which is both dangerous to the workers and to the community”.

Mr Costello said ActewAGL was incorporating many new strategies into ongoing safety improvements which included paying cash incentives to workers who reported “near misses” so they could be analysed. He also made a point to meet personally with every worker who suffered an injury requiring them to take time off work to discuss better ways of managing risk. In the last year, three workers lost a day’s work and one lost more than five days following an injury.

While Mr Costello said his preoccupation with workplace safety kept him up at night, he also believed improved safety meant better business.

Commissioner Mark McCabe said ActewAGL and ACTEW Water had “relatively good safety records” and he accepted the Cotter Dam Enlargement was a huge and complex site.

“I am pleased to see that a number of issues we identified on site earlier in the year have been resolved.”

More info on Construction Safety

Source: http://www.canberratimes.com.au/act-news/make-safety-equal-to-cost-and-schedule-actew-20121122-29s0g.html#ixzz2DAo6QZz9

Safety Watchdog Goes After RailCorp for Workplace Death

The State’s transport safety regulator is seeking prosecution against RailCorp, for the death of a track worker who was struck by an oncoming train at Kogarah.

Tamati Grant, 59 was struck and killed by a train while attempting to avoid the southbound train from Hurstville on April 13,2010.

The fatality was blamed on a failure of a RailCorp employee- an area controller- at the train operators signalling complex in Sydenham. The area controller was supposed to alert Grant’s cleaning team of the arrival of the train but failed to do so, resulting in his death.

The Independent Transport Safety Regulator is set to prosecute RailCorp and the area controller for breaching the Rail Safety Act of 2008.

The specific charges that will be aimed at the company, the operator or the company’s former area controller, are not yet clear.

A 2010 prosecution of the Australian Rail Track Corporation, which manages freight lines around the country, resulted in a $200,000 fine. Under the act, individuals can face jail terms of up to two years.

A report into Mr Grant’s death was compiled by the Office of Transport Safety Investigations and it outlines a succession of errors and breaches of procedure.

The report outlined a crucial error in which the area-controller told the leader of Grant’s team that “signal blocks” were on, which would block any potentially incoming trains from passing through. The blocks as it turns out, were not on and by the time the area-controller became aware of this, the train had already been within the teams sights. Grant’s co-workers quickly scrambled to evade the train but tragically he was not so fortunate.

Months prior the fatality, the area controller had taken sick leave, for reportedly seeking treatment for ‘‘psychological conditions and drug rehabilitation”. He allegedly wanted to call in sick on the day of the fatality.

The proceedings against RailCorp are listed  expected to be mentioned in Industrial Court of NSW on December 13.

The court date for the area controller is listed for hearing before the Chief Industrial Magistrate between March 4 and 13.

More info on Occupational Health and Safety

Source: http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/safety-watchdog-to-prosecute-railcorp-over-workers-death-20121129-2airr.html#ixzz2E8TdOOPN

OHS Training: South Australia– Worst WorkCover Scheme in the Nation

SOUTH Australia’s WorkCover scheme has the worst performance record in the nation and needs to have amendments made in order to compel injured workers to return to work, a parliamentary committee says. 

After two years, the inquiry board comprised of Labor, Liberal, and Independent MP’s has found SA has the country’s lowest return to work rate at only 70 percent.

Tasmania’s the top of the list with 80 per cent.

The report calls on the State Government to develop a nationally recognized method of analyzing return-to-work rates because the current data is considered inadequate.

The report alleges that enforcing performance standards for worker’s rehabilitation providers which receive referrals through the WorkCover scheme and administering better reporting of their return-to-work stats would also help.

Other recommendations outlined include:

  • Ensuring weekly workers’ compensation payments do not fall below the minimum wage.
  • Identifying the claims which need some “intensive” early management.
  • Greater incentives for employers to take on costs through self-managed insurance.
Opposition Industrial Relations and Finance spokesperson Rob Lucas, criticized the current reporting for not being clear enough about which rehabilitation providers received contracts and under what criteria.

“Why wouldn’t you give more contracts to those providers that have got the best return-to-work outcomes?” Mr Lucas said.

He said MPs also  referred to the controversial changes to the WorkCover scheme in 2008  which were “intended to increase return-to-work rates and reduce levy rates and WorkCover’s unfunded liability (but) clearly there has been no evidence of those goals being achieved”.

The report advises that changes be made by July 2014

Worker’s Rehabilitation Minister  spokesman,Jack Snelling said: “Exactly as Rob Lucas acknowledges, the committee has noted it is still too early to measure the final impact of some of the 2008 changes”.

WorkCover’s unfunded liability rose from$437 million at the same time the previous year to $1.389 billion at June 30 this year.

More info on Occupational Health and Safety

Source: http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/south-australia/south-australias-workcover-scheme-is-the-worst-performing-in-the-nation/story-e6frea83-1226528478725

Asbestos Training:Lawyer Praised For Asbestos Battles

Theodora Ahilas clients have all had contact with asbestos throughout the past 5 decades. Now her clients are dying and the pressure is on to ascertain the time of exposure so their families can receive compensation within their lifetimes.

Ahilas is an asbestos solicitor and has taken on approximately 1000 mesothelioma victim’s cases.Now, in the same month that seven James Hardie directors been fortunate to have their penalties reduced, she’s been awarded the Law and Justice Foundation’s Justice Medal, for her  commitment to their victims.

”I’ve seen people give their last breath getting compensation for their families,” Ms Ahilas said.

”It’s awful, but it’s still amazing that the human spirit is still prepared to fight at that point. That’s why I love the work.”

However, the  economics behind compensation for asbestos victims has evolved in her two-decade career.

The first influx of victims reports was the mining and factory workers who suffered direct exposure to asbestos and often battled its manufacturers, who allege to not have known about asbestos adverse affects until 1960.The second emergence of victims came from builders and plumbers whose work involved with fibro products.

Now reports indicate that a third influx is expected to come through– from women and children who washed the overalls of all those workers, the bystanders and DYI home renovators.

Now the third wave is coming through – the women who washed the overalls of those workers, the bystanders and the home renovators.Invariably, they have no idea when they were exposed.”I say to people when they come to me, ‘Think of it as a big jigsaw puzzle,”’ she said.

”It’s a forensic exercise. You’re looking at something that happened 30 or 40 years ago. You look for records to see what products they might have used. It’s a lot of talking to witnesses and going back and finding people,” Ms Ahilas said.

The third wave of victims demonstrates how indiscriminate mesothelioma can be.

”It could happen to anyone. There were several middle management [people] at James Hardie who developed mesothelioma, and that would be from walking through the factory.”

But if they ever sought compensation, they never called Theodora Ahilas.

More information Asbestos Training
Source: http://www.smh.com.au/national/health/lawyer-wins-prize-for-asbestos-battles-20121121-29q3a.html#ixzz2DAQazd34

People Must Stay Alert As Asbestos Can Exist Anywhere

 

Paul Howes, national secretary of the AWU  recently published an  article regarding asbestos victims.  In it he described how asbestos exposure victims  try to live their lives the best they can, considering the welfare of their families over their own. But underneath the courage lies a furious sense of betrayal that they were left unprotected and exposed to the fatal substance.

The physical toll the disease has taken is apparent for all to see, but  the emotional toll while not visible, is significant.

The danger of asbestos has not dissipated, in fact many experts believe there will be a  new batch of unfortunate victims of  recent exposure in the coming years.

Breathing in airborne asbestos fibres can be deadly at even the smallest amounts. Unfortunately, many homes throughout Australia that were built prior to 1988, may have have been built with asbestos building material.

Simply doing DIY renovations on a home can result in asbestos exposure and subsequently, lifelong problems.

Approximately 600 people die of asbestos-related diseases (such as Mesothelioma) annually. It is therefore imperative that people remain vigilant and aware, and treating asbestos very cautiously.

The federal government has embarked on an asbestos cleaning mission, and has set up an Office of Asbestos Management. This office would deal with the management and eventual removal of the fatal material. Unions hope that the agency will herald in a plan to remove all asbestos from Australia by 2030.

Workers have consistently been pitted against their employers as a result of asbestos exposure. Average people have been up against large companies for their part in the dumping of asbestos.  Fortunately, there has been some level of financial compensation for their suffering, but it cannot begin to suffice when considering the amount of suffering these victims endure.

One would think that this type of thing is rare and workers will no longer be exposed to these dangers again. However the use of asbestos was only banned in Australia in 2003 and as seen in the news,  many big corporations have been accused of dodging safety laws and responsibilities to workers.

It is a very unfortunate when  someone dies as a result of something that has happened to them at work and every effort should be made by companies to ensure that the proper training and equipment is provided when there is a potential of exposure.

More info on Asbestos Training

 Source: http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/national/vigilance-is-vital-as-asbestos-killer-lurks-everywhere/story-fndo317g-1226518940630

Proposed New Legislation Will Allow Amputee Worker To Receive Compensation

A legal loophole that left a man unable to access workers’ compensation despite losing his leg in a workplace accident will be amended by proposed new legislation.

Workplace Relations minister David O’Byrne, under pressure from union delegates, yesterday revealed the new laws, which address the issue of  “sham contractors”.

Glenorchy man Anthony Young was denied workers’ compensation after a workplace accident at K&D Brickworks at New Town resulted resulted in the loss of his leg.

Mr Young was working  for two years at  brickworks but was technically contracted with a contracting company.

In July Mr Young was unsuccessful in his appeal for  workers’ compensation after the Court of Appeal in Hobart sided with an earlier decision that he was an independent contractor — not a worker, and therefore not entitled to workers’ compensation.

Mr O’Byrne said  the amendments to the Workers Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988  would render workers’ compensation rights to anyone on a sham contract.

“They extend the definition of ‘worker’ to ensure anyone on a sham contract has the same workers’ compensation rights as people on traditional contracts,” the minister said.

The new laws  are currently facing debate and review.

More info on Occupational Health and Safety

Source: http://www.themercury.com.au/article/2012/11/22/366625_tasmania-news.html

State and Federal Government At Loggerheads on Asbestos Issue

Talks  intended to solve Canberra’s buried asbestos crisis have  come to a standstill after  the territory government accused the Commonwealth of double standards.

Both sides are now deadlocked on determining who will shell out  hundreds of millions of dollars to clean up over 100 sites around the capital where deposits of the fatal building material might have been buried for decades.

Chief Minister Katy Gallagher says the federal government has funded elaborate asbestos removal operations on various contaminated sites but is negating  responsibility for others. Gallagher is appealing to Prime Minister Julia Gillard to get involved.

Regional Affairs and Local Government department stated that they are developing a national solution to buried asbestos.

The deadlock creates difficulties for Canberra’s important urban renewal project, the East Lake development in Kingston. It was all set for medium and high-density housing for up to 8000 occupants.  There is reportedly, over 600,000 cubic metres of contaminated soil at the East Lake site. Much of the waste are remnants from the construction of the Parliament House. The estimated cost for cleanup is $90 million

The Commonwealth has allegedly refused to assist in the cleanup, arguing that the ACT state-government must accept responsibility. Ms Gallagher said the Commonwealth had cleaned up polluted land at Kingston Rail Yards, on former National Railways land and that defence sites at Bonner and Lawson had been remediated at federal expense. To refuse to fund clean-ups at other sites was ”inconsistent.”

Ms Gallagher said the talks between the two parties, convened last year after she threatened to sue the Commonwealth, had broken down but that the territory would not stop pursing an agreement with the federal government.

”I consider the Commonwealth has a moral and financial obligation to the citizens of the ACT to assist in remediation of sites contaminated prior to self-government,” Ms Gallagher said.

”The Commonwealth has accepted responsibility for remediation in a number of cases on an ad hoc basis.”

There  are said to be approximately 114 former landfill sites that are contaminated, leading to problems for the sites construction.

A spokesman for the Department of Regional Australia and Local Government said that a national plan was being developed for the management of buried asbestos.

”The Commonwealth remains committed to finding ways to address asbestos management issues nationally,” the spokesman said.

”We established the Office of Asbestos Safety in September 2012 to respond to the broad-ranging Asbestos Management Review and to develop a national strategic plan by 1 July 2013.

Source: http://www.canberratimes.com.au/act-news/gallagher-plea-to-pm-as-asbestos-talks-fail-20121116-29hxd.html#ixzz2DARAjxWW

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OHS: WorkSafe Hopes For Safer November and December

WorkSafe Victoria is hopeful that the end of 2012 will be safer as compared to the “catastrophic” level of incidents last Christmas.

Leading up to last Christmas, seven people died in less than two weeks, fortunately this year’s results have been better.

This year approximately 14 people have died in the workplace, two less fatal incidents than the same time last year.

In the lead up to Christmas last year seven people died at work in less than a fortnight, but so far 2012 results have been better.

So far this year 14 people have died at work, two less than the same time last year, according to Fairfax Media

November and December are notorious for their typically higher level of workplace fatalities with over 26 deaths in the last 5 years within these two months.

SafeWork executive director health and safety Ian Foryth attributes the deadly two months to a number of factors.

“Organisations rushing to finish jobs before their summer break and peak periods for the farming sector can mean that corners are cut and safety becomes less of a priority,” he said.

“It can be a lethal combination and it only takes a moment’s inattention for tragedy to strike … Everyone should return home safe at the end of the day and when this doesn’t happen, it’s a tragedy for all involved.”

Forsyth indicated that most of the workplace deaths in 2012 involved people carrying out regular duties, and it wasn’t just workers with dangerous jobs that risked injury or death.

More info on Occupational Health and Safety

 

 

Canaberra And WA Construction Workers Protest Over Unsafe Working Conditions

It appears that despite changes in the law and work training programs, the construction industry in Australia continues to be a dangerous profession, as protesting workers and their family members are stepping up to point out.

In Canberra, 600 construction workers joined a march led by Mrs. Catanzariti, whose 21 year old son Ben was killed on a Canberra work site in July, protesting the unsafe work conditions on Canberra work sites that have resulted in 4 deaths in the last 10 months. Mrs. Catanzariti made clear that the loss of her son has broken her family, and that she is determined to stop other families from having to experience the kind of loss suffered by her family.

CFMEU ACT branch secretary, Dean Hall, called on the ACT government to place greater emphasis on safety rather than awarding contracts to lowest bidder on Civil contracts. Attorney-General Simon Corbell, ACT Greens MLA Amanda Bresnan and Canberra Liberal Vicki Dunne all joined together at the rally to all throw their support behind the inquiry now underway to look into workplace safety in the territory.

On Friday October 21st hundreds of workers in WA stopped work in protest of unsafe working conditions on a Nedlands construction site when a two tonne crane block and 50 meters of rope fell to the ground, narrowly missing several workers who were standing nearby.

According to CFEMU state secretary, Mick Buchan, workers are concerned with a crane at the site that has continually broken down and has had winch issues. Despite knowing of the these issues, the company has failed to conduct any investigation into the crane’s malfunctions. However, in light of this latest issue CFEMU reports the company has agreed to seek a report by an independent engineer into this latest issue as well as some of the past complaints.

These two protests shed light on continuing safety issues in the construction industry and what can occur when companies weigh their need to make a profit against the safety of their workers. However, as long as workers and their families are willing to stand up and stage protests highlighting the areas where dangers exist there is hope that things can change as more and more companies are forced to take a good hard look at the need to ensure safety on these work sites. It also makes clear that more safety checks by the government may need to made to ensure that dangerous situations are resolved before another worker is injured or killed.

WorkSafe Zeros in Injury Hotspot

 

WorkSafe Victoria will launch an advertising campaign in the Greater Dandenong area following reports that the manufacturing region was one of ten hotspots in the state.

Greater Dandenong has a record high injury rate in Victoria, and a large billboard has already been put up on a local road to inform the public.

The area is home to approximately 40 per-cent of Victoria’s Manufacturing industry.  The industry has a total of 780 workplace injury claims from July 2007 to June 2012.

The Manufacturing industry was home to over half of the incidents to happened in the manufacturing industry.

The most occurring injury was Misculoskeletal at 232, with ‘open would’ injuries in second place with 185.

In addition there were 45 amputations.

WorkSafe health and safety operations general manager Lisa Sturzenegger called for a more hands-on approach from workers and employers alike.

“Employers must get on the front foot by taking a preventative approach to identifying and controlling the risk of dangerous machines at their workplace,” she said.

“Workers need to ask questions and not take anything for granted.”

More information on Occupational Health and Safety

Source: http://www.manmonthly.com.au/news/worksafe-targets-manufacturing-injury-hotspot

Worker Fatigue Puts Victorian Paramedics At Risk

Paramedics at the ambulance Victoria Branch at Sunshine are being put at risk after working fourteen hours shifts and then being required to drive directly home as there are no beds for them to rest on once their shifts are completed before they leave for home.

The premises where the branch is located was issued improvement notices in July by WorkSafe for water damage, lack of carpark security and lack of bedroom facilities. Jedda McGlinchy, the Sunshine branch OHS representative stated that a new facility has been promised since 2000 yet, no new facility has been built and no improvements in the old facility have been undertaken to ensure the safety of Paramedics who work long busy hours with no opportunity to rest.

She also stated that several paramedics forced to drive home immediately after their shift concluded they had no memory of how they got home, and there has been one accident involving a paramedic who attempted to drive home after his shift ended.

The paramedics themselves are aware that they are suffering from worker fatigue and are begging the company to provide adequate bed space so that they can complete their shifts effectively and then get some much needed rest before they get in their own cars and head out into traffic where they pose a risk of harm to themselves and to others. Yet, nothing is being done. Without management’s cooperation in this matter, workers will continue to be in jeopardy.

Fatigue Management Training For Shift Work Offers Employers Stresses The Need For Adequate Places To Rest For Employees

With many businesses scheduling workers to work night shifts that last 12 or 14 hours there is increased risk of worker fatigue resulting in accidents at the workplace or when fatigued workers attempt to drive home without having some adequate rest.

Fatigue management courses for shift work offers employers a clear understanding of what causes worker fatigue, what signs they should look for and what they need to do to help prevent or at least reduce workplace fatigue. Employers who fail to provide a safe working environment by following work safe procedures to help reduce worker fatigue may be penalized for their failure. In addition, if a worker is injured or killed due to worker fatigue that was avoidable the company could face huge penalties imposed by the court.

Making sure that your managers have the proper training in fatigue management and institute safety measures to reduce the risk posed to and by fatigued workers will help you avoid huge fines, and other consequences that could harm your business and it’s reputation. Since it is possible to receive risk management training online, there really is no excuse not to ensure that your managers have the training necessary to make sure that worker fatigue does not pose a problem in your business.

Click here to find out about our fatigue management courses.

Asbestos Training: Asbestos Dumping Discovered At Reserve

A large and worrisome amount of highly degraded asbestos material is dispersed throughout a popular recreational area.

The Peter Murrell Reserve at Howden is reportedly ridden with broken pieces of the deadly substance which was dumped there by unprincipled renovators. Amidst the scattered refuse is blue asbestos, said to be the most fatal to human beings.Even though the problem was reported to authorities two months ago, and despite an apparent clean up, hundreds of asbestos fragments remain on the ground of the park.

Asbestos was a popular building material used in the post-war era, prior to being progressively banned from the 1980s. Inhalation — regardless of how minute, can cause fatal mesothelioma years or even decades after exposure.

Builder Scott Cordwell was horrified to find asbestos throughout the reserve.

“I just live around the corner and I walk my dogs around there,” he said. “I went up there and I noticed a lot of it kicking around. This stuff is broken down and weathered and it’s quite a risk … if you pick it up it just disintegrates.”

There is a distinct lack of warning signs or barriers preventing members from the public from being exposed to the deadly material.

Parks and Wildlife Service general manager Peter Mooney recalls hearing reports of asbestos in the reserve from Workplace Standards Tasmania and Kingborough Council in October.

“A sample of the asbestos was collected. This was tested and confirmed to be asbestos,” he said.

“PWS staff then removed and disposed of a small amount of material on 23 October according to the proper process for disposal of asbestos.’

“Given that dumping of material such as this in bushland close to urban areas was a very common occurrence for many years, there may be other small deposits at the reserve.

“PWS will continue to remove this material as it is found and as it is reported by members of the public.”

The revelation comes days after  the Asbestos Free Tasmania Foundation launched the Tasmanian Parliamentary Interest Group on Asbestos.

AFTF spokeswoman Susan Wallace is concerned that asbestos might be present in the reserve and believes an investigation and clean-up is urgently needed.

“If it’s lying around like that it should be a matter of priority,” she said. “They need to get an appropriately trained person in there to get some samples and do some testing and as a matter of urgency they need to organise a clean-up. Any asbestos that is releasing fibres into the air poses a health risk.”

More info on Asbestos Training

http://www.themercury.com.au/article/2012/11/22/366586_tasmania-news.html 

Construction Safety: WorkSafe Stops Concrete Pours at Work Site

Safety Watchdog, WorkSafe, has stepped in to halt a  concrete pour on a large Canberra construction site. This comes soon after WorkSafe cautioned that the industry was disregarding safety laws.

WorkSafe ACT stopped the pour at the  Lyons apartment construction project after workers cited concerns that they were put in danger.

It is believed that contractor indicated that a deck for the pour was ready, however, numerous tradesmen were still doing work on it even though the pour was being readied.

Work Safety Commissioner Mark McCabe said  After discovering several problems, his inspectors called for the pour to be  stopped. Of the most serious issues, was that work was signed of as completed even though it had not been.

Three concrete trucks were turned away.

The incident follows a meeting between WorkSafe ACT and concrete companies last week, in which the companies expressed concerns that some building firms were pressuring them go ahead with pours in unsafe circumstances.

McCabe said pours were too dangerous to skimp on safety.

“There have been a number of significant incidents in the ACT recently that have involved dangerous concrete pours. This kind of risk taking is just unacceptable.”

Ben Catanzariti was killed during a pouring accident in July this year at a Kingston Foreshore site, which also injured two other workers.

Mr McCabe described concrete pours last week as one of the construction industry’s most dangerous activities.

He said he was concerned that developers were forcing workers to ignore safety precautions so as to lower costs.

The Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union’s ACT secretary, Dean Hall, said workers on the site called the union on Thursday morning because they feared for their safety.

“They were concerned that they were under pressure to work in an exclusion zone, and they could see the concrete trucks rolling up and getting set up to pour. That should never have happened.”

He said the union was firmly behind WorkSafe ACT’s crackdown on the industry.

More info on Construction Safety

Source:: http://www.canberratimes.com.au/act-news/safety-watchdog-shuts-down-site-20121115-29dz5.html#ixzz2CpJKpE3K

11,000 Injuries Caused By Unsafe Machines Causes Work Safe To Call On Employers To Deal With Machine Hazards

pressing a safety button on a machineAccording to statistics collected by WorkSafe over the last 5 years show that there have been over 11,000 injuries to Victoria workers due to unsafe machines. Of these 11,000 injuries 441 have resulted in amputations of body parts, and over 71% of the injuries have occurred in the fields of manufacturing, construction, transportation, warehousing, and storage industries. While WorkSafe is quick to acknowledge that the machinery resulting in these industries are necessary they urge employers to do more to ensure the safety of workers who use these machines.

Some of the suggestions that WorkSafe offers for reducing machinery related accidents include:

  • Not allowing untrained workers to operate machinery
  • Ensuring that all machinery is in good working condition and has all the correct parts.
  • Workers are supplied regularly with information about the hazards associated with each specific piece of machinery and have knowledge on how to operate the machinery safely.
  • Ensure that workers can readily identify when a machine is not safe to be used
  • That all power to machinery is shut off before machinery is cleaned or maintenance attempted and all energy stored in the machine is emptied prior to attempting any maintenance work.

WorkSafe offered other suggestions to employers as well, and urged employers to follow through to help keep Victoria moving forward as a safe place for workers regardless of what industry they work in.

Mental Fatigue or “Burn Out” — A Recognised Disorder Costing Billions

Executive burnout is a condition that costs business billions of dollars each year in lost productivity and stress leave. In order to avoid this, corporate leaders should be given “mental checks” to ensure that they haven’t succumbed to mental fatigue.

Burnout is one of the only mental disorders  Work Safe Australia believes to be directly influenced by  excessive work. Reports indicate that burnout leads to a “stress bill” of  $20 billion to businesses annually.

Over worked executives are at the highest risk and their slow descent into complete burnout can  negatively effect companies while also spilling out into personal lives.

Robyn McNeill is a prime example of someone who has been negatively impacted by burnout. McNeill came close to losing her family and her life when she was tried to constantly balance her high pressure project management job with her personal life.

“The first episode of burnout I had was when I walked out on my two kids and their father because I couldn’t cope,”  says Ms McNeill.

“It was fight or flight syndrome, and I chose flight. I didn’t realise I had burnout, I thought my marriage was the problem, I was blaming everyone else.”

“I was mentally exhausted and unable to cope with situations I could normally deal with. One day I told my husband to take all the sleeping tablets and throw them away because if he didn’t, I would take them all.”

Ms McNeill believes her situation could have been helped, had she sought assistance early on.

“It is a journey to burnout,” she says “It starts with stress but if you take no action, the symptoms get worse. You start to lose clarity of thinking, the ability to make good decisions or to be creative, your physical and mental health are in decline. You need to identify what is going on and take action early.”

Clinical psychologist Dr Simon Kinsella suggests that businesses should arrange an annual mental health check for top executives to help tackle issues that some may not acknowledge as problems.

“I am definitely seeing more cases of executive burnout. Executives and CEOs have a higher level of pressure to deal with such as mergers or insolvencies. But they have very driven personalities, they feel weak if they are not coping, and they fear if they show signs of weakness, the culture at executive level will see them as vulnerable,” Dr Kinsella says.

Signs of  BURNOUT 

Recognising and acknowledging  burnout early is a key step in  avoiding it’s disastrous effects one’s  life. Some symptoms are as follows:

  • Inability to sleep-   Insomnia and irregular sleep patterns is a frequent sign of someone under too much stress
  • Unusual Moods-  Males often display overt aggression when  burnout, while women are more likely to cry for what seems like insignificant issues.
  • Unusual Eating habits.
  • The feeling that you are unable to cope
  • Feeling Depressed 
  • Lashing out and blaming others for how you feel 

More info on Fatigue Management

Source: http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/meltdown-exec-burnout-costing-billions/story-e6frg6n6-1226508470134

NSW Orders Asbestos Audit on Energy Companies

The NSW government has ordered an industry-wide asbestos audit for the state’s big electricity providers following meetings with unions and power companies.

Energy Minister Chris Hartcher agreed to the audit after a “productive meeting” with the Electrical Trades Union (ETU) and representatives of power providers Endeavour Energy, Ausgrid and Essential Energy.

“The government is keen to ensure that asbestos management, removal and training plans are adequate to ensure worker and community protection,” Mr Hartcher said in a statement.However, he said the issue might need a national approach.

During the meeting, the union demanded asbestos removal across the industry after raising concerns about its workers being at risk of asbestos exposure.It followed the union’s release on Tuesday of internal Ausgrid documents which showed about 49 cases of asbestos-related illness at the company in 22 years.The ETU claims there is still friable – or easily-crumbled – asbestos at underground electricity substations and meter boards.

Workcover NSW is coordinating the audit, which will involve Endeavour Energy, Ausgrid and Essential Energy, TransGrid and the state’s power generators Delta Electricity, Macquarie Generation and Eraring Energy.Representatives from all parties will meet for the first time on November 14 to agree on terms of reference to set out the process for asbestos removal across the industry.

ETU secretary Steve Butler said he welcomed the government’s decision.

“It’s a compete turnaround (by the companies),” he told AAP on Thursday.

“We have zero tolerance to asbestos, it’s got to be removed.”

The audit will bring each company’s own auditing processes into one single system, Mr Butler said.

“What’s been identified is that those audits are out of sync.

“They are all different, so now there will be the one audit to cover the whole industry.”

Source: http://news.ninemsn.com.au/national/2012/11/08/20/00/asbestos-audit-for-nsw-energy-companies

Asbestos: The Stealth Assassin

Initially it was miners and tradesmen who fell victim to asbestos, now reports have indicated that the deadly substance has been attacking people at home.

In the 70’s and 80’s every night a husband and father returned home from work, embracing their children and wives, unknowingly exposing their families to the invisible but very deadly asbestos fibres. Asbestos was used very often because it was cheap,strong, waterproof and fireproof– essentially the perfect material for builders. Asbestos fibres are 50- to-200 times thinner than human hair, and they invade people’s lungs laying dormant for many years before developing into fatal asbestos-caused cancers.

All evidence seems to indicate that Lou Williams, 57, developed mesothelioma from the warm embraces she received from her father, or even simply washing his overalls or vacuuming his car.Norm Williams was a plasterer on stores in shopping centres before being diagnosed with mesothelioma in 1985. He succumbed to the disease six months later at the age of  54. His daughter never believed she could have developed the disease either until she received the shocking news in 2003.

Since then, Williams has had to endure an grueling 18 sessions of chemotherapy, and has even said goodbye to her daughters, husband, family and friends.

Since then, Williams has had to endure an grueling 18 sessions of chemotherapy, and has even said goodbye to her daughters, husband, family and friends. Miraculously she is still alive but after attending dozens of mesothelioma related funerals, she’s avoided planning events four-weeks in advance, and has resigned her self to the fact that she may not live to see her next birthday.

According to the Asbestos Management Review Report released in August, there have been 4700 deaths from mesothelioma in Australia since records began in the early ’80s.  Estimates indicate that an additional 25,000 people will die over the next four decades. According to Asbestoswise over 2500 people are diagnosed with asbestos-related diseases in Australia every year.

These include mesothelioma, lung cancer, asbestosis (a condition that restricts breathing by hardening and scarring the lung) and pleural plaques (thickened patches on the chest and lung lining).

Exposure Risks

The mining of asbestos in Australia been prohibited and there has not been any importation of the deadly substance since 2003. “It’s difficult to tell if a material contains asbestos,” says Anna Trzekwas, from Asbestos Removal Melbourne. “If you’re worried, call in a WorkSafe licensed removalist to check it. If necessary, they can safely remove the asbestos, too.”

Homes built after 1988 should be asbestos free. Pre-1984 do hold a risk of containing asbestos ridden material.

Asbestos may be present in hot water pipes, old heaters, stoves and ceiling insulation, as well as brakes, clutches and gaskets on pre-2003 cars.

Source: http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/national/asbestossilent-killer-in-homes/story-fndo317g-1226509631760

Blue Collar Workplaces Need To Address Challenges Posed By Poor Worker Health

blue collar worker having a health checkA recent sample test done of 9300 workers in Maribyrnong resulted in showing that the majority of blue collar workers in this area were unhealthy due to high consumption of alcohol, smoking, lack of exercise or not eating healthy. Large percentages of those tested had high blood pressure and were at risk for type II diabetes.

One quarter of those tested had high blood glucose levels, high cholesterol, and one quarter had a high waist circumference. While the workers themselves were advised to cut back on alcohol consumption, start exercising, and eat more fruit and vegetables as well as quit smoking it was also noted that a workforce suffering from health issues and a unhealthy lifestyle could affect the safety and productivity on the work site.

Ms. Anders stated that while the Maribynong workers health levels were on par with overall Victorian results she felt that given these health issues, that blue collar workplaces and employers were going to need to someway address the challenges that are posed by poor worker health. She stated that there was a lot that employers could do to promote healthier behaviors among workers, but gave no suggestion of what steps employers could take.

OHS: A Significant Decline in Work Safety

ohs training Approximately  33% of ACT workplaces that had  a safety inspection last financial year  passed – a  significant decrease on previous years’ outcomes.The dismal results have showcased  a policy difference between the government and its new cabinet partner, Greens MLA Shane Rattenbury, who wants the building industry put more money into training workers.

A third of inspected businesses complied with health and safety laws in 2011-12, compared with just under 55% per cent in 2009-10. The government’s objective was reportedly 80 per cent.ACT Work Safety Commissioner Mark McCabe said the trend was likely to reflect his inspectors’ focus on the construction industry, which has been tainted this year by a record high rate of   safety incidents and deaths.

Mr McCabe and former public service commissioner Lynelle Briggs will presumably report the findings of their inquiries into industry practicess within a week.WorkSafe ACT and its preceding agencies reportedly lost half of their inspectors over the past seven years, at a time Canberra was undergoing a construction boom.

A disappointing 34 qualified inspectors now supervising construction sites, reduced  from 68 in 2004-05.Labor frontbencher Simon Corbell, who became the ACT’s first Workplace Safety and Industrial Relations Minister last week, said yesterday the result showed why the government had created the new portfolio.

”Poor compliance across industry is a deep concern for the government. My first priority will be to respond to the findings that Mark McCabe and Lynelle Briggs present in the coming weeks.”

Mr Corbell said the government hired five extra inspectors when it merged WorkCover with WorkSafe in 2010.”But I don’t think inspecting capacity on its own will solve this problem. We need to improve the culture of occupational health and safety in all workplaces,” he said.”We need to be sure that businesses don’t just see it as red tape, and instead treat their safety of their workers as a matter of real importance.”

The Greens attempted unsuccessfully to campaign for workplace safety funding during the last Assembly.The minor party went to last month’s ACT election pledging to increase a building industry levy from 0.2 per cent of the value of construction projects to 0.3 per cent, to raise more money to train apprentices.

More info on Occupational Health and Safety

Source: http://www.canberratimes.com.au/act-news/dramatic-decline-in-worksite-safety-20121111-296sm.html 

ACTU Wants Roll Bars Installed On Quad Bikes To Help Reduce Fatalities

a man riding a quad bikeFollowing the death of a 58-year-old man on a Quad bike, the ACTU is calling for roll over protection devices to be made mandatory on all new Quad Bikes that are produced. ACTU assistant secretary, Michael Borowick pointed out that there have been 160 Quad bike deaths since 2001. He also stated that quad bikes are unstable and due to their increasing popularity as farm work vehicles fatalities could increase, resulting in more injuries and death.

Providing roll bars on Quad Bikes makes good sense. Mr. Borowick pointed out how tractor fatalities have decreased by 80% since it became mandatory to have roll over protection on these vehicles in 1992. It is the belief that installing rollover protection for Quad Bikes could result in the same type of statistics thus saving life and serious injury to those who use Quad bikes on farm (and even for leisure).

As most people know Quad bikes also known as four wheelers in other parts of the world offer no protection for those using the vehicle in case of an accident where the Quad rolls over. Providing roll bars or some other type of roll over protection device could prevent riders from being trapped under the vehicle should it roll over, which increases the chances of surviving an accident with this type of vehicle.

Human Resources: Etter Accuses Governor of Bullying

Workplace bullyingBarbera Etter, former head of Tasmania’s Integrity Commission, has accused the State Governor of bullying. These accusations come nearly a year after Etter quit her job as Integrity Commissioner, one year into a five-year contract with the government. 

Etter claims that she experienced bullying at work, and that the governer created a hostile work environment. She alleges her reputation and career prospects have been tarnished, and is seeking damages and costs from the State Government. 
 
A statement of claim to the Supreme Court includes examples of behaviour designed to bully her and undermine her position. Among the examples is her name being erased from a whiteboard of commissioners while she was still employed in September 2011. 
 
Representation of the Government argued that Ms.Etter could not prove any of the individuals mentioned were acting with the authority of the State. 
 
Ms. Etter maintains that the state had allowed a workplace that was impossible for her to do her job. 
More info on Human Resources
Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-11-07/etter-outlines-damages-case/4358402?section=tas

OHS: Builder and Union Clash Using Ads

Conflicts between builder Grocon and Victoria’s most prominent construction union continue, with expensive billboard attack-advertisements being erected throughout Melbourne’s freeways. A spokesperson for Grocon described the give billboards as a fragment of a campaign meant to discredit or “distract from the union’s increasingly toxic brand”.

The billboards were erected at the Flemington section of CityLink, the Monash Freeway in Richmond and the West Gate Freeway in Port Melbourne.The ads are estimated to have cost approximately $20,000 monthly. As such, the ad is expected to remain in place until the end of the month.

The Construction Forestry Mining and Energy Union  has also taken to running ads amidst the dispute with Grocon. The dispute was reportedly started following a disagreement over who was to appoint shop stewards and the right to display union paraphernalia at work sites.Police clashed with protesters at a Grocon Lonsdale Street Emporium site, when a picketline was formed last August. Grocon claimed in court that the picket line was a tool to intimidate its employees.

Bill Oliver, state secretary of the union’s building division, claims to have remaining concerns regarding the safety of workers on Grocon’s sites.

“Until workers are able to have proper safety representatives rather than employer-appointed stewards, the union will continue to have concerns,” he said.

More info on Occupational Health and Safety

Source: http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/union-billboards-attack-grocon-on-safety-standards-20121108-28zua.html#ixzz2Bqu8pUtj

WA Proposes Removing Levy To End Illegal Asbestos Dumping

asbestos awarenessThe Illegal disposal of asbestos in Perth is expected to end after a landfill levy for the deadly substance is dropped, according to the WA government.

The exemption will be in place as early as Januay 2013, and will apply to asbestos sheeting bound in black plastic– however asbestos- contaminated soil will still be subject to the levy.

Environment Minister Bill Marmion stated that the new measure is intended to discourage and deter illegal dumping.

Regardless of increased fines, people had continuously dumped asbestos sheeting in bushland and other sites away from public scrutiny.  The Waste Authority advised that the landfill levy could be unintentionally pushing people to people to dispose of asbestos waste improperly.

“This is good news for small business and families, reducing costs and protecting the health of communities and the environment,” Mr Marmion said.

More on Asbestos Training

Source: http://www.perthnow.com.au/news/western-australia/wa-bid-to-stop-illegal-asbestos-dumping-by-removing-landfill-levy/story-e6frg13u-1226512262288

Asbestos Safety:Electrical Trades Union Puts Pressure on Ausgrid

asbestos awarenessThe Electrical Trades Union (ETU) is convinced the number workers  sick from asbestos exposure will rise at  electricity distribution company Ausgrid. The ETU stated that 49 asbestos-related illnesses have been cited in the last 20 years at Ausgrid. Recently, the same company uncovered asbestos in its underground substations in central Sydney.

Spokesperson for the company, Anthony O’Brien claims that majority of the hazardous material has been removed. “In the Sydney CBD asbestos has been present in some substations for a long time. We have removed the asbestos from 90 per cent of those stations, so more than 30 have had asbestos removed,” he said. The union alleges that work has been suspended on the sites because Ausgrid refuses to pay overtime for night work. Their efforts to make the areas safer have all been conducted after hours to avoid public scrutiny.

The ETU is currently pushing for the industry to design and implement an urgent removal plan The union’s state secretary Steve Butler has threatened work bans if no government action is taken. “I think it goes countrywide. I’ve got no doubt this problem exists in New South Wales, it exists in Victoria, it exists in Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia and Tasmania.” NSW Opposition Leader John Robertson supports Butler’s position on involving the government.

More info on Asbestos Training

Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-11-06/electrical-union-raises-ausgrid-asbestos-fears/4356096?section=nsw

WorkCover Amends Laws To Include Fire Fighters With Job-Related Cancers

SA firefighters will  incontrovertibly receive WorkCover payments if they are diagnosed with work-related cancers.

The State Government says SA will be the first state the amend its laws to cover  firefighters diagnosed with such cancers as primary brain,bladder, kidney, breast and prostate cancers.

Workers’ Rehabilitation Minister Jack Snelling indicated that the new measures will implemented by July 1,2013.

“The onus of proof should no longer be on those who risk their lives for our safety every day,” he said.

United Firefighters industrial officer Joe Szakacs  reported that dozens  of firefighters are currently suffering or recovering from job-related cancers.

He cited research that  showed a professional firefighter with five years’ experience  has  five times the risk of contracting 12 different types of cancer than others throughout the community.

Premier Jay Weatherill said attributed firefighters exposure to toxic chemicals and fumes in the line of duty, puts them at a higher risk of the disease.

He believes the amendments would make it  “easier for those firefighters to get the compensation they deserve for putting themselves in harm’s way”.

More info on Occupational Health and Safety

Source: http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/workcover-change-for-firies-diagnosed-with-job-related-cancers/story-e6frea6u-1226510713687

OHS:Perth Company Pays Out for Injured Labourer

A Perth company was told to pay $10,000 to an employee who lost part of a finger in a mincing machine.

In February 2010,  a labourer at D’Orsogna Limited was using a mincing machine that had a metal chute also known as a hopper, in which meat was fed into.

The employee placed 200kg of meat onto a hoist and checked the levels of meat being consumed by the hopper.

Upon inspection, the labourer noticed the meat was not reaching the mincing area. This prompted the worker to use his hand to push the meat down which resulted in him getting his finger stuck in the mincing area. He was subsequently required to have his finger amputated at the knuckle.

D’Orsogna LTD pleaded guilty in court for failing to provide and uphold a safe work environment for employees.

In a recent case, Harvest Freshcuts was told to pay over $50,000 when an employee lost two fingers in a vegetable slicer.

WorkSafe executive director Ian Munns said “It’s disappointing that the message evidently still has not gotten through that it is never safe to allow the moving parts of machinery to remain operational when workers may have to make adjustments or perform maintenance,”

“Subsequent to this incident, the employer installed a safe system of work for this mincer that cost less than $3000 – far less than the total $11,548 the company ended up paying in a fine and costs.”

More info on Occupational Health and Safety

Source: http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/a/-/wa/15313188/company-fined-10-000-after-mincing-accident/

Dangerous Goods By Air Training

While all dangerous goods training is essential and necessary in order to protect your company, your workers who handle those dangerous goods, and the public at large, dangerous goods training by air is even more important. When you consider the risk that dangerous goods pose if handled incorrectly, and the chances of surviving an emergency landing it is easy to understand why being able to recognize dangerous goods, even those not labeled as such is essential to air safety.

In some cases, people unknowingly attempt to bring dangerous goods aboard a plane. In these cases, ordinary citizens simply have no idea that a common item may pose a danger or why. In addition, some unscrupulous companies have tried to shipped dangerous good by air in order to get them to their destination quicker. Being trained to identify such dangerous substances, and knowing what steps to take in order secure these items safely is essential to providing a safe means of travel for both the passengers and crew of an airlines.

How Often Is Dangerous Goods By Air Training Required

After receiving the initial dangerous goods training your certificate is good for two years at which time it must be renewed to remain in compliance with the dangerous goods guidelines. Not only is this renewal vital in reviewing the training you have received in the past to help keep it fresh in your mind, it also is necessary to inform you of new laws, as well as new items that are being considered as dangerous goods.

Who Is Required To Take This Training

Dangerous goods training should be undertaken by anyone who may be connected to the handling or identifying of dangerous goods. This not only includes: those who load goods onto the plane such as baggage handlers, but also those people who check luggage in the terminals as well as flight attendants and even pilots who may be called upon to deal with dangerous goods “in air” emergencies.

Since renewal training must be completed every two years keeping a record of employee training dates is essential to your company remaining in compliance with the laws, which is why many companies prefer group training to individual training as it is much easier to keep track of training dates when most of your employees have the same training date. Since failure to renew dangerous goods by air training can result in fines, and close down of business you want to make sure that training of all your staff is accomplished on time and as simply as possible.

Group training can be conducted by job, by shift, or any way that is convenient and beneficial for your company. Simply, set up a training schedule and ensure that everyone due for scheduled training takes the training either on time or before their current certificate expires. This will save your company a lot of paperwork as well as headaches and make it easier to guarantee that everyone gets the necessary dangerous goods training they need in a timely manner.

Click Here to enrol in our Dangerous Goods courses.

Construction Safety: Neglected Safety Issues At Concrete Pours

Concerns over surging budgets and prolonged delays are pushing construction companies to neglect safety measures related to concrete pours, according to a safety watchdog.

Work Safety Commissioner Mark McCabe, regards concrete pours as a major “pressure point” in the ACT industry, and subsequently one of the most hazardous activities in construction.

McCabe is joining the government inquiry panel that will be investigating suspected malpractice in the industry. The inquiry was ordered following 4 workplace deaths on ACT construction sites in under a year.

The inquiry is expected to conclude later this month, but McCabe believes that pressures to reduce costs were compelling workers to neglect safety problems in various areas of the job (i.e concrete pours).

A pour was halted half-way at Empire Building Group’s construction site in Harrison, after significant safety breaches were discovered throughout the access area. As a result, truckloads of concrete were directed away from the site—a move which is expected to be costly for the company.

McCabe identified aspects that contributed to the dangerous nature of concrete pours; namely the backed up waiting lists for concreting contractors (which is said to have been caused by the rapid growth of ACT’s construction industry and subsequently made any delays unappealing).

McCabe revealed that any delays on concreting can result in tens of thousands of dollars per day (of delay).

The company is working desperately on the safety issues at the worksite in Harrison. WorkSafe ACT will resume investigations at the site.

More on Construction Safety

Source: http://www.canberratimes.com.au/act-news/rushed-concrete-pours-raise-safety-alarm-20121104-28sgd.html#ixzz2BOiZlJpn

Food Safety Supervisor: It’s Good For Your Health To Be Safe

There is nothing worse than having been slightly liberal with your wallet on a beautiful 5-star restaurant meal (trying to impress the significant other! )… only to wake up in the middle of the night with a burning, unbearable pain in the stomache. That sharp pain  feels like a swift punch in the belly by Mike Tyson…but its not from that. You hurriedly think to your self ” It can’t be the cereal I had this morning! I THINK that sandwhich meat for lunch was fine.. so it could only be— NO! Why?! Why did I have to spend so much money on this meal, and experiment to be “exciting!”…Why?!

But it’s not always your fault, and it’s not always the mysterious, exotic dish’s fault… Sometime’s things go wrong, and someone is to blame.

It is imperative that  food business owners in Victoria  ensure  that their staff  are adequately skilled and knowledgeable enough to  safely handle food in their respective roles. It is therefore important for  food businesses  to elect a food safety supervisor to make sure of this.

What? A Food Safety Supervisor? What’s that?

A FSS  is someone who:

  • Is able to easily recognise, prevent and eliminate food handling hazards at the food business
  •  has earned a Statement of Attainment that declares that they have the required food safety competencies from a Registered Training Organisation (RTO);
  • has the ability and authority to supervise other people handling food at the premises and ensure that food handling is done safely.

What type of  Food Businesses Need FSS?

Only class 1 and class 2 food premises require a  food safety supervisor.

Food poisoning most often occurs upon consumption of  “potentially hazardous food” such as meat, seafood, cooked main meals and sandwiches. In addition, persons with weakened or immature immune systems suffer a greater risk of serious illness or death from food poisoning.

Class 1 and class 2 businesses therefore require a food safety supervisor. However a food safety supervisor is not required for class 1 and class 2 food premises which use a whole-of-business food safety program prepared under a recognised Quality Assurance (QA) system, and that program includes competency-based or accredited staff training. Such a system is an alternative means of educating staff about how to handle food safety.

Class 3 and class 4 food premises do not require a food safety supervisor as the nature of the food handled at those premises is not commonly associated with food poisoning. However, these businesses must still ensure that they maintain safe food handling practices.

All food premises (businesses and community groups) that sell food are legally required to ensure that it is safe for human consumption, regardless of the premises food safety supervisor requirements.

Types of Basic Fatigue Management Training

a lady driving a car with basic fatigue syndromeBasic fatigue management training courses are usually divided into two, one for employees and one for management. These courses are designed to help everyone understand the signs and symptoms of fatigue, the effect that fatigue can have both on performance and safety, and what to do to minimize the risks of fatigue.

Basic fatigue management training originally focused on those in the transportation industry, who were required to drive long distances, long hours, or worked driving night shifts and were likely to have accidents due to extreme fatigue. These training courses were designed to help drivers have better control over their need to get proper rest without jeopardizing their jobs and to help those who scheduled work to better understand the need to schedule work to allow time for breaks and rest for those drivers.

Today with so many people changing jobs, basic fatigue management training often falls upon individual workers. However, you should be aware that once you have completed your training that your individual training ticket goes with you should you change jobs. However, you will want to make sure that the next company you work for has also had proper training and that your new employers hold accredit ion.

Basic fatigue management has also grown to include a number of industries and basic fatigue management training for each industry must be customized to fit each industry’s specific needs. While the signs and risks of fatigue may be pretty much the same across the board, the methods for reducing those risks will be different in manufacturing than it will in mining or even a hospital setting. So the training for identifying those risks and putting procedures in place to manage those risks will be different as well.

When looking for Basic fatigue management training choose an online course that can be taken at your convenience, meets OHS guidelines, and is custom designed for the industry that you are in. This will help to ensure that whether you are an employee or manage employees that you know what your obligations are, and are given the tools you need to meet those obligations. By choosing the right course to meet your individual or company needs you will ensure that the work place is safer for everyone as well as being able to avoid penalties for not meeting your responsibilities.

Click Here to enrol in our Basic Fatigue Management Training

Two Million Homes Hold Potential Asbestos Dangers

Asbestos AwarenessApproximately Two million homes constructed prior to 1988 could hold potentially fatal asbestos dust around electricity meters. Workers have been ordered to wear safety masks while doing work involving the meter boards.Meter boards put in prior to1988 contain asbestos that becomes deadly upon being disturbed by drilling associated with the installation of modern meters and solar energy.

Endeavour Energy  released  a ”hazard alert” to all 3000 workers on Thursday following after workers revealed that they discovered asbestos residue around meters.

The Electrical Trades Union subsequently ordered its members to halt work on or near potentially hazardous board.Labor’s bungled solar bonus scheme has increased the rate of work being carried out on meter boards over the past five years.

Endeavour Energy reportedly informed customers and electrical contractors that they should don safety masks when ”opening or working on” older style fibro meter boards.

Members of the union have been instructed not to return to work until the the boards are deemed as “asbestos free”.  The situation is considered high-risk as the asbestos is friable ( breathable) and thus exposure is a higher risk.

Criticism has been directed towards EE for simply telling workers and customers to wear personal protective equipment rather than acting quickly and appropriately. The union believes the company could have directed more efforts to dealing with the risk to both staff and the public.

Barry Robson, of the Asbestos Diseases Foundation of Australia, has criticized the company as well for identifying the problem but not warning households.

There are concerns that if an urgent public awareness campaign is not launched, then a wave of new asbestos victims will emerge.

More info on Asbestos Training

Source:  http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/households-unaware-of-asbestos-alert-20121027-28c84.html#ixzz2AZKYWoC8

Unions Worried About Weakened Fatigue Legislation

Regulation to manage fatigue among NSW train operators may be weakened under proposed reforms, according to the national rail union.

The Rail, Tram and Bus Union stated that the  reforms could result in drivers working for over 10 hours at a time. These new national rail safety laws will reportedly replace state-based laws. States have accepted the new laws, although Transport Minister, Gladys Berejiklian succeeded in her attempts to retain stronger fatigue management provisions in NSW.

Both Transport for NSW and the Federal Minister for Transport, Anthony Albanese state that fatigue management systems will not be weakened under the new laws. However,  national secretary of the RTBU, Bob Nanva stated that semantically, the draft federal laws threatens stronger provisions in NSW.

The union submitted a report clarifying the ways in which state’s regulations could be weakened. Both long distance and inter-urban drivers,  fall under the current NSW regulations,  but only apply to “long distance” trains.

“This proposed wording clearly changes the current NSW arrangement by leaving sufficient ambiguity to argue that inter-urban services are not long distance trains – and therefore not subject to the shift limits that currently apply to those services,” the union’s submission states.

According to the union’s submission, in NSW train drivers are required to have a minimum break of 30 minutes between the third and fifth hours of each shift.

The draft national laws, however, required a “maximum” 30-minute break only to be “scheduled”.

But this has since been changed to “scheduled and taken”.

Source: http://www.smh.com.au/national/union-fears-over-train-driver-fatigue-20121024-284xn.html#ixzz2AYmhxHJA

Fire Crews Face Fatigue Management Issues

Rural firefighters are  suffering from fatigue and dehydration as they operate  rakehoes and chainsaws to control southeast Queensland’s wave of grass and bush fires.

Volunteers are consuming approximately a litre of water every hour in order to keep up pace and creating fire breaks during 12-14 hour shifts.

First responders were replaced by “strike teams” of fire fighters from Stanthorpe and the Sunshine Coast.

Rural Fire Brigade Association president Mike Garrahy predicted some time ago that this would be one of the worst fire seasons in many years. Thus far, his assertions have been all but prophetic.

Residents and Firefighters alike, have been grateful that the temperature has not risen and it hasn’t been drier — however it would be several additional days until the fires are controlled. According to rural operations regional director Peter Varley, the Queensland Fire and Rescue Service is monitoring the level of fatigue and will be replacing crews when fatigue begins to pose a problem.

“We have a fatigue management plan, but we have a limited amount of volunteers, they do a marvellous job. It’s something that we keep in mind all the time, that we have to keep changing those crews over.”

Mr Garrahy indicated that guidelines were implemented that ordered firefighters to return home for rest after two and half shifts .

Source: http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/fire-crews-fight-fatigue-as-they-battle-southeast-queenslands-grass-and-bush-fires/story-e6freoof-1226502721942

What is Involved in Working At Heights Training?

a man working at a great height on a cable carThere are a variety of jobs that require employees to work from heights, this type of work poses some very unique risks and some significant dangers. Falls from heights still remain one of the main causes of work related injuries, disabilities, and death. Working at height training is aimed at reducing the risks of falls from heights by providing the necessary tools to help employees avoid falls.

Working at Height training courses covers a variety of subjects that are designed to help those taking the courses to understand how such falls occurs, ways of assessing the potential risks and minimizing those risks to help ensure a safer work environment. In addition, working at height training covers working at heights using specific tools such as ladders and scaffolding. The course also covers fall arrest systems and how to use them properly.

In many cases, work related falls from heights happen because someone over extends themselves when reaching for objects, or because they did not take the time to check equipment such as ladders and scaffolding to make sure that it was in good working order before attempting to use the equipment. Learning to check equipment that your safety depends on is the first step in eliminating falls. Worn scaffolding cables or loose ladder rungs pose significant dangers.

Workers themselves need to be trained to work from heights, and need to understand how their own actions can result in falls. Employers need to be aware of the hazards of working from heights and be willing to reduce as many of those risks as possible. Ensuring that all employees who will be working from heights have proper training in identifying and avoiding risks, as well as how to safely use fall arrest systems, is an essential part in reducing the dangers of working from heights.

By having both supervisors and workers take a competency based height training course, your company can rest assured that everyone knows the basics of identifying risks of falls and how to reduce them when working at heights of 2 meters and more. This can result in fewer injuries to workers, and reduce liability to your company should an accident happen. You can reduce liability by:

  • ensuring that all workers and supervisors receive working at height training and obtain a certificate that you keep on file.
  • Keep a record of identified risks and what your company did to reduce them.
  • Make sure that your supervisors make periodic safety checks of equipment and that workers are following height safety guidelines and they keep a record of checks.

By ensuring that your workers and supervisors are trained at working from heights you can reduce the number of fall related accidents, injuries and deaths and provide a safer and more efficient working environment that will benefit everyone in your company.

For more information or to enrol in our Working At Heights training: Click Here

OHS: Brimbank Paid Out $5 million in Half a Decade

ohs trainingIn excess of $5 million was paid to workers who suffered injuries at the hands of machinery or equipment in Brimbank workplaces in the last half of this decade.

Worksafe Victoria’s reports reveal that there were 274 injuries in the region  between June 2007 and June this year, adding up to appproximately $5.6 million in compensation to workers.

Brimbank  is currently ranked 13th in the state, only being surpassed by  neighbouring Wyndham, Hobsons Bay and Maribyrnong local government areas.

Greater Dandenong  is number one in this exclusive group,with a startling  780 injuries as well as claims that add up to over $20 million.

According to Worksafe health and safety operations manager Lisa Sturzenegger ,Victorian workers lost 450 body parts as a result of  machinery accidents in the past five years.

She attributed the $220 million medical bill to  the amputations, cuts, crushing and other injuries to nearly 11,000 workers  as well as the subsequent treatment, rehabilitation and financial assistance

In under five years, nearly $2 million in fines were charged to employers following WorkSafe prosecutions  that revolved around guard rail safety measures as well as a multitude of unsafe machinery cases .

More info on Occupational Health and Safety

Source : http://brimbank-leader.whereilive.com.au/news/story/5m-for-work-injuries/ 

 

 

OHS: WorkSafe Pressured To Rush Inquiry

OHS TrainingWorksafe is refusing to prematurely release the details pertaining to a pearl diver death investigation.

Jarrod Hampton of Melbourne, died in April while he was diving off the coast of Broome for Paspaley Pearls. WorkSafe took statements from witnesses and has been looking into the safety record of the company.

Commissioner Lex McCulloch stated that the pressure has been put on in order to rush the outcome. He is however, confident that the result will remain thorough and accurate.

Commissioner Lex McCulloch says he has experienced enormous pressure to rush the outcome but maintains it will be thorough and accurate.

Since the investigation started, countless emails and printed letters have made their way through the ministry and some have even reached the premier’s office.

The letters are reportedly requests for updates on the current situation regarding the death. McCulloch said the process may take longer but the process will be thorough.

“If there’s been errors made or gaps in what we need to do, then the industry will assess those and try to meet them,” said Pearl Producers Association chief executive officer Brett McCallum

A Coroner’s report is being anticipated.

Despite the police report on  Hampton’s death already finalised, the Coroner is still awaiting the WorkSafe report to be complete, before it investigates.

More info on Occupational Health and Safety

Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-10-25/worksafe-pressured-to-rush-dive-death-investigation/4333874?section=wa

Manual Handling: Factory Injuries Carry Heavy Financial Burden

Almost 20 thousand  Queensland factory workers  suffered injuries in the workplace in the past fiscal year which resulted in approximately  $204 million in disbursements from WorkCover.

While less than 12,000 claims were made by construction workers,  their payout were in excess of $201 million and were responsiblefor 16 per cent of all claims.

Workers in the metals, plastics and meat processing areas are considered to be the highest risk in the manufacturing sector according to the insurer’s yearly repor. t

Queensland secretary of the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union, Rohan Webb, claimed to have expected the injury report for  2011/12 financial year to be high, “but not that high”.

He attributed the problems to companies who appoint on-site safety managers who lack the proper training for the role.  He also targeted companies who  fail to properly guard machinery.

“When a safety representative is elected by the workforce we seem to get better results and better safety, Mr Webb said.

He said occupational health and safety standards had weakened with a relative explosion in small- to medium-sized manufacturing operations across the state.

“Unfortunately employers say safety is paramount, but they’re quite quick to cut a corner if it means upping production,” Mr Webb said.

Overall, 3741 Queensland workers injured on the job sued their employer for negligence last financial year, resulting $514 million in payouts.

The report reveals the 150,000 employers insured through WorkCover face premium hikes, with the average rate to increase from $1.30 to $1.45 per $100 in wages.

WorkCover manages 90 per cent of Queensland workers’ compensation claims.

More information on Manual Handling

Source: http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/factory-accidents-prove-costly-20121018-27u26.html#ixzz2ABKXg0iY 

The Benefits Of Online White Card Training

constuction gear around a white cardAnyone wishing to work on a construction site including owner/builders need to obtain a White Card in order to set foot on a construction site. Getting the training necessary isn’t always easy especially if you’re working another job at the same time as seeking that training. Many employers simply are not going to give you time off from work while you do what you need to do to secure employment in another field. Which is just one of the reasons why you may want to seek your white card training online.

Ability To Take The Training On Your Own Time

Getting your online white card training from an accredited program can allow you to get the training you need on your own time. Because online training is offered seven days a week 24 hours a day you can take the training in your spare time thus avoiding missed work and jeopardizing your current job. You can choose to take your training early in the morning, late at night or at any time in between.

With classroom training you have to take the training according to when the training is actually scheduled. While there is nothing wrong with getting your training in a classroom setting, it can be difficult to match your free time to the time the training is offered. By taking advantage of online white card training this is not an issue.

No Travel Expense

Another benefit to getting your white card training online is that you don’t have any travel expense. Offline white card training is offered at specific locations which means that you may have to travel to get the training you need. With online white card training you can take your training from home, which means there is no travel expense added to the cost of the training. Which means that you can save money by taking your white card training online.

What Online White Card Training Entails

Online white card training entails the same training you would receive offline. This includes:

  • How to identify and reduce possible safety hazards on construction sites.
  • Learning how to establish safety procedures and see that they are followed.
  • Knowing the local laws and regulations

At the conclusion of the training you will be asked to demonstrate your competency and understanding of this basic training. You will then receive a temporary white card with which you can seek work on a construction site until your permanent card arrives. Please keep in mind, that any employer can require you to retake this training if he feels there is a need. The entire purpose of this training is to help reduce the number of serious accidents that occur on construction sites and provide a safer working environment for those who work in this field.

If you have held a white card (or green card) in the past, and have not worked in the construction industry for some time, you may want or be required to get white card training again. This is for your benefit as well as for the benefit of others on any work site where you might be employed. Online white card training is thorough and generally reasonably priced as well as convenient.

Fire Safety Social Media Campaign To Launch For Students

Fire Safety TrainingThe Fire brigade will launch a social media campaign and mobile phone app that aims to educate international students about Fire Safety. The Metropolitan Fire Brigade conducted focus groups with foreign students to gain insight into the optimum ways of reaching them via online networks.

Tentative plans are to launch the campaign next year.

MFB station officer of the Community Education Department, John Hale, stated that many international students live in crowded, dangerous conditions with no smoke alarms and a variety of other fire hazards. The focus groups revealed that many students were afraid to object to the conditions because they were fearful for their student visas. ‘They just don’t want to make a fuss,’’ Hale said.

The MFB plans to release videos and written safety information releases in a variety of languages for students prior to leaving their home country. According to another officer, Rod East, on a weekly basisup to two incidents are attended to at rooming houses, often with international students. East claims to have seen up to 19 students living in one house and he does not think this is uncommon for rooming houses.Recently, fire crews attended to a fire at Reservoir garage that which had been renovated into student housing.  The garage was found to not have been properly equipped with smoke alarms and had an overloaded electrical system which potentially caused the fire.

‘‘That actually had three rooms in it. It was only a tin garage that had lining on it,’’  East said.

All the students had reportedly fled the site before fire crews arrived.  East said ‘‘If you don’t get to them early enough you’ll never see them again.’’

East stressed that students should be aware that they deserve   safe accommodation,he added,  ‘‘They don’t have to live like this.’’

Council of International Students Australia national president Aleem Nizari recently discussed his experiences with overcrowding in rooming houses. He witnessed one instance where  16 students were living in a three-bedroom house. He had even witnessed a case inwhich a wardrobe was offered as a bedroom to a student.

Source: http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/fire-safety-push-online-for-students-20121023-283e9.html#ixzz2ABQEmf89

Government Rallies Against Asbestos

Asbestos AwarenessThe Queensland government is putting more pressure into the fight against the often fatal substance, asbestos. They will put increase allotted funding in an effort to remove high-risk asbestos that exists throughout schools and public housing.

According to Public Works Minister Bruce Flegg, one Queenslander is diagnosed with a terminal case of mesothelioma (asbestos related disease) ever six days. This number is expected to rise through out the next decade.

Flegg  recently stated there are two million cubic metres of asbestos in public buildings, most of which is in the walls of schools and public housing, with 400 asbestos scares a year.

Dr Flegg announced the government’s plan to invest $1.5 million to prioritise the removal of high-risk asbestos material, particularly fibre boards and vinyl floor sheeting, which is substantially more dangerous than fibro asbestos.

The extra funding is on top of the $26 annual budget for removal.

Dr Flegg said it’s particularly worrying that schools have the most cases of asbestos.

“Asbestos exposure in schools has been going on for a very long time and it is really frightening for parents because there is no way of telling (whether) your child … has inhaled asbestos fibres if the circumstances occur where they may become airborne,” he told reporters.

Dr Flegg would also work with local government to create more dump sites and a central register so people can easily identify a tip to go to instead of illegally dumping the lethal material.

QBuild staff, the government’s construction and building maintenance business, would also be upskilled to have Class B and Class A licences for asbestos removal, to curb the use of contractors.

More info on Asbestos Training 

Source: http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/government-to-ramp-up-fight-against-asbestos-20121018-27t5p.html#ixzz2AAw62nEm

What is Carbon Management Training?

carbon management training iconThe Clean Energy Future Policy is an effort to bring Australia in line with the efforts of other countries to reduce the amount of carbon emissions across the board and at least slow if not reverse global warming. This is extremely important because the environment and environmental issues affect everyone and businesses can have the biggest negative or positive impact on the health of the environment. The main goal of this policy is to create a low carbon economy, which means that the economy of the country is based on low carbon input and output. This means that it is going to be up to every business and industry to do his or her share. The Policy is a way to encourage or force businesses to lower their carbon footprint with the long term goal of both helping the environment and actually making businesses more profitable.

It won’t be easy; it is going to require real commitment and knowledge. Many companies are going to have to replace carbon intensive equipment and processes with more innovative and efficient machinery and processes. It also means that businesses as a whole are going to have to work together to balance those industries where carbon emissions can’t be eradicated or reduced.

There are several different carbon management training course and these courses will:

  • Help you to understand the effect that carbon emissions have on Australia and the world. It will help you understand what global warming is, and how it effects the lives of everyone on the planet as well as the planet itself.
  • Explain how you can better manage carbon risks in your business.
  • Explain what you need to need to do to actually save money in your business by avoiding heavy penalties, taxes, and fines. You will also learn how using energy more efficiently will save you money on utility bills.
  • Carbon management will also explain how reducing that carbon footprint will actually make more money in the long term both through having more efficient running production, and improving your businesses reputation which will result in more customers.
  • Some carbon management training courses will enable you to identify sources of greenhouse gases and write reports on how those carbon emissions can be reduced as well as the “green” options that may be available.
  • Evaluate carbon emission opportunities and their effectiveness.

You want to make sure that the carbon management training courses you take are nationally recognized and that upon completion you will be able to show your formal learning. Understanding more about how carbon emission affects the environment will help you take the necessary steps toward reducing and in some cases almost entirely eliminating those emissions resulting in a cleaner, healthier environment for everyone.

For information about our Carbon Management Courses Click Here

Working At Heights: Worker injured in Construction Site Fall

Working at heights safetyA 22 year old worker was hospitalized following an construction accident in Canberra.

The worker suffered chest injuries resulting from his falling five metres from an internal shaft at the Nishi Apartments in New Acton.

Ambulance paramedics treated him prior to being taken to Canberra Hospital, where he is currently in stable condition. Over 300 construction workers were informed that they will not be able to return to work until the safety issues are dealt with. WorkSafe ACT designated an exclusion zone around the construction site until it can be properly investigated. Originally just the accident site was roped-off but

Dean Hall from CFMEU said “When you have an accident like this on a building site, what you find is that a lot of workers come forward with concerns they’ve had,” he said.

“We’ve had a number of them approach us already with some pretty serious concerns and allegations.

“We’ve given them the undertaking that we’ll work with management to resolve those, and the site will not go back to work until that takes place.”

More info on Working at Heights

Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-10-22/man-injured-in-worksite-fall/4326902?section=act

Ways to Help Manage Fatigue in the Workplace

News stories continue to emerge regarding  fatigue and how it plagues workplaces throughout Australia.It is this important for employers to know how to identify the signs of workplace fatigue.

Defining Workplace Fatigue

Fatigue is a perpetual state of  tiredness that progresses into  mental or physical exhaustion and inhibits workers from effectively functioning  within practical boundaries. Fatigue is far beyond a simple feeling tiredness and drowsiness, it is a physical condition  often occurs when a person meets their physical or mental limits

Fatigue can result from a variety of work or lifestyle related factors or a combination. Some of the work related factors include:

  • insufficient  breaks
  • extensive time of being awake
  • inadequate recovery time between shifts
  • payment incentives that inadvertently encourage working longer shifts
  • environmental conditions (for example, climate, light, noise, workstation design)
  • type of work being undertaken; whether physical or mentally exhausting work.

Lifestyle-factors can include:

  • lack of quality sleep due as a result of sleeping disorders
  • busy social life
  • personal responsibilities
  • additional employment
  • travel (sometimes work time)
  •  nutrition and diet, exercise, pain, illness
 

Safe Work Australia’s signs of  worker fatigue

  1. Headaches and/or dizziness
  2. Wandering thoughts, daydreaming, lack of concentration
  3. Blurred vision or difficulty keeping eyes open
  4. Constant yawning, a drowsy relaxed feeling or falling asleep at work
  5. Moodiness such as irritability
  6. Short term memory problems
  7. Low motivation
  8. Hallucinations
  9. Impaired decision-making and judgment
  10. Slow reflexes and responses
  11. Reduced immune system function
  12. Increased errors
  13. Extended sleep during days off work
  14. Falling asleep for a few seconds without realising
  15. Drifting in and out of traffic lanes

Sleep is the only effective long term strategy to prevent and manage fatigue. While tired muscles can recover with rest, the brain can only recover with sleep. The most beneficial sleep is a good night’s sleep taken in a single continuous period.

One sleepless night can be  be equated to someone who has been drinking alcohol, for example:

  • being awake for 17 hours is the equivalent of having a blood alcohol level of 0.05
  • being awake for 20 hours is the equivalent of having a blood alcohol level of 0.1

Shift workers (including night work) and fatigue

The body has a natural rhythm that repeats every 24 hours – known as a  ‘body clock’. Our body clock regulates our sleeping patterns, body temperature, hormone levels and digestion.

When the human body clock is interrupted, our alertness suffers which results in feelings of fatigue. This contributes to the risks of making errors and subsequently resulting in accidents and injuries, either in the workplace or travelling to work.

Shift workers are one of the most affected groups of fatigue. Body clock rhythms  have a difficulty in adjusting to shiftwork. In many workplaces shift work, and particularly night work cannot be avoided which increases the need for proactively managed fatigue.

Source: Safe Work Australia draft code of practice on workplace fatigue

Human Resources: Union Boss Fined For Bullying Workers

Famed WA union boss Joe McDonald again been fined for bullying employees at a construction site. The most recent fine against Mr McDonald and the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union takes the combined total  against the pair to  over $1 million since 2005, according to Fair Work Building and Construction.

Revealed in the Federal Magistrates Court, Mr McDonald, the CFMEU WA assistant secretary, said that if Herdsman Business Park i workers weren’t a member of the union they could “F**king go and find” employment elsewhere. There are no requirements for workers to be union members.

During a meeting with the employees of various subcontractors, Mr McDonald said he would close down the site because there were not enough amenities or toilets and the scaffolding was not safe. Two other CFMEU officers also instructed workers to stop work and leave the site. All but four did for the rest of the day. The court heard that shortly after, the site manager told Mr McDonald he had arranged for additional toilets for the site, but Mr Donald responded “I don’t care, the men aren’t going back to work”. Mr McDonald was found guilty of unlawful industrial action and making false and misleading statements about workers’ requirements to join the union and fined $6380. The union was fined $28,600 plus $15,000 in costs to be paid to FWBC. Mr McDonald and the CFMEU have been embroiled in numerous legal cases relating to bullying of workers at WA construction sites.

They were recently ordered to pay a $200,000 penalty for engaging in a targeted industrial campaign against the same company on another site. Last year Mc McDonald lost an appeal against a $8000 fine for taking unlawful strike action at City Square in the CBD on July 15, 2009. He had encouraged workers with occupational health and safety concerns to walk off the job for the day. The union also was fined $40,000 for the illegal action. FWBC chief executive Leigh Johns said Mr McDonald was misusing union members’ fees. “Mr McDonald is a recidivist who regularly flouts workplace laws and then turns up to court with no defence, ready to do a deal using CFMEU members’ funds,” Mr Johns said. “While we welcome the court’s handing down the penalties and costs, the fact is that Mr McDonald has wasted the court’s time, as well as some $250,000 worth of union funds in recent weeks alone. “If Mr McDonald stopped his pattern of unlawful behaviour, hard-working members of his union would be better off, in both their industrial outcomes, and through savings of some $1 million his actions have cost them in penalties since 2005.”

More info on Human Resources

Source: http://www.watoday.com.au/wa-news/union-boss-penalties-top-1m-after-bullying-fines-20121010-27czy.html#ixzz293TI2dms

Why You Need Forklift Safety Training

a man giving forklift safety trainingA forklift is a handy piece of equipment that is used in a variety of jobs from manufacturing to construction work. This piece of equipment can make moving loads easier and faster and save stress and strain on workers backs and limbs. However, unless the person operating the fork lift is trained properly to run this machine safely it can be a dangerous tool for both the operator and other workers in the vicinity of this potentially deadly piece of equipment. This makes it vitally important that anyone who operates a forklift completes a forklift-training course.

Forklift safety training courses can be taken online and although these courses are short, normally under ½ hour each they are packed with information that anyone who will be operating a forklift in the course of their work needs to know. By having your operators take one or two of these short courses you can reduce your OHS risk and rest assure that anyone operating a forklift for your business has displayed competency in doing so. These courses cover such things as:

  • Checking the forklift to ensure that it is working properly.
  • Fueling and recharging the forklift safely
  • Knowing the forklift attachments and how to safely and correctly install them.
  • Understanding traveling and traffic controls
  • Knowing how to properly and safely lift and move loads.
  • Knowing how to properly and safely park a forklift.
  • How to safely maneuver around other workers, pedestrians, and items in a warehouse.

Many of the rules and safety procedures in the forklift safety training may seem like common sense, however, due to the large number of work related accidents involving fork lifts and the safe operation of this piece of equipment, training in these common sense rules are necessary in order to protect your employees and your business property.

Emphasis is placed on the fact that forklifts can be a dangerous pieced of equipment and operators need to remain alert when operating one. The number of unbalanced and falling loads, rollovers, and collisions involving forklifts that occur each and every year show the need for such training courses to help prevent serious injury and death on the job. When you stop to think that one of these courses takes less than ½ an hour to complete online it simply makes sense to ensure that your operators are trained and competent in operating a forklift. It seems that 30 minutes is small amount of time to invest in training that could actually save lives.

To find out about AlertForce’s forklift safety training courses: Click Here

 

Alertforce Launches 1-Day HSR Bridging Course

For Immediate Release

POTTS POINT, NSW– Australia’s Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) and environmental training company, AlertForce (AF) now offers one-day Bridging Health and Safety Representative training course for their newly launched 5-day Comcare (HSR) training course.

AF’s new bridging course for HSRs is intended to assist HSRs and deputy HSRs understand the principles of legislative framework under the Work Health and Safety Act. The course will also educate the participants on newly introduced amendments to WHS legislation, as well as to introduce applicants to new terminology and definitions, duties of HSR, and enforcement measures.

In order to receive admission, applicants must provide evidence that they have completed the Comcare 5-day HSR training. AlertForce’s HSR Bridging course will be face-to-face and will provide participants with detailed notes, practical working experience, and even a lunch. Participants who successful complete the HSR 1-day Bridging Course will be awarded a Certificate of Attendance.

In order to secure admission into the training course, participants will have to register for the course before December 31, 2012. The training will be offered on site in Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, and Sydney and will cost $347.00 and bulk discounts are available for larger groups.

The following criteria will be discussed in the bridging course:

  • HSR/HSC Roles in the workplace including Consultation, Representation and Participation

  • The role of HSRs in resolving issues and minimising risk in the workplace

  • Workplace Inspections, Notifiable Incidents and Incident Investigation

  • Provisional Improvement Notices (PINs) and ceasing unsafe work

The HSR course will teach individuals how to be a central part of the partnership between employer and employee. A HSR’s duty includes tasks such as inspecting the workplace for safety lapses, accompanying an investigator during an inquiry, investigate OHS complaints, and initiate safety protocols. “Since we now have the 1-day Bridging HSR training course complementing the Comcare 5-day HSR course, we can effectively ensure that business professionals will have the experience needed to involve themselves in the dialogue and decisions affecting their safety” says Brendan Torazzi, AlertForce company founder.

AlertForce’s approval for the HSR bridging course and the 5-day HSR course indicates that the company has fulfilled Comcare requirements needed to include these courses in their wide catalogue of award-winning training programs.

AlertForce (https://alertforce.com.au) specialises in delivering fast, competency-based, interactive short online and face to face OHS & E courses to mitigate risk and health and safety & environmental hazards in Australian workplaces.

For more information please contact Brendan Torazzi – CEO AlertForce. Ph: 1300 627 246

 More information on HSR can be found at the  ComCare Website

 

SafeWork Attempts to Reduce Worker Fatigue

A new proposal dictates that bosses will have to schedule jobs around the social lives of employees and ensure that staff who yawn or daydream are not too fatigued to continue working safely.

The proposal falls under national health and safety laws that were implemented to improve fatigue management.

Employers are angry that the new laws designates them as the “yawn police” , always on duty  for workplace fatigue.The government agency’s fatigue management checklist includes headaches, daydreaming, constant yawning, low motivation and moodiness. It has reportedly been proposed that bosses ‘eliminate or reduce the need to work extended hours or overtime’ to avoid fatigue dangers.

“If a worker leaves their job tired and exhausted they may be less able to enjoy out of work activities or could be a danger to themselves and others in the community,” the draft code states

The code states that If a worker arrives to work and is deemed unfit to work because of a lack of sleep, illness or other condition, the worker may be less productive and could endanger themselves or others.The report reveals that the the code recommends that employers  train workers in ‘balancing work and personal lifestyle demands’.

Source: http://www.newstrackindia.com/newsdetails/2012/10/07/123–Safe-Work-Australia-plan-to-reduce-workplace-fatigue-of-workers.html

Construction White Card Training

construction white cardIn order to work on a construction site in Australia you need to take white card training and get a white card. This is general training for those who will be involved in construction work. Construction work includes not just the building of new buildings, but also alterations, conversions, renovations, repair, maintenance, demolition or dismantling of structures.

Who Needs To Take White Card Training?

White card training courses need to be taken by anyone who works or plans to work for a construction company, those who want to become an owner/builder and those who plan on going for blue card training. Once training is completed and you pass the course you will get a temporary white card that you need to carry with you until your permanent white card comes in the mail. Since 2011 your permanent white card needs to carry your picture.

Even if you already have a white card you may be asked to retake white card training if your employer deems it necessary. White card training is sometimes called green card training because the card itself used to be green.

What White Card Training Entails

White card training is really very basic training for those who work or intend to work in the construction business either on a one-time basis or as a career. During this training you will learn:

  • How to identify possible safety hazard on construction sites.
  • How to reduce those safety hazards that have been identified
  • Learn how to establish safety procedures and monitor workers to help ensure those procedures are being followed.
  • Learn the local laws and regulations.

With the number of accidents and their serious consequences that have been occurring of late in the construction industry it is essential that those who work in this industry either as an employee, a manager of a construction crew or the owner of a construction company ensure that everyone is properly trained for the job they do. This training begins with the basic white card training. By ensuring that every member on a construction site has their white card and carries it with them at all times you can help to prevent accidents and reduce the penalties your business may face should an accident occur.

Surge of Truck Deaths Prompt “Blame Game”

A surge in serious truck accidents on one of Australia’s busiest transport routes has caused conflict over who is responsible.

The Hume Highway between Sydney and Melbourne is one of the country’s major supply routes and is now one its most fatal.

Approximately nine trucks have been wrecked on the north-east Victorian stretch in recent weeks – seven within 10 days.

The most recent accident involved a postal truck which  struck a tree and caught fire north of Violet Town The driver did not survive.

Senior Sergeant at Seymour Police Station, Ralph Willingham, believes the problem stems from a lack of resources to combat driver fatigue. WIllingham does not attribute the recent collisions to engineering problems rather, he believes them to be caused by fatigue management issues.  He attributes these issues to the industry being under tough economic pressure to “do more in less time” and believes all signs point to fatigue-related causes.

The Victorian Road Authority, VicRoads, works together with the police to enforce road regulations for Trucks.

David Shelton, the director of road safety at VicRoads, says the latest run of accidents is concerning.

“We are looking at whether we can actually do a more enhanced crash investigation process to better understand the underlying reasons why these crashes are occurring,” he said.

“We’re starting specifically in the north-east, and at the moment we’re at the point of saying what sort of methodology – how would we actually examine this?

Shelton believes in order to combat fatigue everyone needs to work together with transport operators to gather information that only they would be privy to — which would help them to understand the root causes of the problems.

 Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-10-06/unions-claim-truckies-being-driven-to-death/4299126?section=vic

Asbestos Training: Deadly Substance Found At Girl Guides Hall

ASBESTOS AWARENESSWorkplace Standards Tasmania is inquiring how asbestos was left undetected at a demolition site in the state’s south.

The deadly substance was buried in the infrastructure of a Girl Guides hall which was demolished for new council chambers.The asbestos was discovered at a rental property where it was misidentified as cleanfill.

Thomas Connelly who resides on the site is considering relocating his family because he fears for his three children’s health. He has subsequently contacted the council, the EPA and the Tenancy Union. Connelly wants out of his lease immediately as he is worried the presence of the substance could have deadly implications.

Connelly recalled stories regarding children who have played near mines in the past and have eventually be diagnosed with cancer. He is concerned that it only takes a small amount of exposure to result in cancer or a related disease.According to the site manager Bill Costin, a report is currently being prepared. Costin said checks had been done on the structure years ago but they missed the asbestos because it was “below the ground”.

Asbestos Free Tasmania Foundation spokeswoman Susan Wallace stressed that what is above the ground isn’t the only important  aspect since asbestos had been crushed in the past from demolitions and used to fill foundations.Wallace said this incident teaches those in the industry that simply checking the building is not sufficient.

The council informed the public that the asbestos has since been removed from both sites.  However, Connelly claims that it has not been removed and it is 100 metres from his home.

Mr Costin alleges that he was removed and he will investigate further.

More info on Asbestos Training

Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-10-11/absestos-find-at-girl-guides-hall/4307212?section=tas 

Brewery Workers Strike Amid Safety Concerns

Carlton and United Breweries are refusing to return to work until safety concerns at beer giant’s Abbotsford brewery are addressed.

The brewer has reassured customers that there is no immediate concern over the disruption of beer supplies.

Approximately 160 brewery workers decided to strike  over concerns at the plant. The union representing the workers at the brewery, United Voice, stated that new brewing processes suggested by the company last year was neither safe nor acceptable.

The union also expressed staff concerns that voluntary redundancies offered to staff at the brewery could be withdrawn or even used to get rid of staff.

United Voice and CUB’s parent company  engaged  Fair Work Australia in search of  an emergency hearing, in an effort to resolve the dispute.

CUB said in a statement that it had been going through an extensive consultation process with staff since 2011 over the changes.

It said that some operations were recommencing at  the site, that alcohol continued to be  delivered and that “no interruption is expected to beer supply”.

More info on Occupational Health and Safety Training
Source: http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/cub-workers-strike-over-brewery-safety-20120926-26le4.html#ixzz27tzQEyDU

Injured Worker, Tiffany Ward’s Story Is Launched As A Film By Queenland Workplace Health And Safety

tiffany ward with her family“In it for the Long Haul: The Tiffany Ward Story” was launched by the WHSQ and may serve as both a wake up call for workplace safety and an inspiration for those who have already been injured on the job. This is the story of her horrific accident, in which both her arms were caught in a factory auger, leaving Tiffany near death and with serious lifelong injuries. But also tells of her own struggles as well as that of her family to come to terms with the financial and physical consequences that the accident left in its wake.

As Tiffany explains, this accident that occurred when she was just 18 proves that workplace accidents can happen to anyone not “just middle aged men.” The purpose of the film seems to be two fold. The main purpose is to make people more aware of just how important workplace safety is and the effect that working in an unsafe work environment can have not only on the workers themselves, but on their loved ones and family as well.

The second goal of the film, clearly is of an inspirational nature. It makes clear the struggles that this young woman had in dealing with her injuries and the financial burden that such injuries entailed. It also highlights the emotional toll that such injuries take upon other family members to see someone they love so severely injured and struggling to recover and build a life in the wake of the trauma they suffered.

This is a film that is well worth seeing and employers are urged to show this film to all of their employees as well as view it themselves. Perhaps, seeing this film will make it clear just how important workplace health and safety is when one can actually hear and see the effect that these types of accidents that can be avoided can have on a person’s life.

Purported Cause of Mount Lyell Disaster To Be Challenged

The cause of the Mount Lyell mining disaster is being currently being debated as it awaits its centenary.

Flames ignited in the North Mount Lyell mine in October 1912, resulting in the deaths of 42 miners and the entrapment of approximately 100 workers underground.

A Royal Commission released an open finding but the company fingered an employee as the one responsible. The company claims that the incident was caused by an employee lighting the fire.

Renowned historian Geoffrey Blainey wrote a book about 50 years ago in which he ascertained that the fire was deliberately lit.

“Not with the idea of causing death but with the idea of causing a shock,” he said.

But former MP Peter Schultz  is an author of a new book that challenges that position.

He told 730 Tasmania he wanted clear the air and dispute the company’s claims.  Shultz believes the company suppressed evidence of several electrical fires that had previously occurred. He added, that despite the commission’s findings that there had only been one fire, there was actually evidence indicating that five fires had occurred and that the pump station was especially dangerous.

“There were no fuses in the control circuits and on two of the previous occasions where there had been fires, they had to switch off the power to be able to put the fires out.”

More information on Confined Spaces

Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-10-06/cause-of-mt-lyell-disaster-questioned/4299184?section=tas

Asbestos Training: Australian Registry’s First Mesothelioma Report

The first report  compiled with data from the recently-established Australian Mesothelioma Registry has been released, and the results are not encouraging especially for labourers

According to Safe Work Australia’s report and the Australian Mesothelioma Registry, 612 new cases of mesothelioma in 2011 were recorded. The new country-wide registry launched in 2011 with the aim of recording and tracking all newly reported mesothelioma cases. The collection of data is to compile research and note patterns and trends.

612 new cases equals to about 2.7 mesothelioma cases per 100,000 people. Safe Work Australia noted however that  that the number is likely to be a significantly higher due to “possible delays in confirming or coding some diagnoses.”

Of the 612 mesothelioma cases diagnosed, over half of the deaths were reported by the end of August 2012. Men make up for about 84.5 per cent of reported cases and most patients are 65-years old or older. The report indicated that workers from the construction and building trades were the most likely to have been exposed to asbestos in their careers.

The registry has patients complete and asbestos questionnaire to gain some insight into their history of exposure.  A patients completed the survey and 87 also completed a telephone interview.

Australia has one of the world’s highest per capita rates of mesothelioma, a rare cancer that attacks the membranes around organs and often resists conventional therapies. According to Safe Work Australia, Australia both produced and was one of the biggest consumers of asbestos until the mid-1980’s. Even though the Australian government issued a total ban on the use and importation of all forms of asbestos in 2003, it is still present in thousands of homes and buildings.

At the beginning of this year the Australian government started a campaign meant to at encourage do-it-yourself homeowners to have asbestos assessments or have it removed before building or renovating a home.

More info on Asbestos Training

Source:First Australian Mesothelioma Report Confirms 612 Cases”, September 24, 2012, Occupational Health & Safety website.

 

NSW Taxi Drivers Will Be Required To Buckle Up in 2013

taxi seatbeltsStarting in January of 2013, NSW taxi drivers will be required to wear seat belts, ending a 41 year exemption for taxi drivers that has been in effect since the seat belt laws were passed. This new law is just one of many steps that are being considered and undertaken to provide safer worker conditions for those who drive taxis.

It is estimated that the new seat belt requirement will result in approximately 52 less injuries to taxi drivers each year, or one less injury a week. Other safety measures that will protect taxi drivers from passenger assaults and fare evasions are now being tried out in an effort to make taxi drivers safer in their workplace (their taxis) These other safety measures include:

  • Prepayment of fares prior to passengers getting into the cab.
  • In-car cameras
  • Improved training and support for beginning taxi drivers
  • Other Strategies to improve both taxi driver and customer awareness of security and safety in taxis.

Road Minister Duncan Gray states that unions and taxi associations were consulted before making the change. Such changes when implemented will make the job of a taxi driver safer not only from accidents but from assaults as well. It is a move in the right direction, to help improve safety for those who don’t work in more conventional jobs, where safety is more easily maintained as workers mainly work in one location, or under one specific supervisor.

This move to ensure taxi driver safety combined with the added safety measures taken by police to ensure road safety during school holidays are all part of an effort to make the roads of Australia safer for everyone. These efforts to improve safety on Australia’s roads could result in literally hundreds of lives being saved each year.

Owners and operators of other businesses and the public can also do their part to decrease those highway fatalities on Australian roads. Businesses can emphasis safe driving practices to their employees both when on the job and off. They can also be alert to worker fatigue and have a place where a fatigued worker can rest before heading home at the end of a long workday.

The public can follow seat belt laws, stay alert when driving, and remain within posted speed limits. When on long trips, stop frequently to rest for a few minutes before continuing on and don’t drive when you are tired or under the influence of liquor. If everyone works together, Australia can become a nation of safe driving and save lives in the process.

Fatal And Near Fatal Accidents Continue To Plague Construction Industry

On September 20, just hours after a rally staged by construction workers in Canberra calling for safer working conditions on construction sites ended, another worker on a Canberra construction site was seriously injured and had to be rushed to Canberra hospital.

The worker, and electrical apprentice suffered head injuries after falling 5 meters. Coming so close after the rally protesting unsafe working conditions on construction sites, this accident may add pressure to the inquiry already underway into safety issues on job sites. In another incident in Sydney, a 55 year old worker fell to his death on a construction site.

These continuing accidents raise several questions concerning the construction industry. These questions include:

  • Is the safety training undertaken by the construction industry being followed by these companies or are safety practices being ignored in an effort to make larger profits?
  • Is the safety training now being offered to employers and their employees sufficient to ensure worker safety?
  • Are there sufficient inspections being carried out to catch breeches in safety before they result in a serious or fatal accident?
  • Are worker complaints about unsafe working conditions being taken seriously?

It is clear that these questions all need to be answered, and a solution needs to be found to help ensure that construction sites are made safer for the people who work on these sites. The government, the construction companies, and construction workers themselves all need to come together and to find ways to make the construction industry safer while still allowing the companies to make a profit.

While some dangers are inherent in the construction businesses the number of accidents in this field of work in the last several months indicates a serious problem that needs to be addressed sooner rather than later. While fines and other penalties against companies failing to comply with safety guidelines are all well and good, these types of remedies won’t improve the quality of life for those workers seriously injured on the job, nor will it bring comfort to the families of those workers who are killed.

While investigations continue into improving safety on work sites, there are things that both employers and employees can do now to ensure that your work site is safe or at least safer.

  • Employers and managers need to do periodic inspections of job sites and check to ensure that proper safety procedures are in place and are being used.
  • All equipment used on the job site should be inspected and properly maintained. Any machinery that is not in proper working order needs to be fixed immediately and use of such machinery should be suspended until repairs are complete.
  • All workers should be trained properly in safety procedures and have adequate proof that they received such training.
  • Employees should report any safety hazards immediately, so they can be seen to and effectively reduced or eliminated.

By everyone in the construction industry taking these steps to help ensure that workers can do their job safely and effectively the rate of accidents are bound to decrease and many lives may be saved.

AlertForce specialises in online safety training. See our Construction Safety Courses here

Confined Spaces: WA Mines 3x More Fatal Than Any Other State

Confined spaces training

WA mine sites are three times more fatal than other states in Australia, according to recent reports from Safe Work Australia.

The report also revealed that workers are treating their own injuries on the job out of fear of being fired. This “culture of cover-ups” is reportedly a result of  mining companies trying to keep profits and production at full speed. Following inquiries by The Sunday Times, Department of Mines and Petroleum director-general Richard  Sellers  said inspectors will probe the first-aid kit claims.

Mining is reportedly number three on the list of deadly jobs in WA, only surpassed by the agriculture and construction industries. Over a dozen lives have been lost in four years, with countless injuries and close-calls.

Since WA has over a third of Australia’s mine workers, it accounts for nearly half of the deaths.

Safe Work reports that from 2007- 2011 16 mine workers died in WA. Of the mining deaths  Queensland had five fatalities,NSW and SA had five, and Victoria had one.

It was also revealed that

  •  Companies are informed prior to safety inspections
  • Following this month’s ore price drop, whole mine-safety teams were laid off.
  • Some inductions for new recruits consist of simply a  video with a questionnaire with answers provided.
  • Department of Mines noted over 50″significant incident reports” in under two decades. Some incidents include crushed workers, and deadly fumes in underground mines, explosions and other mining disasters.

Advocacy group FIFO Families’ said  several workers acquired their own first-aid kits for work because of the the fear they have of reporting “lost time injuries”. This fear is thought to stem from companies linking bonuses to “no lost-time” injuries since some contractors desperately wanted a clean safety record.

Consultant and campaigner Helen Fitzroy, who founded legacy charity Miners’ Promise following the mining death of her husband, has called for an elimination of production bonuses because they result in workers not reporting incidents.Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union secretary Gary Wood  stated that mine inspections were often “controlled” during site visits .He confirmed allegations that some companies had no desire to have injury reported on their record.

Mines Department director-general Richard Sellers noted the success of his inspectors hosting impromptu safety inspections. Sellers stated that these “pop” inspections had prompted a safety overhaul in WA that has made the mines some of the safest in the world.

More info on Confined Spaces

Fatigue Management:Transport Company Fined $9000

A WA transport company was subject to a $9000 fine  for nine charges pertaining to their  failure in ensuring drivers were on the road between the prescribed hours in order to combat fatigue.

Eight of the charges leveled against Taramore Pty Ltd,  were for breaching regulations set out by Occupational Safety and Health Regulations 1996. These set of regulations states that responsibility is  on employers to effectively manage fatigue and assist drivers by having  efficient systems implemented.

Without a proper system, drivers often exceed the amount of the work time allowed without resting after up to seven consecutive hours.

The last charge placed upon Taramore was for allowing a driver who was not certified fit by a medical practitioner.

 

The case  was heard in the Magistrates Court of Western Australia on 17 August. In addition to paying the $9000 in fines the company  is now also responsible for paying $11,000 in costs.

Many drivers drivers either worked for the Taramore Pty Ltd  in excess  of 10 hours/twice a week or worked for the company for a total of  over  60 hours in one week.

According to reports, the company did not set up trip schedules and left it to drivers to regulate their own trips. Drivers were expected to record trip sheets and return the paperwork to the company at the end of each shift. The trip sheet indicated that the drivers exceeded the permitted amount of work time as set out by regulations.

WorkSafe Commissioner Lex McCulloch said driver fatigue is a serious risk to the safety of long haul drivers and to the public.

“The importance of the management of fatigue is well known and recognised as a serious risk by the industry. There are real dangers when fatigued transport workers drive and it is disappointing when there are cases like this,” McCulloch said.

More info on Fatigue Management

Source: http://prosecutions.commerce.wa.gov.au/prosecutions/view/1386

 

Young Parent Campaigns For OHS After Serious Accident

A young mother of two, Tiffany Ward has been adamant campaigner for occupational health and safety since she almost lost her arm in a  a potato processing plant accident in 2008. The life changing accident has compelled her to become deeply committed to preventing others from suffering such debilitating injuries in the workplace.

Ward now appears in a recent government-backed film meant to educate workers about the importance of safety practices at work. In the video, Ward recounted the moment she realized how serious her injury was, after a workmate unwittingly pressed start on the potato slicer while she was cleaning it.

Ward recalls looking down and seeing torn flesh and bones instead of her arm. Her body was reportedly lifted off the ground because of how twisted her arm was in the machine.

Other employees had to hold Ward up for approximately 40 minutes until medics were able to free her. The injury has left her family mentally and financially wounded and her disability has limited her job prospects.

“I drop things all the time. All the cutlery and plates in our house are plastic because I have no strength in my right arm,” she said.

Ward is hopeful that the film will be seen as a warning to young people now entering the workforce.

“It can happen to anybody. It doesn’t only happen to middle-aged men,” she said.

Every year over 25 workers die as a result of occupational accidents in Queensland and over 5000 are left with detrimental injuries. The cost of workplace accidents is estimated at $6.2 billion of public funding annually.

Source: http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/breaking-news/new-push-to-prevent-workplace-accidents/story-e6frf7kf-1226478898090

Fire Safety: Fatal Winery Blast Awaits Prosecution Decision

WorkCover  revealed that it is currently trying to ascertain whether or not it is in public interest to to take legal action following a fatal Hunter Valley winery blast.

The explosion at the Draytons Family Winery in early 2008  resulted in the death of respected vigneron Trevor Drayton and welder Eddie Orgo.

Assistant winemaker William Rikard Bell  was only spared because he jumped into a dam to douse flames that had engulfed his body .Last year Deputy State Coroner Hugh Dillon placed blame of the explosion upon systemic failures.

He reportedly discovered that liquid ethanol vapours ignited while Orgo was welding a wine vat.Upon the initial inquiry it was  believed that the blast fell into the category of negligent manslaughter as a result of an industrial accident.

WorkCover has reportedly conducted an investigation and is currently reviewing all available evidence from the initial inquest. WorkCover will determine whether it is in the best interest of the public to let public prosecution proceed.

More info on Fire Safety

Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-09-24/no-decision-yet-on-possible-prosecution-over-fatal-winery-blast/4276754?section=nsw

Dangerous Goods: Chemical Leak and Boral Plant Fire In One Week

Hazardous ChemicalsA Caltex oil refinery in Brisbane was evacuated following a chemical leak which left four workers injured.

Emergency services rushed to the scene upon receiving reports of spilled chemical and vapour cloud emanating from the area. Queensland Fire and Rescue Spokesman said paramedics were on the site helping and treating the four individuals who were injured in the leak.

Reports indicated that the four workers weren’t seriously hurt but they are seeking treatment.

A Hazmat crew and scientific officer also joined the fire services at the scene. The leak is said to be under control and it is still undetermined how the leak was caused.

This incident follows the Boral Asphalt factory explosion.  The massive factory explosion rocked Narangba  and caused black smoke to be visible from a significant distance away.  Reports on how the factory explosion were also sketchy but fortunately all workers were accounted for. Boral is currently investigating an explosion that caused a fire at one of their plants in Queensland.

Six workers for the Boral plant were given the all clear by paramedics . The Company’s general manager said the explosion occurred when a holding tank suddenly released pressure.

The resulting blaze took up to eight fire crews to control.

Mr McGuire said there was no clear cause  for the explosion.

“We are working closely with the appropriate authorities and undertaking a comprehensive investigation into the cause of the accident,” he said in a statement.

More info on Dangerous Goods

Source: http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/national/workers-injured-after-chemical-leak-at-the-caltex-oil-refinery-in-east-brisbane/story-fndo1yus-1226481339549 

 

 

Work Continues At Site Despite Asbestos Concerns

asbestos awarenessWorkSafe ACT has permitted work to continue on an Canberra construction site despite recent asbestos handling concerns.

Construction union, CFMEU is pushing for the hotel redevelopment site to be shut down amidst concerns.

According to the union, asbestos was neither being removed nor disposed of properly which has prompted workers to refuse returning to work.

CFMEU ACT branch secretary Dean Hall remarked that workers were not wearing proper protective gear nor were they being properly decontaminated once they’ve commenced work.

Work Safety Commissioner Mark McCabe stated that inspectors have visited the site and are satisfied with the employers efforts to address union concerns. McCabe said an asbestos removal company was referred by the ACT Planning and Land Authority which are responsible for licencing.

Prior to the inspection, Hall had expressed concerns that both workers and the public were potentially being exposed to the deadly substance.

Hall stated that a number of issues are cause for concern.

” We have the direct threat that there could be something go wrong with the demolition process and not only kill workers on the site but more importantly there is no or very little protection for the public,” he said.

More info on Asbestos Training

Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-09-27/asbestos-fears-at-canberra-building-site/4282806?section=act

Working At Heights: Worker Hurt Amid Asbestos Concerns

Asbestos AwarenessAnother Canberra worker was hospitalized following a workplace accident and an inner city building was shutdown amid fears over asbestos handling.

The house-painter was hospitalised with suspected spinal injuries and broken bones following a four-metre fall from a ladder while painting a house.

This incident comes less than a week after a 20-year old apprentice suffered electric shock and fell five metres from a ladder and onto concrete. The apprentice accident took place the same day as a large workers rally for better workplace safety. Since the accident the apprentice has gone from “serious” condition to stable.

WorkSafe Commissioner Mark McCabe said the most recent injury occurred early in the afternoon while the painter was working alone on a house. McCabe stressed the importance for workers and bosses alike to be careful.

Currently the painter is hospitalized and awaiting X-ray results.

McCabe also discussed the Braddon demolition site in which workers have refused to work because of serious safety concerns and the alleged mishandling of asbestos on the job.

According to the building union, a significant amount of asbestos-contaminated rubble was rejected at the Mugga Lane tip because of issues with how it was sealed.

Construction union, CFMEU stopped working at the site because of concerns that basic asbestos safety measures were not being followed.

Branch secretary Dean Hall stated that the workers were inadequately trained and were not properly equipped with safety gear.  In fact, some workers were not wearing any safety gear at all and were exposing themselves to asbestos.

These same workers would reportedly then leave work with asbestos contamination on their clothes and go home to their families without proper decontamination.  There are concerns also that since the large bundle of waste was not sealed properly, fibres could have traveled to other communities.

More info on Working at Heights
Source: http://www.canberratimes.com.au/act-news/worker-hurt-as-asbestos-fears-emerge-20120926-26lvt.html#ixzz27u0sMo00

OHS Newsletter – September 2012 – FIRST AID – Part 1

first aid kitIn July 2012 the First Aid in the Workplace – Code of Practice was approved under section 274 of the WHS Act. The approved code of practice is a practical guide to achieving the standards of health, safety and welfare required under the WHS Act and the WHS Regulations

Codes of Practice (COP) are admissible in court proceedings under the WHS Act and WHS Regulations. Courts may regard a COP as evidence of what is known about a hazard, risk or control and may rely on the COP in determining what is reasonably practicable in the circumstances to which the code relates.

An inspector may refer to an approved code of practice when issuing an improvement or prohibition notice

Under the WHS Act a PCBU has the primary duty to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that workers and other persons are not exposed to health and safety risks arising from the business or undertaking.

The WHS Regulations place specific obligations on a PCBU in relation to first aid,
including:

  • Provide first aid equipment and ensure each worker at the workplace has access to the equipment
  • Ensure access to facilities for the administration of first aid
  • Ensure that an adequate number of workers are trained to administer first aid at the workplace or that workers have access to an adequate number of other people who have been trained to administer first aid

A PCBU may not need to provide first aid equipment or facilities if these are already
provided by another duty holder at the workplace and they are adequate and easily
accessible at all times that the workers carry out work.

Officers have a duty to exercise due diligence to ensure that the PCBU complies
with the WHS Act and WHS Regulations. Officers must take reasonable steps to
ensure that the PCBU uses appropriate resources and processes to eliminate or
minimise risks to health and safety.

Likewise, workers have a duty to take reasonable care for their own health and
safety and must not adversely affect the health and safety of other persons. Workers
must comply with any reasonable instruction and cooperate with any reasonable
policy or procedures relating to health and safety at the workplace, such as
procedures for first aid and for reporting injuries and illnesses.

Providing immediate and effective first aid to workers or others who have been
injured or become ill at the workplace may reduce the severity of the injury or illness
and promote recovery. In some cases it could mean the difference between life and
death.

DETERMINING THE FIRST AID REQUIREMENTS FOR YOUR WORKPLACE

The first aid requirements will vary from one workplace to another, depending on
the nature of the work, the type of hazards associated, the size and location, as
well as the number of people at the workplace. You need to use a risk management
approach to tailor first aid that suits the circumstances of your workplace, while also
providing the appropriate number of first aid kits, ensuring the contents of the first aid
kits and the number of trained first aiders is appropriate.

Is your workplace a high risk workplace where workers are exposed to hazards
that could result in serious injury or illness and would require first aid? Examples
where workplaces may be considered high risk are ones in which workers:

  • Use hazardous machinery (e.g. mobile plant, chainsaws, power presses and lathes)
  • Use hazardous substances (e.g. chemical manufacture, laboratories, horticulture, petrol stations and food manufacturing)
  • Are at risk of falls that could result in serious injury (e.g. construction and stevedoring)
  • Carry out hazardous forms of work (e.g. working in confined spaces, welding, demolition, electrical work and abrasive blasting)
  • Are exposed to the risk of physical violence (e.g. working alone at night, cash handling and having customers who are frequently physically aggressive)
  • Work in or around extreme heat or cold (e.g. foundries and prolonged outdoor work in extreme temperatures)

A low risk workplace is a workplace where workers are not exposed to hazards that
could result in serious injury or illness such as offices, shops or libraries. Potential
work related injuries and illnesses requiring first aid would be minor in nature.

Using a risk management approach, you need to:

  • Identify hazards that could result in work-related injury or illness
  • Assess the type, severity and likelihood of injuries and illness (reviewing accident and injury data can assist in this process)

Consult with your workers and other business operators within the workplace if you
share your workplace with other businesses to work out what first aid arrangements
are needed, such as:

  • The number, location and contents of first aid kits and other equipment
  • The type of first aid facilities that may be needed
  • First aid procedures
  • The number of first aiders

Certain work environments have greater risks of injury or illness due to the nature
of work being carried out and the nature of the hazards at the workplace. For
example, factories, motor vehicle workshops, and forestry operations have a
greater risk of injury that would require immediate medical treatment than low risk
environments such as offices. Therefore high risk work places require different first
aid requirements.

  • The size and location of the workplace also needs to be considered.
  • The distance between different work areas
  • The response times for emergency services

The number and composition of workers and other people at the workplace also
needs to be taken into account. When considering your workforce, you should also
include any contractors, subcontractors, and volunteers that you engage. You should
also consider any particular needs of workers who have a disability or a known
health concern.

A large workplace may require first aid to be available in more than one location.
First aid equipment and facilities should be located at convenient points and in areas
where there is a higher risk of injury or illness occurring.

In minimising the risks to health and safety associated with remote or isolated areas,
you must provide a system of work that includes effective communication with the
worker. This would assist in enabling an immediate emergency response.

Construction Safety: Crane Protests Avoidable

construction safety trainingAn 800-person rally at a new Perth children’s hospital site might have been eluded if the building contractor had publicized the results of a safety test, the construction union says.Workers at the Nedlands site put their tools down on Friday after the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union claimed contractor John Holland backed out on a verbal agreement to obtain an independent engineer’s review into a near-fatal crane accident last Tuesday.

The accident was reportedly caused by a fitting failure on a tower crane that brought down a two-tonne block and 50m of rope that almost landed on workers.The CFMEU said Holland agreed to share safety information relating to the crane but went back on his agreement, which resulted in the strike.

Fair Work Australia became involved and ordered an stop to industrial action until the issue was settled.Despite Holland’s promises to contract an independant engineer to conduct the report, Holland has allegedly conducted their own tests on the crane and did not share the information.

“If they had stuck to their verbal agreement, none of this (action) would need to have happened,” the CFMEU said in a statement.

“The incident which caused the dispute was immediately reported to the relevant workplace safety authorities and we continue to fully co-operate with authorities in their ongoing investigations,“ John Holland group managing director Glenn Palin Palin said.

The site has been granted  permission to continue work.

More info on Construction Safety

Source: http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/a/-/wa/14946076/crane-protest-could-have-been-avoided/

Construction Safety Incident Leaves Apprentice Seriously Injured

A 20-year old Canberra apprentice is fighting to survive after a workplace accident at the old bus depot in Phillip.

The apprentice electrician has reportedly suffered serious head injuries after he received electric shock  causing him to fall five metres from a ladder.
He was working for a contractor on behalf of the ACT government to perform maintenance on the site.
Since the accident, the worker has undergone two surgical procedures at a Canberra Hospital. WorkSafe are currently inquiring about the incident.
Interestingly, the accident occurred the same day as approximately 600 construction workers marched on the Legislative Assembly in protest of the territory’s recent work safety record which has seen four workplace deaths in the state in less than a year.

Officials from the apprentice’s union are angry over longstanding concerns of declining safety records.Electrical Trades Union official Mick Koppie believes that WorkSafe is being worked above its capacity. Koppie believes the safety regime is overstretched and

Chief Minister Katy Gallagher believes the incident highlights the need for a reform of workplace safety laws or at least rigorously enforced.ACT Work Safety Commissioner Mark McCabe said the incident displayed a need for vigilance on the sides of both workers and employers.

”I am saddened to learn of the incident that occurred [on Tuesday] and it proves that dangers lurk in every workplace,” Mr McCabe said.

More info on Construction Safety

Source: http://www.canberratimes.com.au/act-news/20yo-fighting-for-life-after-worksite-accident-20120920-268if.html#ixzz27KXlsj4a

 

OHS: Safety Review Underway At Newcastle Port

ohs trainingA sudden safety review is in operation after a man was crushed to death by 20 tonnes of aluminum at Newcastle Port.

This is the second workplace death to occur on the docks in 10 days Wharfie Greg Fitzgibbon was killed when the pallet of metal ingots collapsed on to him at the Eastern Basin Distribution Centre.The father of two was loading onto a 36,000- tonne cargo ship when the incident transpired. Maritime Union of Australia assistant secretary Warren Smith expressed regret over the loss of another member due to a workplace accident that could have potentially been avoided.

A 55-year-old man suffered a cardiac arrest and died on board another cargo ship docked at the port. Union sources stated that he was discovered at the bottom of a stairwell with signs indicating he was injured before he died. Autopsies are being conducted on both men and a police investigation is underway.

WorkCover and the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) have commenced safety inquiries and the union is attempting to meet with Fitzgibbon’s employer, Newcastle Stevedores. According to the ATSB, the packets of ingots collapsed onto him as it was being transported onto the ship.

More info on Occupational Health and Safety

Source: http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/newcastle-dock-death-second-in-10-days-20120924-26gim.html#ixzz27X9ES2F4

OHS:Worker’s Crushed Arm Leads to Company Fining

OHS Safety trainingA company has been fined $90,000 after a worker’s arm was severely injured in a machine.

Goodman Fielder Consumer Foods Pty Ltd was convicted and fined last week over an incident at its Pampas factory in West Footscray which left a worker with serious and permanent injuries to his arm.

The company admitted guilt in court to failing to provide a safe work environment and failing to provide proper training  under OHS regulations.

The injured employee worked for  labour hire company Skilled Group Ltd and had been working at the company’s Pampas factory for two years before the incident occurred  September 2009.

It was revealed in court that the worker was cleaning a dough extruder when it suddenly activated, catching the worker’s arm in the machine.

An investigation found the worker  received insufficient training in how to operate the machine’s controls, which led to him failing to properly de-activate the machine before cleaning it.Informal training was carried out while on the job by fellow workers but they did not meet the proper OHS approach.

The investigation also revealed that the machine was not properly guarded.Lisa Sturzenegger, WorkSafe’s General Manager for Health and Safety Operations, said

“Properly guarding machines is a fundamental safety requirement that employers must act on to avoid incidents like this from happening,” she said.

“Businesses have to make sure moving parts of a machine have proper guards or physical barriers fitted.

“As this incident has shown, inadequately training staff can have distressing consequences for all involved.”

More information on Occupational Health and Safety

Source: http://www.starnewsgroup.com.au/star/footscray-yarraville/363/story/154106.html

Fire Safey: Worker Suffers Burns From Fuel Station

Fire Safety TrainingA man has been hospitalized  with serious burns following a workplace accident at a fuel station in Canberra’s north.

The middle-aged man was doing contract work at Caltex service station in Maribyrnong Avenue at Kaleen.

He attempting to repair something underground when a fibreglass fuel tank caught fire.

The man was rushed to Canberra Hospital with serious burns to his arms and legs, and potential airway burns.

He is in a serious,albeit stable condition.

ACT Work Safety commissioner Mark McCabe says an investigator is at the scene.

“Our investigator will be attempting to ascertain how this accident happened? Could it have been avoided?” he said.

“What should be done to ensure that we don’t have an accident like that again in the future?”

The service station has since reopened.

Source :http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-09-11/man-burned-at-kaleen-services-station/4254954?section=act 

Workplace Bullying Training, Why It Is Important For Both Managers And Employees

workplace bullyingIn view of the increase of incidents of workplace bullying and the physical and emotional danger this bullying subjects workers to, it seems that many companies need to get a better understanding of what constitutes workplace bullying, how to identify it, and stop it before employees get injured or harmed.

Online Workplace Bullying Training For Supervisors And Managers

Workplace bullying training is offered online to help supervisors and managers learn what the signs of workplace bullying are and how to nip this type of bullying in the bud before a worker is harmed by the actions of another worker. While this training is mandatory, it is obvious that many businesses could do with a refresher course in this area as the incidents of workplace bullying seems to be growing. There seems to be a growing demand for more stringent laws in this area, and heavier fines for businesses who do not attempt to keep this type of bullying in check. Therefore, it is the wise business that takes the time to refresh themselves on the signs of workplace bullying and actively takes steps to prevent it from occurring in your business.

Ensuring that everyone in your company that has a supervisory role knows what signs to look for and how to properly deal with incidents of bullying before someone suffers an injury will help reduce the chances of your company being penalized for the actions of some of your employees that could have been prevented. Establishing rules of behavior, and sanctions against workers who ignore those rules is necessary to ensure the safety of all workers.

Workplace Bullying Training For Employees

It is not just supervisors who need to be trained in identifying the signs of workplace bullying. Employees too need to know what constitutes this type of bullying, what they need to do if they see such bullying occurs or if they are victim of bullying. They also need to be encouraged to report incidents of suspected bullying without being made to feel as though they are talking out of turn.

The only way to prevent bullying in the workplace is to encourage an atmosphere of mutual respect and make it clear that bullying will not be tolerated. Having appropriate training that is periodically reviewed and renewed will help, but only if employees and employers and supervisors take the training to heart and actively work to ensure that the workplace is safe from bullying.

Inquiry Labels Fertilizer As Fire Safety Risk

Fire Safety TrainingFertiliser company Incitec Pivot discussed potentially moving from its Port Adelaide premises if taxpayers help pay for a relocation.

Residents are eager for the plant to be moved since a 2010 SafeWork SA assessment which claimed there was an ammonium nitrate explosion risk. The company stated that despite rumours of the contrary, the risk of explosion was significantly small and the company does not desire to move.  Greens MP Mark Parnell says the inquiry was informed that the company owuld move in the event that government assistance was offered.  Parnell however is concerned about the large sums of money needed to relocate a dangerous industry. He added that it is a possibility once the public can get a cost efficient price for the move.

Currently there is a conflict between the company and regulators. IP does not believe there is a risk and SafeWork maintains that there indeed is a danger.  Incitect’s COO James Whiteside believes the inquiry’s risk assessment was alarmist.

Whiteside stated that in order for an explosion to occur a complex combination of chemicals and other products are needed. That said, he believes that there is  a very small risk considering their security on the site.

More info on Fire Safety 

Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-09-12/inquiry-considers-fertiliser-explosion-risk/4256476?section=sa 

 

Human Resources: Survey Says a Third of Public Workforce Witness Bullying

Workplace BullyingThe state government survey of thousands of Victorian public workers revealed that over one-third had witnessed an incident of workplace bullying since last September.

Another two-fifths claim to have been at the receiving end of bullying, three per cent of which had submitted a formal complaint.

 

Approximately 62,600 public service workers   were asked to participate in the survey and a reported 18,500 people responded. This large sample reportedly indicate that the results are “highly reliable” due to the large size of the sample.

The opposition implied that the results indicate a growing problem in Victoria’s public workforce. They believe the problem is compounded by the Baillieu Government’s intention to cull 4200 bureaucrats.
Victorian Parliament passed “Brodie’s Law” law year which reformed existing offences of stalking  so that it clearly covers serious bullying or harassment.  Now the new legislation potentially covers threats and abusive language or any act that seems to indicate stalking.

WorkSafe has yet to prosecute a state government department for bullying despite rumours of a growing culture of stress within the public service in areas such as youth justice and prisons.

The extent of workplace bullying in Australia is undetermined, which enforces the beliefs of some that a Senate inquiry is currently needed.

The extent of bullying in Australian workplaces is unclear – a reason for a Senate inquiry into the issue under way at the moment. Reports have indicates that Victoria suffers from a “relatively high figure” number of  bullying and harassment incidents due to a workplace education campaign that potentially put mental stress.

The median average of weeks taken off by victims of workplace bullies was 13.

Source: http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/a-third-of-public-service-witness-bullying-20120912-25ssk.html#ixzz26aBJ8dYi

Working At Heights: Arborist Falls From Tree

Working at heights safetyHobart City Council is looking into an incident involving a worker who fell out of a tree outside of the Parliament House. The Arborist from Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens was allegedly performing  tree surgery work on the elm which had suffered damage from recent fierce winds.  While operating on the tree, the arborist lost control and fell approximately 5m to the ground.

Gardens director, Lesley Kirby stated that she was informed the man was not critically or even seriously hurt,  but he is receiving assessment from the Royal Hobart Hospital.

It is believed that the worker was wearing a safety harness and helmet at the time of the accident.

It is currently unconfirmed what caused him to fall.

The arborist was contracted by the council to cut down and assess the safety of the large elm trees.

The individuals were contracted following the strong winds that brought down a tree in the Salamanca Market.  Council General manager Nick Heath stated that the number one priority at the moment was  ensuring the safety of the trees.

Working at Heights incidents remain one of the most frequent sources of workplace injuries.

Source: http://www.themercury.com.au/article/2012/09/12/360931_most-popular-stories.html 

Bully Sets Worker on Fire; Leads to Calls for Law Reform

Law pundits believe a bullying case where a young man was set aflame by a co-worker shows serious problems with the Occupational Health and Safety scheme

Nick Clements stated that he was squired with a highly flammable cleansing solvent and then was subsequently set on fire by a co-worker at Haeusler’s farm machinery dealership in Victoria. Clements, who had been diagnosed with high functioning autism as a child, was nine days into a two-week trial period when the incident occurred.  Clements was reportedly squirted in the crotch with the flammable substance.

Nathan Frizzle, the apprentice who set Clemments on fire is still employed  at Haeusler’s after pleading guilty to  the assault.Frizzle was  granted a 12-month good behaviour bond and a just a $500 fine.

Prior to the court ruling, WorkSafe,  decided it would not take any action because of the police charges.With most options expired, the Clements family plans to lodge a victims-of-crime complaint with the Director of Public Prosecutions.

WorkSafe’s decision has left Clements and his family very disappointed.

“I find it a disgusting outcome. It feels like a real spit in the face to see what he got,”  said Clements.

Famed anti-bullying lawyer Moira Rayner is heading efforts to establish  a national tribunal to allow civil claims.Rayner believes WorkSafe’s behavior to Clements is not exclusive to him and the watchdog organisation should have done much more to help him

“I have always regarded bullying as a failure by management and all our bullying law is unsatisfactory because they don’t give the individual a personal right of redress,” she said.

“If they make a WorkCover claim or a WorkSafe claim and it doesn’t end up because of technicalities in addressing their problems, then the person who’s been bullied, victimised and psychologically if not physically harmed may well have on top of that a sense of grave injustice.

“When someone could have been killed in a classic apprentice-playing-with-fire incident, there should have been an immediate and effective intervention in the workplace so the employer, the employees and the apprentices got the message very loud and clear that this could have ended up in a manslaughter charge.”

Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-09-10/calls-for-workplace-law-reform-after-man-set-alight-by-co-worker/4253808?section=vic

Improved Road Safety Could Greatly Reduce Occupational Deaths In Australia

According to the National Transport Council Road accidents account for 50% of the occupational deaths that occur in Australia. This means that a more concentrated effort on road safety needs to be instigated in order to help reduce the number of occupational deaths that occur each and every year and that is exactly what the NTC intends to do with It’s National Road Safety Partnership Draft Program that was released for public consultation on September 6, 2012.

This program is an attempt to improve road safety and reduce occupational deaths due to accidents through a collaborative effort rather than through a regulatory approach.

According to NTC project director, Dr. Jeff Potter there are many businesses that all ready have a positive road safety culture and safety procedures that are working to improve road safety for their own employees. By using these businesses in the role of mentors to share their knowledge and own safety programs with other businesses who want to improve their own road safety programs, it is hoped that occupational road related deaths can be greatly reduced.

This program may well have several advantages for both the businesses doing the mentoring and those who are using these mentors. First, it will enable business enterprises to help one another achieve a common goal that will benefit not only the safety of all workers in those businesses, but in showing their workers that they do have their interests at heart and are working to provide safety programs that are not required by law.

Second, businesses may be more apt to volunteer for this kind of program as they won’t feel as though this program is being forced upon them by yet, more statutory regulations. Third, this actually allows all concerned businesses to make positive changes in their business by working together.

If this new program works, it may lead to other such programs that address safety issues as a joint venture rather than because the law requires them to do so. This may well improve both the businesses attitude towards safety and the workers attitude towards the companies or businesses they work for.

Workplace Bullying: A Large Yet Avoidable Cost to the Public

Workplace BullyingRecently there have been a rise in the number of Workplace Bullying incidents that have been reported by the media. In light of this, and PM Gillard’s recent vow to put workplace on the national agenda, we at AlertForce decided to provide you all with some information relating to the Human Resources issue of Workplace Bullying.

What is Workplace Bullying?

Workplace bullying involves any behavior in which an employee is physically, mentally or socially threatened.

What to look out for:

  • frequent painful remarks or verbal attacks, or making fun of your work or you as a person (family, sex, sexuality, gender identity, race or culture, education or economic background)
  • sexual harassment – including any unwelcome physical contact and  comments and requests  that are sexually suggestive
  • excluding you or stopping you from working with people or taking part in activities that relates to your work
  • psychological harassment — group of  individuals ganging up on a single person
  • any type of intimidation, belittlement or making someone appear inferior or undervalued
  • Assigning pointless tasks that have absolutely nothing to do with your job.
  • Granting unrealistic deadlines for impossible jobs
  • pushing, shoving, tripping, grabbing you while at work
  • initiation or hazing : Being compelled to do humiliating or inappropriate things in order to be accepted as part of the team.

 How big of a problem is Workplace Bullying? Is it my’problem even if I’m not bullied?

Workplace bullying has resulted in an ever growing cost to public. Is it your problem? The short answer is a resounding ‘Yes!’. According to the  PM Gillard’s review implemented by The Productivity Commission : the total cost of workplace bullying in Australia is somewhere between $6 billion and $36 billion annually.

As a tax payer, this type of problem affects you. You may ask yourself ” How can I solve this problem? Isn’t it out of my hands?”. Well, it is up to us as employers or employees, to ensure that proper Human Resources training and anti-bullying training is provided to all employees.  If everyone from the bullies to the bullied, understand the risks and the costs and subsequently the effects on business — then this issue can one day be eliminated or at least  helped.

“Costs on Businesses ? What Kind of Costs?!”

Financial costs can include legal and workers’ compensation and management time in addressing cases of workplace bullying.

Individuals who are bullied at work are shown to;

  • become less active,less successful and less confident at work.
  • become fearful,stressed, anxious or depressed thus limited productivity
  • increased staff absences, staff turnover and weak overall workplace morale.

It may be tempting for an employer to overlook something like workplace bullying and focus on more immediate workplace dangers, but the simple fact is — these problems CAN  be avoided, these costs CAN be avoided  —  But  it is up to everyone to bring these issues to light so that everyone can be successful and no one is bullied at work.

Find more information on Human Resources issues (such as Workplace Bullying)

Victorian OHS Lawbreakers Still Own Millions

Occupational Health and Safety An inquiry conducted by the Herald Sun has revealed that 45 firms and 13 individuals are avoiding fines they were charged with since 2007 over workplace deaths.

Since 2002 there has been approximately 269 workers killed.

The average lost life fines are typically around $170,000 and the median is $95,000. Interestingly, WorkSafe’s prosecution database revealed that some cases involving lost fingers have had higher fines imposed than those involving the death of a worker.

One such company was fined $145,000 when a worker lost a thumb.Another company was fined $25,000 when a worker had to have three fingers amputated.

Other results of the investigation concluded :

  • Some companies have been found to go into liquidation to avoid paying fines and then reopening shortly after.
  • Approximately every 17 days a worker is killed in the workplace in Victoria.
  • Since 2009-2010 the number of WorkSafe visits have dropped drastically.
  • Some families have had to wait up to seven years to see the company responsible for the death of a loved one, to be fined.
  • Individuals or companies charged can operate their businesses for years before charges are laid. Only approximately 40 per cent of
  • lawbreakers are charged within the first 12 months. The most courts can
  • Individuals charged can be jailed for up to five years, however no one has yet been imprisoned for any related charges.
  • The highest fine imposed for the death of a worker was $1.4 million. However the company, AAA Auscarts Imports Pty Ltd went into liquidation and the fine was never paid.
More info on Occupational Health and Safety

Source:  http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/families-demand-action-on-workplace-charges/story-e6frf7kx-1226463481904

The Benefits of Carbon Management Training Courses

The Institution of the Clean Energy Future Policy, which includes both a carbon tax and emission-trading scheme is going to have an impact on your business and the liability of your business. Just how big of an impact this policy will have will be up to you. However, understanding this act and what it may mean to business is going to be critical in helping you to make the best decisions for your business.

One of the best ways of understanding the new policy and what it means in terms of your business is to take one or more Carbon Management training courses. These courses are designed to help you understand the impact that carbon emissions have on the environment and why those emissions need to be lowered. They also, depending on the course, will cover things you and your business can do to improve the carbon emissions from your business and reduce your carbon footprint.

This is important as you are going to have to find new and different ways to improve your processes and reduce the amount of carbon waste from your business. This may include: finding ways to make machinery more energy efficient as well as finding new innovative processes to use.

Carbon Management Training Courses, won’t just help you to avoid those stiff penalties, they may have other advantages as well. Two important advantages to consider are:

Increased Profits Over The Long Term

While carbon management training course may reveal that you will need to spend more money on making changes now, this training will also make clear to you how you can increase profits over the long term by making changes in the efficiency of your operation. Taking steps to make your business more energy efficient will not only help the environment, but will also help your business make more of a profit by reducing the energy bills.

Will Enhance Your Business Reputation

In today’s modern economic environment most businesses are part of an international business community and with saving the environment being a big concern of both individuals and businesses around the world, going green can improve your business reputation around the world and result in more business coming your way.

These two benefits will more than make up for the time and the expense that taking Carbon management training courses entails and what is good for the environment just may be exceptionally good for your business as well.

Discussions Persist Over OHS Harmonisation Bill in SA

Model WHS ACTThose within the OHS community have been in deep discussion over the passing of the model Work Health and Safety (WHS) bill through the South Australian Parliament. Despite the bill reaching the committee stage (and thus requiring a third reading), some speculate that the WHS bill will fail to be enacted into law.

On September 6, Russell Wortley commented “There has been a lot of fear mongering about the effects of these laws. I want to assure honourable members that these fears are misguided and, sadly, often based on misinformation from lobby groups with a particular self-interest in seeing this legislation defeated.”

Wortley believes that not passing the bill will lead to a limited safety infrastructure and  limited safety measures between the employer/employee. He stated that not passing the laws would mean that SA workers will have lower safety standards than those in other states throughout AUS.

Wortley stated that many of the Housing Industry Association’s predicted costs of passing the bill include costs for items that are not mandatory under the WHS bill (future or current).  Other costs put forth by the HIA are for items or materials that are currently included in safety measures enacted throughout SA and as such should not be considered additional charges.

Wortley believes HIA’s actions as an effort to gain political and media attention instead of an effort to provide a detailed analysis.

Source: http://hansard.parliament.sa.gov.au/pages/loaddoc.aspx?aa=2&dt=2012_09_06

Job Insecurity Leads To Unsafe Work Places

According to the Australian Council of Trade Unions the need to work and the job insecurity that has existed for the last couple of decades in Australia has lead to unsafe working conditions in occupations such as mining.

ACTU president, Ged Kearney said during his speech at the United Mineworkers Federation Memorial Day at Cessnock that it was impossible to create a lasting culture of safety when so much of the workforce was mobile and temporary. He pointed out that 40% of the Australian workforce was engaged in insecure work and this helped to create an unsafe work advantage.

Temporary or contract workers receive less job and safety training meaning they may not have the knowledge of all the safety issues and procedures. Add to this that many of these temporary workers need their jobs and fear being dismissed or fired and this creates an environment where workers are afraid to speak up and demand that safety procedures be followed.

Job insecurity can have a powerful impact on job performance and with the continuing job insecurity that many Australian workers face, they are reluctant to do anything that will hurt their chances of even part-time employment. Making decisions based solely on the need to make income with no thought to personal safety can not only result in unsafe working conditions for the temporary worker, but for their co-workers as well.

To complicate matters some mining companies actually favour hiring temporary workers or contractors because they are usually not members of unions, work cheaper, and are less likely to voice safety concerns. This movement towards hiring contractors instead of a permanent workforce, only re-enforces workers feelings of job insecurity and the need to “do the job without complaint” in order to remain employed.

Unless a solution to this problem is found, safety conditions in mines will continue to deteriorate putting more and more workers at risk. One solution may be more safety inspections to help ensure that mining company owners and operators are aware that unsafe conditions will not be tolerated, regardless of whether or not they hire permanent or temporary workers.

Employer Shown to Have “No Regard” for Worker Safety

Safety HarnessA Myaree tree lopper  was fined following an incident  that resulted in him and another worker being tossed from the bucket of a cherry picker onto the roof of a nearby building. The accused, Gerald Shields pleaded guilty to failing to ensure  a safe work environment as provided for his employees. He was subsequently fined $12,000 in the Rockingham Magistrates Court.

In May 2010, Shields was contracted by the Department of Housing and Works to undertake the tree cutting services. Shields and his employee were looping branches from the cherry picker when the front passenger stabiliser leg sunk into an old drain causing the cherry picker to topple to ground.

The two men were launched from the cherry picker and onto the roof of a nearby building. Shields suffered only superficial scalp injuries but his employee suffered injuries to both his right wrist and forearm.

It was revealed in court that the recommended spread plates were not being utilized  for the stabiliser legs on the soft ground – contrary to operating instructions.  It was also disclosed that the men were not wearing safety harnesses or any other personal protective equipment (PPE) . The court also revealed that Shields did not ensure that employees used PPE at all recommended times.

WorkSafe WA Commissioner Lex McCulloch said the case was a prime example of an employer who neglected the safety of his workers. McCulloch stated that Shields had “no regard for his own safety or that of his employees”.

“A WorkSafe inspector conducted a workplace investigation six months after this incident and found that the safety interlock switch on Mr Shields’ replacement EWP had also been tampered with, this time being held down with a cable tie.”

According to McCulloch 16 WA workers had died as a result of workplace falls in almost 5 years and most cases were almost always preventable.

Source: http://www.watoday.com.au/wa-news/boss-fined-had-absolutely-no-regard-for-his-safety-20120907-25jam.html#ixzz267BTDS84

Home Renovators Warned Of Asbestos Exposure

Asbestos AwarenessDo-IT-Yourself home renovators are being encouraged to not become the next generation of Tasmanian victims to the deadly substance, asbestos.

Majority of homes built prior to 1990 are expected to have some asbestos and many experts are concerned that most people are completely unaware of the dangers.Asbestos Free Tasmania CEO Susan Wallace stated that approximately 15 people are diagnosed in Tasmania with mesothelioma every year and she is worried that a new wave of victims will emerge out of home renovators.

According to Wallace, Australia has the highest rate of asbestos-related deaths from mesothelioma. She said the number ranges between 600 and 700 annually. She added that a new wave of preventable diseases is emerging in people exposed to asbestos from home renovations.

Occupational Hygienist Caroline Langley said Tasmania appeared to have a higher number of homes with asbestos. Langley stated that they are seeing an increase in the number of individuals who are renovating instead of buying new properties.

In fact,  president of the Asbestos Diseases Foundation of Australia, Barry Robson stated that the number of women developing mesothelioma fell within the renovation boom.

Federal Employment and Workplace Relations Minister Bill Shorten recently announced plans to set up a national office to oversee asbestos awareness and management issues. This agency will be independent of other safety watchdog organisations and will focus squarely on asbestos related issues.

More info on Asbestos Training

Source: http://www.themercury.com.au/article/2012/09/05/358841_real-estate-news.html

 

 

How Can We Make Australia Asbestos-Free

Asbestos AwarenessIn a recently published article, Paul Bastian, the National President of the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union,  explained how Australia could be asbestos-free in the future.

After  several years of litigation and lobbying, Australia still suffers from a problem with asbestos. Bastian believes the federal government needs step it up and provide leadership on this public health issue.

Asbestos can still be found in bathrooms, kitchens, roofs and garages in approximately 66% of all Australia homes built between 1945 and 1980.

Australia’s alleged penchant home-renovation is uncovering much of this asbestos, and Bastian believes that poor community awareness and a variety of different laws relating to asbestos is compounding the asbestos danger.

The other problem is that up until the late 1970s nothing was written on asbestos to identify it, so you can’t necessarily tell if a material contains asbestos just by looking at it.

The World Health Organisation states that there is no safe level of exposure to asbestos, and the inhalation of asbestos fibres is known to cause mesothelioma, lung cancer, asbestosis and other respiratory diseases.

Australia has the unenviable record of having the highest incidence of asbestos related diseases in the world, and it’s estimated that up to 18,000 Australians are likely to die from mesothelioma by 2020.

That’s why the Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union, the ACTU, the Cancer Council Australia, and asbestos support groups are now calling for the removal of all asbestos from public and private buildings by 2030.

That may sound like a costly exercise, but the long-term cost of inaction is far greater.

63 year-old Queenslander Ray Colbert is someone who knows just how costly exposure to asbestos can be.

Ray worked with asbestos for nine years while he was in the Royal Australian Navy.

He now suffers from asbestosis, is wheelchair bound, and can only breathe with the help of a respirator.

Ray is part of the second wave of asbestos victims who were exposed to the product through work, and he says there needs to be an education campaign to ensure there is not a third wave of victims exposed to asbestos in the home.

“We have to have a proper safety audit to identify it and once we’ve done that we can then set about planning its removal. Till then you’re just going to create another hazard and contaminate more people.”

The AMWU along with the ACTU is are calling on the Federal Government to establish a National Asbestos Authority to act as an information hub and coordinate this asbestos removal and education.

We need to help the public identify what products were made containing asbestos and ensure there is a role for local government in asbestos removal.

A first step in this process would be to introduce asbestos safety certificates on the sale of any property or commercial dwelling. This would enable vendors to identify if there is asbestos, where it’s located, what condition it’s in, and how it can be removed.

The public health challenges posed by asbestos time-bomb are great and we need supportive public policy to prevent further suffering and disease.

More info on Asbestos Training

AlertForce Awarded at E-Training Conference

AlertForce has successfully participated in the LearnX -Learning and Technology Impacts Awards . LearnX is  a non-profit organisation highlights the progress of learning and supporting technologies.  The August 30th conference in Mebourne will include various professionals throughout the corporate, education, and private sectors. More specifically, the conference targets learning professionals who operate and manage e-training solutions and services.

Alertforce has proudly accepted the  2nd place awards for Best Learning program- Environmental, and Occupational Health and Safety training programs. Each participant was evaluated according to areas such as: Best Talent, Best Learning Program, Best New Initiative, and Best eLearning design. Within these categories, AlertForce was honoured in the Occupational Health and Safety  in partnership with client Port Stephens Council, Environmental in partnership with Carbon Training International, and Compliance (finalist) with client Daly International.

AlertForce has continuously excelled and innovated in a variety of areas relating to quality occupational training, and these awards only further support that notion.

AF company founder,Brendan Torazzi ( On the right in the image) stated that the ” diversity of our commendations signifies how prolific and diverse our OHS & E training and eLearning services are!”

More info on Occupational health and Safety training

 

WA Seeking Consultation on OHS Regulations

 As expected, Western Australia is taking a thoughtful approach to proposed national Work Health and Safety (OHS) Regulations.

Half a year after the Federal Government had hoped that the OHS Harmonisation laws would be implemented, the State Government is gathering public consensus on the costs and benefits.

WorkSafe WA Commissioner Lex McCulloch stated that harmonised OHS laws would affect all WA workplaces on various levels. Thus the board believes that a consultation process will allow them to consider how the new laws will affect the public.

Six months after the Federal Government had hoped that uniform laws would be in place, the State Government is seeking public comment on the costs and benefits.

In 2010 an Australia-wide consultation process took place however, the current consultation period is meant to specifically gauge how WA workplaces feel about the OHS Harmonisation Laws.

WorkSafe appointed Marsden Jacob Associates as the ones who will conduct the two-month consultation process to  gauge the potential pros and cons of the proposed OHS Harmonisation laws to the WA public.

An information campaign will be  in operation nd six public forums will also be held in regional WA.

 

Union Shuts Down Cotter Dam Amid Construction Safety Concerns

Construction Safety Training

Workers have set up a blockade effectively halting work at Canberra’s Cotter Dam construction site.Construction union, CFMEU formed the blockade at approximately 5:00am citing endless safety concerns. Workers are also reportedly upset over the liquidation of a contractor which operates three cranes at the Cotter Dam worksite.

CFMEU ACT branch secretary Dean Hall stated that police have been present in the area and are threatening to tow away cars that stop at the site. Hall attributes this behavior to the police desiring them to clear out the blockade.  The union however, has made it clear that they have no intention of clearing the blockade until they are confident in the response they get from their employees regarding entitlements and safety of the workers.  Only once the cranes are certified as safe and workers entitlements are paid, will workers allow work to commence on the site.

CTEW Water managing director Mark Sulliva has rejected assertions that  there are ongoing safety problems at the site.

“We haven’t seen any specific issues of safety raised and certainly we’ve had regular reviews by Worksafe and Comcare,” he said..

Chief Minister Katy Gallagher stated that she is confident in how construction on the  dam is being managed . Gallagher said that she understood the union’s position but believes that other methods of resolving issues must be considered to continue work on the site.  The latest delay is yet another problem to hit the project , which has been plagued by wet weather since 2010.

It was due to be completed this month, and its budget has blown out to more than $400 million.

More on Construction Safety

Source:  http://au.finance.yahoo.com/news/union-shuts-down-cotter-dam-044356519.html

OHS:Silence Is Perpetuating Safety Issues

OHS TrainingUnsafe practices within the construction industry has compelled General Simon Corbell to call for a safety probe.

This news come soon after the untimely death of 21-year -old concreter Ben Catanzarity who died when a concrete boom struck and killed him. These type of incidents have even be have garnered it a reputation as an industry that profits off the marginalization of worker’s safety. Usher has even gone to refer to the atmosphere of workers as “apathetic” throughout Canberra.

In addition to the accused breaches, the site representative has also fused requests for Worksafe to visit the site.

Eventually inspectors closed the site due to the large number of non-compliance infractions and a general lack of interest of the company to improve safety.  .

While these issues may have long gone undetected, that is no longer the case. Both WorkSafe ACT and the government  are working in conjunction to take on a a hardline approach that will leave no room for these practices to continue.

More info on Occupational Health and Safety

OHS:Gas Rig Deaths Lead To Safety Recall

OHS TrainingWorkers have refused to return to work on a gas rig off the Victorian coast following the deaths of two workers. The  Australian Workers Union stated that they are seeking improved safety measures for the rig before workers return to work. The union argues that offshore rigs are some of the most dangerous professional environments on the planet. The ACTU stated that they have also called for the improvements because they had previously warned that the petroleum industry was accident waiting to occur.

AWU Victorian secretary Cesar Melhem he had serious concerns the drilling union and they have subsequently cautioned workers not to return to work until they are satisfied with the investigations and methods implemented to improve the Occupational Health and Safety standards.

Origin and it’s subsidiary, Stena Drilling are currently investigating the deaths, as well as the National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority (NOPSEMA). The AWU Victoria is attempting to position itself in a formal role within investigations.

ACTU assistan secretary Michael  Borowick is also asking for offshore workers to take on the same national workplace health and safety rights and protections as individuals on shore.

“We need to get to the bottom of this tragedy, but unfortunately, unions have been warning for some time that the offshore petroleum industry is an accident waiting to happen,” Mr Borowick said in a statement. Borowich desires a harmonised model OHS act that includes the entire offshore petroleum industry.

Source: http://news.ninemsn.com.au/national/8523679/gas-rig-deaths-prompt-safety-review-call

OHS Newsletter – August 2012 – Health & Safety Representatives (HSRs)

Now that we are well into 2012 and the new Work Health and Safety laws which
introduced the role of Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs) in N.S.W., we
thought we would cover Health & Safety Representatives (HSRs) in more details.

HSR appointment

If a worker makes a request to the PCBU to facilitate the conduct of an election to
appoint HSRs, then the PCBU must facilitate the determination of one or more work
groups.

A work group is determined by consultation between the PCBU and the workers
who will form the work group. Negotiations in relation to work groups must be
commenced within 14 days of a request for elections. The PCBU must notify workers
of the outcome of the negotiations as soon as practicable. If there is a failure in the
negotiation process, any person can request an inspector to attend and resolve the
deadlock.

Election of HSRs

A worker is eligible to be elected as a HSR if he/she is a member of the work group.
The new legislation also allows for Deputy HSRs to be elected.

The workers in a work group determine how an election of an HSR is to be
conducted and the PCBU must provide resources, facilities and assistance that
would be reasonably necessary or prescribed to enable elections to be conducted.
All workers in a work group are entitled to vote. Although an election is not required if
the number of candidates equal the number of HSR vacancies.

The term of office for a HSR is 3 years unless they resign, cease to be a worker in
the work group, or are disqualified or removed by the majority of the work group
members.

Health and safety representatives (HSRs) are entitled to:

represent workers in health and safety matters;

monitor the measures taken by the PCBU;

investigate complaints relating to health and safety; and

enquire into anything that appears to be a risk to health or safety.

HSR Training

To date, WorkCover NSW has developed two approved HSR training courses. A 5-
Day Initial HSR Course and for 2012, a 1-Day Bridging course which is available for
all HSR’s who have previously attended the OHS 4-day Consultation Course.

PCBUs must allow HSRs to attend an approved course if the HSR requests training.
The PCBU must pay the course fees and allow HSRs the time to attend the training
and must also pay the HSR their normal pay during any time off to attend the
training.

Powers of HSRs

HSRs can:

inspect the workplace or any part of the workplace after giving the PCBU
reasonable notice, or immediately without notice if an incident involves
serious risks to the health and safety of any person;

accompany an inspector during an inspection;

be present at an interview concerning safety with an inspector and a worker
(with consent);

request that a health and safety committee be established; and

request the assistance of any person, including a union delegate, whenever
necessary.

Additional powers apply to HSRs who have attended the approved training:

HSRs have the power to direct any unsafe work to cease. This is limited to
directing workers in their own work group unless the HSR for another work group
is unavailable and there is a serious risk to health or safety or a member of that
group asks for their assistance.

HSRs may also issue provisional improvement notices (PIN). A PIN is a
notice requiring the PCBU to remedy, in the opinion of the HSR, a breach of the
WHS laws. It can only be issued after consulting with the PCBU first.

Note: If a PIN has been issued and the PCBU wishes to have the PIN reviewed
by an inspector, the PCBU can request a review. If no request for review is
made, the PIN must be complied with. Failure to comply with the PIN can result in
penalties.

PCBU duties in relation to HSRs

A PCBU must:

  • consult on safety matters with any HSR;
  • allow any HSR to have access to information relating to health and safety;
  • allow the HSR to be present in interviews;
  • provide any resources, facilities and assistance that is reasonably necessary;
  • allow a person assisting an HSR to have access to the workplace; and
  • permit a HSR to accompany an inspector and allow a HSR to spend such time as is reasonably necessary to exercise their powers and functions.

For further information, Safe Work Australia has developed the ‘Worker
Representation and Participation Guide’.

OHS Newsletter – July 2012 – PCBU Duty Holders Explained

PCBU & Officers – Duty Holders Further Explained

Primary Duty of Care

The Primary Duty of Care belongs to the person conducting a business or
undertaking (PCBU) as set out in Section 19 of the WHS Act. It requires duty holders
to ensure that, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety of workers
engaged or caused to be engaged by the person and workers whose activities are
influenced or directed by the PCBU are not put at risk.

This duty includes:-

the provision and maintenance of a safe work environment,

the provision and maintenance of safe plant, structures and systems of work;

the provision of adequate facilities and the provision of any information,
training, instruction and/or supervision that is necessary to protect persons
from risks to their health and safety arising from work carried out as part of the
business or undertaking.

The primary duty of care also requires a PCBU to ensure, so far as is reasonably
practicable, that the health and safety of other persons is not put at risk from work
carried out as part of the conduct of the business or undertaking.

A ‘person conducting a business or undertaking’ and a ‘worker’ are broadly defined.
A person conducts a business or undertaking whether they conduct the business or
undertaking alone or with others and whether or not it is conducted for profit. Sub-
contractors and self-employed persons would be considered to be conducting a
business or undertaking and as such a sub-contractor would be both a worker and a
PCBU for the purposes of the WHS Act.

A ‘worker’ includes employees, a contractor or sub-contractor, an employee of a
contractor or sub-contractor, an employee of a labour hire company, an outworker,
an apprentice or trainee, a student gaining work experience and volunteers.

The application of Section 19 of the WHS Act means that all workers are owed
exactly the same primary duty of care. This is the case regardless of how they are
employed or engaged and irrespective of whether or not they are a duty holder in
their own right and they in turn owe a primary duty to their workers (i.e. Contractors
and their workers)

Reasonably Practicable

The primary duty of care in the WHS Act is subject to the qualifier ‘so far as is
reasonably practicable’. Section 18 of the WHS defines ‘reasonably practicable’.

In the WHS Act, reasonably practicable, in relation to a duty to ensure health and
safety, means that, which is or was at a particular time, reasonably able to be done
in relation to ensuring health and safety, taking into account and weighing up all
relevant matters including:

the likelihood of a hazard or the risk concerned occurring, and

the degree of harm that might result from the hazard or risk, and

what the person concerned knows, or ought reasonably to know, about:

o the hazard or risk, and
o ways of eliminating or minimising the risk, and

the availability and suitability of ways to eliminate or minimise the risk, and

after assessing the extent of the risk and the available ways of eliminating or
minimising the risk, the cost associated with available ways of eliminating or
minimising the risk, including whether the cost is grossly disproportionate to
the risk.

From this definition, we can see that to take reasonably practicable steps involves
gathering the above information and using that information to determine what steps
can be taken to remove or reduce health and safety risks. You are then required to
take those steps unless the cost would be grossly disproportionate to the risk.

A PCBU’s officers must take reasonable steps to ensure that the PCBU is
complying with its duties, in particular that the PCBU is taking all reasonably
practicable steps to eliminate or minimise risks. In order to do this, an officer must
have the relevant knowledge and understanding of the above matters to make the
relevant decision or action (to meet their due diligence requirements).

Officers taking reasonably practicable steps…

What are considered reasonable steps for a particular officer will depend on the
specific circumstances of that officer, i.e. the role and influence able to be exercised
by that officer. Again, it is a question of what the officer is reasonably able to do at
the time.

Where officers sometimes rely on information from other people and the activities of
others, the officer must be able to demonstrate that this reliance is reasonable – this
could be achieved through testing of the information and/or advice they receive to
ensure it is appropriate.

There are some challenges in demonstrating compliance with these duties.

Key points in determining what is reasonable is

Ensure you have gathered all the information upon which you can make an
educated and informed decision about the particular situation.

Ensure that the information gathered is accurate and you are able to
demonstrate that consultation with the appropriate people in the business has
occurred which helped form the decisions made.

OHS Newsletter – June 2012 – Visitors & Volunteers

OHS for VISITORS, VOLUNTEERS & VOLUNTEER ORGANISATIONS

Since the introduction of the new Work Health and Safety (WHS) laws, there has
been some confusion about the responsibilities of visitors and volunteers.

This summary may help to clear up any misunderstanding or confusion in relation to
visitors and volunteers.

Most importantly, a PCBU whose activities include the management or control
of workplaces, fixtures, fittings and plant must ensure, so far as is reasonably
practicable, that the workplace and anything arising out of it are without risks to
health and safety

VISITORS

Duties under the WHS Act now include ‘Others’ – a visitor to your workplace falls
under this category.

Visitors, clients, customers, friends and family at a workplace all have work health
and safety (WHS) responsibilities and must:

Comply with any reasonable work health and safety instructions at the
workplace

Take reasonable care to not put themselves or others at risk.

A visitor to your business’ workplace must take reasonable care for their own health
and safety at the workplace and take reasonable care that their conduct does not
adversely affect the health and safety of others at the workplace.

Visitors must comply, so far as they reasonably are able to, with any reasonable
instructions given by your business.

Visitors can be prosecuted for a breach of this duty.

Duty owed to visitors

It is important to remember that as a PCBU, you have a duty to anyone who is at
your place of business – If they’re on your premises – YOU have safety obligations.
No ifs or buts.

Just like your workers, you have to ensure that so far as is reasonably practicable,
that the workplace and anything arising out of it are without risks to health and
safety.

VOLUNTEERS AND VOLUNTEER ASSOCIATIONS

Not all volunteering activities and organisations are subject to the new WHS laws.
Only volunteer organisations that employ paid staff are subject to the work health
and safety laws. Organisations that are ‘volunteer associations’ are not covered by
the new work health and safety laws.

If you are a volunteer, or the association you manage includes volunteers, you
should be aware of the following:

Volunteers

A volunteer means a person who is acting on a voluntary basis, irrespective of
whether the person receives payment for out-of-pocket expenses. Payments for
direct out of pocket expenses, such as travel, meals and incidentals, incurred directly
when carrying out volunteer work are not regarded as wages or salary.

However, payments for carrying out volunteer work would constitute a wage or
salary and mean that the person is not a volunteer.

Volunteers who carry out work for PCBUs are required to take reasonable care for
their own health and safety and not to create risks to others. Like any other duty
holders who do not comply with their duties under the WHS Act, workers, including
volunteer workers, can be prosecuted for failing to comply with their duties.

As a volunteer you have the same duties as ‘workers’ to take reasonable care for
health and safety.

Duty owed to volunteers

It is important to remember that volunteers are owed health and safety duties under
the WHS Act if they carry out work for a PCBU. Therefore if your business is a PCBU
that utilises volunteers, it will owe the same duty to volunteer workers as it does to
paid workers.

Workers Compensation and Insurance for Volunteers

The WHS Act does not address workers’ compensation for any workers, volunteers
or otherwise. Workers’ Compensation is regulated by separate Commonwealth, state
and territory legislation. Just because you’re a ‘worker’ for the purposes of the WHS
laws does not mean you’re a ‘worker’ for workers’ compensation laws.

The WHS legislation does not require volunteers to take out their own personal
accident or public liability insurance. It is the duty of the volunteer organisation (in
essence the PCBU) to obtain or retain such insurance for volunteers.

Volunteer Directors and Officers of a PCBU

A volunteer who is an officer of a PCBU must exercise due diligence which means
taking reasonable steps to ensure the PCBU is complying with its duties.

For example, a volunteer officer serving on the board of a PCBU such as a not for
profit organisation is considered an officer of that organisation. As an officer, they
must exercise due diligence to ensure the organisation complies with its work health
and safety duties.

A volunteer officer cannot be prosecuted for failing to comply with their officer duties
under the WHS Act. This immunity from prosecution is designed to ensure that
voluntary participation at the officer level is not discouraged.

A volunteer officer can however, be prosecuted in their capacity as a worker if they
fail to meet their duties as a worker.

Volunteer Associations

A volunteer association is a group of volunteers, working together for one or
more community purposes, that has no employees. It may be an incorporated or
unincorporated association.

Volunteer associations without paid workers do not have WHS duties for their
volunteers under the WHS Act as they are not considered a PCBU. For example,
a local sporting association that coaches or referees a junior sports match on a
Saturday morning does not have WHS duties if it does not employ the coaches or
referees.

Volunteer associations are excluded from the definition of a PCBU for the purposes
of the Act. Because of that fact, there cannot be any ‘officer’ (as defined under the
new laws) as there is no PCBU. So if a person holds a voluntary position in which he
or she leads a volunteer association, he or she will not be an ‘officer’ under the WHS
Act.

If the association, or one of its volunteers, employs someone then the association
will not be a volunteer association for the purpose of the exemption. Rather, the
association will be a PCBU and have duties of care imposed on it.

Emergency Services Organisations

Emergency service organisations previously owed general duties to their
workers and others under the former OH&S legislation. The new WHS laws
do not alter those duties. The ability of emergency services to respond to
incidents will not be affected as long as they continue to ensure, so far as is
reasonably practicable, the health and safety of their workers and others.

The primary health and safety duty under the new WHS laws is placed on
PCBUs. Emergency service organisations are PCBUs. Therefore emergency
services have a duty to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health
and safety of their workers and others.

Under the new WHS laws, volunteer emergency service workers who carry
out work for a PCBU are ‘workers’. This means they have the same duties as
paid workers. It also means they have a duty to exercise reasonable care in
carrying out their work.

Further Information

Safe Work Australia have produced a Volunteer Assistance Package to assist
volunteers, volunteer associations and PCBU’s in understanding duties owed to and
by volunteers.

The package can be downloaded here: http://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/
Legislation/volunteers/Pages/Volunteers.aspx

OHS Newsletter – May 2012 – Notification of Incidents

Introduction

This month we are looking at requirements for notifying serious and/or dangerous incidents
to WorkCover. We will cover:

What is a serious injury or illness
What is a dangerous incident
Who has to report
When to report
How to report

The focus of the WHS Legislation in relation to incident notification is that PCBUs are
required to notify WorkCover of incidents that are serious and/or dangerous in nature.

If a death, serious injury or dangerous incident occurs at your workplace, you may be legally
required to notify WorkCover NSW about what has happened.

A PCBU must notify WorkCover of a Notifiable incident immediately after becoming aware
that:

An incident has occurred
That is has arisen out of the conduct of the PCBU’s business or undertaking

Incident notification and inspections

Notification of an incident is a statutory obligation outlined in section 35 of the WHS Act.
Timely incident notification informs WorkCover about current and potential health and
safety issues and whether or not to conduct an inspection. Specific incidents types requiring
notification are outlined under sections 36 & 37 of the WHS Act.

Notification must be made by the fastest possible means, which in NSW would be by
phoning 13 10 50.

Note: For after-hours notification the 13 10 50 number will provide details for you to
be transferred to WorkCover’s after-hours emergency service.

The duty to notify sits with the PCBU and is not transferable; more than one PCBU may
concurrently have a duty to submit an incident notification to WorkCover regarding the same
safety incident. The PCBU may arrange for another entity or person to submit notifications
on their behalf. This could be:

The person with management or control of the workplace
The supervisor of the injured worker
Any other person with identified responsibility to notify

Any failure by that person or entity to submit a notification on behalf of the PCBU may result
in liability for a breach of section 38 of the WHS Act accruing to the PCBU which holds the
duty to notify.

Serious Injury or Illness

Section 36 of the WHS Act states that a serious injury or illness of a person is an injury or
illness requiring the person to have:

Immediate treatment as an inpatient in a hospital
Immediate treatment for:
o The amputation of any part of their body
o A serious head injury
o A serious eye injury
o A serious burn
o The separation of their skin from an underlying tissue (such as de-gloving or
scalping)
o A spinal injury
o The loss of a bodily function
o Serious lacerations
Medical treatment within 48 hours of exposure to a substance
The following prescribed illnesses
o Any infection to which the carrying out of work is a significant contributing
factor, and the infection can be reliably attributable to carrying out work:
That involves providing treatment or care of a person
That involves contact with human blood or body substances
That involves handling or contact with animals, animal hides, skins,
wool or hair, animal carcasses or animal waste products.

The following occupational zoonoses contracted in the course of work involving the handling
or contact with animals, animal hides, skins, wool or hair, animal carcasses or animal waste
products:

Q fever
Anthrax
Leptospirosis
Brucellosis
Hendra virus
Avian influenza
psittacosis

Dangerous Incident

Section 37 of the WHS Act sets out that a dangerous incident is an incident in relation to a
workplace that exposes a worker or any other person to a serious risk to a person’s health
and safety emanating from an immediate or imminent exposure to:

An uncontrolled escape, spillage or leakage of a substance
An uncontrolled implosion, explosion or fire
An uncontrolled escape of gas or steam
An uncontrolled escape of a pressurised substance
Electric shock
The fall or release from a height of any plant, substance or thing – this includes falls
into open trenches or pits by people
The collapse, overturning, failure or malfunction of, or damage to, any plant that is
required to be authorised for use in accordance with the regulations
The collapse or partial collapse of a structure

The collapse or failure of an excavation or any shoring supporting an excavation
The inrush of water, mud or gas in workings, in an underground excavation or tunnel
The interruption of the main system of ventilation in an underground excavation or
tunnel.

Preserving the site

The person with management or control of a workplace at which a Notifiable incident has
occurred must ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that the site where the incident
occurred is NOT disturbed (unless that disturbance is for a ‘prescribed reason’- see below),
until a WorkCover inspector arrives at the site, or directs otherwise (whichever is earlier).
The site includes any plant, substance, structure or thing associated with the Notifiable
incident. This duty is designed to preserve any evidence that may assist an inspector to
determine the cause of the incident.

A ‘prescribed reason’ can include one of the following circumstances to take action for an
incident site to be disturbed:

To assist an injured person
To remove a deceased person
To make the site safe or to minimise the risk of a further Notifiable incident
To facilitate a police investigation
A WorkCover inspector has given permission – a direction that a site may be
disturbed may be given in person or by telephone

Record Keeping

Section 38 of the WHS Act requires a PCBU to keep a record of each Notifiable incident
for at least five (5) years from the date WorkCover was notified. Penalties of up to $25,000
apply for failing to do so.

Further Information

WorkCover NSW has produced a ‘Guide to Work Health and Safety Incident Notification’
which provides practical guidance on how to decide whether you need to notify WorkCover
of an injury, illness or dangerous incident under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011.

If a serious injury or illness or a significant incident has occurred at your workplace and
you are unsure if it requires reporting, we recommend you contact WorkCover as soon as
practicable for clarification on 13 10 50.

References:

WHS Act 2011 – Sections 14, 16, 35, 36, 37, 38, & 39

WHS Regulation 2011 – Clause 699 (part 11.3)

WorkCover Publication – (Catalogue No. WC03621) – Guide to Work Health and Safety
Incident Notification

OHS Newsletter – April 2012 – WHS Consultation

Introduction
Welcome to AlertForce’s third monthly newsletter. In our very first newsletter for
2012 we asked the question – Are you prepared for WHS Consultation, co-
operation and co-ordination on safety and welfare issues?

This month’s newsletter focuses on establishing workgroups, electing Health &
Safety Representatives (HSRs) and establishing Health & Safety Committees
(HSC).

Consultation
To recap, the WHS Act specifies consultation is required in relation to the following
health and safety matters:
When identifying hazards and assessing risk to health and safety arising from
the work carried out or to be carried out by the business or undertaking
When making decisions about ways to eliminate or minimise those risks,
When making decisions about the adequacy of facilities for the welfare of
workers,
When proposing changes that may affect the health and safety or workers
When making decisions about the procedures for:
o Consulting with workers, or
o Resolving work health or safety issues at the workplace, or
o Monitoring the health of workers, or
o Monitoring the conditions at any workplace under the management or
control of the PCBU, or
o Providing information and training for workers, or
o When carrying out any other activity prescribed by the regulation for
the purposed of this section.

To facilitate the consultation with your workers, you should engage them in helping
to decide what would be the most effective way your business can consult with your
workers. Who better to ask, than the workers themselves?

Workgroups
If a request is made for a HSR, the PCBU (includes employer) must facilitate the
determination of one or more work groups of workers.

Work groups are workers represented by a health and safety representative (HSR).
Usually these workers perform similar types of work and have similar health and
safety concerns and conditions within the workplace.

Work groups allow workers’ interests to be represented effectively and conveniently.

Decisions about establishing work groups must be made by consultation and
agreement between the PCBU and the relevant workers. When agreement on the
work group/s has been reached, the PCBU must notify the workers of the outcome of
the negotiations.

Request for election for a Health and Safety Representative (HSR)
A worker who carries out work for a PCBU may ask the PCBU to facilitate the
conduct of an election for one or more HSRs to represent workers.

When agreement on the number and type of work groups to be represented has
been reached along with the number of HSRs (and deputy HSRs if applicable),
the PCBU must provide any reasonable resources, facilities and help to enable an
election to be conducted.

After the nominations have been called, an election can be conducted. The members
of the work group can determine the election procedure however, there are minimum
requirements prescribed in the Work Health and Safety Regulations. These
procedures include that the person conducting the election ensures:

Each PCBU in which a worker in the work group works is informed of the
election date as soon as practicable after the date is determined

All workers in the work group being given an opportunity to:

o nominate for the position of HSR
o vote in the election

All workers in the workgroup and all relevant PCBUs are informed of the
outcome of the election.

A PCBU must not unreasonably delay the election of an HSR.

Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs)
The role of a HSR is to facilitate the flow of information about health and safety
between the PCBU and the workers in their work group.

The powers and functions of a HSR are to:-
Represent workers in a work group on work health & safety (WHS)matters
Monitor WHS actions taken by the PCBU
Investigate WHS complaints from workers of the work group
Look into anything that might be a risk to the WHS of the workers they
represent

If the HSR has completed approved HSR training, they can exercise additional
powers:-
To direct unsafe work to stop when they have a reasonable concern that
carrying out the work would expose a worker to a serious risk
To issue a ‘Provisional Improvement Notice’ (PIN) when they reasonably
believe there is a contravention of the WHS Act.

Health and Safety Committees
Health and safety committees bring together workers and management to assist in
the development and review of health and safety policies and procedures for the
workplace.

The functions of the health and safety committee are:

• To facilitate co-operation between the PCBU and workers in instigating,

developing and carrying out measures designed to ensure the health and
safety of workers

• To assist in developing standards, rules and procedures relative to health and

safety

• Such other functions prescribed by the regulations or agreed between the

PCBU and the committee i.e. monitor progress of your WHS Action Plan,
monitor hazards inspections, monitor incident records etc.

The effective operation of a health and safety committee is dependent upon
everyone fulfilling their role.

A health and safety committee (HSC) must meet at least every three months and at
any reasonable time when requested by at least half the members of the committee.

Establishment of health and safety committees
The PCBU must establish a health and safety committee within two months after
being requested to do so by:

• A health and safety representative (HSR), or

• Five or more workers at the workplace.

A health and safety committee may be established for workers who carry out work at
one or more locations or for those who do not have a fixed place of work.

A PCBU can also establish a health and safety committee on their own initiative.

The constitution of the health and safety committee may be agreed to between
the PCBU, HSR and workers at the workplace. If agreement is not reached within a
reasonable time, any party may ask WorkCover to appoint an inspector to decide the
matter.

Health and safety committee membership
The makeup of the committee can be agreed to between the workers and the PCBU.
The PCBU can only nominate up to half of the members.

A HSR is a member of the committee if they consent. If there are two or more HSRs
at a workplace, then they can choose one or more who consent to be members of
the committee.

Other Agreed Arrangements
Other agreed arrangements are flexible alternatives for establishing
agreed consultation arrangements that meet your business needs and improve
decision making, especially where there is no health and safety representative
(HSR) or health and safety committee (HSC).

Some examples of ‘Other Agreed Arrangements’ could include:

regular scheduled meetings

team meetings (where work health and safety is always an agenda item)

one-off meetings

tool box talks

face to face discussions

briefing sessions

Some workplaces may need a mix of HSRs, HSCs and / or other agreed
consultation arrangements tailored to suit the workers and the work environment.

More detailed information can be accessed via the Work health and safety
consultation, cooperation and coordination Code of Practice.

OHS Newsletter March 2012 – OHS Harmonisation

Introduction
Welcome to AlertForce’s first monthly newsletter which will focussing on OHS
Harmonisation. This will give you a snapshot of the major issues at hand.

1. WHS Consultation

Are you prepared for WHS legislation consultation, co-operation and co-
ordination requirements? What’s changed?

It could be said that nothing has changed and workplaces have always been
required to consult, co-ordinate and co-operate on safety and welfare issues.
Key differences from 1 January 2012 are:
• The positive and holistic approach to participation by all workers in
health and safety matters; and
• Business (or PCBUs) must consult, so far as is reasonably practicable,
with workers who carry out work for the business and who are, or are
likely to be, directly affected by a health and safety matter.

The approach to effective consultation will differ for each workplace, but
the time to plan for and achieve this should not be underestimated. See
the AlertForce website for a checklist to help you develop your consultation
strategy. Visit at alertforce.com.au/ohs-harmonisation-checklist

(website post)
CHECKLIST DRAFT
Businesses of all shapes and sizes should undertake a detailed analysis of:
• Do we interact with and do business with other WHS duty holders?
• Who needs to be consulted?
• How do we currently consult with each stakeholder or group?
• Are the current consultation mechanisms effective? Has our safety
management system improved under our current practices?
• Are our workers, health and safety representatives and committee
members competent at consulting, co-ordinating and co-operating on
work health and safety matters?
• What internal and external resources and support services do we have
to achieve compliance?
• Who has responsibility for developing / improving and implementing
our consultation mechanisms?
• Do we have consultation and communication charter and standards?
• How will the effectiveness of our consultative arrangements be
measured?

2. Transition arrangements – Yes or no?

Safe Work Australia (SWA) developed transition principles for the Model Act
and Regulations. What does this mean in practical terms, particularly the
Regulations Principle A – “where a duty under the model WHS Regulations is
the same or very similar and has the same critical elements as a duty under
pre-harmonised regulations, the WHS Regulation should apply immediately”

(each set of principles are at the SWA website)?

The application of the transition principles is unclear, so in the best interest
of your business, we recommend that you plan for a commencement date of
1 January 2012. This will also help to maintain the momentum many of you
have already generated.

3. ‘Harmonised’ Resources
The main object of the WHS Act is “to provide for a balanced and nationally
consistent framework to secure the health and safety of workers and
workplaces”.

In keeping with this approach, Codes of Practice and other guidance material
are underway. The best of existing Codes of Practice and other documents
and are being further improved and developed into national guidance
material.

The first round of Codes are very close to finalisation and available from Safe
Work Australia. Follow the progress of these and other material at the SWA
website (safeworkaustralia.gov.au/) or join our free weekly online OHS news
service at alertforce.com.au.

4. Non-Compliance Penalties
WHS non-compliance may cost in more ways than one. Businesses and any
individual worker may face penalties, jail and fines if there is reckless conduct
or reasonable WHS due diligence processes are inadequate or not complied
with. They can be imposed for near misses or inadequate systems – not
just for injury or harm to people or property. A guide to financial penalties for
individuals and corporations is:
Category 1 $300k to $3m
Category 2 $150k to $1.5m
Category 3 $50k to $500k

5. WHS Training
The WHS Act specifies that PCBUs (businesses) have a primary duty to
provide as far as reasonably practicable any information, training, instruction
or supervision that is necessary to protect all persons from risks to their health
and safety arising from work carried as part of the business.

In practice, different training methods are needed for different situations and
learning styles. AlertForce can provide online accredited and awareness
training as well as face to face training for your workers, volunteers and
contractors. Contact us for more in

6. Volunteers – don’t let them slip through the cracks….

Businesses and society as a whole benefit greatly from the unpaid work of
volunteers. Under WHS law, any person carrying out paid or unpaid work
for and on behalf of a PCBU is classified as a worker and is owed a primary
duty of care duty. Volunteers must be involved in consultation, training and
instruction, developing and implementing risk controls and all other activities
that apply to paid workers. Contact AlertForce for information on our volunteer
training programs.

7. Due Diligence – you know the term – do you know what to do?

Officers of a PCBU have an obligation to ensure a due diligence framework is
implemented. There are six key elements:

  • Understand the nature of the operations, risks and hazards
  • Have adequate knowledge of health and safety matters
  • Timely response to incidents and issues
  • Legal compliance
  • Allocate resources and processes
  • Verify resources and processes – monitor and audit.

Further information on applying due diligence will be available in coming
editions.

8. WHS for Councils

The diversity of local government and the direct relationship with communities
means councils face unique challenges in addressing WHS compliance.
Despite the exemption of elected members under the WHS ‘officer’ definition,
the influence (directly of indirectly) they have on health and safety matters
should be understood by officers and workers responsible for safety systems.

Councilors must also be aware of their duty of care and should have an
understanding of the WHS legal framework that their council and constituents
operate in. We suggest elected members are fully briefed on the changes and
updated on council’s progress with compliance.

Karen Glover, who was responsible for rolling our the Statecover sessions, is
now working for AlertForce. If you need help or advice, please call Karen on
0409 886 673.

OHS: Amputee Charged For False Claims

OHS TrainingThe court has discovered that the Melbourne amputee who received $112,000 for being confined to a wheelchair, was in fact coaching a basketball team and running a football club canteen.

Rita Mercuri’s left leg was amputated below the knee over two decades ago, after a workplace accident in 1985. Since the accident she has received weekly benefits but after 2008 she began claiming 24-hour assistance from carers. She also reportedly informed doctors that she was wheelchair-bound and required to endless care and was not able to maintain her hygiene or use the toilet independently.

Video surveillance surfaced that showed her both driving and walking.

Mercuri pleaded guilty to eight charges when she appeared before magistrate Suzanne Camero’s Court. Camero has adjourned Mercuri’s case which awaits an additional psychiatric report. Sentencing will take place on December 3.

Source: http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/amputee-claimed-false-payout-20120829-2514w.html#ixzz25AXDNrV8

 

Asbestos Concerns at Hospital

asbestos removal training

After a contractor falling through the Royal Adelaide Hospital ceiling, a patient was forced to relocate because of asbestos concerns.

The contractor reportedly fell through the ceiling and into the pantry room which is connected to the orthopaedics ward. While the ward experienced no disruptions, a patient in a room near to the pantry was shifted to a bed further away.

The room will remain sealed off until the asbestos is removed. The contractor was taken to the hospital in order to determine the severity of his injuries.

Upon discovery of the asbestos in the ceiling area, the hospital staff immediately implemented standard asbestos safety measures and restricted access to the area.

Air testing devices were used to ensure the air quality was at a safe and risk-free level for patients and staff alike.Luckily the sub-contractor suffered and was treated by the Emergency Department for only minor injuries. Safework SA has been informed of the incident.

More info on Asbestos Training

Source:  http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/asbestos-scare-at-royal-adelaide-hospital/story-e6frea6u-1226458930290

Fire Safety: Company Faces Fines for Explosion

Fire Safety TrainingA subsidiary of Air New Zealand  has been fined $56,000 following an explosion at Adelaide Airport that left an engineer with serious injuries.  The engineer, Mark Meehan sustained a broken arm, burns and abrasions to his hands and face in the March explosion. At the time of the explosion, Meehan had been repairing the wing of an aircraft on the TAE Aviation grounds.

SafeWork SA investigated the explosion and recovered remnants of fuel or vapours within a fuel tank in the wing which were ignited by a spark from a tool Meehan was using.  TAE pleaded guilty in the Industrial Court for breaching Occupational Health and Safety laws, by failing to educate Meehan on the potential risk of explosion.

The company was subsequently convicted,fined and ordered to improve its safety procedures.

Meehan has since returned to active work duties.

More info on Fire Safety

Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-08-30/company-fined-over-airport-explosion/4233326?section=sa

 

Mining Safety Boss Calls for Feedback From The Industry

Confined Spaces SafetyFour new mine inspectors have been appointed throughout Australia. The inspectors will be predominately focusing on the state’s Northwest, while the the other will cover the Southwest.  The WA Department of Mines and Petroleum stated that each inspector brings forth experiences from varying backgrounds, whether it be an expertise in geotechnical,mechanical, process engineering and mining engineering.

Simon Ridge, DMP state mining engineer stated that the new appointments fall under the Department’s efforts to improve and maintain safety under the RADARS program.  Each inspector completed intensive training programs which will help ensure that their work is of the highest standards. Ridge said that the main focus is the implement a cultural change within the industry –by encouraging operators to keep safety a top priority at all times.

Ridge has assisted significantly in the appointment of 25 mines safety inspectors in the previous two years.

Recently, the DMP resources safety boss urged mining industry operators to review proposed new health and safety regulations for WA.

The Commonwealth,State and Territory Governments, unions and employer organisations; have developed a new national model for WHS Regulations and model codes of practice. Ridge is currently undertaking consultation on the model legislation.

The process is currently aimed at determining the cost and benefits of the proposed regulations that would apply to the mining industry in WA. Ridge has encouraged mining industry stake holders to involve themselves in the consultation process. Ridge encouraged the submission of feedback from mining industry professionals so that the new regulations could effectively be applied to the minerals sector.

According to the DMP, financial consultants Marsden Jacob Associates will be receiving feedback until October 12.

More info on Confined Spaces

Source :http://www.miningaustralia.com.au/news/new-safety-inspectors-hit-wa-mines

Working at Heights: DFEEST Faces Fines For Injured Student

Working at heights safetySafework has released a press release detailing the events surrounding the injuries suffered by a student who fell while working at heights. According to the courts,the Department of Further Education, Employment, Science and Technology to blame for his injuries.
DFEEST has been fined $120,000 by the Industrial Relations Court following the injury of the student.

DFEEST, the agency responsible for TAFE, pleaded guilty to breaching section 22(2) of the Occupational Health Safety and Welfare Act 1986 by failing to ensure the student’s safety, failing to provide fall protection and failing to conduct and document a proper risk assessment for the task.

The incident occurred at the Gilles Plains campus in November 2009, when a construction student  walked across and stood on ceiling beams to help remove a panel. The student lost control and fell 4.5 metres through exposed plasterboard to the floor. He broke several bones and suffered serious and permanent injuries. It was revealed in court that while DFEEST did conduct an internal investigation and amended its Working at Heights and Hazard Management policies, the amendments did not go far enough to explicitly state the proper safety measures that would be necessary to avoid a similar incident.

 The court fined DFEEST $120,000 (following a 20 per cent discount to account for an early guilty plea and expression of contrition) and also ordered they pay compensation of $20,000 to the student.

 More info on Working at Heights

Source : http://www.safework.sa.gov.au/uploaded_files/20120810_dfeest_fined.pdf 

Workers Union Launches Investigation Into Two Rig Deaths

OHS TrainingThe Australian Workers Union (AWU) revealed their intentions to launch an investigation into the two deaths of offshore drilling rig workers in Victoria. The two men were killed in an operational incident approximately 50 km off the coast of Port Campbell.

The Mobile Offshore Drilling Unit recently returned to land and the AWU stated that they have been briefed on the incident. Reports indicate that something malfunctioned with the equipment and it struck either one of both of the workers which lead to their unfortunate deaths. More details are expected to emerge, however, for now all work has been suspended, and the well has been secured.  Police flew to the rig following the accident.

The National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environment Management Authority (NOPSEMA) launched an investigation into the deaths. Origin (the company in charge of the drilling Unit) stated that there were no environmental issues as a result of the incident and the gas production will not be adversely affected.

The Union intends to investigate the incident further in order to avoid similar accidents from occurring in the future. The oil and gas industry offshore has reputable and good quality occupational health and safety standards, but the work is inherently dangerous.

A full investigation with the company and the safety authority will be launched.

Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-08-28/awu-launches-probe-into-drill-rig-deaths/4226664?section=vic

OHS: WorkSafe Goes After Dangerous Machines

ohs trainingTwo business in Victoria  were fined approximately 35,000 following an incident involving an unguarded machine that left a contractor with a crushed thumb.These prosecutions emerged just as WorkSafe Victoria begins a year-long campaign against dangerous machines in the workplace.

WorkSafe’s Regional Director Shane Gillard strongly desires for  businesses to regularly revisit safety measures around machinery. He noted that removing guarding from a machine (as happened in the above incident) is a potentially disastrous scenario.

“Guarding is there to protect workers from being seriously hurt or killed, yet we frequently come across incidents where someone has suffered a serious injury that could easily be prevented,” he said.

In order to protect workers, employers need to ensure that appropriate machine safety apparatus is provided.  WorkSafe recommends that employees who manage,maintain or own machinery should ensure that ”

  • all moving parts that can touch with any part of the body, deliberately or otherwise, are protected by a physical barrier or guard
  • all staff, especially those with little experience with machinery, are properly trained and consistently supervised; and
  • machinery usage follows manufacturer as recommended by the
More info on Occupational Health and Safety

Source: http://www.ferret.com.au/c/CPR-Safe-Ind/WorkSafe-Victoria-targets-dangerous-machines-What-can-you-do-to-ensure-employees-are-protected-n1831988

Human Resources: A Tragic Result of Workplace Bullying

Workplace BullyingAn inquiry into workplace bullying has revealed a case involving the suicides of a brother and sister as a result of the brother being bullied and sexually abused in his first full-time job.

The parliamentary inquiry revealed that the teenage boy  left high school at age 16 to start work as an apprentice chef at a local hospital. It was at this hospital he experienced an ingrained culture of workplace bullying in the hospital kitchen. He was at the end of constant put-downs,jokes, sexual innuendo, tampering with his possessions and eventually, sexual abuse.

The brother was reportedly being bullied consistently for two years by his immediate supervisor and co-workers.

The culture of bullying in the kitchen had allegedly become so ingrained that many long-standing members of staff  became used to it and subsequently turned a blind eye or laughed along with the taunting.

About the inquiry:

  • The impacts of workplace bullying in Australia could be as high as $36 billion every year
  • The committee in investigating what can be done to prevent workplace bullying
  • Submissions are still open to the public, with the committee to report its findings to parliament in due course
More info on Human Resources

Source: http://www.ipswichadvertiser.com.au/story/2012/08/17/tragic-effects-workplace-bullying/

PPE: Skin Diseases – A $30 million Problem

According to a recent report released by Safe Work Australia, occupational skin diseases are the second most occurring work-related disease that general practitioners  regularly treat. The report released indicated that the cost to businesses throughout Australia is about $33 million annually.

Considering this significant cost to the public, it is important to be aware of how one can minimise the risks of  suffering from a  work related skin-disease. Workers who suffer the greatest risks are those who are frequently exposed to harmful chemicals or wet work in their daily professions.

Some Main Causes:

  • detergents
  • disinfectants
  • solvents
  • bases and alkalis
  • fuels
  • rubber accelerators; and
  • potassium dichromate in leather and cement.

Safe Work Australia Chair Mr Tom Phillips AM stated that of the workers who report exposure to chemicals, less than two-thirds said they had received chemical safety or Personal Protective Equipment training.

These numbers indicate that occupational health and safety training needs to implemented in every workplace in Australia regardless of how big or small and include how to properly handle chemicals and hazardous substances.
This is a clear message that work health and safety training needs to be integrated in every workplace in Australia no matter how big or small and include how to properly handle chemicals and hazardous substances,” he said. Quality training then, is of significant importance.

The use of PPE here is self-explanatory, and includes:

  • gloves
  • safety glasses and goggles
  • shop coats and overalls
  • boots; and
  • hearing protection systems.

An often overlooked method of reducing risks is to practice good personal hygiene. While it would seem that personal hygiene is the responsibility of the individual worker, it is up to the employer to ensure that PPE is properly maintained and employees have access to the proper facilities and cleansing agents.

When coming into contact with hazardous contaminants, the most important initial treatment should be immediately washing the contaminated part of the body, so these products are a valuable addition to industrial environments where dangerous chemicals are used.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) must be maintained, repaired or replaced so that it continues to be effective and safe. Each worker must be trained in ensuring the equipment is:

  • clean and hygienic, and
  • in good working order.

 What are the problems with using personal protective equipment?

Where PPE is required and used at work one must remember:

  • wearing PPE may adversely affect the performance of tasks being undertaken — either by restricting vision or mobility
  •  While PPE may be uncomfortable to wear and some workers may not be able to wear it (such as those with allergies to latex and thus cannot wear rubber gloves)
  • constant supervision is required to ensure the PPE is being used the proper manner

What is the worker’s duty in relation to personal protective equipment?

A worker who is provided with personal protective equipment (PPE) is trusted to:

  • use or wear the PPE in accordance with any information, training or reasonable instruction provided by the person conducting business, so far as they are reasonably able
  • not misuse or damage the PPE on purpose
  • advise the person in charge  of any damage, defect or need to clean or decontaminate any of the PPE they are aware of, and
  • consult with their manager if the PPE is not an adequate size or quality.

If a worker refuses to wear or use the PPE,  the employer can take action against the worker.  When a  worker who does not wear or use PPE, or intentionally misuses or destroys  it, that worker may face prosecution.

Source: http://www.ferret.com.au/c/Ferret-www-ferret-com-au/Protecting-workers-from-occupational-skin-diseases-a-33-million-problem-n1831990

Hospital Reports High Number of Working at Heights Incidents

Working at Heights safetyAccording to Royal Hobart Hospital staff, serious injuries resulting from falls seem to have risen by 20 per cent this year.

Neurosurgeon and member of the Royal Hobart Hospital trauma committee Pauline Waites, and Professor Richard Turner of the University of Tasmania School of medicine, stated that a growing number of serious or fatal injuries have been seen at the hospital recently.

Some injuries reported are a fatal brain haemorrhage,a spinal fracture, multiple spinal fractures and a depressed skull fracture.The hospital’s trauma meeting has revealed that they have dealt with a large number of accidents from people falling off roofs.

Though Tasmania does not keep a registry of trauma from falls, figures released by Ambulance Tasmania indicate that the number could be in excess of 5000.Workplace Standards general manager Roy Ormerod stated that the safety overseer has investigated over 200 falls in the workplace annually. Ormerod said that the definition of a fall was broad as it includes anything from a fall from a roof to a fall from the cab of a truck or even falling down one stair.

The watchdog’s priority is reportedly specific to falls from ladders, unstable scaffolding, and other high-risk work practices.

Ormerod said new tentative health and safety regulations will place greater responsibilities on employees to ensure that all risks attached to Working At Heights were minimised.

Source: http://www.themercury.com.au/article/2012/08/13/352801_tasmania-news.html

Asbestos Training: Mesothelioma In Australia

SafeWork Australia has released national findings pertaining to the asbestos-caused disease known as Mesothelioma. The data examines the incidence of the disease between 1982- 2007,and the deaths between 1997-2008. Data pertaining to new cases was compiled by the National Cancer Statistics Clearing House, maintained by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). Data relating to mortality was compiled by National Mortality Database, made available to us by the AIHW.

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a typically fatal cancer which usually occurs 20-40 years after being exposed to asbestos. Mesothelioma of the pleura  is a cancer affecting the protective lining of the lung and chest area. This type of Mesothelioma is the most common and frequently diagnosed types in Australia.  Approximately 94% of cases in 1982 were Mesothelioma of the pleura as opposed to the Mesothelioma of the peritoneum (abdominal lining) which is significantly rarer.

Asbestos in Australia

Asbestos was an extremely common substance to use in the Australian cement manufacturing industry. The substance was imported largely from the UK and the USA. However Asbestos mines were also in operation.  Until the 1960’s almost tw0-thirds of houses were ridden with asbestos cement. Because of the common uses of the product, exposure to asbestos was especially high in these periods specifically in certain industries and occupations. Following a serious of regulations on industry use of asbestos, the substance was finally prohibited in all forms in 2003 by the Australian jurisdiction and Australian Customs. Nowadays a national Model Code of Practice, How to Manage and Control Asbestos in the Workplace, helps assist employers and employees on how to manage risks associated with asbestos and how to minimise the risk of asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma, asbestosis and lung-cancer.

New Cases/Incidence 

661 new cases of  asbestos causing disease,mesothelioma were diagnosed in Australia in 2008.

Initially the number of new cases seemed to be decreasing from a previous peak of 652 new cases in 2003 to 591 cases in 2006. However, in 2007  the number of diagnoses again reached a new peak of 668 cases. The age-standardised incidence rate of asbestos was 2.9 per 100,000 in 2008. This rate has gradually increased overtime — in fact, in 1982 the rate was 1.2 which eventually grew to 3.2 in 2003.  In 2008 the highest age-specific incidence rate of new cases occurred among men over 85 — 48 cases per 100,000 population.

Mesothelioma Related Deaths

In 2007, 551 deaths were reported to be caused by mesothelioma.  In the data available on deaths due to mesothelioma, the overall number of deaths have generally increased between 1997-2007. The last year of the available data showed the maximum on record.

In 2007, the age-standardised rate due to mesothelioma was 2.4 deaths per 100,000 population. The number has remained relatively stable for the 10 years of data recording on mesothelioma deaths. Over the period the rate has ranged between the minimum of 2.1 deaths per 100,000 population in 199, to 2.7 in 2001.

More info on Asbestos Training

Coroner Calls for Covered Quarry Trailers

Risk Management TrainingThe Coroner has called upon the Northern Territory Government to introduce legislation demanding that all trucks carrying quarry loads must cover their trailers.The recommendation follows an investigation into the road death of a Queensland woman south of Darwin, last year.

Rosalyn O’Neill, a senior, was a passenger in her husband’s vehicle on the Arnhem Highway when a large rock smashed through the windscreen and killed her instantly.The coroner’s investigation was launched to determine whether the rock fell from a mining truck or was already on the road.

The findings released by Coroner Greg Cavanah revealed that there was no evidences that quarries operating near the accident site were responsible for the rock being on the highway.Cavanagh stated that the prospect of another car striking and subsequently propelling the rock on the highway into a victims path was “an extraordinary coincidence”

Scott Basnett of Darwin, was in a car in front of the vehicle being driven by Mr.O’Neill.

He told the investigators that he had hit a rock and when he looked behind him he saw it careen across the road and strike the windscreen of another vehicle.Cavanagh said that no individuals were to blame for “this terrible tragedy”

More info on Risk Management

Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-08-10/rock-road-death-inquest-finding-coroner/4190676?section=nt

OHS:Commonwealth Contractor Fined $50k

OHS TrainingWorkSafe hopes that a recently imposed fine on a Commonwealth contractor will send a strong message to other companies who consider sending inadequately trained and equipped workers into Goldfields desert.

MAX Network was fined $50,000 following a guilty plea for sending two female employees in a car to the remote community of Tjuntjuntjara.

The women were lost in the desert all night and spent the night their until coming across a roadhouse the following day.

WorkSafe commissioner Lex McCulloch stated that employers and staff need to understand the risks of travelling in remote areas.

McCulloch said this case highlights the need to be very vigilant for the many workers who traverse great distances in their daily professions.  He added that it is fortunate that the incident did not result in a tragedy. He stated that the situation could have easily ended in a much worse result.

McCulloch said that companies need to assess the risks for remote area work, and develop strategies and manage whatever risks for their adequately trained staff.

More info on Occupational Health and Safety

Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-08-16/contractor-fined-50k-over-lost-workers/4202984?section=wa

Asbestos Made Car Parts Found in 25k Chinese Vehicles

Asbestos Awareness TrainingApproximately 25,000 cost-efficient  Chinese cars will reportedly be recalled in Australia because some parts were discovered to contain asbestos. The company responsible, Great Wall and Chery may be compelled to recall almost all the vehicles sold- which are believed to contain the deadly substance in engine and exhaust gaskets. The importers  in Australia, Ateco Automotive, has been aware of the issue for “a period of months”  and has been devising a plan with government departments to deal with the asbestos contamination.

The plan is expected to be announced within the coming days. Despite the asbestos issues  , it is believed that the gaskets (made out of asbestos), may not be replaced because of the complex task of replacing them. In fact according to Ateco, many will not be need to be replaced through the life the vehicle. Source: 

Source: http://www.smh.com.au/national/chinese-cars-found-to-contain-asbestos-20120814-246r1.html#ixzz23ZMzs7Bd

More info on Asbestos Training 

The Importance of Food Safety Supervisors

Food Safety Supervisors aim to prevent individuals from becoming ill as a result of food poisoning.  According to the Australian Health Department, approximately 5.4 Australians suffer from food-related illnesses annually from products contaminated with bacteria or viruses.

Considering Australia has one of the safest food supplies worldwide, this number is staggering. It is the working relationship between food manufacturers, food handlers, government regulators and  quality training programs that Australia can boast a safe food supply but regardless of strong efforts, the need for continuous safety training is ever present.Individuals must be knowledgeable in the proper methods to treat and handle food because a lack of proper information can result in sickness or death.  So how does one limit the number food contamination that results in sickness? Food Safety Supervisors.

What is a food safety supervisor?

A food safety supervisor is someone who:

  •  is trained to determine and prevent food handling risks at your premises.
  • has earned a Statement of Attainment that shows they are capable and qualified to fulfill required food safety competencies from Registered Training Organisations such as AlertForce.
  • has the knowledge, capability and authority to supervise other workers in the correct handling of food at the premises, thus ensuring safe food handling.

Choosing the right food safety supervisor for your business

When choosing a food safety supervisor one must be advised to do so carefully. A food safety supervisor can be the owner, an employee or an external person to the establishment. They must however, be able to meet the food safety supervisor requirements under the Food Act.

When choosing a FSS it is important to choose someone with the following attributes:

One must maintain that their food safety supervisor has everything  needed to be fully capable at  performing the role at your business. This means that:

  • Requirements are clearly and concisely laid out in the job description.
  • Responsibilities and role requirements are clearly apparent to the individual
  • They have received relevant appropriate training from a reputable and approved training organisation.
  • they are provided time in  their working day to perform FSS tasks.
  •  They are capable of supervising other workers within the establishment and the staff are aware of their title/job.
  • They are prepared and capable in the event that your business encounters any food safety issues.
A FSS is not required to be present on the premises at all times but they must be aware of the food handling methods being implemented when the FSS is not present. This also applies when a person outside of the business has been assigned the FSS role.

One cannot overstate the importance of food safety supervisors and more specifically, hiring a good FSS. It may not only save litigation, time and stress, but also lives.

Curtis Island LNG Hub Workers Exposed to Asbestos by Employer

Asbestos AwarenessTrainingAccording to a union spokesperson, Queensland Island workers have potentially been exposed to asbestos by their American employer.The Electrical Trades Union (ETU) is pushing for an inquiry into the US engineering  powerhouse Bechtel since the alleged exposure to asbestos at Queensland’s future LNG hub, Curtis Island.

ETU state secretary Peter Simpson revealed that he has evidence that 90 out of the union’s 200 members working on the island, were exposed to the cancerous substance while  working with construction materials supplied by Indonesia’s Metito.

Simpson stated that results of the investigation show that Bechtel, the main contractor of the site,  failed basic duties of care which subsequently resulted in exposure to white asbestos — an illegal and deadly substance. The union is currently attempting to will Bechtel into revealing the location and depth of their dealings with Metito. The union wants to have full transparency before,during and after exposures.

Bechtel has apparently also denied worker’s wages following their recent absences from work after the asbestos exposure.

This is one of various asbestos related cases to emerge in the past month. Asbestos exposure is potentially fatal and can result in numerous ailments, such as mesothelioma and other cancers.

More info on Asbestos Training

Source: http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/electrical-trades-union-claims-workers-on-curtis-island-queenslands-planned-lng-hub-have-allegedly-been-exposed-to-asbestos/story-e6freoof-1226439513940

OHS:Cafe Owner Fined For Abusing WorkSafe Inspector

OHS TrainingA cafe owner was subject to a conviction and a $500 fine when he attacked a WorkSafe inspector who was visiting his premises.

The inspector was visiting the cafe in Gungahlin as part of  an ongoing cafe and takeaway outlet inspection project when the assault occurred.

Prior to the July 2011 incident, the inspector had identified occupational health and safety issues that needed attending to in the business. She returned in July 2011 to see if previously noted issues were addressed. According to WorkSafe ACT Commissioner Mark McCabe, the man became physical and physically removed the woman from the cafe preventing her from conducting her duties.

ACT Magistrates Court concluded that the man had also been verbally abusive towards the woman. He was convicted at the start of June. McCabe said that this recent court case should stand as a reminder that inspectors were public officials and should be allowed to work without any hindrance. McCabe added that WorkSafe’s inspectors should have the right to be safe while conducting their professional duties.

 

Source: http://www.canberratimes.com.au/act-news/cafe-owner-fined-for-abusing-official-20120803-23kgr.html#ixzz22efPtvQL

Dangerous Goods: Worksafe confident in Worker Safety After Gasleak

Workplace safetyWorkSafe is confident Esso’s claims that systems have been implemented to improve the safety of workers at the Longford Gas Plant. In 2009 a gas leak occurred which has since resulted in the company’s conviction and a fine of $40,000.

Court hearings revealed that an operator was injured when over half-a-tonne of gas burst from a high pressure valve. Worksafe’s Jarrod Edwards stated that the company pleaded guilty and has made efforts to improve their safety measures and training since the incident.  Edwards added “”Certainly WorkSafe takes all incidents that are reported to us seriously and we have diligently followed up to understand the reasons this has occurred and we have assured ourselves that Esso has the systems in place to not only prevent this happening again in the future but the systems in place to monitor the effectiveness of those systems,”

According to Edwards, Esso has since begun putting more focus behind training for operators and job safety analysis systems since the offence.

WorkSafe is reportedly pleased with the response of Esso, and it is their hopes that the company will learn from the scenario and continue to focus on strong safety systems.

More info on Dangerous Goods

Source: http://au.news.yahoo.com/a/-/australian-news/14424906/worksafe-confident-longford-gas-leak-wont-happen-again/

The Opposition Condemns NSW Government’s Worker Comp Changes

OHS TrainingThe NSW Opposition has condemned O’Farrell Government’s Timetable for announcing changes to worker’s compensation.

An injured individual New South Wales who sustained their injury at the beginning of October will fall within the new scheme. However those already accessing benefits won’t make the conversion until January.

NSW Shadow Treasurer Michael Daly has criticized the sudden changes because they do not allow enough time for injured workers to adjust to the new scheme.

Daley stated that workers who were injured, “through no fault of their own”, and unable to return to work; would not receive weekly benefits.In the coming days NSW Health Minister Jillian Skinner, will inspect the multi-million dollar Cancer centre located in Armidale.

The tender is expected to be announced before the end of the week. Richard Torbay of the National Tablelands, will accompany the minister.

More info on Occupational Health and Safety

Source:http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-08-08/nsw-worker27s-comp-change/4184474?section=nsw

 

Fire Safety: Employers Fined 90k For Severely Burned Cook

A hotel in Adelaide was subject to a $90,000 fine as a result of an incident two years ago that left a female cook with burns on half her body.

The owners of the Royal Coach Motor Inn at Kent Town pleaded guilty for failing to provide and maintain a safe working environment for its employees.

The part-time cook was transferring methylated spirits from a 25-litre container to a smaller container when some of it spilled. The liquid was subsequently ignited by a pilot light on a gas water heater close to where the spirits were kept.

The middle-aged woman suffered serious and deep burns to approximately half her body. The cook will be permanently scarred as a result of her severe burns.

Industrial Magistrate Stephen Lieschke discovered that the worker had no formal training in the proper handling of methylated spirits and the hotel management had thus displayed “hopelessly inadequate consideration” to the potential dangers.  Lieschke added that the resulting risk of injury was predictable and could have been easily eliminated.  The Magistrate subsequently decided to fine the company $90,000  (after it was reduced by 25 percent due to guilty plea) for their inadequate consideration for safety.

More info on Fire Safety

Source: http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/national/hotel-at-kent-town-fined-90000-over-cooks-burns/story-fndo1gb8-1226438746745

Working At Heights: Company Fined $90k For Death

Working at Heights Safety Training An electrical merchant was slapped with a $90,000 fine following the death of a female worker who fell through the ceiling of the store in 2010.Personal Buying Service Pty Ltd pleaded guilty to failing to ensure and uphold a safe work environment, and by that failure, triggering the death of a worker.

The store encompassed a large warehouse with a showroom throughout the floor area. The ceiling of the showroom was approximately 2.75 metres high  and was about half the height of the warehouse. The space between the showroom ceiling and warehouse roof was often used for storage purposes for boxes and stock.Use of the ceiling to store boxes prior to 2007 had caused the ceiling to sag so a separate storage shelf was built to store the boxes.Employees were able to access this new storage area via a 1.8 metre ladder, which would require them to stand on boxes of stock. The shelf was not designed for individuals to stand on but employees say  they sometimes had to in order to retrieve the items.

In September 2010,  a female worker was assisting another worker in retrieving a washing machine box from the shelf. The female worker placed the step ladder on top of an empty box which eventually gave way, causing her to fall and suffer fatal injuries.

WA Commissioner Lex McCulloch said the untimely death was a reminder that strick safety procedures must be implemented especially when involving working at heights.
Source: http://www.watoday.com.au/wa-news/retailer-fined-90000-after-death-fall-20120731-23bsy.html#ixzz22dEfAfTr

NT Drafting Plan For Asbestos Removal At Botanic Gardens

The NT Government is currently mounting a management plan to tend to the removal of asbestos uncovered at Darwin’s George Brown Botanic Gardens.A spokesperson for the Department of Natural Resources and Environment revealed that asbestos was uncovered in the gardens over a month ago.

The asbestos is believed to be among the rubble dumped in the gardens following Cyclone Tracy.The Department stated that it is currently unclear how much asbestos exists at the site, but it is believed to be safe in its current form.

However, despite the government’s assurance, workers have refused to service the garden because they have safety concerns with the asbestos.NT WorkSafe confirmed that inspectors have since visited the site and it is up to the government to deal with the asbestos removal.

 

Update**

The Northern Territory Environment Department  revealed that some soil with suspected asbestos contamination have been removed from Darwin’s Botanic Gardens.

Asbestos was discovered at  the gardens approximately a month ago and since then discussions have been ongoing regarding it’s removal.

A spokesperson said some soil has been removed but it was not in a public space.

Staff have still refused to mow the lawns and are continuing discussions with department and union representatives.

 

More information on Asbestos Training

Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-07-27/asbestos-found-darwin-botanic-gardens/4159836?section=nt

 

 

Preventing And Managing Work Related Fatigue

work related fatigueWhile fatigue is often difficult to manage studies show that fatigue does contribute to many workplace problems such increased accident rates, absenteeism, and more accidents. Therefore it is essential that all employers regardless of the type of business they operate gain insight into the causes and effects of fatigue in the workplace and learn how to prevent and manage workplace fatigue.

Workplace fatigue can be caused by situations that occur both in the workplace and outside of it. While there is little that you can do to ensure that your workers get sufficient rest at home there are a variety of things you can do to help prevent and manage fatigue while workers are on the job.

Regulating The Work Environment

One of the first steps you as an employer can do to help prevent and manage workplace fatigue is regulate the working environment. You can do this by ensuring that:

・There is sufficient lighting with which to perform all tasks. Inadequate lighting causes eye fatigue and eventually tiredness in many people. By ensuring that your employees have a well lit environment you help to reduce the chance of this type of fatigue.

・Noise levels are reasonable. Studies suggest that workers who are subjected to long periods of loud noise often experience fatigue much faster that those employees who work in an environment where noise levels are reasonable.

・Temperature levels are controlled. Working in places where the temperatures are high can induce sleepiness and also make workers feel tired faster than when they work in a cooler environment. While you don’t want your employees to be cold, maintaining slightly cooler temperatures will help reduce feelings of fatigue.

・Workers get to switch up those boring tasks. Some studies show that employees that are subjected to repetitive, boring tasks become fatigued faster than employees who have interesting tasks to perform or who are moved from task to task. If your work requires workers to perform repetitive boring tasks switching up these tasks among workers helps to manage fatigue.

・You provide your employees with adequate breaks and encourage them to eat small healthy snacks during break times. When employees eat healthy snacks during break times they are more likely to maintain their energy levels throughout the day. This helps to prevent feelings of fatigue as well as giving them a short rest period from those tasks that require sustained levels of concentration.

Benefits of Preventing And Managing Fatigue

Employers who learn to prevent and manage fatigue in workplace enjoy a number of important benefits. These benefits include higher production rates, less absenteeism, less damage to machinery and equipment, and fewer accidents. This results in increased worker satisfaction, fewer repairs and less downtime and a higher profit margins.

By providing the kind of environment that helps to reduce worker fatigue, learning to recognize the signs of fatigue and learning tricks to help workers manage their fatigue before it becomes a problem, you are providing your workers with a safer work environment and your business with the ability to turn a profit.

Fatigue Management Improves Driver Awareness

Whether hauling freight or driving passengers to their destinations, those who earn their living by driving often work long hours with few breaks. While these drivers are initially trained to drive safely and effectively there is simply no training available that prepares drivers for the strain of dealing with bumper to traffic, detours, and endless hours of watching the road pass under their wheels. Many accidents have occurred because drivers simply have been unaware of some of the early signs of fatigue and the effect on their ability to react as quickly as they should in any given situation. However, thanks to safety measures implemented by the government and insistence on fatigue management training these drivers are more aware of the early signs of fatigue, the problems that it causes, and ways to help reduce both their fatigue and the risk it poses to themselves, their passengers, or others who share the road.

Preventing Fatigue

One of the best things about fatigue management training is that it helps drivers become aware of things they can do to prevent fatigue from creeping up on them. This is important because the best way to deal with fatigue on the road is by not allowing yourself to become fatigued in the first place. As the old saying goes, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” and preventing yourself from becoming fatigued when driving helps to ensure that you complete your run safely.

Understanding The Signs Of Fatigue

Fatigue management also helps drivers understand the early signs of fatigue that may pass unnoticed unless you are aware of them. Knowing these early signs and how even slight fatigue can effect your driving skills and ability to pay attention when driving helps drivers become more aware that they are becoming fatigued before that fatigue reaches a level where it makes the driver a danger to himself and to others on the road.

The more aware drivers are of these early signs of fatigue the better chance they have of dealing with this condition so they can continue to drive effectively. Fatigue management training even gives drivers tips on what they can do to minimize fatigue while driving.

Increased Awareness Equals Increased Safety

Fatigue management training is working. With the increased awareness drivers now have regarding the role fatigue plays in their ability to perform their job safely and effectively, the potential for avoidable accidents caused by fatigued drivers has diminished. Making the roads safer for these drivers and other drivers on the road while reducing damage to property and company vehicles. The few hours necessary to complete a fatigue management training course is proving to be well worth the time and money involved.

Police Say Employers to Blame for Unsafe Trucks

Chain of Responsibility trainingPolice said trucking companies are to blame for endangering of lives of drivers after nearly half the heavy trucks stopped in the South West were found to have safety defects.

Traffic Sgt Gerard Murphy stated that the police stopped almost 200 trucks on Forest Highway last week and issued 85 work orders. Murphy was reportedly “gobsmacked” by the reports that one trucking company was paying a monthly fee to a transport manager for falling below budget for vehicle maintenance.

Murphy is concerned that when trucking companies supply evidence to a coroner’s court , it will be discovered that they are neglecting maintenance and safety. He added that truck drivers have also approached the police with their safety concerns.

The most common fault was reportedly bald tyres, but other vehicles were found to have cracked windscreens and reflector lights.

Murphy said in some instances the truck drivers even jumped out of their vehicles to show the police the problems and claimed they’ve been telling their company to fix it.

More info on Chain of Responsibility

Source: http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/a/-/wa/14398869/unsafe-trucks-putting-public-safety-at-risk/

How Often is Dangerous Goods Training Required by Sea and Air

dangerous goods by airEnsuring that those who work in transportation industries know how to recognize, handle, and ship dangerous goods is essential to the safety of workers and the public at large. This often means that not only is training necessary to ensure that anyone who may come in contact with dangerous goods in the performance of their jobs, understands the law, the risks these goods pose, and what to do in cases where accidents occur or where dangerous goods are disguised as non dangerous items, but training in new methods and identification of such goods are updated on a continuing basis. That is why it is not only important for those who work in the air and sea transportation industry to receive proper initial training in dangerous goods, but also to ensure that this training is updated in keeping with Australian regulations.

Once a worker receives that initial dangerous goods training, this training is good for two years at which time the training needs to be renewed. While renewal of this training will cover much of the training you received initially it is always good to review the information you learned. In addition, you will be made aware of any changes in the regulations for recognizing and shipping dangerous goods as well as new dangerous goods that may be added to a growing list.

Getting dangerous goods training every two years will keep your company in compliance with the law as well as protect you, your workers, and the general public. This training is not designed to cost your company money but, rather it is designed to help save your company money in the long run as well as protect the health and safety of those who can be exposed to a variety of dangerous goods and to prevent accidents that can result from the mishandling of those types of goods.

Keeping Track Of Training Dates

It is essential that your company keeps track of when training has taken place as well as the date when additional training is needed. You need to be sure that everyone involved with dangerous goods gets their training updated prior to the expiration of their current training date in order to remain in compliance with regulations. Failure to do so can result in lost work until all training is completed and the possibility of heavy fines.

Group training makes it easier to keep track of training dates, and allows you to stay in compliance with the regulations as well as provide a safer work environment for everyone concerned.

Construction Safety: Fallen Worker May Receive Memorial

construction safety trainingThere are currently discussions regarding the potential installation of a memorial for a construction worker who was killed last week. Ben Catanzariti, a concreter, was working on a construction site for new Dockside apartments when a 39m boom struck and killed him. Drew Mathias, director of construction management firm Bloc, confirmed reports of discussions pertaining to the installation of a memorial at the new apartments.

Mathias said that they support the concept but do not want to push the family on any matters and will await their decision.Belconnen Concrete, Catzanzariti’s employer, said that they were “deeply saddened” by the loss of the young concreter and the injuries of two fellow workers.Operations manager for the company, Andrew Spinelli stated that the relevant pump had been thoroughly serviced three weeks prior to the incident and had only been in use for a total of 10 hours since the last service.

Belconnen Concrete is reportedly committed to providing full co-operation with WorkSafe ACT and the Federal Police.  The company swiftly provided all information and documentation requested by the investigative bodies. The company is reportedly also conducting an internal investigation into the incident.

Belconnen was initially prohibited from using its fleet of concrete pumps following the incident but have since been cleared for operation by WorkSafe.

More info on Construction Safety

Source: http://www.canberratimes.com.au/act-news/memorial-may-be-built-at-site-of-construction-fatality-20120724-22nud.html#ixzz21t8pvqRD

AlertForce Approved For HSR Training Course

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

July 27, 2012

POTTS POINT, NSW– Australia’s Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) and environmental training company, AlertForce (AF), was approved by Comcare for the 5-day Health and Safety Representative (HSR) training course.

In order to be approved and subsequently offer the HSR course, the applicant must represent a training organisation, company or sole trader.  A Comcare assessor analyzed the quality of AlertForce’s face to face training program and subsequently approved them for the HSR course until 22 July, 2017. Throughout this time period AlertForce will be frequently be assessed based on the approval criteria, which will further ensure that their OHS training program remains one of high quality. AlertForce completed application was processed and approved according to the criteria set by the following:

  • How to become an approved provider of Health & Safety Representative (HSR) training for the Commonwealth jurisdiction, 1 January 2012 (Guidance 1); and
  • HSR Training Course Requirements, 1 January 2012 (Guidance 2)

According to the application process, each applicant’s course content must be relative to the functions and powers of an HSR. Furthermore, the applicant must be found offering high quality content and high quality training. In addition, each applicant’s course must be within the applicant’s capability and capacity and must be administered by an individual with relevant experience and knowledge. AlertForce’s approval indicates that the company has fulfilled the aforementioned requirements and will soon include the HSR course in their catalogue of various other award-winning training courses.

“AlertForce’s course will certify that prospective HSR’s will have ability to ensure that fellow employees are involved in the dialogue and decisions affecting their occupational health and safety” says Brendan Torazzi, AlertForce company founder.The HSR course will teach individuals how to be a central part of the partnership between employer and employee. A HSR’s duty includes tasks such as inspecting the workplace for safety lapses, accompanying an investigator during an inquiry, investigate OHS complaints, and initiate safety protocols.

AlertForce (https://alertforce.com.au) specialises in delivering fast, competency-based, interactive short online and face to face OHS & E courses to mitigate risk and health and safety & environmental hazards in Australian workplaces. Contact: Brendan Torazzi – CEO AlertForce. Ph: 1300 627 246

 

More information on HSR can be found at the  ComCare Website

 

 

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What Type of Dangerous Goods Training is Needed in Australia?

dangerous good signsDangerous goods are shipped across Australia on a daily basis. The fact that most of these goods reach their destination safely is in large part due to the dangerous goods training that has been mandated to insure the protection and the health of the workers handling these products, the public, and even the environment. Various types of dangerous goods training is needed to continue to ensure that the handling and shipping of these goods are done in a manner that protects everyone from the hazards these goods present.

Types of Dangerous Goods Training

Handling Of Dangerous Goods

There are a variety of dangerous goods training programs for the handling of such goods. These training programs include the proper attire to wear when handling these goods, proper packaging in safe containers, the need for specific types of labelling to identify these goods as not only dangerous, but what type of goods are contained.

The type of training needed for the handling of dangerous goods is going to be a mix between general training and safety procedures common to handling all dangerous goods and specific training as to the handling of specific types of dangerous materials. For example, the training required to handle explosive materials will be somewhat different than handling chemicals that could effect the respiratory system if mishandled.

Storage Training

Dangerous goods training also needs to include the storage of dangerous materials. These materials needs to be stored somewhere both prior to shipping and after they arrive at their destination. This means that all persons who will be working in and around the storage facilities of these warehouses need to be trained in the proper handling and storage of these materials as well as emergency procedures so that they know what to do in the case of an emergency such as a leaky or damaged container.

Training For All Modes Of Transportation

Specialized dangerous goods training is also needed for everyone involved in the transportation of any dangerous materials from the office staff, down to those who load the containers containing this material, to those who transport and deliver this material to it’s final destination. Not only is dangerous material training needed to safely transport these materials, but also training is needed to help those in the transport business recognize unmarked dangerous materials that they may be asked to transport without being advised that these materials are indeed dangerous.

Training for dangerous goods shipped by air covers not only training to all airline personnel involved in the handling and shipping of these goods, but is also required for those who are shipping dangerous goods by air to ensure that these goods are properly handled, labelled and identified.

Needed Dangerous Goods Training Includes:

・Identifying dangerous goods

・The proper handling of dangerous goods

・The proper storage of dangerous goods

・Learning how to mark dangerous goods properly according to all guidelines and regulations

・Transporting of dangerous goods for every mode of transportation

・Who is responsible for the handling, storage and transportation of dangerous goods

Making sure that your business has the right type of dangerous goods training for the goods you are handling, storing, and transporting not only protects your company for high fines, work stoppages, and work hazards but also protects the public and the environment as well.

Gov’t Launches Audit into Construction Industry Safety

Construction safety trainingDuring a discussion regarding an major industry-wide investigation, Attorney-General Simon Corbell stated that an exorbitant number of companies are neglecting the safety of their employees on Canberra construction for increased profits.

Corbell announced the planned investigation following the fourth workplace death in Canberra since December.  Three of the past incidents took place within the civil and construction industry, while the fourth one involved a painter.

Corbell called for an close examination into why the civil and construction sector seems to have uninterested in complying with the government on workplace safety.

Most recently, Ben Catanzariti, a young Kingston Foreshore construction worker, was killed when struck by a 39 metre boom.

ACT Work Safety Commissioner Mark McCabe said that the site has remained closed but did not reveal an open date.

Corbell said an inquiry into the death would likely fall under Work Health and Safety laws and a thorough investigation is needed to gather all the evidence and testimonies.

McCabe is believed to be one of two panel members selected to conduct the inquiry. Corbell believes the investigation would call for submissions, union officials and OHS experts but not a public hearing. Instead it appears that only the report and recommendations will be revealed. The investigation is expected to take up to four months to complete.

More info on Construction Safety
Source: http://www.canberratimes.com.au/act-news/govt-launches-building-industry-safety-audit-20120723-22l0z.html#ixzz21avKTX9V

Signs and Effects of Fatigue

fatigue trainingLack of sleep, extreme mental stress, and boredom can all lead to fatigue. People who are tired not only view the world less positively than those who are well rested, but they also display physical and mental symptoms that can affect the way they perform both at home and at work. A worker who is fatigued can actually pose a risk to your business in several ways. Knowing the signs and effects of fatigue can help you to better prevent and manage this condition which can help you sustain higher company profits.

Signs of Fatigue

Here are some of the signs that are evident when a worker is feeling fatigued.

・Constant yawning

・slower movements

・irritability

・impatience

・inability to understand and follow simple directions

・appearing giddy or giggly

・sudden increase in the amount of days they are absent or late to work

・ Unusually quiet or argumentative

Once one or more of these signs of fatigue are noted, if nothing is done to manage the worker’s fatigue then the effect this condition can have on job performance is predictable. Here are just a few of the effects you can expect to see when a worker is feeling exhausted or fatigued.

Reduced Productivity. When a worker is feeling tired they are simply unable to maintain normal production levels. The worker is basically trying to complete tasks while in a mental fog which means that they have to think through every action including those that are normally instinctive or repetitive.

Reduced Attention To Details And Safety Measures. When a worker is feeling tired they are less likely to pay attention to the finer details a job requires and they often overlook safety measures all together. They simply do not have the patience or the mental focus to pay attention to everything so they concentrate on simply putting one foot in front of the other and getting the job done.

Reduced Ability To React Quickly. When a worker is fatigued they simply do not have the mental alertness to react quickly to any situation. While this can wreak havoc in any job situation, when workers have jobs where the ability to react quickly is essential to safety this inability can create life threatening situations and result in damage to expensive equipment.

Increased forgetfulness. Fatigued workers can be extremely forgetful and this forgetfulness can run the gambit from forgetting to send out important emails, to leaving machines running when not in use to forgetting to put on the proper safety gear.

Increased Absenteeism. Workers who are chronically fatigued often miss work on a regular basis. They constantly feel tired and find it difficult to pull themselves together enough to even make it to work let alone try to perform once they get there.

Increased Accidents. Fatigued workers are at higher risk to cause or have an accident. They are more likely to trip and fall, Injure themselves by not following safety procedures and take increased risks that often result in injury to themselves and others.

In order to reduce worker fatigue it is essential that both workers and those who manage their workforce take fatigue management training. Being aware of the signs and symptoms of fatigue and how to prevent and manage this condition can increase worker safety and improve production for your company.

Human Resources: Report Alleges Serious Bullying Problem at Universities

Workplace BullyingAn academic professional has released a report alleging that bullying has become a widespread problem in Australian universities and should be investigated across the tertiary sector.

Sarah Gregson’s Report into Workplace Bullying at UNSW, was initially reported in Herald early this year, and revealed a culture of bullying and intimidation at the post-secondary institute. It has since been submitted to a federal inquiry into workplace bullying . Gregson, an academic at the institute and the local branch representative of the National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU), stated her intention to lobby the union to extend her survey throughout a multitude of institutions.

Gregson has reportedly sent the report to a variety of activists throughout the union. She stated that the activists seem to be aware of many of the issues and believe a continual campaign is required. It is her hope that a parliamentary inquiry would recommend an improved legislation in the area.

An email to staff from Neil Morris, VP of university services at UNSW rejected the claims made in Gregson’s report. Morris claimed that there was no pattern of bullying and the methods of research were not dependable.

Morris stated that survey methodology was flawed because of numerous factors. He cited the surveys broad definition of “bullying” and numerous other situations as reasons why the survey is not sound. He also stated that the number of complaints and the amount of staff the survey claims to have been bullied do not correlate. The report revealed that majority of the 552 participants had experiences or observed bullying behaviours. 68 percent of participants said they had been bullied while 83 percent had been a witness.

More info on Human Resources 


Source: http://www.smh.com.au/national/tertiary-education/tertiary-bullying-needs-action-says-academic-20120719-22d52.html#ixzz21DdXoYgS

OHS:Comcare Appeals Public Servant’s Compensation Claims

OHS TrainingA public servant is at risk of having money taken away after having to fight for compensation for injuries sustained while having sex in a motel. The Commonwealth have appealed to the full bench of the Federal court to strip the public servant of compensation.

The unnamed public servant was sent by her government employer to a country town for a departmental meeting where she stayed in a hotel.

A night prior to the meeting the women suffered facial and other physical injuries when a glass light fitting came away from the wall while she was having intercourse with a male friend.

Originally the Commonwealth workers compensation agency Comcare, rejected her request for compensation, a decision which was supported by the Administrative Appeals Tribunal.

However, this year Justice John Nicholas of the Federal Court reversed the previous rejection of compensation on the grounds that the woman was “in the course of her employment” when she sustained the injuries.

Comcare has subsequently appealed the decision citing that sexual intercourse was not an activity “expressly or impliedly induced or encouraged”  by the woman’s employer.

More information on Occupational health and safety

Source: http://www.smh.com.au/national/twist-in-sex-on-the-job-payout-case-20120719-22biv.html#ixzz21DRsCpFK

OHS: Yarra cleared of Safety Breaches

OHS TrainingWorkSafe has cleared Yarra Trams of charges accusing the company of breaching occupational health and safety regulations. The company was initially accused of breaking OHS laws for keeping its fleet of C-class low-floor trams despite the fact that some conditions result in the failure of  rear-view cameras.

The workplace safety watchdog, WorkSafe issued Yarra Trams with a notice last month stating that the company was found to be in breach of occupational health and safety regulations by running the aforementioned fleet of trams.

It is alleged that the rear-view camera of these trams fail in wet, dark or glary conditions. Drivers have previously expressed their concerns that the trams had visibility problems with the back end of the trams which also resulted in a difficulty in seeing if passengers had safety boarder or vacated the tram.

WorkSafe ruled that it was dangerous because someone could potentially get caught in the doors and subsequently dragged by the moving tram. However, following a thorough investigation it became clear that the doors were actually not dangerous due to sensitive edges on them.  New Cameras are currently being trialed to see if they can function regardless of the conditions present. C-Class trams run only on route 109 in the area between  Box Hill and Port Melbourne

Source: http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/yarra-trams-cleared-in-safety-check-20120717-228hv.html 

Fatigue Management: Truck Driver in Court For Killing Woman

Fatigue Management Training A truck driver has been accused of killing a woman on the South Eastern Freeway and will face the charges in court. The driver is believed to have been driving dangerously and inattentively which led to the death of Linda Carter. Carter was waiting in her car in the emergency lane because of a flat tyre, when a semi-trailer hit her rear.

The car was propelled 140 metres away and the woman received fatal head injuries.

The driver of the truck, Errol Cain reportedly did not realize he had struck the vehicle until he had exited his truck.Prosecutor Peter Longson alleges that Cain was significantly fatigued which resulted in him being inattentive.  This is the second time the jury has heard this case.

Defense attorney Joana Fuller said a key issue was whether Cain reasonably believed he could safely operate a vehicle.The jury traveled to Adelaide hills to view the scene of the accident.

The investigation and trial continues. Currently, there has been no mention of Cain’s employer suffering any consequences in the event he was fatigued due to a negligent safety and fatigue standards.

More info on Fatigue Management

Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-07-18/freeway-fatal-truck-smash-errol-cain/4137614?section=sa  

Dangerous Goods: Chemical Leaks Contaminates Workers

Dangerous Goods TrainingFour people had to be decontaminated and moved to an exclusion zone following a chemical leak from storage containers in the Port of Brisbane.Emergency services were called to the scene early in the morning after reports revealed that potentially harmful chemicals were leaking onto a boat and the dock.

A spokesperson for the Department of Safety stated that the cause of leak was unclear as is the type of chemical that seeped from the containers.

Approximately four people were reported as suffering from mild headaches and bouts of nausea. They’ve since been treated by paramedics at the scene and will be decontaminated by Queensland Fire and Rescue service. The contaminated individuals will be held in the hospital as a precaution until it they are deemed safe and free of contamination.

A 50m exclusion zone was organized in short notice around the boat while fire fighters donning HAZMAT suits tested the air and attended to the leak.

More info on Dangerous Goods

Source: http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/four-workers-affected-by-chemicals-at-port-of-brisbane/story-e6freon6-1226427725011

Confined Spaces: Trapped NZ Miners Make It Out Safely

Mining SafetyTwenty-eight miners were rescued after being trapped underground in a New Zealand mining site. The miners were trapped in the gold mine when a truck caught on fire. The men were compelled to find shelter in a specially designed refuge chamber prior to being safely evacuated out of the mine.

NZ mining industry has claimed the lives of hundreds of miners since the industry emerged over a century ago.

Twenty-eight miners who were trapped underground in a New Zealand mine have been safely rescued.

Engineering, Printing and Manufacturing Union assistant national secretary Ged O’Connell was confident throughout the situation that miners would remain safe. O’Connell said that the mine was built in such a way that the miners could survive for numerous days based on the amount of amenities available. O’Connell was confident that the training of the miners would provide them with the knowhow to get through similar situations.

More info on Confined Spaces

Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-07-17/fire-in-nz-gold-mine/4135340

Wife of Slain BHP Worker Searching for Answers

OHS TrainingThe wife of a man killed at BHP Billiton’s Port Hedland site has revealed that she was two months pregnant upon the death of her husband.

A year has passed since the untimely accident in which Fenner Dunlop trainee Jordan Marriott-Statham was killed by a loaded crane. His wife Kelly stated that she is still currently unsure the reason for his death. The Department of Mines and Petroleum stated recently that they are still currently investigating the incident.

Mrs.Marriott-Statham could not emphasize in words how hard the past year has been for her and her family since her husband’s death.

Since returning home following the incident, she has grown increasingly frustrated by the lack of accountability and answers surrounding the death of her husband. She stated however, that a final report would not provide closure but it would provide some answers.

Since the accident, Marriott-Statham stated WA-based leg-acy scheme Miners’ Promise had been a significant help.

More information can be found  on Occupational Health and Safety

Source: http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/a/-/wa/14190919/widow-still-waiting-for-answers/ 

Construction Industry Safety Breaches Cost $17 million

construction safety issuesStudies have shown that the construction industry was struck by a $17 million in medical bills, lost wages and further costs due to over 1,000 on-the-job accidents. WorkSafe Australia stated that that figure could even be a conservative estimate. WorkSafe inspector Steve Thornely said that workers can face a continual and diverse variety of hazards due to housing sites constantly having different trades on site throughout a project’s development. Thornely stated that in excess of 1,250 safety breaches have been discovered throughout the year.

Thornely attributes theses breaches to inadequate planning, housekeeping and supervision. He stressed the importance of maintaining vigilance in every aspect of the job in ensuring that safety is upheld.  He added that many of the accidents or breaches that occur could be easily avoided if industry professionals stayed on top of safety issues and be vocal about unsafe situations.

More Information on Construction Safety

Source: http://designbuildsource.com.au/housing-construction-safety-17-million-issue 

Unions Call for Jail Time for Serious Bullying Cases

Workplace BullyingUnions are pushing for the use of jail terms for cases of workplace bullying. Recently the The Australian Council of Trade Unions’ submitted a  motion to a parliamentary committee recommending an increase in the severity of penalties for individuals accused of workplace bullying. The recommendation discusses the potential of implementing jail terms for extreme cases, and increase in  recognition that employers have a responsibility to ensure that their workplace is bully-free.

The ACTU discussed the findings of the Productivity Commission which revealed through research that workplace bullying costs the economy between $6 and $36 billion a year.

ACTU assistant secretary Michael Borowick, provided evidence to the  inquiry in Melbourne.  While Borowick stated her support for stronger and more severe penalties, she did however emphasize the importance of a shift in workplace culture which would thereby ensure that such bullying never occurs.

Employer body, the Australian Industry Group  stated that employers were vehemently against any form of bullying and matters of bullying are treated with importance.

More info on Human Resources

Source: http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/actu-call-to-get-tougher-on-bullying/story-e6freoof-1226422944446 

Asbestos Found at Deteriorating National Archives Storage Facility

Asbestos AwarenessThe National Archives of Australia’s Mitchell storage facility is reportedly in such shambles that they are   taping down floor tiles which potentially contain asbestos.

Federal Parliament’s Public Works Committee pondered evidence put forth regarding plans for an almost $100 million preservation facility to alleviate the pressure on the existing centre which is so full that it can no longer accept classified documents.

Labor Senator Ann Urqhart remarked that she had noticed at least one tile being held down by tape, on a visit to the storage site. Urqhart inquired as to what plans were in place to guarantee the safety of the staff in the event that asbestos was conclusively discovered.

Archives assistant Director-General Cheryl Watson indicated that certain measures were being implemented to ensure the safety of staff in the wake of asbestos contamination. Watson stated that some highly secretive documents were no longer accepted at the facility, although some other less sensitive documents were still stored at the site.  The site has commenced work on upgrading a vault so that documents can continue to be safely stored until a new building is chosen.  D

Defence Housing officials informed the committee that a nearby school had been consulted by ACT planning authorities about development of site. Defence Housing also planned to communicate and work with the school.

More info on Asbestos Training

Source: http://www.canberratimes.com.au/act-news/tape-used-to-hold-down-asbestos-tiles-at-archives-storage-20120709-21rzv.html#ixzz20H3LrZNG

Classifying Dangerous Goods

Previously, the storage, handling and use of hazardous chemicals in the workplace were regulated separately in each jurisdiction under a different framework for hazardous substances and for dangerous goods. Now with the implementation of the new work health and safety (WHS) harmonised scheme, the WHS regulations cover hazardous substances and dangerous goods under a single scheme. This single scheme, “hazardous chemicals” includes a new process in which hazards are classified. This classifying system is based on the United Nations’ Globally Harmonised System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS).

What is a “hazardous chemical”?

It is easy to get confused as to what actually classifies as a “hazardous chemical” but basically, it includes any substance that, following employee exposure, can have a harmful effect on health. Side effects of exposure can include (but are not limited to); burns, skin/eye irritation and even fatal diseases such as cancer.

 “But isn’t that the same thing as “Dangerous Goods”?

Dangerous Goods can include substances, mixtures or articles that are hazardous to people, property or the environment. These types of substances can come in chemical or physicochemical form.  It is the properties of these substances that typically cause harm. Some “Dangerous Goods” are explosives, flammable liquids/gases, corrosive substances, and chemically reactive or highly toxic substances. Other examples of dangerous goods include petrol, LP gas, chlorine, explosives and fireworks.

The characteristics used to determine if a substance is a ‘Dangerous Good’ falls under the Australian Code for the Transport of Dangerous Goods (ADG Code) 7th Edition. This code presents a list of substances considered to be ‘Dangerous Goods’.

However, to answer the initial question: In many cases, dangerous goods are also considered to be hazardous substances.

One can speculate that the system was harmonised in order to avoid confusion on whether or not a substance was a hazardous chemical or dangerous good. However, now they both simply fall under the same scheme.

Whose Job is it to classify materials as ‘Hazardous’?

The model WHS Regulations (harmonised law) made it the manufacturer and importer’s responsibility to correctly classify the hazardous chemical prior the chemicals delivery to a workplace.

More information on Hazardous Chemicals:

According to a 2009 International Labour Conference report, over 650,000 deaths worldwide were caused in 2003 due to hazardous chemicals.

Dangerous Goods Transportation by sea falls under the IMDG Code. Since 2010 every marine worker who transports Dangerous Goods has been required to receive the proper training under AMSA regulations.  

More information on training

 

Dangerous Goods: Families Reportedly Suffering From Gas Exposure

Dangerous Goods TrainingA number of Queensland residents have been complaining of symptoms related to gas exposure, according to the Australian Medical Association. The exposure is likely due to the exploration of 5 coal seam gas wells inside a Brisbane residential estate.

“A number of people live near where CSG exploration is occurring and they are reporting symptoms that are consistent to gas exposure,” says Dr Christian Rowan.As of now, there is not enough evidence to comment on complaints of rashes, bleeding noses, headaches and vomiting by the residents of the Tara Residential estate, which is in close proximity to the CSG exploration. However, eye and throat irritation, nausea and vomiting, severe headache and dizziness, and even blurred vision and heart palpitations are all symptoms related to gas poisoning. In June, government officials were sent to the Brisbane estate to investigate complaints of gassy odours and health concerns.

Lock the Gate Alliance president Drew Hutton said that people continue to call in, complaining of illness. “They’re ringing in saying their whole family is sick”

The Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association says it has only been made aware of one family complaining of illness in the Tara Estate, Debbie Orr.

An APPEA spokesperson said that Ms. Orr has refused medical evaluation offers. Furthermore, he says that gas and air samples taken last year revealed insignificant levels of volatile organic compounds or heavy metals at gas fields across Queensland, including Tara. Ms. Orr has called for an independent health study, encouraging people to speak up about their health issues.

“There’s just too many of us with the same symptoms.”

More information on Dangerous Goods

Source: http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/families-sick-in-gas-field-ama-20120705-21jd9.html

OHS: Worker Devastated After Courts Deny Him Comp

A Hobart man is  deOHS Trainingvastated after a court judgement denied him workers’ compensation

28 year old Anthony Young lost his leg after it was crushed by a machine at K&D Brickworks while on the job in September 2010.

Despite working at the New Town plant for 2 years, the Supreme Court has decided that Young is not eligible for workers compensation as he was hired under a contracting agency, therefore making him an independent contractor. Young was a contractor employed by Tasmanian Contracting Services when the accident occurred.

Young reportedly devastated by judgement, which was upheld by the Full Court of Appeal. He is said to be struggling to pay medical bills and make ends meet.

“It’s coming to the stage now that I can’t even afford to pay for things I need, so I just go without it. I guess there must be some legal side of things but I don’t know how you can find out someone is not a worker when you pay your taxes, you pay your super just like every other person does.” said Young.

K&D was fined $60,000 as a result of the accident. A case for damages for personal injuries was also lodged by Young against the company but it has not yet concluded

More info on Occupational Health and Safety

Source:http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-07-04/amputee-loses-compo-case/4109032?section=tas

 

OHS: Worker Devastated After Courts Deny Him Comp

Petition May Reignite Debate over WorkCover Overhaul

OHS TrainingThe NSW opposition launched a petition recently against the O’Farrell government’s WorkCover overhaul. It is believed by some, that the petition will reignite the debate about workers’compensation.

Some of the cuts to WorkCover compensation payments are to public service staff, and those who have injured themselves on the way to and from the job. Despite the successful action of Firefighters going against the cuts, nurses and other hospital staff were not as fortunate as they will feel the effects of the cuts. Police will also be exempt along with the firefighters.

The Opposition’s John Robertson indicated his hope and intentions to get 10,000 signatures on the petition to compel the government to put discussions about the law back on the table. Robertson stated that even though the legislation has passed, the fight is not yet over. Dozens of nurses gathered to hear Robertson speak about the petition.

Robertson feels that there needs to be proper justification for the changes put forth by the O’Farrell government. Thus, he believes there is a need for a debate regarding the issue. Robertson’s hopes will be achieved if they are able to get 10,000 since the government promised last year to debate any issue raised in a petition with 10k signatures.

More info on Occupational Health and Safety

Source: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/business/breaking-news/workcover-petition-aims-to-reopen-debate/story-e6freuz0-1226417897655

 

 

Asbestos Training: Mining Sites Closed After Asbestos Fibers Discovered

Asbestos AwarenessThe Department of Mines and Petroleum is examining the state of asbestos contamination in the Pilbara mine site.Rio Tinto confirmed that brown asbestos was uncovered at the West Angeles mine site last month.

The contamination in question was revealed when fibres were identified in material submitted from Holcim Quarry. A spokesperson for Rio Tinto indicated that the exposure levels were below OHS exposure limits but employees were swiftly informed of the dangers.

The Holcim quarry has voluntarily halted their operations and a  preliminary report on the site is due to be submitted shortly.

BHP have subsequently isolated material at another mine site near Meekatharra, following allegations that workers could have been exposed to asbestos. Key industry players have also been called to gather at the company’s behest.

A spokesperson for BHP said tests are currently underway and the safety of workers is not in jeopardy.  CFMEU safety officer Steve McCann claims to have spent three days investigating asbestos following calls from reports from several concerned workers.

McCann is worried that workers will continue to be exposed to the deadly substance while the investigation continues.

More info on Asbestos Training

Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-06-27/asbestos-found-in-holcim-quarry-and-minesites/4095068?section=wa

Is Better Fatigue Management Needed For Paramedics?

Fatigue management trainingRecent lapses in procedure have resulted in the Ambulance union declaring that mistakes made by paramedics were the direct result of fatigue. Shortly before this declaration, it was revealed that a 62-year-old woman collapsed from what appeared to be a heartattack. Paramedics arrive at the scene and immediately tried to revive. After 27 minutes, the paramedics gave up and declared the woman dead—then six minutes later the woman woke up. The woman’s heart had never infact started but the allegedly fatigued paramedics did not notice any abnormalities.

A leaked Ambulance Victoria report revealed that paramedics have had fatigue level readings that are equal to twice the blood/alcohol limit. The secretive report quoted paramedics who stated their concerns for the safety of patients and the level of alcohol that many consume to avoid work.The confidential report is almost 3 years old now but little changes have been made to deal with the fatigue levels of ambulance workers, according to the Ambulance Employees Australia union.

State secretary Steve McGhie is concerned that fatigue may be causing incidents such as the one involving the 62-year-old woman.McGhie said he would consider legal action if any of his injuries were the victim of shoddy Fatigue Management

Source: http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/fatigued-paramedics-fear-for-safety-of-patients-20120628-215g8.html#ixzz1zbUkvWsZ

Fallen Knives Leaves Manual Labourer Without a Career

Manual Labour SafetyA Queensland meatworker had his career cut short when three extremely sharp knives struck his neck,collarbone, and hand in an accident at JBS meatworks.

Steven Larson is seeking over $750,000 in damages after the 2009 freak accident left him without a career.Larson’s claim against JBS Pty Ltd  alleges that the former meat-worker has sustained wounds in his neck and hand which has left him with residual pain and the inability to continue as a manual labourer.

Court documents state that Larson was preparing for his shift by sharpening his knives in the “kill floor” at 5:45 am on July 14.A colleague was walking up the stairs directly above Larson’s work area, when she dropped her knife kit and three knives fell and stabbed him.

More info on Manual Handling

Source: http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/skewered-meatworker-seeks-750000-compensation-20120628-213ka.html#ixzz1zbuj7KXI 

Flemington Market Worker Dies in Forklift Accident

forklift safety trainingA worker died when he was crushed by a forklift in front of fellow workers at Flemington Markets. Shocked workers said Lilipe Manuoliku Hehea was doing work with a customer when his forklift fell over and trapped him beneath it. He was an employee for a produce wholesaler and was working back and forth between trucks in a  hectic loading zone.

Emergency services were called to the scene shortly after the accident but the man had already succumbed to his injuries. One agent who arrived early on the scene said it was a tragic accident. No other workers or vehicles were involved, the man was working on his own prior to the accident.

Some have speculations are that Hehea got distracted or did something unusual to make the forklift turnover. Hehea was a husband and a father. Hehea has worked at the markets for over half a decade. The incident has been described as a “freak accident” that resulted in the death or a respected worker.

WorkCover is currently investigating the incident and have stated that early reports regarding the circumstances of the accident seem to be correct.Police are presently preparing a report for submission to the coroner.Workers in the Flemington market continue to mourn his loss.

More info on Forklift Safety

Source: http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/tragic-accident-as-father-crushed-to-death-at-work-20120626-20zax.html#ixzz1z8DnK14d

OHS: Compensation Amendments Marginalize Workers

OHS Lawyers have warned that all injured workers will soon have to pay their legal costs under new workers compensation laws which could potentially leave many unrepresented victims or unreported claims.

Richard Brennan, a Sydney solicitor who represents injured workers claims, warned that Christian Democrats MP Fred Nile had mistakably made it increasingly difficult for injured workers to have their claims heard.

Nile has come under fire for amendments made to workers compensation laws which were allegedly aimed at helping eliminate costs.

Brennan stated that Nile’s attempt to save one out 1000 workers from paying insurance company costs, has instead insured that all 1000 workers will have to pay the fees.He warned that this could potentially lead to insurance companies paying lawyers any fee they desire.

The Labor MP Adam Searle and the Greens MP David Shoebridge fruitlessly attempted to explain the consequences of the changes to Nile but the government has defended the amendments that they believe will rein in on the $4 billion WorkCover deficit.

More on Occupational Health and Safety

Source: http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/changes-to-compo-laws-leave-workers-worse-off–lawyers-20120624-20whh.html#ixzz1yyVotkJM

Unions call for Federally Funded Asbestos Authority

Asbestos AwarenessReports have indicated that unions intend on pushing for the creation of a National Asbestos Authority to help protect people, and remove asbestos from homes and businesses.

Lifelong campaigner against Asbestos, Paul  Bastian will meet with Prime Minister Gillard and Workplace Relations Minister Bill Shorten to discuss the case. The Australian Manufacturing Workers Union national secretary, Bastian said more Australians died from asbestos exposure than in World War II.Bastian believes that the number of people and legal matters dealing with asbestos surely indicates that the problem must be dealt with. The union believes the best way to deal with this problem is a federally funded authority to manage the asbestos awareness, asbestos removal and to protect people from the dangers of the deadly substance.

The goal of the authority, according to the union would be educate the community about the existence of asbestos in private homes, businesses and public buildings. Bastion also mentioned the need for an immediate audit and plan to remove asbestos from all government buildings. He cited State government’s common reports of low levels of compliance with asbestos regulation, as reason for the need for a federally funded scheme to treat the issue as one of critical importance on a national scale.

Shorten recently mentioned that asbestos was indeed a critical issue for the government which is evident by their recently commissioned asbestos management review. The government currently awaits the report’s recommendations which is expected to be released later this week.

Asbestos Victims Association Pleased With Successful Asbestos Court Case

Asbestos AwarenessThe Asbestos Victims Association revealed that more  people will be eligible for damages claims for asbestos exposure following the case of a former Whyalla shipyards worker successfully brought against BHP Biliton.

The Full Court of the South Australian Supreme Court sustained a ruling to grant William Parker $20,000 in exemplary damages.

The court found that BHP failed to prevent Parker from getting Cancer while he was a shipyard worker in the 1970s.Terry Miller of the support group stated that the case was an important win for victims.  Miller believes that this case will represent precedent for future cases and will enable more asbestos related cases to make it to court. Miller added, that though not all cases will be made for exemplary damages, this case makes it “more easy”.

Asbestos continues to plague individuals years after Australian companies were ordered to stop using it. Many victims suffer end up suffering from the asbestos- exposure disease Mesothelioma, years after being exposed to the deadly substance.

More information on Asbestos Training

Source: www.abc.net.au/news/2012-06-20/asbestos-victim-bhp-biliton-whyalla/4081964?section=sa

 

Fire Safety: Gas Leak Evacuees Allowed to Return

Fire Safety TrainingApproximately 100 staff members have been granted permission to return to businesses in South Brisbane, after a suspected gas leave lead to their evacuation.

Emergency services were informed of a gas leak from a building in South Brisbane early in the morning. Businesses in the surrounding area were all subsequently evacuated for their safety.

The police have since released a statement notifying all motorists and pedestrians that streets closed due to the gas leak have since been reopened.

The leak was reportedly caused by a ruptured gas pipe. The fire safety risk forced the closure of Grey Street between Glenelg and Melbourne streets.

Police were on the scene shortly after reports surfaced. They directed pedestrians and motorists from the area to a safe vicinity.

More information on Fire Safety

Source: m.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/southbrisbane-gas-leak-cleared-20120620-20mt4.html

 

OHS: Injuries Costing Moonee Valley $41.2 million

Moonee Valley businesses have spent $41.2 million in the last five years to treat the injuries of workers.WorkSafe Victoria released statistics that show that musculoskeletal injuries such as broken bones and sprains caused from slipping or tripping is one of the leading causes of compensation claims.

Annually there are over 15,000 new cases of seriously injured workers who were injured while conducting routine tasks. In the past five years 1515 claims were musculoskeletal injuries in Moonee Valley. Over 29,000 serious injuries occur in Victoria every year, and over half of those were musculoskeletal injuries.

Moonee Valley focuses on their manufacturing, industrial and construction based industries which are home to many of the claims.WorkSafe’s Ian Forsyth stressed the importance of a properly trained and supervised staff that is knowledgeable in the required equipment needed to lift and move loads, and how one should react in a variety of circumstances.

An annual cost of $55,000 is averaged for the treatment and rehabilitation of all musculoskeletal injuries.

More info on Occupational Health and Safety

Source: http://www.mooneevalleyweekly.com.au/news/local/news/general/slips-trips-cost-moonee-valley-412m/2593476.aspx 

Asbestos Closes Part of Parliament House

Asbestos AwarenessThe Lower House chamber of the SA Parliament House has been closed for an undertermined time after asbestos fragments were discovered.

Both paint on the chamber’s canvas and the dust on the ceiling were tested and were revealed to be positive for asbestos fibres.  The problem was discovered by heritage architects during their usual inspection of the House of Assembly.

The lower house chamber of the South Australian Parliament House has been closed indefinitely after traces of asbestos were found.

Since the traces are considered minuscule , the risk to parliamentarians has been deemed minimal, but the chamber was closed as a precaution until further tests are conducted.

Since the closing of the Assembly Hall, meetings are reportedly being moved to another section of the Parliament House in Adelaide.

More info on Asbestos Training

Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-06-18/asbestos-house-of-assembly-chamber-parliament/4076322 

Working At Heights: WorkSafe Launches Fall Prevention Campaign

WorkSafe has been vigorously promoting their working at heights safety campaign since 2011, and now reports have indicated that following a death of a labourer, they plan to further expand on their efforts to promote safety. The worker fell from a rooftop of an Oakleigh South factory and was found later by workmates. WorkSafe’s General Manager of Operations Lisa Sturszenegger has continuously promoted safety precautions for those who work at heights.

Preliminary enquiry showed that the man is believed to have fallen from up to five metres when he was replacing the factory’s roof. Sturzenegger is reportedly hopeful that this tragedy will send a message to the industry that quality safety standards must be implemented at all times.

Sturzenegger stated that proper equipment, training, supervision, risk assessment, and frequent maintenance is fundamental to maintaining safety in the workplace. This is the most recent death in a series of construction deaths this year. WorkSafe has launched a campaign this week to promote the continual need for safety requirements to be consistently met. Sturzenegger called for a continuous effort to maintain safety standards in order to limit the costs to the community for areas such as compensation, treatment and rehabilitation.

The investigation into the incident continues, and further information is expected as the inquiry develops.

Source: http://designbuildsource.com.au/worksafe-falls-warning-strengthen-workplace-death 

AlertForce Awarded At LearnX eLearning Technology Conference

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

June 16, 2012

 

POTTS POINT, NSW– Australia’s Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) and environmental training company, AlertForce (AF), were successful in various areas of the Learning &Technology Impact Awards.

The annual conference is organised by LearnX, a non-profit organisation that supports the progress of learning and supporting technologies. The conference includes various professionals throughout the corporate, education, and private sectors. More specifically, the conference targets learning professionals who operate and manage e-training solutions and services.

The deadline to enter into this conference was June 1, 2012. At this point each participant was evaluated in a variety of key areas such as: Best Talent, Best Learning Program, Best New Initiative, and Best eLearning design. Within these categories, AlertForce was honoured in the Occupational Health and Safety (second place winner) in partnership with client Port Stephens Council, Environmental (second place winner) in partnership with Carbon Training International, and Compliance (finalist) with client Daly International.

The purpose of the awards is to honour the progress and development of learning technologies. In addition to this, the awards are meant to showcase the effectiveness and impact that learning has on the success of an organisation. AlertForce has provided quality online training and education that has continually promoted the success and growth of businesses.

“It is a great honour to have been successful in a variety of areas in the LearnX awards. I think the diversity of our commendations signifies how prolific and diverse our OHS & E training and eLearning services are!” says Brendan Torazzi, AlertForce company founder.

Alertforce.com.au offers over 70 online training programs that can typically be completed at the convenience of the participant.

 

AlertForce (https://alertforce.com.au) specialises in delivering fast, competency-
based, interactive short online OHS & E courses to mitigate risk and health and safety & environmental hazards in Australian workplaces.

 

Contact: Brendan Torazzi – CEO AlertForce. Ph: 1300 627 246

 

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Thousands March Against WorkCover Changes

OHS TrainingApproximately 5,000 workers in the New South Wales public sector rallied in the pouring rain in protest of the state’s proposed changes to the occupational health and safety compensation scheme.

Some of the participants included firefighters and nurses and thousands of other public sector workers.

During the rally workers laid flowers at the gates of parliament in honour of fallen workers. A band comprised of teenage brothers performed songs in remembrance of their father who was killed on the job.

Upper House Shooters and Fishers MP Robert Borsak will reveal the findings of the inquiry into the compensation scheme. Reports have indicated that Premier Barry O’Farrell has not been swayed by the impact of the rally.O’Farrell is determined that changes to WorkCover will go forward. He believes that nothing will hinder the State Government’s to make a financially stable compensation scheme.

Last year reports surfaced stating that the deficit was $4 billion. In response to the deficit, Workers benefits are allegedly going to be slashed in order to reform the scheme. Mark Lennon, secretary for Unions NSW believes O’Farrell is attacking workers when his aim should instead be the insurance industry.

Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-06-13/unions-to-rally-over-nsw-workcover-shake-up/4067864?section=nsw 

Human Resources: Coopers Faces Sexual Harassment Lawsuit

Sexual Harassment in the Workplace

A worker for Coopers Brewery reportedly offered to pull down a female cleaner’s pants to spank her and also touched her inappropriately.

Jennifer Fiedler took her sexual harassment claim to the Federal Court against the company and the accused worker, Terry Allen.

Fiedler is  seeking $150,000 in damages over the alleged sexual assault. The incident in question allegedly occurred on the companies property on July,5 2010.  Fiedler was employed by Exact Cleaning Maintenance Services and was subsequently contracted to clean at the Coopers building.

Fiedler  claimed that she was performing her normal duties and entered a room looking for her mop and asked four men if they had seen her mop. Terry Allen  replied to her”No, pull down your pants and I’ll spank your bottom.” She refused his offer and Allen said

“I’ll pull them down and I’ll spank your bottom.”  When Fiedler again refused, Allen grabbed her breasts and made a groaning sound. Fiedler said the incident left her feeling “offended, humiliated, and intimidated”.

Coopers denied any liability for the incident on the basis that they took all reasonable steps to prevent Allen’s actions.

More info on Human Resources

Source: http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/ipad/coopers-brewery-sex-calim-lawsuit/story-fn6bqpju-1226391646766

 

OHS: Police Operation Reveals 1300 Truckie offences

OHS TrainingA POLICE operation targeting truck drivers has uncovered more than 1300 offences in South Australia, including drug use and tampering with speed limiters.

A police operation aimed at truck drivers revealed over 1300 offences in South Australia such as drug use and speed limiter tampering.

Police are now trying to determine whether trucking companies were  privy to the offenses after over 2300 truckers were stopped last month.

Traffic Support Branch Inspector Andrew Thiele made it clear that despite these discoveries, the majority of operators were respectful towards the law.  Thiele said the focus is going to shifted towards the small demographic of truckers who continue to disobey and disregard the law.

Of the 2374 trucks that were stopped randomly, 97 of the drivers were reported for speeding or driving recklessly.25 other individuals were discovered to be in possession of drugs while 11 were driving while disqualified.

Polie have also reportedly defected 497 vehicles. Thiele said they will be working in conjunction with interstate colleagues to try and solve this national problem.

More on Occupational Health and Safety

http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/south-australia/truckie-blitz-identifies-1300-offences-in-south-australia/story-e6frea83-1226387745563 

Asbestos Discovered At Kurunda Building Site

It has been confirmedAsbestos Awarness that Asbestos was discovered at the Kuranda building site after it was shut down amid health concerns of 15 trainee tradesmen.

The State government is considering handing out fines to the parties responsible. A spokesperson for Workplace Health and Safety Queensland said the presence of the deadly building material was confirmed by testing at a National Association of testing Authorities lab.  The safety board stated that they are considering action against the applicable duty holders as a result of health and safety breaches.

Reports indicate that action  could be handed out in the form of a fine as well another prohibition notice to further restrict work at the site. The board may also demand that safety practices be improved at the site. The site in question was issued a stop-work notice on Tuesday and has been closed since.

Executive officer for Ngoonbi Co-operative Society, Lionel Quartermaine  has yet to comment on the discovery but has previously stated that a qualified worker who was working with the trainees  was unaware of the potential threat. Jobfind Centres Australia’s general manager of Queensland Operations, Stewart Williams stated that the co-operative society informed them an inspection had been performed on the house and was subsequently deemed safe to refurbish.

Jobfind job seekers attempting to receive a Certificate II in Construction training, have been relocated to another work site. Work Health and Safety Queensland continues to investigate the incident.

More info on Asbestos Training

http://www.cairns.com.au/article/2012/06/08/222985_local-news.html

Gillard:Australians Not Alone in Carbon Quest

The government is attempting to refute claims that Australians are unique in their carbon price by revealing a new departmental findings that show similar schemes are expected to be operational in over 30 countries from 2013.

The research conducted by the Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency reveals that Australia will be a part of over 50 national (or subnational) trading schemes when a $23-a tonne tax takes effect on July 1,2012.

Statistics released by the department indicate that the schemes will cover a total population of 850 million and will include approximately 30 per cent of the global economy.

Climate Change Minister Greg Combet stated that with the soon-to-be implemented scheme, Australia was joining the majority of “the world’s industrialized economies”

Combet stated that since Climate change is a global issue then Australia must do their part in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.  The price on carbon is expected to act as an incentive for industries to adopt new clean energy practices.

Opposition climate spokesman Greg Hunt believes the analysis was “humiliating “ because of the difference in carbon prices between Australia and the global community.

But opposition climate spokesman Greg Hunt said the analysis was “humiliating” for the government given the difference in the carbon prices between Australia and other nations.

Hunt stated that the European scheme averaged about $1 per person annually in its first five years, while Australia is expected to be about $400 per person annually.  PM Julia Gillard refuted assertions that Australia was home to the highest carbon tax in the world citing Norway’s carbon tax on petrol, Switzerland’s fossil fuel tax, Sweden’s heating fuels tax and Ireland’s carbon tax.

Source: http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/australian-not-going-it-alone-on-carbon-price-analysis-shows/story-fn59niix-1226389526347

Confined Spaces : Queensland Won’t Undermine Mine Safety

Confined Spaces TrainingThe Queensland Government has released a press release regarding the safety legislation of the mining industry. According to the press release, the government is currently awaiting notice from the resources sector on a proposal to harmonise Queensland’s mine safety legislation with other states.

Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Andrew Cripps recently released a paper welcoming industry comment on the model act.  Despite efforts to harmonise the safety legislation, there are some concerns with the process.  However Cripps said that every effort is being made to ensure that the new model laws were at least as effective as the current mining laws.  Cripps cited public fears that since Queensland’s laws are already of good quality, then they may risk adopting lesser-quality harmonised mine safety legislation.  Cripps encourages the mining industry to provide input on the mining safety legislation. The Newman Government is allegedly committed providing the highest safety standards with minimal risk to the 58,000 Queenslanders in the industry.

Industry stakeholders have until July,23 2012 to provide input to the State Government.

The laws are reported to be developed with the partnership of industry professionals and union representatives.

The Newman LNP Government  is reportedly unconvinced that the national model legislation is the best thing for Queensland  and for mine safety.

More information on Confined Spaces

Source: http://www.mysunshinecoast.com.au/articles/article-display/queensland-wont-compromise-on-mine-safety,25969

Understanding Carbon Pollution Legislation

Currently there has been political furor over the announcement of a Carbon Tax scheme. Some may have read about it in the newspaper but sometimes it is difficult to dig through and find the facts.

Back in 2011, the Australian Parliament passed a law to put a price on carbon pollution.

This reform includes a carbon pricing mechanism and will provide support for jobs and competitiveness and Australia’s economic progress while also reducing pollution. Households will be responsible for increased payments that will be delivered through tax reforms.

The changes are seen as an important step in environmental and economic reform in Australia. Australia now aims to be a bigger player in the global effort to combat climate change and reduce our carbon footprint.

The government also alleges that the reforms will enable Australia to be advantageous in the environmental reform since economic and job opportunities are expected to open up as the world joins the effect to shift to clean energy.

The plan will first start with the introduction of a carbon price.  Innovation and investment in renewable energy will be consistently promoted as well as energy efficiency. Opportunities will also allegedly open up in the land sector to cut pollution.

Some may ask ‘what exactly brought this movement on? ‘These changes are the result of a study conducted by the CSIRO, The Bureau of Meteorology, and various international Academies of Science. The findings of these groups reveal that the world is warming and high levels of carbon pollution risk environmental and subsequently, economic damage.  Studies have indicated that 2001-2010 was the warmest decade ever recorded and each decade since 1940 has been warmer than the preceding.  In Australia, serious environmental and economic costs are expected to result from a warmer, less-stable climate. An increased occurrence of extreme weather events, such as droughts, heat waves and forest-fires could have a serious and negative impact on the environmental and economic state of Australia.

How it will be implemented:

The Fixed Price Period– the pricing mechanism will begin on 1 July 2012.  The price will remain fixed for three years at $23 per tonne. It will then rise at a rate of 2.5 per cent each year in real terms.

Emissions Trading Scheme – on 1 July, 2015, the carbon price will become a flexible price under an emissions trading scheme and the price will be decided upon according to the market.

Discovering the various ways in which to lower your business’ carbon footprint and ensuring environmental sustainability will also lead to economic sustainability. It is important for everyone to understand this issue for the benefit of not only Australians, but also the international community.

Source: http://www.cleanenergyfuture.gov.au/clean-energy-future/an-overview-of-the-clean-energy-legislative-package/

ACT Hints At Legal Action Against Feds Over Asbestos Removal Costs

Asbestos Removal TrainingThe ACT government is thinking about taking legal action against the Federal Government over the steep cost of cleaning up asbestos.

Chief Minister Katy Gallagher discussed her unsuccessful attempts at convincing the Commonwealth into funding some of the clean-up costs from when it dumped a significant amount of contaminated soil in Canberra.

Gallagher claims the ACT government spent approximately $30 million to clean up and resign in the new Molonglo development. Almost 180,000 tonnes of asbestos were reportedly removed from the site by the ACT.

A site with 600,000 cubic metres of contaminated waste in Eastlake is expected to cost about $100 million to remove.
Gallagher strongly supports the ACT in their quest to convince the Commonwealth to contribute. The support she has stems from the belief that since the former government authority allowed such practices to occur then Canberra tax payers should not be held liable.

However, the Federal Government is expected to counter on the basis that since the land was transferred to the ACT, liability did as well.

The position of the opposition is that tax payers should not be held financially liable for the “incompetence” of the former governing authority.

More info on Asbestos Training

Source:http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-06-07/act-set-to-sue-commonwealth-over-asbestos-dumping/4057132?section=act

 

Are there any Benefits to the Carbon Tax for My Business

Amid all the debate, worry, and fear about what the carbon tax means to many Australian’s, many businesses want to know if there are any benefits of the carbon tax for their businesses. The truth is that there may well be several benefits to those businesses whose managers or owners are wise enough to clearly understand what the carbon tax can mean in terms of energy savings. Here are some ways that businesses may be able to benefit from the carbon tax.

Clean Technology Program

Businesses of all sizes may benefit from the grants that will be created by the carbon tax. These grants are to be used for businesses to invest in energy efficient equipment. This means that your business may be able to get a grant to offset all or some of the cost of purchasing new energy efficient equipment for your business. The result will be not only new machines and equipment for your business for practically free or at a reduce costs, but continual savings in future energy bills.

Solar Panel Scheme

In addition small businesses can take advantage of the carbon tax and the push for businesses to cut down on those greenhouse emissions by installing solar panels at a reduced cost. Over time these solar panels will not only pay for themselves but, will end up once again saving you money on energy costs resulting in what could be a huge drop in operating costs for your business resulting in a greater profit margin.

Your Own Efforts

In addition since under the carbon tax, the cost of these taxes are going to have a knock on effect that will filter down to your business and add to those energy costs, your own implementation of carbon footprint management can further reduce your energy costs. While this may not seem like such a huge benefit now, when you can offset the rise in expected energy costs by more efficient energy use you won’t have to pass on those increased cost to your own customers which may result in an increase in business as other businesses may be forced to raise prices.

While the carbon tax may not have huge immediate benefits for your business over time this tax may well end up saving you money and increasing profits by:
• Helping you to get new, more advanced and energy efficient equipment at a reduced price.
• Lowering the cost of solar panels to an affordable level which will result in energy savings in the future.
• Encouraging you to make your business more energy efficient leading to lower energy rates and perhaps an increase in business.

When you stop and think about it these are some pretty nice benefits that you may get courtesy of the carbon tax.

OHS: ACTU Condemns BHP for Safety Practices

OHS TrainingThe ACTU congress has criticized the safety record of energy resource company BHP Billiton.  This condemnation comes after BHP’s company chairman Jac Nasser made disparaging comments regarding Australia’s labour laws. Nasser made comments eluding to the so-called inflexible regulations on labour laws, which he believes are the cause of “never ending” strife within the industry at BHP’s coal mines.

However, ACTU congress in Sydney passed a resolution indicating their support for the 4000 BHP mineworkers who have been involved in stand-off with the company for over a year over enterprise bargaining. ACTU believes BHP desires to weaken safety in Queensland, which ACTU believes lead to the deaths of 29 coal workers at the Pike River Coal mine in 2010.

The resolution passed by ACTU also criticizes the BHP for their lack of cooperation with the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union. Federal Workplace Relations Minister Bill Shorten addressed the ACTU conference and stated that the cause of industrial strife is simply BHP’s refusal of negotiating with staff. Shorten stated that since the company struggles to persuade its workforce of the need for change, then the problem must not simply be the law but also the method in which the case is being put forth and the involvement of the workforce in question.

More info on Occupational Health and Safety

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/breaking-news/actu-congress-slams-bhp-on-safety-record/story-fn3dxity-1226359189466

OHS: Manufacturing Workers Suffer From Health Issues

New research has indicated that the health of manufacturing workers has reached a problematic level. While desk-workers have typically been known as the “stressed out and overweight”, some  manufacturing workers have slowly adopted this stereotype.

Traditionally workers in this industry avoided this tag since their work seemed to involve physical labour which kept them fit. However, a study by WorkSafe Victoria has revealed that things have drastically changed.

The study has revealed that 32 per cent of manufacturing workers are at a high risk of type-two diabetes. The sample of individuals involved in the study was of 40,919 volunteers. Subjects such as cholesterol, bloodpressure and lifestyle were analyzed. The study further revealed that 6.1 per cent of the manufacturing workers suffer from a high risk of heart disease. These figures contrast the 3.1 per cent of white collar workers who suffer the same risk. 25.2 percent of these individuals were also revealed to be smokers.

WorkHealth Ambassador Wayne Kayler-Thomson believes the turnaround is related to the constant changes in the manufacturing industry in which many jobs have become sedentary due to new technology.

White collar workers and their employers have taken steps to improve their health such as the adoption of healthier food options in their cafeterias, and the encouragement physical activity.

More info on Occupational Health and Safety

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/breaking-news/manufacturing-workers-unhealthy-report/story-e6frg90f-1226368854665

OHS:Gran Awarded $270k for Team-Building Injury

Successful Hardware company BunningsOHS Training was fined approximately $270,000 after a woman broker her leg during a team-building exercise.

Leanne Grace Bagiante 50, appeared in court recently over the 2008 accident that left her with a broken leg.

The customer service officer broke her leg during a game of ‘tunnel-ball’. The game in question, involves players racing to a roll a ball through a tunnel of their teammate’s legs until each player has participated. Bagiante alleges that the polished concrete floor of the store caused her to slip and crash to ground while she was running with the ball.

The worker,a grandmother; had to wait for a significant amount time prior to being taken to the doctor. The doctor then misdiagnosed Bagiante’s injuries as a simple sprain. The next day the grandmother was back at work but fell sick with pain.

In response to this, Bagiante eventually got an X-ray which displayed that she in fact had a fractured bone in the lower part of her leg.

Bagiante claims the injury has left her with ongoing pain.

The South Port District Court ruled in favour of Bagiante’s claims and handed a $269,644.70 bill to Bunnings for damages.

More information on Occupational Health and Safety

Source: http://news.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=8476481

The PeaceFul Place Program:Relieving After Work Stress

Occupational health and SafetyJust imagine – in just ten minutes a day you could calm your mind, get rid of stress, get rid of negativity, make it easier to do what needs to be done to meet your needs and solve your problems. The Peaceful Place meditation technique in the book “Your Peaceful Place” which comes with two audio cd’s is a way that busy people can do all this and more.

Your Peaceful Place is a special place you can create inside your mind, where you are always at peace and relaxed. A place you can get back to easily and in the process of getting there, you automatically relax and let go any stress and anxiety.

Once you have practiced this simple meditation technique every day for a month,you can relax in three or even one minute. This is important because it means that, whenever you feel stressed, before a difficult meeting, before you go to the dentist, before studying, before doing exams, before a job interview, before you go on a date, you can go to your Peaceful Place just briefly, settle your mind and body and then any stressful occasion can be handled calmly.

Your Peaceful Place, co- written by Laurence Toltz and veteran trainer Sandy MacGregor, describes Sandy’s easy to learn, easy to do, self-talk meditation technique for busy people, and isn’t everyone busy these days?

 

STAGE ONE: Building Your Peaceful Place and learning the Peaceful Place meditation technique:

The meditation technique can be learned from chapters one and two of the book and CD1 or just by listening to tracks one to four on CD1.

Stage One Benefits

1. A simple meditation technique that helps you relax quickly, let go of stress and achieve peace of mind

2. Less stressed people get on better with those around them, be they a partner, family or work mates.

3. Most people report going to their Peaceful Place just before or after they go to bed makes it easier to go to sleep. The major advantage of this meditation technique is that it is simple, people like it, they feel happy and relaxed while in their Peaceful Place. They can move from a stressed state to a peaceful one in minutes.A busy doctor who now uses the Peaceful Place System, comments that previously, after a day in the surgery, he was so stressed that when he got home he was too stressed to even play with his kids or help his wife until he went to his study and downed two scotches to help him relax. After a few weeks of going to his Peaceful Place for one to two minutes  between patients, he now arrives home fresh and ready to play with his children and be a part of the family.

STAGE TWO: Your Peaceful Place is also the place where by following a simple four step system, you make it easier to meet your needs, solve a wide range of problems and achieve your goals.

Changing long established habits of thinking and behaviour is very difficult for most people. The Peaceful Place System helps people break through whatever is holding them back and motivates them to make the changes they need in their lives.

Please visit the website yourpeacefulplace.com.au.On the home page, press the play button to listen to co-author Laurence Toltz being interviewed about YOUR PEACEFUL PLACE by Radio National’s Rachel Kohn, on her program The Spirit of Things. Questions and Answers about the book begin about 45 seconds into the interview. There is a link to Chapter One of Your Peaceful Place on the home page.

 

Testimonials 

Judith’s Story

Judith had been nervous and overwhelmed both in her personal and business life. “I felt I was living in a thick cloud. With a busy job I had trouble going to my Peaceful Place during the day, but I practiced it every night after going to bed and I now sleep better than I have for many years. I often need to get up in the middle of the night to look after my young daughter, and, when I get back into bed I go to my Peaceful Place and I can get back to sleep really quickly.”

The real plus for Judith was, that after practicing the Peaceful Place system for four weeks,  Judith began to feel more in control and the overwhelmed feeling she had lived with for so many years lifted and she was able to prioritise and see key issues in her life more clearly and objectively.“You look at things differently after using the Peaceful Place process. I am more self aware and have had a breakthrough at work. Overall the process helped me get rid of the feelings of being ‘out of control’ and ‘overwhelmed’ and I now know I’m in control of my life instead of the other way around.

Betty’s Story

Betty who had been ill, was six months down her healing journey when she discovered Sandy’s Peaceful Place system and how she could take control and make a huge impact on her recovery. “The techniques gave me the tools to help myself in all parts of my life. It is only now I have realized I don’t even think about going to my Peaceful Place, I automatically do it “I go to my Peaceful Place while waiting for appointments, prior to encountering new situations, making important telephone calls, to remain centred and be able to see situations as they are and not become caught up in the emotion of the event.

I also go to my Peaceful Place prior to meditation, prayer and any activity requiring total concentration. I go there every chance I have to just sit, and every night before going to sleep. Now I do it automatically — it doesn’t seem to take much of my time but it has maximized my body’s natural healing energies and has had an enormous impact on my coping skills, energy levels and my health and well-being. It is a major factor in me being as well as I am today.

Also See: Fatigue Management 

What Will Be The Supply Chain Knock On Effect From The Carbon Tax

supply chain and the carbon taxThe upcoming carbon tax is supposed to make the top 500 contributors to Greenhouse emissions consider the wisdom of their ways and make changes in order to reduce their carbon footprint and help save the environment. However, in reality these big companies will hardly feel the pinch of the carbon tax as these tax costs will be passed down to the average consumer through the supply chain.

While no one disputes the need to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse emissions being shot into the atmosphere is a worthy and necessary endeavor, there is some dispute about whether charging a high carbon tax is going to be enough to make the worst violators clean up their act. Even the Government admits that these tax costs will not really be paid by the offending companies but, in the end the carbon tax will be paid by the average citizen in higher costs.

In addition, though the Government expects no rise in the cost of food, many fear that consumers will also be paying higher prices for their groceries as gas companies pass on their carbon tax bill to to individual petrol customers who then in turn charge more for gas at service stations, and those that ship goods and foods to the market will then pass on the taxes to consumers.

This will include a 10 percent increase in electric and 9 percent increase in gas bills in the first year alone. The carbon tax will have a negative effect on consumer spending which in turn will have a negative effective on the overall Australian economy which may end up in lost jobs and less money for the average family to live on.

Knock on effect from the carbon tax will be felt by all those across the country except for those companies that the carbon tax was actually designed for.

In addition, the knock on effect of the carbon tax will affect other countries as well as developing countries who rely on Australian coal exports will find themselves paying higher coal prices once the carbon tax takes effect.

Despite the fact, that Government keeps assuring the public that knock on effect of the carbon tax will only effect consumers in a somewhat limited way, many fear that the rise in prices will leave them just scraping by and leave the poorest of Australian consumers destitute. In the end, everyone will just have to wait until July when the carbon taxtakes effect to see just how affected the general public will be and whether or not the carbon tax actually has the desired effect on reducing businesses carbon footprint or if the public will end up footing the bill for the carbon taxwhile the companies continue with business as usual.

OHS: Xstrata Orders Study On Workers Health

OHS TrainingMining company Xstrata ordered a study that will examine the health of its Northern Queensland workers.

The study will include approximately 100 of the company’s past and present employees.

Spokesman for the company, Steve de Kruijff stated that employers desire to learn how certain work patterns adversely affect their worker’s health.

Kruijff elaborated by stating that companies aspire to learn about the health and well-being of their workforce and their overall quality of life.

The company has reportedly altered its shift system which now includes blocks of four 12-hour work days.

According to Kruijff, miners spend majority of their day sitting down. This revelation has concerned the company,causing them to determine the best method of promoting regular exercise, and healthy living.

Xstrata’s study is expected to last about 3-years.

More information on Occupational Health and Safety

Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-05-30/xstrata-studies-workers-health/4041222

Asbestos Training Breaches Cause Concern At ACM Removal Site

Asbestos Removal TrainingWorkers are concerned that the state’s biggest asbestos-removal site is risking safety by frequently breaching procedure.

Worker’s anonymously contacted The Advertiser news source and informed them that are doubtful that the correct removal methods were used in the first four months of the project. These four months involved the clean-up of 93,000 sq m of asbestos sheeting on the former Mitsubishi  manufacturing site.

SafeWork SA officers visit the site frequently and have had inspectors issue statutory notices for non-compliant work practices.

Some of the breaches include a failure to comply with PPE (personal protective equipment) requirements for asbestos-removal. However, there have been reports by former workers (who have quit) that the dangers extend far beyond PPE issues. Some issues have been cited regarding the handling of asbestos sheeting once it is removed from the factory structure by DE-Construct.

One worker stated that sheets were simply “dumped” into trucks with a plastic lining, causing airborne asbestos particles and dust.  Workers have also cited concerns with the thick cloud of dust in the factory that they believe may contain asbestos.

A spokesperson for the company stated that the company’s top priority was the safety of their workers.

Asbestos removal is being carried out according to EPA guidelines and under the watchful eye of SafeWork SA.

More information on Asbestos Training

Source: http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/south-australia/asbestos-clean-up-breach-fears-at-old-mitsubishi-site/story-e6frea83-1226370401166 

ALERTFORCE LAUNCHING NEW ASBESTOS REMOVAL TRAINING PROGRAM

NEWS RELEASE

May 29th, 2012

 

POTTS POINT, NSW– Australia’s Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) training company, AlertForce (AF), launched an online training program that aims to arm participants with the knowledge and capability, to effectively and safely attend to situations involving asbestos removal. New regulations under the Work Health and Safety Act mean that many states will require Asbestos Industry existing participants to have nationally recognised training by 31st December, 2013. New entrants to the industry should be trained now.

For over six years AlertForce has offered quality competency-based, online asbestos awareness training to various professionals including industry leaders and employees. AF’s original Asbestos Awareness training course has now been updated so that it is compliant with the most recent regulations under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011.

In addition to this update, AF has replaced their Asbestos Removal training course with a new, nationally recognised course for Asbestos Removal which will be available on June 1, 2012.

AlertForce’s new Asbestos Removal course, CPCCDE3014A: Remove Non-Friable Asbestos will enable participants to effectively and safely remove non-friable asbestos containing material (ACM). This course will specifically target areas such as; preparation, containment and removal of non-friable ACM, as well as decontamination and disposal needs. In addition to the soon-to-be launched Asbestos Removal training course, there will also be two other units included that target other aspects of asbestos removal.  The following additional units are offered:

The Supervise Asbestos Removal (CPCCBC4051A) course will train participants to be competent in supervising the removal process of asbestos or ACM. This course will explore areas such as the planning and supervising of the removal of asbestos or asbestos containing material, preparing the worksite, and using safe and approved removal methods. Conduct Asbestos Assessment associated with Removal (CPCCBC5014A) will ensure that participants are competent and able to perform assessments and use a diverse array of measuring devices for the monitoring of airborne asbestos fibres in the workplace. Participants will also learn how to properly identify hazards and risks, and how to determine that an area is free of asbestos contamination and safe for reoccupation.

“Our newly added Asbestos Removal courses are detailed and extensive while remaining as clear and concise as any other course that we offer at Alertforce. These nationally recognized units are of the utmost importance for any industry leaders or professionals who want to have quality training in the asbestos removal process! says Brendan Torazzi, AlertForce company founder.

Upon successful completion of these units, participants will receive a Statement of Attainment signifying their competence in the respective areas. These Statements are then used as evidence of competency for State OHS Regulators when required. In addition to knowing how to safely remove a harmful and deadly substance, participants will also gain a useful employability skill.

 

AlertForce (https://alertforce.com.au) specialises in delivering fast, competency-

based, interactive short online courses to mitigate risk and health and safety hazards in

Australian workplace.

 

Contact: Brendan Torazzi – CEO AlertForce. Ph: 1300 627 246

 

 

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Human Resources: Discrimination Must Be Addressed

Human ResourcesA state Equal Opportunity Commissioner encourages women to continue reports of discrimination in the workplace to authorities.  This call comes following recommendations from Opposition Leader Isobel Redmon that women should avoid confrontation in the workplace over discrimination and instead focus on work performance to achieve equality.

Equal Opportunity Commissioner Ann Burgess said that despite some women’s attempts to deal with the situation themselves, they have found it to be unsuccessful.

Burgess stated that if women continue to not report discrimination, the culture in workplaces will not change.

Redmon’s comments have met a divisive response. Women’s rights advocates have expressed concerns with her position while others have agreed.

SA Senator Penny Wong encouraged women to speak up against workplace discrimination and emphasised that “silence in the face of unfairness “ does not lead to equality.

More information on Human Resources

Source: http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/sexism-at-work-cant-be-ignored/story-e6frea6u-1226365061692

Cranes, Hoists and Slings: Worker Dies in Crane Accident

Crane SafetyA crane has crushed a man to death at a metal factory in Sydney’s west.

A man died when he was crushed to death by a crane at a metal factory in Sydney.According to police, the crane fell, pinning the man against another piece of machinery.

Two fellow workers freed the man  but despite their attempts  to revive him they could not save him. NSW WorkCover will allegedly investigate the incident.

The manufacturing union stated that the incident signifies the dangers within the industry.

The accident comes at a time when the NSW Government has commenced a campaign to overhaul workers compensation

Tim Ayres of the MWU believes the Government needs to alter their priorities and not be focusing on cutting costs in workers compensation schemes.  Ayres stated the need for everyone to focus on increasing the level of safety in the workplace.

More info on Cranes, Hoists and Slings Training

Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-05-24/sydney-worker-crushed-to-death-by-crane/4029838

ALERTFORCE LAUNCHES CERTIFIED CARBON MANAGEMENT TRAINING

 

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

May 24, 2012

POTTS POINT, NSW– Australia’s Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) training company, AlertForce (AF), launched an online training program that teach participants the various processes that are believed to cause climate change and greenhouse gases; and subsequently, why carbon management is an important path for businesses to explore.

 AF is currently offering four Carbon Management (CTICM) courses which would effectively enable participants to gain a clear and concise understanding of the several key aspects of Carbon Management. Every participant is granted a 90-day period to complete a course. Upon competition of each individual course, the participant will receive a Statement of Attainment for each respective subject. Every credit gained would then be put forth towards the attainment of a 91500NSW Certificate III in Carbon Management

 Each online training course will include 90 minutes of online study, study notes, and an online exam. Additionally, participants will have the opportunity to engage in a gathering of evidence component. Since the courses are online they are offered in a manner that is conducive to each participant’s business needs. This means that each course can be engaged at the student’s own speed and convenience within the 90-day period.

 AF’s Carbon Management Training is comprised of four courses The first course  CTICM301A- Communicate Climate Change impacts and Recognition of Sources of Greenhouse Gases introduces the issue to participants and helps them gain an understanding of the social impact that climate change can have on business and economics. Furthermore, this course will explore the greenhouse effect, its sources, and other aspects pertaining to greenhouse gas emissions. Each ensuing course is a pre-requisite to the next one in numerical order. The following courses will expand further on topics explored in the CTICM301A course:

  • CTICM302A Measure carbon emissions in three scopes
  • CTICM303A Evaluate carbon reduction and renewable energy options
  • CTICM304A Assist implementation and monitoring of a Carbon Management Response Plan.

“AlertForce’s nationally recognized,Carbon Management training courses can teach businesses how to be leaders in the low-carbon economy. By low-carbon economy, I am referring to an economy that has met its energy resource needs through low carbon inputs, outputs, and clean energy production! “ says Brendan Torazzi, AlertForce company founder.

Participating in this efficient training regimen can enable participants to leverage all their low carbon opportunities whilst promoting their green reputation. These course can enable business leaders to improve their green reputation and low carbon opportunities without costly errors or penalties.

Contact Information: Brendan Torazzi – CEO AlertForce. Ph: 1300 627 246

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AlertForce (https://alertforce.com.au) specialises in delivering fast, competency-

based, interactive short online courses to mitigate risk and health and safety hazards in

Australian workplace.

OHS:Poor Investments to Blame for WorkCover Woes

OHS Safety trainingAccountants have determined that half of the $4 billion deficit in the finances of the NSW WorkCover scheme is a result of poor return on investments.

The NSW government has however argued that rorting of the worker’s compensation scheme is a significant cause of the problems plaguing the organisation. A report released by the government included a recommendation for slashing benefits to injured workers in order to reduce the deficit.

Deputy Premier, Andrew Stoner made recent statements calling for the need of WorkCover to be a scheme that is without any loopholes, thus preventing rorts while remaining affordable.

Stoner stated that some cases involve part-time workers who have been receiving worker’s compensation for many years despite questionable claims.

WorkCover’s annual report for 2010-2011 revealed that nine people were prosecuted for defrauding the system.

Michael Playford of PricewaterhouseCoopers actuary, stated that an increase in damages claims can be attributed to an emerging “lump sum culture”.However an evaluation from the very same actuary revealed that 50% of the deficit is due to “external influences impacting investment returns achieved”.

The other half of the deficit is attributed to a deterioration in claims management over the past four years. Finance Minister Greg Pearce believes that the investment returns are probably set to further deteriorate. He added that the efforts to improve systems to compel people to return to work earlier, would require a change in benefits.

More information on Occupational Health and Safety
Source: http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/workcover-woes-blamed-on-poor-investments-and-rorters-20120521-1z1ew.html#ixzz1veNsbCMa

Asbestos Training: West Perth Site Declared Safe,At least For Now

Asbestos Awareness

Initial air quality test results reveal that asbestos particles are at a manageable level in West Perth following a large fire in an a
The factory is said to have had an asbestos roof, which caused concerns that the dangerous substance had been released into the air.bandoned factory.

The Vincent council has been significant part of the costly clean up since the explosion; going so far as to pay for the private firm Parsons Brinckerhoff to install several air-testing monitors.

Despite the site being declared safe with regards to asbestos exposure right now, there are still concerns that the construction to be done in the aftermath of the explosion could dig up asbestos dust.

Airborne monitoring at the site is expected to continue during the demolition, which is expected to start within the next few days and last slightly more than a week.

Vicent CEO John Giorgi stated their intention to inform the concerned community of the current status of the clean-up since some residents were concerned when the council made no effort to contact them regarding any health risks.

The clean-up is expected to cost the council between $130,000 to $150,000 because of the need for a demolition and precautions pertaining to asbestos.

More information on Asbestos Training 

Source: http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/a/-/wa/13742776/asbestos-levels-safe-in-west-perth/ 

Asbestos Training: Over 100 Workers Exposed at WorkSite

 

Asbestos AwarenessOver 100 workers are believed to have been exposed to the deadly substance, asbestos as a result of safety lapses at an Ipswich work site.

Brad Ayers, a contractor is one of the workers allegedly in the “significant potential exposure”

According to workers and union representatives, the workers began work on a bridge where much of their material is believed to be asbestos, however it was never tested to confirm.Work was only halted this month when an analysis identified a substance at the site was revealed to be chrysotile asbestos.

One of the highlighted concerns is that workers were exposed to this substance prior to going home and hugging their wives and children.Ayer is terrified over the prospect of exposing his young children to the deadly substance. He expressed his grave disappointment and anger that the employers allegedly lied to their faces.

The  Roadtek project commenced after a truck smash left the overpass on Cunningham highway severely damaged.The Formwork on part of the bridge is made up of a 25mm sheet of asbestos which had to be removed following the crash.

A piece of material suspected to be asbestos was eventually turned in for analysis but work went ahead when staff was informed that the site was safe. Since workers were not informed of the dangers, they did not wear the proper protective equipment.

Chrysotile asbestos is identified as a Class 1 carcinogen under the National OHS commission.

More information on Asbestos Training

Source: http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/brad-ayers-33-one-of-more-than-100-workers-potentially-exposed-to-asbestos-from-ipswich-worksite/story-e6freoof-1226359843387 

What is Carbon Accounting?

carbon accountingCarbon accounting is use of software to measure and predict the amount of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions. Software that can be used for a variety of businesses from forestry and farming to corporations, mining and transport companies will give these businesses a way to monitor their greenhouse emissions and will let them know how effective their procedures for managing their carbon footprint is.

For example, foresters who cut down trees can use carbon accounting to see how their business affects greenhouse emissions and can then predict how planting new trees and other plants may lower the level of green house emissions thus reducing their carbon footprint. Corporations too can use carbon accounting to see how effectively their efforts to lower electric and gas usage is in helping to lower the overall “green house effect.”

It is expected that over the next few years as more and more businesses are held to accountability for their carbon emissions that careers in carbon accounting will grow. Carbon accounting consultants and accountants will soon be in high demand and in many cases corporate executives, managers of companies and others will be lining up to takecarbon accounting training in order to more effectively reduce their companies greenhouse emissions and avoid paying that carbon tax.

While carbon accounting has been around in Australia since the early 21st century only now with added pressure for companies to do something about their carbon emissions is carbon accounting become something more people are seeking to understand.

Australia is leading the way in carbon accounting and there are carbon accounting software programs available like the programs the government itself uses. These programs are considered to be the programs of choice as businesses who use this software should be coming up with same carbon accounting figures as the government itself does.

It is the hope of the Australian government that by making carbon accounting programs available that all types of businesses will use this accounting system when trying to reduce their carbon footprint, before engaging in certain activities that may have an adverse effect on the environment, or even when purchasing a new piece of equipment.

Carbon accounting will not only help make those businesses who are the most guilty of emitting greenhouse gasses more aware of the damage they are doing but, also to help those businesses see how even small changes can make a huge difference. Carbon accounting will be a way these businesses can predict and measure how the changes they will make can reduce or add to their carbon footprint and hopefully encourage many businesses to come up with more innovative ideas to solve this problem.

No doubt the citizens of Australia and indeed the world will soon be hearing more about carbon accounting and how it will have a lasting effect on the reduction of greenhouse gasses.

Human Resources: Workplace Bullying Still a Serious Issue

BullyingThe ACT Greens stated that a survey has revealed extensive bullying allegations in both the public and private sector, and a lack of reporting by victims.

135 workers in the private and public sector participated in the online- survey.Three quarters of the participants claimed to have been bullied, and most of them allege that it occurred within the last twelve months.The survey also revealed that over half of all bullying incidents were left unreported.

85% of those who reported incidents claim to have been dissatisfied or very dissatisfied with the response.Majority of participants called for specialist bullying inspectors on behalf of WorkSafe ACT.

Spokesperson for the party, Amanda Bresnan says the survey signifies the need for greater victim support and prevention strategies. Bresnan stated that they are still committed to proposed legislation to deal with the problem of workplace bullying.

The legislation calls for the implementation of specialist positions and an expert advisory committee on the issue.

More information on Human Resources

Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-05-17/workplace-bullying-still-real-problem/4016898?section=act

Simple Steps To Manage Your Carbon Footprint

With the new carbon tax about to go into effect even those businesses unlikely to be taxed are thinking more seriously about finding ways to manage carbon footprint in their own businesses. Here are some simple tips that may help you to find a way to manage carbon footprint.

Make A Manage Carbon Footprint Assessment

In order to manage your carbon footprint the first thing you want to do is make a manage carbon footprint assessment. Some things you may want to look at are:

・ Machines that are turned on when not in use

・ Lights left on in rooms when no one is using them

・ Heating or air conditioning turned too high

・ Possibility of car pooling for employees

・ Are business vehicles being used unnecessarily

・ Can purchasing more efficient machinery save energy in the long run

Get Everyone Involved

Get everyone who works for and with you involved in coming up with suggestions on how to help manage carbon footprint for your business. You can make a contest out of it and reward the winners with an extra 1/2 hour for lunch, a certificate, or some other small reward. Not only will getting everyone involved help manage your carbon footprint but, it will also boost moral and help you to come up with some great ideas you may not have thought of on your own.

Once you actually come up with a plan to manage carbon footprint then implement the plan and get everyone excited about following the plan. The more involved everyone feels the more likely they are to follow the plan and do their part to manage carbon footprint.

Environmentalist Of The Month

If you are a big company with several different departments you can institute an environmentalist of the month depart. The department that does the most to manage carbon footprint for the month gets their name on a plaque where visitors of your company can see it. Not only will this encourage everyone to manage the carbon footprint, but it will make the public aware of your efforts to help reduce those carbon dioxide emissions and help the environment. With more and more citizens showing concern for the environment this will not only help to manage your carbon footprint, but will help cement customer loyalty as well.

In most cases, you don’t have to go to a big expense to manage carbon footprint. It’s all about doing the little things like turning those computers off when everyone leaves for the night. Turning lights off in rooms not being used, and making a conscious decision to make less copies, use that microwave less, and try and reduce waste that will have to be hauled away.

Even the smallest effort to manage carbon footprint can make a big difference in the environment and in savings to your company.

What Does Carbon Management Mean For SME Owners And How Can It Benefit Their Business?

carbon tax and the environmentCarbon management has become a global issue and the businesses of Australia are being asked, or rather demanded to play their part in instituting better management techniques and lowering their carbon footprint. With the new Carbon tax looming on the horizon, many small and medium size businesses fear that the trickle down effect for these taxes will place an unbearable burden on their businesses raising the cost of everything from manufacturing to shipping and forcing them to either raise their prices and risk losing customers or to eat the increased costs and make next to no profit.

However, despite the doom and gloom felt by some small businesses those SME businesses who themselves jump on the bandwagon and institute their own systems for managing their carbon footprint may offset those increased costs by saving on energy themselves and running a more productive and efficient business. Carbon management may even net them larger profits than they are currently predicting by saving on energy costs and increasing efficiency in production.

Little Steps May Mean Huge Savings

Carbon management is everyone’s responsibility and with more and more people becoming aware of the necessity for reducing their carbon footprint any company which makes an effort to reduce their carbon foot print will see an increase in customer loyalty as well as lower energy bills. Some small steps in reducing the carbon foot print that can result in huge savings may be:

・ Turn computers, copy machines, and other office equipment completely off or even unplug them when not in use.

・ Whenever possible use natural sunlight in place of those overhead lights and keep lights off in rooms not being used.

・ Switch to more energy efficient machines and equipment.

By finding ways to improve the carbon management in your businesses you may save as much as 30% to 40% on those energy bills which can offset any additional cost that the carbon tax may add to your business expenses and may even result in some extra savings overtime.

While there is little doubt that the carbon tax is an effort to force larger industries to institute better practices to manage their carbon foot print, these taxes will filter down and have effect on SME businesses a well. Whether this carbon tax will have a positive or negative effect on your business will depend a great deal on whether or not you are willing to institute your own systems to manage your company’s carbon foot print in your business. Instituting a good system now ahead of the tax can help you to benefit from your own efforts at carbon management and increasing the efficiency of your business instead of becoming a victim of the tax fallout.

Asbestos Training: Thermochemical Conversion Waste Cleanup

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Process Overview Video Description

The following is a video description for the 6 minute video displaying ARI Technologies Inc Thermochemical Conversion Process Overview. Each bolded headlines below correlates with the same headlines that can be observed in the video. The text accompanying each bolded headline provides a concise description of what the video demonstrates when the viewer sees each headline in the video.

 

  • Waste Feed Operations: Timed buzzer alerts the worker to push bags of asbestos waste off of a scale and onto a conveyor. Each bag weighs approximately 50 LB and is loaded onto the conveyor every 3.5 minutes. This adds up to a total daily load of 10/tons per day.
  • Asbestos Bag Feed & Shredding: The bag is moving up the conveyor across to the conveyor scale where the bag’s weight is electronically recorded prior to being dropped into a shredding system. Shredder housing is held at slight negative pressure and vented through ductwork to HEPA filters in order to avoid the risk of releasing harmful emissions into the workplace. The shredded waste is fluxed, mixed, and conveyed to a feed hopper. One cannot see the flux, mix, or conveyance process since they are all enclosed and out of sight.
  • Ram Feeder Pushes Waste into Hearth:   The prepared waste hopper can be observed in the background. As the ram extracts, the prepared waste descends from the hopper in the anterior of the ram where it is then pushed into the furnace. Cycle of ram is timed for 10 tons/day.
  • First Cake Breaker Breaks up Waste:  The rotating shaft is armed with blades to   The rotating shaft is equipped with blades to separate the compressed pile of waste just pushed onto the hearth by the ram feeder. It is not possible to view this process because the pile of waste that moves into view from the right conceals this process. The additional cake breaker can be observed in the background rotating in the alternate direction.
  • Second Cake Breaker Spreads Waste: The second cake breaker can be seen exposing cooler waste and dispersing it to an even depth on the hearth to increase heat transfer rates, and to achieve uniform heating.
  • Removal Plow Collects and Rake Removes Treated Product: the alloy plow gathers treated product on the hearth. The rake intermittently drags the product of the hearth where it is released into a water quench. At this time , the waste     The alloy plow gathers treated product on the hearth.  The rake intermittently drags the product off of the hearth where it drops into a water quench. At this point, the waste discharge is approximately one-half to- two thirds the mass of feed  and one-half to one-tenth the volume of the feed.
  • Removal of Treated Product Bins: Treated product is sent from the Treated product is directed from the water quench tank through the auger conveyors to enclosed storage bins where it awaits a confirmation analysis.  Each bin has a capacity of approximately 2 tons of product which equals to approximately 4-tons of asbestos fee
  • Removal of Treated Product Following Analytical Clearance: Upon being declared as “asbestos-free”, the trap door on the holding bin is opened and the treated product is position on a roll-off bin where it will await transportation off site.

More Information on Asbestos Training 

Who Has Duties To Manage And Control Asbestos Or ACM

asbestos courses logoThe WHS regulations spell out the specific obligations of those who are responsible to manage and control asbestos or asbestos containing materials. It is the person who is conducting a business or undertaking in a building that has duties to manage asbestos. This may include:

• The owner or manager of the business

• The owner or management company that owns the building that can make decisions as to the altering of the structure even if the building is being leased to someone else who is conducting business within the building.

Duties Of Person Conducting Business, But Does Not Own The Building

Many times a person conducts business in a building they do not own and have not been given rights to make any structural changes to. In such cases the person conducting the business still has the duty to manage asbestos or any asbestos containing material in the workplace in the following ways:

• Eliminate or reduce the risk of airborne asbestos exposure to their employees and the public.

• Notify the building owner or anyone who can make decisions about altering the structure and having the asbestos removed.

• Consult with his employees and make known the hazards and risks and see that they have proper training to identify those risks and know how to use protective gear to reduce their risk of exposure

• Label the area if possible

• Monitor the heath of your employees that may have been exposed to airborne asbestos fibers.

Person In Charge Of The Premises That Can Make Structural Decisions

If you are the owner of a building or a person who can make decisions regarding structural changes to the building ( such as the management company) then it is your duty to:

• Ensure that a asbestos management plan is prepared, maintained, and reviewed

• ensure that the asbestos is registered and a copy is given to anyone carrying out the removal of the asbestos

• ensure that they only hire a fully trained and licensed person or persons to conduct the removal.

• Co-operate, co-ordinate and consult with the tenant who is operating in the building to ensure that all safety issues are covered and all safety regulations have been adhered to.

In summary while it is up to the person who has control of the building to manage asbestos and asbestos containing material and see that it is properly removed or sealed to prevent further exposure in order to protect the tenants in the building. It is still your duty as the business owner or manager to protect your employees health and safety even if you happen to rent the building.

Job Losses And The Carbon Tax: Reality Or Not?

carbon taxFrom the moment that the carbon tax was first announced there has been a lot of debate whether or not this tax would accomplish it’s goal and more importantly would it lead to job losses across Australia. With those that oppose the carbon tax, warning people that their jobs are in jeopardy due to the carbon tax and the Australian Government assuring people that there will actually be more jobs not less, however, the reality maybe somewhere between these two fractions.

No one knows for sure what effect the carbon tax may have on job loss. With prices of electric, gas, and even products bound to increase as the carbon tax is passed down to ordinary consumers adversely effecting these consumers purchasing power retailers and other businesses may well see a sharp decline in sale and be forced to lay people off work in order to continue to stay in business and make a profit.

On the other hand if the carbon tax works like the Government hopes, there will be an increase of jobs in the green sector as more and more businesses scramble to reduce their carbon footprint and lower the amount of carbon tax they will be expected to pay. Which may well balance everything out.

While this may be bad news to those who may lose their jobs, and good news to those who may find good employment in the field of green technology it is difficult to tell which way things will actually go. Since those businesses which are the worse polluters will have the opportunity to pass the carbon tax down through the supply chain they may not feel any real incentive to change the way they do business.

If these businesses decide not to make any effort to reduce their carbon footprint then chances are there aren’t going to be any new jobs opening in the green technology field. At least not right away. Which could be bad news for the Australian economy.

On the other hand if these big companies do take themselves to task and make a real effort to reduce those carbon emissions then jobs will be more likely to be gained than lost. As of right now it is a waiting game with everyone holding their breaths until July when the carbon tax goes into effect and they can get some idea how the carbon tax is going to play out among these big businesses.

Like any other tax or law no one will truly know what effect the carbon tax will have on the Australian economy until it has actually been in effect for a while. In the meantime, all anyone in Australia can do is wait and hope that carbon tax does good than harm.

OHS:Two Companies Fined $140,000 For 2 Deaths

ohs trainingA pair of companies have been fined an aggregate amount of $140,000 for the deaths of two workers at a Broome depot in 2008.

Baker Hughes Australia Ltd and Oilfields Transport Services Pty Ltd appeared in the Magistrates Court for the charge of failing to provide and maintain a safe work setting which resulted in the deaths of two workers.

BH was fined $80,000 while OT received a fine of $60,000 when both companies pleaded guilty

Leon Mobbs, a tanker operator, and Geoff Lucas, manager of BH Broom depot were killed when a tanker burst and exploded while they were trying to release all of the barite powder.

The court discovered that the tanker was not kept in a safe working condition, and it had not been registered nor inspected by WorkSafe or a competent position.

Lex McCulloch believes the incident was an unfortunate example of proper safety systems  being in place.McCulloch stated that safety procedures and adequate training had been neglected which could have contributed to the loss of life that occurred that day. Both companies were found to have been culpable for the incident that resulted in the deaths of both of the middle-age workers.

More information on Occupational Health and Safety

Source:http://www.watoday.com.au/wa-news/companies-fined-140k-for-worker-deaths-20120515-1yom3.html#ixzz1uzFzGnGI

How Do I Get An Asbestos B License 2012? Do I Need A Supervisor? What Kind Of Training Do I Need?

asbestos safety trainingWith the new changes in the WHS laws that began in January of this year some people are a little confused as to requirements for licensing and training for certain jobs. If you are a worker that wants to apply for an Asbestos B License this year (2012) then you might have some questions that you are going to want answered. The three main questions asked by those wishing to go into this type of asbestos removal work are:

• What Do I need to do get an Asbestos B license?

• What kind of training is involved

• And Do I need a supervisor

Requirements For An Asbestos B license

If you are looking to obtain your asbestos B license you need to meet the following criteria:

1. In order to obtain your asbestos B license you must nominate the supervisor who has been appointed to supervise the asbestos removal work for the company for which you are planning to work. In order for the supervisor you nominate to meet the supervisory guidelines, they must be over the age of 18, have worked in the asbestos removal field for at 12 months and completed the VET course for supervisor asbestos removal. You will need to check with the manager of your company to make sure that the supervisor you nominate meets all the necessary criteria to be a supervisor.

2. In addition you must complete an asbestos training course. New asbestos removal training has been developed and you must get your training through a Registered Training organization. However, since many of these training organizations are still in the process of setting up these training units you may have to wait until the training is offered in your area.

Using The Current Training or Wait For The New Asbestos Training

The WHS does allow for you to get the current training that is available through registered training organizations, however the new training that will soon be in effect which will better prepare you for the safe removal of non friable asbestos and asbestos containing dust. Waiting for the new training to be offered is a wise decision as it will cover new changes in the law and may offer more about safety when handling this material.

Since starting in January 2013, all the training will be of the new units of competency it is best for your company to have all of those employees who will be dealing with asbestos removal have the most up to date asbestos training possible.

You will especially want all your asbestos removal supervisors to have the new supervisor asbestos training in order to ensure that they know and understand all the regulations they need to adhere to in order to keep your business in compliance with the new WHS regulations. Making sure that your supervisor and other employers have the most up to date training will allow you to better protect the public, your employees and your business.

Human Resources: Teachers Bullied in NSW

HR Training95% of Australian educators have experienced at least one of 42 “bullying behaviours”, say researchers.

Personal confrontation and professional destabilization are most common, commonly resulting in deterioration of not only mental health, but also physical well-being.Dan Riley, Deirdre Duncan and John Edwards surveyed 2529 school educators, 83% female and 27% male.
The researchers discovered that 81% had experienced bullying from parents, and a staggering 79% named colleagues and executives, 1 in 15 being principals. Students are also bullies, with educators reporting that 75% had experienced bullying from a pupil.
Research shows that questioning of decision-making is one of the biggest bullying behaviours, followed by assignments with impossible to meet deadlines. Many of those surveyed did not realize that these behaviours were considered bullying.
Belittling of work, lack of recognition or praise, and witholding of information were also commonly reported bullying behaviours among those surveyed.
These statistics have been published by Australian Council for Educational Research.
More information on Bullying or any other Human Resources issues
Source: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/teachers-suffer-bullying-in-nsw-schools/story-e6freuy9-1226350155460 

Useful Facts on OHS Harmonisation Laws For Managers and more…

OHS Harmonisation lawsThe new Australian Occupational Health and Safety Harmonisation  or OHS Harmonisation laws include a series of changes to the old laws. Breaches of legislation can result in fines in excess of $ 500,000 or even imprisonment for five years for corporate or individual executives.

The changes were officially implemented in January of this year in; NSW,Queensland,The Commonwealth, and the Northern Australia.

Senior Managers and Directors who have a desire to stay clear of penalties (whether it be financial or to their reputation) should be mindful of the following important aspects of the OHS Harmonisation laws.

a)     A “Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking” or a PCBU, is the one who is chiefly responsible for upholding OHS standards— this does not necessarily mean the “employer”. An individual or a corporate body can be considered PCBU since they operate a business or duty alone or with other PCBUs.

b)    “Duty of care” now includes a more diverse group of individuals including workers and “any other person” whose safety is at risk because of the business activities of the PCBU. Someone is referred to as a worker whether they are employed or a volunteer. This means that incidents that once fell under public liability laws and negligence can now be prosecuted under the new OHS laws.

c)     The term “ Officers’ refers to Directors and managers and these individuals are personally obligated to use their best efforts to ensure that the company stays within the boundaries of OHS Harmonisation laws.  This is referred to as “Due Dilligence” and includes the following duties:

  • Gather and uphold current safety knowledge
  • Gain an understanding of the various business risks
  • Deliver and implement the proper resources
  • Maintain legal compliance with OHS laws.
  • Verify compliance and safety standards by conducting frequent and thorough audit and review processes.

Duty Holder(s) (If there indeed more than one) of OHS must ensure that they work together in collaboration and cooperation to ensure that all responsibilities related to OHS legislation are upheld.

The OHS Harmonisation laws recommend that organisations conduct an audit of current processes,safety policies, and contracts. The audit will determine and identify the proper steps needed in order to comply with the new OHS Harmonisation laws. Under these new laws; rules pertaining to personal liability need to be explained clearly to all officers to ensure that breaches are limited.

It is also encouraged to implement due-diligence practices throughout the entire company to ensure that safety measures are upheld.

Source: http://www.sbwire.com/press-releases/sbwire-140172.htm

 

Human Resources: Tribunal Awards Compensation to Nurse

HR TrainingThe Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT) have made a decision in favour of a nurse who was up against the state’s health department.

They awarded the nurse over $20,000 in compensation for her claims of discrimination. The panel found that the nurse was treated unjustly because of her inability to work night shifts due to her medical condition. The tribunal decided that it was unnecessary for nurses to be available ever hour of the day, 7-days a week.

The Queensland Nurses Union (QNU) felt that the ruling signifies the need for employers to be flexible to the needs of their employees. . Secretary for the QNU, Beth Mohle believes the judgement sends an important message to all employers.

Mohle discussed the recent decision will encourage employers to be more thoughtful in the action they take.However, in her opinion, the health board should have been able to apply a reasonable policy without the assistance of the court – especially when involving those with disabilities .

More on Human Resources Training

Source:http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-05-11/qld-health-ordered-to-pay-nurse-20k-compensation/4004898?section=qld 

Supermarket’s Hit Back At Unsubstantiated Claims

OHS TRAININGThe Chairman of Woolworths has defended the company’s reputation for using trucks to move goods throughout the country.

The Transport Workers Union alleges that Woolworths has an unreasonable delivery schedule that transport companies struggle to live up to. The schedules being imposed are allegedly resulting in reckless driving and road deaths, according to the union.

The union held a protest at Coles and Woolworths supermarkets throughout the country.Coles spokesperson stated that the union’s claims are unconfirmed, while Woolworths Chairman James Strong, calls the allegations as “unfair”.

Strong believes that the problem could be dealt in a different manner and asserts that the TWU’s use of sensationalist terms is common.He is hopeful that the public can decipher between the truth and conjecture . He maintains that a rational discussion is needed between the TWU and the supermarket chains.

More info on Occupational Health and Safety

Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-05-10/woolworth-chairman-defends-truck-transport–policy/4003768?section=nt 

Working At Heights: Company fined for 2.7 metre Fall

Working At Heights safetyA company  was fined for an incident which resulted in a worker sustaining skull and spinal fractures when he fell almost 3 metres onto a concrete slab.

Access Matrix Scaffolding was fined  $22,000 in the Perth Magistrates Court for failing to provide a safe work environment  which resulted in an injured worker.

The company supplies and  builds scaffolding, and the incident in question occurred when a void in a floor was left unfinished and covered with particleboard.

A worker stepped onto the void with the assumption that it was supported by scaffolding and the void collapsed under his weight. He fell 2.7 metres onto the concrete slab, where he sustained the skull and spinal fractures, as well as injuries to his ribs and shoulder.

Despite the particleboard being in place as flooring, the board was spanning a greater length than th manufacturer recommended.

WorkSafe WA commissioner Lex McCulloch said that the case should act as a reminder to the importance of having preventive measures to avoid falls.

According to McCulloch, falls are one of the most frequent causes of workplace death in the construction sector. In the last four years, 16 workers have died as a result of falling.

More info on Working at Heights

Source:: http://www.watoday.com.au/wa-news/27-metre-fall-costs-company-22000-20120508-1yaio.html#ixzz1uKlz5QA3

Asbestos Awareness: Company Fined For Importing Asbestos

Asbestos TrainingA company appeared in Perth Magistrates Court where they received fines for importing asbestos into Australia.

The global engineering company Clyde Bergemann Senior Thermal was found to be accountable for a $64,000 fine  for penalties and costs of importing the deadly substance in machinery parts.

3 years ago, CBST imported over 60 machinery parts from China which was allegedly supposed to be used in the development of a power plant.

Customs and Border protection discovered that the machinery contained chrysotile asbestos, also known as white asbestos. It is currently banned for importation under the customs regulations since it can cause serious health defects such as lung cancer.

A year later, the company imported an additional 60 parts with asbestos in it.

CBST was subsequently found guilty of two counts of importing prohibited substances.

More info on Asbestos Awareness

Source: http://www.watoday.com.au/wa-news/asbestos-importer-slapped-with-64000-fine-20120507-1y8l2.html#ixzz1uExSVjs3

Important Facts About Confined Spaces Safety

Confined Spaces Training

When working in Confined Spaces it is important to have adequate training in order to avoid entrapment or even worse, death. Luckily there are some measures recommended to utilize in order to understand the complexities of Confined Spaces Working.

 

 HAZARD IDENTIFICATION

According to Work Safe, it is important for the employer to mention any confined spaces and the various hazards that accompany such work. Also the employer should practice the utilization of sign postings  when required in order to secure the area.

The follow circumstances can result in serious injury or even death:

  • Firstly,  oxygen deficiency in confined spaces can result in;  slow oxidation reactions for organic or other substances, combustion, diluted air and gas, absorption of deadly substances by grains, or soils.
  • Over-abundance of oxygen in confined spaces can be caused by contaminants , whether they be from solids, liquids or a various other forms.
  • Adjusting the position of equipment can result in workers becoming overwhelmed and crushed.

It is important for one to conduct a risk assessment in order to identify the various dangers within the workplace. Doing so can determine what the nature of the confined space is,  and the work required  to be done within a confined space . Furthermore, it can help workers understand emergency proceduresIt is the employers responsibility to ensure that the assessment is consistently kept up-to-date and always valid

Some steps that employers must take to avoid many accidents, is the prohibition of smoking and naked flames. within confined spaces and the adjacent areas.Some  equipment should even prohibited, such as the use forklifts.  An additional concern is the level of heat while working in the area.

Types of Risk Assessments

Generic assessment : The employer is responsible for several confined spaces in which related work is performed at all sites. Risks factors are often identical but when this is not the case, a generic risk assessment is encouraged. This type of assessment helps identify the conditions and location of confined spaces and the type of work practiced in it.  Depending on the type of work or condition of the site, the risk factors could potential differ from eachother.

Assessment frequency: 

The assessment period should be decided on by the employer with consultation with employees or representatives. Whenever risks change, a new assessment should be conducted with this change in mind. A change in risk can result from :

  • Modification in equipment operating conditions
  • Change in the work atmosphere or environment
  • Change in work procedures or agreements.

OHS:Tribute To Honour Fallen Rail Workers

OHS TrainingA tribute has been erected to honour fallen rail workers.

Charles Firmin was operating one of Perths original batch of diesel-powered trains when he was hit by a truck and killed 60 years ago.

His daughter Gillian O’Callaghan, who was 7 at the time of the accident, remembers the day well.Police officers showed up at her door, breaking the news to her mother.

At school other students would discuss the horrific nature of her father’s death and that is how she found out the circumstances surrounding his accident. She said one student even claimed to have seen the wreckage.

Since Perth was so small, many people in town were talking about the death of her father.O’Callaghan’s father was a train operator her whole life, driving steam trains before a new batch of trains emerged with cleaner diesel engines.Her father’s name was recently posted to the Australian Railway Monument in NSW.

The Australian Rail Journey Museum is entreating the public to help in the gathering of an estimated 10,000 other railway workers who have died on duty in Australia.

More info on Occupational Health and Safety

Source: http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/a/-/wa/13587549/tribute-for-rail-workers-killed-on-duty/

Dangerous Goods: WorkSafe Concerned With Deadly Gas Storage

Dangerous Goods TrainingNT WorkSafe claim that many refrigeration and plumbing companies continue to endanger their employees lives regardless of two tradesmen’s deaths last year.

A 24-year old fridge mechanic was killed when his van blew up in his driveway. Less than a week later, a similar incident caused the death of a tradesman.  These deaths have launched inspections of air-conditioning and plumbing businesses by NT  WorkSafe.

According to Executive director Lauren Hull, inspectors have been compelled to issue prohibition notices to some businesses.

Hull stated that workers continue to carry oxyacetylene even though it could potentially cause a fatal accident.  She said that more than half of the businesses visited have ignored WorkSafe’s many pleas.

More info on Dangerous Goods Training

Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-05-03/worksafe-finding-gas-bottle-workers-at-risk/3987634?section=nt

 

Asbestos Awareness: 2.9 Million Awarded in Workplace Compensation

Asbestos TrainingThus far, almost 3 million dollars was paid to Tasmanian workers who are victims of asbestos exposure.

Workplace relations minister David O’Byrn confirmed that the asbestos Related Diseases compensation scheme had already granted payments to eight applicants.

So far the largest compensation awarded under the employer-funded scheme, was $540,000. The program was launched in October and the cost was covered by an employer-levy. O’Byne alleges that Tasmania’s biggest OHS killer was going to become even more of a problem when the contraction rate is expected to be at its highest in the next five-to-10 years.

O’Byrne stressed the dangers of the asbestos substance which exists throughout various government and corporate buildings, and even homes.

More info on Asbestos Awareness

Source: http://www.themercury.com.au/article/2012/05/04/325001_tasmania-news.html

Worker Crushed in Lift Accident

ohs trainingA man died when he was caught between two lifts in an Occupational Health and Safety accident that occurred in Melbourne early this week. It is alleged that the man was delivering a scissor-lift and a forklift to a Masters Home Improvement store in Preston when he was crushed between the two. Workers discovered the man early in the morning and called emergency services, but unfortunately he had already succumbed to his injuries prior to their arrival.

Worksafe spokesperson Michael Bert indicated that the time of death was undetermined and that the victim could have been trapped for quite some time.

According to Birt, Investigators were at the store, trying to determine the circumstances surrounding the untimely death. The man was said to have been carrying out a routine job.He revealed that all that they know is that the man was crushed by two lifts but the time and how it happened is undetermined. Police are also at the scene preparing a coroner’s report.

This is the fifth workplace death in Victoria this year.

Birt stated the need for workers to consider the various dangers and risks that accompany every-day routine jobs. He urges workers to take heed of the dangers and not neglect the risks so that serious injury or death can be avoided.

Source: http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/man-crushed-in-scissorlift-tragedy-20120502-1xxwc.html#ixzz1tlnRnOfB

How Do I Review Work Health and Safety (OHS) Risks?

work health safety risks chartIdentifying, accessing, and controlling work health and safety issues is imperative in helping to create a safe working environment for your employees, but none of these steps towards safety will do you much good if you don’t know how to review work health and safety risks.

The Purpose Of Safety Reviews

The entire purpose to review work health and safety risks is to ensure:

・ That the controls you put into place eliminate the hazard or reduce the risk of injury should the hazard occur.

・ That the controls that have been put in place do not create additional risks of their own and are practical to use.

・ Are new safety procedures being understood and followed?

・ Does more need to be done to decrease the risk even more?

・ Have workers had adequate training to perform the job, or use tools safely and correctly?Have workers been informed of the risks currently present and do they have the training and the knowdledge to deal with those risks?

・ Have all safety risks been found and addressed?

・ Have workers been consulted to any additional risks and possible solutions?

The best way to review work health and safety risks is by reviewing each control you have put into place in order of the seriousness of the risk involved. Make sure that each solution you have put into place takes care of the problem or reduces it while you search for better alternatives. As you gather new information about various risks or as new techniques or solutions to eliminate or reduce risks become available assess whether or not the new solutions are better and more practical than the solutions you already have in place.

If the controls you have put in place do not eliminate the risk or reduce it substantially then reassess your options and look for a different way to control the risk or consider adding additional controls to further reduce the chance of injury.

Keep in mind that to review work health and safety risks is for the sole purpose of finding out which controls work well, which ones need to be improved, and which ones simply don’t work at all or create additional risks. Not every solution you come up with is going to be the “best” solution the first time around which is why reviewing these controls is so important.

Creating a safe working environment is an ongoing part of owning or operating a business and your efforts will eventually be rewarded when over time there are less accidents, less time lost, and increased productivity and employee satisfaction. To review work health and safety risks periodically means you can find and eliminate those risks before they result in injury or harm.

Coles Supermarket Receives $170,000 Fine and Pays Fees

Risk Management trainingSupermarket king Coles, received a fine of $170,000 and told to pay legal fees when a worker fell through a ceiling at a branch in Sydney half a decade ago.

The worker scaled a guard rail in order to obtain promotional material stored on a suspended plasterboard ceiling in August 2007. The ceiling collapsed and she crashed over two metres to the ground which left her with cuts to her head, whiplash and bruises.

Preliminary investigations revealed that Coles in fact knew the area was dangerous to use as a roof cavity for storage and had even built a railing and posted a caution sign.

However, WorkCover disclosed that Coles management had not undergone a risk assessment to determine how much weight the plasterboard could stand, and failed to inform staff of the risks of accessing the area.

Coles was fined on behalf of the Industrial Court of NSW and told to cover WorkCover’s legal costs.

WorkCover’s Work Health and Safety general manager, John Watson stated that since the company employed over 23,000 people in 238 stores across NSW, the safety procedures of the company are important to a significant number of people.

Watson also stated that the area should not have ever been permitted for storage of merchandise and management was responsible for being vigilant. He added, saying that despite management being aware of the dangerous nature of the area, the area was still used without any proper training.

More info on Risk https://alertforce.com.au/ohs-training/coles-supermarket-receives-170000-fine-and-pays-fees/attachment/risk-management-4/Management

Source: http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/breaking-news/coles-fined-170000-over-workers-fall-through-ceiling/story-e6frf7kf-1226340693166

Co-Workers Gather To Remember Fallen Workers

OHS TrainingCo-Workers  came together to remember workplace deaths and address safety standards;

 A significant amount of workers rally in response to the number of construction industry deaths in Queensland.
Thousands of workers in Queensland gathered the Roma Street Forum to remember their 15 colleagues, killed on duty.
Unions claim that standards have slipped, at the fault of Queensland’s workplace regulator.
Bill Shorten, the Federal Employment and Workplace Relations minister, addressed the crowd regarding the improvement of industry safety standards. “It is unacceptable that the same accidents that killed people 60 years ago are still happening today.”

He wants workers to feel comfortable in reporting safety issues to their manager or union, and for that to happen the culture of the industry must change.More information on Occupational Health and Safety

Source:  http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-04-27/colleagues-gather-to-remember-workplace-deaths/3976434?section=qld 

Unions Want Tougher Consequences for Company Safety Oversights

working at heights safetyUnions have requested tougher consequences after a company was fined slightly more than a mine worker’s annual salary for an occupational health and safety accident that resulted in the death of a man.

John Holland received a fine of $242,000 by the Federal Court earlier this month for their breach of workplace safety laws by failing to protect staff from injury or death at a Pilbara mine.

The company’s oversight caused a death at BHP Billiton’s Mt.Whaleback site.

Wayne Moore died in early 2009 when he plummeted 12m from an unsafely secured sheet of grid mesh on a machine. It is undisclosed how much Moore earned, but the typical tradesmen in his sector often earned over $150,000 annually and senior workers often received over $250,000.

The court imposed the highest penalty under the old OHS safety regime when safety watchdog Comcare pursued a successful prosecution.  Later, the maximum penalty under the national system rose to $1.5 million for the same type of offense and $3m for more significant breaches. The Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union commented that the case displayed the inadequacies of penalties in the region.

State Secretary Mick Buchan stated that nominal fines sent a problematic message to employees since many in the sector earned the same around the same amount as the fine.

 

More info on  Working at Heights
Source: http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/a/-/wa/13531660/tougher-penalties-bid-for-fatal-safety-breach/                                                  

Inadequate Amount Of Training Results in Crane Death

crane safety trainingACT Coroner’s Court has observed the graphic video of a Canberra truck driver who died when he was trampled by a crane. Geoffrey William Blackfella Gowan died on his birthday a few years ago while picking up large waste bins at Evatt shops. The footage showed Gowan receiving serious neck and chest injuries when the arm of the crane jammed him against the truck with his feet elevated off the ground.

A police witness also showed footage to the court of a re-creation that reveals poor visibility and lighting in the area during the accident. The court maintained that the poor lighting coupled with Gowan’s inexperience and inadequate training contributed to his death.

The Court was informed by work colleagues that Gowan had limited experience with a crane as well as low level of training and competence with the equipment used. The investigation is ongoing.

More Info on Cranes,Hoists and Slings Training

Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-04-24/inquest-canberra-workplace-death/3968286?section=act 

OHS: Mechanic Apprentice Suffers Head Injuries

ohs trainingA mechanic from worth is being forced to shell out $3200 for a workplace accident that resulted in serious head injuries on a 16-year old.  The mechanic, Paul Egerton has pleaded guilty for charges alleging that he failed to take reasonable care to avoid negatively affecting the safety and health of another individual. The injuries of the young occurred when a bus fell on top of him.

Egerton was employed as a heavy duty mechanic for Path Transit when the incident happened.

Despite the company’s written procedure prohibiting employees from working beneath a bus when it was jacked up, Egerton permitted his two apprentices to do so.The bus was allegedly being jacked up using two wooden blocks while the apprentices were underneath it conducting their work.The bus rolled onto the apprentice causing injuries to his head and chest when they were pinned below it.

WorkSafe’s Lex McCulloch stated that Egerton should have known better considering his ample experience in the field.

According to McCulloch, the incident should serve as a caution for anyone who considers wilfully disregarding safety measures in the workplace. McCulloch hopes the incident will cause employees to be constantly mindful of the safety of employees in the workplace.

More info on Occupational Health and Safety

Source: http://www.watoday.com.au/wa-news/small-fine-for-work-accident-where-bus-fell-on-boys-head-20120423-1xgi1.html#ixzz1t1B7IOWL

PPE Training: Practice Safe Work!

Personal Protection Equipment

Personal Protective equipment can include a variety of clothing and equipment that employees, students and various professionals must wear in order to protect themselves from workplace safety hazards.

What Does The PPE Act Say?

Firstly, an employer should ensure that the worker is not exposed to any hazards in the workplace, however when that is unavoidable, the employer must ensure that workers are provided the proper safety equipment that would protect them against any potential hazards that exist.

The Codes of Practice: First Aid Facilities and Services, Workplace Amenities and Facilities, Personal Protective Clothing and Equipment 2002, all provide varies measures and suggestions in the selection and utilization of PPE. The acts also list the various PPE requirements for a multitude of workplace safety hazards.  In addition to these acts, The Occupational Safety and Health Regulations 1996 provides further assistance in understanding PPE measures.

Often times employees may complain due to the general discomfort and hassle associated with PPE. Furthermore, there are sometimes issues with PPE that is in poor condition or may seem inappropriate. However, the employee must be informed of the necessity of the equipment and any problems regarding inappropriate equipment must be dealt with in order to ensure safety for all.

 Examples of PPE

PPE  can be used for protection in a variety of situations:

  • Respiratory protection- air cannisters/masks
  • Eye protection – eg  Safety goggles, visors
  • Hearing Protection–  Ear Plugs and other hearing apparatus
  • Hand Protection– eg  Safety gloves
  • Foot protection – eg  Steal toe boots, gripped shoes
  • Head Protection– eg helmets, construction hats
  • Protection from falls – eg  safety harnesses
  • Skin Protection– eg caps, sunscreen, long sleeved clothes

Responsibilities and PPE

Employers must maintain:

  • The required PPE are monitored and inspected by a competent individual in order to determine if other, more efficient methods of ensuring safety can be implemented
  • Professional guidance is requested in order to determine the most suitable types of PPE for what ever types of tasks are being conducted.
  • PPE Training is provided to all so that they can ensure that the proper PPE is used and maintained.
  • A constant supervisor to ensure that PPE is worn whenever required.
Employees must also be informed on how to properly wear and utilize the PPE. In addition, employees must avoid the improper use or damage of the equipment.

Remember:

While PPE  is ultimately not the most efficient way of avoiding injury, it is the last bastion of protection when all other safety measures are overcome.

Source:  http://www.safety.uwa.edu.au/policies/personal_protective_equipment_guidelines

OHS:WorkCover Scheme To Receive Serious Cuts

ohs trainingThe O’Farrell government plans to make significant cuts to workers compensation which would result in a slashing of lump-sum payments for injured workers and eliminating weekly benefits for long-term recipients from the scheme after a specified time. Workplace lawyers have cited concerns that the changes would designate NSW into “the meanest system in the country”

The government has stated in the past that it intends to re-evaluate the $13 billion WorkCover scheme which encompasses a deficit of approximately $5 billion. An announcement regarding these changes is expected by Tuesday.

Various lawyers and union representatives are concerned that 50% of the 28,000 workers who receive benefits and medical expenses; will be abandoned because of the proposed changes to the scheme.

Barrister Bruce McManamey stated his concern that the coming changes may result in injured workers losing their homes.

Currently, injured workers receive their normal, full salary for the first 26 weeks off work. A scaffolder without children or a partner would receive $1100-1500 a week for the 26-weeks. If the worker is off for longer the payout would drop to $432 a week.The proposed changes would make it so that an injured worker could receive only 90 per cent of their salary, but not exceeding that amount.

Some Lawyers have alleged that the cuts to WorkCover are to ensure that NSW does not lose its AAA credit rating.

More information on Occupational Health and Safety

Source:http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/injured-workers-face-savage-compo-cut-20120421-1xdq0.html#ixzz1spnIf1bi

Confined Spaces: Mine Worker Injured At Leonora mining site

Mining Safety TrainingA young mine worker was injured in an underground incident in Leornora. He sustained injuries to his throat and chest area when he was struck by some apparatus.

He was airlifted by the Royal Flying Doctor Service to Royal Perth Hospital where he received treatment.

The accident took place at the King of the Hills mine a few kilometres north-west of Leonora. According to St Barbara Managing Director and CEO Tim Lehany, the man is a worker for contracting company Byrnecut.

The mine is owned by a Melbourne gold mining company, St.Barbara. Lehany alleges that the incident did not result in any falling rocks. According to a spokesperson, there is currently no scheduled formal investigation by the Department of Mines and Petroleum.

More information on Confined Spaces training

Source: http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/a/-/wa/13474320/man-injured-in-mining-accident/ 

Asbestos Awareness: SafeWork Investigates Deserted Dump Site

SafeWork SA has been charged with the task of immediately cleaning up an abandoned asbestos dump site in Wingfield.

Unions brought the site to the attention of the authorities after the All State Group went into administration which left asbestos sheeting and insulation exposed.CFMEU secretary Martin O’Malley said despite the company’s licensed ability to remove the asbestos, it first had to be monitored by Safe Work . WorkSafe will have to determine if the harmful substance was sealed in airtight bags or containers.

O’Malley maintains that the site was littered with asbestos materials as well as other building matter.He continued by stating that members of the asbestos removal business that existed there were exposed to asbestos and residents living the wider community may have been exposed to deadly asbestos dust.

SafeWork has spent a significant amount of time at the site where they commenced the investigation immediately after The Advertiser informed them of the dangerous substance’s existence in the area.

O’Malley said Safe Work SA has to justify a 4m- high pile of asbestos ridden matter for over a year that was left unattended for a year.

BRI Ferrier, the appointed liquidator yet to commented on the status of the asbestos dump site.

More information on Asbestos Awareness

Source:http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/south-australia/company-deserts-a-toxic-wasteland-at-wingfield/story-e6frea83-1226333740842

How Do I Control Work, Health, And Safety Risks?

safety risk trainingThe WHS regulations list a hierarchy of risk control. This hierarchy begins with eliminating the hazard completely down to the least effective method of reducing risks. WHS regulations require that you use the highest control that is reasonably practical to eliminate or minimize the risk.

To control work health and safety risks the best possible scenario is to eliminate the risk in the planning stages of the job. For example, if a job requires that equipment or products be stacked then to eliminate the risk of falling stacks of equipment or products planning to stack the materials at less height over a larger area will eliminate the hazard of falling stacks of boxes or equipment or at least greatly reduce the risk of such a hazard occurring.

To avoid the risk of back injuries due to manual lifting of heavy objects making sure that there are trollies or trucks available to move those objects eliminates or reduces the risks of injuries.

However, if the risk or hazard is already present in the workplace, then you will need to find a practical way to eliminate or reduce the hazard. The first step to control work health, and safety risks already built into the job is by consulting with your workers and their representatives. Discuss with them changes in equipment, or the way the job is performed, and how these changes will eliminate or reduce the hazard that can cause them harm. Get their ideas on workable solutions as well as their concerns.

Keep in mind that in order to control work health and safety risks there may be times when the only practical solution is to institute more than one control to minimize the risk of a single hazard. For example, you may use engineering controls such as a guard rail around a piece of machinery to prevent an employee from getting a limb caught. Then you may deem additional training on operating the machinery is necessary to further reduce the risk of injury.

One of the things you can do in your efforts to control work health and safety risks in the workplace is study what other like industries have done to eliminate or reduce risks and how effective their controls have been. Keep updated on new safety measures that seem to be working and continue to work to further reduce or eliminate each risk.

While some risks may be easy to eliminate or reduce such as adding more lighting or brighter lights to an area, some may take some planning and trial and error to correct. There may also be times when you will use temporary measures to reduce risks as much as possible while instituting better controls. Keep a record of each risk you find and everything you have done to control that risk.

By making the effort, consulting with employees and keeping apprised of new and innovative controls you can not onlycontrol work health and safety risks to your employees, but you will create a more positive working environment for everyone concerned.

How Do I Identify Work, Health And Safety Risks

work health and safety signIf it is your responsibility to manage work, health and safety risks, the first thing you need to do is to identify work, health and safety risks that could result in injury or harm to your employees. This can seem an overwhelming task for those who are new just opening a business, have made major changes to an existing business and those new to position where part of their job is to manage these risks.

However, keep in mind that to identify work, health, and safety risks it is best done on an ongoing basis and using a check list for your business can help make the task easier.

To identify work, health and safety risks, it involves looking at things and situations which could result in injury or harm to a workers health. This means looking closely at:

・ The actual physical environment where work is carried on. Is there adequate light and ventilation? Is the working space large enough to perform all tasks safely? Are there any hazards that could result in injury such as uneven floors or poor material storage, or poor housekeeping practices.

・ Next take a good look at the machinery being used. Is the machinery designed for the function it is being used for? Is it in good working order and repair? Does it need any guards or other addition to prevent injury to a workers limbs? Is the noise from the machinery likely to affect the workers hearing?

・ Study the material and substances being use. Do these pose any hazards such as using chemicals or heavy materials needing to be lifted or moved by hand.

・ You are also going to need to look at each work task and how it is performed. Are the employees properly trained to used the necessary tools? Are they using the safety equipment provided? Is there undue pressure placed on them to perform the job faster than reasonably safe?

・ Work design and management. Is the job designed to be done with health and safety in mind. Is the supervisor of the area managing the work in a manner that may pose a safety or health risk to one or more employees? Does the job require repetitive movement, likely to cause fatigue, or undue stress?

In order to find and identify work, health and safety risks regularly walk around and observe everything. Make a list of those hazards you find. If there is an immediate risk such as a spill then immediately stop the work being done, remove the workers to a safe place and take care of the risk immediately.

Talk to the employees and make a note of their health or safety concerns and any suggestions they have for eliminating or reducing those those concerns. Look for instances of bullying or harassment that may be going on, but employees may be reluctant to talk about.

Take the time to look at past records of accidents, injuries or other related problems. Chances are if an accident occurred once it can happen again unless controls have been put in place to prevent future accidents.

By remaining alert and using all resources at your disposal you can identify work, health and safety risks and take steps to correct them.

What Is Involved In Managing Work, Health, And Safety Risks?

ohs risk managementAccording to WHS regulations it the duty of every business owner, manager, and supervisor and even to some extent the individual employee to help in managing work health and safety risks to employees and members of the public that visit or do business with you. But what exactly is involved in managing work health and safety risks.

The First Step Is To Identify Hazards In The Work Place

In some cases, certain jobs have known and easily identifiable hazards, in others the hazards may be there, but may not be quite so identifiable. It is the job of the owner, manager, or supervisor to identify all risks. There are a number of ways to go about managing work health and safety risks, but one very important way is to consult with the workers who actually work each given job. They are the best source of information when it comes to identifying potential dangers in the area where they work.

Keep in mind that these hazards are not just limited to working with equipment and machinery or the likelihood of injury due to poor ventilation, or lighting. The hazards may be due to fatigue, stress, or harassment as well as many other things.

Assess The Risks

Once you have identified the risks the next step is to assess the risk.

・ How likely is that the risk could actually happen?

・ What kind of harm could result?

・ How serious would the harm caused be?

Control the Risks

Once you have assessed the risk you need to begin putting in controls that either eliminate the risks all together or at least minimize the risks. These controls need to be reasonably practical given the circumstances. In other words, if you have a hazard that could result in a small non serious injury, such as a small bruise and the only way to completely remove the risk is with an extremely expensive piece of equipment this would not be considered a practical solution to the problem.

When instituting controls you should again consult with those who work in the area or with a given piece of machinery as they can often offer solutions to hazards you may not have thought of that will prove to be both economic and workable in managing work health and safety risks. Keep in mind that controls should also include any training, or testing you feel is necessary to ensure that the worker understands how to do the job and can follow all safety procedures in managing work health and safety risks.

Reviewing Your Controls

The last step in managing work health and safety risks is to review the controls you have in place to ensure they are working. Again talking with the employees is one of the best ways to find out if the controls you put into place have eliminated or reduced the hazard.

As part of managing and reviewing the controls that are set in place you may need to make frequent checks to see that the employees are using any equipment or gear that is necessary to reducing the risk and keeping adequate records of safety checks and any warning or discipline measures that have been enacted in order to encourage the employees to adhere to the safety controls and guidelines you have put into effect for managing work health and safety risks.

OHS:Pearl Producers Shocked By Diver’s Death

OHS TrainingWestern Australia’s Pearl Producers Association says the industry has been shocked by the death of a 22-year-old pearl diver in the Kimberley, the first death of its kind for more than 20 years.

WA Pearl Producers Association stated that the industry is shaken by the death of a 22-year old pearl diver. The association stated that a death of this cause has not occurred in over two decades.

The diver was a member of a six-person driving team that was diving from a boat at a Paspaley wild shell harvest close to Eighty Mile Beach.

According to police, the diver was found in a distressed state but died shortly after. Association chief executive Brett McCallum says the cause of death is currently undetermined.McCallum assured that the association will do everything in its power to determine what the cause of death is and how it can be prevented through improvements in any area. He added that the industry has worked diligently to improve safety standards.

According to the association, all divers must undergo arduous health and swimming tests before being permitted to enter the water.

WorkSafe and Water Police are investigating the scene in order to prepare a report for the coroner.

More info on Occupational Health and Safety

Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-04-16/industry-shocked-by-pearl-divers-death/3951608?section=wa 

Human Resources: WorkSafe Says CIT Has Inadequate Bullying Systems

Workplace BullyingACT Work Safety Commissioner Mark McCabe revealed that an investigation in to workplace bullying which was conducted at the Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT), is now completed.The investigation was launched as a result of several ideas submitted to WorkSafe ACT by various CIT employees regarding CIT measures for handling bullying and harassment situations.

McCabe said that the WorkSafe ACT investigation determined that the CIT had  breached the Territory’s health and safety legislation.

The investigation revealed that the CIT lacks an adequate prevention and response system for incidents of bullying and harassment in the workplace.

WorkSafe issued an Improvement Notice that compels the CIT to improve a number of aspects of its systems and procedures regarding bullying and harassment of staff. The CIT has six months to fulfill all the requirements in the notice in order to ensure that the organization has an efficient prevention and management system for this human resources issue.

The report regarding the bullying and harassment systems at CIT is called WORKSAFE ACT  INVESTIGATION INTO COMPLIANCE BY THE CANBERRA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY (CIT) WITH ITS DUTIES UNDER THE WORK SAFETY ACT 2008 AND THE WORK HEALTH AND SAFETY ACT 2011 IN RESPONSE TO ALLEGATIONS OF BULLYING AND HARASSMENT AT THE CIT . It can be accessed and downloaded in PDF format from WorkSafe’s website.

More info on Human Resources 

Source: http://www.worksafe.act.gov.au/news/view/1312/title/investigation-into-bullying-at-the

OHS:Cruise Ship Crocodile Attack Probed By WorkSafe

OHS TrainingWorkSafe has stated the possibility that they will investigate a crocodile attack that happened in Kimberly because the victim was at work at the time of the attack.

Tara Hawkes 23, was exiting a fresh-water pool at Talbot Bay, when she was attacked and bitten on the leg by an approximately two-metre crocodile.

Hawkes is an employee at True North, a cruise ship owned by North Cruises. The boat’s owner is currently preparing an accident report to be handed over to Worksafe.

Worksafe Commissioner Lex McCulloch says the report will assist in determining whether or not charges are to be laid.Worksafe says it will most likely investigate a crocodile attack in the Kimberley because the victim was at work at the time.

McCulloch indicated that the investigation may indeed lead to charges if the company is not able to show them that they have measured the risks and provided training for their employees so that they know what to do in similar situations.He added that they have been in contact with the company and will be gathering more information regarding the accident and then they will make a decision on how to proceed next.

Hawkes suffered lacerations to her leg and is currently receiving treatment in Perth where she was flown to following the incident.

More info on Occupational Health and Safety 

Source:http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-04-03/worksafe-considering-croc-incident/3930384

Fake “Asbestos-Free” Documents Endanger Maritime Workers

Asbestos TrainingAustralian maritime workers are frequently being exposed to potentially fatal asbestos fibres aboard foreign registered ships that have been discovered with fake papers citing that they are asbestos free.

The Australian Institute of Marine and Power Engineers have expressed concerns that vessels or tug boats being brought into the country, continue to endanger the safety and lives of seafarers.

The union’s concerns were included in a public submission to the federal government investigation into asbestos management.

The submission states that the International Maritime Organisation has distributed warnings that asbestos has been uncovered in ship fire blankets, wall and ceiling coverings, and other parts of the ship.

Federal Laws dating back to 2005, have prohibited the entry of vessels containing asbestos, however ships continue to arrive in Australia with asbestos ridden materials. The ship carry “asbestos free” certificates but they have  often been proven false by respectable Australian authorities.

The submission also cited a difficulty in enforcing Australia’s health and safety laws on internationally- registered ship, which have proven an obstacle in the process of achieving asbestos-free workplaces.

According to the submission, eight tug boats brought in from abroad, were discovered to have a serious amount of asbestos on their vessel despite being in possession of “asbestos –free” certificates.

The federal inquiry on asbestos management will be finalized in June.

More info on Asbestos Awareness 
Source: http://www.smh.com.au/national/maritime-workers-still-face-asbestos-risk-20120408-1wjli.html#ixzz1rxSYlBuC

Manual Handling: Queensland Council Pays $400,000 To Injured Worker

Amanual handling safety northern Queensland council was told to pay a worker over $400,000 in compensation for injuries he received to his back while swinging a sledgehammer while working.

The Supreme Court in Cairns directed Cook Shire Council to pay Darryl Hosmer following the injury he received to his spine.

Justice Jim Henry published a 35-page decision which cited that despite early denials by Cook County , the council has admitted responsibility for the injury Hosmer received to his lumbar spine while conducting a task.

According to Justice Henry, Hosmer alleges that the spinal injury was a direct result of the council’s breach in its “ obligations and duties” in ensuring workers safety.

However, Justice Henry said that despite the council admitting liability they have also denied that the incident caused the stated injuries.The court was informed that Hosmer was inspected and assessed by two notable orthopaedic surgeons in October and November 2008. The injury is said to have been caused by the repetitive action of swinging the sledge hammer and then bending over to  strike ‘dumpy pegs’ into the ground.

Hosmer was awarded damages of $413,600.43. $250, 000 of the total compensation accounts for a future economic loss. $30,000 is awarded for a loss off superannuation and the remaining $45,000 was awarded for general damages.

More info on Manual Handling 

Source: http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/cook-shire-council-pays-worker-400000-for-back-injury/story-e6freoof-1226325480162

Asbestos Awareness: Work-Site Closed Amidst Asbestos Concerns

Unions claim they’ve been forced to shut down and pause work on an inner Sydney site because of asbestos exposure concerns.

The Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) says work has been halted and 150 workers were told to evacuate the work site.Union state secretary Brian Parker says that documentation indicates that there have been several occasions where asbestos has been discovered on the site.

According to Parker; no action has been taken by the project manager Bovis Lend Lease.Lend Lease spokesman David Hutton ensured that safety was the companies top concern.Hutton claims that small traces of historically buried asbestos have been uncovered throughout the last five years.

Hutton confirmed that the company has always closes and quarantines the site when asbestos is discovered in a small number of excavation locations. The asbestos is then allegedly removed in accordance with WorkCover regulations.

More info on Asbestos Awareness

Source:http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-04-10/asbestos-found-at-barangaroo3a-unions/3941938

Confined Spaces: Late-Night Mining Work Resumes After Gas Leaks

Confined Spaces TrainingEvening mining operations have continued at a North Queensland coal mine which has struggled with a series of hazardous gas leaks.A month ago, the Mining company Thiess, made the decision to suspend late night operations at the site following a several gassing incidents recently.

25 miners have been taken to the hospital in the last two months after being exposed to hazardous gases.A spokesperson for the company stated that five new monitoring stations have been placed on the site and staff have received supplementary training.

Since operations have resumed last weekend, there has been low-level readings but the exposure was not enough to negatively affect others.

The company is exploring potentially long-term solutions to the issues.

Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-04-11/night-mining-resumes-after-miners-gassed/3942626?section=qld

More info on Confined Spaces 

OHS: Timber Company Doubles Fine After Appeal

OHS TrainingA subsidiary  of a notable Australian forestry company received nearly double their initial fine on appeal for Occupational Health and Safety breaches . Carter Holt Harvey Woodproducts Australia Pty Ltd, now under BSG Holdings Pty Ltd, received a conviction and fine of $230,000 after originally receiving a $120,000 fine in November 2010. Michelle Cooper died in 2008 as a result of a collapsed timber pack which exceeded a tonne in weight. The timber pack hoist fell on her as she dislodged a piece of jammed material.

The Director of Public Prosecution stated that the original fine was inadequate which compelled the undertaking of the case. Judge Tinney acknowledged that the company does not openly disregard safety but neglected to ensure that a common hazard was given more attention considering the size and nature of the machine involved. WorkSafe’s Executive Director for Health and Safety, Ian Forsyth is pleased with the increase because of the high-risk nature of timber milling.

Forsyth believes that the highest standards of safety must be upheld for timber workers. Forsyth signified that they were disappointed that a company of such high regard in the industry were not leading the way with regards to health and safety. He believes there is now an opportunity for the industry to closely examine where safety improvements can be made to limit risks and costs.
Source: http://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/wsinternet/worksafe/sitetools/news/carter+holt+harvey+workplace+fatality+fine+nearly+doubled+after+appeal

Residents Outraged At Plans to Dig Up Asbestos Ridden Site

Asbestos TrainingSydney residents are outraged over plans to dig up an asbestos ridden site in order to build a huge waste treatment plant. In the late 1990s the deadly effects of asbestos were fully realised so the owner of the site, James Hardie, tore down  their buildings and built a concrete slap.

It has been five years since the asbestos-caused death of Bernie Banton, a former James Hardie employee who worked at the site. Residents are concerned and angry about the plans to dig up the contaminated site.

A German waste management and recycling company is looking to construct a commercial and industrial waste treatment facility where the James Hardie building was once located. However, residents are concerned that digging up the soil under the concrete slap will put their safety at risk since it is laced with asbestos. The site is located adjacent to a childcare centre.Residents have been adamant in their protest against the development, and their feelings that the government is putting corporate interests above public safety. Parents have since threatened to remove their children if the project proceeds.

Remondis has conceded that although the land had been cleaned up by Sydney Water, asbestos particles were still present in the ground. Mohan Selvaraj, a technical manager for Remonidis, said that the process will not include digging up the concrete slab except to provide sewage. Selvaraj said this part of the process will be monitored by Work Cover despite the ease to do it.

President of the Asbestos Diseases Foundation of Australia, Barry Robson, feels that the project is outrageous because any construction or vehicle is at risk of fracturing the concrete slap. Robson is concerned that a fifth wave of victims will occur.

NSW Planning Assessment Commission will make a decision regarding the project sometime after the public comment period closes on April 10.

More info on Asbestos Awareness Training

 Source: http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/residents-livid-over-plans-to-dig-up-asbestos-site-20120327-1vwlh.html#ixzz1rDbJ2h78

Highway Work Delayed Due To Construction Safety Issues

construction safety trainingConstruction work at the Monaro Highway duplication in Fyshwick has been halted after the construction union visited the site and raised various safety concerns.

Construction, Forestry Mining and Energy Union official Brett Harrison arrived at the site where he proceeded to examine potential safety breaches and ensuring that contractors were working to rectify any problems. Harrison cited issues with protection on each side of the bridge, scaffolding, and handrails.The union is concerned that these dangers put passing motorists at risk.

WorkSafe ACT has allegedly visited the site on two occasions and found no problems. Senior project manager Ben Helmers stated that the issues cited by the CFMEU were fixed immediately.Helmers said there were no serious risks but in the interest of all parties, they fixed whatever issues were cited.He said all of the issues relate to general maintenance and the company does frequent inspections to make sure that safety standards are maintained.

More info on Construction Safety

Source: http://www.canberratimes.com.au/act-news/highway-work-halted-20120404-1wdfq.html#ixzz1r7SzrRiR

OHS:Ten year Work Health and Safety Strategy Open For Comment

OHS TrainingThe draft Australian Work Health and Safety Strategy for 2012-2022 is now available for public comment.

Safe Work Australia has made a list of frequently asked questions pertaining to the draft commenting process. Comments can be sent to AustralianStrategy@SafeWorkAustralia.gov.au. If it is not possible for you to email your comments then you can use post to mail the comments in.

The public comment period will be stopped at 5:00 pm on May 21, 2012. No extensions will be given for public comment.  The draft strategy can be accessed from the Safe Work website where the public will be able to download a PDF and Word Format draft.

The purpose of the comment period is to utilize a wide range of expertise and experience in ensuring that the highest standards are met in implementing the safety strategy. Any area of the draft can be commenting on by anyone interested in the occupational health and safety legislation process.

SafeWork has supplied a template for participants to comment on the draft. In this template they have provided a cover sheet and a public comment response form.  The cover sheet is important because it gives Safe Work Australia your permission to publish your comments on their website. All comments will be accepted and considered when pertaining to the Work Health and Safety Strategy draft. There is no amount of detail that must be included in your comment since all feedback and comments will be welcomed and will assist in a comprehensive safety strategy.

It is important to note that even if you submitted comments on the Model Work Health and Safety Act/Regulations/Codes of Practice then you should still comment on this draft since it is a separate body of work to the work health and safety legislation.

This legislation will be implemented in planned improvements to occupational health and safety in the next decade.

All comments are expected to be carefully considered and used in order to determine what aspects of the strategy can be improved. Following the comment period, the strategy will be revised with consideration of all the public comments.  Considering the influence this strategy could have on you or your employees throughout the next ten years, the public should serious consider commenting on the strategy in order to ensure that the views, needs, and opinions of the public are considered.

The new Australian Work Health and Safety Strategy 2012-2022 is expected to be implemented later this year.

Source: http://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/AboutSafeWorkAustralia/WhatWeDo/PublicConsultation/Pages/WHSStrategyPC.aspx

5 Reasons You Need Chain Of Responsibility Training

Driver fatigue whether it be the long haul freight driver or the bus driver who is asked to work frequent back to back shifts often results in serious accidents that can damage expensive equipment and jeopardize the lives of the driver, his passengers, or other drivers or passengers on the road. In order, to help reduce driver fatigue and reduce the number of accidents cause by driver fatigue laws have been passed ensuring that everyone involved in the transport business does their part to help reduce and prevent driver fatigue.

Here are 5 reasons why you need chain of responsibility training:

1. As a manager or other officer in the transport business your words and actions may have an impact on the behavior and actions of the driver of those big rigs or public transportation vehicles. Taking a chain of responsibility training course will help you to do your duties better to see to the safety of the driver and how your words and actions can make you liable if an accident does occur. By having a clearer understanding of how your words and actions can affect a drivers actions and the liability that you may have due to those actions will help you to stay in compliance with the laws and insure that all drivers maintain compliance as well.

2. Making sure that your employees; whether the driver of the vehicle, the person who schedules the work or the person who loads the cargo understands their role and responsibility in seeing that a delivery or person riding on your transport system arrives to their final destination in one piece can decrease your responsibility should an accident occur. Chain of responsibility training can not only help your employees understand their responsibilities, but, can help you to protect yourself from liability if an accident should occur by providing you with proof in the form of their certificate of completion that you are providing your employees with the necessary training to make responsible and safe decisions.

3. Chain of responsibility training helps each person in the chain understand how their words or actions impact the decisions that the driver makes when he is out on the road. Having a clear understanding of how these actions impact the safety of the driver, his passengers and others on the road and the liability that they carry for their own decisions and actions will help each person to see how they personally can be held responsible for any accidents that are a result of their actions.

4. Chain of responsibility training can help you put into effect a system of checks and balances that helps to ensure that good decisions are made all the way down the line resulting in less risk to the driver and others on the road, less damage to property and equipment, and less injuries and deaths due to driver fatigue. This not only results in more profit for your business in the long run but, also safer roads for all drivers.

5. Chain of responsibility training will help drivers and all those in the chain to better withstand pressure to ignore the law to meet deadlines or work unreasonable hours that may create a driving hazard by giving them clear cut information on how to deal with pressure from others higher in the chain without fear of losing their jobs or suffering reprisals. It empowers everyone along the chain to make sound decisions that will prevent accidents, keep them safe, and benefit the companies they work for.

By ensuring that everyone involved in the transport business has chain of responsibility training you are helping to keep your company in compliance with the law as well as keeping your company profitable and your drivers safe.

Man Dies in Construction Safety Accident

A worker died at a Canberra constructed site when his truck struck overhead power-lines .The man was employed by Kenoss Contractors when the incident occurred which left him lying on the ground beside his vehicle.

The Canberra site and a Molongo site were recently closed down by WorkSafe ACT.The matter is expected to be referred to the coroner, according to WorkSafe Commissioner Mark McCabe. The police are also allegedly investigating the incident.McCabe said the two work sites will be closed for an undetermined amount of time.The sites will be deemed unsafe until the contractor has ensured that steps have been taken to rectify the issues.

More info on Construction Safety Training 

Tasmanian Company fined $60k for OHS Accident

ohs trainingTasmanian building supply company Kemp and Denning was ordered to pay an approximately $60,000 file because of an occupational health and safety incident in which a worker lost his leg.

In 2010, Anthony Young was pinned in a crusher at the company’s New Town brickworks which resulted in him having his leg amputated.

The company pleaded guilty in the Magistrates Court to failing to ensure safety from injury and health risks. A spokesperson from Workplace Standards has maintained that K and D have since made changes to their safety measures at the site.

Roy Omerod of Workplace Standards says that the incident is testament to the need to keep workers safe because of the cost to the person and the industry.The company has yet to comment on the fine. K and D will be closing the brickworks next month because of the cost of environmental regulations.Young is currently appealing against the Supreme court decision to halt his workers compensation.

Despite Young’s working at the plant for two years, he was a contractor for Tasmanian Contracting Services and is thus not eligible for workers compensation.

Young has commenced a civil action seeking damages.The Full Court has not yet laid its decision on the matters.

Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-03-28/brickworks-fined-after-worker-crushed/3918222?section=tas

5 Reasons Why You Need Occupational Health And Safety Training

Occupational health and Safety training courses are designed to help managers and workers better understand OHS legislation and learn strategies and techniques for the implementation of procedures that help to insure a safer work environment.

Here are 5 reasons why you and your employees need Occupational health and safety training.

1. Workplace injuries are a serious concern and in most cases can be avoided. OHS training can provide companies, their officers and managers, and the employees themselves with the training necessary to identify potential hazards and risks and provide helpful tips on how to eliminate or at least minimize those hazards in order to create a safer work environment for all employees. A workplace hazard can lower worker morale, result in work stoppage and open a company to all kinds of fines and penalties OHS training will help you to understand your responsibility and identify ways to insure that your company takes those responsibilities seriously.

2. While providing a safe work environment is the responsibility of the company, workers need to understand that there are things that they can do to help keep themselves and their coworkers safe. Occupational Health and safety training for employees will teach them ways to help increase the safety of their own environment and give them the training they need to act in a safe and responsible manner thereby decreasing their chances for injury.

3. OHS laws are designed to provide workers with a safer work environment, companies and individuals who neglect or ignore these laws are leaving their businesses open to work stoppages, criminal charges, huge fines and penalties all of which can result in your business having to close it’s doors. Occupational health and safety training helps you to identify safety issues within your company and gives you strategies and tools with which to help you resolve or minimize those safety issues and keep you in compliance with all laws and regulations.

4. Insuring that all employees have the proper OHS training that directly relates to their job helps reduce the company’s liability should an accident occur. By seeing that the employee has passed their OHS training and keeping a copy of the training certificate in an employees file an employee cannot later claim that they did not have proper training for their job. This can reduce your risk of liability should an employee not follow proper procedure which may save your company a great deal in terms of fines and other penalties.

5. The safer a work environment, the more efficiently a company can run and the better your employee morale will be. OHS training is geared towards helping you and your company insure that the work environment is safe by offering a variety of training courses that doesn’t just tell you the law and your responsibilities under the law but, gives you helpful tips on how to increase safety in the work environment resulting in a more positive work place for everyone and bigger company profits.

When it comes to providing a safe working environment there really is no substitute for proper training and knowledge. Occupational Health and Safety training gives you the knowledge and the tools to provide a safe work environment for all.

OHS: NSW Premier Seeks to Change Workcover Scheme

ohs trainingNew South Wales Premier Barry O’Farrel emphasised the need for change in the state’s WorkCover compensation system because of massive expenditures.

O’Farrell says that the reforms will not be revealed for another month.

O’Farrell has received criticism for not being bold enough in his first year in office.  Since then, O’Farrell has announced his plans to take his time to respond to questions regarding a new audit for the WorkCover system.

He said that they have received the report regarding the financial situation with WorkCovers scheme, and they are planning to discuss their plans within a month. O’Farrell also made reference to the audit’s warning that the scheme will be $4 billion in deficit by year’s end.

The government will look into making the scheme more sustainable since the deficit currently amounts to $9 million a day.Premiums are twice the cost in NSW than in other states, said O’Farrell

More info on Occupational Health and Safety

Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-03-26/o27farrell-to-slash-costs-of-compensation-scheme/3913224?section=nsw 

Working At Heights:Death of Worker Investigated By WorkCover

Working at Heights SafetyA middle-aged construction worker has died after falling approximately three metres from scaffolding. According to the Police, the Green Valley worker fell at the Sydney building site on the corner of Pitt Street and Campbell street. He died upon the arrival of emergency services.

Workcover and CFMEU State Secretary, Brian Parker said that an investigation has already commenced.

Brian Parker said the accident affected him on a personal level because he knew the worker who died in the accident.  Parker has extended his condolences to the family. Work on the site has been halted  until a full investigation into the accident has been completed. The ambulance workers were not able to say whether the worker had a heart attack prior to the Working at Heights accident.

Source: http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/construction-worker-dies-in-fall-from-cbd-scaffolding-20120327-1vvgx.html 

Warehouse Safety: Food Company Fined After Worker Loses Finger

Warehouse Safety trainingFood manufacturer Healthy Snacks Australia has been fined $60 000 after a worker had a finger partially severed by a moving machine.

The Australian company plead guilty in the Moorabbin Magistrates’ Court this week to one count of failing to provide a safe system of work and proper instruction, training and supervision.The employee allegedly crawled under a device that was utilized for the manufacture and packaging of health bars; to sanitize its rollers. The court heard that crawling under the machine to take off the guarding was common practice in the factory.

While the worker was cleaning the machine, it would remain in operation so that the rollers may perhaps be cleaned. However, on 29 June 2010, when the worker undertaking the task, the cloth she was using became trapped and as she tried to remove it, her supplementary hand, which was resting on the machine so she can balance herself, was caught in the rollers.

The moving machinery severed half of her middle finger.The investigation by WorkSafe alleged that Healthy Snacks Australia neglected to conduct an efficient risk assessment associated with the use of the machine, nor did they ensure that employees were prohibited from cleaning the machine while it was operating. The company was also found to not provide any training or supervision to its workers who cleaned the machine. Lastly, the company neglected to inform the employees of standard operating procedures, specifically when cleaning the machine.  Healthy Snacks AU was ordered to pay a $60,000 fine  and $3000 in WorkSafe expenses on the case.

More info on Warehouse Safety

Source: http://www.manmonthly.com.au/news/worker-loses-finger-food-manufacturer-fined-600

WorkSafe Lose Cyclone Appeal Case

ohs trainingWorkSafe lost an appeal in WA Supreme Court over charges against Fortescue Metals Group that resulted in the injury of workers during a 2007 cyclone.  FMG and its subsidiary company, Pilbara Infrastructure, had 17 charges against them for failing to maintain a safe work environment during Cyclone George. However, all charges were dismissed by the Magstrate’s Court in 2011.

Since then, WorkSafe attempted to appeal the decision but the Supreme Court again dismissed the claim.  Despite the deaths of Debra till and Craig Raabe and the injuries, both courts reviewed the evidence and dismissed the charges.  FMG is allegedly pleased with the decision from the courts.  Four other companies connected with the rail camp with WorkSafe charges against them have had them dismissed or have had successful appeals.

More info on Occupational Health and Safety

Source:http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-03-23/worksafe-loses-fmg-appeal/3908856?section=wa

OHS: Overloaded Scaffolding Luckily Spares Lives

OHS TrainingWorkSafe stated that it is fortunate that no one died as a result of  scaffolding that collapsed on to a busy Prahran street.

Three people received injuries from the scaffolding that was overloaded with bricks and modified.The construction company, Asian Pacific Building Corporation receive a fine of $170,000 because of the accident.WorkSafe director Allan Beacom stated that the incident could have had much more serious ramifications.

Beacom said that due to the busy nature of the street it is lucky that no one was killed because it could have resulted in multiple fatalities.He believes that the amount of the fine is significant in that it reflects how serious the offense is.

OHS: Fallen Excavator Kills Teen

OHS TrainingA teenager succumbed to severe head injuries that he received as a result of an excavator bucket that collapsed on his head.Emergency services were informed that the bucket came off an excavator and landed on the teen’s head in Edmondson Park.

He was admitted to Liverpool Hospital where he was said to be in critical condition. He suffered cardiac arrest and eventually passed away.WorkCover representatives made their way to the excavation site in order to commence an investigation.

Recently, a man in his 30s also died in Sydney at a housing demolition site.The accident involving the bucket occurred because the pin that was supposed to keep the bucket on the excavator was out of place.

More info on Occupational Health and Safety

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-03-22/teenager-killed-by-falling-excavator-bucket/3906916?section=nsw

Human Resources: Greens Launch Bullying Survey

HR TrainingA new survey was launched to determine the extent in which unreported bullying incidents occur in ACT workplaces and schools.

The ACT Greens launched the online survey to find out if people were satisfied with the complaints process upon reporting incidents of intimidation. Greens MLS Amanda Bresnan maintains that the survey is completely anonymous .

Bresnan stated that they have acknowledge that the workplace has a very high incidence of bullying. Therefore, they have are trying to gather more information as to why incidents go unreported.

Bresnan added that some individuals have been dissatisfied with the response they get upon filing reports. She indicated that this dissatisfaction could be a main reason for the lack of reporting. She alleges that the government needs to do more on the issue of workplace bullying because other states have introduced expertise in the legislation which could potentially increase confidence in the system.

More info on Human Resources

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-03-16/act-greens-bullying-survey/3893544?section=act

OHS: Union Officials Denied Entry To WorkSites

OHS legislationThree union officials have been prohibited from gaining entry to worksites because a federal workplace umpire denied the issuing of a right-of-entry permit to them.

All three members are of the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union, and all three of them were found to be unfit and not “proper persons” to enter worksites.

The officials are Gareth Stephenson, who was part of a conflict in 2009 on the West Gate Bridge; Michael Powell, who was declared by Fair Work Australia to be responsible for “disregarding various aspects of industrial law”; and Shaun Reardon, who was found to have broken building laws in five incidents; such as the Melbourne closure in 2009.

Commissioner Leigh Johns is not confident that three officials will be able properly carry out their jobs because of the lack of permit.

CFMEU state secretary Bill Oliver said the union is considering an appeal.

Source: http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/union-officials-banned-20120320-1vi2p.html#ixzz1piWxCgWn

5 Reasons Why You Need Workplace Harassment Training

In order for your business to run efficiently and smoothly your employees need to feel safe within the work environment. There are times when the comments or actions by others are so offensive or threatening that an individual or group of employees may not feel safe coming to work and working next to the individuals whose comments or behaviors they view as threatening. In order for your business to flourish and to be compliant under OHS laws you need to provide every employee with a work environment they feel is safe.

Here are 5 reasons why you need workplace harassment training:

1. Threatening or harassing behavior by one employee or group of employees towards another employee or group of employees results in low employee morale and if continued to result in poor work performance and a higher rate of absenteeism. This will effect your businesses ability to run smoothly and profitably. Workplace harassment training can help employees understand what behaviors and comments constitute workplace harassment and make them aware of the penalties attached in their indulging in such behaviors.

2. Workplace harassment training for managers and other officers of a company can provide them with suggestions of putting rules and regulations in place to prevent workplace harassment before it occurs as well as helping them develop strategies for dealing with such harassment when it does occur as well as helping them identify when harassment is taking place even if no complaints have been filed. This will help to provide a safe work environment for all employees and help protect the company from costly liability claims.

3. Workplace harassment training can provide your business with ways to implement a complaint process that will make it more comfortable and easier for those who are being harassed to discuss the problem as well as teach you how to conduct an investigation into harassment complaints in order to find out the truth of the matter and assure your workers that you take such complaints seriously and are dedicated to ending workplace harassment.

4. Employees who feel their complaints are being taken seriously are more likely to have a higher degree of trust in the company and worker satisfaction which results in their working harder and more efficiently due to increased company loyalty. By providing workplace harassment training for all employees you are showing each of your employees that you are aware that workplace harassment exists and that you and your company is doing everything they can to prevent such harassment and provide a work environment where employees feel safe.

5. Employers and businesses who do not take preventive measures to insure that workplace harassment does not occur or that it does not stop if it does occur can be held liable for the actions of their employees. Workplace harassment training can provide you with the laws regarding your liability and ways of preventing or minimizing your liability which can save your company and individual officers from huge fines and penalties.

By preventing workplace harassment or stopping it when it occurs your company can avoid huge fines and penalties while increasing efficiency in your workforce and increasing your companies profits.

Fatigue Management: The High Cost of Overworking

The annual cost of overworking and stress is exceeding $30 billion, which is half of the entire workplace compensation payout.Both Physical and psychological stress have trumped other types of injury and illness. The long term effects have proven to lead to a loss in productivity and a financial toll that workers and the community are forced to pay.

A thorough study of workplace deaths and injuries revealed a cost of $60.6 billion annually.The report concluded that the number of workplace deaths had fallen in 2009-2010 during the global financial crisis. Workplace Relations Minister Bill Shorten will campaign to encourage workers to speak up about safety and call for annual monitoring by Parliament.

Safe Work Australia’s study revealed that when “body stressing” and “mental stress” is a dangerous combination that leads to half of the injuries in the workplace.The data did not show a link between long hours and injury but the report did reveal that more than one-third of the cases and total economic costs are connected to body stressing and manual labour.

The report also showed that one-third of employees stated that “burnout” is a reason for them to take sick leave when they aren’t actually sick.

Why does it feel like I am “burning out” ?

“Burning out”  from overworking is simply another form of fatigue. It is important to get fatigue management training in order to avoid getting fed up and subsequently allowing the quality of your work and your safety to lapse.  It is hard for once to detect if they are suffering from fatigue and it is even more difficult to tell when your fatigue has reached to a level where it is no longer safe for you to work.

Fatigue systems can be broken up into three categories; physical,mental, and emotional. Some physical symptoms; include yawning, eye rubbing,  and microsleeps. If you are suffering from mental fatigue you may find your self having a difficult time concentrating and paying attention to some things. Also, you may have difficulty remembering the task at hand, or find your self making frequent mistakes in the workplace.

Finally, emotional fatigue is a common but sometimes overlooked type of fatigue. Symptoms of emotional fatigue can be perceived as “burning out”. Often times an emotionally fatigued individual will find themselves being more quiet or introverted than usual. An emotionally fatigued person will notice a loss of energy,  loss of motivation and a lack of drive.

 Source:http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/national/overwork-mental-stress-costs-30b/story-e6frea8c-1226297564047

OHS:Memorial Set Up To Honour Fallen Workers

A year from now, a national memorial will be erected in the nation’s capital to honour fallen workers. Workplace Relations Minister Bill Shorten stressed on the importance of recognising the contribution of Australian workers in building the nation.

The memorial will also act as a focal point for Workers Memorial Day, every 28th of April each year.The design of the memorial will feature a set of slnder columns which will represent the contributions and sacrifices made by nationwide workers on a daily basis.

NSW Senator Doug Cameron said the memorial will serve as an important reminder of the importance of occupational health and safety and the need for a concerted effort by all to prevent workplace accidents.

According to Shorten in his statements to Parliament; the average age of workers who are killed is 37.The most recent Safe Work Australia report released by the government revealed that 216 Australians died in 2009-10, and the cost of compensation claims has exceeded $60 billion.

However, Shorten said  “ the human cost and the emotional cost was immeasurable.” Thus, Shorten believes it is important for Parliament to recognise where they have failed in respect to workplace safety.

The federal government has granted $3 million for the construction of the memorial which is expected to be completed in March 2013.

 

Source: http://news.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=8435247

 

 

OHS: School shutdown for structural repairs

ohs trainingA Canberra south elementary school has been closed until Easter after major structural risks were discovered in two of the school’s buildings.

The Taylor Primary school buildings are approximately 40 years old and they are believed to have eroded due to water damage.

Over 220 students and staff will be immediately evacuated to a recently constructed school–Namadgi Primary ,approximately 2 kilometres away.

ACT Education and Training director general Jim Watterson says the problems at the primary school are being taken seriously.

Watterson said there is significant damage to the sub-frame.The ACT will continue to monitor the buildings and ensure that the buildings is safe.

Namadgi Primary will be holding a meeting to explain arrangemens pertaining to future classes and transport arrangements.

Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-03-14/taylor-primary-school-to-close-until-easter/3889698?section=act

More info on Occupational Health and Safety

5 Reasons Why You Need Sexual Harassment Training

Despite the fact that legislation was passed more than 30 years ago, sexual harassment continues to be an issue in almost every type of work environment. Seeing that Sexual harassment does not take place is the duty of everyone who works for any company or business.

Here are 5 reasons why you need sexual harassment training:

1. Sexual harassment is an ongoing problem in many work environments today. While some people clearly know that their behavior constitutes sexual harassment others may be ignorant as to exactly what actions constitutes sexual harassment. Sexual harassment training makes it clear to every employee exactly what constitutes sexual harassment and the penalties for engaging in harassing behavior.

2. Employers can be held responsible for the sexual harassment of an employee by another employee even if they have no knowledge that such behavior is taking place unless they take preventive steps to insure that that this behavior is not occurring. Not only is sexual harassment training for your employees proof of preventive steps, but taking training yourself can help you to formulate other preventive measures as well.

3. When sexual harassment occurs this harassment not only effects the employee that is being harassed but, it effects other employees and your business as well. A person who feels harassed in a work environment is far less likely to be able to perform their job efficiently and far more likely to make mistakes that could jeopardize their safety or the safety of others or cost your business money. Sexual harassment training doesn’t just make clear what constitutes sexual harassment it also informs those who are being harassed what steps they need to take to report the harassment and protect themselves from future harassment.

4. In many cases women and men as well who are being sexually harassed don’t report the harassment to their employers for fear of being penalized or seen as complainers by their superiors. Sexual harassment training can help employers, managers and others learn how to create an environment where employees can feel free to report such incidents without worry of reprisals or fear of losing their jobs because they seek to prevent the incidents of harassment from continuing. By showing that you and your business is responsive to such complaints and that you take such harassment seriously an employee is less likely to seek outside remedies when harassment occurs. When an employee feels as though they need to seek outside remedies this often results in huge payouts and fines by your business.

5. By taking a sexual harassment training course and seeing that all your employees have such training as well, you create a safer work environment for all your employees which results in a more proficient work environment, better company morale, and a workplace that employees look forward to going to every day which is good for your business and your continued business success.

Providing a work environment that is emotionally as well as physically safe for your employees will benefit your company both financially and in terms of better worker satisfaction. Sexual harassment training can help you provide such an environment.

Occupational Health and Safety Compensation Schemes May Merge

ohs trainingVictoria’s two worker’s accident compensation panels face a possible merger as the government attempts to reduce its deficit and fix its budget surplus.

Since the state’s finances are under heavy scrutiny, the government has inconspicuously asked the Essential Services Commission to conduct a thorough review of the WorkCover Authority and the Transport Accident Commission.

It is believed the review, which has yet to be publicly announced, is discussing combining the two entities, since both deal with accident prevention and compensation. The idea is that the merger could potentially save several millions of dollars.A spokesperson for Assistant Treasurer Gordon Rich-Phillips said that currently there was no concrete plans to merge the two authorities, however the government could not pre-empt what might  be concluded in the review.

These discussions come after the government’s plans to strip WorkCover of almost $500 million to help keep the budget from falling into deficit. Opposition finance spokesperson Robin Scott spoke on the possibility of a merger as  “fundamental threat  to the integrity of both organisations”

Maurice Blackburn senior Lawyer John Cain said that merging the two agencies might not be a possible since both entities are governed by separate legislation. Cain said that the risk of merging them is that the quality of both schemes will suffer.

Source: http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/tac-workcover-review-20120312-1uwkv.html#ixzz1p2l2pguf

More info on Occupational Health and Safety 

OHS:Truck Driver Charged For Two Deaths

ohs trainingA truck driver has been charged for dangerous driving that resulted in the deaths of two individuals.

An aspiring student Sarah Frazer and a respected tow truck driver Geoff Clark were killed when a table-top truck hit them on the side of the Hume Highway.

Mr Clark pulled over to assist Frazer, whose car had shut down.  The 23-year old student was about to excitedly embark on her dream of going to school for photography. Clark, a father of four, was helping Frazer prepare her vehicle for towing prior to the incident.

Both Clark and Frazer died instantly and the truck’s driver was hospitalized for shock. The driver has assisted police in their investigation. The 24-year old driver received three charges; including two counts of dangerous driving resulting in death, and negligent driving resulting in death.

He will appear in court on May 8.

More info on Occupational Health and Safety

Source: http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/truck-driver-responsible-for-two-deaths-charged-20120312-1uucs.html 

OHS:WorkCover May Receive Cuts and Reforms

OHSFollowing statements to Parliament from Finance Minister Greg Pearce, it appears that NSW Government is discussing serious cuts to WorkCover. Pearce appeared before parliament where he declared that Workcover’s deficit had increased by $1 billion in six months.

Pearce stressed the importance of the Government implementing new ways of enticing the claimants to return to work. Thus, the Government is attempting to improve the rehabilitation practices and return to work schemes. Pearce believes it is imperative that the government reduces the deficit by reforming the current scheme.

Jana Gumbert from the Australian Lawyers Association is concerned that the changes will affect seriously injured workers.

Gumbert fears that seriously injured workers will lose their right to sue for limited benefits and have to rely simply on the limited support provided by insurance companies.

More Info on Occupational Health and Safety 

OHS:Transport Workers Union Calls For Accountability

ohs trainingThe Transport Workers Union (TWU) says retailers such as Coles and Woolworths need to be held accountable for trucks detected speeding on the nation’s roads. The Transport Workers Union (TWU) alleges that retailers like Coles and Woolworths need to be held responsible for the speeding trucks on the nation’s roads. Police determined that a B-double truck was doing 142 kilometres an hour on the Hume Highway in NSW.

The truck belonged to the transport company, Scotts Transport. TWU national secretary Tony Sheldon says the company has received safety complaints in the past. Sheldon alleges that road authorities and the Fair Work Ombudsman should be investigating why trucks are speeding. Sheldon says that the cost pressures and deadlines of companies like Coles are having a detrimental effect on the trucking industry in order to make increased profits. Officers are planning to inspect an additional 32 of Scott’s trucks because of past safety complaints.

Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-03-08/twu-wants-major-retailers-accountable-for-speeding-truckies/3877384

More info on Occupational Health and Safety 

OHS: Transport Company Fined $45k For Worker’s Injuries

ohs trainingA Transport Company was fined $45,000 for failing to ensure the safety of an employee which resulted in injury at a Burnie port site.

The company, Toll pleaded guilty to failing to ensure that truck driver Gary Oliver was safe at work. Oliver suffered life threatening injuries when he was struck by a B-double truck in September 2010. The incident left Oliver hospitalized for a significant amount of time; as he only got out of the hospital recently.

Magistrate Don Jones recognised that the company had expressed remorse and had spent approximately $40,000 on travel costs for Oliver’s family to be by his side in Melbourne.

Changes to the site have been implemented to ensure that it is safer but the magistrate believes the changes should have been made prior to the injury of an employee.

Jones said that there were clear measures that could have been undertaken to ensure the safety of Oliver.

More info on Occupational Health and Safety

Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-03-07/company-fined-over-work-injury/3873802?section=tas 

Fire Safety:Fire at Construction Site Causes Toxic Smoke

Fire Safety TrainingA fire at a building under construction in Melbourne sent toxic smoke dispersing across town.

The fire occurred on the two highest levels of the seven story building. Approximately seven fire crews were needed to help extinguish the fire. The fire is believed to have burned through polystyrene materials.

The fire allegedly ignited as a result of sparks from a welder which came in contact with electrical wiring of an office tower.Luckily, the 40 firefighters eventually got the fire under control without any serious injuries.

Fire Brigade Commander Lou Mele stated that workers had to use extinguishers for the Fire Safety incident since water to the site was shut off.A workman is being treated for smoke inhalation.

Source: http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/more-news/fire-erupts-at-cbd-building-site/story-fn7x8me2-1226289177351

5 Reasons You Need An Owner Builder Training Course

If you have a dream of building a new home or renovating your existing home and want to do some of the work yourself then you are going to need to do a home builder course if the estimated work on your home is valued at $12,000 or more.

Here are 5 reasons why you need to take an approved Owner builder course.

1. The first and most important reason why you need an owner builder trainer course and probably the only reason that is important to you at this point is the fact that this course is required by law for anyone who wants to do their own building or renovation. Without an approved course you won’t be able to apply and qualify for the necessary licensing you need to be able to work on your own home.

2. Construction sites are in many ways built in accident zones, even if you take every precaution possible and follow all the rules and guidelines to the letter an accident can still happen. By taking an owner builder training course you will not only learn what insurance is mandatory for you to carry to protect all those who may be working on your site, but your training should also inform you of other insurances that are available and recommended to protect you and your helpers should an accident occur.

3. Building and renovating homes are costly undertakings when you consider the price of materials, the cost of hiring plumbers and electricians, hiring those extra hands to help with the building itself and all the other incidental costs. Taking an owner builder training course can help save you money by offering tips on how to buy materials cheaper and by saving you from making mistakes that could prove to be costly.

4. Taking an owner builder training course will teach you how to supervise those workers working under your guidance so that you don’t end up paying those workers for time that they are not working. Knowing how to supervise those working under you properly can shave thousands of your final building cost and help you to keep your construction going forward in a timely manner.

5. If you are a first time builder taking an owner builder training course will give you the knowledge and the confidence to tackle and oversee your building project from start to finish with less stress and worry that you may think is possible. That knowledge and confidence is something you are going to need to use time and time again to solve those problems that crop up on every building project.

An owner builder training course will give you all the necessary tools you need to not only comply with the laws regarding building or renovating your own home but, also the tools and confidence you need to turn your dream into a reality. This training will help you to build a home you can truly be proud of both now and in the future.

OHS: Glass Panels Endanger Workers At ASIO Site

OHS TrainingConcerns have arisen regarding the safety of workers at a recently established ASIO site in Canberra. These concerns have emerged after approximately 19 panels of glass cracked and crashed to the ground at the sites main entrance.

Workers were immediately vacated from the area when the danger became known however no injuries have occurred. The construction union said the responsibility lies with the builders to ensure that no future incidents occur.

The Construction,Forestry, Mining and Energy Union claims that it was not informed of the incident  for several days  and the secrecy and tight security surrounding the project have hindered the unions ability to protect the workers.

The secrecy and tight security at the site has only succeeding in hindering the unions abilities to protect the workers.

ACT secretary Dean Hall claims that the builder, Lend Lease was piggybacking on ASIO’s reputation to deny the union efficient access to the site. Hall says that they have issues because the builder has restricted the right of entry wherever possible, and they are hiding behind their client.

The Half-Billion dollar headquarters in Caberra came under serious scrutiny and controversy when a teenager was found unconscious for up to 36 hours after falling nine metres into the basement of the site.

A spokeswoman for the Department said the panels from the façade of the main entry “progressively failed” from approximately midday.  The panels remain unfixed to the building. Investigation into the Occupational Health and Safety incident continues but WorkSafe commissioner Mark McCabe has stated his satisfaction with how the incident was handled.

Source: http://www.canberratimes.com.au/national/fears-for-asio-site-workers-20120305-1uels.html#ixzz1oNqi2jFJ

Crane Safety Holds Loads Of Importance

working at heights trainingRecently the Australian crane safety watchdog, CraneSafe celebrated its 10th year in existence.  The program emerged in Victoria where there was initially an inspection program by WorkSafe. Eventually that was discontinued and CraneSafe emerged to fill the gap and to deal with the upsurge of used cranes coming into Australia.

One cannot overstate the importance of ensuring that safety regulations are met when operating a crane or hoist. Regulatory bodies will inspect whether or not cranes any changes or modifications have been made to the cranes. Constant maintenance and inspection programs should consistently be used. The cranes should be is moderately good condition for use, and ladders and other access points must be safe for consistent maintenance. Furthermore, a sufficient amount of records should be kept pertaining to maintenance, inspection and testing that the machine has undergone. Crane operators are required under the Occupational Safety and Health Regulations bill to ensure that good records are kept. This can ensure that Working At Heights safety standards are being met and that duties are complied with. It is the responsibility of the person in charge of the work site to ensure that these measures are undertaken.

Moving exceptionally heavy, large loads is essential to manufacturing and construction industries. Now there are significant safety standards that one must ensure in order to avoid any hazards.

It is important to note that there are a variety of types of cranes and all of them have specific safety measures one must undertake. Two of these types include (but not limited to) mobile cranes and Tower cranes.

Mobile Cranes

Mobile cranes are mounted onto rubber tires which enable them to be transported throughout various job sites. Some designs have tracks which are similar to those found on tanks. These tracks enable the crane to be mobile. In fact mobile cranes can even move while holding a load, as opposed to other cranes which must remain stationary. Mobile cranes can be transported via helicopters, truck beds or even boats for use at sea.

Tower Cranes

Often used for the construction of high-rise buildings. This crane is strictly stationary since it has a bolted on base connected to concrete pads.

Hazards

A serious risk of operating a crane is when the crane overturns. Overturned cranes can be fatal or at the very least, cause serious injury to the operator. There are several causes for the overturning of a crane. This can occur when a crane is overloaded, if it is not on a stable surface, and if the load is not properly rigged. Extreme Wind can also be a catalyst for an overturned crane

Another serious risk is electrocution. The frequency in which an operator works in close proximity to power lines can prove fatal. Insulated barriers are an important step to avoid electrocution. Operators must always ensure that there crane is in a safe distance from electricity sources or high voltage lines.

Electrical Safety: Worker Survives High Voltage Shock

Electrical Safety TrainingA worker has luckily survived a potentially fatal electric shock when the boom of a concrete pumping truck came into contact with high-voltage power lines.

The building site worker was allegedly controlling a section of the boom in which concrete flows when another part of the device connected with the power line. The Collinsvale incident caused a blackout for approximately 1300 customers before it was eventually restored.Aurora energy spokeswoman, Sarah Baddeley said that the incident should stand as a warning for people to take heed  when using high objects.  Baddeley stated that there were 36 incidents of contact with electrical lines in Tasmania.

In response to these incidents Aurora Energy has launched a “Look up Look Out” campaign aimed at promoting electrical safety.The incident was investigated by an electrical inspector on behalf of Workplace Standards.WorkPlace Standards general manager Roy Ormerod lamented about the high number of incidents pertaining to equipment coming into contact with power lines.

Approximately half of the incidents reported  to WorkPlace standards were in relation to electricity.Other Electrical Safety incidents reported to Workplace Standards included separate incidents in which a tray truck and an excavator came into contact with electrical wires. Fortunately in all of these cases the operators evaded serious injury or death.

Source: http://www.themercury.com.au/article/2012/03/01/305121_tasmania-news.html

More info on Electrical Safety

OHS: Worker Loses Fingers To WoodChipper

OHS trainingA supplier of woodchipping machines based out of Australia was subject to a $30,000 fine following a workplace incident that resulted in a worker losing several fingers. A Perth Magistrate determined that CJD Equipment was guilty of neglecting to ensure the manufacturing of the machine was safe. The worker’s employer has already been fined for the incident. According to WorkSafe WA, CJD Equipment supplied the machine to Softwood Logging but it lacked a guard on a section of the machine. The man was operating the woodchipper when the “oversprout” which is a piece of machinery that is supposed to eject waste from the chipper. At some point, the chipper became blocked which compelled the worker to attempt to clear the blockage. The workers right hang was struck by the chipper which resulted in him losing his index, middle and ring fingers.

WorkSafe WA director stated that the guarding of the moving parts of machinery is one of the simplest and obvious ways of limiting the risk of injury to machinery operators. The responsibility of the supplier, according to the director, is to ensure that the machine is safe to operate. Following the incident the employer installed a guard on the overspout.

More Info on Occupational Health and Safety

Source: http://www.watoday.com.au/wa-news/woodchipper-supplier-fined-30000-over-lost-fingers-20120228-1u0p8.html#ixzz1njeQXFNs

Holden Hill Residents Fear Asbestos Exposure

Asbestos TrainingResidents of Holden Hill are concerned and fearful of potentially asbestos-ridden debris that has yet to be removed. The debris is said to be from an exploded house four months ago.

The township’s council is not able to remove the remains because it says the responsibility lies with the homeowner.  The house suddenly exploded and was reduced to rubble in October.

Bricks,glass and building materials were thrown onto roofs and backyards of neighbouring houses. According to the police, the explosion was caused by a deliberately lit fire with the use of an accelerant. The homeowners whereabouts have yet to be confirmed. Council mayor Miriam Smith stated that discussions with the owner are ongoing. At this time the area is fenced off for public safety and to ensure that the area remains untouched. However, the council’s power is limited for legal reasons

According to Safework SA; asbestos exposure can lead to asbestosis and other serious ailments.  SA Asbestos Diseases Society president Ian Sheppard stated the urgency for the site to be cleaned up because short-term exposure to asbestos fibres is as equally dangerous and long term exposure. Residents are concerned because no one is taking charge or responsibility for the clean-up and asbestos fibres may be blowing in the wind unbeknownst to residents.

More information on Asbestos Awareness

Source: http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/asbestos-fear-grips-families-after-holden-hill-house-explosion/story-e6frea6u-1226284405560

5 Reasons Why You Need Manual Handling Training

Every Industry and every job in every industry requires some form of manual handling. In the course of an average day employees lift, push, pull or otherwise move something that requires their working without the aid of any type of machine. Just thinking about the thousands of times things are manually handled in the course of the day is enough to make your muscles ache.

So, just think how one little careless move could result in injury to your back, your wrists, arms and even feet. If that isn’t enough reason to explain why you and your employees need manual handling training, here are 5 more.

1. 35% of compensable workplace injuries are the result of manual handing. Some of these injuries take months to recover from and some people may never recover from a serious injury. This not only costs your company money, but takes a toll on the financial life of the injured worker’s family. If manual handling training can reduce the percentage of these injuries only by half, think of the amount of money your company will save and the number of worker’s families that will benefit.

2. When workers are required to take manual handling training, they become more aware of the risk of injury due to their own carelessness and this encourages them to use more caution to protect themselves from serious injury. When employees use safer techniques for lifting and manually moving loads they reduce their risk of injury and if an injury does occur it is more likely to be less serious.

3. When workers and managers or employers take manual handling training together and discuss the training afterward there is likely to be more open communication and brainstorming that can result in better safety procedures being implemented and used. If employees feel part of the solution to the problem, they are more likely to follow the procedures that are put into place.

4. Manual handling training makes workers aware that while it is the business that is responsible for seeing that the workplace is safe, the workers need to do their part by following those safety procedures and using those devices that are available to help keep them safe. This training helps them to understand that they need to take responsibility for their own safety as well.

5. Manual handling training gives workers and management tips on how to do a number of manual operations more safely thus reducing the risk of injury. In addition, these tips can help your company stay in compliance with OHS laws and as an added benefit, the tips you all learn can be used outside the workplace to help you reduce injury to yourself when working around your home.

There is always going to be some manual labor involved with every job but knowing how to safely lift and move loads will help to reduce the risk of injury for everyone in the workplace and will help increase work productivity.

OHS: Cleaners Seek Apology for Contaminated Water From Mining Company

OHS trainingAn assembly of cleaners in Mount Isa is seeking an explanation and recompense from the mining company Xstrata after they allegedly consumed contaminated water while at work.

Laurie Costa and two fellow workers suffered from a serious illness after they drank from a water cooler at the mining site. The water is said to have contained elevated levels of iron and microbial load, however no E.coli was detected during the initial tests. Costa says that the company has refused to compensate the group for lost income. She believes it “comes down to principle” and they should thus be compensated for time they were forced to take off to recover. The workers were required to take a month off of work where they  dealt with constant phone calls, and the dismissal of their Occupational Health and Safety concerns by others.

The workers are frustrated and disappointed with the company for refusing to accept responsibility or even apologize. The workers are discussing their options through WorkCover Queensland.

Contaminated water can potentially be very dangerous and can lead to dehydration, diarrhoea to more serious conditions that can potentially lead to disease or even death.

Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-02-28/cleaners-demand-contaminated-water-compo/3856368?section=qld

OHS: Victorian Workers Fear WorkSafe Cuts

OHSVictorian worker’s safety and compensation are at risk because of a declaration of the Victorian Government to strip almost half a billion dollars over four years from the WorkCover Authority, WorkSafe. State Government spokesmen have stated that the decision was made to balance the budget of the government.

Various individuals such as Maurice Blackburn, have commenced an online campaign that features a petition and other social media devices in order to compel the Victoria Government to stop their proposed cuts. Workplace Law expert John Cain stated that the plan of the Victorian Government is seriously flawed. He believes it will negatively effect the employer WorkCover contributions which could drive up premiums and threaten compensation entitlements for the injured. Individuals concerned with the cuts have cited that the decision is “unfair” and marginalizes the injured.

Victoria has over two and half million  workers and this year approximately eight out of ever thousand workers will be injured at work, will require time off and will need to receive benefits.

Cain stated that more money needs to be invested in preventing workplace injuries as opposed to putting more pressure on premiums and compensation for injured workers.

“It’s a short-sighted plan that leaves little buffer to keep premiums affordable for business. “This is a back door tax that is bad for business, bad for workers and bad for Victorians. “No one should let the State Government jeopardise workers’ safety and entitlements – and Victoria’s future”

More Info on Occupational Health and Safety
Source : http://www.digitaljournal.com/pr/599288#ixzz1nXSfgCiY

Demolished Boatshed Causes Asbestos Concerns

Asbestos trainingA resident of Church Point has cited concerns with the tearing down of an asbestos-ridden boat shed opposite his home.

Warning letters were delivered by the Pittwater Council throughout the neighbouring properties, informing citizens of the removal of the dangerous mineral.

Asbestos warning signs were also found throughout the site. However, citizens have noted that the council-contracted workers were destroying the building with hammers and showed no consideration for the containment of asbestos dust. A concerned citizen, Collyn Rivers said that the building was left in a “huge pile” for a long period of time. It is alleged that the workers simply tore the building apart without taking any occupational health and safety precautions.

It is important to note that Asbestos fibres are hazardous if inhaled.

Rivers is concerned that people may have unknowingly been exposed while in the vicinity. A spokesperson for the Pittwater Council said the contract workers removed the asbestos according to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rules.

The shed was listed to for demolition following a council report that stated the building presented the potential for numerous hazards.

As reported by the Manly Daily last October, the shed was listed for demolition after a council report said it posed “numerous hazards and presents as a potential nuisance to third parties”.

The decision upset the non-profit jewellery and metalworking organisation Silver Plus, which successfully applied for a $40,000 state government grant to have the boatshed rebuilt as a workshop.

More info on Asbestos Awareness

Source: http://manly-daily.whereilive.com.au/news/story/asbestos-health-fears-from-demolished-boatshed/ 

Canberra Citizens Unknowingly Exposed To Asbestos

Asbestos TrainingCitizens of Canberra may never know the extent in which asbestos was dumped throughout the ACT. Health authorities said the outrage and hysteria that surround certain discoveries vary because of the various levels of risk. Asbestos assessor Frank Poole stated that a significant amount of asbestos remains in old housing from when workers were building the national capital, which was later knocked down and buried.

During the second World War, fibro structures such as POW and military camps were swiftly constructed with the use of asbestos sheeting. When the war ended, it is alleged that instead of retaining the sheeting, the structures were just knocked down.

Poole said that there were no records indicating where builders dug holes to dump asbestos. People can be unexpectedly be exposed to the dangerous substance from worn friable asbestos in an old air-conditioning unit or from dust from renovations.

Most recently, asbestos has been uncovered at Lyneham sports precinct as well as units at Kingston Foreshore. Houses built prior to 1985 in most suburbs have a very high chance of containing asbestos. Asbestos fibres can gloat in the air for a long time, where they can potentially be inhaled. Asbestos exposure can lead to lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma.

More Info on Asbestos Awareness Training
Source: http://www.canberratimes.com.au/act-news/no-records-mean-we-may-never-know-extent-of-dumped-asbestos-20120219-1thg5.html#ixzz1n4A89kGE

5 Reasons Why You Need OHS Training

With the new Work, Health and Safety laws going into effect on January 1, 2012, a lot of the OHS rules and regulations are going to be changed and the duties and responsibilities of companies and their officers have changed as well. These changes are going to affect every industry and every job to some degree. This is going to mean changes for the companies as well.

Here are 5 reasons you need OHS training:

1. The new WHS act is going to make many more people legally responsible of seeing to worker safety on every kind of job. It is going to be essential for everyone to know their responsibilities and know what changes have been made in the safety guidelines across the board in order to keep in compliance with the new laws and to reduce the risk of liability to the business and individuals within the business.

2. In order to get the new WHS up and running within your company smoothly you are going to want to have everyone receive the training they need to perform their jobs safely and competently and want to have the proof that your company supplied each and every worker with the training they need to do their jobs safely.

3. The laws, aside from safety in the workplace, simply mean more profits for your company in the long run. OHS training provides you with important tips on preventing accidents, minimising risks and forming plans to help access the risks and develop ways of reducing the risks before an accident happens. This will result in less injury to workers, less damage to equipment, and a more productive environment, which will result in fewer payouts and more profit.

4. By taking OHS training, you will not only learn how to provide a safer work environment in different areas of your business but you will also receive tips that can result in better employee satisfaction, higher morale, and more job enjoyment, which in turn may result in less turnover in labor and reduced absenteeism, which will also result in more profit for your business.

5. OHS training can result in better employee/employer relations, which can help everyone in the workplace identify safety issues and have a more positive work attitude. It can help foster understanding and communication between co-workers and establish an overall environment of trust, which will result in employees being more likely to heed safety procedures and watch out for each other’s safety, which can result in a much more pleasant and safe place of work. OHS training courses offers more than an understanding of OHS laws and safety procedures. These trainings can be used as a means of opening communications between workers and administration while fostering a team feeling for everyone.

OHS training is more than something that is required by law. It is an outline to help you run your business safely and more productively so that your business and the Australian economy can grow and prosper.

Truck Driver Charged For Fatal Hume Highway Accident

ohs trainingA truck driver from Sydney has been charged over a collision that resulted in the death of three people on the Hume Highway in January. Investigators have commenced what has been described as an “unprecedented” operation on the company the trucker works for. Vincent George of Lennons Transport Services, was charged with three counts of dangerous driving that resulted in death . The B-double truck traversed an embankment before crashing through a guard rail and smashing head on into another vehicle. The fatalities of the accident are, Calyyn, and his ageing parents Donald and Patricia Logan. The family had just finished visiting a newborn addition to the Family. George has since had his licensed suspended and will face a court in May.

Police indicated that impending charges are possible upon the release of toxicology results. A Sydney truck driver has been charged over a horrific crash that killed three people on the Hume Highway last month. Road Safety authorities and the police are reviewing Lennon’s line of trucks. Each driver will be tested for illicit substances, and trucks will be searched. Drug detection dogs will also be present at various inspections. Police Assistant Commissioner, John Hartley is confident that the operation will act as as a warning to the trucking industry. Hartley said “charges will be laid” to any trucking company that decides to neglect their safety measures.

More info on Occupational Health and Safety

Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-02-22/truckie-charged-over-fatal-hume-highway-crash/3843984?section=nsw

Construction Safety: Parliament Debates Over Construction and Building Bill

construction safety trainingCurrently a new building and construction law is being debated before Federal Parliament. The bill  entitled The Building and Construction Industry Improvement Amendment Bill 2011, will effectively replace the  Office of the Australian Building and Construction Commissioner (ABCC) with the Office of the Fair Work Building Industry Inspectorate.

The bill will also obtain information or documents relevant to investigations and it will be on a compulsory basis.

Federal Independent MP Bob Katter has taken issue with the bill over the coercive power provisions withi it. He stated in parliament that he would like to see amendments to remove such requirements and reinstate the right to silence.

He offered support to a various aspects of the bill and stated that the exciting laws brought in by the Howard Government were difficult for workers to complain about.

The Australian Greens have also taken issue with the coercive aspects of the bill.

The ALP claims that certain safeguards within the bill, such as the right to representation and the right to refuse to give information, will ensure that people are not taken advantage of. The coercive powers are subject to a 3-year sunset clause.

The Opposition is in favour of retaining the ABCC.

The bill will appear before the Senate on Feb.29.

More info on Construction Safety

Source: http://www.comlaw.gov.au/Details/C2011B00235/Explanatory%20Memorandum/Text

PPE Safety: Chicken Processing Plant Safety Concerns

PPE Safety TrainingSorel Singh was without his usual PPE Safety equipment (protective clothing) on the evening in  August 2010 when he was summoned back to Bajada Poultry’s chicken processing plant. Singh is a contractor and was ordered to spray down a machine referred to as a “chain line”. This machine can dispatch birds at a rate of 183 per minute, or 10,000 an hour.

On this night while the machine was in operation, Singh’s jacket got caught and he was dragged quickly in to the processing machine and died.

Following the incident, the machine was down for only a few hours. A worker claims that WorkSafe told Bajada to change its practices and commenced an investigation. WorkSafe Victoria has yet to reveal if Bajada was going to prosecuted over Singh’s death.

On February 2nd 2012, a worker at the same factor was admitted at the hospital after he sustained serious burns. The worker was standing on a three metre ladder while attempting to unblock a tallow pipe. The worker fell and triggered a safety valve that shot hot fat all over his face and neck.

The machine was back in action within hours, by 6am, a worker said. WorkSafe told Baiada to change its practices and began an investigation which, it told Weekend Business, had just been completed. WorkSafe Victoria, however, would not reveal if it planned to prosecute Baiada over Singh’s death.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has expressed deep concerns over the concentration of power in the hands of Bajada and other major poultry processing plants.

Source: http://www.goulburnpost.com.au/news/national/national/general/behind-the-closed-doors-of-poultry-processing/2459859.aspx?storypage=3

Fatigue Management: Know The Warning Signs and Risks of Fatigue!

Fatigue management trainingAccording to WorkSafe’s website, there are various causes of fatigue in the workplace.

CAUSES

Fatigue can be caused by extended periods of physical or mental exercise,without adequate time to rest and recover. A worker’s level of fatigue can vary but it usually depends on the following elements:

 

  • A heavy workload;
  • Frequent long shifts
  • Previous hours and days worked; and
  • Time of day or night worked.
  • Fatigue is often associated with the following:
  • Spending extended periods of time awake
  • Obtaining an inadequate amount of sleep over an extended period; and
  • Obtaining a scarce quality of sleep over an extended period.

EFFECTS

Fatigue can cause a person to function irregularly while also lowering performance and productivity. A lack of sleep can greatly increase the risk for potential incidents and injuries to occur.

The only long term method of treating and preventing fatigue is through adequate amounts of sleep. The average person needs about 8 hours of sleep a day, but after consecutive nights without sleep, the worker will develop “sleep debt”. Sleep debt greatly increases the levels of fatigue.

The causes of sleep loss can include a number of factors in the workplace. Firstly, extended work hours can cause workplace fatigue. Other factors such as; irregular and unpredictable work, Shift work, stress, and working more than one job; can all cause fatigue.

Long hours and shift work can disrupt the bodies sleeping patters which can lead to fatigue. Shift workers appear to get less sleep than those who operate under normal working hours. This is often because the sleep during the day is of less quality due to various factors such as daylight, traffic and disruptive noise.

Having a high level of fatigue can lead to accidents and injuries.

Fatigue can affect one’s ability to think clearly since people who are fatigued are unable to gauge their level of impairment. The level of performance appears to deteriorate as work becomes more strenuous and long, and sleep loss increases.

Fatigue affects the ability to think clearly. As a result, people who are fatigued are unable to gauge their own level of impairment, and are unaware that they are not functioning as well or as safely as they would be if they were not excessively tired.

Some of the effects associated with fatigue are

  • Reduced hand-eye coordination;
  • Reduced visual perception;
  • Reduced vigilance;
  • Reduced capacity to judge risk; and
  • Slower reaction times.

A hindrance on any of these abilities can result in a catastrophic and fatal injury .This is of significant concern to workers who operate heavy machinery (including driving) and performing critical tasks.

A lack of fatigue management training can result in asthma, depression, diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and numerous other ailments or injuries.

Source: http://www.deir.qld.gov.au/workplace/subjects/fatigue/about/index.htm

 

OHS: WorkSafe Profile Report Reveals High Risk of Diabetes

Occupational health and safety trainingA recent study conducted by WorkSafe Victoria and Monash University revealed that one quarter of employees in Victoria are at a serious risk of developing type 2 diabetes or heart disease. The study was conducted with the involvement of 400,000 employees throughout Victoria.

The study also revealed that 90 per cent of employees neglect to ingest sufficient amounts of fruit or vegetables. Approximately 70 percent of the sample are said to be receiving insufficient amounts of exercise.

Diabetes occurs when there is an overabundance of glucose found in the blood.The chronic disease is the sixth highest cause of death by disease in Australia as it can result in instances of heart disease, stroke and renal failure.

The risks of developing Type 2 disease is significantly increased when coupled with lifestyle factors such as high blood pressure, obesity, lack of physical activity, and poor diet.

Despite the lack of an existing cure for type 2 diabetes, it can be effectively managed by adopting a healthy eating system and regular physical activity.

Considering the average person spends a third of their day at work, WorkSafe has recommended to approximately 4,000 employees to see their doctors immediately because of high blood pressure and blood glucose levels.

WorkHealth ambassador Wayne Kayler-Thomson said business owners should take the responsible action of ensuring that measures are undertaken to improve the health of their workforce, for the benefit of both employee and for the business’ bottom lines.

According to Thomson, improved health can help reduce absenteeism, boot productivity, and attract motivated, committed staff to deliver strong results for the business.

Thomson recommended workplace initiatives such as health checks, encouraging exercise and supplying fruit and vegetable boxes, to help encourage a healthy workforce.

More Info on Occupational Health and Safety

Source: http://www.monash.edu.au/ohs/wellbeing/work-health-check-peninsula.pdf

Dangerous Goods:Parents Have Questions for WorkSafe over son’s death

Dangerous Goods trainingThe parents of a young trade worker have demanded answers from Victoria’s workplace safety watchdog regarding their son’s death from an exploded vehicle.  They believe the organisation failed to protect their son.

The refrigerator mechanic Joey Cosento, was in his van when it exploded because of a build-up of gas that ignited on the street.The parents have not been able to return to their home where the incident occurred and have opted to rent a house nearby.

Since the incident, windows are still boarded up and damage is still apparent in the area. The tradesman’s parents have described the scene as “the most horrific thing” they had ever seen.

A similar incident occurred in 2009 when gas bottles caused a van to explode. It is alleged that one of the gas bottles in Joey’s van was leaking. His parents claim that if WorkSafe had done more to tighten regulations on the storage of gas bottles, that their son may not have died. Mr.Corsentino believes that WorkSafe should have patrolled more efficiently, and did their job in ensuring their son’s safety.

WorkSafe spokesman Michael Birt stated that there are indeed industry education programs dealing with the  safe storage of gas bottles. Birt added that it was the employer’s responsibility to enforce safety regulations. WorkSafe has launched an investigation despite the fact that the Consentinos have yet to discuss with WorkSafe regarding their concerns.

More info on Dangerous Goods

Source: http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/more-news/young-tradie-joey-cosentino-should-not-have-died/story-fn7x8me2-1226269144563

Construction Safety: Company Fined 60k for Paraplegic

construction safety trainingA magistrate has granted a small building company six years to pay off a fine it received following an incident that resulted in a 27-year-worker becoming paraplegic. The worker reportedly fell four metres at Keysborough in Melbourne in June 2010.

The company was charged for breaching section 21(1) and 21(2)(a) of the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004. It has been reported that the company neglected to ensure a safe working environment by failing to provide a safe system of work for installing roof trusses.

The company pleaded guilty to the charges and subsequently received a fine of $60,000 and ordered to pay court costs of approximately $2894.

Workers for the company were replacing a burnt-out roof of a house when it started to rain which compelled them to rush to make the house weatherproof. The fallen worker’s supervisor said to WorkSafe investigators that he had observed the injured man climb onto the frame of the house prior to his falling.

Despite knowing that the act was risky, he did not tell the worker to immediately come down, believing that he was capable of standing there and lifting one truss. Eventually the man lost his grip on the truss, slipped of the wet roof and fell down an unprotected stairwell void.  The worker suffered a punctured lung, broken ribs, a fractured wrist and serious cuts to the head. He also suffered three broken vertebrae and is unfortunately, unlikely to ever walk again.

WorkSafe’s General Manager of Operations, Lisa Sturzenegger, stated that a monthly payment of $850 to meet the total $60k fine would stand as a constant reminder to the company to uphold the company’s safety standards.

More Info on Construction Safety

Source: http://www.safetyculture.com.au/news/index.php/02/vic-building-company-fined-60000-after-worker-becomes-paraplegic/

OHS: Over 100 Road Accidents Involve MPs and Staff

OHS TrainingOver 100 road accidents in just over a year have involved Federal parliamentarians and their staff. As a consequence of this, over 400 fines were dished out.

Despite these findings, the government has denied the occurrence of a significant increase in traffic-law breaches

All MP’s and senator’s office is granted a taxpayer-funded car, which the politician or their family and staff, can use for any lawful reason. Some parliamentarians who reside in rural areas, have received two vehicles.

The Finance Department has revealed that between August, 2010 and December, 2011, these taxpayer-funded cars were involved in 104 accidents.

Reports have indicated that the drivers have neglected to pay tolls at almost 200 occasions, been subject to 98 speeding tickets, 76 parking tickets, and 9 fines for running red lights. It is important to note that these amounts are only a portion of the number of breaches since the department does not receive every single infringement notice.

Special Minister of State, Gary Gray stated that his office had looked into the infringements throughout previous years and he believe there has not been a “significant change”.

The Finance Department has yet to release the names of parliamentarians that are alleged to have been involved in any of the reported road incidents.

Citizens would be pleased to know that taxpayers do not pay the fines, as the drivers at the time of the offences are the ones held liable for the infringements.

More Information on Occupational Health and Safety

Source: http://www.canberratimes.com.au/news/local/news/general/mps-staff-in-100-road-accidents/2455707.aspx

5 Reasons Why You Need Human Resources Courses

Human resource in the workplace deals mainly with dealing with a variety of issues that an employee may have. Some of these issues will be serious some not so serious but, dealing with these issues in a fair and not discriminatory manner is essential for the well-being of your company. While some companies actually have human resource departments or managers, others do not. So, in cases where there is no human resource manager to deal with these problems someone needs to pick up the slack. This may be the general manager, the employer or the director of the company.

Whoever, that person is having human resources courses can benefit your company in the following 5 ways:

1. Human resource courses will not only tell you what you need to do to comply with OHS guidelines but will give you tips on how to provide an environment where employees feel safe to come to you to tell you about safety issues, harassment, or bullying co-worker or their own fatigue and to make suggestions to improve safety in the workplace without fearing that they will be looked down upon or put their job at risk. Many of the safety issues in businesses are a result of employees being afraid to come forward for fear of retaliation by co-workers or the company officers themselves. The simple fact is if an employee feels free, he can address safety issues with someone who can do something about it the more likely it is that you can resolve those issues and lower your risk of not being in compliance because each of your employees can alert you to possible problems.

2. Human resource courses will also help to be able to identify issues such as sexual harassment, bullying and discrimination that may be happening but that employees are too afraid to report. But this training goes beyond just spotting these types of problems in the workplace but will also give you tips you can actually use in preventing and stopping this type of behavior.

3. Another reason why you need human resource courses is because this training can help you have less employee turnover. Most companies spend a lot of time and effort training their employees only to have them up and quit, and move on to another job. Training people for the same job over and over costs the company significant sums of money and effort. However, human resources training will help you to learn ways to make your employees feel a valued part of your business and improve morale. When an employee feels valued by his employer, he is more likely to stay working for that employer.

4. Human resources courses can also result in more productivity. When employees feel that their complaints and concerns are taken seriously and addressed then they have a better attitude towards the company and about their job. This shows itself in increased productivity because the employee’s concentration is no longer divided between the job he needs to do and his concerns.

5. Human resources can provide a better working relationship between coworkers, which not only results in more productivity but, also a safer working environment. When each and every employee feels that they are treated equally and there is no favoritism shown to any one person then employees have a more positive feeling not only towards you as their employer but to each other. Which means that they are more likely to look out for one another and to help each other when it is needed which makes the workplace safer for everyone.

OHS: Building Officials Change Their Stories Regarding Assault

Two building industry inspectors have allegedly evidence after initially signing off on statements that accused a “militant” union official of head-butting one of them at a building site. Shortly after the alleged assault, both inspectors Mathew Keene and Shaun Hardwick signed off on “de-briefing” statements that alleged that Keene had been head-butted by John Setka, state secretary of the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union. The signed statements were then given to their employer, the Australian Building and Construction Commission. A committee hearing revealed that the police were originally informed by a senior building executive that Setka had allegedly head-butted the inspector. However, later signed statements alleged that another CFMEU official Matt Hudson, was responsible for the head-butt.

The hearing will make a decision on whether the unionist should stand trial. Keene has since admitted to destroying original notes from the case, while Hardwick stated that a vital digital recording he had had malfunctioned and erased.  Keen has denied any allegations that he had changed his story, stating that he had always stated that Hudson was the one had head-butted him. He recalled signing the de-briefing that cited Setka as the guilty party, yet he claims he told them it was Hudson.  Despite admitting to not witnessing the assault, Hardwick’s original statement states that Setka was the one responsible for the head –butting.

The  Federal  government is  currently aiming to abolish the Building and Construction Commission.

More information on Occupational Health and Safety

Source:  http://www.theage.com.au/national/building-officials-changed-evidence-20120207-1r5j6.html#ixzz1mJRjCtoD

 

Environmental Awareness: Arsenic and Other Harmful Chemicals Found at Drill Site

Environmental Safety trainingFour unconnected leaks of contaminated water have now occurred at a coal seam gas drilling site near Narrabri in northern NSW since June, according to resources company Santos.The spills lead to the detection of toxic materials such as arsenic, lead, and chromium. Also found were traces of petrochemicals in water and earth samples taken in the area.

After tests last year revealed elevated levels of metals and chemicals, it was revealed that a previously unreported spill of 10,000 litres of polluted water had occurred in June.Santos has recently reported a slew of leaks that have taken place since the company took over the site from Eastern Star Gas last year.Santos claims that their safety practices throughout the site are being upgraded and improved to bring them up to– and beyond, the industry standard.

Conservationists who have visited the Pilliga drilling zone (which is located within one of the last temperate forests in eastern Australia) described the area has degraded and criss-crossed by pipes and gas wells.

Carmel Flint ,of the North East Forest Alliance environment group  stated that much of the vegetation in the area is dying because of contamination, and there are pools of black sludge in the water and ground throughout the zone.According to the state government, an investigation has been in operation for the last eight months and staff members from the industry have conducted inspections of the area two times.

Source: http://www.smh.com.au/environment/arsenic-and-lead-found-in-contaminated-water-leak-at-coal-seam-gas-drill-site-20120209-1rx7s.html 

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“Dumbed Down” Safety at Construction Sites

construction safety training

Recently, a safety and risk assessment consultant that was contracted following the Beaconsfield Mine incident says construction safety on Canberra sites is being “dumbed down” and over-regulated.  Rob Long, previously worked for the ACT government and various safety organisations before becoming a consultant. He believes that regulatory bodies such as WorkSafe and the CFMEU have a lack of focus on cultural change which is impeding on their efforts to tackle unsafe work sites.

Long said that after all the comments regarding safety incidents last year in Caberra, there is little discussion of safety culture. Long is in disbelief that the Cotter Dam project can receive 21 provisional improvement notices and yet there is no discussion of safety culture. Long is convinced that the twenty-one improvement notices are not evidence of problems with the system but rather, an attitudinal problems—safety cultural problems

Mine manager Matthew McGill stated that Dr.Long assisted him in understanding that human characteristics and attitudes could potentially influence the culture especially if they are volatile and inconsistent.

Master Builders Association ACT deputy executive director Jerry Howard gave his support to Dr.Long’s attempts to improve communication on worksites. Howard believes the solution is not simply paperwork, since that only shifted the blame.

Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union ACT branch secretary Dean Hall stated that the union appreciates any efforts to stop deaths on worksites.

Source : http://www.canberratimes.com.au/news/local/news/general/safety-on-work-sites-dumbed-down/2447636.aspx 

5 Reasons Why You Need Forklift Training

A forklift can be a powerful and useful tool when used by a trained operator. But never forget that this powerful machine needs to be treated with respect and by someone who understands the risk these machines can pose if it is mishandled or if safety procedures are forgotten even for a single moment.

Here are 5 reasons you need forklift training.

1. Forklift training will explain who can drive a forklift, what licenses and specific training, if any, they need and how often they need to renew that training to help ensure that they are competent to operate a forklift safely and understand the penalties that can occur if they fail to follow those safety procedures.

2. Forklift safety will cover how a forklift should be checked to make sure it is safe for operation and how often such safety checks should be carried out. This is important in ensuring that a forklift can be operated in the way it is intended to be operated thus reducing the risk of accidents due to operating an improperly working or functioning machine. You will also learn how to record these safety checks to reduce liability in case a forklift should malfunction during use as well as how to deal with the most common problems that may occur during operation to minimize risk of injury.

3. Forklift operators will also be trained or reminded on the procedures for safely lifting and moving loads according to OHS guidelines and as well as what should never be done. They will also review the safe parking of a forklift in order to avoid injury and ensure that it placed safely out of the work area where workers are likely to trip over it or have it interfere with the safe conduction of their jobs. In view of the number of accidents that occur each year involving the unsafe use of forklifts it is wise to know and be reminded of those procedures that need to be followed in order to prevent injury or death to one or more of your workers.

4. Forklift training will also deal with the most common reasons and situations in which accidents occur and how to avoid these risks and safely operate the forklift. By learning how to avoid the most common situations and behaviors that result in accidents, you will benefit by having less expensive damage to equipment, less risk of injury to workers and a reduction of OHS penalties.

5. Forklift training will make both forklift operators and business owners aware of the risks that these machines can pose and then to identify the risks at their own businesses and find ways of eliminating or minimizing those risks so that the forklift can be used as the tool it is meant to be saving backbreaking labor and actually making the workplace safer.

Forklift training doesn’t just benefit the worker who operates the forklift but, benefits all those working in the vicinity where these machines are being operated and benefits your business as well.

OHS Harmonisation: Government Fast Tracks Reforms

OHS Harmonisation actMinister for Finance and Services,Greg Pearce announced plans to fast track vital reforms that are needed in WorkCover and the Compensation Authorities. This announcement comes after both Greg McCarthy and CEO Lisa Hunt resigned from their positions.

Pearce stated that his belief that when one considers the current “untenable” scheme of WorkCover, coupled with a growing deficit; it is clear that WorkCover must be reformed.

McCarthy and Hunt allegedly both supported a need for reforms and now the government has decided to move ahead with new reforms under new leadership.

The OHS Harmonisation reforms will be fast-tracked with Deputy Chair, Nicholas Whitlam, and current Chief Financial Officer, Julie Newman. Until replacements are appointed, Newman will be acting as CEO, and Whitlam as Chair. McCarthy has throughout the years, developed various reform options, one of which is the merging of WorkCover and four other compensation authorities; the Motor Accidents Authority, Dust and Diseases Tribunal, Sporting Injuries Committee and Lifetime Care and Support Authority. McCarthy believed the merger of these organisations would be the most economically viable way of ensuring savings.

McCarthy was a vital member of the Board of WorkCover for ten years, where he reportedly worked tirelessly on developing reforms to improve the scheme of WorkCover.

Hunt was CEO since 2010, where she was instrumental in pushing for changes in the workplace by implementing a new Work, Health and Safety regime.

Dangerous Goods:WorkSafe Orders Clean Up of Dangerous Spill

Dangerous Goods TrainingA Northern Territory safety authority says it is satisfied a dangerous mineral spill has been cleaned up. The Dangerous Goods incident occurred when an Adelaide to Darwin train derailed causing the spill.

Approximately, 1,200 tonnes of copper concentrate trickled into the Edith River when a freight train encountered a flooded rail. After the spill, NT Worksafe instructed Oz Minerals to clean up the spill before the end of January.

Reports have indicated that most of the spill has been effectively eliminated from the site surrounding the rail crossing. Oz Minerals was granted a pass from dangerous goods transport laws to carry the mineral in containers covered by tarpaulins.

The company stated that the use of sealed containers will be implemented to carry copper concentrate to Darwin by the end of next month.

The damaged rail is likely to be in working order by the middle of February.Currently, the Territory Environment Protection Authority has claimed that it is investigating another toxic hazard in the Edith River.

The flash flooding that caused the derailment also caused the uncontrolled release of waste water from a retention pond at the mine site.The EPA claims to be actively monitoring the briefs on water quality in Edith River and further downstream because of the spill and derailment.

The EPA stated that they have questions regarding both incidents, primarily regarding any potential environmental issues. After more testing has been conducted a decision will be made on whether a formal inquiry will be held.

More info on Dangerous Goods 

Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-02-03/20120203-edith-river-copper-spill-cleanup/3809628?section=nt

The Importance of Electrical Safety

Electrical hazards can be fatal.

As such, it is important to follow the same systematic approach used for other health and safety issues, when dealing with electrical safety. No one could overstate the importance of Electrical Safety knowledge. It is imperative to know how to work safely with or within the vicinity of electricity because electrical current in regular businesses and homes have enough power that if exposed to, can be fatal. A training course for staff can help!

Four main types of electrical injuries

All electrical systems can potentially cause harm. Four of the main types of injuries that occur as a result of electrical current include:

  1. electrocution,
  2. electric shock,
  3. burns, and
  4. falls.

These types of incidents can occur in various instances. Through direct contact with electrical energy, electricity can travel through the body can interfere with regular electrical signals between the brain and our muscles. This can lead to instances where the heart may stop beating regularly, breathing may stop and other bodily function may shut down. Arc Flashes can result in intense burns or an intense light that can cause blindness.

Electrical Safety Regulation

Electrical safety is regulated by WorkPlace Health and Safety Regulations which states that every employer is responsible for ensuring that all employees are safe from injuries and risks to health while at the workplace.

A group comprised of employers and workers should be used to identify all hazards associated with electrical equipment. Assessing the risk is imperative in reducing the risk, or severity of an injury.

Controlling risks

One can control a risk by using controls such as residual current devices (RCDs) –safety switches, or a system of regular inspection of portable electrical equipment and extension cords, frequent monitoring, record keeping and testing of electrical equipment.

Electricity is one of nature’s most powerful and dangerous forces; in fact, electricity is one of the leading causes of death at work. It is unsafe for the untrained to conduct DIY electrical work. It is simply not worth the risk. Saving money is not worth a life.

Besides being extremely dangerous, it is also against the law and could potentially jeopardise insurance. It is therefore highly recommended that people employ a licensed electrical contractor

Tasks that may seem simple for your everyday handy-man husband can prove quite hazardous if not performed by a professional. This can include tasks such as the installation of a new power point, installing a replacement light switch, or repairing an appliance such as a ceiling fan, washing machine, or air condition unit.

Electricity Safety Training

Training can provide employees with the knowledge and skill, to effectively identify and potentially eliminate safety issues.

Some issues discussed in Electricity Safety Programs include;

  • Electricity and the Human Body
  • Electricity: General Principles
  • Electrical Equipment
  • Electrical Hazards
  • Working with Electricity
  • Protection, Isolation and Testing
  • Overhead, Underground and Hidden Electricity

For more views from Safe Work Australia visit here.

 

Working at Heights: WorkSafe inspectors Close Fire Tower

Working At Heights SafetyWORKSAFE shut down Mount Stanley fire tower following an inspection that revealed safety issues with an access ladder. The Department of Sustainability and Environment appealed the decision, citing that there wasn’t an immediate risk.

WorkSafe Spokesman Michael Birt said spotters were at risk of potentially falling from a high section of the ladder connected to the cabin which was located 15 metres off the ground.

The Australian Worker’ Union heeded fire spotters’ safety concerns about the ladder , radiation from TV and radio transmitters nearby and asbestos found in the cabin floor workplace watchdog earlier this month.

WorkSafe issued a prohibition notice on the upper section of the ladder in January,following an inspection. The Department of Sustainability appealed the notice citing that reasons for prohibition did not provide adequate jusitification.

Birt said that the inspector felt that there was an immediate risk to the health and safety of employees.WorkSafe stated that the problems exist in the last section of a steel ladder with a cage at an angle of about 75 to 80 degrees.

Birt said that the handrails were unusable because of the steepness which obligated the person to hold onto the steps in order to climb up. A request has been made to install additional guarding.

Source: http://www.bordermail.com.au/news/local/news/general/worksafe-inspection-shuts-fire-tower/2441092.aspx

More Info on Working At Heights 

OHS: Another Dam Work Delay

OHS trainingWorkSafe ACT has once again issued a stop work order for part of Caberra’ Cotter Dam construction site because of concerns with safety.Over 20 serious safety issues have been cited since work commenced on the Cotter Dam enlargement project.

Canberra’s water authority ACTEW is enlarging the capacity of the reservoir by 74 gigalitres.

Throughout the week other issues have occurred such as when workers drilling near a crane mistakenly severed the cable while the power was on. These incidents have prompted a prohibition notice.

ACT Work Safety Commissioner Mark McCabe stated that the workers are luckily the accidents were not fatal as the incidents posed serious risks.McCabe stated that he requested investigators to advise him on whether there has been a breach of Work Health and Safety Law that should be referred to the DPP.

Another incident occurred that involved a bolt coming off of the lower section of a crane, compromising its entire structure. Dean Hall from The CFMEU stated that the incident could have seriously and realistically lead to the crane falling down. Hall claims that inadequate bolts are being used to hold the cranes together and thus need investigation.

McCabe stated that he does not believe the incidents were isolated.

Hall stated that there have also been serious issues with communication on the site. Safety concerns raised by workers on the ground have apparently been lost in middle management on their way to upper management.

More Info on Occupational Health And Safety

Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-02-02/act-cotter-dam-stop-work/3806484?section=act 

Dangerous Goods: Work Safety Investigation into Workers’ Contact With Chemical

hazardous chemicals and substances

ACT work safety authorities will be conducting an investigation into the exposure of the two electricians to toxic chemicals in a Civic office building. Unions have stated that they are extremely concerned with the incident and are fearful that other older buildings may be contaminated.

Both workers were hospitalised after being sprayed with polychlorinated biphenyls, or PCBS, a toxic chemical that can cause skin rashes in the best of circumstances, and damage to the liver and nervous system, in the most extreme cases.

The workers were exposed to the fluid whyen a light fixture they were replacing exploded in the computer room.  Both electricians were taken to Canberra Hospital to undergo monitoring.

The Electrical Trade Union stated that PCBs had not been used in light fittings for decades. Thus, the union is deeply concerned by the incident. The Unions NSW-ACT assistant secretary Nevile Betts demanded that the owner of the building search the light fittings throughout the rest of the 11-storey building.

The liquid should have been removed during campaigns to remove PCBS from buildings in the 1980s and 1990s, according to Betts. Betts has also pledged that they will be contacted the owners of the building to launch a thorough audit of the lights and equipment of the building. If any PCBs or any Hazardous Materials and Substances, are found they will be removed using the proper procedures.

Approximately 60 workers were evacuated from the eight floor, and were prohibited from returning the next day.

More Info on Dangerous Goods Training

Source: http://www.canberratimes.com.au/news/local/news/general/probe-into-workers-contact-with-chemical/2442629.aspx

OHS: Miner Gets Million Dollar Compensation

OHS TrainingA Miner who had a 56-tonne rock land on his dump truck was awarded $1.5 million in compensation. The former professional footballer James L. Geary was successful in his claims against employer Rejv Services Pty Ltd and three associated companies in the Townsville Supreme Court. Geary is alleged to have suffered back injuries when he was significantly jolted by the fallen rock. The incident in question occurred in August of 2005, while Geary was driving a truck that was being loaded with dirt and rock from a digger.

Geary claims to have backed his truck out which could carry 400 tonnes. The digger operator told Geary to brace himself for a big rock which landed on his truck and caused things “to get really violent in the cab”.Geary claims to have been winded by jolt and said he felt a sharp pain in his lower back.

The result was a lumbar spine injury which forced Geary to conduct light duties for a few days until he took sick leave for two weeks.

Geary still had injuries when he returned to work which lead to him quitting his job in 2006. After working a few jobs after with various companies, Geary left the industry. The plaintiff claimed that the reasoning for Geary leaving each subsequent job was because he could “not cope because of his back pain”.

It was determined that Geary was simply too proud of his past as a footballer and strong man that he hid his physical and emotional stresses.Geary was eventually granted $1.5 million for medical bills, past economic loss, future wages and superannuation. His boss was ordered to pay an additional $360 thousand

More Info On Occupational Health and Safety

Source: http://www.townsvillebulletin.com.au/article/2012/02/01/302061_news.html 

Human Resources: Unions and Employers Dissatisfied with Bullying Draft Code

Work Place BullyingSafe Work Australia has made light of changes to its draft code on workplace bullying following complaints by both unions and employer groups that the code was not specific enough about what constitutes bullying.

SFA spokesperson Ingrid Kimber stated that 70 out of 331 submissions on broader OHS issues, were related to the draft bullying code.According to Kimber (in her remarks to SmartCompany), the body is considering having an expert in the field advise them on the matter.Depending on how drastic of the changes, it may be released once again for public comment.

The draft code on workplace bullying falls under the legislation of the OHS Harmonisation laws which have been approved federally in various states. Of course, Victoria, WA, Tasmania and SA did not legislate in time to meet the January 1 deadline.

According to the draft code,  workplace bullying is defined as “repeated, unreasonable behaviour directed towards a worker or group of workers that creates a risk to health and safety”

The following examples constitute as bullying:

  • Abusive or offensive language,
  • Gossiping and spreading malicious rumours
  • Regularly making someone the brunt of practical jokes,
  • Unreasonably overloading a person with work or not providing enough work,
  • Deliberately changing work arrangements such as rosters and leave to inconvenience a particular worker

The Australian Council of Trade Unions has however, stated that the code fails to address workplace bullying with the same level of specificity and seriousness as any other workplace hazard or risk.

The code, according to critics, must make it clear that the bullying it targets is a “pattern of behaviour”

The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry stated that there needs to be a clear difference between feeling aggrieved and what is systemic, inappropriate behaviour” since normal managerial conduct should be seen as bullying behaviour.

More info On Human Resources training

Source: http://www.smartcompany.com.au/managing-people/20120105-employers-and-unions-unhappy-with-draft-bullying-code.html 

OHS Harmonisation: Feds Meet With Volunteer Organisations

WHS ACT 2011The Federal Government met with non-profit organisations to discuss new laws affecting volunteers and to find ways to eliminate the red tape involved with working with volunteers.

The meeting was held in Melbourne to discuss workplace health and safety issues with Workplace Relations minister Bill Shorten MP, representatives from Safe Work Australia and; the Department of Employment, Education and Workplace Relations. Also included were a diverse group of representatives from various not-for-profit organisations.

An important revelation from the meeting is the plan to establish a group to oversee measures to cut red tape of working with volunteers. The plan is to have a group comprised of representatives from the not-for-profit sector, Volunteering Australia, Safe Work Australia, legal experts and various other industry representatives.

To add to these outcomes, the table of representatives discussed and agreed on various matters pertaining to volunteers, such as;

  •  Safety is of equal importance for volunteers as any other individual since everyone has a right to return home safe.
  • A volunteer’s duty has gone relatively unchanged when comparing it to what it was prior to the OHS Harmonisation laws.
  •  The penalties that would be used for extreme actions are based on already established state laws that existed prior to harmonisation.
  • Ongoing efforts to provide increased clarity of the harmonised law’s limited practical consequences for grassroots volunteers are most welcome.

Shorten stated that the Government encourages people to volunteer and support each other’s community. He alleges that the Government will provide “even more clear information and guidance to volunteers who play such an important role in [everyone’s] communities”

Source: http://thirdsectormagazine.com.au/news/new_measures_for_working_with_volunteers/065991/

5 Reasons Why You Need Fatigue Management Training

As businessmen, sometimes it probably seems like all this training for various jobs and issues are costly and a waste of time. However in most cases when you stop to think about it fatigue management training when you apply what you learn has the potential to not only help your company save thousands each year but, in many cases can help you to make a larger profit by providing a safer and more pleasant work environment for yourselves and your employees.

With that being said, here are 5 reasons you need fatigue management training:

1. A fatigued employee not only poses a safety hazard to himself and others but can end up costing your company money in damaged equipment and by affecting productivity. Fatigue management training helps managers and shift foremen as well as others understand the impact that a fatigued employee has on the company its production, his co-workers, and the overall safety of the operation he is engaged in. Fatigue management training will make you aware of all the ways that the company can be affected by an exhausted employee and just how much one fatigued employee can affect a company’s bottom line.

2. Fatigue management training helps employees understand that what goes on outside of work can affect their ability to stay alert while at work. When they are feeling fatigued, it is the employee’s obligation and responsibility to consult with their employer and discuss ways of managing that fatigue and what changes may be necessary to protect the safety of themselves and their coworkers. It also teaches employers how to provide the right atmosphere so that an employee can come to you when they are suffering from fatigue without fear of losing their job.

3. Fatigue management training makes all employees aware of the signs of fatigue and how important it is for them to report a fatigued co-worker to their employer or supervisor so that the supervisor can evaluate the employee and make a responsible decision of what needs to be done to help reduce the employee’s fatigue so that they pose less of a risk to themselves and to their coworkers.

4. Fatigue management training helps employees learn techniques to help them reduce their fatigue and manage it in situations such as shift work changes or dealing with sleep deprivation. When employees have the tools and knowledge and minimize their fatigue they can effectively reduce that fatigue or at least minimize the risk they pose because of that fatigue.

5. Fatigue management training helps managers and employers learn to recognize the signs of fatigue in an employee, evaluate it, address it, and take steps to prevent it. In some professions, this may mean rescheduling or working shorter shifts if the job requires long periods of intense concentration. It may mean providing longer breaks in some circumstances, or helping an employee deal with problems at home that may be contributing to his fatigue. With fatigue management training, you will learn how to make adjustment to help keep your employees alert, productive, and safe.

Electrical Safety: Water Meter Staff Are Shocked

electrical safety trainingWorkers have cited concerns over receiving electric shocks from water meters being installed .Southern Water has reported that six incidents are have been investigated by Workplace Standards since the rollout last year.These reports come after the Master Plumbers Association of Tasmania cited concerns with safety in August regarding the rollout plans.

The association cited problems when the contract for the installation of the meters was awarded to a NSW company which sub-contracted the work out to locals.During that ordeal, the association’s executive officer Adrian Cowie stated that they had received reports alleging that contractors were not adequately trained to do the basic work.

Howrah Plumbing owner Hans Verdou, stated that the schedule for the rollout came too rapidly which, they feared would cause safety issues.   Cowie stated that the incidents were not surprising since in the older areas of Hobart, water pipes were used for earthing. He continued by stating that a formal standard safety practice is required in order for people to avoid the potential risk of getting electric shock. However, when the procedure is not executive then a shock could occur.

Souther Water’s Mike Paine stated that all the incidents involved workers coming into contact with stray electrical currents. Paine alleges that the risk of stray currents was identified during the planning phase and was thus included in the safety management plan of the contractor.Southern Water claims they had consulted Aurora Energy and Workplace Standards Tasmania, who both approved their safety procedures.

Workplace Standards general manager Roy Ormerod stated that the issues have been resolved and that measures to reduce risks are being implemented to avoid any risk of electrical shock.

The rollout of water meters will continue this month throughout the Hobart area.

More info on Electrical Safety

Source: http://www.themercury.com.au/article/2012/01/31/296911_tasmania-news.html 

WorkSafe Reveals Asbestos Problems At Fun Park

Asbestos Awareness TrainingWorkSafe has revealed that asbestos was discovered at  a St.Kilda amusement park, Luna Park. The deadly substance was discovered in a tower that supports a large, smiling face structure. The substance was reportedly removed when the iconic fun park was closed in June last year.

WorkSafe issued a safety improvement order to the park management, which  did not update a mandatory register for hazardous materials for more than 10 years.

The occupational health and safety laws breach, was discovered when former CFMEU state secretary Martin Kingham was employed by Luna Park to monitor the restoration project. Kingham was a former Victorian president of the Asbestos Diseases Society of Australia.

He led many anti-asbestos campaigns during the 1980s. A WorkSafe report stated that Kingham had provided them with an asbestos register for the workplace but the register was dated May,2001—more than five years old. According to Victoria’s OHS laws, Asbestos registers must be reviewed and if required, updated every five years.

Luna Park executive director  Mary Stuart insisted that the park was safe for visitors, following a thorough audit of the park last year. Stuart said the deadly asbestos was not a threat to the public since it was not friable or powder-like. Stuart stated that the park takes its health and safety requirements very seriously.Over the past decade, WorkSafe has found serious breaches of OHS legislation. Electical improvements were ordered for a ride that risked the safety of children when it rose four metres in the air.

For more information on Asbestos Training

Source : http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/secrets-behind-the-smile-20120128-1qn9d.html

Fire Safety: WorkCover Investigates Explosion

Fire Safety TrainingWorkCover is currently investigating an explosion at an industrial complex in St.Marys that left a worker with shrapnel wounds to his body and head. Emergency services were called to the Samos Polymer polyurethane-resin plant off Links Road shortly early in the morning on Wednesday, following reports of an explosion.

The middle aged man was working close to a bulky container that contained a flammable liquid. He received wounds to his head,arms, and chest. A spokesperson for NSW Ambulance Service stated that the injured man was taken to Westmead Hospital and is currently in serious but stable condition.

Dunheved Fire and Rescue station commander Garry Mitchell said firefighters from his station and St.Mary were alerted to the site. They found that a large plastic container of a flammable liquid used to make polyurethane had ignited and blow up causing pieces of the container and its metal housing to scatter. Mitchelle alleged that workers were changing out a liquid container that could have possibly still had vapour residue inside, which caused it to ignite.

North St.Marys residents reported hearing the explosion.  WorkCover is currently investigating the exact cause of the incident and is determining if all OHS safety regulations were abided by.

Source:  http://www.penrithstar.com.au/news/local/news/general/man-wounded-in-explosion-at-st-marys-industrial-complex/2424450.aspx

More information Fire Safety 

OHS: WorkSafe Releases Findings on Worker’s Death

OHSAttempting to climb into a moving truck is allegedly a contributor to the death of a senior man at Hepburn Springs, according to WorkSafe. Emergency crews reached to truck depot after reports came in alleging that the man was trapped.

Police reported that the man was in the yard when a semi-trailer rolled from where it was parked, pinning him against some machinery and then rolling on top of him.Over a dozen friends, family and workers spectated in shock, while emergency services attempted to free the man.

WorkSafe representative Michael Birt stated that the man was a self-employed owner-operator and had connected the prime mover to the loaded trailer before the accident occurred.

Investigators believe the truck’s trailer brakes were applied but not the handbrake, said Birt.

According to the investigators, it appears the truck began to roll forward, which triggered the man to attempt to get into the truck to apply the brakes. However, the man was unsuccessful and was unfortunately run over and crushed by the truck.

Birt stated that it is an important issue to ensure that brakes are applied. He continued by stating that attempting to enter a moving vehicle is a very high risk which they have seen with tractors and now trucks. This tragedy, according to Birt, should compel transport company operators to take extra caution around their trucks. Birt stated that this type of accident can happen to anyone at any time in the transport industry.

More info on Occupational Health and Safety

http://www.thecourier.com.au/news/local/news/general/worksafe-releases-finding-on-hepburn-death/2434141.aspx

OHS: Fire Brigade Officer Concerned With Company’s Safety Practices

OHSBoth the ACT Fire Brigade and ACT Workcover had previously cited concerns with inadequate equipment and poor work safety practices by a Mitchell hazardous waste treatment company prior to last year’s explosive chemical fire, according to documents released through Freedom of Information

The aforementioned documents reveal that highly toxic nerve gas phosgene was detected in the fire’s smoke plume but emergency response crews were unable to test for a large exposure to chemicals.

Last September, an explosive chemical fire  occurred at the Energy Services Environmental waste treatment plant in Dacre Street. The fire launched fireballs up to 200m above the engulfed building and sent acrid black smoke billowing across Canbera’s skyline.

Amidst the hundreds of pages of confidential government documents released, there are reports of “paint stripping off vehicles” and over 500,000 to 600,000 litres of highly flammable liquids stored in indoor tanks. Eight pallets of fire suppressant foam were ordered from Sydney in order to contain the blaze.

Government emails reveal that a senior ACT Fire Brigade officer cited concerns in 2006 regarding the company’s safety measures. The officer claims that they have attended several incidents at the company grounds throughout the years and when one considers the level of toxic substances present at the facility, concerns do arise.

The officer stated that the issue may be a dangerous goods issue or an occupational health and safety issue. He hopes that someone in these sectors can make a difference in the level of safety at the company. The officer has also complained that the company manager tends to bend the rules regarding safety.

The fire is said to have occurred in an oil separator unit that was left unattended or still running over for the weekend.

More info on Occupational Health and Safety

OHS: Main Roads Demand Cattle Trailers Be Modified

OHS Owners of the two largest cattle transportation businesses in West Australia have demanded that inquiry be launched into why Main Roads tried to compel the company to put modified, unsafe semitrailers on the road.

The appeal judgement handled by the District court  ruled that the result could have been “catastrophic”.

Operating the fully loaded semitrailers could cause the driver to lose control, crash and subsequently cause injury or death to the driver and people in other vehicles according to Comissioner Michael Gething.

This ruling commences a three and half yearlong battle between managing director John Mitchell and Main Roads and the director-general of the Department of Transport.

Mitchell stated that the costs have not simply been monetary since his reputation and credibility have been severely damaged.

Mitchell wants the Minister for Transport to investigate wh Main Roads tried to force the company into doing this and why heavy vehicle appears to be put last in what appears to be a campaign against them.

Mitchelles 70-year-old family run company operates over 20 combinations of trailers and boasts an “impeccable” safety record.

The issue at hand was involving B-doubles, which are two trailers that weigh about 70.5 tonnes when fully loaded with cattle.

Prior to 2002, Mitchelle built eight B-doubles at a length of about 20m of internal deck space.

The rules were then changed which subsequently restricted B-doubles to 18.8m but Main Roads approved permits to the company to continue running the units.

Each unit costs approximately $280,000 each, and Mitchelle intended to run his B-doubles until June 2017, however in 2008 Main Roads insisted that Mitchell modified his B-doubles by building a partition in the front unit. This is intended to restrict the overall length of the unit to 18.5 m deck space.

Mitchell denied their demands since he alleges that it would render the rigs unsafe because of the way the load would be distributed.

More info on Occupational Health and Safety

Source: http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/a/-/wa/12714398/main-roads-pushed-for-unsafe-cattle-trailers/

5 Reasons Why You Need Dangerous Goods Training

As you all know, dangerous goods are those goods that could cause immediate harm to people, property or the environment and many of you have probably seen at least on the news just how much harm these goods can cause if they are not handled properly. So, please keep those images in your mind while we explain why you need dangerous goods training.

1. Probably the most important in dangerous goods training is that this training covers the proper, packing, storing, handling, and transportation of dangerous goods to help ensure that these goods do not pose a threat to your workers, your business, or the general public. It is not only your company’s legal obligation to ensure the safe handling and transportation of these goods but, it is also the moral responsibility of everyone who works with these goods to ensure that they are handled and transported in such a way as to prevent risk or at least minimize it for the sake of everyone.

2. Dangerous Goods Training makes it clear who is responsible for the safe handling and shipping of these goods and what the liability is to each person who has an obligation to ensure that these materials or products are packed, handled, and transported in such a way as to prevent accidents. By making sure that everyone recognizes their obligations and are aware of the penalties for failing to take those obligations seriously will help employees and managers alike to be more of aware of the risks associated with this type of work and hopefully make them more likely to follow all safety procedures to the letter.

3. Dangerous goods training also helps everyone who has an obligation to see to the proper handling of these goods know exactly what to do to prevent and control hazards. How to pack and mark containers and who to report problems or breeches in procedure too. By having everyone concerned with the handling of dangerous goods understand what preventive measures are necessary you provide a in house check system to help ensure that every container containing dangerous goods is handled and marked properly which further reduces the chances of an accident occurring.

4. Dangerous goods training also will help managers and other officers of your company understand exactly what you need to do in excising due diligence when instructing, training, and supervising workers who handle dangerous goods as well as the type of documentation you will need to keep on file to help limit your liability in case an accident should occur.

5. Dangerous goods training will also help you to realize how complying with OHS guidelines and laws can not only benefit your business but, your employees and the public at large by providing a safer environment for everyone. This training will also make you aware of the high cost of failing to comply with the OHS guidelines both in terms of your business and in terms of personal liability.

Dangerous goods training may be required by law but its true purpose is to provide you and your company with the valuable information you and employees need to run a safer and more profitable business.

OHS Harmonisation: Safe Work Responds to Media Reports on Volunteers

WHS act 2011Safe Work Australia has responded to media reports that they’ve labeled “inaccurate and alarmist”. The media reports are regarding volunteers and the OHS Harmonisation or Work Health and Safety laws.Safe Work is concerned that the reports may discourage volunteers and future volunteers from undertaking work.Chair of Safe Work, Tom Phillips stated that the harmonised OHS laws would not apply to every type of volunteer activity or organisation.

Phillips stated that the laws only apply if the volunteer organisation also employs staff ( in conjunction with volunteers) to carry out work for the organisation. Phillips stated that this stipulation is not new since even the old legislation specifically applied to volunteer.Phillips continued, stating that the duty to ensure a safe workplace remains the primary responsibility of the employee, not the volunteer.

Chief Executive of Volunteering Australia, Cary Pedicini stated his organisation’s support for the OHS harmonisation laws.

Pedicini claims that the harmonisation with result in a higher level of protection for volunteers wherever they decide to volunteer, which Pedicini states is a good thing for volunteers.

In related news, Ordained ministers will no longer be considered simply as “servants of God” according to the OHS harmonisation. Instead they will be known as “workers” who can thus be prosecuted for safety breaches in the church.

Naturally, the changes have alarmed some religious organisations because they also mean that many elderly church volunteers can now be prosecuted for safety breaches and subsequently face fines of up to $300,000 or five years imprisonment.

Source: 

http://www.psnews.com.au/Page_psn29710.html
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/state-politics/church-volunteers-face-jail-under-tough-new-ohs-laws/story-e6frgczx-1226246810395

Manual Handling: Learn to Pull Your Weight– Safely

Manual Handling TrainingManual Handling does not simply refer to lifting heavy items. In fact, Manual Handling can include any activity that requires a person to use force to lift,push,pull carry, or physically transport something.  This can include normal office duties such as; carrying boxes full of paper, files, or office equipment.

 

 

 

Risks of injury often occur most often when undertaking tasks that involve:

  • Application of strong force
  • Repetitive actions
  • Frequently bending and twisting
  • Working under uncomfortable conditions
  • Long periods of work with little sleep
  • Working in adverse environmental conditions
  • Handling people or animals,
  • Heavy lifting
  • Handling loads that are difficult to grasp

 

There is no mandated weight limit as per Health and Safety regulations, since everyone has different physical abilities. Also, one must note that the weight of an object is not the only important factor when manual handling and it is not the only thing brands a task a hazardous one.

What types of Professions involve manual labor?

The question isn’t what type of professions DO include manual labor, but rather what professions  DON’T — since most, if not all jobs involve some sort of labor on a regular basis. Some examples of industries that involve manual handling on an almost a daily basis includes health care, office, warehousing, and of course; construction.

Workers in healthcare or geriatric care require the use of manual handling quite often. Training in manual handling for people working in this industry can include advice on safe lifting policies and ways to avoid injury. Courses in manual handling can also act as a refresher to show employers that skills have been updated. Other industries can receive training that will provide the following:

  • Help workers understand what Manual Handling is.
  • Understand the requirements of the Manual Handling Regulations and Compliance Code.
  • Understand the effects of Manual Handling injuries and the value of, and the need for, correct Manual Handling practices.
  • Understand the basic anatomy and function of the spine.
  • Understand how to conduct a Manual Handling Risk Assessment.

It is important in the workplace to understand what type of manual tasks  you are involved with that are potentially hazardous. By understanding and developing methods, one can effectively limit the amount of risks that they are exposed to at work. Safe work procedures can be implemented to teach employees how to safety perform their manual labor tasks.  Training can provide employees with the knowledge to reduce risk, and increase productivity in manual labor tasks.

Human Resources:Opposition says that Labour Government is sending mixed messages on Bullying

HR safety trainingSenator Abetz is concerned that the Labor party  firstly states that they condemn bullying but then quietly state to the trade unions that they are willing to “pull the teeth of the ABCC”. Abetz believes that the Labor Party is sending a mixed message on the Human Resources  issue of bullying.

Legislation was introduced into parliament in November with aims to eliminate the Howard-government appointed ABCC.

Initially the body was established with the purpose of investigating and addressing corruption while also monitoring tactics in the building and construction sector.Abetz stated that the government is “speaking with a forked tongue”   since they accept that bullying is bad but then discuss removing a sector where bullying, thuggery, and intimidation , is monitored and investigated.

The ACTU and the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union have (according to The Australian) demanded strict countrywide rules on workplace bullying, since they believe an incident of indecent behaviour can result in health and safety risks.

Safe Work Australia has drafted a code of practice on bullying but unions have cited concerns that the model code of practice falls short. Employers are also concerned that the reforms will trigger an

Workplace Relations Minister Bill Shorten stated that any form of bullying is unacceptable and costs billions of dollars every year when one considers workers compensation and stress leave.

Shorten stated that he had seen the tragic result of letting work place bullying go unchecked. He is referring to the suicide of young woman who was employed within the restaurant industry.

Mr Shorten said the government was “determined” to get a consensus on what constitutes workplace bullying. Shorten has declared that the government is determined to ascertain what the consensus on what workplace bullying is.

Shorten stated that the government is dedicated to developing a code and a effectively stamping out  the Human Resources issue, workplace bullying.

Source: http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/opposition-says-government-sending-mixed-message-on-bullying/story-fn59niix-1226237470965

Safe Work Australia’s Tom Phillips: Volunteers Should Not Be Concerned about OHS Harmonisation

OHS ACT 2011New workplace safety laws won’t apply to local football clubs and other organisations that are run solely by dedicated volunteers.

The OHS Harmonisation laws will not affect local football clubs and other organisations that rely solely on the devoted volunteers.Organisations such as Uniting Church and Meals on Wheels are allegedly concerned with the new occupational health and safety (OHS) laws, which are being implemented nationally this year.

Safe Work Australia chair Tom Phillips stated that not all volunteer organisations should be concerned with the new laws since they may not apply to each respective organisation.

According to Phillips, the laws will apply if an organisation employs staff in conjunction with volunteers and where work is carried out on behalf of the organisation.The new laws, Phillips says, will not affect community groups or football clubs which do not have employees.

It is the workplace’s responsibility to ensure the safety of workers – and thus, not the volunteer’s responsibility. Phillips continued by stating that prosecution of volunteers is unlikely to occur except in the most serious and exceptional circumstances.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard claims that the government will be taking a commonsense approach in the implementation of the national occupational health and safety reforms. Gillard stated that volunteer organisations will go out of their way to make sure that volunteers are kept safe.

Source: http://www.international.to/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=4535:safe-work-australia-chairmans-response-disingenuous&catid=80:politics&Itemid=120 

OHS Harmonisation: No Federal Rewards For Reform Delaying States

OHS HARMONISATION ACT 2011Assistant Treasurer Bill Shorten has indicated that states who contribute to the delay of national reforms should not expect to receive payments from the Commonwealth.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard has warned of the possibility of the Commonwealth withholding $450 million in reward payments for the states and territories that are stalling on reforms for Occupational Health and Safety Laws ( OHS Harmonisation).The failure of the states to implement the OHS laws after a year of delays, was costing the country approximately $43 million a week.

Shorten stated that Victoria and Western Australia had made it disturbingly clear that they wanted no involvement in the national OHS harmonisation.Shorten continued by stating that you can’t be a part of the nation of Australia for some aspects but opt out other times for “petty political reasons”.

Attorney-General Nicola Roxon stated that state governments cannot sign off on certain agreements and then not live up to their end of the deal. Roxon believes that the Commonwealth is completely justified in refusing to make reward payments if aspects of national agreements were not met .

NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell has accused PM Gillard of singling out states lead by coalition governments.

Since July, 2008 the Commonwealth, states and territories all agreed to a harmonisation of OHS laws. The laws were expected to be implemented by December 2011 but various state governments delayed the process.

Source: http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-national/no-federal-cash-for-reformdelaying-states-20120113-1pxwf.html

Occupational Health And Safety: Court Reduces Fine for Crane Death

OHS TrainingWestern Australia’s Supreme Court has reduced a company and its directors’ fines by fifty-percent. The fines were in response to the death of a 22-year-old worker. Luke Murrie was an employee for D&G Hoists when he died as a result of a section of a crane fell upon him in October 2007. The company and its directors were found culpable in the charge of failing to uphold a safe workplace.

The company received a fine of $ 90,000 while the directors were each charged $45,000. Today a Supreme Court threw out the appeals against the convictions but decided that the fines should be reduced.

The company was subsequently ordered to pay a $70,000 fine while each director was ordered to pay $ 10,000. Despite the reduced fines, Janice ( Murrie’s mother) stated that she is pleased that the guilty verdicts were upheld. Janice stated that the case has taken a toll on the family with them focussing on his death, and the circumstances around his death for four years can make people angry and it can wear people out.

More info on Occupational Health and Safety training

Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-01-13/workplace-death-fines-reduced/3771966?section=wa

5 Reasons Why You Need Confined Space Training

There are many extremely dangerous jobs that individuals perform on a daily basis but, working in a confined space may be one of the most dangerous jobs that there is. Those who work in confined spaces do their jobs in places not meant to be inhabited by humans even for a limited amount of time.

Here are 5 reasons that confined space training is so important:

1. Confined space training helps workers understand what constitutes a confined space as well as increases awareness of the hazards that one can expect to find in a confined space. Increasing awareness to the dangers of confined spaces makes workers more alert to these dangers and results in them exercising increased caution, which results in fewer injuries, and more lives saved.

2. Confined space training discusses the importance of atmosphere testing and how such testing can better help workers prepare to enter a confined space and what equipment they will need to work safely in that environment. The more information a worker has before entering that confined space the more likely a worker will be to get in, perform the necessary and work to get back out of that confined space safely.

3. Confined Space training will also help managers and companies determine the risks associated with a specific type of confined space. This will help them to make decisions in regards to the type of equipment necessary to ensure the safety of their worker as well as allow them to put into place emergency procedures that could save a life should an accident occur. It also allows them to develop a system of checks in order to help monitor the situation when workers are working in a confined space.

4. Those in charge of those workers that enter confined spaces need to know their obligations in regards to ensuring a workers safety. Confined space training will discuss both the legal obligations that a company must shoulder in terms of seeing that all those working in confined spaces have the proper qualifications and certificates that are needed before any worker works in this type of situation.

5. Confined space training should not just be taken by businesses but farm workers too who may have to enter silos and other confined spaces on their farm and can benefit greatly from knowing the safest way to enter and exit these places and how to protect themselves while working inside this type of environment. Your family depends on you and keeping yourself safe is one way of protecting your family.

Knowing what to do and how to do it when faced with a situation will help to avert panic and allow your training to take over which could save you from serious injury and may even save your life. Knowing what to do before you enter a confined space, what to watch for while you are in that confined space and how to get out safely will ensure that you will be free to complete the job at hand without undo worry about your safety.

Construction Union Claims Contractors Are Not Reporting Injuries

Construction Safety training

The construction union claims that half of the construction safety incidents that occur on Canberra work sites are not being reported properly.The 2011 workplace safety legislation, the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 requires employers to report all injuries incurred at work as well as near-misses.

Dean Hall of the CFMEU stated that a lack of reporting of incidents is a continuous problem, especially in the civil construction sector.Hall believes the issue is extremely concerning, as he believes approximately half of the injuries in the construction industry are inefficiently reported or not reported at all.

In December 2011, a 43-year-old worker suffered serious spinal injuries after a roller he was driving roller over at a housing development.The CFMEU believe the incident was not effectively reported, thus the union is calling on the ACT work safety commission to apply charges against the contractor responsible.

The company allegedly reported an incident involving a roller but did not indicate that any injuries occurred.

Hall believes the industry is presently plagued by dodgy contractors. He stated that the contractors are likely performing irresponsibly on numerous levels with a lack of safety system or protection for workers in the workplace. Thus, Hall believes that businesses fail to report accidents or serious injuries because if WorkSafe inspectors investigate an incident they may find other serious problems in the safety infrastructure of the work sites.

Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-01-16/cfmeu-on-accident-reporting/3775134?section=act

Asbestos Training: Asbestos Found In School Science Kits

Asbestos AwarenessDespite the State Government proclaiming that its asbestos management guidelines are the strictest in the country, four Year 8 students have found the deadly substance in science kits. Since the discovery, two recalls have been conducted for the decades-old classroom science kits. It is unclear how many kits had been in schools but 159 kits had been removed prior to the second recall. Many of the kits in question were issued over two decades ago.

LNP education spokesman Bruce Flegg stated that the recalls and safety alert made a farce of the State Government’s asbestos management in schools. The Queensland government has proudly proclaimed to home to the most transparent and hard lined guidelines for asbestos management.

Flegg has since accused the Government of trying to keep the recalls discrete and hidden from public eye which is why all parents have not been alerted.

Flegg warned that an excessive amount of examples of children and teachers have been exposed to deadly asbestos fibres .

Experts claim that the risks posed by the kits are minimal despite the fact that there are always risks associated with asbestos.

The kits allegedly originally contained a sample of asbestos rock. Queensland asbestos expert Bill Kwiecien stated that while the kits were a concern and a possible risk to children because of the presence of hazardous material, the actual risk was minimal. Kwiecien stated that it is only a concern because kids are exposed to it but otherwise it would not be of immediate concern.

More information on Asbestos Training 

Source: http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/asbestos-in-science-kits/story-e6freoof-1226244932839

Construction Safety: Crane Crashes Down Metres Away From Workers

Construction Safety TrainingAnother accident has occurred at a site that union bosses have declared as a “tragedy waiting to happen”.  This time a 40-tonne crane collapsed to the ground, mere metres away from construction workers who were working on the $50 million Mt. Sheridan Plaza redevelopment project.

This is not the first time Workplace Health and Safety officers have had to investigate a construction safety incident occurring at this site. A man was hospitalized in June 2011, when a concrete slab fell upon him.Fortunately, no one was injured when the crane crashed to the ground, but workers have halted the operation of tools until inspectors have granted an all-clear to primary contractors, Broad Construction.

Electrical Trades Union organiser Stuary Traill stated that the site was the worst he had seen during his tenure as a union officials, and workers were growing extremely impatient with the poor safety standards of the site.

Traill said that an audit on the site that took place prior to Christmas, indicated that serious breaches of safety legislation. were present . Traill continued, stating that it seems as if Broad Construction only takes safety issues seriously when an incident occurs and investigators show up.Criticism has arisen of the company “cutting corners” to get the job done quickly.

Broad Queensland’s general manager John McCann stated that an “exclusion zone” was organized through the crane and workers were now able to return to the site.

Traill however, has criticised the company for the length of time it took for them to close the site when the crane fell. He stated that the workers were told to keep working around the fallen crane, despite safety concerns. He said that workers will continue to work there despite their construction safety concerns because they need the work.

Source: http://www.cairns.com.au/article/2012/01/12/200511_local-news.html

Electrical Safety: Man Suffers Electric Shock At Cycling Championships

electrical safety trainingA man remains in critical condition after experiencing a serious electric shock while setting up speakers at Buninyong’s Cycling Australia Road National Championships.  George Langley was connecting the speakers to a tree when one of the cables came into contact with a power line. Police Acting Sergeant Brendan Vann stated that it appeared that Mr.Langley was on top of a minivan while attaching the speakers.

At some point a co-worker tossed Langley a speaker cable which struck an overhead power line.  Paramedic Graham McGrath stated that Langley had gone into cardiac arrest as a result of his electric shock. It took five paramedics and a MICA unit to revive him after 30 minutes.

McGrath offered praise for Langley’s workmates and a passing cyclist who conducted CPR on Langley until paramedics had arrived. Langley was working as part of George Langley Public Address Systems, a family business started by his father. It is believed that the business is a long-time contractor for the City of Ballarat. Ballarat Regional Tourism director George Sossi has since expressed regret over the accident, believing that it casts a shadow over the cycling championships. WorkSafe is on the scene and is investigating the freak accident.

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Source: http://www.thecourier.com.au/news/local/news/general/electric-shock-victim-still-critical/2412687.aspx

Occupational Health and Safety: WorkSafe Chief Exec Announces Resignation

OHSIt has been a month since the Baillieu government declared that it would cut $471 million out of  WorkSafe throughout the next four years in order to keep the state’s budget in a surplus.Greg Tweedly,WorkSafe chief executive for the past nine years,  announced recently that he would not be seeking a  new contract when his current one had expired.

This announcement was made a month after it was declared that almost half of a billion dollars would be cut from Victoria’s occupational health and safety insurance and subsequently funnelled into general revenue.A spokeswoman for the state government stated the resignation was not linked to the budget cuts– rather, it was  a personal choice by Mr.Tweedly.

The budget changes are expected to cut thousands of state public sector jobs, while also charging all motorists with a 35$ increase in registration fees.

WorkSafe is funded by employers via premiums to insure people against accidents. As per the changes announced in December, half of the organisations profits will be handed over to the Treasury until at least 2014/2015.The Opposition has probed what the effects of Mr.Tweedly’s parting would mean for WorkSafe.

Opposition finance spokesman,Robin Scott stated that Tweedly’s departure would result in an even greater difficulty in recovery of the half-billion dollars being stripped from WorkSafe.Tweedly stated that he will endeavour to spend time overseas with his family and friends and eventually seek new challenges later in the year.

Source: http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/resignation-adds-to-worksafe-woes-20120111-1pvgu.html

ACTU Clarifies OHS Harmonisation Myths

WHS ACTThe ACTU is pushing for workers to take advantage of the new safety laws by adopting safety representatives. The ACTU also stated that the rumour that workplaces can be shut down due to concocted safety claims, is false.

A “Speak Up” campaign has commenced following the implementation of the nationally harmonised occupational health and safety laws( OHS Harmonisation). The campaign was initiated with the intent of ensuring workers understand their rights, which includes their right to elect their own safety representatives.

ACTU assistant secretary Michael Borowick stated that it was unlawful for employers to interfere with the work of health and safety representatives or to hinder their responsibility of representing their workmates.

Borowick stated that it is not compulsory to have a safety representative but the opportunity exists if workers feel the desire to take advantage of that opportunity.Previously, Health and safety representatives had limited powers to dictate directives when workers were endangered.Victoria and WA have yet to come to an agreement regarding the harmonised safety laws; while SA and Tasmania are still discussing the proposal in parliament.

Source: http://www.canberratimes.com.au/news/local/news/general/actu-clears-up-myths-on-safety-law/2408447.aspx

Confined Spaces: Three Miners Injured at Leinster Mine Site

Three injured workers were sent to Perth for medical care after all three of them suffered from injuries at a mine site near Leinster. The men landed at Jandakot Airport and were immediately transported by ambulance to the Royal Perth Hospital.The men’s injuries are considered serious but non-life threatening. The Royal Flying Doctors Service was requested by the mining town following the injury of the three men.

One man is alleged to be suffering from chest injuries after rubble fell upon him. He suffered from bruising and soreness as well as a serious ongoing injury and possible spinal problems. Another worker is said to have suffered a broken arm and possibly spinal injuries, while the last worker has suffered a serious fracture to his leg. All three men remained conscious throughout the ordeal however.

All three men were working in the underground Agnew mine when coils of mesh fell upon them, causing injuries.Mine inspectors are expected to reach the site soon in order to commence an investigation.

Source : http://www.perthnow.com.au/business/injured-mine-workers-airlifted-to-hospital/story-e6frg2qc-1226240840173

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5 Reasons You Need Bullying And Harassment Training

In recent years, bullying and harassing behavior has increased in the workplace often going unreported. Incidents involving bullying are not just limited to co-workers either. Many managers, line foremen, and supervisors engage in bullying behavior without even realising that their actions may be considered as bullying or harassing behavior.

Here are 5 reasons your company needs bullying and harassment training:

1. Many victims as well as perpetrators do not understand what constitutes bullying in the workplace. They feel as long as no physical touching is involved that their behavior cannot be considered to be harassing or bullying behavior. However, such behavior often leaves victims feeling isolated and fearful and can greatly affect their work performance. Bullying and Harassment training will help victims understand what constitutes bullying and/or harassment and what they can do to report such incidents in order to get it to stop.

2. Bullying and harassment training helps perpetrators understand what constitutes bullying and harassing behavior, how it effects their victims and the legal consequences of such behavior. It also gives them a clear detailed account to what will happen to them if it is proven that they are engaging in such behavior.

3. Bullying and harassment training also lays out for managers and other leaders to understand their legal obligations to prevent bullying and harassing behavior in the workplace and the penalties for not doing so. It also gives them useful tips on developing a clear plan of action that allows victims to report such behavior and the steps for conducting a thorough investigation and reporting the findings as well as how to minimize liability for the company.

4. Bullying and Harassment training will also help businesses and those that run them realize the financial effect that harassment and bullying can have on your business aside from the possibilities of fines and penalties. Workers who feel harassed and bullied often call in sick for work and when they are there find it difficult to concentrate on their jobs making them less efficient carrying out their duties, which in turn may slow down the overall, efficiency of production. Overtime this can cost your company tens of thousands in lost revenue. Bullying and harassment training will show you how to spot this kind of behavior even if it goes unreported which will allow you to correct the situation and provide a healthy working environment so that your company’s production does not suffer.

5. Studies show that employees who feel looked after by their employers are more likely to work harder in performing their duties. In addition, when employees feel safe in their place of work there is higher worker morale, which results in more efficiency. Bullying and harassment training will help you to be able to put into place safe guards for preventing this type of behavior and will show all your employees that you take this issue seriously which will result in higher employee morale, and a better working relationship between all employees.

Bullying and harassment training is require according to OHS guidelines but, more importantly such training will create a positive work environment which will result in more profit for your company and an increase in worker satisfaction.

Mining Company Ordered To Clean Up Dangerous Goods

Dangerous Goods TrainingA mining company has received orders to clean up  the site of a derailed train in the Northern Territory. Approximately 1,200 tonnes of toxic mineral ore copper concentrate has washed up from the train and into a river during a flash flood.

WorkSafe has declared that the material is a health and environment concern. Oz Minerals has been granted until the end of the month to transport any remaining material to the South Australian border. Oz Minerals was granted special permission to transport the ore in tarpaulin covered wagons, despite the practice being currently prohibited.

WorkSafe has allegedly relaxed the rules in order to ensure that the copper concentrate is quickly taken to the border.  Concerns have arisen regarding the potential of wet season rain and storms washing the left over ore into the river.

More Information on Dangerous Goods

Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-01-07/miner-ordered-to-clean-up-train-spill/3762322

Electrical Safety Investigations Continue into Death of Apprentice

WORKPLACE Health and Safety officers will today continue investigatingthe death of an apprentice electrician who was electrocuted while working at Bentley Park College.

The apprentice, 20, was working inside theceiling of the student services building when he came into contact with live wires about 8.10am yesterday.

Queensland Ambulance Service operations manager Neil Noble said school staff frantically tried to resuscitate the man inside the roof while waiting for paramedics to arrive.

“He was working on electrical wiring in the roof and he’s touched some live wire and it’s electrocuted him,” Mr Noble said.

“Staff at the school did CPR in the ceiling before bringing him down for paramedics.”

Ambulance officers spent about 30 minutes trying to resuscitate him but failed.

His employer, Edmonton-based Goggo’s Electrical Services, did not return calls from The Cairns Post yesterday.

Skills360 Australia chief executive Peter Langbien said he was deeply saddened by the apprentice’s death.

“It’s a tragedy we are still trying to come to terms with,” he said.

“We’re working with all the authorities and are mostly concerned with the (man’s) family.

“Our thoughts are with the worker’s family and co-workers.”

Education Queensland Far Northern regional director Clive Dixon said staff and students were being offered support.

“The Bentley Park College school community in Cairns is deeply saddened by the death of an electrical contractor,” he said.

“This is just an absolute tragedy and our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends at this difficult time.”

A Department of Justice spokeswoman said inspectors from the Electrical Safety Office and Workplace Health and Safety attended the school yesterday and were investigating the death.

She said the joint investigation would examine if any breaches were committed by the company.

More info on Electrical Safety

Source: http://www.cairns.com.au/article/2012/12/13/237554_local-news.html

Inspectors Launch Information Campaign for Workers

Inspectors from the federal workplace authority will be out in force on Canberra’s building sites on Tuesday.

Fair Work Building and Construction (FWBC) says its industry inspectors will visit sites as part of its ”proactive, educational service to the industry”.

Canberra’s construction sector has been in the spotlight for several months, with an ACT government inquiry into safety in the industry finding a ”distressing safety record” of four deaths and many injuries since December last year, and making 28 recommendations for change.

The report’s first recommendation was for the ACT government to collaborate with Fair Work Australia to crack down on ”sham contracting”, the employment of workers on contractor’s terms, on Canberra’s building sites.

But the agency said site visits were routine and were not prompted by the report of the ACT work safety commissioner Mark McCabe and the former public service commissioner Lynelle Briggs.

The chief executive of FWBC Leigh Johns said on Monday the inspectors would be talking to workers about laws, wages and entitlements.

”We investigate and, if necessary, prosecute breaches of workplace laws, recover wages and entitlements for workers who have been underpaid, and provide education and advice,” Mr Johns said.

”This week’s site visits are really about our inspectors discussing with employers and workers about how to comply with workplace relations law and making sure their sites are fair and productive.

”We understand that not everyone has a lawyer or [human resources] manager on site to provide advice on complying with the law, so we proactively visit sites to help people understand the law and provide answers to any questions they may have.”

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Source: http://www.canberratimes.com.au/act-news/inspectors-to-visit-building-sites-educate-workers-20121210-2b62k.html#ixzz2FRJQIogD

Electrical Safety Contract Lost

AURORA Energy has lost a multimillion-dollar contract to carry out electrical safety inspections in state government buildings to a Victorian company.

The decision of Workplace Standards Tasmania to drop Aurora in favour of TechSafe Australia was yesterday described as “privatisation by stealth” by the Communications, Electrical, and Plumbing Union of Australia.

Union state secretary Rodney Burles said taxpayers would foot the bill of losing 22 full-time equivalent staff at Aurora, who were likely to be re-employed by TechSafe.

“Safety inspections should never have been contracted out in the first place. They should be run directly by Workplace Standards _ they are too important to be privatised,” Mr Burles said.

“These blokes will get redundancy payments from Aurora and walk into the same jobs they were doing before, for more pay.”

Aurora distribution chief operations officer Andre Botha said it was disappointing to lose the bid.

“This is a disappointing outcome for Aurora and the team of 16 electrical inspectors and six support staff and a manager, who have been employed by Aurora to conduct this work independently for WST over more than a decade,” Mr Botha said.

He said Aurora would work closely with affected staff before TechSafe took over in March. Some could be redeployed.

A Justice Department spokesman said five bids were submitted for the five-year Workplace Standards contract which was worth $3 million to $5 million.

He said in the first instance bids were assessed on an ability to supply the service.

As a result, three bids were shortlisted and their value-for-money compared.

“TechSafe met both measures with the highest quality of service and lowest cost,” the spokesman said.

TechSafe has written to Workplace Standards about approaching all Aurora workers with a job offer and, if there are still vacancies, advertising for Tasmanian workers.

Workplace Relations Minister David O’Byrne said the Aurora bid was not competitive.

More info on Electrical Safety

Source: http://www.examiner.com.au/story/1185765/safety-inspection-contract-lost/?cs=94

5 Reasons You Need Asbestos Awareness Training

Asbestos is a hazardous material whose effects may not be seen or felt until 20 or 30 years after exposure. It is a continuing problem that devastates lives and costs millions each year in medical costs.  For that reason OHS has passed strict laws regarding Asbestos.

Here are 5 reasons why asbestos training is necessary:

  1. With new workers coming into the building, plumbing and electrical industry and other careers where asbestos can be a hazard, it is important that every worker in every field where asbestos may be an issue knows the potential sources of asbestos in the workplace so they can approach these areas with care. The also need to know how to recognize asbestos containing material and who they need to inform if that material is present in order to protect themselves and everyone in the vicinity of the asbestos.
  2. All workers should also know the health risks that exposure to asbestos poses not only for them but, for anyone in the vicinity where asbestos fibers may have been disturbed. Knowing the health risks results in workers becoming more aware of the importance of informing the right people of the presence of asbestos and of taking the proper steps in insuring that the area is properly closed off so that innocent bystanders are not exposed to any fibers until the asbestos can be removed properly.
  3. Asbestos awareness training also informs workers and managers the legal obligations they are under concerning the discovery of asbestos in the workplace and how to minimize the legal risks to themselves and to the company. Asbestos awareness training will teach them their legal obligations as well as making them aware of the penalties that they face if these obligations are not met.
  4. Asbestos awareness also teaches employees and management how to work safely in places where asbestos is present without disturbing the material or putting themselves at risk. This includes the wearing of protective clothing and proper clean up procedures to make sure that they are not moving any asbestos fibers to a new location where they will continue to be a hazard to unsuspecting people.
  5. Asbestos training also insures that workers are aware of what to do in an emergency situation should an asbestos incident arise and how to deal with such incidents as swiftly and safely as possible to minimize the risk of exposure to everyone concerned. And this training will make sure that the employee is competent to deal with such emergencies before issuing a certificate of completion for the course.

Making sure that anyone concerned with working in the industry where exposure to asbestos may be part of the job has asbestos awareness training and your company has those certificates on file will help to show that your company exercised due diligence under the new Work, Health, and Safety law and will help protect your company and it’s officers from huge fines and possible jail sentences.

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