Uninformed Campbell Residents Upset Over Asbestos Removal

Uninformed Campbell Residents Upset Over Asbestos Removal

Residents living near the Campbell section 5 development in Canberra’s north are angry they have been given no warnings about the removal of asbestos from the site.

Contractors wearing protection suits have been helping to move piles of dirt from the fenced-off area near the corner of Constitution Avenue and Creswell Street.

Local resident Fiona Cotton says the only warning was a few small signs along the fence.

“There’s a lot of publicity about Mesothelioma and airborne (asbestos) particles,” she said.

“Now these workers are accredited asbestos removalists but I just think the main issue is that we’ve got no assurances about what is going on.

“We should have been informed so we could drive the other way to avoid the area.”

The asbestos contamination is thought to have been caused by builders rubble dumped during the 1950s.

Another neighbour Mark Anderson says few details have been released by the Land Development Agency (LDA) which is overseeing the project on ACT Government land.

“We knew that this material was going to be removed from the site at some stage,” he said.

“What we didn’t expect was that it would start without any advice to the people who live around.

“There’s been a lot of high wind days for the past few weeks and I can’t see much evidence of dust suppression although I did see a water truck there this morning.”

Source:  http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-12-12/campbell-residents-angry-about-asbestos-removal-at-nearby-site/5152628

3 essential aspects of good traffic management (per industry)

In general, the workplace you’re operating in will impact which control measures you put in place.

The following are 3 essential aspects of good traffic management for each of warehousing, construction and shopping centres. If you want to boost your knowledge or augment your skills, a work, health and safety (WHS) training course that focuses on traffic management could be worth investigating!

Warehousing

There’s a wide range of traffic involved in warehousing, such as delivery trucks, powered mobile plants (e.g. forklifts) and pedestrians. These vehicles and individuals will be involved in activities like unloading, transferring and loading goods.

1) To make sure vehicles and pedestrians aren’t using a traffic route at the same time, introduce control measures such as walkways (overhead, if possible) and well-marked “safety zones” (complete with signs, interlocked gates, etc.) so that drivers and operators are protected if and when they disembark a vehicle.

2) Safe Work Australia’s “Traffic Management Guide: Warehousing” suggests implementing right-of-way rules and regulations and ensuring all workers and visitors at the warehouse are familiar with them, so they know who to give way to and when. These should be complemented by easy-to-read site maps that “indicate traffic flow”.

3) If possible, make sure any zones in which powered mobile plants are in operation are restricted, so that they’re off-limits to workers and visitors who are not either using the machines or trained to perform a supervisory role. This will prevent unauthorised personnel from accidentally walking into an area where they could be injured by a powered mobile plant.

Construction

The construction industry is another sector in which observing best practices for traffic management can be the difference between life or death. On a construction site, you will be faced with more or less the same kinds of traffic you might find in warehousing – large and small vehicles delivering materials, powered mobile plants, workers and members of the public.

The difference will be in the layout of the workplace, which will dictate the control measures you implement to keep everyone safe.

1) In the design stages of the construction site, make sure the amount of shared space that vehicles and pedestrians have is kept to a minimum. This should always be your first step when it comes to traffic management, as it will abolish the chances of people being injured or killed.

2) It can also be a good idea to try and limit the amount that vehicles have to move on the construction site itself. This is also something that should be considered in the design stages of the construction site, and it could involve “planning storage areas” and arranging parking for vehicles at a safe distance from the main workplace, so the chance of pedestrians being around vehicles when they’re reversing, etc. is reduced. Safe Work Australia’s “Traffic Management Guide: Construction Work” also suggests arranging drivers and pedestrians’ schedules so they don’t have to be on the construction site at the same time.

3) Make sure that everyone on the construction site is wearing high-visibility clothing at all times, as this will make it easier for drivers to see and, therefore, avoid them when operating their vehicles in the same location.

Shopping Centres

One of the most dangerous aspects of shopping centres is the fact that there are normally a lot of members of the public around, who have likely not received WHS training and are not well-versed in traffic management.

It’s therefore the duty of those who have received training to protect themselves, their coworkers and members of the public by developing and implementing sound traffic control measures.

In shopping centres, you’re likely to come across a variety of traffic, including “shopping trolley collection vehicles”, taxis, buses, bicycles and a variety of pedestrians.

1) Only use the aforementioned shopping trolley collection vehicles if they possess adequate safety features, such as reversing cameras, mirrors (to help minimise blind spots), and lights and alarms that indicate when the vehicles are backing up or coming near to pedestrians. Safe Work Australia’s “Traffic Management Guide: Shopping Centres” also notes that every person operating one of these vehicles should be properly trained and supervised if necessary.

2) Keep all traffic routes, such as footpaths, free of obstacles that might cause pedestrians to trip and injure themselves. These routes should be monitored regularly and any hazards noticed must be removed as soon as possible.

3) All pedestrian vehicles, such as taxis and buses, should be provided with designated zones in which to stop, preferably away from other vehicles and areas where there is a lot of foot traffic.

5 industries that benefit from confined spaces training

All people who are required to work in confined spaces need to undertake the appropriate training, so they don’t put themselves or their fellow employees at risk.

Confined Spaces: Code of Practice, a practical guide to the WHS rules and regulations associated with this area, lists “Information, Instruction and Training” as one of the best ways to keep safe with performing tasks in confined spaces.

This training must delve into five main areas, according to Safe Work Australia. These are:

– How to recognise hazards in confined spaces.
– Why risk control measures are needed and how to implement them.
– How to choose, utilise, fit, test and store personal protective equipment (PPE).
– What a confined space entry permit is and what it contains.
– The emergency procedures relevant to the industry and confined spaces in which you’re working.

Safe Work Australia also outlines in the Confined Spaces: Code of Practice exactly who needs to receive this training.

Basically, anyone who enters or works in confined spaces or is responsible in any way, shape or form for identifying hazards and implementing risk control measures in them should be trained before they enter these spaces.

In addition to this, people who are tasked with issuing the aforementioned confined space entry permits, design workplaces that include confined spaces or even communicate with people working in confined spaces are also expected to up their knowledge and enhance their skills via training.

That covers what type of “Information, Instruction and Training” is needed and who is required to undertake it, but which industries in Australia benefit from Confined Space Training the most?

The following are just five!

Construction

According to Workplace Health and Safety Queensland, some confined spaces that might be found on construction sites include trenches, crawl spaces and drainage pipes.

The construction industry is one of Australia’s biggest employers, keeping approximately one million people (or nine per cent of the country’s population) in work. However, it’s also one of Australia’s most dangerous sectors. Between 2007-08 and 2011-12, a total of 211 people died from work-related injuries in the construction industry.

That means the sector’s fatality rate is almost twice the national average – 4.34 deaths per 100,000 workers as opposed to 2.29 per 100,000 workers. Many of the accidents that led to these employees’ deaths could have been avoided if best practices were observed and the appropriate training completed.

Mining

A whopping 245,000 people work in the mining industry, a number that equates to 2 per cent of Australia’s workforce.

In addition to employing a lot of people, the mining industry injures and even kills many workers, too. A total of 36 people died from work-related injuries in this sector between 2007-08 and 2011-12, states Safe Work Australia – which, like the construction industry, puts the mining industry’s fatality rate at a level 70 per cent higher than the national rate (3.84 deaths per 100,000 workers).

Out of these fatalities, three were caused by a “slide or cave-in”. The possibility of this occurring may have been reduced if a risk assessment had been conducted by a trained professional.

Manufacturing

The manufacturing industry is another sector in which employees could need to enter and work in confined spaces. It employs one million or 9 per cent of the country’s total workforce and was responsible for 113 fatalities between 2007-08 and 2011-12.

Food and Beverage

Believe it or not, those working in the food and beverage industry may be required to perform tasks in enclosed or partially enclosed areas from time to time.

The Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations states that employees may need to access vessels used for storing, transporting and processing materials, products and “finished food and beverages”.

Transport and Storage

In this industry, understanding how to safely transport and store hazardous substances – such as flammable gases – in the confined spaces of vehicles is important. If the proper control measures aren’t implemented and these confined spaces are damaged, the results could be catastrophic.

If you’re working in confined spaces in any of the above industries, or would simply like more information about what Confined Space Training can do for you and your career, get in touch with the team at AlertForce today!

We offer a Confined Space Training (General Awareness Only) course that will help you understand the hazards associated with working in confined spaces and prevent accidents from occurring.

Asbestos Discovered At Bechtel LNG

Occupational Health and Safety Queensland is looking into the discovery of asbestos at Bechtel’s Australia Pacific LNG site where union reps are reporting that Bechtel refused to allow workers to water the area for safety.

However, a Bechtel representative stated that it was not necessary to water down the area since all materials were bonded in cement thus preventing any friable asbestos from being released.

WHSQ representatives labeled the site as safe for work to go on throughout the weekend, however the affected area will stay restricted under state procedures.

This is not the first instance of asbestos concerns in Curtis Island LNG projects.

Nearly 100 electrical workers suffered asbestos exposure from prefabricated buildings that were imported from overseas last year.

Now asbestos has been reportedly discovered in mulch from the Rockhampton tip.

Asbestos is currently banned on any Bechtel or ConnocoPhillips projects so internal investigations have commenced.

According to a spokesperson for the company, small pieces of “bonded cement sheeting” were discovered inside a product  used for sediment control.

Bechtel Gladstone general manager Kevin Berg said “We want a safe and healthy work environment for all our people and together, we work relentlessly every day to achieve that,”

Source:  http://www.gladstoneobserver.com.au/news/asbestos-concern-at-bechtel/2110006/

What you need to know about traffic management

On July 19, Safe Work Australia published a Model Code of Practice titled “Traffic Management in Workplaces”. This document provides an WHS guide for employers and employees all over the country who operate or work alongside vehicles and powered mobile plants.

According to Safe Work Australia, the Model Code of Practice has been given to the Select Council on Workplace Relations (also known as the Ministerial Council) for approval.

When it’s eventually agreed to, it will become the official WHS Code of Practice under the “Inter-Governmental Agreement for Regulatory and Operational” reform. That basically means it will constitute the foundation of traffic management legislation in all states and territories.

So, having a solid understanding of what the Model Code of Practice for “Traffic Management in Workplaces” contains will serve you well, no matter where in Australia you happen to live and work in.

Who’s responsible?

The document begins with an overview of exactly who is responsible for traffic management in the workplace. As usual, it’s a team effort. While the person conducting a business or undertaking (also known as the PCBU) has the “primary duty” to ensure all employees and people in the workplace are healthy and safe, a number of players are involved when it comes to traffic management.

These include the “principal contractor” if the workplace happens to be a construction site; the “designers, manufacturers, suppliers and importers” of the workplace, who should – for instance – ensure its layout keeps vehicles and pedestrians away from each other; officers and the employees themselves – particularly those who are driving vehicles or powered mobile plants.

Where do you start?

It doesn’t matter what industry you’re working in or what area of the workplace you’re focusing on, your first step toward creating a safe and healthy environment is a risk management strategy.

When it comes to traffic management, you still need to make a list of all the hazards in your workplace, come up with a method of assessing them (which involves putting them in order from “most risky” to “least risky”) and finally take measures to either remove the hazards altogether or, at least, mitigate the risk they pose to everyone in the workplace.

The difference is that all of the hazards you identify, assess and remove or control will be traffic-related.

These can include:

– reversing or maneuvering, arriving or departing, unloading or loading vehicles;
– if pedestrians are required to use the same routes as vehicles;
– attaching or detaching trailers;
– any maintenance work that needs to be carried out on vehicles or powered mobile plants;
– if drivers or operators are not able to see pedestrians at any point in time; and
– whether pedestrian routes (such as crossings) are well marked or not.

Once you’ve made a list of these hazards, it’s time to assess and control them.

What are some traffic management tips?

In addition to providing a step-by-step guide to developing a risk management strategy, Safe Work Australia’s Model Code of Practice contains some useful suggestions for reducing the likelihood of traffic-related accidents occurring.

The following are just a few highlights – for more information, read the full Model Code of Practice here.

When possible, the best way to make sure drivers and pedestrians stay healthy and safe in the workplace is by keeping them away from each other. It’s a good idea to provide them with separate routes, or at least placing barriers around vehicle routes to stop pedestrians from walking onto them accidently.

All routes should be designed with the largest vehicle you’ll be using in mind, so they don’t risk getting stuck. They should also be well maintained (free of potholes and other obstructions) and, Safe Work Australia states, surfaced with “bitumen, concrete or another suitable material that is well drained”.

The act of reversing is one of the most dangerous parts of driving a vehicle, so this one area that requires a good deal of attention.

The Model Code of Practice suggests employees avoid reversing altogether; however, there are other control measures you can implement if this isn’t possible. For instance, make sure all vehicles are equipped with the appropriate mirrors and reversing cameras, to help drivers see where they’re going, as well as lights and/or alarms so pedestrians know when vehicles are reversing.

Want to know more?

AlertForce offers courses in traffic management, which will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to keep safe in a variety of workplaces – no matter where you are in Australia.

Campaign Launched To Remove Asbestos From Community Buildings

Today marks the final day of Asbestos Awareness Month, which aims to educate and create awareness about the dangers of asbestos in Australia.

Minister for Community Services and Parks and Wildlife Bess Price said an Asbestos Removal Program had been developed which will continue in the Northern Territory next year.

“The Department of Community Services is rolling out a $19 million community Asbestos Removal Program over three years,” Mrs Price said.

“This will remove over 9200 square metres of asbestos material from public buildings across remote communities.

“Throughout the three year program, asbestos will be removed from community buildings.

“Tenders have been assessed and the successful tenderer will be announced early December.

“This engagement includes training and employment of local Aboriginal people and 20 per cent local development and engagement of local employment and contracts within the communities.”

The Parks and Wildlife Commission also has an asbestos removal program to deal with asbestos in our parks and reserves.

“This program is a rolling program, with almost half a million to be spent this year in removing asbestos related materials from parks and reserves,” Mrs Price said.

“The main priority of both programs is to minimise the long term health impacts that result from asbestos fibres in the environment.

“A major part of both programs is the consultations with stakeholders and local employment and training.

“The NT Government has also formed an intra-government Asbestos Management Working Group to look at a whole of government approach to asbestos management.”

 Source: http://newsroom.nt.gov.au/index.cfm?fuseaction=viewRelease&id=11796&d=5

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5 tips for working safely with scaffolds

There are many considerations that need to be made as part of construction site safety, but the proper use of scaffolding is often one of the most common.

After all, scaffolding is an integral part of any construction environment, so providing the necessary training to workers will help make sure OHS safety obligations are met at all times.

Following a few simple procedures can make the difference between operating a safe and compliant construction site and one that puts the security of its workers and others at risk.

Regardless of whether you are using fixed or mobile scaffolding, you need to follow the same safety procedures at all times.

Here are five tips you need to pass on to your employees to ensure they are using equipment in the safest way possible.

1) Choose the right scaffolding for the job

There are different types of scaffolding available, with each one benefiting from certain features that might make it better for the job than others.

Having a sound knowledge of scaffolding options is important, as this will help you decide which type to erect and ultimately ensure the safety of your workers.

If, for example, you select scaffolding that is too light duty for the job at hand, your workers could be put at risk and find the structure collapses from beneath them.

Light duty scaffolding is usually considered suitable for work such as painting and carpentry and can handle up to 225kg.

Medium duty, on the other hand, is more appropriate for general trades work and can cope with weights up to 450kg, while heavy duty scaffolding is best for weights up to 675kg.

If you are bricklaying, concreting, carrying out demolition work or any other jobs that involve heavy impact forces, heavy duty scaffolding is usually the best option.

2) Carry out a risk assessment

Risk management procedures are something that every construction site manager is likely to be well acquainted with – and scaffolding is no exception.

Being aware of risks before they can become a problem gives construction workers the opportunity to take steps to mitigate them, either through putting safeguards in place or providing additional training.

It is important to bear in mind that hazards can change over time – as a construction site develops, new challenges may start to emerge that mean the initial plan needs to be altered.

Regularly assessing the condition and position of scaffolding is a crucial element of this procedure, as it helps builders ensure they are following OHS procedures.

3) Undergo proper training

Regardless of whether a worker is tasked with constructing scaffolding or is simply using it as part of their job, it is essential to make sure they have received the right training.

Companies also need to make sure they are keeping up to date with the latest changes to safety legislation – once a training course is completed, this is far from the end of their education.

Laws are changing all the time, so staff may find they need to go on additional courses to ensure they are using the most up-to-date strategies for safety.

4) Ensure the safe construction of scaffolding

Scaffolding is only going to offer the safety features it is intended for if it is constructed properly – make sure anyone who is tasked with this job has the necessary training to undertake it.

Trained staff need to be used when the scaffolding is more than four metres high, as anything below this is less likely to pose safety risks to construction workers.

The same goes for if the scaffolding is altered in any way – this cannot be carried out by anyone, they must have undergone the right training to complete the task in a competent manner.

Structures also need to be made so that safe access can be maintained to the site. Significant problems may arise if workers are unable to reach critical safety points.

5) Encourage common sense

As with most construction site environments, making sure all workers adopt a common sense approach is the best way to ensure their safety.

For example, if scaffolding platforms look unsafe or incomplete, it is best that they are assessed by a trained expert before use.

The same goes for if there are any physical defects – although they may seem non-descript at first glance, they could actually lead to structural problems that might jeopardise the security of the scaffold.

Workers should also avoid making any changes to the scaffolding that have not been pre-approved, in case it jeopardises the safety of the platform and could result in harm to others.

When constructing scaffolding, it is important to avoid overhead power lines – the general rule is that it should be at least six metres away, while electrical cables should never be fixed to the structure.

Leaving loose items on scaffolding is usually advised against, not least because they can easily fall on people and lead to accidents.

As a result, it is recommended that catch platforms and safety screens are installed wherever possible and that workers are discouraged from being untidy while on the structure.

Making sure staff keep track of each other when up on the scaffolding is another good idea – a few extra pairs of eyes can help ensure people are working safely and identify any hazards that may not have been noticed.

The important role fatigue management plays in working at heights

Are you getting enough sleep?

According to Professor David Hillman, president of the Sleep Health Foundation, 18 per cent of adults in Australia get less than six hours of sleep per night. The average person needs between seven and nine hours of sleep per night in order to perform at their best.

If you’re not getting this much, you could be less productive at work and potentially cause an accident.

This latter eventuality is an all-too-common occurrence in workplaces around Australia, revealed Professor Hillman. Approximately 9,584 employees report suffering from fatigue-related injuries each year in our country. These cost businesses and the wider economy $131,912 – each – per annum.

Evidently fatigue is a costly problem in Australia, both in human and monetary terms. It’s therefore in every employer’s and employee’s best interests to understand exactly what fatigue is, what causes it and what those at all levels of the career ladder can do to prevent it.

What are the symptoms?

There are a wide range of symptoms associated with fatigue. It can prevent employees from being able to concentrate or judge risks as well as they normally can, make them irritable and slower to react and impair their hand-eye coordination and vision.

It can also inhibit employees’ ability to communicate with one another. All of these could lead to an accident that may have been easily prevented.

While attempting to perform tasks when you’re overtired is not ideal in any industry, it can be especially problematic – and dangerous – in the construction sector. That’s because employees are often called upon to use machinery and undertake jobs that require a constant vigilance – such as working at heights.

If your alertness is being clouded by fatigue, you could make an error that results in a serious accident.

Workplace Health and Safety Queensland explains that people who are suffering from overtiredness are often incapable of gauging how well they are functioning. This means they could have no idea their actions in the workplace are putting themselves and others at risk.

What causes it?

Not only does fatigue manifest itself in a variety of symptoms, but it can also be the result of an extensive list of factors and circumstances.

Victoria’s Better Health Channel states that a poor diet, lack of exercise, too little, too much and disturbed sleep are all lifestyle factors that may contribute to fatigue.

On top of this, myriad psychological and medical factors, such as depression, anxiety and recurring health problems can impact your ability to get sufficient sleep.

There are also a number of work-related circumstances that could be preventing you from getting the shut-eye you need.

One of the most common is shift work, as this often requires employees to work during hours of the day or night when their bodies are programmed to be asleep.

SafeWork South Australia explains that shift work can throw off the body’s circadian rhythm – the body clock that controls our behavioural and biochemical processes – which can increase a person’s chances of experiencing fatigue.

In addition to shift work, being made to work long hours can also lead to fatigue.

Other factors include work-related stress caused by bullying and conflict, boredom and dissatisfaction, and even the environment you’re working in – according to the Better Health Channel, being exposed to excessive noise and extreme temperatures can up your chances of feeling drowsy at work!

What can you do to prevent it?

Now that you understand the symptoms of and risks posed by fatigue, as well as what causes it to occur, it’s time to put some thought into how you can eradicate it from your life and workplace.

Though fatigue isn’t a tangible work, health and safety (WHS) issue, that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t feature in your business’s risk management strategy. Just like any other hazard on the construction site, it needs to be identified as a risk and assessed before a plan of action is developed and implemented to eliminate or reduce its effect on employees.

And, like all other hazards, managing fatigue is the duty of everyone present in the workplace. WHS is a two-way street, and there are steps both employers and employees can take to ensure fatigue is not a feature of your construction site.

The following are just a few.

Employers:

– To prevent fatigue caused by shift work at unpalatable hours of the day and night, try to arrange shifts for times when employees are programmed to be awake.
– SafeWork South Australia is adamant that employees need “sufficient time between periods of work to physically rest and give their bodies an opportunity to recover from fatigue and workplace hazard exposures”. So, review your employees’ work schedules and make sure they have enough downtime between shifts to recharge properly.
– It can also be a good idea to encourage your workers to perform tasks in teams – the Better Health Channel states that working alone and having “little or no interaction with others” can result in fatigue.
– Provide employees with part-time work hours, if you can, and rotate tasks so that no one is stuck doing the same thing for extended periods of time.

Employees:

– Try not to drink caffeine or alcohol and avoid eating anything within the two or three hours before you go to bed.
– Always sleep in a cool, dark environment and keep your bedroom free of distractions such as TVs, computers and other devices. It should be reserved for sleeping!
– It might be difficult at first, but setting up a sleep routine and sticking to it can help prevent fatigue. If possible, wake up at the same time every day – even on the weekends – and try to go to bed around the same time, too.
– Make sure you get plenty of exercise, but not during the three hours before you go to bed.
– Eat a balanced diet and cut down or – better yet – quit smoking.

If you would like to discover more about the dangers of fatigue, particularly for those in the construction sector who are working at heights, get in touch with the team at AlertForce today.

We offer a range of WHS courses, including Working at Heights Training, which will equip you with the skills and knowledge you need to keep safe when performing tasks at elevated levels.

In addition to covering the common risks associated with working at heights, such as fatigue, the course will look into topics such as scaffold and ladder safety, walk you through case studies so you can see best practices in action and present you with a WHS certificate at the end.

Human Resources: Teen Commits Suicide Following After Serious Bullying

In March 2008, teenager Alec Meikle began a train-building apprenticeship he believed would ”start his journey through life”.

But within three months, the 16-year-old had allegedly been subjected to such relentless, violent bullying by his new supervisor and workmates that the once ”happy, bubbly” youth had become ”a sad, round-shouldered boy”.

By October of that year, Alec had hanged himself with yellow rope from a staircase bannister.

The role the alleged bullying played in his death is a central focus of a coronial inquest taking place at Glebe Coroner’s Court this week.

The opening day of the inquest on Monday heard that, having left school at 16, Alec began an apprenticeship at the Bathurst premises of engineering company Downer EDI, an operation which builds an maintains trains for RailCorp.

The inquest heard that within three days of beginning his apprenticeship, Alec was regularly being called a ”f—‘n useless c–t”.

Over the ensuing weeks the teenager was allegedly burnt with a welding torch, sprayed with adhesive and set on fire.

Several of his colleagues also allegedly threatened to anally rape him with a steel dildo.

Accompanying these incidents, the inquest heard, was near constant verbal abuse.

”He said the first day was fantastic, second day fantastic and then the abuse started,” Alec’s father, Richard Meikle told the inquest.

”And then it was ‘you useless f—n c–t, you useless c–t’. That was thrown at him every day.”

Mr Meikle said Alec told him the main perpetrator was his direct supervisor along with another colleague.

”He said because his supervisor was leading it, he didn’t have anyone standing up for him, anyone to talk to about it,” Mr Meikle said.

Alec’s parents began to notice he was becoming agitated and withdrawn. They said, initially, he refused to say what was going on but eventually opened up. ”He said, ‘dad, how many times would you want to hear the words you useless f—‘n c–t day after day after day?”’ Mr Meikle said. ”He became a sad, round-shouldered boy.”

The bullying allegedly continued for three months, until May 2008 when Alec left the company.

Soon after, the teenager was diagnosed with severe anxiety and depression, and later, an adjustment disorder.

He was admitted to the mental health wing of Bathurst Hospital for short period and seemed to improve but, not long after being released, he attempted suicide in the family’s downstairs gym room.

”I’m a failure, I can’t even kill myself,” Alec reportedly told his parents after the suicide attempt.

Alec’s parents arranged for him to return to New Zealand – where the family had migrated from in 2002 – to live with his aunt and uncle and have further treatment.

But on the night of October 30, 2008 Alec’s aunt and cousin arrived home to find he had taken his life.

The inquest heard an internal investigation by Downer EDI found Alec had been subject to little or no supervision, instruction or training, and was given work above his level.

It also found he had been subjected to sarcasm, verbal abuse and put downs as well as the bullying incidents he reported.

A subsequent WorkCover investigation found that while the company had an anti-bullying policy, the alleged bullying behaviour had been allowed to ”manifest” during Alec’s apprenticeship.

The inquest continues.

More info on Human Resources Training

Source: http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/alec-meikle-killed-himself-after-relentless-bullying-inquest-hears-20131202-2ylea.html#ixzz2mrb9786E

Working safely in flammable atmospheres

There are many risks involved when it comes to working in confined spaces. According to the Health and Safety Authority, most of these dangers revolve around the inhospitable atmosphere those performing tasks in such environments are forced to contend with.

The most common atmospheres you need to be prepared for are toxic, oxygen-deficient or oxygen-enriched, explosive or flammable atmospheres.

All possess unique hazards that you must identify, assess and determine how to manage before you may commence work in them.

One of the most dangerous environments those working in confined spaces can be faced with is a flammable atmosphere. This is exactly what it says on the tin – an atmosphere that’s at risk of igniting and causing a fire or some type of explosion.

The Health and Safety Authority explains that such an atmosphere might arise when flammable liquids, gases or combustible dust are present in confined spaces.

As part of your risk assessment of the working environment, you should keep an eye out for these substances and potential sources of ignition, so you can take the necessary steps to prevent them from harming your or your co-workers.

Some potential sources of ignition are electrical equipment, “hot-work activities” (e.g. welding), exhaust pipes and even static electricity.

According to Workplace Health and Safety Queensland, flammable atmospheres are considered hazardous if and when “the concentration of flammable gas, vapour, mist, or fumes exceeds five per cent of the lower explosive limit (LEL) for the substance”.

The LEL is the smallest amount of gas mixed with air that will cause a fire or explosion to occur.

You can determine whether environment you’re working in is hazardous or not by conducting atmosphere testing. This must always be undertaken if you’re unsure about the concentration of flammable substances in the air. Safe Work Australia explains this should be carried out by a “competent person” using “correctly calibrated” gas detector.

It’s important to remember that your own senses are not astute enough to determine whether the atmosphere in your working environment is safe or not. Safe Work Australia warns that many flammable substances are undetectable by smell or sight alone.

How do I keep safe in flammable atmospheres?

Once you’ve conducted a risk assessment and discovered the presence of flammable substances and potential sources of ignition, you need to decide how best to manage them.

As always, your first step must be to eliminate the flammable substances and/or potential sources of ignition. Where possible, remove these from the confined space or spaces in which you’re working and introduce administrative controls to prevent workers from performing tasks in these areas that might cause the atmosphere to ignite.

Next, do everything you can to lessen the chance of any remaining flammable substances and potential sources of ignition causing a fire or explosion.

For example, suggests Workplace Health and Safety Queensland, make sure any electrical equipment you’re using is properly earthed, regularly maintained and “suitably rated” – that is, designed to be flame-proof or “intrinsically safe”.

It’s important to check with the manufacturer of electrical equipment what “zone” of flammable atmosphere it’s able to be used in safely. The “zone” you’re working in – in other words, how hazardous/flammable the atmosphere is – should be determined as part of your risk assessment.

Zone 0 is the most hazardous or most likely to result in a fire or explosion, while Zone 2 is the least hazardous. That means using electrical equipment designed for Zone 2 in a Zone 0 confined space could potentially lead to an accident – even though the equipment is supposedly flame-proof.

Want to know more?

If you want to learn more about performing tasks in flammable atmospheres, you may want to consider enrolling in a Confined Space Training course. This will provide you with an overview of the risks associated with working in confined spaces and help you to prevent accidents from occurring.

In addition to covering flammable atmospheres, the Confined Space Training course delves into toxic and oxygen-deficient atmospheres, as well as configuration and other hazards you may come across working in confined spaces. You will also leave with a sound understanding of the Entry Permit System and a range of safety procedures, such as atmosphere testing, purging, ventilation and personal or respiratory protective equipment.

The Confined Space Training course may help you to save your own or a co-workers life sometime in the future – so, what are you waiting for? Get in touch with AlertForce today and get prepared.

Dangerous Goods: Man Fell Up To His Shoulders Into Acid and Uranium

The Operator of the Northern Territory’s Ranger uranium mine revealed that despite a worker slipping over at a toxic spill, he did not suffer any injuries.

The Manufacturing Workers Union reported that the man was provided with first-aid treatment  after he fell shoulder high into a pool of acid and uranium.

Energy Resources of Australia chief executive Andrea Sutton has denied allegations that the man fell into the slurry that deeply.

“We had an individual working that slipped over in the slurry material dropping to their hands and knees,” Ms Sutton said.

“The material was promptly washed off as per the site hygiene procedures and the material itself poses no serious threat to those working in the clean-up.”

The union revealed to the media that a worker was injured and had subsequently refused to return to work.

However, the ERA said the person who slipped had done so days before and did return to work.

The man who slipped was allegedly wearing protective equipment including waist-high waders and acid-resistant gloves.

Further comment by the union is expected.

More info on Dangerous Goods 

Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-12-16/mine-operator-denies-worker-fell-into-uranium-slurry-up-to-armp/5159642?section=nt

Asbestos To Be Removed From Old Bus Depot Roofing

The old bus depot in Kingston is expected to get airtight walls and barriers installed while asbestos ridden roofing is being removed at the start of the new year.

The upper hall will reportedly be closed for the duration of approximately five weeks  while the cement roof sheeting is removed. Roof replacement will be concluded towards the end of  April of next year.

The bus depot markets will continue to be in operation while the work is being conducted, but stallholders will move from the upperdeck to the Fitter’s Workshop and northern Annexe which is now known as the Lakeside gallery.

Land Development Agency chief executive David Dawes revealed that the project is expected to cost $2.64 million and will require extra work to be done such as demolishing the nearby asbestos-contaminated former morgue.  The land from the demolition is expected to be used for residential purposes.

An asbestos assessor will oversee the removal while bus depot will remain closed to the public.

All the replacements will be installed prior to the actual removal of the asbestos.  Air-monitoring equipment will be put into place in order to keep an eye on the air quality while the asbestos is being removed.
Source: http://www.canberratimes.com.au/act-news/airtight-barriers-for-removal-of-kingston-bus-depot-markets-asbestos-roof-20131218-2zlng.html#ixzz2nx3NtzsV

Telstra Pit Asbestos Still Endangering the Public

A communications union has raised concerns regarding work done by a Telstra contractor after asbestos was discovered within the proximity of a recently replaced telecommunications pit.

Telstra’s National Broadband Network (NBN) roll out included pits that were discovered to contain asbestos.

Coutts Contracting is currently under investigation, since they had been put in charge of replacing dozens of pits in Caboolture and Morayfield between August 2011 and October 2012.

Recently a piece of asbestos was found near a replaced pit in front of a house in Morayfield.

Phil Hughes, a representative for the Communication Workers Union says that it is unclear how long the piece has been there. He is concerned because it’s dry and is potentially very dangerous as the sun breaks it down and exposes the fibres.

He alleges that pieces of asbestos were left in the ground and simply covered with a thin layer of land fill.  He said that the contaminated soil is under only about an inch of soil, which means it will eventually work its way up to the surface of the ground, endangering the community.

Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-12-19/union-concerns-over-asbestos-found-at-telstra-work-site/5167488

Human Resources: Bullying Plaguing Australian Workplaces

If a bullied employee didn’t report the bullying, does it mean there isn’t a problem?

A parliamentary inquiry into allegations of bullying at WorkCover NSW – the watchdog responsible for workplace safety, including bullying complaints, across all NSW employers – has heard the most common approaches to dealing with an outbreak of bullying don’t work.

”Wellness” programs, which focus on an individual’s resilience, and dispute resolution are like handing out safety equipment, when what really needs to be tackled is the danger that organisation’s culture poses to the health of its staff, experts said.

”Get rid of the asbestos, don’t just give everyone a dust mask,” said University of NSW senior lecturer Dr Carlo Caponecchia last week. He also warned that hotlines, injury claims and staff morale surveys weren’t accurate measures.

Allegations of bullying inside WorkCover aren’t new. A PricewaterhouseCoopers investigation was ordered by the previous Labor government and came up with a raft of recommendations.

Yet in June, the industrial court again found that a senior employee at WorkCover had been bullied out of his job, in a case that had ”the characterisation of institutional bullying”. The parliamentary inquiry was called.

WorkCover, which will give evidence on Monday, boasts in its latest annual report that only five staff called its Bullying Response Service last year. The inference is that bullying is not widespread.

But witnesses at the inquiry gave another reason for so few calls to the hotline – staff who did call were subsequently exposed to their managers.

Jann Jeffries, an industrial officer with the Public Service Association, told politicians ”harm” had come to union members who used the service.

Bullying victims had their privacy breached when invoices for the service, identifying the callers, were sent to managers. In other cases, staff who had called the hotline in confidence were later challenged about the content of those conversations by the managers they had complained about.

Over the past two years, WorkCover has paid out more than $1 million in workers compensation claims to its own staff. Injury claims halved last year to 22, as psychological injury claims dropped by 84 per cent to four, and there were just two explicit ”bullying” claims (down from 11). Problem solved?

Caponecchia says a bullying reporting system needs to be safe to use, ”so that people don’t feel that in reporting a problem there is going to be ‘payback’.”

Multiple submissions to the inquiry by serving and former WorkCover staff, in administrative, legal and medical roles, have described a ”toxic and unsafe work environment with a broken culture”.

One wrote: ”Staff have become so disillusioned that those who are bullied don’t bother to complete the survey.”

”Reports of bullying being reported are rare,” wrote a lawyer. This is because reporting it would only worsen an individual’s problem, he said.

”We desperately need someone to regulate the regulator,” wrote another WorkCover employee.

The inquiry heard WorkCover’s internal problem with bullying meant it was ill-equipped to deal with bullying as an injury issue in the broader workforce.

One woman, a solicitor who had received a psychological injury in a private workplace and then had an insurance issue, said: ”Complaining to WorkCover is traumatic.”

”I was at the point where [the WorkCover employee] could hear that someone was contemplating suicide at the other end of the phone and he did not back down,” she said, in tears.

A survey of bullying across all NSW government departments by the Public Service Commission in 2012, released under freedom-of-information laws, showed seven of the top 10 most bullied agencies were local health districts. In the worst case, three-quarters of staff in the Central Coast health district had witnessed bullying.

A later survey conducted by NSW Health in March found only 42 per cent of staff statewide had confidence in processes for resolving staff conflict. Half had been verbally abused in the past year.

Employees who have written to Fairfax Media suggest the situation is worse than the survey results indicate – they point out only a third of staff actually responded to the survey. In some districts, the response rate was as low as 17 per cent.

Source: http://www.smh.com.au/comment/bullying-culture-could-run-deep-at-workcover-20131109-2x8dt.html#ixzz2mrcAeXzG

ACTU Issues Press Release Re: Illegal Asbestos Imports

Tougher policing of imports described as asbestos free is urgently needed by the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service.

As shown on last night’s 730 Report, and the subject of Union concerns over a long period, the inadequacy of importation controls, especially those applying to China are allowing products such as locomotives and motor vehicles containing white asbestos to be imported into Australia.

“Asbestos causes cancer, it’s that simple,” ACTU Assistant Secretary Michael Borowick said.

“Australia has a decade old ban on the importation of asbestos to protect the community from its harmful effects that isn’t being enforced.

“Importers have been duty bound since December 2003 to not import anything containing asbestos yet it is still happening and to make matters worse, the regulator isn’t doing its job and enforcing the ban.

“It is well established that imports from China, particularly freight trains and motor vehicles contain asbestos components.

“Tragically, asbestos has been discovered only after workers had been exposed during an engine repair.

“Last year, despite around 25,000 motor vehicles found to contain asbestos being imported from China by Ateco no prosecution by the regulator took place.

“These are complete failures by the regulator who should have identified the asbestos before the vehicles and trains were allowed into Australia.

“There are a growing number of unacceptable breaches of the asbestos ban occurring under the watch of the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service, and something needs to be done.

“If nothing is done, more workers and members of the community will needlessly be put at risk.

“The Government must urgently provide greater resources to the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service to ensure they are equipped to enforce the ban.’
Source: http://www.actu.org.au/media/mediareleases/IllegalasbestosimportsputtingAustraliansatrisk.aspx

Pro-Tip: Do not Ask Children To Stack Asbestos Sheets

When Dale Alcock was growing up in the Wheatbelt town of Kellerberrin, one after-school chore was stacking asbestos sheets in his family’s hardware yard.

It seemed innocent at the time, but after the building mogul lost his father Dennis to mesothelioma almost four years ago, the gravity of the situation dawned on him.

“Often with asbestos disease you tend to find out in the twilight of a person’s life, so in my father’s situation, when he was diagnosed to when he passed away was six months,” Mr Alcock said. “There is always a lingering concern in the back of your mind about Dad could be the first one in the family to get it, what about everyone else?”

Mr Alcock describes mesothelioma as the “black cloud” hanging over the building industry.

After his father died, he put forward a proposal for the Housing Industry Association to set up a charitable foundation to help improve the health and wellbeing of those in the industry.

The foundation yesterday handed over its first cheque to the National Centre for Asbestos Related Diseases to fund cutting-edge research into mesothelioma.

Mr Alcock, his wife Jan and Alcock Brown-Neaves Group donated $325,000 to the cause, WA Charity Direct contributed $25,000 and an extra $50,000 came from fundraising.

More info on Asbestos Removal

Source: http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/a/-/wa/20162871/alcock-bid-to-nail-mesothelioma/

Premier Closes Road Leading To Asbestos Mine

The Acting Premier has announced the closure of the road that passes through the derelict Woodsreef Asbestos Mine at Barraba.

Andrew Stoner says the public health risks to keep open the road, known as Crow Mountain Road, are far too high with deposits of Chrysotile, or white asbestos considered to be a carcinogen, present at the Woodsreef mine.

The mine is managed as part of the New South Wales Derelict Mines Program.

Andrew Stoner says processed friable asbestos material stockpiled throughout the mine site, and the expert advice received by the Woodsreef Mine Taskforce, indicate it is unsafe.

“In addition to this, tailings material containing asbestos has been deposited on the surface of Mine Road and subsequently disturbed by passing vehicles,” he said in a statement.

The Acting Premier says he is aware that some Barraba residents wish to keep the road open, but he says the state government would breach its public duty if it took any other course of action.

A scoping study report has rejected construction of an alternate access route around the derelict mine, saying the existing road network is sufficient.

Andrew Stoner says the NSW government has accepted this advice.

Nationals’ Member for Tamworth, Kevin Anderson, says he is disappointed with the decision, but says he understands the reasons behind the closure.

The recommendation for the road closure was made in 2011.

Residents of Barraba have registered their anger at the decision, saying their suggestions about the future of the road have been ignored.

More info on Asbestos Training

Source:

Railway Workers Fear Potential Asbestos Exposure

Railway workers have been exposed to potentially hazardous asbestos after the deadly dust was found in locomotives brought in from China.

The breach of a 10-year ban on the import of products containing the carcinogenic fibre is not the first incident of its kind.

Unions are now demanding tougher policing of Chinese imports, describing the current asbestos-free certificates as a farce.

Last year freight carrier SCT imported 10 locomotives made by China Southern Rail (CSR) to tow iron ore bound for China to port.

To comply with the decade-old Australian ban on asbestos imports, they were certified asbestos-free. However, this was not the case.

National secretary of the Rail, Tram and Bus Union Bob Nanva says maintenance workers raised concerns about the dust.

“We had our maintenance workers repairing a number of diesel engines,” he said.

“They identified a lot of white dust among those engines and asked the question as to whether or not that dust was safe.”

The workers’ concerns were justified. White asbestos – or chrysotile – was found throughout the locomotives, in insulation around the exhaust and muffler system, around coolant pipes and in the brake exhaust section near the roof of the driver’s cabin.

Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-11-26/chinese-imports-spark-railway-worker-asbestos-scare/5118242

Speed Cameras: Highway Robbery or High Tech Safety?

The data for this infographic was compiled by Budget Direct.

Construction Safety: Watchdog Issues Notices After Tipped Truck

Workplace safety watchdog, WorkSafe ACT has handed out several notices after a truck tipped over at a Harrison worksite while unloading scaffolding.

Classic Scaffolding owner Ned Aleksic rvealed that one of the truck’s outriggers used to stablilise the truck, as a crane mounted it, punctured the asphalt causing the load to become unstable and tipping the truck.

A Justice and Community Safety Directorate spokesperson stated that there were fortunately no injuries as a result of the accident, and WorkSafe will continue to investigate the incident.  Presently, two prohibition notices, and one improvement notice were issued in relation  to the plant and the scaffolding load.

Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union ACT branch secretary said the plant in this situation was the truck, crane, and the chains and the accident was a timely reminder of the crucial need for highlighting construction safety as we enter the holiday season.

Source:  http://www.canberratimes.com.au/act-news/safety-concerns-as-truck-tips-over-20131216-2zhk5.html#ixzz2nmRTsT49

Asbestos Discovered At Children’s Centre

A letter sent to parents the day after the incident said concrete sheeting which contained asbestos was disturbed during gardening works.

The manager of Banyule’s Youth and Family Services, Giovanna Failla, revealed that no asbestos fibres were released into the air and subsequent air-quality tests showed no air-particles were present.

However reports have emerged that some are concerned about the continuous risks to children and staff who have been attending the centre.The allegations even posit that the discovery was covered up and the initially discovered asbestos was not adequately removed.

Banyule Council spokeswoman Fiona Athersmith revealed that a hole was being dug when the asbestos was uncovered.

“As the cement sheet segments were buried in the ground there was no release of fibres into the air and there would have been none in the past while children were in the playground,”  Athersmith said.

She dismissed further concerns of exposure by stating that the centre plans on planting in raised garden beds so as to avoid any below ground digging.

More info on Asbestos

Source: http://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/north/asbestos-found-at-joyce-avenue-childrens-centre-in-greensborough/story-fnglenug-1226782527718

Occupational Health and Safety: Long Working Hours And Workplace Violence

Working Long Hours Has A Detrimental Affect On Workers in A Variety of Industries!

A UK food production centre was charged last week after a workplace amputation went beyond Working Time Regulations hundreds of times throughout a few months.

The discovery was made after the food giant Bakkavor’s prosecution for safety breaches that resulted in a worker losing the tip of his finger from an unguarded machine at their pizza factory.

Between July and September 2013, workers were denied the legally required 11 hour rest break between shifts– a shocking 647 times.  The Pizza factory in question, Harrow, employs upwards of 800 people and is one of the UK’s largest pizza manufacturing sites.

The reason we highlight this company’s prosecution today, is that a company this size has the resources required to ensure that their workers’ occupational health and safety standards are upheld. A result of the prosecution, the bullion dollar company has been called to release a full disclosure of all records pertaining to work hours. Past attempts by the union to compel the company to disclose their hours has resulted in Bakkavor simply assuring them that the issues were being tackled. However, the union has responded to their assurances stating, these “processes are simply not working and somebody must be held accountable.” It certainly would make consumers think about whether you really want to eat pizzas produced by this company.

Long Hours and Workplace Violence a Topic of Concern for 2014.

About a quarter of workers will suffer violence in AUS workplaces throughout their career, costing millions of dollars per year.

Recently released findings revealed over 2,000 serious injury claims were filed as a result of workplace assaults at work in 2010 to 20111. This cost an average of A$6,400 each, with three weeks off of work.

In excess of 4,5000 claims attributed to mental stress as a result of exposure to occupational violence were successful in the three year period between 2008-11. Nearly 60 per cent of the claimants were female and the majority of the groups most vulnerable were those working alone at night handling cash such as retail workers, emergency workers, healthcare workers, teachers and prison officers.

Employers need to take heed and uphold their responsibility in ensuring staff are safe, while constantly reflecting on workplace risk factors. Assessment must be done, considering all the possible risks, solutions, and measures that need to be taken to ensure safety. Therefore, quality safety training must be provided to all employees working in a risky environment.

Source: Julie Amour

More info on Occupational Health and Safety

What you need to know: Hazard identification and risk assessment

The foundation of Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) in any sector is a comprehensive risk management strategy.

This is the key to eliminating or, if this isn’t possible, reducing the number of hazards in your workplace, so that all employees can benefit from a risk-free environment.

A basic risk management strategy contains three steps: identifying hazards, assessing the risk they pose, and eliminating or controlling this risk.

The following is a brief overview of these tasks. If you would like to find out more, consider signing up for WHS training with AlertForce.

1) Identification

The first and most important step of your risk management strategy is identifying all of the hazards in your workplace. These can include everything from the equipment you’re using to the location in which you’re performing them.

Safe Work Australia’s “Code of Practice – Construction Work” contains some useful examples of hazards you may want to consider.

It recommends keeping an eye out for ladders and how they’re being used; falling objects, such as tools and other equipment; any chemicals or potentially dangerous materials, such as asbestos; holes and uneven surfaces; and myriad aspects of your environment.

This final category includes factors such as the temperature of the workplace (if you’re working in extremely cold or hot conditions) as well as its layout, if you’re working in a confined space or one with limited accessibility.

There are a number of ways you can go about identifying risks. For example, you could make a “risk checklist” based on previous accidents or project evaluations and see if your current workplace contains any of the same hazards.

You could also try brainstorming or having discussions with coworkers about the particular tasks or areas of the workplace they believe pose a risk to health and safety.

2) Assessment

Once you’ve located all of the hazards in your workplace, it’s time to assess the risk they pose.

According to Safe Work Australia, your risk assessment will need to take two important factors into consideration: the likelihood of someone being injured by one of the hazards you’ve identified and how severe the injury could be.

You will then need to rank the hazards based on this information. This can be quite difficult, notes Engineers Australia’s “Risk Management Strategies Guide”, as the frequency and severity of damage-causing events caused by a hazard can sometimes be conflicting.

For instance, you might decide that a particular hazard has the potential to cause a huge amount of damage, however, the chance of this damage actually occurring is pretty slim. Do you give it a high or a low ranking?

Engineers Australia suggests using a numbering system to help make this decision. Look at each individual hazard and assign it a number between one and three for both frequency and severity.

In the frequency category, a valuation of one should be given to damage-causing events that have a high probability of occurring, while three should be given to those which may only happen on rare occasions.

In the severity category, this flips on its head – one means that is poses an insignificant risk, while three represents a damage-causing event that would have catastrophic consequences if and when it occurred.

After you’ve assigned the hazard a number in each category, add them up and rank them.

Safe Work Australia reveals that this step isn’t actually obligatory in the construction industry, except in particular circumstances – for instance, if you’re working in an environment that may be contaminated by asbestos.

However, it’s a good idea to conduct a risk assessment, as it will help you figure out the best way to manage the hazards you’ve identified – the next step in your risk management strategy.

3) Management

You should now have a list of all of the hazards in your workplace and the risk they pose to employers and employees.

The third and final step is to put control measures in place to prevent the damage-causing events you’ve identified from occurring altogether – or, at least, mitigate the risk they present.

It’s important to note that there’s no “one size fits all” method of dealing with health and safety risks – use the information you’ve collected in the previous two steps to develop a risk management plan for each individual hazard.

In most sectors, including the construction sector, there is a hierarchy of control measures. Those at the top of the list are deemed the most effective at managing risks and should be implemented first. If this isn’t possible for some reason, a control measure located further down the list may be used.

Of course, completely eliminating the hazard is ideal and should always be attempted first. This isn’t always possible, however, so once you’ve gotten rid of all the hazards you can, move on to minimising the risk posed by others.

There are a wide range of ways to mitigate risks in the workplace, and sometimes you will be able to implement multiple control measures for one particular hazard.

Safe Work Australia names substitution, isolation, engineering controls and personal protection equipment (PPE) as the primary methods of protecting workers from hazards.

So, what do these terms all mean? The first, substitution, entails replacing the hazard you’ve identified with a lesser hazard – for example, replacing a solvent-based paint with a water-based paint, according to the “Code of Practice – Construction Work”.

Isolation involves placing the hazard in a location where it’s less likely to harm workers or people visiting the workplace, while engineering controls are “physical control measures” that individuals can take to help keep themselves and their co-workers safe.

PPE is actually classified as the lowest control measure on the hierarchy of control measures. It should be used only if every previous option from managing a particular risk has been ruled out as impracticable, or – better yet – in addition to one of the aforementioned control measures.

Remember…

It’s important to remember a risk management strategy isn’t a “set-and-forget” kind of document. Once you’ve developed one, you need to ensure it’s reviewed on a regular basis, so that it’s always up to date and suitable for your current workplace.

Ridley School District Involved in Asbestos Investigation

The Ridley School District is  currently involved in an investigation by the state Department of Environmental Protection  regarding a 1983 asbestos disposal by a contractor. The contractor was working at a former high-school when he dumped the asbestos material at a landfill in Montgomery county.

School board solicitor John F.X Reilly informed the board at a December meeting that Boyertown Landfill was currently under investigation and remediation of the deadly material.

“There are dozens of parties that have been notified as well, including businesses, municipalities and school districts,” Reilly said. “They call all these parties potentially responsible parties.”

Reilly revealed that the DEP may hold Ridley responsible for a proportionate cost of dealing with the landfill. He also revealed the amount of Waste Ridley was responsible was relatively small but they remain a responsible party.

Reilly rejected requests to reveal the names of other parties involved , stated that there was no cost estimate on what it project could cost the district.

“We are waiting for a response from the DEP … we haven’t discussed or negotiated a resolution. We are in the very early phase right now,” Reilly said.

More info on Asbestos Training
Source: http://www.delcotimes.com/general-news/20131207/ridley-school-district-part-of-dep-asbestos-investigation

How to clean asbestos table cloths

In 2013, asbestos – the deadly substance that was once frequently used in construction and other industries – is making headlines for all the wrong reasons.

Australians are discovering that many buildings, even their own homes, might be contaminated with asbestos. Once disturbed, it can release deadly fibres into the air that, when inhaled, cause a range of fatal diseases, such as mesothelioma.

However, the substance has not always held such notoriety. Indeed, just 30 years ago it was hailed as an incredibly useful material – hence its incorporation into so many buildings throughout the country.

According to the National Health and Research Council, asbestos is reasonably inexpensive to mine and process, and it possesses many other characteristics that rendered it something of a godsend to many sectors. These include its resistance to fire, electrical charges and a variety of chemicals; its flexibility and strength and the fact that it’s both a fantastic insulator and sound barrier.

That’s why asbestos was used in a huge range of products, such as concrete, paint, furniture and even table cloths.

Did you know that asbestos fibres can be spun and woven? The ancients did, and they were also clued-up on its other amazing properties.

Ancient Rome

The term “asbestos” has actually been attributed to Gaius Plinius Secundus – better known as Pliny the Elder – who was a Roman author, philosopher and military commander in the first century AD. In his book Natural History, he described the substance as “abestinon”, which means “unquenchable”.

He explained that his contemporaries used asbestos in myriad “woven products”, including napkins, shrouds, and – of course – table cloths.

Ancient Greece

Pliny the Elder wasn’t the only ancient who was fascinated by asbestos, or took the time to jot down a sentence or two about it. In the fourth century BC, one of Aristotle’s students, Theophrastus, wrote of a substance that possessed all of the attributes we associated with asbestos.

According to “Asbestos Revisited”, an article published in Scientific American, Theophrastus described it as “resembling rotten wood” and explained that it “would burn without being harmed” when doused with oil. This information was included in his book “On Stones”, written around 300 BC, and is one of the earliest references we have to asbestos.

Like the ancient Romans, the ancient Greeks also incorporated asbestos into products such as clothing – originally for slaves, but when its seemingly magical properties were discovered, the substance was used to dress more regal persons. They were not unaware of its usefulness as a insulator, either, placing it in their walls and even ovens to keep the heat in and the cold out.

The deadly substance continued to be used for the next thousand years, appearing in books at different times from all over the world.

The Middle Ages

Interestingly, the Mesothelioma and Asbestos Information Exchange states that pieces of asbestos were sold during the Middle Ages to gullible consumers who were told they were taken from the cross on which Jesus Christ was crucified.

In order to demonstrate the religious power of such relics, clever merchants would toss the asbestos – which, as Theophrastus pointed out, looked like rotten wood – into fire and impress the crowds by retrieving it unscatched.

Many scholars from this period claimed the substance’s fascinating properties could only mean one thing – that asbestos fibres were actually salamander hair. “Asbestos Revisited” also states that other possible candidates for the source of asbestos during this period included lizard plumes and bird feathers.

Charlemagne

One of the most famous possessors of a product made from asbestos was Charlemagne. Emperor of Western Europe from December 25, AD 800, to January 28, AD 814, Charlemagne is remembered for his campaigns and reforms – and, apparently, his table cloth.

Legend has it the “Father of Europe” owned a remarkable table cloth woven out of asbestos, which he used to astound (or, as Scientific American suggests, intimidate) his guests by throwing it into the fire and then removing it – completely unharmed. This left many believing Charlemagne had supernatural powers.

How to clean asbestos table cloths

However, he was simply doing what the ancient Romans and Greeks had done hundreds of years earlier. While in the time of Charlemagne having a table cloth made from asbestos was very elite, as was mentioned earlier in ancient Rome and Greece this was a common household item.

One of the main reasons was that such a table cloth could be cleaned by just tossing it in the fire.

After they had finished eating, explains the Mesothelioma and Asbestos Information Exchange, the ancient Romans would place their napkins, table cloths and any other materials made out of asbestos in the fire, where all the stains and food scraps would burn away and the table cloth would remain intact, fit for the next meal of the day.

Apparently these items often came out of the fire whiter and brighter than when they went in, a phenomenon that led ancient Romans to give it another awe-inspiring name: “amiantus”, which means “unpolluted”.

Present Day

An increased asbestos awareness – particularly of the risk it poses to anyone who comes into contact with it – has led to the substance’s being completely banned in Australia. The National Health and Medical Research Council explains that asbestos began to be phased out in the 1980s and was only completely prohibited at the end of 2003.

A beginner’s guide to Australian WHS legislation

While the rules and regulations surrounding WHS differ from state to state and territory to territory, Safe Work Australia has developed a Model WHS Act, which all WHS Acts being introduced across the country are based on in some way, shape, or form.

Its purpose is to “harmonise WHS law” in Australia, so that all employers and employees are protected, no matter where their workplace might be.

The first draft of the Model WHS Act was crafted by the Workplace Relations Ministers’ Council and was released for public comment in September 2009. Safe Work Australia added its two cents in December 2009, and the Model WHS Act was finalised in June 2011.

Just over six months later, in January 2012, the following states and territories adopted the Model WHS Act as part of their WHS laws. These include: Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, Northern Territory, Queensland, and South Australia.

WHS laws in these regions now include the Model WHS Act, Codes of Practice, and other compliance and enforcement policies. The states and territories that have not yet adopted the new WHS laws are still required to implement their own, according to the Australian government.

So, what do all of these rules and regulations entail?

Understanding the Three Elements of the Model WHS Laws

The model Work Health and Safety (WHS) laws are comprised of three main elements:

1. Model WHS Act
2. Model WHS Regulations
3. Model Codes of Practice

The National Compliance and Enforcement Policy supports each of these elements by establishing guidelines for WHS regulators to monitor and enforce compliance.

The WHS legislation was intended to bring greater consistency to health and safety laws throughout the country. However, each state and territory in the Commonwealth is responsible for adopting, regulating, and enforcing the laws.

Minor variations in work health and safety laws exist from one jurisdiction to the next, mostly due to existing laws and processes. Safe Work Australia maintains a model WHS Act cross-comparison table to help PCBUs and regulators review differences between jurisdictions.

1. Model WHS Act

Safe Work Australia’s “Guide to the Model WHS Act” states the purpose of the document is ultimately to keep employers and employees safe “by eliminating or minimising risks arising for work or workplaces.”

It also aims to encourage businesses across the country to take “a constructive role in improving WHS practices” and promote “information, education and training” on the subject.

Those covered by the Model WHS Act include anyone who carries out work for a business or “undertaking.” This means contractors, apprentices, and even volunteers, to name just a few, are all protected by it. All visitors – such as customers or clients – are also included.

The Model WHS Act outlines all the responsibilities that “Persons Conducting a Business or Undertaking” (referred to as PCBUs) have toward their workers.

PCBUs must ensure – when “reasonably practicable” – that all employees have a safe environment to work in that does not put their health at risk. This includes safe premises, systems and processes, machinery and equipment, which all need to be regularly maintained to ensure they remain up to standard.

They must also be provided with information, training, and supervision where necessary.

PCBUs are instructed to work together – that is, consult, cooperate, and coordinate their approach to WHS – so that all duties are carried out effectively and efficiently. It’s also important that employees are in the loop about any WHS matters that could impact them directly.

The Model WHS Act claims that all PCBUs are required to keep an up-to-date knowledge of WHS laws, understand the risks inherent in their workplace, and make sure the appropriate systems and processes are in place to manage them correctly.

In addition to this, they are expected to notify the relevant persons if and when an injury, accident, or illness does occur in the workplace.

2. Model WHS Regulations

The model Work Health and Safety (WHS) regulations were designed to support the duties outlined in the model WHS Act. The safety regulations provide detailed requirements, procedures, and administrative responsibilities to support the WHS Act.

As of 2021, most states and territories have adopted the WHS laws, including:

• Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
• New South Wales (NSW)
• The Northern Territory
• Queensland
• South Australia
• Tasmania

In October of 2020, Western Australia voted to adopt Work Health and Safety laws. The laws are expected to become operational in the first half of 2021.

The WHS regulations outline some requirements for employers, including the need to manage risks. Under WHS regulations, employers must have a process for eliminating or minimising risks to workers. Managing and reducing risks helps protect the health and safety of workers. It also ensures compliance with WHS laws.

3. Codes of Practice

While the Model WHS Act outlines what is expected of employers and employees in a general sense, Codes of Practice offer businesses a practical guide to help them obey these rules and regulations.

It’s not mandatory to comply with Codes of Practice, provided a new-and-improved alternative to managing a hazardous situation is used instead.

These documents can be quite general – such as “Managing the Risks of Falls at Workplaces” and “First Aid in the Workplace” – as well as designed for specific industries and professions – such as “Welding Processes” and “Spray Painting and Powder Coating.”

The above examples of Codes of Practice are taken from the Safe Work Australia website, which features a number of Model Codes of Practice that are worth looking at. Again, the organisation is looking to “harmonise WHS law” in the area of Codes of Practice, so that employees all over the country may work in safe and healthy environments.

For a good example of the type of information Codes of Practice contain, consider the Model Code of Practice for Construction Work, which can be found here. This document features tips on creating a risk management strategy, to help eliminate or minimise the potential for employees to get ill or injured while at work.

It begins with a useful guide on identifying hazards or objects that could harm an employer or employee. This includes ladders, falling objects, asbestos, any tasks that are considered dangerous – and more. The Code of Practice then discusses how to assess and control these risks.

The Codes of Practice apply to all industries throughout Australia. While people often associate safety concerns with high-risk industries, such as construction or mining, every workplace includes potential hazards.

For example, in an office setting, workers may be exposed to unreasonable work hours, excessive manual handling, or workstations that do not accommodate workers of different sizes.

The Codes of Practice also provide recommendations for deciding when to perform a risk management assessment. Some of the potential situations that may require a review of health and safety practices include:

• Starting a new business
• Changing existing work practices
• Implementing new equipment or machinery
• Using new substances
• Responding to new information related to potential hazards
• Dealing with concerns presented by workers or HSRs

Employers may also be required to perform a risk management assessment at the request of WHS regulators after receiving notice for WHS violations.

What Are the Penalties for Violating Model WHS Regulations?

The severity of the penalty for breaching WHS laws depends on the category of the offence. Health and safety laws define four categories of offences:

• Industrial manslaughter
• Category 1
• Category 2
• Category 3

Manslaughter is the most serious offence and results in the highest penalty. Individuals found guilty of industrial manslaughter face a maximum penalty of up to 20 years imprisonment. Corporate bodies found guilty face up to $10 million in penalties.

Category 1 is the next highest offence. It is reserved for breaches where a PCBU or senior officer recklessly exposes a worker to the risk of serious injury or death. Penalties include up to $3 million for corporations, $600,000 and five years in jail for individual PCBUs, or $300,000 and five years in jail for individuals, such as workers.

A Category 2 offence occurs when a PCBU or senior officer fails to comply with health and safety regulations, resulting in exposure to the risk of serious injury, illness, or death. The penalties for this offence include up to $1.5 million for corporations, $300,000 for individual PCBUs, and $150,000 for individuals.

A Category 3 offence is a failure to comply with health and safety regulations. Penalties include fines up to $500,000 for corporations, $100,000 for individual PCBUs or senior officers, and $50,000 for individuals.

Health and safety regulators have the right to issue on-the-spot fines, known as infringement notices. Workers and PCBUs can receive infringement notices. Common breaches that may result in an on-the-spot fine include:

• Failing to comply with an improvement notice
• Allowing an individual to carry out high-risk work without proper licenses
• Failing to allow health and safety representatives (HSRs) to carry out their duties
• Failing to test electrical work according to WHS Codes of Practice
• Failing to ensure electrical equipment is de-energised before carrying out work
• Failing to record an incident report for an accident or injury

On-the-spot fines typically need to be paid within 28 days. If the fine is over $200, the courts may allow an individual to establish a payment plan.

If a corporation, PCBU, or individual fails to pay a penalty, the courts may order a redirection of wages from a bank account or issue a warrant for the seizure and sale of property. For serious offences, the courts may issue an arrest warrant.

Do Businesses Need Health and Safety Representatives Under WHS Laws?

Employers that employ 20 or more workers must appoint a health and safety representative (HSR) if workers choose to elect an HSR. All employees in a work group have the right to elect one or more HSRs and deputy HSRs.

HSRs serve three-year terms. While HSR training courses are not mandatory, elected HSRs may request to attend a training course. Training includes a five-day initial course. HSRs must also complete a one-day refresher course each year during their three-year term.

If an HSR makes the request, the employer needs to comply and provide paid time off for the course. Completing HSR training gives HSRs specific powers, including:

• Initiating emergency work stoppages
• Issuing provisional improvement notices (PINs)

Before issuing a PIN and directing a work group member to stop working, the HSR must consult with the PCBU and the individual receiving the PIN. However, if the risk is severe and requires an immediate response, the HSR may initiate an emergency work stoppage.

HSRs help protect the health of workers by monitoring potential safety issues and reviewing safety procedures. However, they must first be elected by a work group.

The steps for holding an HSR election are outlined in the WHS Act:

• Request an election
• Begin negotiations with work groups
• Notify workers of the election
• Elect workers from the work group
• Notify workers of the outcome

Any worker can request an election, if the worker does not already have an HSR in their work group. If work groups are not already established, workers must negotiate the number of work groups and how to assign workers to each group.

The PCBU and the workers must agree on the number of work groups, the number of workers in each group, and the number of HSRs and deputy HSRs assigned to each group. After requesting an election, the PCBU has 14 days to begin negotiations. If negotiations fail, the PCBU or the workers can request assistance from a WHS inspector.

After dividing the workers into groups, they must notify workers of the date for the upcoming election. The workers may then elect workers for the role of HSR from within their assigned work group. After holding the election, the results must be distributed to all workers.

What Are My Rights?

Employers and employees have specific rights under WHS legislation. For example, temporary visa holders, permanent residents, and Australian citizens have the right to a safe work environment. These basic rights apply to every workplace in the country throughout Australia:

• The right to safety equipment
• The right to receive instructions on how to work safely
• The right to refuse to complete unsafe work
• The right to receive worker’s compensation
• The right to speak up after detecting unsafe work conditions
• The right to fair wages and working conditions

Employers also have rights under the Work Health and Safety Act and regulations. For example, employers have the right to dismiss workers who fail to meet reasonable work requirements or performance standards.

What Are My Duties?

Employers have a duty of care, which involves taking appropriate steps to reduce risks and hazards. Common responsibilities for employers include:

• Ensuring staff understand their roles
• Providing access to safety training
• Providing access to personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Maintaining a database of all injuries and accidents
• Consulting with staff to resolve workplace safety issues

As part of an employer’s responsibilities, they may need to enrol workers in applicable safety training courses. PCBUs should ensure that workers receive necessary health and safety training for any high-risk work.

For example, before carrying out work that may involve exposure to asbestos, workers should receive asbestos awareness training. If a task involves the removal of asbestos, the PCBU must obtain an asbestos removal licence, which requires the completion of asbestos removal training.

In the construction industry, workers are required to complete white card training. White card training covers the most common risks and hazards on a typical construction site, including moving objects and manual handling.

Registered training organisations (RTOs) also provide specialised training for other high-risk activities, including working at heights, confined spaces, fatigue management, and traffic control.

Employees have the responsibility to report unsafe and unhealthy work environments or injuries. Employees who are unsure of their duties should discuss responsibilities with their immediate supervisor.

As an employee, you are also responsible for your own and other’s safety in the workplace. The Model WHS Act states that you must “comply … with any reasonable instruction given by the PCBU to allow the PCBU to comply with WHS laws” and “co-operate with any reasonable policy or procedure of the PCBU” relating to WHS in the workplace.

Want to Know More?

If you would like to increase your knowledge of WHS law in Australia, check out the wide range of WHS training courses that AlertForce has to offer. Whether you want to improve your knowledge and skills in specific – such as asbestos removal – or more general areas, such as office safety, we have the course for you.

Transport Union Wants Asbestos-Free Safety Guarantee

Transport authorities are pleased that there has been no asbestos used in production of the Waratah trains.

The ABC’s 7.30 program unveiled that asbestos had been discovered in  10 heavy haul trains brought in from China despite certification showing that they were free of the deadly material.

The Rail Tram and Bus Union is calling on the  NSW Government to ensure that the Waratah train fleet is asbestos free.

The Union’s Bob Nanva says the Waratah fleet is partially manufactured by China and as a result they are not confident that any component is free of the deadly building material,

Nanva has called on the government to hold an audit if they cannot say for sure whether or not the trains are asbestos free.

“And if they can’t do so and can’t give the public that assurance then we will be asking for a full audit of these trains,” he said.

“To ensure there aren’t any asbestos components buried deep away potentially putting the public and workers at risk.”

A statement from Transport for New South Wales it is confident there is  no asbestos  present in the fleet, and has inspectors working out of China to ensure that no prohibited materials are used to manufacture the parts.

More on Asbestos Training

Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-11-27/the-transport-union-wants-the-nsw-government-to-guarantee-warat/5119830

Illegal Asbestos Dumping At Dungowan Valley Prompts Warnings

Following the illegal dumping of asbestos in Dungowan Valley, fresh warnings have emerged, informing offenders of the heavy fines or potential incarceration.

One could be fined up to $1 million or jailed for seven years if caught illegally dumping the deadly material.

Most recently a high profile case involved 15 bags of asbestos that was found hidden in long grass in Tamworth.

Tamworth Regional Council’s health and environment manager Ross Briggs revealed that several discoveries of asbestos were made in the area.

The incident reportedly cost the council and the community about $2500 to cover the  investigation and safely remove the asbestos.

“It’s just so irresponsible,” he said. “There is no safe level of exposure to asbestos, so anyone who comes into contact with it faces a potential health risk, not to mention the related possible environmental problems.”

Mr Briggs said the council was trying capitalize on last month being Asbestos Awareness Month to try to clear up some common misconceptions regarding the deadly building material.

He said a common misconception is that legal asbestos dumping is prohibitively expensive.

“However, this is not the case,” he said. “The cost for asbestos disposal at Tamworth Waste Management Centre of Forest Rd is as little as $13 for a pre-paid disposal bag.”

Source: http://www.northerndailyleader.com.au/story/1941742/asbestos-dumped-at-dungowan/

Asbestos Concerns Delays Marine Base Demolition

Asbestos Safety Requires Constant Vigilance

Thousands upon thousands of Australians will be diagnosed with a deadly asbestos -related lung disease throughout the next two decades, according to recently published research.

This frightening statistic certainly highlights just how dangerous and life changing exposure to the deadly building material can be.

Australia has one of the highest per-capita rates of asbestos-related lung diseases. Some of the types of diseases brought on by asbestos-exposure are Mesothelioma, Asbestosis and lung cancer.

A recent upsurge in asbestos talk, has resulted in November being heralded as Asbestos Awareness Month– a time to remember that the deadly material is still a very present danger in our homes, and in our communities.

Do-it-yourself home renovations also carry a heavy risk considering the prominent use of asbestos prior to late 1980s.

One asbestos fibre is potentially enough to cause disease several years onward.

It is important constantly be vigilant when encountering asbestos, and keep an eye out for it.

One must never handle asbestos themselves, and instead should contact a licensed expert who can safely rid the area of danger.

Source: http://www.thecourier.com.au/story/1945161/always-be-wary-of-the-dangers-of-asbestos/?cs=64

Local Asbestos Removal Firm Slapped With Fine

A local environmental clean-up firm was slapped with a citation following what said to be the improper handling of asbestos at Myrtle Point High School.

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality hit the firm with a $48,000 penalty a month ago, for failing to properly wet friable asbestos material during a summer asbestos removal project at the school.

Koos Environmental, the asbestos abatement contractor, was also penalised for failing to use a negative pressure enclosure while conducting the removal on pipe insulation. The nature of this specific type of removal required the firm to use the wet-system to reduce the potential of dangerous asbestos fibres being released into the air.

When the deadly material is not wetted, the DEQ says the firm put their workers at the high risk of exposure to dangerous asbestos fibres— the material known to cause lung cancer, asbestosis and of course, mesothelioma.

This week, Koos Environmental appealed DEQ’s citation and will soon meet with state staff to discuss options for resolving the penalty.

Source : http://theworldlink.com/news/local/improper-asbestos-cleanup-at-high-school-results-in-citation/article_0b814972-5ece-11e3-b567-0019bb2963f4.html

Asbestos-Cancer Continues To Plague The Nation, But A New Hope Might Have Emerged!

A local asbestos group believes the deaths from mesothelioma will soon rise above ovarian and skin cancers.

Vicki Hamilton from GARDS cites the rising rates of asbestos-related diseases in Gippsland as an example.

Hamilton’ comments came as Asbestos Awareness Week came to a ceremonial wrap on Friday.

Two men reportedly made an appearance at the event and spoke about their diagnosis.

“Been diagnosed with mesothelioma, which I’ve got say was really tragic the other day, the gentlemen that walked in, it was all his effort to hold back the tears as he told me what is wrong with him and it’s a devastating diagnosis to get,” she said.

Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-12-02/group-fears-rising-asbestos-related-deaths/5128142

A RAY of Light For Mesothelioma Suffers

A new treatment for mesothelioma may offer victims a glimmer of hope according to researchers.

The new treatment reportedly uses bacterial mini cells which lack genetic information and thus do not carry messenger sells into mesothelioma tumours. Scientists are confident the treatment is halting the growth of cancer in animals.

“Over the course of the experiment, which was about a month in duration, we found that the tumours didn’t increase in size at all,” said senior researcher Doctor Glen Reid.

“We find that the growth of the tumours is strongly repressed,” he said.

“So this is quite an exciting discovery, that micro RNA’s themselves can inhibit the growth of a tumour in an animal.”

Source:http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-11-30/ray-of-hope-for-sufferers-of-asbestos-disease-mesothelioma/5126600

Ladder Safety 101

The ladder is one of the most common tools used in the construction industry. However, it can also be one of the most dangerous when it’s not used properly.

According to “Work-Related Injuries and Fatalities Involving a Fall from Height” – a report published by Safe Work Australia – ladders are responsible for a large number of injuries and deaths in our country each year. In fact, an entire page of the report is devoted just to this particular subject!

It reveals that between July 1, 2003, and June 30, 2011, a total of 37 workers in Australia died after falling off a ladder. Approximately one-third of these people were employed in the construction industry.

The majority (six workers) fell while either ascending or descending the ladder. This is evidently a risky part of using this tool, so make sure you keep the following in mind when performing such a task.

How is your ladder placed?

It’s important that your ladder is secure, so that it can’t move around when you’re climbing up or down. The ladder should be supported at its base, as well as placed against a stable surface. If you discover the ground you need to place the ladder on isn’t stable, use a levelling device to make it even.

It’s best practice to fasten your ladder at both the top and the bottom, as well as have a co-worker stand below while you’re ascending or descending. Ideally, they will be stand at the base of the ladder the entire time you’re working on it – both to keep the ladder in place and keep an eye on you.

Interestingly, “Work-Related Injuries and Fatalities Involving a Fall from Height” reveals that of the 37 falls from ladders which occurred from 2003 to 2011, the reasons for only 20 of the falls are known.

That suggests no one was around or watching when 17 of these workers fell. If they had been, perhaps these accidents and their deaths could have been prevented.

You should avoid using a ladder when the weather is excessively wet or windy, as this will increase your likelihood of slipping when climbing up or down your ladder. Wearing slip-resistant shoes at all times is also a good idea.

However, it’s not just your ability to ascend or descend the ladder safely that can be impacted by its placement.

Safe Work Australia revealed a total of three workers fell because the ladder they were working on moved, one died because his or her ladder collapsed and one worker was knocked off the ladder by a falling tree branch.

This last incident points to the importance of ensuring your ladder is placed as far away from hazards as possible.

WorkCover New South Wales says that if you’re going to be using a ladder near any power lines, you should ensure that it’s made from a material that doesn’t conduct electricity. Stay away from metal ladders or those that might be reinforced with wires, and instead opt for wooden or plastic ones.

You should also avoid setting up a ladder anywhere near “sharp objects, machinery or chemicals”. It’s important to erect them away from doors, too, so that there’s no chance of your ladder being knocked over if someone opens a door below.

The report also states that four workers died between 2003 and 2011 after falling off a ladder due to over-balancing.

While this may in part have been due to how their ladders were placed, the way they were performing tasks on them would also have factored into the equation.

How are you using the ladder?

When you are climbing up or down a ladder, make sure both of your hands are free to hold on tight. You should never be holding other equipment when you are moving on a ladder – it should either be stored in your tool belt or transported to you independently.

You should also be facing the ladder at all times, whether you are climbing or standing still. It’s best practice to maintain three points of contact when on the ladder – for instance, two feet and one hand.

In addition to this, ensure you never place your feet above 900mm (usually the third rung) from the top of the ladder.

According to WorkCover New South Wales, following this rule will make sure you can always hold onto the ladder at waist height, which is the safest method and one of the best ways to prevent yourself from over-balancing.

Most of the time, accidents occur on ladders because workers are trying to use them in ways they were not designed to handle. One of the most common causes of over-balancing is over-stretching.

You should never lean too far to the left or right when using a ladder, as this could cause you to fall. If you can’t reach what you’re trying to work on without doing this, safely descend the ladder and readjust it so you can.

Want to know more?

If you would like to make sure you’re following best practices when it comes to using ladders, you may want to enrol in AlertForce’s Working at Heights course.

This is a quick and easy online training course that will provide you with a fantastic overview of working safely on ladders.

Occupational Health and Safety: Another Mining Industry Death

A worker was killed at a mine in Western Australia.

The man was died after being crushed while working at Newcrest’s gold and copper mine in the iron ore crushing area. First aid was attempted but unfortunately he did not respond.

At the time of the incident he was working for a contractor for the mine.

Department of Mines and Petroleum spokesman Simon Ridge revealed that investigations are currently under-way.

“We’ve got inspectors who are on site now and they’ll be doing a full and comprehensive investigation and a report in due course will be provided to the coroner,” he said.

Newcrest and the mines department both released statements expressing sympathy for the families and friends of the workers. Newcrest will also offer counselling services for those affected by the loss.

Thus far it is the second recorded mining death in Western Australia and the second recorded mining death this month, in all of AUS.

It is the second mining death in Western Australia this year.

Earlier this year a man at the same mine required a leg amputation after a crash.

The 42-year-old man was injured when his truck ran into the back of a parked dump truck.

More info on Occupational Health and Safety

Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-12-04/man-dies-at-newcrest-telfer-mine-in-western-australia/5135494?section=wa

RPE, PPE and you – this article could save your life

Do you work in confined spaces? It can be challenging, and you'll be exposed to risks such as poor ventilation that are unique to this environment.

If you don't take the required precautions, you could be in danger of losing consciousness, being injured or even killed due to exposure to hazardous atmospheres.

While your employer is responsible for your wellbeing by ensuring you are properly trained and provided with the appropriate equipment, there are steps you can take to keep safe in confined spaces.

One of the most important is understanding which Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) or Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to use and when.

Respiratory Protective Equipment

A wide range of equipment is categorised as RPE. These devices are all designed to prevent the user from inhaling airborne contaminants, thereby reducing the risk of injuries occurring.

RPE basically falls into two categories: air-supplied respirators and air-purifying respirators.

WorkSafe Victoria explains that the former category provides those working in confined spaces with "clean, breathable air" from a source that is independent of them. They are commonly used in high-risk environments.

The latter simply filter or clean the air in the workplace itself before workers inhale it, and are usually worn by the workers themselves.

According to Safe Work Australia, RPE should be provided to people working in confined spaces if it's not possible to ensure such spaces have an adequate level of oxygen through other methods, such as purging or ventilation.

These methods of controlling workers' exposure to airborne contaminants should be ruled out before RPE is used.

When deciding what type of RPE to use for a particular task, consider what airborne contaminants are present and in what concentration. Your business should have a sound knowledge of workplace exposure standards so that you're aware of legal concentration limits.

It's important to always wear RPE in situations where airborne contaminants are present in unknown quantities.

Your selection will also depend on what sort of task you're trying to perform. If you're not sure which RPE to use in a particular situation, it's a good idea to contact both chemical suppliers and RPE manufacturers – they should be able to point you in the right direction.

Personal Protective Equipment

PPE is used to protect workers in confined spaces.

It can consist of head protection (such as helmets), foot protection (such as boots with steel toecaps and midsoles with a good grip), hand protection (such as hard-wearing gloves), hearing protection, eye protection and body protection.

The Department of Health recommends using "full coverage clothing" at all times to prevent workers from overheating.

You may also be required to wear a safety harness or line when entering or exiting confined spaces.

In addition to this, your employer should provide you with PPE for testing and monitoring the atmosphere of your workplace. You must be properly trained to use this, and always make sure it's up to standard.

Being trained to use testing and monitoring equipment is important, as there are a number of factors you'll need to take into consideration when using it. For instance, you must be aware of the temperature of the space you're working in, as well as the gases and vapours present.

The Department of Health explains that certain levels of airborne contaminants and gases can affect the readings such pieces of equipment give you.

As with RPE, PPE must only be used in conjunction with other risk control measures.

There is a hierarchy of such measures that should be followed when working in confined spaces. At the top of this list is conducting a thorough risk assessment, which takes into account the results of atmospheric testing, what tasks will be performed in the confined spaces and what airborne contaminants workers might be exposed to.

What type of PPE you use and when will depend on the risk assessment you conduct. All confined spaces come with unique hazards, so it's important that you're aware of these before you select your PPE.

Keep in mind:

– You should never modify a piece of PPE or RPE without the consent of its manufacturer.
– Before entering confined spaces wearing a PPE or RPE, make sure it's comfortable, fits and will offer sufficient protection.
– If you have facial hair, you might not be able to "achieve a proper face seal when wearing a respirator", according to WorkSafe Victoria. So, you may have to remove this before using RPE in confined spaces.
– You must flag any respiratory or other conditions that could prevent the RPE from working effectively with your employer.
– Make sure you PPE or RPE doesn't prevent you from moving freely, as this could turn it into a hazard.

Where can I find out more?

If you're going to be working in confined spaces, it's important you undergo the proper training. AlertForce offers a specially designed course that will equip you with the skills and knowledge to perform tasks safely in confined spaces.

The course will give you an overview of best practices when it comes to working in difficult-to-get-to spaces, such as storage tanks and silos or drains and sewers. This includes training on how to keep yourself and your co-workers safe in oxygen-deficient, flammable and toxic atmospheres.

You will also get a grounding in safe work procedures, including PPE and RPE.

So, what are you waiting for? Get in touch with AlertForce today – it could save your life!

Dangerous Goods: Three men In Comas After Chemical Accident

Three individuals are struggling to survive following a chemical accident at a Cloverlea dairy farm in Melbourne.

A farmer was overcome with gas while inside of a storage tank on his land.

Soon after his two sons entered in an attempt to rescue him, but they too were overcome with gas.

Sarah Coster, the wife of one of the sons, is reportedly shocked at whole ordeal.

“It was just total chaos, there was just a horrible scene to see,” she said.

“As soon as I saw his eyes, the look in his eyes.”

The three men have been in induced coma at the Alfred and Royal Melbourne hospitals for treatment. Several other men, such as two officers and two paramedics, also sought treatment for exposure to the fumes.

According to the police, the gas came from fermented cattle feed product.

More info on Dangerous Goods

Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-11-27/9-injured-in-storage-tank-fume-accident/5120030?section=vic

Occupational Health and Safety: Fish Farmer Dies Following Injuries

Tasmania’s occupational health and safety watchdog is conducting an inquiry into a recent death at a fish farm on Bruny Island in the south-east.

Police say the middle-aged employee suffered injuries while on a boat off the coast of Butlers beach.

He was rushed to Dover and then airlifted to the Royal Hobart Hospital.

While admitted he succumbed to his injuries.

Tassal will reportedly provide support to the man’s family, friends and workmates.

Police will be compiling a report before sending it off to the coroner.

Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-12-03/fish-farm-worker-dies-after-accident-on-boat/5132674?section=tas

Occupational Health and Safety: Contractor Crushed By Coal Truck

A New South Wales Hunter Valley mine has been shut down for the time being following the death of a contractor.

The contractor was killed after suffering crushing injuries from a coal truck.Emergency crews were called to the scene near Singleton. A spokesperson for the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) reports that the trainee pulled out from a give-way sign onto the mines haulage road when her four-wheel drive was struck by a fully packed coal truck.

The driver of the truck had to be taken to a nearby hospital for reportedly suffering shock.

All operations have been closed down until the police and NSW Government mine inspectors have finished their investigations.

A statement from the Glencore mine said its  “primary concern is for the safety, care and welfare of our employees and we are providing all possible support for the families of the people involved”.

Staff at the mine can access counseling which was supplied for by management.

The state’s Minister for Resources, Chris Hartcher,  said an extensive report is being compiled before being sent to the coroner.

“I would like to personally extend my condolences to the families, co-workers and employers of those involved in this tragic accident,” he said in a statement.

Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-12-01/worker-killed-at-hunter-valley-coal-mine/5127356?section=nsw

Kindergarten Closed Due to Asbestos Risk

A kindergarten in Kyntown was close for a week after two small fragments of asbestos were discovered in the playground

The fragments were reportedly the size of  a 50 cent piece.

Whole the original source of the asbestos is not currently known, the Macedon Ranges Shire Council clarified that it was not part of the existing kindergarten building.

The council is looking into how the material made its way on to the site  or whether they are remnants of a previous building.

Community well-being director Karen Stevens said the discovery was surprising since the building had been cleared of asbestos prior to recent upgrades

“We are deeply concerned that this material has been found, given that all asbestos had been safely removed from the building before the renovations started earlier this year,” she said.

“A soil test was also done in late 2012 which did not identify any asbestos.

“We are confident that the material has not come from the existing building.

“They resemble pieces of roof tile which are not part of the existing building.”

Parents were notified on Friday evening that the kindergarten would be closed this week.

Ms Stevens said council was aware of the disruption this would cause to families, but that children’s safety was paramount.

More info on Asbestos Training

Source: http://www.bendigoadvertiser.com.au/story/1902531/asbestos-found-in-playground/

5 reasons to provide OHS training to your employees

Are you thinking about providing OHS training to your current and future employees? There are a number of reasons why this is a fantastic idea – here are just five!

1) To reduce absenteeism

In Australia, levels of absenteeism are 25 per cent higher than those recorded in the United Kingdom and the United States of America.

This is according to the 2013 Absence Management and Wellbeing survey, conducted by Direct Health Solutions (DHS), which involved approximately 450,000 employees and employers from 108 businesses across the country.

The survey reveals that, on average, employees in Australia take 8.93 days of sick leave each year. Interestingly, manual workers are more likely to take sick leave than non-manual workers, racking up 9.2 days of sick leave each year compared to 7.8 days of sick leave.

Out of the employers who took part in the survey, 71 per cent said they believed absenteeism was a “significant cost” on their businesses. They were right – it’s estimated to cost businesses around $2,741 per employee each year.

When an employee is absent – even for a day – you are paying them, but they’re not making a contribution to your business.

The longer they are away, the more pressure it places on your other workers to “fill the gap”. It will also affect deadlines and impact customers, and may even necessitate the recruitment of a new employee.

The Department of Employment explains that having effective OHS processes in place is proven to reduce absenteeism, which means they could save you hundreds of thousands in sick leave costs.

Of course, the best way to ensure these OHS processes are not only introduced but also implemented correctly is by educating your employees through OHS training.

2) To develop and implement a risk management strategy

A comprehensive risk management strategy can help your business handle any dangerous situations that arise efficiently and effectively.

To develop one, your employees will need to have the skills and knowledge to recognise hazards in the workplace and make a note of them.

They will then have to come up with a plan for managing each individual hazard, keeping in mind how likely particular objects or activities are to cause injuries, and how great their potential to cause damage is.

If your employees undergo OHS training, they will be able to develop and implement a risk management strategy. This should reduce the number of serious accidents that occur in your workplace, keeping your staff healthy and safe.

It could also lower your business insurance premiums and workers’ compensation costs, which – like reducing absenteeism – could save you quite a bit of money in the long run.

It’s important to remember that your business’s risk management strategy is not a “set-and-forget” type of document. On the contrary, it should be changing along with your workplace, to make sure it’s always up-to-date and adequately covers all of the hazards – both old and new – in your business.

This means your employees should be taking part in OHS training on a regular basis, too, so their knowledge of OHS best practices is current.

3) To improve your reputation

If your business is associated with exemplary OHS practices and well-trained employees, this could boost your reputation within the sector you’re operating in, which in turn could give you a significant advantage over your competitors.

In addition to this, it will make your business more attractive to customers, potential investors and partners, as well as your current staff and job seekers.

If employees regard your business as a safe and healthy place to work, they are more likely to want to join your team, as well as stay with it for longer.

According to a recent study conducted by recruitment company Hays, professional development such as OHS training is one of the keys attracting job seekers – especially those in Generation Y (that is, workers born between the early 1980s and the 2000s).

The survey involved more than 1,000 job seekers who fell into this age bracket. They were asked what factors helped them to decide between prospective employers and, lo and behold, training and development won by a landslide.

A total of 53 per cent said whether a business provided training and development was the first thing they considered when decided to accept a job offer. It beat out benefits (41 per cent), flexibility (37 per cent), the ability to progress quickly (31 per cent) and a defined career path (29 per cent).

So, if you’re looking to secure the creme de la creme of Generation Y workers that a currently looking for work, OHS training could be an easy way to do it!

4) To fulfill your legal obligations

While each state and territory has its own OHS rules and regulations, the bottom line is that all employers are required to provide their workers with sufficient OHS training to perform work tasks in a safe way.

Naturally, the more dangerous the industry in which you’re operating is, the more strict the OHS rules and regulations. For instance, in the construction industry it’s important for each employee to possess a white card (formerly known as a green card) before conducting work on site.

Your employees can receive a white card by undertaking the necessary OHS course at a registered training organisation, such as AlertForce. The course is quite straightforward and covers a wide range of topics.

These include how to identify any risks you come into contact with on site, how to safely manage those risks, how to put safety measures in place and ensure other workers both understand and follow them, and an overview of the OHS rules and regulations in your particular area.

Your workers can complete the required training in as little as a day, making them able to perform any and all tasks on site and ultimately much less of a liability to you and your business.

5) To make your workplace safer

In the end, OHS training is all about making your business a safe and healthy place to work.

According to business.gov.au, as an employer you are obliged to provide your staff with the following things: safe premises, safe equipment and machinery, safe work processes and systems, “suitable working environment and facilities” and – most importantly – all the information, supervision and training they need to make it through the day in one piece.

If you introduce all of these into your business, you will be able to prevent or reduce the number of people who suffer from work-related injuries or are killed, improve long-term productivity and even “foster innovation, quality and efficiency through continuous improvement,” according to the Australian Work Health and Safety Strategy 2012-22.

Would you like to learn more about the OHS training courses that are available to your business? Then get in touch with the team at AlertForce today!

What is confined spaces training?

Mining, shipbuilding and tunnelling – what do these three jobs have in common?

They all involve extended periods working in confined spaces, one of the most serious OHS hazards in Australia today. Although perhaps not as widely publicised as other threats such as asbestos, the implications of a confined workspace can be just as severe.

If you are an employer or employee in any industry that involves working in a confined space environment, it is absolutely crucial you have an in-depth knowledge of confined space best practices. Maintaining a safe workplace can only begin with training the very people who will be carrying out the work.

So how exactly is a confined space defined, and what makes them particularly hazardous places to work in?

What is a confined space?

Although it can seem like a simple enough concept at first glance, confined spaces span a broad range of work environments and the associated risks.

In its most basic form, a confined space is any area that is “not intended for human occupancy”. Such areas are not usually intended for humans to perform work in on a regular basis. The threat to human safety and lives that these places bring means they should be avoided by people wherever possible and access only granted to trained individuals when necessary.

Examples of common confined spaces where people may be required to carry out work include structures such as vats, tanks and silos, trenches, mines, sewers and large containers.

Most confined spaces are either completely or partially enclosed, which can add further danger to an already hazardous workplace.

Confined spaces are also characterised by limited entry and exit, meaning there is a high possibility of people getting trapped inside them. They may also contain harmful substances such as toxic gases that when combined with a sealed atmosphere, can prove fatal to humans.

As such, confined spaces create a range of specific OHS risks and threats.

The risks involved with confined spaces

One of the main hazards of working in a confined space is the risk of asphyxiation due to the enclosed nature of the area. Oxygen supply in a confined area can gradually wear thin over time, posing a threat to the life of anyone working inside it.

The hazard is also amplified if the confined space contains large amounts of a substance – be it a gas, liquid or solid. For example, build-up of a toxic gas in a sealed environment can slowly poison a worker, while it is also possible to drown in a vat full of liquid. Another common cause of death in Australia is people sinking or being engulfed by grain in silos.

Some unstable confined spaces such as partially demolished buildings can also collapse without warning, trapping anyone inside.

But perhaps one of the most concerning aspects of these environments is its potential to draw others to it as well in rescue attempts to save a trapped worker. In addition, confined spaces that contain a flammable substance can pose an extra threat due to the chance of ignition and explosion, putting the lives of even those outside the space at risk as well.

While the hazards posed are numerous, there are ways to mitigate them – and one of the most effective ways is to provide certified training to anyone who will be encountering these areas.

The importance of getting confined spaces training

One of the main reasons behind just about any work-related injury or death is a lack of proper education and training.

Employers have a legal and ethical obligation to ensure their workers have the knowledge and skill required to work in unsafe environments. For example, the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2007 outlines that employers have an obligation to make the workplace as safe as possible. In addition to identifying, managing and eliminating physical risks, this includes providing information and instruction to the relevant employees.

Usually the most practicable way of providing this is to sign them up for training courses. Run by specially trained experts in the field who have the working knowledge of how to best deal with these hazards, such courses will ensure your workers have the confidence and knowledge to head into a confined space and make it back out alive.

What confined spaces training involves

Confined spaces training courses such as those offered by AlertForce provide a comprehensive syllabus dealing with all aspects of safely working in these areas.

These courses include specific training on entry and exit techniques, providing guidance on how best to navigate in and out of these spaces to reduce the chances of being trapped.

Workers also learn how to identify the unique hazards in different types of confined spaces and how to manage them. Depending on the specific environment, there can be a presence of flammable or toxic substances and of course the threat of losing oxygen supply. The training teaches safety measures such as testing the atmosphere beforehand to ensure it is safe for work, and how to facilitate better ventilation if necessary.

Attendants learn about the best work procedures to operate safely in confined spaces. Performing the same work is vastly different depending on whether it is done in a confined space or out in the open, so some modifications may be required. This can also include emergency procedures that are specific to confined spaces.

Instruction is also provided on the correct personal protective equipment (PPE) and respiratory equipment to use in different confined space environments.

What other measures can you take?

In addition to adequate training, there are some other things you can do as an employer to ensure the safety of your workers.

An entry permit system is an absolute must for any workplace that involves confined spaces. These permits act as a way for managers to communicate with staff, outlining the current risk and hazards and whether a safety check has been performed by anyone about to enter the space.

Implementing an entry permit system and getting your staff to use it correctly could potentially save lives.

At the end of the day, effective communication is key, and you should make an effort to alert everyone to the hazards posed through the use of signage and formal instruction.

November is Asbestos Awareness Month

This month marks Asbestos Awareness Month and the last week will have activities aimed at raising awareness within the public of the people who suffer or have died from asbestos-related diseases.

Now is the time for the public to me educated and aware of the risks associated with asbestos exposure– primarily in relation to Do-It-Yourself home renovations.

Of prime concern is the third wave of asbestos victims with marginal exposures who despite their short intense exposures, can be at a tremendous risk of developing mesothelioma.

Concerns were heightened this year as the community witnessed the disturbance of asbestos throughout the states Telstra pits during the NBN rollout.

Considering its once prominent use in a variety of industries, asbestos persists as an unwitting danger to the community.

This month is of particular importance considering Australia’s record of the highest per-capita rates of asbestos-related illnesses worldwide.

On average, approximately two Australians are diagnosed with the deadly asbestos-related cancer, Mesothelioma.  This terminal cancer is aggressive and caused by exposure to the deadly material.  

Unfortunately, the illness can take many years — between 10 and 50– to manifest itself.

If one is contemplating a DIY project it is of extreme importance that they undertake the proper safety measures to protect their loved ones and the wider-community.

More info on Asbestos Training

Source: http://www.thecourier.com.au/story/1920495/a-time-to-raise-awareness-about-asbestos-exposure/

5 effective ways to manage asbestos in the workplace

Although changes in construction regulations have ruled out the use of asbestos for some decades now, the hazardous material is still rife in old buildings around Australia.

A worrying issue is that many people – even supposedly professional, qualified workers – are not thinking enough about asbestos removal best practices. The health risks involved with poor asbestos management simply cannot be ignored, with the deadly mesothelioma strain of cancer a common result of asbestos exposure.

According to Asbestos.com, Australia has the second highest rate of asbestos-related mesothelioma deaths in the world, behind only the United Kingdom. Due to Australia’s extensive history of asbestos use in a range of industries, over 10,000 people have died from the disease in this country since the 1980s.

Many workers today still face asbestos exposure as part of their day-to-day work, meaning the threat remains at large. However, greater asbestos awareness over the years means there are now better measures in place to limit the effects of this occupational health and safety hazard.

What are some of the most important steps your business should be taking to manage asbestos in the workplace?

1. Take asbestos assessment training

One of the best ways to reduce the risks of asbestos exposure in your workplace is to ensure you have experts in your own team. By getting some of your staff to complete certified asbestos removal courses, you will have in-house specialists who have the know-how to deal with this OHS hazard.

AlertForce offers comprehensive, nationally recognised asbestos courses to get your staff up to speed with asbestos best practices. Your employees can benefit from a range of modules covering both friable and non-friable asbestos removal, in addition to asbestos assessment and supervision methods.

Effective asbestos management begins with the very people that keep your business running, so make a wise investment by signing up to these training courses.

2. Know the law

Having a good understanding of the national and state laws surrounding the use and removal of asbestos can give you the knowledge required to manage it safely.

For example, the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2007 provides some very clear guidelines on the obligations employers hold with regards to asbestos handling. The regulations state that managers and anyone who has control over a workplace have the duty to control their employees’ exposure to airborne asbestos fibres.

Additionally, the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 outlines some key prohibitions surrounding the practical handling of asbestos, covering areas such as tools and equipment, protective clothing and who is actually allowed to carry out removal work.

By having a firm handle on the rules and guidelines surround asbestos management, your workplace can ensure it is keeping its employees safe while operating within the boundaries of the law.

3. Keep an asbestos register

You should ensure that is applicable, you place of work has an up-to-date asbestos register in place.

Required by law for any building that was built before December 31 2003, or where the presence of asbestos has been identified, a register keeps track of where in the building asbestos is located and the nature of the risk pertaining to the individual building.

Keeping an accurate register means the general public as well as your own workers are aware of the asbestos risk of your workplace.

4. Make sure you know how to identify asbestos

When working with any building, you should make sure you are aware of the techniques and processes involved in identifying its asbestos.

According to Safe Work Australia’s Asbestos Code of Practice, a thorough asbestos assessment covers a range of bases. For a start, you should look at when the building itself was constructed. While asbestos bans in Australia formally commenced in the 1980s, the use of asbestos in construction was not completely abolished until December 2003.

Therefore, even buildings that were built near the turn of the millennium have the potential to carry an asbestos risk, so if you are unsure of its history, you should get it checked out.

You should also investigate factors such as which materials were used in construction and whether any refurbishments and redevelopments were carried out, and if so, when.

It can also be wise to speak to those who helped design the building and to people who have formerly worked there, as they can provide background information on its history.

5. Use the right tools, equipment and clothing

There are some tools and equipment that shouldn’t be used in any environment containing asbestos. For example, Safe Work Australia states that high-pressure water sprays and compressed air must not be used on asbestos.

Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) must also be provided to anyone working with asbestos. This includes disposable coveralls, footwear and gloves, as it is generally safer to completely dispose of clothing after asbestos exposure rather than washing it.

Asbestos may still be a common workplace hazard in Australia, but with the right mindset and tactics in place to manage it, you can greatly enhance the safety of your workforce.

National Forum To Be Held On Asbestos Awareness

In conjunction with this month being Asbestos Awareness Month,  a National Asbestos Forum will be held in Sydney to highlight various asbestos safety issues plaguing the nation.

The forum will be the first of its kind and will involve the Asbestos Education Committee, the City of Sydney and the Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency.

Australia has one the highest instances of asbestos-related diseases (such as mesothelioma) in the world and the number continues to rise despite preventative measures that have been in place for nearly three decades.

The forum will highlight issues relating to raising awareness about the dangers of asbestos, and how communities and organisations can work together to combat the health and safety risks of asbestos.  Furthermore, presentations will be held showcasing current medical research advances, as well as  the correct disposal practices for the deadly material. Lastly, a presentation will highlight the risks associated with asbestos removal in particular situations with a case study on telecomm. pits.

More info on Asbestos Awareness

Source: http://www.seniorau.com.au/index.php/more-seniorau-news/4442-inaugural-national-asbestos-awareness-forum

The Top 10 workplace injuries in Australia – and how to avoid them

Workplace injuries are a common occurrence in organisations of all kinds and sizes in Australia, and many are still not doing enough to prevent them from happening in the first place.

In addition to the physical and mental toll victims can suffer, workplace injuries can prove to be a massive drain on businesses’ costs and productivity. According to Safe Work Australia, work-related injuries cost the Australian economy around $60 billion every year, representing almost 5 per cent of the nation’s GDP.

Additionally, roughly three quarters of these costs are incurred by the employees themselves, while the wider community accounts for 20 per cent and employers take up the rest.

So just how are these workers getting injured, and what are the most common types of injuries found in Australian workplaces today?

Based on the latest data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) and Safe Work Australia’s Compendium of Workers’ Compensation Statistics, we’ve listed the top 10 most common work-related injuries in the country, and outlined some steps than can be taken to avoid them.

1. Sprains and strains

According to Safe Work Australia, sprains and strains of joints and muscles make the vast majority of workplace injuries in the country, comprising 41.8 per cent of all incidents.

These are most often caused by poor manual handling practices, either due to habits that weren’t fixed or improper OHS training. Workers that are required to bend and move their bodies to lift, carry or push heavy items are at serious risk of straining their muscles.

You should always use proper lifting techniques, which involve keeping your back straight, bending at the knees and using the strength from your knees and legs to lift. Keep the item close to your body at all times, and don’t attempt to move an object if it is beyond your physical strength to do so.

It can also be good practice to stretch properly and limber up before carrying out heavy manual tasks, to give your muscles a chance to relax and prepare for action.

2. Fractures

Bone fractures and crushing are the second most common workplace injury in Australia, making up 8.5 per cent of incidents.

Regardless of the severity of the fracture, these injuries can keep an employee out of work for weeks and even months. Usually they are caused by workers tripping and falling, or getting a limb trapped in a moving part of machinery.

You should ensure you are wearing suitable footwear for the job to reduce the risk of falling and hurting yourself, and wear adequate protective gear such as hard hats. However, the best way to reduce fracture injuries is to change the work environment itself, for example by keeping hazards such as loose cables, objects and spills off the floor.

Any hazardous machinery should have the proper safeguards in place to prevent inappropriate access and the risk of trapping a worker.

3. Open wound

Open wound injuries excluding amputation are next on the list, claiming 7.7 per cent of workplace injuries.

If you work with sharp tools and machinery as part of your job, make sure you have taken the relevant OHS training courses so you know how to operate them safely. You should also wear protective clothing that sufficiently covers the parts of your body exposed to the hazardous objects.

Also keep an eye out for any rusty items that can pierce your skin and cause serious infection. If you find such items lying around your workplace, you should alert your supervisor immediately so they can address the situation.

4. Contusion

Contusion is the medical term for bruises, and skin injuries that don’t involve open wounding make up 6.4 per cent of workplace incidents.

Like fractures, bruising is most commonly caused by impact resulting from falls and being struck by an object. Machinery with large moving parts that have the potential to hurt a worker should be well maintained so they are working correctly, and employees should be properly trained on using such equipment so they don’t injure themselves unnecessarily.

5. Tissue disorders

Disorders involving muscles, tendons and soft tissue represent 6.3 per cent of all workplace injury claims in Australia.

This is commonly caused by overexertion or repeating a movement incorrectly for long periods, meaning it can be some time before you notice any symptoms. However, you should take measures to prevent these developing in the first place.

Try not to repeat the same action for extended periods of time as this can have a strain on your tissue in the long run. Mix up your day with other tasks too, and take regular breaks to give your body a rest.

6. Dorsopathies

Dorsopathies, or spinal injuries, are responsible for 6 per cent of work-related injuries.

Usually this is a result of poor lifting putting undue pressure on the back, as mentioned under sprains and strains above, or from bad sitting posture. Therefore it is an injury that is pertinent to almost every type of employee, whether they work in a warehouse or sit at a desk all day.

Office workers should maintain a good sitting posture during work, keeping their back straight to their chair and avoiding slouching or leaning to one side for too long. Like tissue disorders, it can take some time before you notice any significant pain – by which time it is too late to prevent the injury and extensive treatment is required.

7. Deafness

Industrial deafness from excessively loud equipment causes 3.6 per cent of work-related injuries.

Those who work with loud machinery as part of their job must make sure they have adequate hearing protection, such as industry-standard earmuffs. These should completely cover and form a vacuum around the ears, blocking out all external noise.

It’s also worthwhile checking the decibel (dB) level of the equipment you use to determine which will require higher levels of protection. Any sound over 85 dB has the ability to induce hearing loss, either gradually or instantly, depending on the level of the sound and how long the exposure is.

8. Hernia

Hernias, making up 2.2 per cent of workplace injuries, are caused when internal organs break through the tissue holding them in place and can necessitate prolonged treatment.

While most hernia cases are due to genetics or pre-existing medical conditions, activities such as heavy lifting can exacerbate the situation. Take regular breaks from manual handling and lifting tasks, and if you notice pain or lumps in the abdominal area, stop immediately and seek medical advice.

9. Dislocation

Joint dislocation can be extremely painful and can happen at the most unexpected of times. They’re not the most common workplace injury however, making up 1.5 per cent of incidents.

They’re mostly caused by trips and falls and heavy contact, so keep the work environment as clutter-free possible to reduce the accident risk. Also note that if you dislocate a joint once, the chances of it occurring again in the future are increased, so you should take extra precaution to avoid suffering the same injury.

10. Burns

Burns are the least common individual form of work injury, making up just 1.4 per cent, but should still be taken seriously.

Make sure all equipment and substances that are capable of burning are clearly identified with warnings, and make sure anyone working with such items are wearing the appropriate protective clothing.

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5 ways to keep safe when working at heights

A report published by Safe Work Australia, titled ‘Work-Related Injuries and Fatalities Involving a Fall from a Height’, reveals that Australians working at an elevated level are in danger.

Between July 1 2003 and June 30 2011, a startling 232 employees died after a fall from a height – a number that accounts for 11 per cent of all workforce deaths over this period.

Over one-third (37 per cent) of these fall-related deaths occurred in the construction sector, which makes the industry’s fatality rate four times higher than Australia’s overall fatality rate during this eight-year period.

In addition to this, 7,730 people were injured by a fall from a height in 2010-11 alone. That’s approximately 21 every day!

This type of injury can mean anything from one to six weeks off work – a long time for something that could have been easily avoided in the first place.

These statistics demonstrate the necessity of having appropriate OHS training, learning to manage risks and understanding appropriate control measures before undertaking jobs in the construction sector.

So, how do you keep safe when working at heights? Here are five ways to help you make it home in one piece!

1) Get trained up

It’s compulsory for those working in the construction industry to undergo ‘Work Safely at Heights’ training. This is one of the most important OHS training courses you will ever take, and it could ultimately save your life.

‘RIIWHS204E Work Safely at Heights’ is a 1-day nationally recognised course that will equip you with the skills and knowledge to perform the following tasks:

– Select, use and maintain the appropriate safety equipment
– Install and understand how to operate fall arrest systems
– Develop a risk management plan
– Choose a suitable anchorage point

In addition to this, AlertForce offers a online ‘Working at Heights’ awareness course that will give you a detailed overview of the dangers associated with performing tasks at an elevated level.

You may work on this course at your own pace, but it should take approximately 20 minutes to complete.

It covers everything from the main causes of falls and how to manage them, tips for working on scaffolding and ladders (see below) and will go through a number of case studies, so you can get to grips with the real-life application of the safety tips you learn.

With this knowledge, you will be an asset to both your employer and your co-workers.

2) Learn to manage risks

When on construction sites, it’s important that you wear the necessary safety equipment at all times. You should also eliminate or, if this isn’t possible, reduce all health and safety risks in the area before you start work.

The best way to ensure you’ve got all your bases covered is by organising a comprehensive risk management strategy. This is the key to keeping safe in most environments and is often a requirement in workplaces across the country.

In general, a risk management strategy will contain the following steps:

– Locate any hazards in the workplace. Think about who will be onsite, where they will be working from (e.g. scaffolding or ladders), and how they might be injured.
– Assess the risk such hazards pose. Determine the likelihood of someone being injured by the hazards you’ve identified.
– Remove or control the hazards. Discuss what measures could be put in place to prevent this from happening and implement them.

You need to review your business’s risk management strategy on a regular basis, so that it’s always suitable for your current environment. You should also have inspection and maintenance processes in place, to make sure your work systems and equipment are up to standard.

3) Understand the control measures to prevent falls

According to WorkCover, there are three control measures that must be put in place whenever people are working at an elevated level. These are:

– A stable and securely fenced work platform (e.g. scaffolding) that is properly maintained. If a worker could fall more than four metres from such a work platform, OHS Regulation states that it and any support structures must be looked at by a “competent person” before it’s used, following repairs, and at least once every 30 days.

– Secure, physical barriers, such as perimeter screens, fencing and handrails to prevent someone from falling. These need to be set up before any work commences on site and should be between 900mm and 1100mm above the work platform.

– Other physical restraints (e.g. fall arrest systems) that will catch someone if they fall from a height exceeding two metres. This can include harness and lanyards, which should always be used in the way the manufacturer intended.

The control measures listed above are hierarchical. In other words,  your employer is first and foremost obliged to supply you with “a stable and securely fenced work platform”, and only introduce the subsequent control measures if complying with this is “not reasonably practical”.

You must be provided with a safe method of moving between different levels when working at heights.

4) On scaffolding …

All scaffolding is required to be erected on a firm, level surface.

When working on scaffolding or a hoist, you should never use handrails to gain extra height – you need to make sure both of your feet are planted firmly on the deck at all times. These handrails should not be used to support heavy equipment or loads, either, according to SafeWork SA.

The deck must always be clear of any obstructions or debris that could pose a safety hazard.
You should never adjust scaffolding without the consent of your main contractor, and make sure no one is on the platform when it’s being adjusted.

Only qualified scaffolders are permitted to remove or replace any sections of scaffolding. So, if you come across scaffolding that appears to be incomplete or damaged in some way, don’t attempt to use it or fix it yourself. Inform your main contractor or make sure you stand clear.

5) On ladders …

You should only use the correct ladder for the task at hand, and make sure it’s in good condition. It must be set up on a firm, level surface at a ratio of 4:1.

It must be properly secured to prevent displacement and, ideally, a worker should hold the ladder at its base while someone is using it.

When working on ladders, you must always have two hands free to climb safely – if you can’t carry equipment in your tool belt, it must be lifted to you independently. You should also face the ladder at all times when ascending or descending.

You are required to maintain three points of contact at all times when working, and you should never place your feet above 900mm from the ladder’s top.

It should also be noted that many unnecessary falls occur as a result of non-ladder use, too – that is, when people stand on desks or crates to gain extra height instead of a properly set-up and maintained ladder.

So, next time you’re working at heights, make sure you keep these five tips in mind – and keep safe!

Carpet Factory Asbestos Clean-up Questioned

The local community is concerned with the asbestos removal work that is taking place at the old Tascot carpet factory in East Davenport.

The Davenport City Council heard several issues that were raised at last week’s meeting. Chief among the complaints were concerning truckloads of materials that were taken to the site. Residents stated that they grew even more concerned when an asbestos warning sign appeared on the fence.

The community is eager to know what exactly is happening and one resident has questioned whether or not the council was informed of the demolition of the factory or the cost of it.

Other concerns raised included the fact the gate was left unlocked while work was being carried out and anyone could walk in if they so desired.

Acting council general manager Matthew Atkins confirmed reports that the workers were carrying out asbestos removal at the factory.

He added that only repairs and maintenance would be conducted at the site as no other permits have been given out. Mayor Steve Martin jumped on this point, confirming that the current plans are to keep the site zoned as residential.

Alderman Martin said Workplace Standards Tasmania heading the removal of asbestos.

More info on Asbestos Training

Source: http://www.theadvocate.com.au/story/1917235/tascot-carpet-factory-asbestos-removal-questioned/

Increased rates of cancer in fire fighters

Researchers from the National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health (NIOSH) found in a recent study that a combined population of 30,000 fire fighters from 3 large US cities had higher rates of several types of cancers, & of all cancers combined, than the U.S. population. The findings were reported in an article posted on-line last month, by the peer- reviewed journal Occupational and Environmental Medicine. The new findings are generally consistent with the results of several previous, smaller studies.

The new study had a larger study population followed for a longer period of time so the results strengthen the scientific evidence for a relation between fire fighting & cancer, the researchers said. The study analysed cancers & cancer deaths through 2009 among 29,993 fire fighters from the Chicago,
Philadelphia, and San Francisco fire departments who were employed since 1950. The study was led by NIOSH in collaboration with the National Cancer Institute and the Department of Public Health Sciences in the University of California at Davis. The study was supported in part by funding from the U.S. Fire Administration.

Fire fighters can be exposed to contaminants from fires that are known or suspected to cause cancer. These contaminants include combustion by- products such as benzene & formaldehyde, and materials in debris such as asbestos from older structures. This is why we need our engineering designers of today’s buildings & structures to use products that are not likely to liberate such toxins on fire degradation and still perform the job that is required by the material.

The researchers found that:

• Cancers of the respiratory, digestive, & urinary systems accounted mostly for the higher rates of cancer seen in the study population. The higher rates suggest that fire fighters are more likely to develop those cancers.
• The population of fire fighters in the study had a rate of mesothelioma 2 times greater than the rate in the U.S. population as a whole. This was the first study ever to identify an excess of mesothelioma in U.S. fire fighters. The researchers said it was likely that the findings were associated with exposure to asbestos, a known cause of mesothelioma.

The findings of the new study did not address other factors that can influence risk for cancer, such as smoking, diet, & alcohol consumption. In addition, few women & minorities were in the study population, limiting the ability to draw statistical conclusions about their risk for cancer. In a second phase of the study, the researchers will further examine employment records from the 3 fire departments, to understand the occupational exposures, & to look at exposures in relation to cancer incidence & mortality. How much do you know about the products in your workplace that degrade & pose risks for fire fighters on burning?

Article by: Julie Armour – www.WorkingArmour.com.au

Offshore fatalities caused by the change of equipment failure, poor weather and change and high speed rotating parts?

On 24 August 2012 drilling operations were underway on the Stena Clyde Modu drilling rig in the Australia’s Bass Strait when the drill pipe string became stuck in the hole. Three days later instructions were given to rig up for a wire line operation to sever the stuck pipe in the well. The drill crew was preparing for the downhole cutting and removal of the stuck pipe. While attempting to unscrew the top drive from the drill pipe string, to facilitate the wire line operation, two workers were struck by a manual tong that rotated at speed. Shortly afterwards, the two workers died. After the operator, Stena Drilling (Australia) Pty Ltd, notified NOPSEMA, the regulator & they initiated an investigation, commencing mobilisation of its investigation team.

Preliminary considerations would indicate that the rigging arrangement of the break out tong at the time if the incident was a change from the usual arrangement, apparently arising from the combination of circumstances of the stuck pipe, inclement weather and the resulting heaving motion of the rig. There was no risk assessment completed and investigators are suggesting that one may have been required to cover the change associated with the chosen rigging arrangement including snatch blocks and the tugger winch under the meteorological and ocean conditions. The rig was also fitted with a top drive and integral pipe torque connector. The torque connector could not provide the necessary torque to disconnect the pipe, which led to the decision to use the manual break out tong. The continuing investigation will focus on the factors relating to the understanding of the risks related to this situation of change of equipment failure related to the stored energy combined with the equipment design limits and the impact of the external conditions. How confident are you that when plant fails in your workplace that those operating it understand the risks of rectification?

Article by: Julie Armour – www.WorkingArmour.com.au

Spate of workplace fatalities

Safe Work Australia has reported that the number of Australians killed while working has risen sharply, with 16 work-related fatalities reported to the state & territory safety regulators in June, up from 13 in May. Five of the 16 deaths involved vehicle incidents on public roads, 3 workers died after being trapped in machinery, 3 were fatally struck by moving objects (other than vehicles) and 2 were killed by falling objects.

a collapse of a tower crane boom at the new National Art Gallery site on 30 Sep 13, a collapse of scaffolds at a multi-storey factory in Toa Payoh on 2 Oct 13 & a dangerous occurrence with the toppling of a crawler crane at Defu Lane on 8 Oct 2013. Eight workers were killed in the months of Sep & Oct 2013. The total number of construction fatalities reported now stands at 27 (Jan-Oct), 1 more compared to the total number of construction deaths seen for the whole of 2012.

The Singapore regulator provides motivation for effective fatality prevention programs reporting that:

• In 2008-2009, the economic cost of injuries & illness in Australia’s construction sector was A$ 6.4 billion, equivalent to 23.2% of operating profit before tax of A$27.6 billion. The Nicoll Highway collapse in 2004 saw insurance claims amounting to hundreds of millions of dollars.
• In Singapore average insured incident costs accounted for 0.15%, average uninsured accident costs of 0.1% & average total accident costs 0.25% of the contract sum of a construction project.
• Consequences of economic losses due to construction incidents include: Direct costs including payments for hospital, physician & allied services. Indirect costs refer to victim productivity losses, employer productivity losses & administrative cost associated with an incident; Quality of life costs including the value attributed to the pain and suffering of victims & their families

How effective are your fatality prevention programs?

Article by: Julie Armour – www.WorkingArmour.com.au

Know about your contractors’ qualifications & competencies? What about the company doctor?

This case may prompt you to rethink what you do! The NSW Court of Appeal has found that a NSW worker whose permanent injuries arose from taking medication that was prescribed by an employer-appointed doctor is entitled to workers’ compensation. The Justices heard the Chep Australia Pty Ltd machine operator began experiencing elbow, shoulder & wrist pain in 2008, after repetitively lifting crates onto a conveyor line.

In August 2010, Chep’s “company doctor” prescribed Mobic, an anti-inflammatory drug known to elevate blood pressure, for the worker’s wrist condition. In October 2010, another doctor at the same practice advised the worker to stop taking Mobic after she complained of experiencing headaches & symptoms of hypertension, but resumed prescribing the drug several weeks later after her blood pressure “normalised”. The following month, the worker was taken to hospital with extreme pain in her head & eyes, and diagnosed with a ruptured aneurysm, which caused permanent neurological damage. She made a claim for weekly workers’ comp benefits & medical expenses.

The employer denied liability, but an arbitrator and then WCC President Judge Keating found the rupture was work-related because it resulted from the consumption of Mobic, which was prescribed to treat a work injury. The employer appealed, & told Justices Basten, Macfarlan & Barrett that President Keating had erred in declining to admit as evidence the reports & clinical notes of 3 medical experts (including the worker’s GP) which hadn’t been tendered before the arbitrator. The GP’s notes, for example, showed the worker had a history of high blood pressure unrelated to Mobic, it argued.

The employer also contended that President Keating was wrong to rely on the evidence of the worker’s neurosurgeon, who said that as raised blood pressure was a known side-effect of Mobic, the drug could have caused the aneurysm to rupture. The neurosurgeon’s opinion was the only expert evidence before the WCC that supported a causal relationship between Mobic & the rupture, and was “devoid of probative value”, it said.

Justice Barrett noted that under the NSW Workplace Injury Management & Workers Compensation Act 1998, the WCC wasn’t bound by the usual rules of evidence (where the factual basis of an opinion needed to be established by other evidence), & must “act according to equity, good conscience and the substantial merits of the case without regard to technicalities or legal forms”. He also noted that the GP’s clinical notes would have strengthened the worker’s case if they had been admitted by President Keating. The notes showed the worker’s blood pressure was “significantly” higher during the periods when she took Mobic, Justice Barrett said. The bench dismissed the employer’s appeal. Could this occur at your workplace- what procedures do you have with your company doctors?

Article by: Julie Armour – www.WorkingArmour.com.au

Do you expect the doctor who deals with you after a vehicle crash to not be fatigued?

Perhaps you need to think again according to recent UK report on Accident and Emergency (A&E) doctors. According to the “Stretched to the Limit” report, urgent action must be taken to ensure A&E departments (A&ED) remain sustainable & safe, doctors have warned. The call comes after a report found A&E consultants were facing “intolerable pressures” in the workplace. The College of Emergency Medicine said over 94% of medical consultants worked above their contracted hours in A&EDs in order to maintain levels of service, & 62% of doctors reported their job was not sustainable in the long term.

The response rate of the survey was 70% of the current UK Emergency Medicine consultant workforce (1077 respondents). When asked about on-call working frequency, worryingly a sizeable minority of 40.6% of the consultant workforce are undertaking an on-call rota rate of 1 in 6 nights or more frequent. In addition, 13% reported that they were working a full shift rota overnight, whilst 85% indicated that they were working to job plans whereby they worked till at least 22.00 hours. In fact 57% stated that they exceeded their job planned hours by 20% or more. The main reasons given for the lack of sustainability in the long term was the poor job planning & the lack of team/colleague support presumably because they were stretched so thin. The college said this has “potentially serious repercussions” for the safe work carried out by senior medics.

The ‘report suggested that pressures within the workplace could make it difficult to retain doctors, who may start looking at working in hospitals outside of the UK. One of the authors of the report, said prompt action was needed to address challenges as senior medical decision makers in emergency medicine provide one of the most vital strands in maintaining safety for emergency care systems in the UK. A failure to address these issues will compromise this ability and also further worsen the present workforce crisis affecting emergency departments.

Article by: Julie Armour – www.WorkingArmour.com.au

Submarine workers exposed to radiation

The UK’s Ministry of Defence (MoD) has revealed 2 nuclear submarine bases in Scotland & England have suffered 11 significant safety incidents in the last 5 years, including human exposure to radiation but not serious enough to serious enough to rate on the International Nuclear Event Scale used to grade nuclear accidents. According to the Defence minister the majority of the incidents at Faslane on Clyde & Devonport did not cause danger to health or the environment. In the incidents, radioactive waste was spilled, workers were exposed to radiation, power supplies were lost, safety valves wrongly operated & a bag of waste was mistakenly dropped overboard. Six of the incidents happened at the Faslane naval base & five at Devonport. The incidents were admitted by UK defence minister in response to a parliamentary question from Angus Robertson MP, the SNP’s defence spokesperson. This describes the issues most workplaces have when we don’t report incident about high risk areas, don’t let those that can do something about it or those that may be affected by those incidents gain an understanding of the risks associated. How is the reporting regime at your workplace?

Article by: Julie Armour – www.WorkingArmour.com.au

How well trained are your workers who are required to handle loads?

A recent incident in the UK highlights how easy it is to focus on the activity and not the securing of that load during the activity to be manoeuvred by the crane. A ship repair worker was crushed to death when an anchor weighing almost 3 tonnes toppled onto him in a dry dock. The deceased was one of 3 men working for ship repair & conversion company on a sand dredger in the dry dock when the incident happened in February 2009. The Health & Safety Executive (HSE) prosecuted their employer for serious criminal safety failings.

The court heard how the deceased & his colleagues were laying out or “ranging” anchors on the dredger to ready for inspection. Despite several attempts, they were unable to get the starboard anchor to lie flat on the bottom of the dock, so left it in an upright position for almost 30 mins while they worked on the chains. When the deceased later attempted to pass a chain sling under the anchor in order to manoeuvre it into a flat position, the anchor fell towards the vessel and landed on top of him. He died as a result of multiple crush injuries.

The HSE investigation found that while he was trained to operate a dockside portal crane, he had no formal qualifications in lifting & slinging of loads. It was also unclear how many times he had undertaken the ranging of anchors & chains before the incident. The company did not have an effective management system in place to inform supervisors & others of employees’ competence. In addition, the employer had not carried out or recorded an assessment of the risks associated with & there was no safe system of work in place for this task. The court was told that following the incident an improvement notice was served for the implementation of a safe system of work for the task, as well as a system for assessing the competence of those required to carry out the task. The employer was fined £75,000 (A$ 127 K) and ordered to pay £23,500 (A$40 K) in costs after pleading guilty at an earlier hearing to a criminal safety offence. No much of a fine for a life and very foreseeable risks? How many tasks do your personnel perform where there is a high risk of a fatality? Do you manage that risk effectively?

Article by: Julie Armour – www.WorkingArmour.com.au

How well equipped are your line managers to deal with workplace stress?

Stressed UK workers are apparently suffering in silence and employers aren’t doing enough to tackle work related- stress (WRS), according to new figures from Mind. The mental health charity’s survey of over 2,000 workers found 45% of those polled said that staff are expected to cope without mentioning WRS & almost a third (31%) said that they would not be able to talk openly to their line manager if they felt stressed. Mind also found a huge difference in the perceptions of managers & their staff about how mental health is addressed in the workplace. Only 22% of workers felt that their boss takes active steps to help them manage WRS. Many managers, however, seem to think that they are doing enough to support staff, with over two- thirds (68%) saying that they would find ways of helping staff who were stressed or experiencing a mental health problem.

The chief executive of Mind, suggests that these figures show that WRS remains the “elephant in the room in many workplaces”. There is often a worrying disparity between how managers & other members of staff view their organisation’s approach to mental wellbeing. It is vital that managers are equipped with the tools they need to be able to confidently & effectively support their staff, whether they are experiencing stress or mental health problems as a result of work or other factors. He adds that there is a real danger that companies are neglecting workplace mental health, with huge implications for staff wellbeing; not to mention productivity, motivation and sickness absence. This may because they are not sure what to do. It has certainly been the authors experience in workplaces that most line managers don’t feel well enough equipped to either recognise of deal with WRS issues especially when the worker themselves may not have recognised this but the line manager suspects something is not right.

How well are your line managers equipped to deal with these processes of WRS identification & management in their reports?” What are the sources of WRS? Have you had that conversation with your staff ore reports?

Article by: Julie Armour – www.WorkingArmour.com.au

Have you checked the quality of your safety equipment?

A UK company was recently fined £14,000 (A$24K) plus costs of £7,500 ($13K) for supplying imported hard hats that failed to meet safety standards despite being marked as approved. Trading standards officers from Northamptonshire County Council arranged for safety helmets to be tested against the requirements of the Personal Protective Equipment Regulations 2002 in January 2012. Northampton Magistrates Court heard the tests included a Jewson Safety Helmet purchased from the company’s store. When tested the helmet did not comply with the shock absorption test in EN 397. A further 6 helmets were purchased from another Jewson branch & three of these also failed the same test. The helmets stated “complies with: EN397” & had been imported from China by the company. Jewson Limited was only able to produce a test certificate from 2001 despite selling over 63,000 of them over an 11 year period. The challenge here is that it very difficult for users to detect this kind of issue for themselves & therefore it is vital that regulatory officers proactively monitor the safety of products on sale.

Article by: Julie Armour – www.WorkingArmour.com.au

Are you waiting for a serious incident?

Are you waiting for a serious incident to tell you you’re just going through the motions with your policies and procedures?

Well this case may remind you of how easy it is to be lulled into a false sense of security. A NSW employer that failed to enforce its “comprehensive & sophisticated” OHS policies, or clearly label a butane pipe, has been fined $110,000, after a contractor suffered arm and head burns.

The Industrial Court heard that in February 2010, the Dolrow Pty Ltd (trading as B&G Concrete Sawing and Drilling-BGCSD) contractor was engaged by P&M Quality Smallgoods Pty Ltd (PMQS) to cut part of the concrete floor of a mezzanine level at its premises. He then proceeded to cut through a concrete nib wall, which he claimed he was instructed to do & required him to alter the guard on his cutting machine, before cutting through a pipe containing butane, causing a fire. To escape the fire, the worker was required to leap from the mezzanine level as the steps had been removed. He suffered burns to his left forearm and the top of his head. PMQS pleaded guilty to OHS breaches.

The Court heard that prior to the incident, PMQS had a “comprehensive & modern system for managing & monitoring OHS”, which included a risk management manual, an OHS management system, an emergency management plan, & a contractor’s guide to site safety. All workers & contractors received annual training in risk and contractor management, and managers received OHS risk management and assessment training. The court found however that PMQS had failed to undertake a risk assessment for the contractor’s task, & failed to tell him about risks he could encounter. It also failed to ensure the butane pipe was clearly labelled, colour-coded & isolated or disconnected before the task, & failed to ensure a temporary stairway was installed in the area. Justice Boland in circumstances where a contractor was cutting
concrete in the near vicinity of an unmarked pipe containing butane gas, the existence he was not informed of, it was reasonably foreseeable he might cut the pipe creating a serious risk to his safety & perhaps the safety of others. He also did suggest that PMQS’s comprehensive & sophisticated OHS policies & procedures were a mitigating factor in determining the fine. Where they fell down however was in the observance & implementation of its policies & procedures, which the Justice had commented was found to be so often the case in these prosecutions.

The worker’s conduct was also a mitigating factor, Justice Boland said. He rejected the worker’s claim that he had been instructed to cut the wall. The Justice suggested that if the worker had been instructed to cut the wall, he should have advised PMQS that he was unable to do so without unlawfully removing or altering the guard on his concrete cutting machine & therefore he should have declined to cut the wall. There was also no evidence that the worker undertook any risk assessment before undertaking the task of concrete cutting which he was clearly obliged to and if he had he may have discovered the existence of the butane pipe. Are you missing out on managing risk in a pile of ineffective paperwork?

Article by: Julie Armour – www.WorkingArmour.com.au

Asbestos Safety Remains An Hot Topic For Councils

Cancer Council WA and the Health Department have collaborated on an initiative to help home renovators learn to how properly identify and handle asbestos . This move comes following recent concerns that nearly half of West Australians would have difficulty identify hazardous materials.

The council and the Health Department have launched a free online course which will teach DIY renovators where to locate asbestos, how to safely handle and dispose of it, and how to access information regarding asbestos-related diseases.

With a rise in home renovations,  there are worries that a large amount of people will be resorted to a less expensive option of  DIY renovation, without being away of the potential dangers of asbestos.

Of note, is the fact that Australia has the highest per-capita rate of asbestos-related diseases in the world.

In other asbestos news, Newcastle Council Environmental Officers have been swamped with responding to reports of illegal asbestos dumping at Minmi Road Wallsend.

The trailer was found dumped on a vacant lot near the Caltex Service Station.

Officers are en rout to deal with the waste and move it to their Summerhill waste facility for analysis.

More info on Asbestos Training

Source: http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/lifestyle/a/-/lifestyle/19962931/home-renovators-urged-to-learn-about-asbestos/

http://www.nbnnews.com.au/index.php/2013/11/13/asbestos-illegally-dumped-in-wallsend/

Kogarah Council Successful in Illegal Asbestos Dump Prosecution

Kogarah Council intends to continue the prosecution of unlawful asbestos dumpers following its first win in the Land and Environment Court where a defendant was fined $35,000 in penalties.

A spokesperson for the council said the incident in question involved the dumping of 16 large boxes laden with fibro-asbestos sheeting. The deadly material was dumped throughout four streets in the Kogarah region.

“A vehicle registration number was identified at one of the dumping sites and was traced to the residential address of the dumper,” she said. “At the property, boxes which were identical to the 16 dumped boxes were found and a garage on which fibro-asbestos sheeting was being replaced with cladding.

“The fibro-asbestos found at the property was tested and found to be identical to that which was dumped unlawfully.”

The accused pleaded guilty and the court ordered them to pay out $20,000 in addition to covering the council’s legal costs and the cost of removing the dumped asbestos.

The spokesperson said this was the first incident of unlawful asbestos dumping in the region that was successfully prosecuted in the Land and Environment Court.

“The severity of the penalty imposed reflects the seriousness of the offence, with the magistrate recognising the potentially dangerous effects of asbestos dumping,” she said.

More info on Asbestos Training

Source: http://www.theleader.com.au/story/1900211/asbestos-conviction/

Construction Safety: Crane Collision Results in Job Walk-Off

Two cranes  came crashing together at the Royal Adelaide Hospital (RAH) construction site.

The CFMEU attributed the collision to a failed alert system which resulted in them touching.

Fortunately the accident did not result in any injuries, however SafeWork SA was summoned for an investigation.

This most recent incident is just one of several accidents at the site that have occurred involving cranes.Union official Mike McDermott revealed that workers were convening safety discussions this morning.

McDermott remarked that this incident was the third with cranes in the last few weeks. ” HYLC in their wisdom have sent two cranes back out to start work again already before the incident has been properly investigated and before SafeWork SA have actually got down here and look I just wonder what it’s going to take before they’ll actually stop these cranes,” he said.

The CFMEU revealed that workers had walked  out of the job until safety issues are fleshed out. The union called for an assessment on whether safety standards were being adhered to at the site.

The stopwork meeting and walk-off by workers is being investigated by the Fair Work Commission.

More info on Construction Safety

Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-11-22/workers-walk-off-monday-crane-worries-at-royal-adelaide-hospital/5109740

Illegal Asbestos Dumping Costs Tens of Thousands of Dollars

The Lake Macquarie Council recently revealed that illegal asbestos dumping can cost upwards of $10,000 each time someone is required to remove it.

The council is currently looking into an illegal dumping of approximately three cubic metres of the deadly material close to Dora Creek.

Rangers were directed to the site following reports of suspicious activity from a member of the community.

Keith Stevenson, waste manager for the council, stated that illegal dumping costs the organisation hundreds of thousands of dollars and it is unacceptable.  He reported that the financial toll often reaches about $300,000 per year.

“In relation to an asbestos site, it can be anywhere between $5,000 and $10,000 depending on the amount of asbestos removed, and the condition it’s in.

“So if it’s spread across a large area it make it harder to remove. He says this is the reason the costs often raise significantly.

“It’s not a case of just sending in a council crew.”

Mr Stevenson is calling for anyone who witnesses illegal dumping to immediately notify the organisation.

“Certainly anyone who observes anybody dumping waste, or particularly asbestos, they certainly don’t need to approach the people but get as much information as they can.

“We have a dedicated officer that will pretty much pursue that straight away.

He says the cost to the environment and the community is too high and now they are left with having to remove the deadly substance.

More info on Asbestos

Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-11-22/asbestos-dumped-in-lake-macquarie/5109902

Asbestos Endangers Children in Two Separate Incidents This Week

Authorities are warning the public that a magic toy sold online and at the Royal Melbourne Show could potentially expose purchasers to deadly asbestos fibres.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) says the gimmick wallets which release a large flame when opened, have been marketed and sold as a novelty or magic prop. 

The ACCC conducted tests on a small number of the fire wallets following a complaint, and it was discovered to contain some asbestos.

The wallets were reportedly sold on eBay in addition to this years Royal Melbourne Show. Consumers are advised that the fire wallets may contain asbestos and are subsequently hazardous. 

The eBay trader, All Media Collectables, informed the ACC that all fire wallets have been recalled and affected customers have been contacted.

Those who have purchased the wallets have been advised to double-bag it in durable plastic bags, store it out of reach of children and contact the ACCC on safe disposal guidelines.

WA reminded to prepare for cyclone season

The Department of Commerce is reminding businesses across Western Australia to get their contingency plans sorted out as cyclone season begins.

It’s a requirement under workplace health and safety (WHS) laws for businesses to have plans in place to manage extreme weather events.

According to WorkSafe WA Commissioner Lex McCulloch, it’s also crucial for businesses to provide their employees with adequate WHS training, so they can protect themselves and each other if a cyclone hits.

The Bureau of Meteorology has predicted a near-average number of cyclones off the North-West coast of Australia this season, with two coastal impacts expected.

While this may not seem like much, Mr McCulloch is adamant that “it only takes one cyclone to cause significant damage and suffering”.

He drew attention to Cyclone George, one of the most destructive cyclones that Western Australia has faced since 1975.

It was designated a Category 5 cyclone as it approached the North-West coast back in 2007,  killing  three people and causing numerous injuries.

A large number of people work in the North-West part of Western Australia, and Mr McCulloch says its important that everyone knows exactly what to do if a cyclone threat is detected.

He also reminds employees on worksites that accommodate several businesses to make sure they have coordinated contingency plans, so that everyone can work together and keep safe.

“Employers should not leave anything to chance when a cyclone is threatening, and must make sure safe work practices are in place well before a cyclone is in their vicinity,” explains Mr McCulloch.

Those operating fishing vessels along the coast also need to take precautions, and make sure they have a list of sheltered anchorages on hand when out at sea as well as a contingency plan.

Recycling company fined after work fatality

A UK wood recycling company was hit with a massive AUS$342,000 fine after a worker was killed due to poor OHS practices.

The Manchester-based business accepted that it had failed to carry out a number of safety measures that would have easily prevented the tragedy.

Upon investigation, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that the company had no segregation methods or structures in place to maintain a safe barrier between its vehicles and workers. They failed to introduce such measures even after workers had reported near misses on multiple occasions.

As a result, the employee was run over and killed as he was walking between a pile of wood and a skip. He was hit by the load shovel of a vehicle that was moving materials across the site, and died at the scene.

HSE Inspector Bruno Porter lamented the nature of the death and condemned the negligence of the company, noting that “solely relying on drivers or workers noticing each other is not adequate control.”

“This was an entirely preventable death caused by the company failing to have a system to allow vehicles and pedestrians to move safely around each other,” he said in a November 12 statement.

“The risks of serious injury and, all too frequently, death, resulting from the failure to control the safe movement of vehicles and pedestrians are widely recognised.”

He also explained that the waste industry has a high injury rate, mostly due to the presence of large, dangerous vehicles.

The situation is similar here in Australia. According to the latest figures from Safe Work Australia, the electricity, gas, water and waste services industry has resulted in five work fatalities this year as of November 11. This is already one more than the whole of last year.

To reduce the chances of tragic and preventable work fatalities, it is wise to introduce OHS training courses to your workplace so everyone is following best practices when it comes to safety.

Border construction safety in sight for Echuca and Moama

Construction workers in the border towns of Echuca and Moama will be able to benefit from targeted OHS programmes being held this week.

To educate employers and employee on the unique implications and requirements of working at construction sites in border towns, WorkSafe Victoria and WorkCover NSW have teamed up and will be sending inspectors to selected sites up until November 15.

Businesses will be able to take advantage of the expertise of these inspectors to fully understand the work safety obligations required when working in a border town.

According to Allan Beacom, WorkSafe construction manager, one of the main goals of the scheme was to clear up any uncertainties regarding these obligations.

“We know many local construction businesses are based in one state but operate in another state,” he said in a November 11 media release.

“Our inspectors will help these businesses understand the safety requirements of each state and highlight the many similarities between NSW and Victorian laws.”

He pointed out that it was easy for border town workers to be confused about which laws applied where. For instance, Victoria and NSW have practically the same requirements surrounding high risk work licences and plant operator competencies.

As a result, these are interchangeable across the border and can be accepted in either state.

John Watson, general manager of WorkCover NSW’s work health and safety division, added that the project set out to make border construction sites safer.

He cited figures showing that in the three years to July 2011, there was a total of 1,209 injuries and illnesses in NSW’s construction industry.

“By the conclusion of this project we hope to address any construction industry misperceptions and have safer and more productive construction sites throughout the border region,” he said.

Such government initiatives, in tandem with construction safety training courses, can help any workplace in the industry become safer and more reliable.

Australians warned about the dangers of industrial rope access

Workplace Health and Safety Queensland published a report yesterday (November 11) that highlights the dangers associated with industrial rope access.

This occupational health and safety (OHS) update comes on the back of two serious accidents that recently occurred on the Gold Coast, in which workers were using rope access systems incorrectly.

According to the Department of Justice and Attorney-General, one accident saw an employee’s working line break. He fell several storeys and hit the building repeatedly before the rope grab on his additional safety line locked into place.

The working line and safety line were both incorrectly set up over the top of a glass handrail. The glass broke at some point during the operation, and partially severed the working line.

Another worker was also injured due to his working line and safety line being set up incorrectly. In addition to this , the employee was not working below the anchor point, but was instead standing on a ledge beside it. He fell, creating a pendulum effect and swinging a total of 15 metres before hitting a window.

These accidents could have both been avoided if proper OHS procedures had been followed. Workplace Health and Safety Queensland states that, to prevent such incidents from occurring again, some of the following steps must be taken.

1) All employees must receive proper instruction and OHS training before using rope access systems, and should be carefully supervised while working.
2) If a working line and safety line must pass over an edge, make sure it’s efficiently protected so that it cannot be severed. NEVER place it over sharp edges or glass panels.
3) Make sure a rope grab device has been fitted, and is in good working order.

For more information, visit the Australian Rope Access Association.

NSW government to trial waste levy repeal

The NSW government’s decision to repeal the waste levy for a trial period of 12 months has been welcomed by the Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency.

This levy was charged at tips and landfills across NSW, and acted as a deterrent for people who wanted to dispose of asbestos safely.

According to the Herald Sun, the charge was approximately $107.80 per tonne in Sydney and $53.70 per tonne in the more remote parts of NSW.

To avoid paying the waste levy, many opted to dispose of asbestos in the streets, bushland and other public areas.

The most notorious example of this occurred last year, when a “shonky builder” dumped asbestos near a daycare centre in the middle of Sydney.

Peter Tighe, chief executive officer of the Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency, said that scrapping the waste levy would prevent this sort of activity from ever happening again, as well as raise asbestos awareness throughout NSW.

“This is a great decision by the NSW state government and I would encourage other state and territory jurisdictions to watch closely the results of this trial,” he said.

“If the results are good then there will certainly be an argument for consideration to be given to a national roll out of similar measures over time.”

Mr Tighe added that a number of other steps are being taken, not only in NSW but around the country, to ensure people understand best practices when it comes to asbestos removal and disposal.

For example, WA is another state looking to remove its waste levy.

It’s also Asbestos Awareness Month, which encourages Australians to “think smart, think safe” when it comes to asbestos and equips themselves with the knowledge and skills to manage this dangerous substance in a safe and effective way.

OHS high on agenda as Christmas draws near

With the busy holiday season about to reach full flow, businesses across Victoria are being reminded to keep on top of work health and safety.

Assistant Treasurer Gordon Rich-Phillips issued a statement on November 7 urging both employers and employees to take extra caution as workplaces gear up for Christmas.

“The festive season is about to begin and Victorians are starting to think about Christmas with their families and friends and relaxing over the summer holidays,” he said.

“But we know from harsh experience that when people take their minds off safety, they risk a tragedy, and we want everyone to get home safely for Christmas.”

Mr Rich-Phillips also drew attention to some statistics to stress the importance of staying safe at this time of year. According to WorkSafe, November and December tend to be the most dangerous times of the year for workplaces. WorkSafe reported that in 2012, seven people died due to a workplace incident over November and December – more than twice the number of deaths of any other two-month period that year.

Denise Cosgrove, WorkSafe chief executive, provided a reason as to why such fatalities are more commonplace toward the end of the year. She said that people tend to switch off and focus on non-work-related things during this period, with safety less on their minds.

“We also know that many fatalities at this time of year involve experienced workers doing routine tasks, which suggests their minds may not be fully on the task at hand,” she explained.

“Together it all adds up to a dangerous mix.”

Even though the year is drawing to a close and businesses are set to get extra busy, it’s never too late to take action to make your workplace safer.

Now could be a good time to implement occupational health and safety courses for your employees to ensure they have OHS firmly in their minds in the lead up to Christmas.

DIY renovators urged to take caution with asbestos

If you’re undertaking DIY renovations on your home, watch out for asbestos.

With national Asbestos Awareness Month well underway, Queenslanders who are undertaking renovations are being encouraged to take extra caution when performing their work.

Health Minister Lawrence Springborg explained in a November 4 statement that the focus of the month would be reducing the health risks posed by working with the hazardous material.

“Many Queenslanders, particularly young couples, who do their own renovations may be putting their health and the health of their families at risk,” he said.

He reminded renovation workers around Queensland, and indeed all of Australia, that homes built or renovated before 1987 had a high likelihood of containing some level of asbestos.

Performing manual work on these homes such as drilling, sawing, sanding and cutting had the potential to release asbestos fibres into the air, creating a serious risk to anyone in the vicinity.

One of the main threats caused by asbestos exposure was the contraction of the deadly mesothelioma strain of cancer.

Mr Springborg said that the likelihood of developing the cancer was proportional to the level of exposure to asbestos.

He therefore urged renovators to make sure they’re up to speed on the risks of working with asbestos, how to identify it and how to safely remove it. Taking asbestos assessment courses can help in this regard.

In addition, government bodies around the country are readily providing DIY workers with the information and resources to help them work with asbestos.

The Queensland Government, for instance, provides some tips on handling asbestos when renovating.

These include consulting an asbestos removal specialist before starting any work, and avoiding some common mistakes such as disposing of asbestos waste in domestic bins or carrying material that could contain asbestos through a building.

Dandenong workplaces reach new OHS heights

The manufacturing sector in Dandenong has seen a significant drop in work injury claims.

Workplaces in Dandenong, Victoria, have recorded their best safety performance in over a decade – an indication, perhaps, that Safe Work Australia Month’s message has been received.

The Victorian WorkCover Authority released figures this week that show the number of workplace injury claims has dropped by 11 per cent over the last ten years. In the 2012/13 period, there was a total of 1,539 claims in the City of Greater Dandenong, compared to the 1,721 recorded in 2003/04.

This year’s feat also represents the lowest number of claims since 2001/02.

Encouragingly, the city’s manufacturing sector enjoyed a 24 per cent decrease in claims to set a new safety record within the industry. This sector is still one of the riskiest in the Greater Dandenong area, accounting for 40 per cent of injury claims.

“This improvement in the rate of injury claims shows that the safety message is getting through to employers and employees, but there is still more that every one of us can do,” WorkSafe chief executive Denise Cosgrove said in a November 7 statement.

Assistant Treasurer Gordon Rich-Phillips also took the time to congratulate both employees and employers in reaching these new milestones.

“Any injury in a workplace is one too many, but it’s encouraging to see that employers and employees in the city are working together to make safety their number one priority,” he said.

“Victoria is the safest state in Australia in which to work and I congratulate every business owner and every employee for doing their part to make sure Dandenong continues to become a safer place for all workers.”

It is indeed heartening to see workplace injury cases in Victoria and around Australia continue to plummet, but workplaces and their staff can always find areas to improve their performance.

Getting employees enrolled in OHS training courses, for example, can help them take a proactive approach to managing hazards in the workplace.

Deloitte highlights Australia’s riskiest industries

Deloitte recently identified three key industries that could help drive Australia’s economy in the future – and all three have been labelled as having a high safety risk.

In the wake of the declining mining boom, the global consultancy sought to identify the industries that could be next to fuel the country’s economy. Agribusiness, gas and tourism were the ones earmarked as having the potential of driving “super growth” in the Australian economy. Along with international education and wealth management, these sectors will form the new “prosperity wave” over the next two decades.

However, Deloitte was quick to preach caution and point out that the majority of these industries were earmarked as posing a high safety risk to workers during Safe Work Australia Month in October.

“These three industries also fit the high risk sectors identified by Safe Work Australia as requiring greater focus to deliver on the health and safety workplace needs of the nation over the next ten years,” Deloitte CEO Giam Swiegers said in a November 6 statement.

To manage the special risks associated with these high growth industries, Deloitte has enlisted a team of specialists from the former Brief Group to join its national Work Health and Safety risk business.

Deloitte will work with these specialists to help their clients “build proactive safety risk intelligence” and “confidently invest further in new ventures aligned to growth sectors”, with the assurance that concerns surrounding workplace injuries and deaths are being well managed.

The costs incurred by neglecting proper WHS standards cannot be ignored. According to Deloitte, $60.6 billion was a “conservative estimate” of the cost to Australia’s GDP of failing to implement proper work health and safety measures.

If you are an employer in one of the three super growth industries identified by Deloitte, it is important to ensure you are keeping your workforce safe while contributing to Australia’s economic prosperity.

This can involve getting your employees signed up for WHS training courses so they can better look after themselves while at work.

Safe Work Australia publishes fatality reports

Safe Work Australia has issued two reports on workplace fatality.

Safe Work Australia has just published two reports on work-related fatalities in the country – and the findings are more than a little concerning.

These reports focus on different timeframes in assessing the number of workplace fatalities and have provided evidence that there have been no reductions in work-related deaths, both in the short and long term.

The first report, titled ‘Work-related injuries and fatalities involving a fall from height, Australia’, showed that there has been no improvement in the number of workers killed each year as a result of a fall from height over much of the last decade.

According to the report, 232 workers died from a fall from height between 2003 and 2011. Safe Work Australia CEO Rex Hoy pinpointed the construction industry as a sector that was particularly at risk.

“These figures show why the construction industry was identified as a priority for prevention activities in the Australian Work Health and Safety Strategy 2012-2022,” he said in an October 31 statement.

“It is important for all workers to make safety a focus in their day to day work.”

To add weight to Mr Hoy’s words, Safe Work Australia pointed out that a third of all fall-related workplace deaths in the last four years were reported in the construction industry.

The second report, ‘Work-related traumatic injury fatalities Australia 2012″, highlighted the fact that the number of people killed at work in the last two years has also remained stable. Falls from height made up 13 per cent of the toll, while the number of deaths due to a vehicle crash was triple that figure.

According to Mr Hoy, Safe Work Australia is still striving to achieve its goal of reducing workplace fatalities by 20 per cent by 2022.

If employers around the country recognise the value of promoting a safer work environment, for example by investing in OHS training courses, this goal can certainly become a reality.

Footwear retailer fined over “preventable” injury

An Australian footwear retailer has landed in hot water after its poor OHS practices resulted in an employee sustaining an injury.

SafeWork SA prosecuted the company under the Occupational Health, Safety and Welfare Act 1986 after it failed to “provide and maintain plant in a safe condition” or “a safe system of work”. The company was thus hit with a $33,000 fine and ordered to pay extra legal costs.

The incident itself occurred in May 2011, when a retail assistant was attempting to free up a jammed hoist that was used to move stock from the basement to the shop floor. In doing so, the employee slipped, hit her head on a rail and fell to the ground, hitting her head again.

She suffered back and shoulder injuries as a result of the accident.

Magistrate Michael Ardlie, who presided over the case, did however point out that the company was cooperative during investigations and took steps to safeguard against similar accidents in the future.

These included equipping the hoist with interlocked gates, preventing access from employees while in operation, and a new measure in place to stop employees from entering the hoist shaft.

Bryan Russell, executive director of SafeWork SA, said that businesses still had to do more to protect their employees from such preventable accidents.

“A major cause of workplace injuries in South Australia arise from the lack of adequate guarding that enables people to come into contact with moving parts,” he said in a November 6 statement.

“This case highlights that engineering controls preventing people coming into contact with moving parts, or substantially reducing the occurrence, are important work health and safety initiatives.”

He also stressed the importance of providing safe equipment, OHS training and clear procedures to workers.

Construction company penalised after employee accident

A building firm in North Yorkshire in England has landed in court after its OHS negligence resulted in a worker suffering multiple injuries.

Upon investigation, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) revealed that the injured employee was commissioned to work on the mezzanine floor of a building, using a saw to cut through the metal sheets of the floor.

The worker suddenly lost his balance and fell four metres through a hole he had cut, fracturing his skull and breaking eight ribs.

Although the worker has since been able to return to work, his employer was fined AUS$27,000 and ordered to pay AUS$13,200 in fees for failing to implement adequate construction safety standards.

The court heard that the employee and a colleague that was working on the site were provided with unsuitable safety harnesses, and neither had been trained on how to use them properly.

In addition, the HSE reported that the company did consider installing a safety platform to protect the workers in case of a fall, but decided to not go ahead with it in order to save time.

HSE Inspector Andy Denison expressed his concern at the continued negligence of construction firms around the country.

“It is shocking that some construction firms – which are well aware of the high levels of death and injury in their sector as well as the risks involved – are still not fully considering the safety of site workers,” he said in a November 5 statement.

“There were many failings by [the building company] that HSE discovered. They had not properly assessed the risks of the job; they didn’t provide the correct equipment to allow it to be done safely; adequate training was not given to the two men; there was no supervision, and they failed to take suitable precautions to prevent a fall.”

National Asbestos Awareness Month is underway

Australia’s inaugural national Asbestos Awareness Month has kicked off, and WorkSafe has taken the opportunity to remind Western Australians about the dangers associated with this material.

Lex McCulloch, WorkSafe WA commissioner, noted that the month had extra significance for residents and workers in the state as it has a history with asbestos.

“Unfortunately we have the sad legacy of Wittenoom to remind us of the potential hazards of asbestos, but this has served to give us a strong commitment to the future safety and health of all Western Australians,” Mr McCulloch said in a November 4 statement.

He pointed out that asbestos was used in almost every home built before 1987, so it is safe to assume that many homes contain some level of asbestos unless they were built after that year.

In addition, he expressed concern that not enough people are taking enough precautions when carrying out DIY maintenance or renovation work on their homes. This is despite the strict licensing requirements in Western Australia regarding who can safely carry out asbestos removal.

“There is still a large amount of asbestos in WA and we need to ensure that anyone who may come in contact with it is aware of the potential for serious health effects,” he said.

Asbestos Awareness Month, which runs throughout the entirety of November, aims to educate Australians on the dangers of asbestos when working on homes and encourage them to seek information on safely managing it.

WorkSafe cited a survey that shows 60 per cent of DIY renovators reported exposure to asbestos while working, and highlights the fact that Australia leads the world in terms of asbestos-related deaths.

Western Australians – and indeed everyone around the country – are therefore urged to ensure their asbestos assessment know-how is up to date and heed the month’s motto: “Don’t play renovation roulette!”

Safe Work Australia stresses importance of farm OHS

Safe Work Australia CEO Rex Hoy has praised the success of the recent Farmsafe Symposium, which was held on the last day of national Safe Work Australia Month in October.

The conference was held at Parliament House in Canberra and featured a host of community groups, farming organisations and industry and union representatives from across Australia and New Zealand. Its purpose was to promote workplace health and safety in the farming sector through a range of presentations.

Mr Hoy said he was pleased with the turnout at this year’s event and the way in which presenters highlighted the importance of OHS in farming environments.

“There was a high level of commitment by presenters and attendees to improve safety and keep Australian farmers and their families safe,” he said in a November 1 statement.

“During Safe Work Australia Month we saw how much dedication exists across the nation to improve work health and safety, not just in the agriculture industry but in all industries.”

He also said it was appropriate that the country’s most dangerous industry became the focus on the final day of Safe Work Australia Month.

According to Safe Work Australia, 17 per cent of all work fatalities in Australia come from the agriculture sector – even though just 2.7 per cent of Australian workers are in this industry.

In addition, the agriculture, forestry and fishing sector has seen the most workplace deaths this year, with 38 fatalities as of October 31.

Around three quarters of deaths in the industry involved vehicles commonly used on farms such as tractors and quad bikes, and Mr Hoy stressed that there was much work to be done to cut down this figure.

“Improving farm safety and in particular quad bike safety requires a concerted effort from all parties,” he said.

He urged employers to work with Safe Australia and “take action” to improve the safety of farm workers. OHS training courses, for example, can help your employees keep up to speed with farm safety practices.

SA organisations recognised for OHS achievements

A number of businesses and organisations in South Australia have been commended for their exceptional efforts in promoting a safe workplace.

The winners of the SA edition of the annual Safe Work Awards were announced at a ceremony on November 1, in celebration of their innovation and leadership in the field of workplace safety.

More than 60 entrants vied for the honours in four award categories this year, which Safe Work SA said was an indication of the ongoing commitment from the state’s businesses to improve work health and safety standards.

Tom Phillips, presiding member of the Safe Work SA advisory council, said he was pleased with the direction in which SA businesses were heading.

“Recognising and rewarding innovative ideas, practices, leadership and commitment to work health and safety is central to ensuring that all of our workers return home safely,” he said at the awards event.

“South Australia has long been home to innovators and tonight’s eight award winners remind us that this tradition is alive and well.”

FMCG company George Weston Foods Tip Top South Australia took out the title of Best Workplace Health and Safety Management System. Its achievement was aided by a series of minor but effective tweaks such as improved bread stack heights, which led to a 60 per cent reduction in injuries.

A total of three organisations claimed awards in the Best Solution to an Identified Workplace Health and Safety Issue category. These included the City of Charles Sturt, which commissioned a purpose-built truck to limit manual tasks and injuries, and Flinders Logistics, who developed an improved system of loading bulk minerals onto ships.

It is clear that to win any of these Safe Work awards, innovation and proactivity is required on the part of the employer to ensure a safer workplace. Investing in occupational health and safety courses for your workforce could be an ideal place to start in reducing workplace injuries.

Council and firm reprimanded over asbestos risk

A council body and a decorating firm in the UK have both been fined after exposing workers to dangerous asbestos fibres.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) reported on October 31 that the council had enlisted the services of the decorating firm to refurbish a community centre last year.

Instead of allowing a licensed contractor to remove the building’s asbestos insulation boards under controlled conditions, the council sent staff from the decorators to perform the work. The hazardous material was subsequently spread around the site by the staff, posing a serious threat to everyone on site.

Additionally, it transpired that the council had previously conducted a survey of the building, highlighting the presence of asbestos and its risks, but had failed to relay this information to the firm. The firm had also been negligent in not assessing the insulation boards to check for the presence of asbestos.

As a result, the council was fined a total of AUS$16,900 and ordered to pay extra costs of over AUS$2,000.

HSE Inspector Paul Cooper offered his judgment on the matter, which is especially pertinent to industries in Australia as national Asbestos Awareness Month gets underway.

“Refurbishment and demolition work must be planned and carefully thought through, especially where asbestos may be present,” he said.

He noted that the council should have planned its work better to eliminate the risk of asbestos exposure to workers, and the decorating firm should also have undertaken an assessment of the risks posed by its work at the centre. Instead, it had failed to fulfil “its responsibilities as a contractor and employer to protect those on site.”

“As a result of these failures [the decorating firm’s] employees, and potentially other tradesmen on site, were exposed to harmful asbestos fibres,” Mr Cooper concluded.

Construction firm in court over worker injury

A building firm has been fined after a worker was seriously injured.

A building company in London has been hit with a heavy fine after an employee was severely injured due to poor OHS compliance.

In its investigation, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found there was a concerning number of factors that led to the incident – all of which were easily preventable.

Firstly, it was revealed that the employee was working at an unsafe height without the required safety measures. The company admitted that in order to “keep the workers busy” while waiting for scaffolding to arrive, they were set to work before the proper safeguards were implemented.

The accident itself occurred when a newly-laid first floor collapsed under the excessive weight of concrete blocks. These blocks weighed around 1.6 tonnes in total – more than seven times the load capacity of the floor, the HSE found.

When the floor buckled under the weight, the worker fell three metres and sustained multiple leg fractures. He is still unable to return to work, let alone walk properly, even though the accident occurred in September last year.

HSE Inspector Keith Levart condemned the negligence of the company and reminded those in the building industry about the importance of construction site safety.

“[The employer] did not pay enough attention to the tasks being undertaken and failed to fully appreciate the risks involved,” he said in an October 30 statement.

“For this reason, it is hugely important that if something alters on site, such as materials being late, managers must take the responsibility to re-assess the risks and make sure there are no unintended – and possibly fatal – consequences.”

If the company in question had taken part in proper construction safety training, it is highly unlikely such a devastating accident would have occurred.

WorkSafe SA provides reminder on harvest safety

Agricultural workers are reminded to stay safe this harvest season.

National Safe Work Australia Month may have just ended, but SafeWork SA is continuing to remind the country about the importance of OHS for the remainder of the year.

Bryan Russell, SafeWork SA executive director, says those in industrial sectors such as agriculture needed to be extra cautious. As temperatures warm up with the promise of a fruitful season ahead, employers and employees alike are being reminded to keep on top of work health and safety.

“We know that farming is a high-risk occupation, and as the sector gears up for harvesting and shearing we remind everyone working at this busy time of year to ensure that they are working safely having managed known risks,” said Mr Russell in an October 31 statement.

He noted that farm workers had unique risks and hazards they had to manage due to the nature of their jobs. These arise from circumstances such as working with heavy machinery and dangerous equipment, and working alone.

Some of the most common injuries suffered by these workers included falling from height, rollovers and crashes on farm vehicles, and body stress sustained from improper manual handling.

The high risk factor of working in this sector cannot be ignored. According to Safe Work Australia, the agriculture, forestry and fishing industry has claimed the most workplace fatalities this year, with 38 deaths to date in 2013.

SafeWork SA has offered some safety tips for the upcoming harvest season. Firstly, workers are encouraged to “develop a simple safety plan and stick to that plan”.

This plan can involve everything from ensuring all equipment and machinery are properly safeguarded, not entering field bins or silos when grain is being emptied, staying hydrated and taking regular breaks.

“A truly successful harvest is a safe, injury-free harvest,” Mr Russell concluded.

Macedon Resident Battles Asbestos Related Cancer

Macedon resident Louise Williams has asbestos related cancer. She has lived with it for 10 years. LOU Williams credits the quiet and relaxing surrounds of Barringo for defying one of the most aggressive cancers of all. The 58-year-old (pictured) has had mesothelioma, commonly known as asbestos cancer, for 10 years. The cancer, linked to the now banned building product asbestos, attacks the lungs, turning them as hard as concrete and, in doing so, crushing other organs.

Ms Williams is in a one per cent segment of mesothelioma sufferers who have warded off the disease for so long. She is in her third major round of treatment, after a relapse earlier this year sent her back into a chemotherapy program. “I’ve had symptoms for 12 years, but I was first diagnosed 10 years ago when I was given two months to live,” Ms Williams said. “In August, my oncologist put me on another round of chemotherapy after the cancer came back to my heart and other lung.”

Ms Williams moved to the Macedon Ranges from Tasmania after her diagnosis, believing if she had only a short time left, she should live somewhere beautiful. She has been a passionate advocate for sufferers, campaigning for many years alongside Bernie Banton, who challenged James Hardie over their liability. “Our big awareness push is making home renovators aware of the presence of asbestos in their homes and urging them to be wary and remove and dispose of it properly,”

Ms Williams said. “There is a national register for people to record instances of exposure and renovators need to be aware asbestos fibres can be found in old putties and other building materials that date to the 1980s.” Asbestos campaigners are now pushing for subsidies for the removal and disposal of the substance to be offered by the federal government. Ms Williams plans to accept an award for her campaigning in Washington in March.

Source: http://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/north/asbestos-campaigner-and-mesothelioma-sufferer-lou-williams-credits-barringo-with-keeping-her-alive/story-fnglenug-1226757549441

Sawmill employee seriously injured in workplace accident

A sawmill in Scotland has been fined approximately AUS$34,000 after an employee severely injured his arm at work.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE), the UK’s governing body for workplace health and safety, noted that the incident could have easily been avoided had the employer been on top of OHS practices.

At the time of the incident, which occurred in January 2010, the employee was operating a wood-stacking machine when he reached over a safety fence to retrieve an item.

As he did so, his arm was caught in a part of the machinery, pinning it against the fence and causing serious harm. His elbow was broken as a result, and he faced four months out of work as he recovered from surgery.

The HSE noted that while newer machines at the mill had proper safeguards in place, the employer had put staff at risk by allowing access through the safety fencing surrounding older ones. The fact they had implemented higher levels of protection on newer machines demonstrated they were negligent in not considering doing the same for the machine in question.

“This incident was entirely preventable,” HSE Inspector Russell Berry said in an October 29 media release.

“If the company had adopted a consistent approach to assessing the risks of all the machines at the site, the higher standard of protection that existed on the newer machines would have prevented this incident from occurring.”

Any business that relies on the use of heavy machinery must consider the threat it brings to its employees.

Make sure all equipment at your workplace has proper safeguards and barriers in place to protect staff. In addition, it is always wise to invest in OHS training to ensure your workers are kept up to date on the best safety practices for their line of work.

Safe Work Australia reports sharp drop in work-related fatalities

Safe Work Australia has reported that work-related compensated fatalities are at a decade low.

As Safe Work Australia Month draws to a close, the national work health and safety authority has announced some encouraging statistics.

Safe Work Australia released the 15th edition of its Comparative Performance Monitoring (CPM) report, which provides analysis on the trends around workers’ compensation schemes in Australia and New Zealand. One of the main findings was that work-related compensated fatalities were at its lowest level in over a decade.

Rex Hoy, chief executive officer of Safe Work Australia, pointed out that his organisation easily surpassed the long-term targets set in 2002.

“Over a decade ago the National OHS Strategy 2002-2012 set the target of a 20 per cent reduction in the incidence rate of work-related fatalities by 2012,” he explained in an October 30 media release.

“We have achieved this with a 47 per cent reduction in fatalities.”

Mr Hoy did note, however, that there was still room for improvement. He said that 199 compensated fatalities were recorded in Australia in 2011-12, and this number had to be cut down even further.

Additionally, in the same period, 12 in 100 workers were seriously injured to the extent they needed at least a week off work. While this figure represented a 28 per cent improvement from 2002, the target of a 40 per cent drop was not met.

Workplaces around the country must keep work health and safety on the top of their agenda if future targets set by Safe Work Australia are to be met. This includes enrolling staff in OHS training courses to best prepare them for the specific hazards posed in the workplace.

“To continue to see a decrease in injury and disease in the workplace we must stay committed to work health and safety and set high targets to ensure safer workplaces for all Australians,” Mr Hoy concluded.

UK construction firm fined over worker’s permanent injury

A UK construction company has been hit with a AUS$76,000 fine after an employee was permanently injured as a result of his work.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) reported that the worker developed bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome due to the nature of his work and the failure of the employer to adhere to OHS practices.

Due to the employer’s negligence, the worker was not adequately protected from the prolonged effects of handling vibrating power tools on a daily basis. As a result of extensive, heavy-duty work such as breaking floors and foundations, the worker suffered permanent nerve damage.

Additionally, the HSE revealed that the company, based in East Sussex, failed to protect its workers from numerous other hazards. For instance, it allowed unsafe work at height and didn’t provide sufficient support for the sides of a deep excavation.

These claims were corroborated by photographic evidence taken by the employee.

HSE Inspector Amanda Huff explained that the worker’s injury could have been prevented if proper OHS standards were in place.

“Carpal tunnel syndrome is a painful and debilitating condition that [the employee] need not have developed had his health and his use of vibrating tools been properly monitored and controlled,” she said in an October 28 media release.

“The onus is on employers to fully consider the risks arising from prolonged use of equipment like hand held breakers, and to ensure their workforce is adequately protected.”

As a result of his employer’s negligence, the employee will now face “a lifetime of discomfort”, Ms Huff added.

With the hazardous equipment and environments involved with construction work, comprehensive construction safety training is a must for both employers and employees in this industry.

Investing in such courses will ensure that unfortunate cases such as these can be avoided.

Darwin plumbers fined over acetylene storage

A Darwin plumbing company has been fined over mishandling acetylene cylinders.

A Darwin plumbing company has been fined for continued negligence in its handling of acetylene – despite repeated warnings from authorities.

NT WorkSafe reported yesterday (29 October) that the company was convicted and fined $5,000 earlier this month for storing cylinders containing the dangerous substance in enclosed vans.

It was revealed that the company was well aware of the risks of transporting acetylene cylinders in enclosed vans, but continued to neglect proper OHS safety standards even after formal warnings.

The court was told that NT WorkSafe issued an official prohibition notice to the company in May 2012, yet just a month later, found the same company breaching the notice.

This occurred when an employee of the company was caught transporting the cylinders to a jobsite in Darwin City, where he was spoken to by a NT WorkSafe inspector.

Doug Phillips, the NT work health authority, explained that although the cylinders were only stored for 30 minutes, this still constituted a breach of the prohibition notice.

“Prohibition notices are issued for a reason; one young life has already been cut short in the Northern Territory due to the practice of storing and or transporting acetylene cylinders in enclosed vehicles,” he said.

“Six months on, despite a formal warning, a company has been caught continuing to do the same thing.”

As an example of the implications involved with the improper handling of acetylene, NT WorkSafe pointed out one local incident that resulted in tragedy. A 24-year-old refrigeration mechanic in Parap died early last year after a gas explosion in a van carrying acetylene.

The importance of proper OHS training in the handling of dangerous goods cannot be underestimated, and it is concerning to see companies still ignoring formal warnings on the associated risks.

Online OHS resources for young workers

A new initiative from WorkSafe WA is providing young workers in Western Australia with improved OHS education online.

Commerce Minister Michael Mischin has announced the release of an updated version of WorkSafe’s SmartMove, a workplace health and safety resource targeted at the most inexperienced and vulnerable workers.

Senior high school students and those entering the workforce for experience, placements or apprenticeships can make use of the free resource to get a heads-up on the best health and safety practices.

“The more education we can give our young people on workplace safety and health the better, especially when they’re going into real workplaces for the first time,” WorkSafe WA Commissioner Lex McCulloch said in an October 25 media release.

Mr McCulloch also emphasised the need to educate new workers on proper health and safety measures as early as possible.

SmartMove provides a flexible package for both intending workers and those in charge of supervising them. Teachers are provided with instructions on educating their students, and modules can be completed as a class or individually.

Students who successfully complete the course receive a certificate, which they can show prospective employers “as proof that they have a good grounding in workplace safety and health”.

It appears that education providers and employers alike are taking SmartMove seriously and using it as a yardstick to measure one’s suitability for work.

Mr McCulloch explained that schools using the system will not allow students to start working until they have completed the program, and certain retail businesses will require students to hold a certificate before working in their stores.

WorkSafe has ensured that no student will be denied the opportunity to participate in the program, with features such as text-to-speech allowing access to students with special needs, for example.

The continued development and promotion of SmartMove is an example of the importance of properly educating workers on workplace health and safety. All employees can take advantage of OHS training courses to stay safe at work, regardless of their age or experience.

Western Australia’s safest workplaces revealed

WorkSafe WA has announced the winners of the 2013 Work Safety Awards for Western Australia, recognising the achievements of the state’s most safety-conscious workplaces.

The leading businesses were selected across five OHS categories, and will now be considered for the national Safe Work Australia Awards next year.

WorkSafe WA Commissioner Lex McCulloch stated that the five winners were shining examples of the exceptional workplace innovations and systems the best businesses in Western Australia are implementing.

“These awards provide the opportunity for innovative Western Australians to gain national recognition for their achievements,” Mr McCulloch said in an October 25 media release.

“They recognise outstanding occupational safety and health management, solutions and innovation in both public and private sector workplaces in WA that reduce the risk of work-related injury and disease.”

The winning businesses transverse a broad range of industries and categories, proving that organisations across the board are increasingly savvy about workplace safety.

Technology Assisting Disability WA took out the award in the ‘Best safety and health management system in the private sector’ category, thanks to its innovation in installing customised work stations and equipment to accommodate workers with a disability.

The equivalent award for the public sector was claimed by WA Police, who worked with OHS specialists to extensively improve the policies and procedures that form the basis of the police force’s Safety Management System.

“Awards such as these are all about encouraging best practice in safety and health, and the winners are leading the way by making a significant contribution to making WA workplaces safer,” Mr McCulloch said.

The winning organisations from WA will now have the chance to have their efforts recognised by the nation as a whole, when the winners for the Safe Work Australia Awards are announced in April 2014.

WorkSafe ACT announces innovative approach to OHS education

A new initiative from WorkSafe ACT aims to better educate young workers on OHS practices.

WorkSafe ACT is taking a unique approach to educating the state’s youngest and most vulnerable workers on the importance of work health and safety.

Mark McCabe, ACT Work Safety commissioner, has announced the launch of the Hazardman project, which aims to engage young workers and get them thinking about workplace safety.

The project revolves around the fictional character of Hazardman, who appears in a series of educational resources such as comics and fact sheets. It highlights the dangers posed by Hazardman’s ‘villains’, represented by common workplace hazards.

“This project is a fresh and original approach to a topic which is often overlooked or considered dull or unimportant,” Mr McCabe said in an October 28 statement.

“We cannot afford for the importance of safety to be devalued or under-estimated and the ACT Government is committed to making sure it stays on the agenda.”

WorkSafe cited several concerning statistics which prove the need to provide better OHS education for young and vulnerable workers. It pointed out that workers aged between 15 and 24 have the highest rate of work injuries per hour worked.

These young workers were most likely to sustain their injury as a result of manual handling and falls, including slips and trips.

Another goal of the project is to encourage workers to take a proactive approach to dealing with workplace hazards, such as discussing them with supervisors. In addition to school students, the initial focus of the project is to centre around young workers in the construction, retail and hospitality sectors.

If you have young people working at, or about to enter, your workplace, initiatives such as Hazardman will offer a welcome helping hand in ensuring they stay safe.

In addition to fun and light-hearted tactics, it is of course also important to invest in comprehensive occupational health and safety courses. These will enable your young employees to start work with the know-how to look after themselves and others.

What have you heard about Occupational Noise?

Many health and safety professionals are aware of the risk to health and safety that regular workplace hazards such as chemicals and items of plant present. Chemicals and plant are common items on OHS strategic plans and are often top of the list on compliance registers, but where does occupational noise sit?

Occupational noise becomes hazardous and will cause permanent hearing damage when an employee is exposed to sound pressure above 85db over the period of an 8hr day or if an employee is exposed to a peak noise level of 140db. How loud is that exactly? Well traffic, a blender and a washing machine all produce about 85db of noise, hazardous noise is quieter than most people think.

Hazardous noise is an overlooked hazard in many workplaces; it is often brushed to the side and combined with a PPE policy. This can prove to be a significant oversight in risk management as hearing loss accounted for 30% of all workers compensation claims in 2012. As hearing loss is often a permanent disability the liability and financial burden on a business can be severe.

The biggest mistake a business can make in mitigating noise risk is to identify a possible hazardous noise environment and then issue hearing protection to employees rather than take a systematic approach. Without knowing what current noise levels are it is impossible to know if the hearing protection prescribed is correct; it may be under-rated and not block enough noise from the ear or over-rated and unnecessarily reduce employee situational awareness. Furthermore once hearing protection is prescribed the employer then has further obligations under the OHS/WHS Regulations to audio-metrically test their employees upon employment and every two years following at a substantial cost to the business. Hearing protection should be prescribed only as a last resort and hazardous noise risk as other business risk should be systematically approached;

Identify: complete a Noise Risk Assessment; are power tools, air tools, machinery & equipment used in your workplace? Are your employees susceptible to environmental noise? Do they spend long periods in cars? Forklifts? In areas where wind noise is high? Are your employees currently required to wearing hearing protection?

Assess: if you have identified that your workplace may have an occupational noise hazard present have your noise levels measured with a Noise Assessment.

Control: If hazardous noise levels are identified, the hierarchy of control should be followed as would be the case with a plant or chemical hazard. PPE must be considered a last resort.

Review: your controls should be reviewed as necessary. Noise levels should be re-assessed periodically by means of a Noise Assessment to account for machinery and equipment deterioration, modification, and installation.

Some important points to remember regarding hazardous noise;

• Employees may lodge workers compensation claims for hearing loss long after they have left your workplace.
• Hearing protection is not the optimal solution; employees may not wear the protection correctly or not at all. It is difficult to enforce. Employees may find ear plugs and ear muffs uncomfortable to wear and the PPE may interfere with their work or other clothing and equipment.

Article by: Adam Federenko – www.NoiseAssessment.net.au

Managing the risk of back pain at work

Which workers are most at risk of back pain?

Back pain is one of the most common OHS concerns reported by workers, and it affects employees across a range of jobs and industries.

It can be an especially difficult problem to prevent, detect and treat as the symptoms usually build up over time and it can be a while before you experience any notable effects.

Help is always at hand, however. DISC Sports and Spine Center, a US-based spinal health and injury correction clinic, has offered some sound advice for those most at risk of this work injury.

DISC outlined two types of job that were mostly like to lead to back pain in the long run. These were desk jobs and heavy lifting jobs.

According to DISC, people who sit in an office all day are among those with the highest risk of back pain if they don’t take preventative measures. Staying in one position for too long – even if it is sitting up straight with your back against the chair – can “contribute to deficiencies in spinal posture that create long-term health problems”, the organisation explained in an October 24 press release.

Employers are therefore encouraged to provide staff with office chairs that have sufficient lumbar support, in addition to implementing OHS training to keep employees up to speed with office best practices. For example, this includes regular stretching breaks while standing up, DISC says.

Manual handling jobs that require heavy lifting also bring with them significant back pain risks. DISC pointed out this is mainly down to poor lifting techniques, which can not only sprain ligaments and tendons but also harm the discs in the spine.

Workers may also be lifting greater weights than they can safely manage, so it is the responsibility of employers to make sure jobs are assigned to those with the physical capacity to perform them. It is also important to remind workers about the well-known lifting technique of bending at the knees instead of the back.

Victorian businesses recognised for OHS achievements

Ten businesses in Victoria have won awards for outstanding achievements in the field of OHS.

The Victorian WorkCover Authority has announced the winners of the 2013 WorkSafe Awards, recognising those businesses that made outstanding achievements in promoting safer work environments.

A total of ten winners were selected from a pool of 323 entrants from a diverse range of industries, covering categories including Health and Safety, Return to Work and Health and Wellbeing.

Assistant Treasurer Gordon Rich-Phillips has stressed the significance of the awards program, now in its 25th year.

“Whether it is coming up with solutions to safety hazards, implementing a wellbeing program or helping an injured worker get back to work, the contributions and commitment of our finalists and winners contribute to safer workplaces,” he said in an October 23 statement.

“I congratulate the award recipients and commend them on their dedication, their innovations and their hard work in workplace safety.”

He also explained the awards provided an opportunity for others in the industry to follow the lead set by the winners and adopt similarly innovative approaches to work safety.

This year’s winners come from a broad spectrum of industries, proving that OHS training is pertinent to any field of work.

A mix of corporate and public service entities claimed awards in the health and safety category, including digital communications firm CodeSafe, Ambulance Victoria and Grampians Region Prisons.

The Commitment to Health and Wellbeing prize was awarded to timber and aluminium window manufacturer Dowell, for implementing stringent OHS policies to keep employees safe in hazardous work environments.

In the Return to Work category, Union Hydraulics won the Employer Excellence award in recognition of its unique “We Care and Prepare” return to work program.

If you have ambitions of claiming a similar award in future, it may be a good idea to invest in OHS courses to implement safer working policies across your organisation.

Public transport chief claims top OHS gong

The CEO of a public transport company has been recognised for his top OHS efforts.

The leader of a top Australasian public transport company has received an award for his commitment to promoting a safe working environment.

Transdev Australasia CEO Jonathan Metcalfe has been named Safety Ambassador of the Year, in recognition of his efforts to keep both employees and users of his services safe.

Criteria for the award include evidence of leading by example to raise awareness of keeping the workplace safe, as well as actively encouraging peers to get involved with work health and safety.

For instance, getting workers to speak up about potential hazards was an example of the type of behaviour the award sought in candidates.

With more than 4,800 staff members working across a variety of public transport services across Australia, this was never going to be an easy task – but Mr Metcalfe’s “passion, innovation and influence” allowed him to take the award, according to Safe Work Australia.

“Leading from the top down, Jonathan displayed true leadership by pushing safety as a priority for Transdev Australasia,” Safe Work Australia CEO Rex Hoy said in an October 24 statement.

“Driving his motivation for safety excellence is the philosophy that great organisations are differentiated by the culture and values underpinning what they do. He has worked tirelessly to improve the safety culture within Transdev.”

This safety culture was ingrained in every aspect of the business, from safety topics in every internal newsletter and meeting and regular safety campaigns led by Mr Metcalfe himself.

One need only look at the figures reported by Transdev to see the true impact Mr Metcalfe has had on the organisation. Transdev recorded its lowest ever lost time injury frequency rate in 2013, and this number is well on its way to reaching new lows at the end of this year.

There is no doubt that Mr Metcalfe also recognised the value of occupational health and safety courses in achieving this feat. By keeping staff up to speed with OHS best practices, any organisation can aspire to the standards set by Mr Metcalfe.

Narrogin death highlights importance of OHS training

Whichever industry you work in, strict OHS compliance is necessary to save lives.

The work-related death of a Western Australian man on Tuesday is serving as a reminder of the need to implement stringent OHS practices.

WorkSafe WA reported that the 48 year-old employee was operating a forklift to move bales of hay at his Narrogin workplace when he was struck by a pitchfork attachment on another machine.

He was immediately airlifted to Perth but passed away on Tuesday night.

WorkSafe sent inspectors to the site to speak with witnesses and assess the circumstances surrounding the death, and to determine what could have been done to prevent the incident.

Lex McCulloch, WorkSafe WA Commissioner, issued a statement on October 23 to express his condolences to the affected family and remind the public that all work-related deaths are tragedies.

With Safe Work Australia Month now edging towards it conclusion, it is concerning to see such preventable deaths still abound in this country.

OHS compliance is especially important for workplaces that rely on heavy machinery and vehicles such as forklifts. In fact, the agriculture, forestry and fishing sector is the industry with the highest number of work-related fatalities this year, according to Safe Work Australia.

Worker deaths in this industry totalled 37 as of October 21, seven more than the next highest sector – transport, postal and warehousing.

Deaths are still possible even in jobs perceived as relatively safe and free of physical labour, as a fatality has been recorded in both the information media and telecommunications and administrative and support services sectors in 2013.

These have contributed to a nationwide toll of 132 workplace deaths to date this year.

Whether you are an employer or employee, and regardless of which industry you are in, you can help limit the number of work-related injuries and deaths by investing in OHS training for your workforce.

CFA trucks to be upgraded to protect volunteers

130 CFA trucks will be upgraded to better protect volunteer firefighters.

The Victorian state government has announced plans to upgrade 130 trucks from the Country Fire Authority (CFA) fleet in a bid to better serve the OHS needs of firefighters.

Speaking on October 22, Minister for Police and Emergency Services Kim Wells said that the crew protection retrofit program, which had the aim of protecting volunteer firefighters in the event of a burnout, was well ahead of schedule.

A total of 74 trucks had already been retrofitted before this fire season, with a further 130 trucks lined up to be upgraded by June next year. The number of upgraded CFA vehicles now stands at 1,048.

Mr Wells explained just how the modified trucks would help protect workers.

“Retrofitted trucks are fitted with protections including radiant heat protective curtains, water-spraying systems, heat-shielding panels and upgraded intercom communication systems,” he said.

The new trucks will therefore better protect firefighters in the event of a burnover, allowing them to safely take shelter in the truck itself.

“We’re proud of the vital work performed by the CFA, one of the world’s largest volunteer organisations with more than 60,000 members – 98 per cent volunteers,” Mr Wells said.

“It is vital that we are providing them with the facilities and equipment they need to save lives and property, and the protection they need to stay safe on the frontline.”

With temperatures across Australia picking up and heightening the risk of bushfires, the upgrades represent a sensible move on the part of the government to protect some of its most important workers.

Protecting the employees of your own organisation shouldn’t stop with providing the safest possible vehicles, however. Investing in regular occupational health and safety courses can help keep everyone up to speed with the safest work practices.

Burnt homes carry extra asbestos risk

Burnt out homes carry an extra asbestos risk.

Those looking to return to damaged or burnt buildings should be extra wary of the threat of asbestos, a NSW building inspector has warned.

Archicentre, the building inspection arm of the Australian Institute of Architects, has highlighted the increased asbestos risk that burnt out residential and commercial properties carry.

Although asbestos is generally safe when undisturbed, any damage to a building can expose it to the open and cause an immediate health risk.

“[Asbestos products] are considered a health hazard once they are disturbed, broken, blown or washed away with exposure linked to mesothelioma cancer years after the exposure,” said Archicentre General Manager Cameron Frazer.

“The major hazard stems from the toxic asbestos fibres becoming airborne.”

He went on to point out that the extensive natural disasters Australia sees, such as bushfires, increases the risk of exposed asbestos in this country and homeowners are urged to exercise caution when revisiting damaged properties.

“When a single home in the suburbs is burnt down, considerable care is taken in the inspection and removal of debris because of the presence of asbestos,” he said.

“In the case of such widespread destruction of homes in bushfires, similar issues are involved.”

With temperatures across Australia set to soar in coming months and increase the risk of bushfires, people who engage in asbestos removal are advised to keep on top of their OHS procedures.

Peter Dunphy, chair of the Asbestos Education Committee, also stressed the importance of having a professional carry out any asbestos removal work.

“If homeowners suspect they have asbestos in their home and want it removed, we recommend using a licensed asbestos removalist just as they’d use a licenced electrician for electrical work because of the dangers of working with electricity,” he said.

UK contractor fined over negligent asbestos removal

A UK contractor was fined after negligently carrying out asbestos removal.

A contractor in the UK has been fined AUS$1,320 after carrying out negligent asbestos removal practices – despite being a qualified and trained expert in the field.

The Trafford Magistrate’s Court found the main guilty of ignoring his company’s asbestos procedures and endangering the health of workers as he performed the task at Trafford College in Bolton.

He was found out by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) during an announced visit to the site, which discovered that workers were not provided with protective clothing and equipment.

A total of three workers were therefore placed in severe risk of asbestos exposure. Fortunately the HSE intervened in time, stopping the work immediately and appropriately disposing of the contaminated clothing.

In addition to his fine, the man will be ordered to pay over AUS$400 for his negligence.

HSE Inspector Laura Moran provided some insight into just how hazardous the contractor’s actions could have been.

“Asbestos is responsible for thousands of deaths in the UK every year but it only becomes dangerous when it is broken up and fibres are released into the air,” she explained in an October 21 media release.

“He simply should never have allowed three men to go into a contaminated area while wearing their own clothes, and without the correct protective clothing and respiratory masks.

“Workers, their families and anyone else who came into contact with them would have been put at risk as a result of [him] allowing the men to wear lace-up boots and the clothes they intended to go home in.”

Asbestos continues to be an OHS issue around the world, and Australia is certainly no exception.

With national Asbestos Awareness Month taking centre stage in November, however, employers and employees in Australia will have the opportunity to brush up on their asbestos practices.

Safe Work Australia warns of musculoskeletal injuries

You should be wary of musculoskeletal injuries at work.

As Safe Work Australia Month draws to a close, the organisation is issuing a final reminder about what it claims to be Australia’s most common work-related injury.

According to Safe Work Australia, musculoskeletal disorders are still rife in workplaces around the country, and employers and employees alike must continue to take steps to avoid these preventable injuries.

The organisation says the most common types of musculoskeletal injuries are those related to the back, knee and shoulder. Such injuries are mainly caused by the lifting and handling of practically any heavy item, from crates and cartons to even other people in hospital settings.

“Every day over 200 people injure their joints, muscles or tendons at work seriously enough to require at least one week off work,” said Safe Work Australia CEO Rex Hoy in an October 21 media release.

With affected workers needing around five weeks of recovery, Mr Hoy went on to stress the wider impacts these injuries could have on business, such as lost productivity.

He also pointed out that the costs involved with implementing warehouse safety procedures, such as OHS training courses, are much less than those incurred by not having these systems in the first place. Poor work and health safety standards cost the nation over $60 billion every year, according to Safe Work Australia.

In light of this, Mr Hoy urged workers and employers to make a joint effort in reducing such incidents. Employees can reassess and correct their lifting techniques to alleviate strain on their bodies. On the other hand, those in charge can make improvements to their organisation’s manual handling procedures to reduce the physical stress on staff.

Health and safety inspections for ACT cafes and restaurants

WorkSafe ACT has announced it will be conducting an inspection program on cafes and restaurants in the state, in order to ensure they are complying with relevant health and safety standards.

Work Safety Commissioner Mark McCabe has confirmed that the inspections will get underway on Tuesday October 22. Inspectors will be specifically looking for unsafe behaviour that may put the wellbeing of employees at risk.

The campaign is expected to look specifically at common issues such as first aid education, chemical storage and handling, working conditions, personal protective equipment and OHS training.

According to the Department of Employment, Training and Industrial Relations, employees working in the cafe and restaurant industry are at constant risk of preventable injuries such as burns, back injuries, falls and cuts.

It is hoped that this initiative will help lower this risk by raising awareness amongst ACT eateries about applicable OHS legislation contained within the Work Health and Safety Act 2011.

“Injuries arising from manual tasks, fires, slips, trips and falls in this industry impose a burden on employers and particularly on workers,” said Mr McCabe in a statement.

“Generally, our inspectors will take an educative approach. More serious issues may however lead to the issuing of Improvement or Prohibition Notices. If the matters are serious enough, some breaches could result in Infringement Notices (i.e. on-the-spot fines).”

The inspections follow a special WorkSafe ACT seminar on cafe and restaurant health and safety, which was held last month at the Waldorf Conference Centre.

A full summary report containing the results of the inspection program – which is expected to run for one week – will be published on the WorkSafe ACT website once assessments have been completed.

Bushfires trigger asbestos awareness warning

A state of emergency has been declared in New South Wales this month, as high temperatures and strong winds fuel massive bushfires that have already claimed one life and left hundreds homeless.

As firefighters battle to keep the flames under control, the WorkCover Authority of NSW has issued a warning about another danger that has arisen as a result of this terrible ongoing tragedy.

According to WorkCover, homes damaged or destroyed by these bushfires may contain asbestos fibres that could be extremely dangerous if handled incorrectly.

“As firefighters and other emergency services workers assess the damage, and residents begin to repair or rebuild, we want to make people aware of the danger of asbestos,” said WorkCover NSW Work Health and Safety Division General Manager John Watson.

“We must ensure that all sections of the community are aware of the dangers of asbestos and that asbestos debris is safely managed and the health of the community is protected”.

Any NSW resident who is at risk of coming into contact with asbestos has been advised to avoid disturbing the material, and to keep any debris that may contain asbestos wet until it can be seen to by a professional.

WorkCover has announced that it will be fast tracking asbestos assessments in the aftermath of the bushfires by waiving the five-day asbestos removal work notification timeframe.

This will ensure that any buildings creating a potential asbestos exposure risk can be seen to by a licensed WorkCover asbestos revivalist, who has undergone professional asbestos handling training, as soon as possible.

Meanwhile, NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell has offered his condolences to the family of the man who suffered a fatal heart attack during the bushfires last week – the only confirmed fatality of this disaster so far.

He noted that, given the hostile conditions, it was a testament to the professionalism of the local fire authorities that there has not been a greater loss of life.

“I have spoken to the Prime Minister and I can assure all affected communities that everything is being done by the State and Federal Governments to get urgent help to people needing assistance,” said Mr O’Farrell.

WA construction company fined after workplace fall death

A Western Australian construction company has received a fine of $65,000 for failing to address substandard construction site safety procedures that resulted in the death of a worker.

The incident occurred on the afternoon of May 31, when the individual in question fell through a skylight in the roof of a shed, dropping seven metres to the floor and suffering fatal injuries.

The man was working in a team responsible for installing wall cladding and roof sheeting on the structure. He was moving across the roof to retrieve some screws when he stepped onto a polycarbonate sheet that gave way.

WorkSafe WA is reporting that no wire safety mesh or edge protection had been installed on the shed. The company also failed to provide those working on the roof with safety harnesses.

According to WorkSafe WA Commissioner Lex McCulloch, falls are “a significant cause of workplace death” in Western Australia, and also contribute to a number of serious and permanent injuries on construction sites in the state.

“It’s really disappointing that employers and persons in control of workplaces are still neglecting to protect workers against falls from height when falls are so easily preventable and it need not be difficult or costly to ensure that safe systems of work are in place,” said Mr McCulloch.

Mr McCulloch described the incident as “a tragedy waiting to happen”. Although the construction company made moves to improve worker safety following the incident – including buying safety mesh and harnesses – that investment came too late to prevent this regrettable death.

“I urge any person or entity in control of a workplace that presents a risk of falls to ensure safe systems of work are in place and that this code is available in the workplace at all times,” he said.

Harvest workers urged to stay safe as summer approache

Summer is fast approaching in Australia, and farmers and grain growers across the country are currently preparing for what will hopefully be a prosperous harvest season.

But while this time of year may be an important and busy period for harvest workers, WorkSafe Victoria is reminding everyone in the industry not to let good health and safety practices fall by the wayside.

“Nobody – workers, family, friends or the wider community – should have to suffer the trauma of a workplace fatality,” said WorkSafe Health and Safety General Manager Lisa Sturzenegger in a statement released October 18.

According to Ms Sturzenegger, there have already been three farm deaths recorded in Victoria since June. In September, a Robinvale man was killed when he was run over by a tractor when trying to climb down from the vehicle.

Incidents such as these should serve as a timely reminder about the high-risk nature of the farming industry.

WorkSafe Victoria has offered a range of safety tips for farm workers to keep in mind this harvest season, in order to ensure they stay safe and avoid injury while on the job.

These include understanding the limitations of any equipment you are using, taking extra care when conducting repairs and maintenance, keeping the lines of communication open and making sure that operators are all trained and competent.

Care should also be taken to ensure fatigue is managed carefully and that harvest workers are given regular rest and hydration breaks – particularly when working in hot conditions.

“We want everyone to put safety at the front of their mind, reassess their systems of work and, if there’s a safety risk, make changes,” said Ms Sturzenegger.

“Don’t be the next workplace fatality. Identify and control the risk before it’s too late.”

Mining Giant Focuses on the Health in Workplace Health & Safety

Are we forgetting about the ‘health’ in work health & safety (WHS) legislation compliance?
Well one company is trying to address this, BHP Billiton (BHPB) claims in its recently released 2013 sustainability report, that it can partly attribute a reduction in workers’ exposure to carcinogens & airborne contaminants to establishing its own occupational exposure limits (OEL) when regulatory limits are inadequate. This could no doubt be the case in many developing countries the big miner operates in but has not always been the case in Australia which will we will discuss later.

The mining giant has nearly 50,000 employees and 80,000 contractors in 26 countries. Their TRIFR fell by 2%, from 4.7/million hours worked in 2011-12 to 4.6 by June this year. Three BHPB workers died on the job in 2012-13, which prompted the suggestion that lowering injury rates alone will not prevent fatalities. This is something well known in incident prevention circles in that in organisations with well developed WHS management systems we are able to sustainably reduce injuries but not fatalities, often traced back to failures in basic risk management of these fatality risks. BHBP suggest they focus on improving their workplaces, using the recognised hierarchy of controls & work practices to minimise the reliance on personal protective equipment (PPE), which they provide to workers as required. A just approach but also one that is required by our WHS legislation in Australia, anyway.

According to the 2013 BHBP report, the life-altering disabilities that can result from chronic exposure to health risks are equally serious as acute type injuries. The health risks faced by BHPB workers include fatigue, & occupational exposure (OE) to noise, silica, manganese, diesel exhaust particulates, fluorides, coal tar pitch, nickel & sulphuric acid mist. In a paper presented at the Queensland Resources Conference in 2006, Jack Farry, the senior Occupational Hygiene & Health adviser at the BHPB Mitsubishi Alliance mine suggested that prior to 2004, BHPB health exposure assessments had been ad hoc & usually driven by legitimate worker complaints about noisy or dusty conditions. This is despite the fact that these types of assessments were required under WHS legislation. During the FY2013, as required by Australian WHS legislation, BHPB will require all operations to maintain an exposure risk profile of agents that are harmful to workers, & identify the need for controls & medical surveillance programs. If a potential exposure to harmful agents exceeds 50% of the OEL, medical surveillance is required to be implemented over & above any laws of the operating country to identify potential illness or health effects at an early stage & to provide feedback as to whether the OE controls in place are functioning as designed. In addition they will;

• Continually review OELs with reference to scientific literature & independent advice. This would include where OELs for carcinogens are being driven towards achieving ‘no observable adverse effect levels’ rather than an ‘acceptable risk’ approach. The BHPB businesses are applying an ‘as low as reasonably practicable’ approach to further reduce diesel exhaust exposures across their operations”. This again is perhaps a sound approach considering the classification of diesel exhaust as a carcinogen by the IARC; &
• prioritise the control of OE at their source. In those situations where they can’t control the source, a range of measures are employed, including the provision of PPE. In 2012-13, BHPB cut the number of potential exposures to carcinogens & airborne contaminants by 5.7%. Again this is great to see a reduction but it is actually what the legislation requires. Occupational illness increased slightly from 47.1 cases/10,000 BHPB employees in FY2012, to 47.9 but this was largely driven by the “improved application of the OSHA reporting guidelines”, and a more accurate definition of “a musculoskeletal illness versus an injury”. Wonder how many cases in contract workers?

This is not an exercise in bashing BHPB or any other company but it is about determining the reasons why we don’t comply with legislative requirements until we have a history of actual illnesses (which can take a long time) or effectively manage OE risk when it is not legally required but it makes good business practice to do so?

Article by Julie Armour at WorkingArmour.com.au

Harvest workers urged to stay safe as summer approaches

Harvest season is fast approaching.

Summer is fast approaching in Australia, and farmers and grain growers across the country are currently preparing for what will hopefully be a prosperous harvest season.

But while this time of year may be an important and busy period for harvest workers, WorkSafe Victoria is reminding everyone in the industry not to let good health and safety practices fall by the wayside.

“Nobody – workers, family, friends or the wider community – should have to suffer the trauma of a workplace fatality,” said WorkSafe Health and Safety General Manager Lisa Sturzenegger in a statement released October 18.

According to Ms Sturzenegger, there have already been three farm deaths recorded in Victoria since June. In September, a Robinvale man was killed when he was run over by a tractor when trying to climb down from the vehicle.

Incidents such as these should serve as a timely reminder about the high-risk nature of the farming industry.

WorkSafe Victoria has offered a range of safety tips for farm workers to keep in mind this harvest season, in order to ensure they stay safe and avoid injury while on the job.

These include understanding the limitations of any equipment you are using, taking extra care when conducting repairs and maintenance, keeping the lines of communication open and making sure that operators are all trained and competent.

Care should also be taken to ensure fatigue is managed carefully and that harvest workers are given regular rest and hydration breaks – particularly when working in hot conditions.

“We want everyone to put safety at the front of their mind, reassess their systems of work and, if there’s a safety risk, make changes,” said Ms Sturzenegger.

“Don’t be the next workplace fatality. Identify and control the risk before it’s too late.”

DIYers urged to be careful ahead of national Asbestos Awareness Month

DIYers have been urged to take care and be aware of asbestos.

The Asbestos Education Committee and the Asbestos Diseases Research Institute have urged home renovators to be aware of proper asbestos safety procedures ahead of the official launch of national Asbestos Awareness Month on November 1.

According to Asbestosawareness.com.au, a study published in the Medical Journal of Australia has found that more than 60 per cent of DIY renovators have been exposed to asbestos dust while working on their properties.

Alarmingly, more than half of DIYers say their partner has also been exposed to asbestos in the course of renovations, while 40 per cent admit that their children have been exposed as well.

Asbestos Diseases Research Institute Director, Professor Nico van Zandwijk, says that it is “vital” that Australians heed the warning regarding the dangers of asbestos, and learn where this harmful substance can be found around the home.

“The number of people diagnosed with mesothelioma continues to rise despite the introduction of preventive measures in the 1980s,” said Mr van Zandwijk in a statement released October 17.

“For every mesothelioma case there are at least two lung cancer cases caused by asbestos, and for all those diagnosed with an asbestos cancer, the realisation that their disease might have been prevented simply by managing asbestos safely, can be heartbreaking,” said Mr van Zandwijk.

Of course, DIYers are not the only people at risk of asbestos exposure. In fact, people working as tradesperson in industries such as plumbing and carpentry are at particular risk of being exposed to this deadly substance.

For these people, health and safety training regarding the proper management and disposal of asbestos is not just a luxury, it is a necessity that they cannot afford to disregard.

National Asbestos Awareness Month will run throughout the entire month of November, and will serve as a timely opportunity for Australians to think carefully about the way they are handling material that potentially contains asbestos.

Fatigue management for truck drivers under the spotlight

Fatigue management is an important part of safely driving a truck.

The health and safety of Australian truck drivers is in the spotlight this week, as WorkSafe WA issues a warning about the correct use of sleeper cabs during long distance journeys.

According to the Western Australia Department of Commerce, WorkSafe WA is currently investigating problems with the use of truck sleeper cabs as a form of fatigue management.

Sleeper cabs are small sleeping quarters that drivers use to rest in while on the road. They are often employed during urgent “hot shot” services, in which two drivers work in shifts in order keep urgent freight moving around the clock.

WorkSafe Director Joe Attard has urged truck drivers to ensure that anyone sleeping on board a moving vehicle remains securely restrained at all times in a legitimate sleeping cab.

“Inspectors have found instances of trucks without sleeper cabs where the second driver is resting or sleeping on the vehicle’s parcel shelf or sleeping in a swag on the tilt tray of the vehicle, which is far from a satisfactory arrangement,” said Mr Attard.

The comfort of drivers sleeping while on the road is also important, says Mr Attard, as drivers need to ensure they get enough quality rest to avoid fatigue and safely operate their vehicles.

The WA Office of Road Safety says that fatigue is a “silent killer” on WA roads, potentially contributing to nearly a third of all road deaths in the state. The Office notes that driving after a period of 20 to 25 hours without sleep equates to driving with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.10 – twice the legal limit.

“Even when there is a single driver resting while the truck is stationary, it is important that the sleeping berth complies with design rules so the driver is properly rested and does not have consequent issues with fatigue,” said Mr Attard.

More information on appropriate workplace conditions for truck drivers can be found in the WA Commission for Occupational Safety and Health’s new Code of Practice on Fatigue Management for Commercial Vehicle Drivers.

Construction safety at centre of ABCC re-establishment debate

The Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) has reaffirmed its commitment to fight against the proposed re-establishment of the Australian Building and Construction Commission (ABCC).

Prime Minister Tony Abbott last week called for the ABCC – which was abolished on 31 May 2011 – to be re-established in an effort to improve construction productivity and reduce the amount of power the CFMEU has over the industry.

However, CFMEU Construction National Secretary Dave Noonan has asserted his organisation will fight against the proposed changes, saying these will compromise construction safety and the wellbeing of CFMEU members.

“Tony Abbott has no mandate to take away our members’ human rights; no mandate to cut their wages and no mandate to make their jobs less safe,” said Mr Noonan, speaking at the union’s Divisional National Conference in Cairns earlier this week.

“Unlike Tony Abbott our union keeps its promises, and we promise this: We will not shirk our responsibility to stand up for our member’s rights on site. We will not compromise on defending our member’s safety.”

Prior to the election, Tony Abbott announced that he would look to re-establish the ABCC within 100 days of being in power were he to be made prime minister. The argument is that this measure would reduce the level of union militancy in the industry and help employers maximise productivity on site.

However, Mr Noonan has argued that CFMEU employers understand the Australian construction industry is already productive. He also said that the best way to improve construction productivity would be to focus on “safety, apprenticeships and training”.

Recently, the Queensland government has made moves to impose tighter rules regarding the CFMEU’s right of entry to construction sites in the state. Mr Noonan believes legislation like this is a step in the wrong direction, and will make it easier for employers to shirk construction site safety responsibilities.

“The Newman government in Queensland is attacking workers’ rights to have the union look after their safety. They simply don’t care that this will result in more death and injury to workers,” said Mr Noonan.

Safe Work Australia Month reaches milestone

We are officially half way through Safe Work Australia Month, which is running throughout October in order to raise awareness about the importance of proper occupational health and safety.

The event, which is organised by Safe Work Australia, has already been deemed a success, with hundreds of informative seminars and sessions being held across the country.

However, even as we enter the second half of October, Safe Work Australia Chief Executive Officer Rex Hoy says it is still not too late for people to get involved and sign up to play a key role in Safe Work Australia Month.

“Safety Ambassador registrations don’t close until next Monday 21 October so there is still time register and promote safety in your workplace,” said Mr Hoy in a statement released October 14.

Anyone working in Australia as a full- or part-time employee can sign up to be a Safety Ambassador. Volunteer workers are also eligible.

People who sign up to be Safety Ambassadors prior to the cut-off date will be provided with a free Safety Ambassador Information Kit, containing useful tools and information that can be used to educate other employees on the importance of workplace safety.

Mr Hoy will present the award for 2013 Safety Ambassador of the Year on Thursday October 24. 2012 Safety Ambassador of the Year Jacinta Macaulay will also be on hand to help honour the recipient.

Entrants in the 2013 awards will be judged based on a number of factors, including how effective they have been in communicating the importance of health and safety, and how successful they were in initiating cultural change within their organisation.

“Thank you to the 822 registered Safety Ambassadors who have held events like wellness activities, hazard identification games and safety workshops to highlight the importance of work health and safety,” said Mr Hoy.

New work health and safety guidelines for small businesses

New health and safety guidelines for small businesses have been released.

SafeWork South Australia has released a new set of work health and safety best practice guidelines for small businesses.

The document, entitled Work Health and Safety – Seven Steps for Small Business, presents a series of easy and effective steps that SMEs can take in order to improve the safety of employees on the job.

According to SafeWork SA, the first step for small businesses looking to improve OHS is “setting up a safe workplace”.

This involves putting in place a simple and comprehensive written workplace safety policy that ensures all relevant stakeholders understand their obligations and responsibilities in upholding strong safety standards.

SafeWork SA offers an easy to understand sample OHS policy on its website that small businesses across Australia can use as a reference point for developing their own strategy.

Next, businesses should consult with workers about relevant OHS issues, before taking active steps to manage any potential hazards that may be putting employees in danger.

Step four in the document is “informing, training and supervising”. This step requires businesses to ensure employees are provided with thorough health and safety training, and are given adequate supervision while undertaking dangerous tasks.

SafeWork SA has also provided advice on what small businesses should do to “maintain a safe workplace” and keep adequate records of OHS activities and performance.

Finally, SafeWork SA recommends that small businesses continue monitoring, reviewing and improving their OHS initiatives in order to ensure they remain relevant to the needs of the organisation.

“Managing WHS is an ongoing process. Be aware that your safety processes, operations and workers may change over time and so can the risks,” explains SafeWork SA.

“After you have established your WHS management system you should regularly review and monitor how effective it is, and make any necessary adjustments to keep it up to date.”

Mental illness is an OHS issue, says Safe Work Australia

When most businesses discuss work health and safety, it’s natural for them to focus mainly on any potential dangers or risks that could put an employee or customer in physical harm.

However, Safe Work Australia is this month reminding Australian organisations that complete occupational health and safety awareness also encompasses mental health as well.

Safe Work Australia Chief Executive Officer Rex Hoy says that mental stress is a “serious problem” for many Australian employees, as well as the family and friends of those employees.

He is encouraging Australian workers to use the first ever Safe Work Australia Month – running during October – as an opportunity to think carefully about the importance of mental health.

“Take the initiative and leave work on time or go for a walk at lunch time to get out of the workplace and get some fresh air,” said Mr Hoy in a statement released by Safe Work Australia earlier this month.

“Help fellow workers reduce stress levels by encouraging them to take regular breaks from work or participate in workplace activities during safety month.”

Mental health and stress issues are serious problems in Australia. A study conducted by Work Safe Australia in 2012 placed the cost of workplace “burn outs” to Australian businesses at around $20 billion per year.

Furthermore, when stressed and unfocused, employees in high risk positions such as construction jobs or handling of dangerous goods may find themselves at an increased risk of physical injury as well.

It is therefore the responsibility of all Australian employers and employees to ensure that everyone on the job feels safe and happy in their position, and remains in a healthy state of mind.

NSW companies fined for poor forklift safety

Forklift safety training is extremely important.

Two NSW companies – a bakery and a transport company – have been fined for failing to ensure proper workplace health and safety, following a forklift accident which occurred in April 2007.

The incident involved a 51 year old truck driver, who was pinned between a forklift and a trailer after the brakes on the forklift failed, causing it to roll backwards down a metal ramp. The man suffered injuries to his lower back, abdomen and pelvis.

After a thorough investigation into the accident, WorkCover NSW has found both the injured man’s employer and the bakery at which the incident occurred were in breach of the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

WorkCover’s Work Health and Safety Division General Manager John Watson says that both parties were at fault for the incident. The transport company did not provide proper forklift safety training to the driver prior to the use of the forklift, while the bakery failed to provide workers with a safe method of loading and unloading bread.

While the bakery did provide a metal ramp for the purpose of unloading bread, it too was found to be defective. As the ramp could not be used, the truck driver instead opted to use the defective forklift.

“Machinery like forklifts should be the subject of periodic inspections with preventative maintenance systems in place so that the risk of serious injury or death is substantially reduced,” said Mr Watson.

Mr Watson says the incident is an important reminder to SME-sized trucking businesses about the need to ensure all workers are kept safe when operating machinery or transporting goods.

The transport company has been fined $80,000, while the bakery has been fined $50,000.

Sunny weather forecasts prompts heat safety warning

Health and safety is important during hot weather.

The Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) is forecasting sunny weather for the end of the week, with high temperatures expected in several major cities across the country.

Sydney, Wollongong, Newcastle, Brisbane, Cairns and Darwin are all expected to hit 30 degrees Celsius over the weekend, according to the latest BOM report issued October 10.

But while many Australians will likely take this opportunity to welcome in the start of summer with a trip to the beach, WorkCover NSW has issued a serious warning to those who will be working in these strenuous conditions.

In a statement released yesterday (October 9), WorkCover NSW emphasised that businesses and workers need to work together to minimise the work health and safety effects of working in the heat.

According to WorkCover NSW Work Health and Safety Division General Manager John Watson, the effects of fatigue brought on by high temperatures could lead to an increased chance of workplace injury.

Mr Watson says extreme heat can cause people to suffer from dehydration and a reduced ability to concentrate, communicate effectively or recognise potential risks.

“In the three years to July 2011, there were 497 claims for workplace fatigue and heat stroke [in New South Wales] at a cost of $4.3 million,” said Mr Watson.

WorkCover NSW has suggested that businesses concerned about the upcoming high temperatures consider rescheduling any necessary work to early morning or late afternoon, when conditions will be cooler.

All efforts should be taken to ensure workers at risk of heat exhaustion have easy access to drinking water and shaded rest areas. They should also be provided with the opportunity to take frequent rest breaks.

“Common heat illness symptoms may include nausea, dizziness, general weakness and collapse. If you or your workers show any of these symptoms, seek immediate medical assistance,” said Mr Watson.

Soldiers undergo specialist confined space training

Confined space training is essential for anyone working in hazardous spaces.

Soldiers in the US army station in South Korea have recently come together to participate in an extensive three day confined space training.

Members of the 304th Expeditionary Signal Battalion and the 36th Signal Battalion spent the last few days of September at Camp Humphrey, near the city of Pyeongtaek in the Gyeonggi Province.

The course was part of a new initiative tentatively entitled the Fibre/Cable University, which has been designed as a way of educating soldiers about correct confined space safety procedures.

501st Signal Company member Specialist Robin Williams said that the training was an improvement on previous training he has done, which had a tendency to be “rather boring”.

“This training was much more fun as it enabled active participation on top of classroom-type training, and I am sure that most trainees share my view,” said Spc. Williams in a statement released by the US Army on October 10.

Civilian experts were on hand at the training courses to ensure the safety of everyone involved.

“Confined space training in a manhole with carbon monoxide gas can be dangerous. That’s why we also brought professional civilians along for support,” explained Staff Sergeant Damon Young.

Of course, the US is not the only military that provides confined spaces training for soldiers – an ability to operate safely and efficiently within confined spaces is an important asset for members of the Australian armed forces as well.

The official Australian Defence Jobs website states that Australian Commandos are required to “operate effectively and without signs of undue stress, panic or excessive fear when … in dark confined spaces”.

Confined spaces training is also a prerequisite for many dangerous civilian jobs in Australia, such as any role that includes particularly hazardous cleaning, installation, maintenance or inspection duties.

Study reveals common factors behind mining fatalities

A new study has shed light on mining work health and safety.

The Department of Mines and Petroleum (DMP) has announced the results of an extensive study into the safety standards at Western Australian mines between 2000 and 2012.

Speaking at the 2013 Mines Safety Roadshow in Geraldton earlier this week, DMP Resources Safety Executive Director Simon Ridge explained that the department had reviewed the circumstances behind 52 mining deaths that had occurred in WA over the past 13 years.

Mr Ridge referred to an incident at a Pilbara mine site earlier this year in which a young contractor was killed, despite the site having a “nearly two year fatality-free run”. This provides evidence as to why studies like this one are so important.

“It’s for that reason the department carries out such studies, so that from a regulator perspective, we can provide feedback to industry to help stop these incidents from occurring,” said Mr Ridge.

The results of the DMP study showed a number of common factors that contributed to many of the recorded mining deaths, and may serve as a timely reminder about the importance of proper mining safety protocols.

According to Mr Ridge, nearly half of all fatalities that occurred in WA mines during the aforementioned period were individuals who were either in their first year at the mine site, or taking on a new and unfamiliar role.

Meanwhile, 44 per cent of the mining deaths analysed by the DMP involved mining supervisors who were still relatively new to the position, and had not yet completed a full year on the job.

These results have been pointed to as an indication that high staff turnover and improper safety training can lead to an increased risk of significant accidents occurring on mine sites.

Furthermore, nearly two thirds – 62 per cent – of mining fatalities that occurred in WA between 2000 and 2012 involved a failure to fully comply with onsite procedures.

“This drives the point home that we must always apply known precautions to known hazards and, where new tasks, machines or processes are being introduced, detailed hazard analysis and risk assessment should be carried out,” said Mr Ridge.

Warning issued over dangers of powered hand tools

For many labourers and tradesmen in Australia, the use of powered hand tools is a necessary part of the job. However, that doesn’t change the fact that these devices are often dangerous when operated without proper care and caution.

Yesterday (October 8), the WorkCover Authority of New South Wales issued a reminder to all kitchen, wall frame and roof truss manufacturers in particular about the importance of using powered hand tools safely.

General Manager of WorkCover’s Work Health and Safety Division John Watson has encouraged business owners to ensure that people working in these industries are given the proper OHS/WHS safety training and supervision.

“Cheap, noisy and heavy tools can be awkward to use, vibrate a lot, and require excessive force which can result in painful blood vessel, nerve, hand and finger joint disorders,” said Mr Watson.

“A simple solution to address the risk of workers coming into contact with exposed blades or entrapment points is to install guarding in the workshop. Importantly, provide adequate training, supervision and instruction to workers to ensure they are competent in safely operating machinery and powered hand tools.”

According to WorkCover NSW, more than 100 people working in the kitchen, wall frame and roof truss manufacturing industries have been injured while on the job between 2008 and 2010.

The wood products manufacturing industry as a whole is reportedly one of highest risk sectors in NSW. Nearly 2,000 Australians in this sector filed compensation claims during the aforementioned three year period

WorkCover NSW says that it is continuing to conduct inspections of local wood manufacturing businesses, in order to assess work health and safety standards and work with them to improve injury management.

Furthermore, Mr Watson says special safety kits will be provided to kitchen, wall frame and roof truss manufacturers in NSW featuring practical advice for avoiding injuries on the job.

Work health and safety award season heats up

Work health and safety award season is heating up.

A number of businesses across Australia have been recognised for their commitment to work health and safety this month.

Yesterday (October 8), the winners of the Queensland Safe Work Awards 2013 were announced at a special ceremony hosted by Safety Ambassador and former Australian rugby league coach Mal Meninga.

The big winner on the night was Frasers Livestock Transport, which took home the awards for “Best demonstrated leadership in work health and safety” and “Best Solution to an identified work health and safety issue”.

Attorney-General Jarrod Bleijie praised Frasers Livestock Transport for developing and building a new cross loading module, which is designed to reduce the risk of falling, tripping or coming into contact with livestock while on the job.

“The cross loading module incorporates a series of elevated platforms, over-trailer walkways and sliding gates and barriers that remove the need for the driver to work in, climb on or stand on the crate,” explained Mr Bleijie.

The award for “Best work health and safety practices in small business” went to Core Developments, while Jennifer Bell of RSPCA Queensland received “Best individual contribution to work health and safety”.

“Together with Mal, I commend these organisations for leading the way in designing and building a better safety culture across Queensland,” said Mr Bleijie.

“These awards are so important because they shine a light on businesses and individuals doing their very best to make their workplaces safer and healthier.”

Meanwhile, the finalists of the 2013 WorkSafe Victoria Awards have also been announced.

The 30 finalists have been narrowed down from an initial applicant pool of more than 320, and have each been recognised for showing outstanding commitment to generating strong health and safety cultures in the workplace.

The 25th annual WorkSafe Victoria Awards ceremony will be held on October 23, coinciding with WorkSafe Victoria’s annual Work Safe Week.

High-risk work licence holders reminded to maintain competencies

WorkSafe ACT has issued a reminder that high-risk work licences are “a privilege, not a right”, and that people holding such licences must ensure they are maintaining the correct competencies at all times.

In Australia, any worker who is performing particularly hazardous tasks or operating complex equipment on the job is required to hold a high-risk work licence that is valid across all states or territories.

For example, high-risk work licences are mandatory for anybody who is performing scaffolding work, operating cranes and hoists, forklifts or pressure equipment, or doing rigging work.

In order to acquire a high-risk work licence, individuals must undergo specialised safety training with a registered training organisation, before being assessed by a registered assessor. Licences are valid for five years from the date of issue.

However, ACT Work Safety Commissioner Mark McCabe has this month warned that high-risk licence holders must take responsibility for ensuring that they have and maintain the competencies associated with their particular licence.

“High risk work, by its nature, can lead to serious accidents, if not fatalities,” said Mr McCabe in a statement released October 8.

“WorkSafe ACT will take action if it determines that a high risk work licence-holder does not have the competence required to undertake the work for which they are licensed.”

Mr McCabe says that anybody concerned about the competency of a person holding a high-risk work licence should contact WorkSafe ACT so that a proper investigation can be conducted.

The warning follows an unfortunate incident earlier this year, which involved an apprentice carpenter being injured after the building site scaffolding that he was working on collapsed.

An individual had his high-risk work licence suspended for 12 months as a result of the incident. However, he will be able to shorten that suspension by participating in specialised construction safety training programs on correct scaffolding erection and dismantling protocols.

Asbestos Contamination Risks Community Safety And Finances

Asbestos contamination of properties in affluent area South West Rocks St, has left one homeowner with a significant bill for the cleanup and upset neighbours needed to pay out of their own pockets.

The contamination happened when a contractor with a high-pressure water cleaner, began washing down asbestos off of a roof of one of the Seaview St homes.

Neighbours began to worry when the asbestos contaminated water began to raid down upon their properties.

ASBESTOS contamination of properties in an exclusive South West Rocks St last week has left one homeowner with a big bill for the clean-up and neighbours  out of pocket and upset.

The contamination occurred last week after a contractor with a high-pressure water cleaner began washing down the  asbestos roof of a house in Seaview St.

Neighbours quickly became concerned when water mixed with asbestos began to rain down on their properties.

One neighbour  contacted  Kempsey Shire Council to voice his concerns over the deadly material.

“I was told by the person I spoke to that the council only had jurisdiction over the work if it was the owner actually doing it,” the neighbour said.

“If it was a contractor then it was a problem for WorkCover. So I contacted the WorkCover office in Port Macquarie. They were very concerned and sent someone straight up to see what was going on.

“The man doing the pressure washing had left by then but WorkCover took control of the situation and ordered a clean-up.”

WorkCover engaged a professional asbestos decontamination service to undertake the clean-up, which, the agency told South West Rocks News, is  almost complete.

Meanwhile an investigation into the incident is  continuing.

“WorkCover directed the property owner to engage an occupational hygienist and licensed asbestos removalist to safely remove asbestos from the property and issue a clearance certificate declaring the site safe,” the spokesman said, referring to the decontamination operation.

“WorkCover is also providing advice to the owners of neighbouring properties.”

Meanwhile the owners of  one of the adjoining properties, stated that the are out of pocket by approximately $5000 because of interrupted business.

A Kempsey Shire Council spokesman said the council  will manage the issues according to the  Protection of the Environoment Operations Act but did not wish to comment further.

More info on Asbestos Training

http://www.macleayargus.com.au/story/1797321/south-west-rocks-homeowner-counts-cost-of-asbestos-clean-up/?cs=1526

Inspector’s Report Reveals Occupational Health and Safety Issues In Council

Municipal Inspector, Peter Stephenson’s final report into the Rural City of Wangaratta lists the wide variety of problems that resulted in the council’s dismissal.

Stephenson’s report refers to a culture of “political point scoring”  within the council, and a “lack of direction” that resulted in delays in the city’s strategic planning processes.

The report was reviewed in Parliament two weeks ago, and was the final of three reports Stephenson completed following his three month stay in Wangaratta.

The most serious issue within the council is said to be the “political point scoring”.

“Personal interactions are often characterised by a lack of respect for the opinions of others and Councillors (Tammy) Atkins and (Don) Joyce are regularly targeted with aggressive and intimidatory behaviour,” the report states.

The report also refers states that the council is inept when dealing with occupational health and safetyconcerns.

“The stalemate in relation to health and safety matters continues to impact both on the health and safety of staff, but also the capacity of the staff team to appropriately brief, and to seek direction from council,” it states.

“Council has had a number of opportunities to adopt resolutions, based on legal advice, that are aimed at protecting the health and safety of staff and continue in their refusal to do so.”

Source:  http://wangarattachronicle.com.au/2013/09/24/council-had-failed-report/

Forklift Safety Training: Worker Injured Using Forklift Instead of Ladder

A business was told to pay out in excess of $67,000 after an employee was seriously injured while being elevated on a forklift to close a faulty rolled door.

The man was crushed when he got trapped between the roller door and the forklift backrest at the Holsten’s Pty Ltd building in Adelaide in September 2011.

He was sent to the hospital for a week for treatment for injuries to his ribs, back, right shoulder, chest, stomach and lungs.

The Industrial Court were informed the man was unable to return to work following the accident.

The family-run establishment imports and sells florist and wedding products.

It was revealed in court the motorised roller door at the warehouse was not working properly, and employees sometimes used a forklift to reach the door when opening and closing it.

The employee operating the forklift was not certified to use it, and lifted to other worker too high which caused him to be crush against the door.

The company pleaded guilty for failing to provide and maintain a safe workplace, and allowing an employee to do high risk.

Industrial Magistrate Michael Ardlie said accepted the company was remorseful and subsequently made efforts to improve its safety.

“The defendant sincerely regrets the injuries sustained by the employee and unreservedly apologises to the employee for the harm caused,” he said.

“The defendant took steps to ensure that the employee received immediate medical attention on-site and an ambulance was called.

[Company director Richard] Holsten himself attended the hospital with the employee to ensure that he was not alone.”

Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-09-17/worker-crushed-when-forklift-used-instead-of-ladder/4961984

More info on Forklift Safety Training

Addressing the work health and safety needs of young Australians

WorkCover Queensland has announced a special forum to be held later this month, designed to encourage greater discussion regarding the workplace health and safety of younger Australians.

The forum – entitled Young workers: Unique risks, unique opportunities – will be hosted by the Queensland government’s Zero Harm at Work Leadership Program.

The Zero Harm at Work Leadership Program is an initiative designed to reduce the frequency and severity of health and safety incidents in Queensland workplaces by encouraging positive cultures.

According to a Safe Work Australia report published earlier this year, one fifth of all workplace injuries reported by Australian workers during 2009-2010 were incurred by employees aged 25 and under.

Safe Work Australia estimated that younger workers had an injury rate of 66.1 incidents per 1000 employees during that period, compared to a rate of 56.2 per 1000 for workers aged over 25.

This is why events like the Young workers: Unique risks, unique opportunities forum are so important, providing education and generating discussion about the safety of younger employees.

A number of high-profile speakers are lined up for the event, including Workplace Health and Safety Queensland Organisational Psychologist and Manager of the Psychosocial and Cognitive Ergonomics Unit Kirsten Way.

Ms Way is scheduled to host a keynote address on why young workers are important to the Australian workforce, as well as the unique health and safety risks that apply to this demographic. She will also offer insight into how Australian employers can act to ensure the health and safety of their younger workers.

The event will take place at the Brisbane Technology Park Central Auditorium on Monday 28 October. More details are available on the Zero Harm at Work Leadership Program website.

ACCC moves to protect Australia’s most vulnerable workers

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has announced the completion of a comprehensive review of the Homeworkers Code of Practice.

In Australia, a Homeworker is defined as someone who is employed in the textile, clothing and footwear manufacturing industry, and works from premises of their choosing rather than an official workplace. Usually they will work from their own home.

According to Labour Behind The Label – a group that campaigns to improve the rights of workers in the clothing industry – homeworkers are susceptible to exploitation, and often have limited employment rights.

However, ACCC Commissioner Dr Jill Walker says the changes to the Homeworkers Code of Practice will help ensure Australian businesses are complying with their legal obligations when dealing with some of the country’s most vulnerable workers.

“On balance, the ACCC considers the Code is likely to result in net public benefits. The benefits of efficiencies in risk management of outsourced supply chains and of compliance with legal obligations to workers are likely to outweigh the detriments,” said Ms Walker earlier this month.

The ACCC has cited a review conducted by Paul Harpur of the University of Queensland TC Beirne School of Law in 2007 which found that homeworkers often face poor OHS safety conditions involving poor lighting, exposure to hazardous dyes and bleaches and access to dangerous unguarded equipment.

In order to combat this, the ACCC has significantly extended the scope of the Homeworkers Code of Practice to include all workers operating in the clothing, textiles and footwear business. Previously, only outworkers in the clothing business had been covered.

Furthermore, the ACCC has “strongly recommended” that the Textile, Clothing & Footwear Union of Australia remain the auditor under the Code, as this group has sufficient power under legislation to properly assess and enforce the Code.

It is worth noting, however, that compliance with the Homeworkers Code of Practice is voluntary. Like all industries, businesses in the textile, clothing and footwear manufacturing sector must take personal responsibility for the work health and safety of employees.

Australian Mesothelioma Registry highlights danger of asbestos exposure

The release of the second annual Australian Mesothelioma Registry may serve as a timely reminder about the importance of asbestos awareness and safety on construction sites.

The report offers extensive details on the number of people in Australia who were diagnosed with mesothelioma in 2012, and uses data available as of June 30 2013.

According to Safe Work Australia – which prepares the report alongside Comcare – mesothelioma is a “usually fatal cancer” that typically occurs in people who have been exposed to asbestos.

Safe Work Australia reports that 619 people were officially diagnosed with mesothelioma in 2012. Of that number, the vast majority were aged over 65. This is because mesothelioma usually takes between 20 and 40 years to develop after the initial contact.

Just under 47 per cent of people diagnosed with mesothelioma in 2012 had died by April 2013. More than 95 per cent of those deaths were a direct result of mesothelioma.

Of the 256 mesothelioma patients who responded to the survey, 229 agreed to participate in a further telephone interview. These interviews provided important insight into the prevalence of asbestos exposure in those diagnosed with mesothelioma.

Nearly two thirds (63 per cent) of those who took part in a telephone interview confirmed possible or probable occupational exposure to asbestos in their lives.

However, 37 per cent of respondents gave evidence to indicate that while they had not been exposed to asbestos in an occupational sense, they had been in contact with the substance outside of work.

This data highlights just how dangerous asbestos can be, and how important it is to ensure that anyone coming into contact with asbestos is aware of the potential dangers involved.

The Mesothelioma Center estimates that more than 10,000 Australians have died because of mesothelioma since records began in the early 1980s. It is predicted that another 25,000 Australians will succumb to mesothelioma over the next forty years.

WorkSafe VIC Issued $4 Million in Fines This Year

WorkSafe officers reportedly visited over 2,200 transport industry operators throughout this year, and 737 safety notices were issued.

WorkSafe has so far issued $4.1 million in fines throughout all of Victoria, according to an annual Victorian WorkCover Authority report.

With over 21 per cent of workers remaining at home six months following an injury, the report shows that the longer one stays away from work, the less chance they have of returning. These individuals are even more likely to suffer secondary issues like mental health, which is why the report suggests the implementation of a strong support network to help workers return to work.

The weeks before Christmas is still the most dangerous time for workers, with 3 deaths in December of last year.

Twenty fatalities were reported in the last year, and over 28,000 injuries and illness claims were lodged.

The lead-up to Christmas remains the most dangerous period for workers, with three people dying in December last year.

Twenty deaths were recorded in the past year and over 28,000 injury and illness claims were lodged.

More info on Occupational Health and Safety

Source: http://www.fullyloaded.com.au/industry-news/articleid/85560.aspx

Asbestos Contamination Costs Community Safety And Finances

ASBESTOS contamination of properties in an exclusive South West Rocks St last week has left one homeowner with a big bill for the clean-up and neighbours  out of pocket and upset.

The contamination occurred last week after a contractor with a high-pressure water cleaner began washing down the  asbestos roof of a house in Seaview St.

Neighbours quickly became concerned when water mixed with asbestos began to rain down on their properties.

One neighbour, who does not wish to be named, was aware the roof was made of asbestos and contacted  Kempsey Shire Council to voice his alarm.

“I was told by the person I spoke to that the council only had jurisdiction over the work if it was the owner actually doing it,” the neighbour said.

“If it was a contractor then it was a problem for WorkCover. So I contacted the WorkCover office in Port Macquarie. They were very concerned and sent someone straight up to see what was going on.

“The man doing the pressure washing had left by then but WorkCover took control of the situation and ordered a clean-up.”

WorkCover engaged a professional asbestos decontamination service to undertake the clean-up, which, the agency told South West Rocks News, is  almost complete.

Meanwhile an investigation into the incident is  continuing.

“WorkCover directed the property owner to engage an occupational hygienist and licensed asbestos removalist to safely remove asbestos from the property and issue a clearance certificate declaring the site safe,” the spokesman said, referring to the decontamination operation.

“WorkCover is also providing advice to the owners of neighbouring properties.”

Meanwhile the owners of  one of the adjoining properties, a holiday rental, say  they have had to cancel more than $5000 worth of school holiday bookings.

Further information on asbestos in homes and how to manage it before undertaking renovations or maintenance can be found at www.asbestosawareness.com.au

A Kempsey Shire Council spokesman said the council was dealing with the matter under the Protection of the Environoment Operations Act but did not wish to comment further.

http://www.macleayargus.com.au/story/1797321/south-west-rocks-homeowner-counts-cost-of-asbestos-clean-up/?cs=1526

Human Resources: Managers Warned of Bullying

the Canberra Institute of Technology owes an apology to victims of workplace bullying there over the years, according to the territory’s Public Service Commissioner.

But according to the long-awaited official report on the allegations that have dogged the school for years, accusations of a toxic culture and systematic bullying have been blown out of proportion.

Nevertheless, ACT taxpayers have already paid $670,000 for a team of specialist investigators to look into the bullying claims and the spending looks set to continue, with 19 misconduct investigations still under way over eight employees.

Commissioner Andrew Kefford’s report on the years of controversy at CIT has been published by the ACT government and contains eight recommendations for reform, with an apology to victims the first item on the agenda for change.

Mr Kefford also wants to see changes to the workplace culture at CIT and a commitment to more transparent management and better complaints handling.

The commissioner was called in to investigate after an “improvement notice” from WorkSafe ACT in April 2012 ordering CIT to put its house in order and provide a workplace safe from bullying and harassment.

In his report, Mr Kefford says that complaints from 42 past and present workers at CIT over a 10-year period provided clear evidence that all was not right at CIT for a significant period of time.

“The fact that complaints were received about the workplace experiences of 42 current and former CIT employees covering more than 10 years is clearly evidence in the institute’s management of people,” Mr Kefford wrote. “That some of these matters are still contested is evidence in itself that the process used to deal with those issues could have been done better.”

Mr Kefford noted the allegations were “not large in number” in an organisation with 1000 staff and more than 20,000 students, but he found that, in some cases, inept handling of bullying complaints made matters worse.

“It is unfortunate that the way in which a small number of cases workplace issues have been managed has made things worse, not better,” he wrote.

Despite the referral of eight individuals from CIT for investigation for misconduct under the Public Service Management Act, Mr Kefford said most of the complaints fell “into the category of failings in management of workplace issues”.

He also found the public portrayal of CIT throughout the controversy had been unduly negative.

“The public portrayal of CIT has sometimes been of an agency characterised by entrenched and systematic workplace bullying,” Mr Kefford wrote.”That is not, and has not been, the case. It would be a significant and damaging overstatement to describe the overall culture of CIT as toxic.”

Despite the desire of CIT and the ACT government’s Education Directorate to move on from the controversy, Mr Kefford conceded that some present and former staff were likely to remain unhappy with the investigation into their complaints.

“There will always be cases where individuals remain unhappy at the end of an investigation or review process,” he wrote.

More info on Human Resources

Source: http://www.canberratimes.com.au/act-news/apologies-for-bullying-in-order-probe-finds-20130927-2uk5n.html#ixzz2gEashDLW

The Dangers of Asbestos Exposure With DIY Renovations

Do-it-yourself home renovators are

Do-it-yourself home renovators are regularly exposing themselves and their children to cancer-causing asbestos, a study of NSW residents has found.

Experts say the disturbing findings show that, despite repeated warnings, Australians are still not protecting themselves from asbestos-related diseases.

The study of almost 860 people who recently completed a do-it-yourself renovation found more than 61 per cent said they had been exposed to asbestos. More than one in five said their children had been exposed.

Co-author Anthony Johnson said the more people were exposed to asbestos, the more likely they were to develop conditions such as the deadly cancer mesothelioma.

”There is no safe level of exposure,” said Dr Johnson, a respiratory physician from the Liverpool area. ”We don’t want to scare people, because the overall health risks are low, but we do see people who have mesothelioma and the only exposure they can recall is something like this.”

Dr Johnson said, on average, mesothelioma would only develop 42 years after exposure.

”Asbestos was removed from fibro around 1984,” he said. ”But we are worried we are going to keep seeing cases for the next 40 years if people keep getting exposed.”

”It’s a horrible disease but it’s completely preventable”.

The study, published on Monday in the Medical Journal of Australia, found one third of people exposed had cut asbestos building materials, one in four had drilled them, and one in 10 had sanded them. More than half said they never or only sometimes wore protection such as face masks.

Asbestos Diseases Research Institute director Nico van Zandwijk said the study was a warning to people considering a renovation.

”The fact that more than 60 per cent of people said they were exposed – and that’s just the people who could recall they were exposed – means that the level of awareness about the dangers of asbestos is insufficient,” he said. ”People need to think before they cut.”

Professor van Zandwijk said Australia had been the world’s highest per-capita user of asbestos.

”Asbestos building materials were tremendously popular in the previous century, particularly in the post-war period,” he said. ”It was cheap and it was used everywhere.”
Source: http://www.smh.com.au/national/health/doctors-brace-for-40-years-of-asbestos-illness-20130915-2tstp.html#ixzz2gEJw2Nfp

Inspector’s Report Reveals Human Resource Issues In Council

Municipal Inspector, Peter Stephenson’s final report into the Rural City of Wangaratta details the depth of problems that led to council’s dismissal.

In his report Mr Stephenson refers to a culture of “political point scoring” among councillors, as well as a “lack of direction from council” that led to delays in the rural city’s strategic planning processes.

The report was tabled in Parliament last week and was the final of three reports Mr Stephenson completed during his initial three months in Wangaratta.

Political point scoring was highlighted as a key problem.

“Personal interactions are often characterised by a lack of respect for the opinions of others and Councillors (Tammy) Atkins and (Don) Joyce are regularly targeted with aggressive and intimidatory behaviour,” the report states.

The report also refers to council’s inability to address workplace health and safety concerns highlighted in a report by employee relation firm, The Zalt Group.

“The stalemate in relation to health and safety matters continues to impact both on the health and safety of staff, but also the capacity of the staff team to appropriately brief, and to seek direction from council,” it states.

“Council has had a number of opportunities to adopt resolutions, based on legal advice, that are aimed at protecting the health and safety of staff and continue in their refusal to do so.”

More info on Human Resources Training

Source:  http://wangarattachronicle.com.au/2013/09/24/council-had-failed-report/

Queensland acts to remediate dangerous abandoned mines

A number of potentially dangerous mine shafts in the Queensland town of Stanthorpe – some up to 10 metres deep – have been excavated or backfilled.

This precautionary measure will help limit the risk of injury to forestry workers as well as visitors to the area, according to Natural Resources and Mines Minister Andrew Cripps.

Mr Cripps says that the Department of Natural Resources and Mines Abandoned Mines Unit is doing an important job to help keep Queenslanders safe.

“All of the old mine features are in granitic soil, which can result in unstable ground developing around shafts and over any tunnels,” said the Minister.

“If a person had fallen into a shaft, or been in one of these tunnels when they collapsed, the consequences could have been fatal.”

In total, 17 abandoned mine shafts and six mine entrances have been remediated by the Unit. Furthermore, a number of drives linking the separate mine entrances have also been made safe.

According to a University of Queensland report entitled Managing and Prioritising Rehabilitation of Abandoned Mines in Australia, abandoned mines can be found all across the country. There are more than 15,000 abandoned mines in Queensland alone.

Abandoned mines – sometimes known as derelict or orphaned mines – can pose a significant risk to people and wildlife. Anyone aware of such a mine should report it to their nearest abandoned mine authority.

In Queensland, the Department of Natural Resources and Mines has an online form that people can use in order to raise awareness of any abandoned mines they think may pose a health and safety risk.

People working in areas where abandoned mines are present should take care to ensure proper protocols are followed at all times, to lower the risk of an incident occurring.

WorkCover NSW Safe Work Awards heat up

More than 140 New South Wales businesses have lodged entries in the 2013 WorkCover NSW Safe Work Awards, in the hopes that they will take home one of the six separate awards on offer.

In a statement released earlier this month, WorkCover confirmed that this has been the highest number of entrants ever received in the contest’s 10-year-long history.

Entrants came from across both metropolitan and regional NSW. They cover a variety of diverse industries, and range in size from SMEs to large businesses, and even non-profits and government organisations.

The WorkCover NSW SafeWork Awards started in 2004 as a way of recognising NSW businesses that were encouraging high work health and safety standards, and promoting more of the same behaviour.

All 141 entrants in this year’s awards have been congratulated by NSW Finance and Services Minister Andrew Constance for participating in the contest, and for actively working to improve workplace safety.

“Each entry marks a workplace safety achievement reflecting either a reduction in lost time injuries or an introduction of a new initiative to make the business safer and ultimately more productive,” said Mr Constance.

The various categories that businesses will compete in this year include “Best individual contribution to workplace health and safety” and “Best workplace health and safety management system”.

For the first time, this year’s WorkCover awards will also feature two separate categories designed to commemorate those who have gone above and beyond to assist injured workers in returning to work.

According to Mr Constance, more than 20 finalists have been selected across the “Excellence in Return to Work for business” and “Return to Work achievement award for workers” awards.

“It is important that businesses are acknowledged for their efforts in helping those who have been injured to get back to suitable and sustainable employment as quickly as possible,” said Mr Constance.

The winners of the 2013 WorkCover NSW Safe Work Awards will be announced on October 31. Judges include WorkCover NSW senior representatives, as well as experts from trade unions and specialist WHS safety organisations.

Confined Spaces : Memorial Organised For Lost Miners

The union representing Hunter coal miners says while the industry has been free of deaths for the past two years, workplace injuries remain a concern.

The Construction Forestry Mining and Energy Union is expecting hundreds of people to attend tomorrow’s 18th annual memorial, to reflect on the 1,800 lives lost since mining started in the Hunter.

The CFMEU’s Grahame Kelly says while work safety has improved, the event is a timely reminder that the industry needs to remain vigilant.

“We had a fatality two years ago, but we still have lots of people seriously injured in the coal industry,” he said.

“And there’s forever a push to do things quicker and the like, so there always needs to be a vigilance in making sure that people return home safely.”

Mr Kelly says plans to extend shifts for workers at Hunter coal mines may compromise safety standards in the industry.

“One of our great challenges is shiftwork,” he said.

“We’ve got mines in the northern coal fields who are considering working seven-12 hour shifts in a row and we think that’s ridiculous.

“This memorial is an opportunity for those people who’ve lost loved ones to come and remember them as well as for all of us to double our efforts to ensure that we maintain safety.”

More info on Confined Spaces

Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-09-21/memorial-to-remember-lost-miners/4971402

Expert Says Cuts To Travelling Safety Claims Would Hurt Workers

Compensation law expert Mark O’Connor said reports the State Government was considering axing journey and recess injury claims was nothing short of mean and such cuts would be heartless.

Reports this week suggested Queensland Attorney-General Jarrod Bleijie was considering a shake-up to WorkCover Queensland which would see workers stripped of their right to compensation if they were injured on their way to and from work.

It is understood Mr Bleijie is considering dumping journey and recess claims after pressure from the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland.

However, Mr O’Conner said thousands of injured Queensland workers and their families could be financially crippled if the State Government cuts entitlements under the WorkCover compensation scheme.

“Reports that claim people injured travelling to or from work are a burden on the WorkCover scheme are simply not true,” Mr O’Conner said.

“WorkCover pays out for travel claims but 40% of that money is refunded to WorkCover when common law claims against CTP insurers are settled.

“Further, an injury caused when a worker is going to or from work has no individual impact on the employer’s WorkCover premiums.

“In fact, travel claims represent only about five cents to the average premiums rate,” he said.

Mr O’Conner said Mr Bleijie needed to come clean with his plans.

“It is time the Attorney-General stepped up and assured Queenslanders their scheme is safe from meddling,” he said.

“My message to the Attorney-General is to leave our scheme alone.

“Your own public inquiry into it said to leave it alone.

“Why would you meddle with it?”

More info on Occupational Health and Safety

Source: http://www.frasercoastchronicle.com.au/news/compensation-cuts-workers-financially-crippled/2029779/

Occupational Health and Safety:Roofing Company Fined For Injured Worker

A roofing company and its director have been fined a total of $100,000 after a worker suffered head and neck injuries when he fell through a roof. The Mallon Company, trading as Frontline Roofing, and director Michael Moore pleaded guilty in the Perth Magistrates Court on Friday to failing to provide a safe work environment and, by that failure, causing serious harm to a contractor.

The company was engaged in August 2010 to replace the roofing of a commercial premises after a hailstorm. Mallon engaged Debri to perform the re-roofing and Terry’s Crane Hire to provide a crane. Debri removed asbestos sheeting from the rear of the roof and moved the wrapped sheets to the front.

A crane operator employed by Terry’s and a 19-year-old dogger, who was a contractor engaged by Terry’s, began removing the asbestos sheets and landing the packs of new metal sheets. The 19-year-old accessed the roof to guide the crane operator and was warned by the Debri employees to be aware of the hazardous rusty tin sheets and damaged polycarbonate.

He walked across the damaged sheets and stepped onto the end of one of them while trying to remove the slings from a pack of metal sheets. The sheet collapsed and he fell to the cement floor, about 3.3m below, suffering serious head and neck injuries. Safety mesh was installed below the roof, but not in the frontage area, although there were plans to install it once the asbestos had been removed. Mallon was fined $70,000 and Moore was fined $30,000. They were also ordered to pay $2200 in costs. Terry’s and its director were fined $71,000 in June, and Debri is also due in court over the matter at a later date.

More info on Occupational Health and Safety

Source: http://bigpondnews.com/articles/NationalRegional/2013/09/20/Roof_company_and_director_fined_100000_907996.html

Construction site safety vital as high winds batter Victoria

WorkSafe Victoria has issued a reminder about the importance of proper construction site safety in volatile weather, as high winds bear down on the state causing damage and destruction.

Earlier this week, Melbourne was ravaged by winds of more than 140 kilometres per hour, putting high demand on the State Emergency Service and leaving thousands without electricity.

Wind gusts of 142km/hour were recorded at Hogan Island on Wednesday, while winds at Mt Gellibrand, Mt Buller and Cape Nelson all exceeded 115km/hour according to the Bureau of Meteorology.

WorkSafe chief executive Denise Cosgrove has warned that construction sites can be perilous places during strong winds, as construction materials can become “deadly missiles” if not properly secured.

“Any object that isn’t properly secured is at risk when strong winds hit, and that means the people around them are at risk, too.” said Ms Cosgrove.

Builders, sub-contractors and outdoor workers have all been encouraged to ensure that any loose or otherwise potentially dangerous material is adequately braced or secured, to ensure their own safety and that of the general public.

Outdoor event organisers have also been reminded about their responsibilities in high wind conditions, as Victoria’s busy events calendar picks up during spring.

“The infrastructure associated with temporary events, such as marquees, portable seating, rides, bunting, flags and signage need to be assessed and properly secured to withstand strong winds, or any sudden wind changes,” said Ms Cosgrove.

The Victoria State Emergency Service has also issued a more general warning, advising people to keep their distance from fallen power lines, creeks and storm drains during this time.

It is recommended that Victorians avoid travelling through flood water – either by car, bike or on foot – during this period of volatile weather. Care should also be taken while driving to look out for any debris left on the road.

Former yachtsman to sue for asbestos exposure

A former elite sportsman now living in Australia is planning to sue a New Zealand-based company for exposing him to harmful asbestos inside building and concreting materials.

According to the Northern Star, former yachtsman Lance Robinson is planning to sue Studorp Ltd in an Australian court, after being given authorisation by The Queensland Supreme Court.

Mr Robinson claims that Studorp Ltd – then known as James Hardie & Coy – exposed him to asbestos during his childhood, when he would join his father at work on the company’s construction sites.

Court documentation available from the New South Wales Caselaw shows that Mr Robinson was born in New Zealand in 1958. His father was a carpenter who handled asbestos products allegedly manufactured by Studorp Ltd.

In 1988, Mr Robinson moved to Australia. Since then he has developed asbestos-related pleural disease. He claims that the disease is a result of Studorp Ltd’s unsafe asbestos safety practices.

According to the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), asbestos related pleural disease involves an “inflammation and irritation of the outer lining of the lung”, also known as the pleura.

Affected individuals suffer from a stiffening and thickening of the pleura, which can lead to restriction in breathing.

Studorp Ltd had previously argued that Mr Robinson’s case should be heard in a New Zealand court of law. However, the Queensland Supreme Court disagreed, and the case will now be heard in Australia.

While Mr Robinson’s claims are only allegations at this stage, the story does highlight the importance of proper asbestos training for those working around this harmful mineral.

Each state and territory has its own regulations related to asbestos work health and safety, and it is important to be well aware of these before beginning any construction project.

Safe Work Australia Month gets underway

Safe Work Australia Chair Ann Sherry is encouraging Australians to get involved and do their part to promote good work health and safety practices during Safe Work Australia Month.

Speaking at the launch of Safe Work Australia Month yesterday (October 1), Ms Sherry explained that individuals need to stand up and play their part in order to change unsafe work environments.

“Safe Work Australia Month is an opportunity for us all to get involved and gain the many benefits of a strong safety culture,” said Ms Sherry

“Raising awareness and encouraging people to speak up about hazards not only improves the safety culture within your organisation but can actually save lives.”

According to Ms Sherry, Australia’s media have already reported 118 work-related deaths in 2013, and it is up to individuals and organisations to ensure this tragic figure climbs no higher.

2013 marks the first time a full month has been dedicated to promoting work health and safety practices, following 2012’s highly successful Safe Work Australia Week.

The theme of the month is “Safety is a frame of mind. Get the picture”. The slogan has been designed to encourage all Australian workers to think carefully about their motivations for upholding work safety.

Anyone who wants to get involved in Safe Work Australia Month is being encouraged to register as a workplace Safety Ambassador.

By doing so, they will become eligible to receive a specialised information kit – including posters, balloons and activity ideas – designed to assist them in promoting OHS safety within their organisation.

Ms Sherry has emphasised that there is still time for interested Australians to sign up to become Safety Ambassadors.

“It is still not too late to get involved. Register now as a Safety Ambassador and hold an activity in your workplace or attend an event hosted by your work health and safety regulator,” she said.

You can apply to be a Safety Ambassador through the Safe Work Australia website.

Tank Seals Tested Following Asbestos Scare on Curtis Island

Asbestos was discovered in two tank seals at  QCLNG’s site on Curtis Island.

Bechtel dismissed the amounts of asbestos as negligible but were removed from the site, although an investigation was launched to discover the reasoning behind the suspect seals use.

Workers received a bulletin informing them that one of the seals in a small vessel  had an unusual composition, along with another similar seal. Both seals were eventually sent off for analysis.

“We have inspected all of the tanks on site from the manufacturer of the subject tank,” the bulletin said.

“None of the other seals on this manufacturer’s tanks are suspect.”

It stated further that asbestos was not discovered in any further seals following analysis.

Bechtel reportedly informed the appropriate authorities of the suspect seals and they will be conducting an investigation.

The site preservation team, which found the trace elements, was congratulated on its proactive approach to ensuring and maintaining a safe work site.

More info on Asbestos training

Source: http://www.gladstoneobserver.com.au/news/seals-tested-after-asbestos-found-on-island/2025496/

Asbestos Task Force Still Has Some Work To Do

Taskforce chairman Geoff Fary remarked that there remained  “a lot of work” for it to do.

Fary has contacted  Employment Minister Eric Abetz to discuss the plan.

He said that despite the changes still to come to NBN , “for the foreseeable future there will be a lot of work for the independent taskforce” as NBN cabling continued to be rolled out.

The asbestos task force was established in June by former workplace relations minister Bill Shorten and former communications minister Stephen Conroy  after reports emerged that poor safety measures were being practiced at some of the Telstra’s pits.

Also established was a taskforce for a “hindsight” review,to review all asbestos-related work carried out by project workers.

More info on Asbestos training

Source: http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/in-depth/still-a-lot-of-work-to-do/story-e6frgaif-1226727906198#sthash.RqQKT5Ro.dpuf

What Can a Diploma in WHS Graduate Do?

Safety workers typically earn their Diploma in WHS after they have been working in the health and safety field for a reasonable amount of time. They have already earned their Cert IV in WHS and have gained a reasonable amount of on-the-job training. They are usually working in a managerial capacity or are safety practitioners.

The point in obtaining their diploma is to enhance their knowledge and obtain new skills that will make them more proficient at their current jobs and more qualified for higher level jobs they may apply for in the future. Once the diploma is achieved, they are typically qualified to supervise lower level employees, assess health and safety risks or hazards, write complex reports related to health and safety, and respond to incidents that may be highly dangerous.

The Bigger Picture

One thing that sets a Diploma in WHS graduate apart from a health and safety worker who only holds a Cert IV or someone who has no degree in WHS is the fact that they focus on the bigger picture. Rather than handling the day-to-day activities within a facility, someone with a diploma in work health and safety will typically oversee the larger health and safety system implemented by a company.

This means they have to fully understand every aspect of a work health and safety system in order to develop and maintain a system that keeps everyone safe from all potential dangers on the job. This involves a lot of skill and advanced knowledge that comes from hands-on experience and book knowledge.

This job also requires constant problem solving and the ability to make changes as needed. The overall health and safety system must remain up to government standards while meeting all of the company’s needs. In order to maintain the system, the diploma graduate will use all of the knowledge they gained through the diploma units of competency.

Management Responsibilities

Someone who holds a Diploma in WHS will typically accept far more responsibility on the job than someone with a Cert IV or with no advanced education in WHS. They are trained to manage and guide others who do not have the advanced knowledge that they have obtained. They are also responsible for bigger system duties that someone at a lower level will not fully understand. This makes the diploma graduate a more important, higher paid employee, but it also puts more stress and pressure on their shoulders.

Many diploma graduates work as health and safety practitioners, but there are other managerial roles that may require a diploma for qualification. Most companies will require the diploma when they hire employees responsible for important health and safety systems that must be properly maintained in order to protect employees.

New Software Will Help Manage Asbestos Risk

The software aims to make it simpler to comply with legislation covering asbestos and to use asbestos-related databases such as the National Asbestos Register.

“Octfolio has developed the first and only fully integrated tool that will map, classify, quantify and enable the strategic cost-effective removal of asbestos from workplaces and homes,” Octfolio managing director Darren Anderson said.

The software has been rolled out at Queensland’s Ergon Energy, which uses it to manage its entries in the National Asbestos Register.

“They said to us they had been paying the Queensland government millions a year to do the audits and (asked if we had) a better solution,” Octfolio chief technology adviser Mark Kay said. He said the Octfolio software automated the process of generating and submitting field reports from asbestos-affected sites.

“Imagine Ergon Energy trying to do that across thousands of different sites,” said Mr Kay.

“Now the auditors use tablets to collect information in the field so you don’t have that paper handling.”

The software also automatically generates reports after auditors submit their findings,and will reportedly reduce the costs of the exercise by up to 75 per cent.

More info on Asbestos Training

Source: http://www.theaustralian.com.au/technology/octfolio-software-to-help-manage-asbestos/story-e6frgakx-1226720432894#sthash.U31x6mP5.dpuf

Council To Remove Asbestos From Fire Damaged Building

The District Council of Coober Pedy is gearing up to remove asbestos from a fire-damaged building in the town’s main street.

The business complex suffered a serious fire in July which released asbestos into the air. Community members who work in the area have attempted to convince the council of the dangers to their health.

The council decided at a special meeting that the asbestos will be removed at an estimated cost of $75,000.

Mayor Baines is convinced the public will not be put at risk.

“There will be constant air monitoring undertaken and they are a licensed asbestos removal company,” he said.

Baines is confused as to why the council is facing the removal bill after weeks of negotiating with various authorities to try and remedy the issue.

“Everybody started ducking and weaving as soon as we tried to get some action,” he said.

He says the council may, in future, consider seeking a change to legislation to put the onus on a government body to deal with the removal instead of the council.

The removal work is expected to be completed shortly.

More Info on Asbestos Training

Source : http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-09-19/council-steps-in-to-remove-asbestos-from-fire-hit/4967596

Handling & Storing Hazardous Chemicals – OHS / WHS Newsletter – August 2013

This month: Your duties in relation to Labour Hire Workers

A PCBU needs to ensure that all chemicals that are used, handled, stored or generated by the workplace have been identified in consultation with workers.

The identification of hazardous chemicals can be completed by referencing the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) (Formerly Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) and the chemical labels.

Manufacturers and suppliers are obligated to:-
Provide you with a Safety Data Sheet as outlined in the legislation at the commencement of this document.
Ensure that the information contained on the Safety Data Sheet and labels are correct.

If there is any concern in regards to the accuracy of the Safety Data Sheet or label, for example the information is different or contradictory, then initial contact should be made with the manufacturer/supplier.
Information on chemicals can also be found in the Hazardous Substances Information System (HSIS) database accessed through Safe Work Australia.
What must Officers, Managers and Supervisors do?

1. Check current hazard identification arrangements.
2. Determine whether they meet the requirements of the legislation and codes of practice.
3. If legislative requirements are not being met, in consultation with workers:

a) Assess current procedures for obtaining SDS to ensure that they are provided for every hazardous chemical and are easily accessible by workers.
b) Determine whether an SDS for every hazardous chemical and for every different concentrate of the chemical is available.
c) Ensure that there is a procedure in place to review and update SDS at a minimum of at least once every 5 years.
d) Determine whether there is an effective process in place for checking SDS and labels so as identify hazardous chemicals.
e) Assess whether there are procedures in place for obtaining hazardous chemical information from other sources, such as manufacturers and suppliers.

Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

Manufacturers and importers must determine and classify the hazards of the chemical and include the information on labels and Safety Data Sheets.
Check labels in conjunction with SDS and in conjunction with the information sources outlined in Supporting Documentation section to ensure all chemical hazards are identified
Labels

Labels may not always contain all hazard information due to the small size of the label and therefore the SDS should be referred to when identifying chemical hazards and ensuring the correctness of the information.

Hazardous chemicals Generated or Manufactured in the Workplace
In some instances a chemical may not have a label or SDS, for example fumes generated in the workplace from an activity such as diesel exhaust fumes from truck engines.
The risk associated with chemicals produced or generated in the workplace must be managed.

LEGISLATION OVERVIEW

WHS Regulation 2011

S.330
A manufacturer or importer of a hazardous chemical must prepare a safety data sheet for the hazardous chemical before first manufacturing or importing the hazardous chemical.
If that is not practicable, as soon as practicable, after first manufacturing or importing the hazardous chemical and before first supplying it to a workplace.
The manufacturer or importer of the hazardous chemical must:
Review the safety data sheet at least once every 5 years, and
Amend the safety data sheet whenever necessary to ensure that it contains correct, current information.
The manufacturer or importer of the hazardous chemical must provide the current safety data sheet for the hazardous chemical to any person, if the person:
Is likely to be affected by the hazardous chemical, and
Asks for the safety data sheet.

S.341-343 requires that the Agency ensures that the hazardous chemical, the container of a hazardous chemical or a hazardous chemical in pipe work is correctly labelled.

S.335 requires that the manufacturer or importer of a hazardous chemical must ensure that the hazardous chemical is correctly labelled as soon as practicable after manufacturing or importing the hazardous chemical.

A hazardous chemical is correctly labelled if the selection and use of label elements is in accordance with the GHS and it complies with Part 3 of Schedule 9.

This clause does not apply to a hazardous chemical if:
a) the hazardous chemical is a consumer product that is labelled in accordance with the Standard for the Uniform Scheduling of Medicines and Poisons 2011 published by the Commonwealth, as in force or remade from time to time, and
b) The container for the hazardous chemical has its original label, and
c) It is reasonably foreseeable that the hazardous chemical will be used in a workplace only in: a quantity and in a way that is consistent with household use and is incidental to the nature of the work carried out by a worker.

This clause does not apply to hazardous chemicals in transit.

This clause does not apply to a hazardous chemical that:
a) Is therapeutic goods within the meaning of the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989 of the Commonwealth, and
b) Is in a form intended for human consumption, for administration to or by a person or use by a person for therapeutic purposes, and

This clause does not apply to a hazardous chemical that:
a) Is therapeutic goods within the meaning of the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989 of the Commonwealth, and
b) Is in a form intended for human consumption, for administration to or by a person or use by a person for therapeutic purposes, and
This clause does not apply to a hazardous chemical that:
a) Is therapeutic goods within the meaning of the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989 of the Commonwealth, and
b) Is in a form intended for human consumption, for administration to or by a person or use by a person for therapeutic purposes, and
c) Is labelled in accordance with that Act or an order made under that Act.

S.338 requires that the supplier of a hazardous chemical must not supply the hazardous chemical to another workplace if the supplier knows or ought reasonably to know that the hazardous chemical is not correctly labelled in accordance with clause 335.

For further guidance please refer to:

WHS Regulation 2011
Preparation of Safety Data Sheets for Hazardous Chemicals Code of Practice
Labelling of Workplace Hazardous Chemicals Code of Practice
Hazardous Substances Information System (HSIS)

Visy To Pay Out 50k For Occupational Health and Safety Breaches

Visy has been ordered to pay out $50,000 for breaching the Fair Work Act.

The Federal Court fined Visy approximately $47,850 for two breaches of the act, and imposed another $4,620 on its operations manager Robin Street. The incident in question occurred at the Visty Coburg factory in August 2011.

The Australian Manufacturing Workers Union brought legal action against the company on behalf of Visy machine setter Jonathan Zwart — also a health and safety rep.

Justice Bernard Murphy took Zwart’s evidence as proof there was “an immediate risk to occupational health and safety”  when it was discovered the forklift’s reversing beeper was not working.

Murphy accepted Zwart’s claims that he tagged forklifts that were not to be used, instead of the temporary measured proposed by his supervisors.

He found that Visy was wrong to subsequently investigate Zwart, suspend him from work and issue him with a written warning.

The judge said operating forklifts near other people was “inherently dangerous” – and that “Visy should have understood this”.

Source: http://www.proprint.com.au/News/357888,visy-fined-50k-for-safety-breach-with-inherently-dangerous-forklift.aspx

Family Concerned With Asbestos Contaminated House

Tenants are concerned that their worn-down leased house in western Melbourne nay be contaminated with asbestos.

The family leasing the house believes there is exposed asbestos in the house and in a shed on a neighboring property.

The family approached the local council but reportedly received no help. They eventually turned to building inspection company Jim’s Building Inspections to assess the property and verify the existence of asbestos.

Inspector Phil Smallman quickly found asbestos on the site after an initial inspection. He has sent the sample to a lab for tests.

“Once we have the results back from the lab we hope that the landlord and rental agencies will enable the family to break the lease, or provide alternative accommodation whilst the asbestos is removed,” Smallman said.

The family is currently attempting to work with the property agent to break the lease– however, if they are prohibited they will bring a case to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT).

Smallman is also worried about the dangers of the adjoining shed on the neighbouring property.

“We believe the family living there, who are also probably renters, have recently arrived in Australia and may not be aware of the dangers.”

“Our clients say they are often outside playing cricket against the shed and the ball is constantly pounding and damaging the cladding. If it is asbestos this is very dangerous,” he said.

Smallman added that Jim’s Building Inspections will help with notifying neighbouring occupants, the owners of the neighbouring property, as well as the local council, as he feels someone needs to take responsibility.

More info on Asbestos Training

Source: http://www.propertyobserver.com.au/victoria/suspected-asbestos-property-in-melbourne-s-west/2013091765091

Education Minister to Investigate Delayed Asbestos Report

Queensland Education Minister John-Paul Langbroek will investigate claims that there was a long delay in reporting an asbestos discovery at a Brisbane state school.

Thus far, part of the grounds at the Graceville State School have been restricted or closed off until repairs are finished and further testing is conducted.

A recent meeting at the school revealed that asbestos was discovered in May but a report was not filed with Educations Queensland until this month.

Lanbroek states the matter will be closely investigated.

“It would be a question for everyone if any asbestos is found and located, then it’s really important of course that we lock down the situation as the principal did yesterday and then investigate it,” he said.

“We’ll make sure we look into the details of what happened at that parents and community meeting and make sure we advise everyone of the circumstances.”

More info on Asbestos Training

Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-09-19/minister-to-probe-delayed-asbestos-report-at-brisbane-school/4968070

Asbestos Training: Mayor Believes No one Was Put at Risk

Rumours that a community in regional NSW was consistently exposed to deadly asbestos waste because of council safety breaches, have been shot down by Gwydir mayor John Coulton as “unfair and misleading”.

Asbestos Disease Foundation president Barry Robson made a trip to Warialda to investigate allegations that workers had been exposed to asbestos fibres during a water pipe replacement project earlier in the year.

Some report that council management had advised staff to describe broken asbestos sheeting as “general waste” when it was dumped in an effort to avoid higher charges.

Robson has no doubts that staff needed better training, and called on WorkCover and the NSW environmental Protection Authority to look into the matters.

Robson called it “completely unacceptable” that workers  and community members in suburban streets were being put at risk.

Coulton stated that he was confident that no staff  or community members were put at risk of asbestos exposure. He added that he had “no knowledge” of any safety breaches at the dump site. 

More info on Asbestos Training

Source: http://www.coffscoastadvocate.com.au/news/mayor-confident-no-one-was-endangered-during-asbes/2031915/

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Former Council Workers Alleges Asbestos Cover Up Requests

A former northwestern NSW council worker has alleged that he was told to cover up dumped asbestos with green waste and garbage.

Mark Sankey revealed that he worked at landfill sites for Gwydir Shire Council between 2008 and March this year.

On several occasions he reported that he was asked to conceal the dumped asbestos with garbage and green waste and push it into walls or even burn it.

“When I was first in that job I was exposed to asbestos many, many times,” he told AAP on Wednesday.

“They would ask me to just push the asbestos under the garbage so people couldn’t see it.”

He said only two landfills in the area were locked, which made it easy to dump overnight.

He began to question the requests after receiving asbestos removal training.

“When I asked questions they threatened me with my job.”

In March, Mr Sankey said he was made redundant after being told his skills were no longer required.

Gwydir Shire Mayor John Coulton stated, “The council is confident that no staff member or member of the public has been endangered during the water pipe replacement program in Warialda,” he said in a statement.

WorkCover NSW and the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) have both pledged to investigate the matters.

More info on Asbestos Training

Source: http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2013/09/25/council-worker-asked-cover-asbestos

Fire Safety: Tasmania May Comp Firefighters For Cancer

Tasmania is poised to become the first state in Australia to grant firefighters compensation for work-related cancers. The Tasmanian Parliament held a debate with the Workers Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Firefighters) Bill 2013.

For the first time in the state, the legislation will not only cover career firefighters but also volunteers as well. Compensation will cover medical bills and lost wages caused by various cancers listed by the Fed in 2011 as being considered career specific.

United Firefighters Union spokesperson Greg Cooper stated firefighters were often prohibited from claiming insurance and workers comp– putting a heavy toll of medical costs on them.

More info on Fire Safety

Source: http://www.themercury.com.au/news/tasmania/tasmanias-parliament-will-today-debate-cancer-cover-for-firies/story-fnj4f7k1-1226726648386

Asbestos Dust Cloud Worries Kimberly School Parents

Parents have kept their children from a remote Kimberley school after an old asbestos building was demolished within the vicinity.

An angry Jacinta Monck, a mother of four, pulled her kids out of a Beagle Bay school after a section of its ceiling collapsed as the water-spray method was being used to prevent particles from becoming airborne. This resulted in a huge dust cloud that children were potentially exposed to on their recesses outside.

“There was a loud bang and a dust cloud had risen above the building being demolished,” Ms Monck said.

“The children were all ushered into the classroom and two of the school’s employees ran over to say ‘please stop work’.

“From that, it came that they would only work after school hours for the asbestos removal.”

Ms Monck was aware the work was going to take place, but no date was provided.

“I was not told about what happened until I got home (last Monday) because I live on an outstation on the Dampier Peninsula,” Ms Monck said. “I was shocked and pulled my children out for the rest of the week.”

“My thing is not with the contractors, it is with the timing of the whole thing – school holidays are just two weeks away. No one had any forethought.”

An incident report has been prepared for the Shire of Broome.

Mining and Pastoral Member Stephen Dawson has written to Minister for Aboriginal Affairs  to call for a work-stop order on the site.

Mr Dawson stated in the letter that dismantling of the structure risked the health of children and urged a postponement on the works until school holidays.

“This will ensure that students are not necessarily taken out of school as the community becomes increasingly concerned for their children’s welfare,” he wrote.

More info on Asbestos Training

Source: http://au.news.yahoo.com/a/-/world/18878028/asbestos-dust-cloud-threatens-beagle-bay-school/

Occupational Health and Safety:Epping Market Deemed Unsafe

Concerns  about the safety of the new wholesale market under construction at Epping have been taken to WorkSafe.

Vegetable Growers Association of Victoria president David Wallace said a meeting was held with WorkSafe officials last week to discuss standholders’ fears about building defects and unsafe pathways for forklifts and pedestrians.

Photographs of the Epping site, which was due to be handed over to the Melbourne Market Authority this month, show a roller door that does not close properly on a sloping concrete floor – leaving a drop of more than 30cm to be negotiated by forklifts – forklift aisles that are too narrow and pedestrian walkways that cross in front of doors to be used by forklifts.

Mr Wallace said WorkSafe had rejected a request to establish a designated work group on the grounds that potential tenants had not yet moved in and their staff could not be considered employees working at the site.

But he said WorkSafe staff had agreed to look at aisle widths, entries and exits and other issues of concern and raise them with the Victorian Government’s Melbourne Market Relocation Project team.

“We want to work out these issues,” he said. “We want to see a safe work environment and it’s (the Government’s) duty to provide that, not to say that it is and find out later that it’s not.

“To them it’s just a project, it’s not 500 businesses that they’re moving. It’s just a building (going) from Footscray Road to Epping.”

A spokesman for Minister for Major Projects David Hodgett said any building defects at Epping would have to be rectified by the building company before the handover to the Government.

“There is an issue with the area set aside for the fruit and vegetable stands at Epping,” the spokesman said.

“The current site at Footscray Road has a floor size of 14,000 square metres, yet the former Labor Government’s design for the new area at Epping has an area for the stands of 7000 square metres.

“The Victorian Government and the MMA are working through the options for the layout and have issued several discussion papers including a traffic and logistics management plan.”

The spokesman said the draft plan looked at options for the best use of the smaller trading floor and feedback was being considered.

The draft plan recommended the stands be increased by 36sq cm and forklift trading aisles be widened by 95cm.

More info on Occupational health and safety

Source: http://www.weeklytimesnow.com.au/article/2013/09/05/581785_horticulture.html

What is Fatigue Management

We cannot live without sleep. The normal person requires 7-8 hours of sleep per day to function normally. For truck drivers, shift workers and company car drivers, not getting enough sleep can lead to attention difficulties, slow reaction times, slow thinking, erratic speed control and sloppy steering.

There are a lot of myths around regarding getting too tired while driving and the facts are that cold air on your face will not keep you awake. Drivers have tried a variety of other myths with no gain, such as listening to the radio, chewing gum, stretching your legs, or just simply willpower. There are drivers that feel they have been this tired before and can cope. The facts are that when you are sleepy, you over estimate how alert you are and your judgment becomes poor.

Just the fact that you are determined, will not stop you from falling asleep at the wheel. Nodding off or microsleeps become uncontrollable and inevitable. Also remember that the older you get the harder it is for your body to cope with shift work. One of the most important things to know when on the road, is when to take a break. If you are fighting to keep your eyes open, it is time to stop. If you find it hard to concentrate, it is time to stop. If you are stretching, yawning, head nodding or adjusting your driving position, it is time to stop.

You are nearing the end of your journey, but you are experiencing signs of fatigue, it is time to stop. Many accidents happen close to your destination. Do not be tempted to push on and attempt to make it those last few miles, stop and take that break.

When you do get home or stop to rest, get the best sleep possible before starting another shift or trip. If you are doing shift work, try to get as much sleep as you would if you did not have to go back to work. Talk with your family in order to make plans to provide adequate sleep. When you go home in the morning, do not try to delay this sleep until later in the day, because too many things can happen to prevent you from getting the sleep you need. Above all, listen to your body. If you feel sleepy and time allows, by all means sleep.

Remember that fatigue has biological causes and that your body clock does not adapt to night work. There is not a single simple answer to fatigue problems, you have to find the one that works for you. Fatigue causes more than 20% of the highway accidents and is the most common cause of accidental death of truck drivers. Shift workers are twice as likely to have an accident at work. Figure out the best system for you in order to get the rest needed and be safe.

With fatigue management training, you will learn how to make adjustment to help keep your employees alert, productive, and safe.

What jobs in WHS require the Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety?

The Certificate IV, or Cert IV, in Work Health and Safety (WHS) is designed to solidify skills needed to ensure safe and healthy work environments. There are accredited courses found throughout Australia. Some are conducted online, some are self-guided through downloadable study material, and many are face-to-face courses with live instructors. The goal for all students is to learn the laws related to workplace health and safety in Australia and pick up basic skills required to manage various aspects of health and safety in work environments.

While many people who want to work in some aspect of health and safety will take on this training independently in order to add these skills to their resume, this is not required to get all jobs in the field. There are some entry-level positions that will provide on-the-job training so that employees know what the basic elements of health and safety as it applies to their work environment.

If your goal is to take on more substantial or high level jobs in WHS, then you will need the more extensive training that comes with the Cert IV course in WHS. Even if you are in an industry that is not directly related to work health and safety, you may benefit from adding the skills provided in this course to your resume.

Some jobs in WHS that may require you to obtain this training or which may look upon you favourably if you have this training include:

• Union representatives or other union positions
• Safety trainers or assessors
• Safety officers
• Safety auditors
• Supervisor or management positions in certain industries
• Health and safety consultants

In general, obtaining the Cert IV in WHS will qualify you to take on more leadership opportunities. You will have more knowledge regarding workplace health and safety than many others on the job, and that may entitle you to step into supervisory or management positions faster than other employees. You may also qualify for some positions within certain industries that depend on in-depth knowledge of Australian health and safety law.

If you are interested in furthering your career or want to make a career move into the work health and safety industry, the Cert IV is a solid starting point. It will introduce you to Australian work health and safety law and teach you how to assess and manage safety and health issues within the work environment.

This training could give you an advantage over other job candidates in some industries. Since you will already have more training than many other applicants, companies will see you as a good investment. They won’t have to offer as much on-the-job training, and you will have a better understanding of the safety elements of your job from day one.

If you have already gained some experience through jobs in WHS but your current employer does not offer the training you need to obtain a higher paying job, you may take on the Cert IV training in WHS independently in order to move your career along faster.

Does Your Office Have an Asbestos Register?

An asbestos register is a written record that identifies all asbestos known to exist within a building. This includes asbestos materials that were used to construct the building when it was first created as well as asbestos that may be used within a facility for business purposes. The goal of the register is to clearly identify the presence of asbestos since it is a material that can negatively impact the health of everyone working in the office.

Information to Include

The following information should be included in an asbestos register, but you may also add other information that you find relevant to your particular office:

• Specific locations for all asbestos materials known to exist in the building
• Dates on which the asbestos materials were discovered within the building
• Dates or times at which asbestos may be used within the building
• Types of asbestos identified within the building
• Condition of all asbestos materials known to exist within the building
• Inspection reports verifying that the asbestos material is or is not hazardous to humans
• Information regarding inaccessible areas of the building that may contain asbestos

Anything to do with asbestos within your building should be detailed in the register. This information is used to properly maintain the building and ensure that all repairs and renovations are carried out in a safe manner. Asbestos fibres are easily released into the air when these materials are disturbed even slightly, so it is important for all maintenance workers to be aware of materials and areas that contain asbestos.

Do You Need an Asbestos Register?

If all of the following criteria apply to your office, then you may not need to keep an asbestos record in your office building:

• Your building was built after December 31, 2003
• No asbestos or material containing asbestos has ever been identified in your building
• No asbestos is known to enter the building at any time now or in the future

All three of these criteria must apply to a building in order to opt out of keeping a register. You do have the option of keeping one on hand just to ensure that your building lives up to Australian asbestos regulation. You can simply state in the register that no asbestos is known to exist within the building. As long as that does not change, you do not have to update the record. You can also use this statement if your building was constructed before December 31, 2003 but you have never identified any asbestos materials within the building.

It is important to keep the asbestos register updated so that future management or maintenance workers can refer to this information. It is important to keep an eye on the areas of the building known to contain asbestos so that any damage to those materials can be handled quickly. The smallest disturbance or breakage could lead to asbestos exposure for everyone in the building. If your office doesn’t have a register, use the above listed criteria to determine if you need one. If you do, take care of that immediately so that you are in compliance with Australian law.

Confined Spaces: Miner Says Company Owes Him 1.3m For Injury

A miner suffered permanent damage to his spine after the dozer he was operating dropped over 1.5m down a rock face while he was reversing.

The miner claims the company owes him $1.3 million in physical and permanent damages following the accident.

His claim states that he was operating a dozer in the steep key cut of a dragline  work area in February 2008. His task required him to rip out rock surfaces prior to removing material with the dragline.

He alleges the dozer slipped and dropped while he was reversing and his neck and body were twisted while he was looking behind him to reverse.

The miner was employed at Biloela’s Anglo Coal Callide Mine when he sustained the injury to his cervical spine. His resulting injury has impacted the man’s ability to work as a plant operator in foreseeable future.

He claimed the company is at fault for failing to ensure a safe workplace, and for failing to properly drill blast holes.

The worker has sought $1.26million in damages.

The company was given less than two-weeks to respond to the claims.

More info on Confined Spaces Training

Source : https://alertforce.com.au/ohs-training/confined-spaces-miner-says-company-owes-him-1-3m-for-injury/

Occupational Health and Safety:Tubing Manufacturer Fined $28k For Crushed Thumb

A manufacturing company responsible for the tubing and electrical components in South Australia, was fined $28,000 in addition to legal fees. The company was found responsible for an incident with a crimping machine that crushed an employees thumb because of a lack of guard.

SafeWork SA charged Tubing and Electrical Industries under the Occupational Health, Safety, and Welfare Act 1986 for failing to provide and maintain safe working conditions– especially by failing to provide a guard fitting for the machine.

On 25 July 2011, an employee was operating a machine inwhich the guard had been removed in order to provide better visual access.

The top of the worker’s thumb became lodged in between the jaws. The injury caused long-term nerve loss which also required  hand therapy for nine months which subsequently prevented him from being able to attain full-time work.

Magistrate Michael Ardlie  explained his decision, saying “The bypassing of the guarding is a significantly serious transgression on the part of the defendant.”

Ardlie recognised the company took appropriate action following the incident by securing a guard and implementing a Standard Operating Procedure for the machine in question.

The defendant faced a maximum penalty of $300,000. The court imposed a fine of $40,000, with a 30 per cent reduction to $28,000 following the defendant’s early guilty plea, demonstration of contrition and cooperation with SafeWork SA.

More info on Occupational Health and Safety

Source: http://www.pacetoday.com.au/news/missing-guard-leads-to-penalty-and-crushed-thumb

I Have My Cert IV in WHS – How Do I Land the Best Jobs in WHS?

This is a common question for people who have completed the Cert IV in WHS independently. You go through this exhausting training program because you want to land the best jobs in WHS, earn more money and provide for yourself and your loved ones. The bad news is that it may take some time to find the perfect job for you and land a position. The good news is there are many things you can do to start searching for those great jobs immediately.

Talk to Your Employer

Are you already employed by a company that hires competent work health and safety employees? If so, go directly to your boss and let him or her know that you have completed your Cert IV in WHS and are interested in any open positions that will further your career. Show them your certificate so that they know you are motivated and eager to land better jobs.

If you are not currently working in a work health and safety related position, think about how your new skills and knowledge can be put to use to benefit your current employer. In some cases, you may convince someone to carve out a position just for you. This only works if you make a strong case as to why the company needs a work health and safety professional on the team.

Identify Companies within Your Desired Location

Identify all areas where you would like to work and start finding company contacts within that area. You can look at job ads online and in local papers, but don’t limit yourself to jobs that are posted. Those jobs will be highly competitive with a lot of applicants, and the best jobs in WHS aren’t always advertised heavily.

Take it upon yourself to contact companies and ask if they could use someone with you qualifications. Look online to find social networking sites dedicated to professionals and job seekers. Connect with current employees within your chosen field as well as those who are already working for companies you would love to work for in the future. Make connections and let everyone know that you have earned your Cert IV in WHS and are eager to put your credentials to work.

Fully Utilise All Skills Learned

You may have a specific path in mind for your career, but you cannot afford to leave out any skills or bases of knowledge when selling yourself in the job market. Make sure your cover letters, resumes and online networking profiles reflect all of the skills you have gained through the completion of your WHS Cert IV and any other training programs and work experiences you have gained.

Your goal is to get your foot in the door somewhere so that you can start earning money and putting your career on a successful path. You may continue to look for other jobs that better suit your ideal career path, but you don’t want to miss opportunities because you failed to play up all of your skills and knowledge bases.

What Is Your Work Doing about Asbestos?

Businesses in every industry have the duty to protect employees and the surrounding community from dangerous exposure to asbestos. Many buildings in Australia still contain some asbestos, and business owners need to understand the danger of that material. The mere presence of asbestos is not necessarily a danger or health risk, but there is a danger if the material is not well maintained and eventually removed securely.

Every business needs to ensure the following actions are covered at all times for the protection of everyone in the workplace:

• All asbestos within the workplace is identified and recorded in an asbestos register
• Maintenance workers are aware of materials or locations that contain asbestos
• Areas of the building containing inaccessible asbestos are identified and well maintained
• Immediate action is taken in the event asbestos materials are disturbed in any manner

If you know your office is not doing enough to ensure asbestos fibres are not released into the work environment and inhaled by workers and visitors, the following actions should be taken immediately:

• Determine the date that the building was constructed
• Learn the law in regards to maintaining a building with known asbestos content in your region
• Hire a licenced asbestos removalist or assessor to inspect the building and identify asbestos and asbestos-containing materials
• Create and maintain an asbestos registry for the office or building
• Hire an asbestos removalist to remove all asbestos that is in poor condition or may pose a health risk to workers in the future

Note that it is not always necessary to tear out walls, roofing or flooring in order to remove asbestos materials immediately. If the materials are in good condition and are not likely to break, crumble or otherwise destruct in the near future, then they may not need to be removed at this point. However, someone does need to keep a close eye on those areas of the office to ensure the materials remain in good condition and present no risk to workers.

When it is time to renovate or material needs to be disturbed for some reason, a licenced removalist is required. The removalist will safely remove and dispose of the asbestos so that it does not present a danger to anyone in the vicinity of the building. It is unsafe to remove more than 10 square metres of non-friable asbestos materials without a licenced professional overseeing the work, and it is illegal to remove any friable asbestos without a licenced professional.

Has your office taken any of these steps to protect employees from asbestos exposure? If not, it is time to take action. The first step is to identify asbestos materials already contained in the building so that those materials can be monitored and properly maintained or removed. The next step is the creation of an asbestos register so that all areas of the building containing asbestos can be closely monitored and handled appropriately when it comes time for renovation or other construction projects within the building.

Cert IV WHS vs. On-the-Job-Training – What Is Your Learning Style?

Once you decide to build a career that involves any aspect of work health and safety, you have to decide how you will gain the experience and learn the skills that are necessary for this line of work. There are many Australian regulations and local laws that you must master in order to understand how businesses comply fully with those expectations. You also have to learn how to manage projects, develop and maintain processes and strategies, conduct research, and deliver presentations. Depending on your exact position and future career ambitions, there may be many other skills that you need to master as well.

You have to main training options:

1. Apply for entry-level positions that offer on-the-job training for new employees. The company will put you through their own training in order to teach you while you start to earn money.

2. Complete an accredited training program for the Cert IV in WHS. This is a training program that teaches you a variety of skills and knowledge bases related to jobs in WHS. You can apply this information and your new skills to your resume in order to qualify for more job opportunities.

Which path to training you select will depend on the following factors:

1. Your learning style. If you learn best through hands-on experience and struggle to learn from a book or by listening to lectures in a classroom, then you may do best with on-the-job training. On the other hand, if you want to thoroughly study the information prior to walking onto a job so that you feel more confident at work, you may want to go with the Cert IV training.

2. Available opportunities. Depending on where you live and where you want to work, you may not find many opportunities for on-the-job training. In some cases, the opportunities that are available are highly competitive and may be difficult to land.

3. Your career ambitions. If you know that you want to work supervising or managing others, then you may go ahead with the Cert IV in WHS to demonstrate your eagerness to get ahead and your advanced knowledge of workplace health and safety issues. The training program will also ensure you have the proper skills to deliver presentations, write reports and analyse the presentations and reports delivered by others. These are skills that are not always covered extensively while on the job, but they are valuable to employers looking for upper management employees.

4. Time availability. If you need to start earning money immediately, then on-the-job training may be your best route. You train while starting to bring in a paycheck, even if the position is not as high as it might be with a Cert IV in WHS listed on your resume. You can always go back to earn your Cert IV later once you have money coming into your household.

The more ambitious your career goals, the more likely you are to complete the Cert IV in WHS training program. It is simply faster to move up in your career when you have this experience and knowledge to your credit.

Thinking About the Cert IV in WHS? 11 Things You Need to Know

If work health and safety is your desired or current career path, you will at some point consider the option to complete the Cert IV training program in WHS. This is a program designed to instil knowledge and skills needed for the implementation, supervision, assessment and maintenance of workplace health and safety standards in Australia. The included units of competency ensure that you have the qualifications needed for higher ranking positions, including those at the supervisory or managerial level.

If you are a bit anxious about starting this program or are not certain it is the right step for your career at this time, the following 11 facts and tips will help you make the best decisions for your career.

1. There are no prerequisites that you must complete before taking the Cert IV in WHS. Yet, it may be easier to understand and master the information presented in some of the units of competency if you first complete a Cert III first. You may not need to do this if you have work experience in WHS that would cover that lower-level material.

2. Not all of the units of competency included in the program are technical in nature. There are also courses in report writing and presentation skills. The better you are with grammar and sentence structure, the easier these elements of the program may be for you.

3. The Cert IV in WHS is designed to train future managers and supervisors. The information presented should include skills that managerial employees complete while lower-level employees complete more of the manual, technical tasks. This is why writing, reading and public speaking are incorporated into the Cert IV program.

4. Many employers now require completion of this training program from an accredited source for all supervisors and managers. Even if you have extensive experience in your field, you may need this training in order to advance your career.

5. While on-the-job training is often offered through entry level positions, you might not learn all of the information presented through the Cert IV program. You will only learn what you need to know to successfully work in one position within the company. You may still need to complete the Cert IV in WHS at some point in your career.

6. If you let your employer know that you are taking on this training course, you may be given access to an on-the-job mentor. Many successful candidates benefit from talking to someone on the job about what they are learning in the courses. If this is not available at your facility, you should still inform your employer of your goal to complete the Cert IV so that they acknowledge your ambitions to succeed.

7. The entire program can seem overwhelming. Focus on one unit of competency at a time rather than thinking about how much time it will take.

8. The fastest route to achieving this certificate is through a standard classroom structure. There are also accelerated programs that will take you through all of the material in a week or less.

9. If you need more time to complete this training, consider an online program or a program that allows you to download the text materials and guide your own studies. You will typically have 12 months to complete the program, and you may not receive all course material at one time.

10. Some employers will offer this training onsite so that multiple employees can benefit from the class at one time. This is far more convenient for many people than seeking out their own programs.

11. Expect to be challenged at times. The coursework is not always easy, but there is a big payoff at the end if you persevere and make it to the end.

These tips for completing your Cert IV in WHS will help you select the right program, study in the most efficient manner and complete the program with the highest degree of success. Commit right now to taking this step forward in your career by informing your current employer about this ambition.

Electrical Safety:WorkCover To Investigate Electrocuted Employee

An employee of Essential Energy was killed by electric shock early last week.

At approximately 10:30am, the 47-year old man  suffered the electric shock was working on the electricity network at Pacific Palms.

Ambulance crews reached the site and attempted first-aid but efforts were unsuccessful.

“Our employee was an electrical worker based at Bulahdelah depot.  Our deepest condolences are with the family, loved ones and work mates of our employee,” an Essential Energy representative said on Monday afternoon.

“Essential Energy’s priority is to do everything we can to make sure our employee’s family, loved ones and work mates are supported during this difficult time.”

Essential Energy is working in collaboration with the NSW Police and WorkCover to find a cause of the accident.

As a result of the accident, approximately 300 customers in the Pacific Palms area experienced  interruptions with their service.

“WorkCover investigators are attending the scene of the incident and we will restore supply once WorkCover gives us clearance to do so.

“An estimated time of restoration is not available at the moment. We appreciate our customers’ understanding.”

More info on Electrical Safety Training

Source: http://www.greatlakesadvocate.com.au/story/1746618/electrocuted-while-working-on-power-lines/

Council Worried About Railway through Asbestos Town

A Pilbara council has cited health concerns regarding Rio Tinto’s plan to build a railway in close proximity to an asbestos-contaminated former town of Wittenoom.

The town was declared unfit for habitation because of the heavy presence of blue asbestos which was mined in the town until the late 1960s.

The Shire of Ashburton is concerned workers may be at risk, and wants to be free of litigation if the railway construction goes forward.

The line would link Rio’s Koodaideri project to its existing rail line. Koodaideri may become one of the biggest Pilbara’s iron ore mines, with over 70 million tonnes exported annually.

However some analysts believe the project’s US$ 3.2 billion cost may cause delays.

An Environmental Protection Authority spokesman said Rio’s Koodaideri project was being assessed at the highest level before a report went to the Environment Minister.

More info on Asbestos Training

 Source:  http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/a/-/wa/18939151/asbestos-fears-over-pilbara-rail-plan/

Cranes, Hoists and Slings : Workers Injured at Curtis Island

Two workers suffered injuries at Curtis Island with one of them being airlifted to the hospital. This incident has resulted in the CFMEU questioning the safety measures being used at the site.

Bechtel, the company involved, is conducting an internal investigation into the cause of the accident.  The accident took place on a compressor deck at the QCLNG site when workers were moving a crane rail along a steel beam.

“During the process, a section of the crane rail slipped from the beam and dropped onto a team member’s foot. A second team member was also grazed by the rail,” Bechtel Gladstone general manager Kevin Berg said.

An emergency response team was alerted, and treated the men as best they could, but a rescue helicopter was needed to take one of the workers to Rockhampton Hospital,

“As a precaution, the employee with the foot injury was evacuated by helicopter to Rockhampton Hospital where it was determined he received fractures to bones in his foot,” Berg said.

Workplace Health and Safety were alerted of the incident; as were other employees.

CFMEU representative Ben Loakes said “I think there is the potential to lead into something more serious than what we have today,” he said.

“(Bechtel has) a lot of their American safety officers that wouldn’t know their Australian legislation.”

Berg called the claim “ridiculous”  and that safety was a high priority at the site.

“Safety assurance is proactively managed by supervisors, superintendents, area superintendents – who are predominantly Australians,” he said.

More info on Cranes,Hoists and Slings

Source : http://www.miningaustralia.com.au/news/worker-flown-to-hospital-after-two-injured-at-curt

OHS:Union Warns Oval Construction Deadline Risks Worker Safety

South Australia’s Labor has been accused of risking the safety of workers by rushing a redevelopment project on the Adelaide Oval for a March state election deadline.

The construction union have warned of the implications of the government’s plan to give  the main contractor a $5 million bonus if the election deadline is met.

The government has denied any reports of the project being rushed, but emphasised that it must be finished in time for the AFL season.

“It’s certainly not worth the price of one of our workers on that site getting killed,”  said Construction Forestry Mining and Energy Union state secretary, Aaron Cartledge.

Concerns have arisen following the death of a construction worker at the $1.8 billion desalination plant.

The court found 35-year-old steel rigger Brett Fritsch was killed as a result of the unsafe workplace practices of his employer, Ferro Con.

A parliamentary inquiry in 2011 indicated that the desalination project was rushed and production took precedence over safety.

Opposition frontbencher Iain Evans said “We cannot afford a repeat of the tragic circumstances that marred the construction of the desalination plant “.

More info on Occupational Health and Safety or OHS

Source: http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/state-politics/oval-deadline-a-risk-to-safety/story-e6frgczx-1226717219393

What Happened to 2,000 Tonnes of Asbestos Dust on 9/11?

The terrorist attacks that occurred in New York on September 11, 2001 will never be forgotten by those who lived through the nightmare. They will remember because it was the most horrific day in the lives of most survivors, but also because all of those survivors have been marked with an extremely high risk of developing mesothelioma later in life.

If the goal of the attacks was to hurt Americans in the long term, that was accomplished by releasing approximately 2,000 tonnes of asbestos dust into the air when the planes crashed into the towers. Asbestos is a fibrous material that was used in the construction industry in the 1900s. The material was banned in the late 1900s, but many buildings still standing contain some form of asbestos. Unfortunately, some of those buildings included the towers that came tumbling down on 9/11.

The Asbestos Cloud

The asbestos-containing materials (ACM) within the towers did exactly what all other materials in the towers did on 9/11. They lit on fire, tore apart, crumbled and crashed to the ground. In the process, asbestos fibres were released into the environment where they were inhaled by the people trying to escape the towers, the rescue workers trying to get people out of the towers, and bystanders watching in awe as the buildings came down.

Anyone within the vicinity of those towers on 9/11 is now in danger of developing mesothelioma. This is a form of cancer that is directly associated with exposure to asbestos. While most people suffer from this cancer after inhaling asbestos fibres over a period of months or years in the work environment, anyone who comes in contact with asbestos is in danger.

Due to the large amount of asbestos dust released into the environment on 9/11, it is possible that those in the area of the towers on that fateful day will develop mesothelioma within the next 15-20 years. Short term exposure may not be the most common route to the disease, but short term exposure of this magnitude is likely to have consequences.

Where Did It Go?

The people involved in the 9/11 attacks and those watching from the sidelines likely inhaled a lot of the asbestos fibres that were released into the air that day. It is possible that the rest of the fibres lingered in the New York air and spread to other areas as the dust started to settle. Since asbestos fibres are not seen by the eye, it is impossible to say with certainty where all of that dust went.

Those involved with the cleanup after the event may have something to worry about as well. It is likely that asbestos dust continued to pollute the air as the wreckage was cleaned up since that wreckage included asbestos materials in a crumbled or broken state.

When you consider that thousands of people were exposed to tonnes of asbestos dust on that day, you can look forward to a drastic increase in mesothelioma cases around year 2020. It takes a couple decades for this form of cancer to make itself known, so the survivors and rescue workers will wait uneasily until they know the long-term ramifications of that day.

Asbestos Training: Cottages To Be Removed Following Community Outcry

Crunch  time is finally drawing near for the three derelict asbestos cottages at Huskisson.

After years of campaigning by the community and numerous court cases by council to force the owners to remove the buildings, action is finally being taken.

The property owners, who live abroad, have not complied with Land and Environment Court orders to remove the buildings.

The court orders provided provision for council to move in after a considerable period of time and do the work.

Shoalhaven City Council development building manager Bob Goldspring said that time had come and gone.

“Council would now start obtaining quotes and get a contractor in to demolish the buildings and remove the material,” he said.

Chairman of the Huskisson Woollamia Community Voice Garry Kelson would not be surprised if Shoalhaven ratepayers end up footing the bill to demolish the three asbestos cottages in Huskisson.

However he would rather see the derelict buildings on Murdoch Street removed now and let the courts chase the owners for the money later.

“We have been lobbying to have these buildings removed on the grounds of safety for three years,” he said.

“We are heading into prime holiday time. We also have the Hobie World Championships coming up and these houses are right next to Moona Moona Creek which is a very popular picnic area, particularly with families.

“The buildings have been trashed and with the recent dry and windy weather who knows how much asbestos has been blowing around.”

More info on Asbestos Training

Source: http://www.southcoastregister.com.au/story/1772944/council-moves-on-huskissons-asbestos-cottages/?cs=203

What Does Asbestos Removal Cost in Australia?

Once you discover asbestos-containing materials in your home or commercial building, you know that calling in a licensed asbestos removal professional is essential. That is when you start worrying. What will asbestos removal cost for your building? Will these costs take your renovation or remodelling project over your intended budget? These are honest concerns, but the need to handle asbestos properly outweighs the option of cutting corners or removing the material yourself.

The cost of asbestos removal in Australia is higher than the cost of standard construction and remodelling, but there are some good reasons for the higher prices:

Those who take on the job of removing asbestos-containing materials put their own health in danger and must take many precautions to ensure their safety while on the job.
Professionals with the training and experience to safely handle asbestos materials must pay to obtain a government licence in order to perform their job. In some areas of Australia, the yearly licence fee can soar over $500, and in other places it is well over $1,000.
Asbestos removal professionals take on the responsibility of cleaning up every job-site to ensure no lingering dust or debris will endanger other people who live and work within the building. This is a tremendous amount of liability that requires strict adherence to safety guidelines.
Businesses accepting work that involves asbestos must pay to properly train and educate every employee who works with these dangerous materials.
It can take a lot more time to properly package and dispose of these materials than it would take to dispose of non-asbestos materials.
Now that you understand why the price tag on asbestos removal is often higher than standard construction rates, how much can you expect asbestos removal to cost? You can go online to receive quotes from a variety of asbestos removal professionals in your area, but the overall asbestos removal cost will come down to a combination of many different factors. You cannot count on receiving a real price until a professional has seen your property firsthand and analysed what needs to be done to solve the problem.

Where Do You Live?

Asbestos removal costs are different depending on where you live in Australia. If there are many companies offering these services, then your job may cost less than it would in an area where only one or two licensed providers are in service. You may pay more if the demand for these services is currently higher than in other areas. It all comes down to the old issue of supply versus demand, so prices in your area may fluctuate over time depending on these factors.

What Is the Extent of Your Problem?

The larger the area of material to be removed and the more difficult it is to get those materials out of the building and to a disposal site, the more you can expect to pay for your project. This is why you should not consider the price you are quoted online as the final price of your project. If the professionals come to the building and realise that they will have to work harder than usual to remove the material or the area is much larger than specified online, you can expect the quoted price to go up. It may also go down if the area is smaller or other factors make your job easier to perform than expected.

You cannot go off of figures other people have paid to have asbestos materials removed from their home. Each job is different, so you need to contact a licensed professional to obtain a quote and determine the final asbestos removal cost for your building.

The Importance of Regulation for Sydney Asbestos Removal

If you were to tear down a shed in your backyard and build something larger with a spacious deck and a swimming pool, you would naturally check with the government for the proper permits and inspections before completing the work. You would hire a professional to ensure the job was completed correctly and all structures on your property were completely safe.

When it comes to Sydney asbestos removal projects, you might not realize there is a need to go through that same process, but it is critical due to the necessity of regulation for all projects that may contain asbestos-containing material. Asbestos is a fibrous material that was used heavily in the Australian construction industry up until the late 1980s. Homes built before this time often contain some of this material, and when it is disturbed in any manner, those dangerous fibres are released into the air.

Once the fibres are released, they are inhaled by those in the surrounding environment. They stick and collect in the lungs and have lead to asbestosis and cancer in thousands of people around the world. You cannot see these fibres, so it is impossible to avoid them once they are released unless you are wearing protective gear while cleaning up the area quickly. This requires skill and professional training, which is why Sydney asbestos removal projects are so closely regulated.

Check for Permits and Inspections

This is the first thing you would do with most major renovations or construction projects on your property, and it is the first thing you should do when you need to perform any type of construction on property that could contain materials that include asbestos fibres. All areas of Australia now have regulation in place to ensure asbestos-containing materials are properly handled, removed and disposed. These regulations may affect your project in the following ways:

You may be able to legally remove up to 10 square metres of material containing asbestos without professional guidance, but anything over that requires a licenced professional.
In many areas of Australia, you cannot dispose of these materials without a licence. Licence holders know which dumping sites allow these materials.

You must properly wrap and label these materials so that professionals at the dumping site are aware of the asbestos content. Not all dumping sites in your area may accept these materials. It is a health hazard to yourself and your community at large to dump illegally.
You could put the lives of your family members and your neighbors at risk if you disturb asbestos materials without proper handling and protective gear.

Asbestos inspections and removal in Sydney does cost more than standard construction or renovation projects. That is due to the increased risk and additional work that is required to properly complete a Sydney asbestos removal project.
If you contact a licenced asbestos removal company in Sydney before beginning work on your property, they will handle the inspection of your property and determine what should be done to handle any material that may include these dangerous fibres.

Leave It to the Professionals

When you allow licenced asbestos professionals to handle these projects, you ensure the fibres that have taken so many lives around the world do not continue to sabotage Australian lives. Licence holders in Australia must go through training related to asbestos and must pay to keep their licence current. They also must designate on-site supervisors with even more training and a higher level of experience handling these materials.

This experience and training ensures the jobsite is always handled in a safe manner and asbestos-containing materials are properly disposed of at all times. This is the best way to fight the deadly release of asbestos fibres into Sydney air.

Court Orders $327,000 Payout For Asbestos Victim

By court order, a former power station worker is expected to be paid  $327,000 in compensation for asbestos exposure which resulted in Mesothelioma.

Allan Geyer is dying from the asbestos-caused disease after being exposed to the deadly substance at the Electricity Trust of South Australia (now Resi Corporation). He was was employed by the power station for over 30 years as a welder and boiler maker.

The District Court found ETSA was cognasant of the danger and are therefore liable for exemplary damages under the state’s Dust Diseases Act.

Annie Hoffman, Geyer’s solicitor stated that the man was relieved to have reached a result from the case.

“Mr Geyer was actually starting chemotherapy treatment the day that we received the judgment, so he was quite emotional when I gave him the call to tell him that he’d won the case against ETSA,” she said.

The award of $327,000 included $20,000 in exemplary damages, a provision allowed under the Act when a plaintiff can prove there was a known risk of exposure to asbestos.

Terry Miller of the Asbestos Victims Association embraced the judgement.

“Many thousands of ETSA employees up until the 1990s were exposed to asbestos dust in power stations around the state,” he said.

“This decision shows that ETSA knew of the dangers of exposure to asbestos and did not tell or protect its workers.

“People like Mr Geyer are dying as a result.”

More info on Asbestos Training

Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-09-04/former-power-station-worker-wins-asbestos-disease-payout/4934122

Bellevue Hill School Closed Once Again For Asbestos Risk

An Education Department spokeswoman said the playground will be closed off to students until further notice.

Anna Starostina’s children frequently use the playground. She said “It came as quite a shock to hear it had happened again because we had been assured by council that the site had been cleared,” she said.

“It hasn’t been that long since it happened the first time- I just hope something hasn’t been overlooked, because this material is just sitting on the surface, right where the kids play.”

Asbestos tests  on the most recent sample were revealed to be positive for asbestos.

A council spokeswoman said that given the isolated fragment had been safely removed and with further investigation of the site under way, there was no need to close the playground at this stage.

“We will take advice from the consultants and if we need to take further action we will,” she said.

“If we are advised of any risk to public safety we will move quickly to close the playground.”

Woollahra Council will conduct weekly inspections of all its park and recreation sites.

More info on Asbestos Training

Source: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/city-east/asbestos-puts-bellevue-hill-playground-out-of-bounds/story-fngr8h22-1226717017968

WA’s Worst Occupational Health and Safety Fine Defaulters To Be Revealed

Western Australia’s worst repeat fine defaulters are being named and shamed on a new website.

The state’s top 100  repeat offenders are displayed on the website launched by Attorney-General Michael Mischin.

Mischin revealed that the most serious defaulters together owe $67 million out of a total $259 million in fines in WA.

He stated that  “staggering” list suggests a  pattern of lawbreaking by the defaulters – every subject owes at least $20,000 or more.

Mischin revealed there has been a significant increase  in payments of  outstanding  fines and infringements as of late– curiously before the  introduction of new laws, effective as of August 21, upon being announced on August 4.

The new laws empower the Sheriff’s Office to wheel clamp vehicles or seize license plates if a person has more than $2,000 owing in fines and infringements.

Nearly $4 million has been payed out in just over 2 weeks — an unprecedented amount.

The biggest defaulter is  cabinet-making firm Quadtilla Pty. The company was ordered to pay  $250,000 in September 2011 for failing to provide a safe working environment after a teenage pre-apprentice was crushed to death at their Wangara site in 2008.

More info on Occupational Health and Safety

Read more: http://www.watoday.com.au/wa-news/wa-fine-defaulters-named-and-shamed-20130821-2sad6.html#ixzz2dUiXhHjw

Asbestos Training: Three Brisbane Schools Face Asbestos Scare

Three Schools in Brisbane are now faced with asbestos concerns amid revelations that construction workers digging trenches at Graceville State Primary school found asbestos 

Education Minister John-Paul Langbroek says alerts have been sent out to the parents of students at Sandgate High School and Rainworth State School regarding recent asbestos concerns.

Langbroek  stated that parents, faculty, and students have all been kept in the loop regarding the safety risk.

Langbroek says clear measures are used to deal with any asbestos issues in schools; such as closing off areas, and obtaining the services of professionals to conduct air and soil tests.

Regarding the Graceville case, Langbroek says that two very small discrete pieces of the deadly material were identified and subsequent tests revealed that asbestos particles were not spread throughout those areas.

He says in the Graceville case, two very small, discreet pieces of asbestos have been identified.

Mr Langbroek says there’s a very large amount of asbestos in Queensland schools, dating back to the 1950s.

“We do remove (it). Over last financial year and this financial year, we have a budget of $40 million to go towards removing asbestos,” he said.

“Given the amount of asbestos there though, it’s a small amount. But it’s something that’s at least planned and structured compared to what was happening when I first came into parliament in 2004.”

More info on Asbestos Training

Source: http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/breaking-news/asbestos-scares-at-three-brisbane-schools/story-fn3dxiwe-1226718286962

Occupational Health and Safety: Worker Killed By Scissor Lift at BGC Plant

An employee of the BGC cement plant in Naval Base was killed recently after he was crushed by a scissor lift. The middle-aged man was doing work at the company’s cement site on Beard and Morley Streets. Police were informed of the incident shortly after noon, but Emergency services and WorkSafe inspectors are always on site.

WorkSafe had to visit the plant a year ago when another employee was killed, after being buried alive under a sand pile that collapsed on him in a silo.

WorkSafe WA Commissioner Lex McCulloch said that any work-related death was a tragedy, and extended his sincerest condolences to the family.

According to a WorkSafe spokeswoman the man, in his 20s, was working under a pile of fine sand when it collapsed on him and killed him.

More info on Occupational Health and Safety

Source: http://www.perthnow.com.au/news/western-australia/man-dies-at-naval-base-building-site/story-fnhocxo3-1226717087866

Asbestos Removal: AWA Concerned With Disposal Risks

The Asbestos Awareness Association has cautioned young people about the dangerous associated with the killer building material.

President of the local AWA group Geoff Maul is concerned that expensive safe disposal  methods are enticing  young DIY renovators to under take risky jobs.

Maul has subsequently called for government subsidies on asbestos removal and disposal.

“Ninety-five per cent of the houses in the north, not just Port Augusta, would have asbestos somewhere in them,” he said.

“They should do something to encourage people to safely dump asbestos.”

In Port Augusta, non-friable asbestos can be disposed of at the  TPI Waste Transfer Station. However, it needs to be wrapped and sealed in black plastic and only then will it be removed at a cost starting at $133.50/half tonne and $267 per tonne.  However, SafeWork SA recommends using a license asbestos contractor, which can make the process significantly more expensive

However the removal of asbestos can be far more costly with SafeWok SA recommending the use of a licensed asbestos contractor.

Port Augusta City Council director of infrastructure Hayden Hart said “The disposal of asbestos need not be a daunting experience, it can be easily and affordably disposed of at the Footner Road Waste Transfer Station,”

“I also strongly encourage anyone considering removing asbestos from their home to read through the SafeWork SA guide, which is a great source of information.”

More info on Asbestos Removal

Source: http://www.transcontinental.com.au/story/1766292/awa-concerned-with-asbestos-disposal/?cs=1286

ACT Gov’t Staff Shaken After Asbestos Scare

Staff at an ACT government directorate are shaken after a member of the public brought a bag of the of the deadly substance asbestos, in to their office.

A spokesperson for  the Environment and Sustainable Development Directorate revealed that a ”small sealed bag allegedly containing asbestos”  was smuggled into the directorate’s offices at Dame Pattie Menzies House.

The member of the public reportedly walked in with the bag on August 30, in order to confirm whether the substance was asbestos prior to leaving. Preliminary tests revealed that the substance was indeed asbesgtos.

The spokeswoman said: ”The directorate took immediate steps to ensure that the material was isolated and the area made safe.”

The police was informed and the material was removed immediately.

”Appropriate experts … were immediately contacted including the police … the Environment Protection Authority, and an independent expert to undertake testing and removal of the material. The work areas were given the ‘all clear’ the next day by the independent expert.”

More info on Asbestos Training
Source: http://www.canberratimes.com.au/act-news/asbestos-query-sparks-emergency-action-in-govt-office-20130910-2tikr.html#ixzz2ejqwNg4b

Asbestos Training: Law Changes For Home Asbestos Victims

Proposed amendments to the laws pertaining to home asbestos victims may make it easier for them to seek compensation.

The potential changes would reform common law compensation for asbestos victims and their families not covered by workers comp– including home renovators.

President of the Asbestos Free Tasmania Foundation, Simon Cocker, called for improvements to compensation levels, and the time limits to apply for damages.  Cocker recalled that companies had used the deadly material for decades in Tasmania housing prior to knowing it was a serious health risk.

“Tasmania has had a number of people die and suffer due to asbestos illness,” he said.

“We know that there is going to be more and we think that the system should deliver fair and reasonable compensation to these people, and it hasn’t.”

Mr Cocker remarked on the importance of providing home asbestos victims with fair compensation.

“People have been poisoned by asbestos for 40 years in Tasmania and it’s only fair and reasonable that they should have access to common law compensation if they don’t have a workers compensation claim.

More info on Asbestos Training

Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-08-22/law-changes-proposed-to-help-home-asbestos-victions-seek-compen/4905158

Asbestos Training: Asbestos Dump Discovered in Bucca Bush

Bushwalkers have made an unsettling discovery in bushland near Bucca.

A heap of dumped asbestos sheeting has been uncovered in the Blackbutt Natural Regrowth area.

Local WIRES volunteer Arlene Hope stated that the deadly building material was discovered in the bush early last week.

“We could not believe someone could be so criminally irresponsible,” Ms Hope said.

“Dumping asbestos carelessly like that poses all sorts of dangers to the public and potentially wildlife.

The culprits responsible are subject to a fine of up to $1-million for the illegal dumping of the hazardous material.

An inspection of the site  revealed that the dumping had been done very recently. Those responsible would’ve traveled along the Bucca road so investigations are being conducted.

NSW Forestry, the Coffs Harbour City Council and State Member for Coffs Harbour Andrew Fraser  has been informed of the incident and inquiries are ongoing.

More info on Asbestos Training

Source: http://www.coffscoastadvocate.com.au/news/asbestos-found-dumped-bush-bucca/2001083/

Asbestos Training:Elderly Man Awarded Damages For Asbestos Exposure

Judge Bill Jennings said it was probable that Geyer would succumb to the disease within the next year and set total damages at $327,474.

“The medical evidence establishes that the invariable course of the disease will be an increase in the size of the tumour, increasing shortness of breath, weight loss and depression, increasing pain and … ultimately death,” the judge said.

He said Mr Geyer’s employer during this time was conscious of  risks posed by asbestos from the early 1970s and while the company took limited measures to ensure safety, it was inadequate.

More info on Asbestos Training
Source: http://www.news.com.au/breaking-news/national/man-awarded-damages-over-asbestos-link/story-e6frfku9-1226707754131#ixzz2dUKhfjp9

AG To Investigate Workplace Safety Fine Loophole

The state Attorney-General in Adelaide will be carefully looking into a legal loophole that allows insurers to pay fines placed upon businesses  who have been charged for unsafe work conditions.

The move came about following the death of a Adelaide desalination plant worker in Summer 2010.

Brett Fritsch, 35, died after  a 1.8-tonne steel beam fell onto him from a crane while it was being moved.

Rigging company Ferro Con SA and its director were prosecuted for breaking workplace safety laws.

The company was told to pay out $200,000, but its insurer covered the cost.

Unions called on the Government to close the loophole, saying it allowed companies to put a price on workers lives by making it cheaper to get insurance instead of implementing safety systems.

South Australian Attorney-General John Rau says businesses should not be able to choose insurance over safety.

“Imagine if you were able to get an insurance policy that said somebody else would go to jail if you committed an offence. What we’re looking at here is something pretty well in that space. Somebody else pays the fine instead of you,” he said.

“Some people are in effect insuring against criminal liability and having an insurance company basically pay their fines for them. It’s clearly unsatisfactory. It’s a way of companies actually dodging their responsibilities to keep workplaces safe.”

More info on Occupational Health and Safety  ( OHS )

Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-08-30/insurance-liability-loophole/4924014

Occupational Health and Safety:Man Killed While Working at an Almond Farm

A Robinvale man  was killed during an occupational health and safety accident at Wemen almond farm this week. The man is believed to have been killed after becoming caught beneath a slasher at the Annuello Wemen road farm.

However, WorkSafe Victoria later revealed the man was operating a tractor which they believe ran him over when he climbed down from the vehicle.

A spokeswoman said WorkSafe  will be conducting an investigation into the workplace death.

Ambulance Victoria media spokesman John Mullen said paramedics were called at 8.26am, but the man had already succumbed to his injuries when they arrived.

Olam Australia executive director Bob Dall’Alba said the company was shocked and saddened at the man’s death.

“Above all else, our thoughts and condolences are with the man’s family, friends and colleagues at this very difficult time,” Mr Dall’Alba said.

“We are doing everything we can to determine the cause of this tragic accident.”

Mr Dall’Alba said the company closed the farm down immediately after the incident, and will be offering counselling and pastoral care the the man’s family,colleagues and staff.

“I want to assure you of our company’s commitment to safety and providing a safe environment for all of our employees,” he said.

“The Annuello farm will remain closed until consultation with all stakeholders is complete.”

The incident is Victoria’s third workplace death in eight days, following the deaths of a carpenter and an electrician earlier in the week.

Source: http://www.sunraysiadaily.com.au/story/1739473/man-killed-while-working-on-almond-farm/?cs=1259

Asbestos Training: Deadly Material Found at Winstone Factory

“The company is not aware of any related health symptoms, however as a precaution, health checks will be made available to employees and contractors,” Winston Wallboards general manager David Thomas said.

“It is understood the traces of asbestos originate from the roof and that those traces are likely to have been contained within the manufacturing building.”

Staff and contractors were warned of the risks and asked to stay clear of the affected areas until the site is open once again.

More info on Asbestos Training

Source: http://www.news.com.au/business/breaking-news/asbestos-found-in-winstone-factory/story-e6frfkur-1226704796478#ixzz2dUG23aHc

Manual Handling Techniques for Safe Lifting Practices

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics in 2012, more than 50 out of every 1,000 workers sustained some type of injury in the workplace, between 2009 and 2010. In 2010-2011 more than eleven thousand people died in workplace injuries. This is nearly 2 deaths for every one hundred thousand workers.

While death and major injuries are taking place on a grand scale, still more common are injuries which take away from the workforce and cause missed days or even weeks of productive labor. In most cases, these injuries were not long lived but about 5% took twelve or more weeks to recuperate.

According to Safe Work Australia, the most common injuries are back injuries. While some back injuries come from falls on level surfaces or falls on a surface below, most are not from this type of injury.

The most common way in which a back injury is caused is from poor manual handling techniques. Overall the number of serious back injuries which came from lifting are simply something that cannot be sustained. One in five serious injuries in the workplace involves a back injury.

Work related injuries in Australia cost more than $60 billion dollars last year. This represents about 5 percent of the Australian gross national product. If most of these injuries are related to back injuries, which in turn are related to poor manual handling techniques, it stands to reason that proper lifting techniques are something in which workers need to know.

Proper lifting means taking the weight of any product that you must lift on the massive leg muscles, using correct technique to bear the weight rather than lifting with the back.

When lifting, along with taking the major portion of the weight on the larger muscles, it is necessary that those who are lifting use a broad base of support. Lifting with legs bent and slightly spread will help to prevent back injuries when lifting. Additionally, having enough help when lifting heavy items is another consideration. Never try to lift something which is obviously too heavy without proper staff support.

To learn more about proper manual handling techniques, best practices for lifting objects safely and the best way to move heavy items or to secure a safety course for your employees on lifting, view our Manual Handling Training.

Kindergarten Closed After Asbestos Discovery

A kindergarten in Warragul has been closed for the time being, following the discovery of asbestos.

Specialists removed the deadly material from oen of the locations but the site will remain closed until the other two locations have been made safe.

The Baw Baw Shire Council said the two sites were not intact , nor were they an active part of the centre where children or staff are at risk.

“To mitigate any chance of inadvertent exposure during the ongoing renovations it was deemed in the best interest of everyone to suspend kinder activities at the site until this additional asbestos could be removed,” the shire said in a statement.

The council is collaborating with the builder, the site supervisor and an independent asbestos assessor to remove the asbestos as swiftly as possible and it is anticipated children will return to kinder on Thursday.

More info on Asbestos training

 Source: http://www.weeklytimesnow.com.au/article/2013/08/20/580382_national-news.html

Construction Safety:Companies Fined $190k For Death of Worker

Cement Australia Pty Ltd (CAPL) and Cement Australia (Kandos) Pty Ltd (CA Kandos)have been ordered to pay out a total of $190,000 for the death of Colin David Fuller at the Kandos cement plant in September 2009. Fuller died after being crushed between two hydraulic rams, while he worked at the factory.

The NSW Industrial Relations Commission found that CA Kandos and its parent company, CAPL,  breached the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2000, by not installing fixed guarding along the entire length of a feeder and conveyor system as required by Australian safety standards. They were also charged for failing to ensure adequate supervision and instruction to Mr Fuller.

In the evenining of September 13, 2009,Fuller was on duty as a central control assistant in the raw materials preparation area, a role  which required him to conduct checks on materials and equipment in the plant.

Fuller was working alone, and left unsupervised.

Mr Fuller the feedlines of  C2 feeder in the Stone Tunnels after another worker informed him that several hoppers were not feeding.

Although it is uncertain how Fuller was crushed, the court was told that he might have been attempting to remove a blockage manually while the system was still operating.

More info on Construction Safety

Source: http://www.mudgeeguardian.com.au/story/1697400/companies-fined-for-death/?cs=12

Occupational Health and Safety: Impaled Man Lives, Aids Rescue

A young worker was able to hold the projectile while crews freed him, despite having a steel rod lodged in his head.

The young man was working at the Lindfield site, breaking concrete with a 21-tonne excavator when a metre-long piece f steel rod flew from the debris and embedded itself between his eyes.

Emergency crews rushed to stabilise the man, who was conscious and coherent through the entire ordeal.

He remained holding onto the rod as crews attempted to free him from the excavator,

He was quickly taken to the Royal North Shore Hospital, where surgeons mulled over the best way to remove the steel rod.

According to  Ambulance Service of NSW district manager,Mark Hayes; it took crews an entire hour to get the man out of the excavator.

‘Because we had to remove all the hand controls and the foot controls so that we could actually take him out through the front of the machine,’ Mr Hayes told Fairfax Radio Network.

The Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU)  reported that the man had the front window of the cab open when the incident occurred.

‘It was down at the time and that’s how it (the rod) flung through his skull,’ CFMEU NSW State Secretary Brian Parker told AAP.

WorkCover will investigate but the incident appears to have been a freak accident, Mr Parker said.

More info on Occupational Health and Safety

Source:http://www.skynews.com.au/topstories/article.aspx?id=897353&vId=4103400

AlertForce Becomes WorkSafe WA Approved Asbestos Unrestricted License Provider

For Immediate Release

August 25,2013

Australia’s Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) training company, AlertForce, has recently become a WorkSafe WA approved provider of  Asbestos unrestricted licenses.

In Western Australia (WA) an unrestricted asbestos licence is needed for a business or an employer  conducting work involving the removal of friable asbestos or asbestos-containing material (ACM). No other employees regardless of any-related training, can partake in this type of asbestos-removal without an unrestricted license. AlertForce is now able to provide it’s much lauded  training and expertise to those interested in this crucial certification.

Friable asbestos is the type of asbestos that can be found in powder form, crumbled, or reduced to powder by hand pressure.This type of asbestos cannot legally be removed by a person who does not have a Class A  asbestos licence. This trained professional would be well-versed in the various methods of properly dealing with friable-asbestos (such as the wet spray method used to remove the material from structures and plants). Upon removing any ACM, the licensed entity must promptly inform WorkSafe Western Australia.Since friable asbestos is often found in powder form, it can be the most dangerous forms of the material, and could even become air-borne; extending the risk far beyond the confines of a business.

In order to apply for the unrestricted license, the license holder must submit an application fee, an asbestos removal work procedures manual, an asbestos removal work training manual; and a host of other requirements needed to support one’s application.

“We at Alertforce are so excited to finally be able to provide the unrestricted-license for asbestos removal to Western Australia. We relish in any opportunity to help ensure the wellbeing of our nation’s workers and the community– especially when dealing with the dangers of friable asbestos! “ . Brendan Torazzi, AlertForce company founder.

More information on Asbestos Training can be found here

Contact: Brendan Torazzi – CEO AlertForce. Ph: 1300 627 246

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

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Asbestos Training:NBN Rollout Delayed

The company responsible for the National Broadband Network (NBN) has attained the services of accounting firm Erns & Young. The firm will look into status of the rollout, following the  asbestos discovery that occurred at a few sites. The issues are expected to  o delay the  process by  approximately 3 months.

Ernst & Young have been commissioned by NBN to test their own business plan against forecasts released in May and June.

Although the delay on work at the Telstra pits may be delayed by a few months, it is reported that it did not affect the project’s costs and revenues.

NBN Co drafted a corporate plan to submit to the federal government, but they advised them that the draft would need to be revised once the impact of the safety issue was fully examined.

The delay essentially guarantees  the corporate plan will not released ahead of the  the September 7 federal election.

More info on Asbestos Training

Source: http://www.businessspectator.com.au/news/2013/8/14/telecommunications/asbestos-delay-nbn-rollout

WorkSafe VIC Approves AF As Asbestos B-Class License Provider

For Immediate Release:

August 21,2013

POTTS POINT, NSW- Australia’s Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) training company, AlertForce (AF), is now an approved provider of Asbestos B-Class training in Victoria.

Since January 2013, a new set of asbestos training laws have been implemented that all Asbestos-industry professionals are required to adhere to. Now participants from Victoria can enroll in AF’s  training courses and receive up-to-date knowledge and experiences to effectively and safely attend to situations involving asbestos.

The main components needed to attain a B-class license are:

(1) Participants must enroll in Asbestos training courses offered by a licensed training professional, such as AlertForce. To qualify for the license, a company must have a trained Asbestos supervisor. Supervisors in charge of asbestos-related matters must complete the Supervise Asbestos Removal (CPCCBC4051A) course which 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.

(2) Employees must complete training in an asbestos removal course such as the Remove Non-friable Asbestos. This course will provide participants with the the skills and knowledge needed to properly remove non-friable asbestos. It will also teach participants the history of the deadly material, as well as control measures, risk prevention, and legal issues related to Asbestos.

“ We at AlertForce are so pleased that we can provide our excellent an unparalleled Class-B training to the asbestos-industry professionals in the Victoria area. Our training courses are of crucial importance for any industry leaders or professionals who want to have quality training in the asbestos removal process! “ says Brendan Torazzi, AlertForce company founder.

Regardless of if a company’s employees had previously completed asbestos-training in the past; AlertForce’s new courses target the most up-to-date, and current asbestos-removal laws and legislation. Successfully completing these courses will render participants eligible to receive the Class B Asbestos License in Victoria.A licence holder is permitted to remove up to 10 m2 of non-friable asbestos or ACM.

————————————————————————————————————————————————

Contact: Brendan Torazzi – CEO AlertForce. Ph: 1300 627 246

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

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Council Calls For Care In Asbestos Disposal

The Rockhampton Regional Council is imploring residents to be more cautious after asbestos was supposedly improperly dumped at a council site.

The council found suspected asbestos improperly dumped at a bin station, approximately six times in one week.

Councillor Neil Fisher believes the  quantity hints that the material is from a building site.

“Either a home renovator or a builder that are taking off fibro sheet or asbestos cement sheet off a building site but rather than going to Rockhampton landfill and disposing of them appropriately, what’s happening is they’re actually coming in and just dumping them straight on the ground in the bin station,” he said.

He says people unsure should speak to refer to the council’s waste disposal staff

“If you’ve got a query and you’re not quite sure if that material that you’re taking to the dump could be suspected of being asbestos or not, just enquire at the waste station,” he said.

“The council staff are very, very helpful and will give you the advice that you need.”

More info on Asbestos Training

Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-08-12/improper-asbestos-dumping-sparks-warning/4879716

OHS Training: Unions Go After Labour Party For Safety Changes

One of the nations most prolific blue-collar unions intends to spend up to $1 million in a campaign directly attacking federal Labor over OHS changes that may have a serious impact of the safety of workers.

Electrical Trades Union state secretary Troy Gray targeted proposed changes to national electrical licensing rules and said the union campaign would be the most ambitious since the union was founded more than a century ago.The ETU in Victoria will donate $300,000 to Adam Bandt, the Greens MP for the seat of Melbourne, in  the coming federal election

Gray stated that the changes, which have  gone through the Council of Australian Government, would lead to lower safety standards.

They would allow a large amount of highly skilled electrical work to be done under supervision. And an exam would no longer be required at the end of an apprenticeship, he said.

More info on Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) training

Source: http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/union-in-shock-1million-move-against-labor-20130730-2qxez.html#ixzz2ao3DPNyU

Electrical Safety: Coroner Calls For Safety Improvements Following Electrocution

A coroner has called for improvements to the safety practices of welders following an incident that resulted in the electrocution of a Queensland man.

In 2011, Daniel Paul Morris, 23, was resting on a metal hopper while welding at a Townsville Ridley Agproduce site  when he was electrocuted.

The investigation into his untimely death revealed that he was left unsupervised for majority of the time, and welding was curiously not a part of his job description. The coroner also revealed that even though the welding machine had no faults, the humid weather conditions might have led to the perspiration of Morris, leading to his electrocution.

The coroner recommended extra safety precautions when operating a welding machine in humid conditions and recommended workplace health and safety reopen an investigation whether Ridley should be prosecuted for negligence.

More info on Electrical Safety

Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-08-15/inquest-urges-safety-overhaul-after-welder-electrocuted/4889162?section=qld

Hazardous Materials: Veteran Still Hasn’t Received Compo Despite Successful Claim

A Perth Veteran who participated in the  1958 atomic testing at the Montebello Islands is still tirelessly struggling to receive  compensation he is legally owed after willing a compo case in the federal courts.

Kenneth Whitby, 74 suffers from several ailments including an anxiety disorder,  following his exposure at the site.

Whitby’s case was undertaken by  WA Greens senator Scott Ludlum, who is confident that those who served in the Montebellos and two other atomic test sites should be subject to the  receiving  of the veterans’ Gold Card.

The card covers all medical costs, which is footed by the Government. Senator Ludlam recalled that many servicemen who had worked at  the sites, have since developed radiation-related disorders.

Whitby and hundreds of other veterans have been battling for recognition and compensation and accuse the Department of Veterans Affairs of dragging out their claims.

In June last year, the Administrative Appeals Tribunal ruled Mr Whitby was entitled to compensation.

“What is the AAT there for,” Mr Whitby said.

“Remember that politician who fell off his bicycle near Parliament? They backdated his compensation.”

The DVA would not discuss Mr Whitby’s case when probed.

Source: http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/a/-/wa/18451622/veteran-yet-to-get-compo/

Two Separate Workplace Accidents Result In Injury and Death

A middle-aged man has died following a workplace incident in which a two-tonne concrete block slipped off a moving forklift, crushing him.Emergency services rushed to the scene where they after 20 minutes, they were able to free the man. The man was taken to the hospital in critical condition and died shortly after.

A similar incident occurred recently when a concrete slab fell 12 metres on to an Ultimo man, after its chains became loose.The man was guiding crane operators when he was struck by dislodged concrete . Fortunately he survived, but suffered back and hip injuries.

Police detectives and WorkCover representatives are looking into possible causes of the accidents.

More info on Workplace Safety

Source:http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/a-worker-has-been-injured-after-a-slab-of-material-fell-from-a-crane-onto-him-as-he-stood-on-truck/story-fni0cx12-1226691644275

Occupational Health and Safety: Workplace Injuries and Aggriculture

Occupational Health and Safety related injuries and illnesses can often cost the Australian economy in excess of $60 billion dollars annually. Alertforce.com.au luckily offers several training opportunities for those looking to help minimize OHS hazards in the agriculture industry.

In 2010-2011, of the 175,050 employees in Australia’s agriculture, forestry and fishing industries, over 3600 filed serious workplace injury claims

Alertforce founder Brendan Torazzi stated ” Most serious injuries in Australian workplaces can be attributed to a lack of quality OHS training. Our courses cover a span of work-related injury preventative training, that can help reduce hazards”.

Source: http://www.theland.com.au/news/agriculture/general/news/reducing-ag-hazards/2666184.aspx

Occupational Health and Safety:Unions Fight For WHS in WA

Unions WA has been making a plea for more improvements to occupational health and safety in Western Australia

Recent data from WorkSafe revealed that there were 18 workplace deaths in the past year– an increase of 1.2 per cent from the previous 12 months.

The figures also that despite a decreased injury rate, there has been a growing number of workers who suffer far more serious injuries that prohibit them from working for more than 60 days.

Now the rate is at its 5-year peak.

Unions WA secretary Meredith Hammatt is concerned with the figures, stating “There are still on average one death every 21 days in Western Australia through a work fatality,”

“Clearly, this number is still way too high and we think much should be done by employers, by governments, by everyone in workplaces to really try and get these figures down and improving.”

Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-07-29/unions-wa-says-more-needs-to-be-done-to-boost-workplace-safety/4851072?section=wa

Unions Believe Tougher OHS Laws Will Reduce Work Injuries

Tasmania unions are confident that tougher fines under new workplace safety laws will help perpetuate a drop in workplace injuries.

Figures released for the launch of WorkSafe month revealed that injuries have dropped approximately 4 per cent in Tasmania.

Workplace Relations minister David O’Byrne recalled that there were 8,934 injuries reported last year– almost 400 less than the previous year.

“For the first time we’ve dipped below 9,000 injuries per year,” he said.

Thus far there have been 4 work-related deaths  in the past year.

New workplace laws will be implemented this year.

Unions Tasmania’s Kevin Harkins says “Tight timeframes, tight profit margins…just pushing to get the job done,” he said.

However, Harkins lamented that  Tasmania remains the second worst performing state behind Queensland.

Most injuries and deaths happen in the  construction and farming  industries.

Recently a Hobart man injured at work was granted the state’s highest compensation payout  of $7.5 million.

More info on Occupational Health and Safety

Source:  http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-07-25/fall-in-worplace-accidents-down-to-tougher-laws-say-unions/4843776?section=tas

Occupational Health and Safety:One Workplace Death Every 21 Days in WA

Asbestos Training: New Hope For Patients With Cancer Caused By Asbestos

Australian scientists may be on the brink of a historical breakthrough for people who suffer from the deadly cancer caused by asbestos exposure.

Mesolthelioma affects only a fraction of people exposed to the deadly substance, but it is fairly common in Australia with 650 new cases per year.

The disease, which is currently incurable, takes approximately 35 years to emerge, and kills with in 18 months of diagnosis.

Preliminary tests with the treatment have reportedly been very promising, with remarkable results in tests on mice with malignant mesothelioma.

Institute director Professor Nico van Zandwijk and his team are currently working towards being able to test the treatment on human subjects.  First stage trials at the end of 2013 will determine the optimal and safe dose.

Professor van Zandwijk says he does not want to raise false hope, but he is cautiously optimistic the treatment will work.

”I think the whole concept is sound and we feel very reassured,” he said.

More info on Asbestos Training

Source: http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/asbestos-cancer-breakthrough-20130731-2qzk8.html#ixzz2ao38Q793

Occupational Health and Safety: Worker Lucky To Have Survived Accident

Police say a man trapped under half-a-tonne of wood in Mount Isa in north-west Queensland is lucky to be alive, far less unscathed.

The 22-year-old was working at a sewage treatment plant on Miles Street when the wood fall upon him trapping him. He was subsequently released and airlifted to Townsville Hospital where he was treated for internal injuries.

He is now in stable condition and is expected to be released shortly.

Inspector Trevor Kidd stated that WHS will be looking into the incident.

“Initially we considered the injuries possibly life threatening and handled the police response to that incident,” he said.

“We have specialists investigators to look at that sort of thing and they attended the scene and effectively we brief Workplace Health and Safety and the scene was secured for them.

“Initially it looked really quite serious but this gentleman was very lucky it appears at the end of the day that he’s not seriously injured.”

Police in Mount Isa say the site is not currently open to the public.

More info on Occupational Health and Safety

Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-08-02/worker-lucky-to-survive-wood-crush-mishap/4860554?section=qld

Occupational Health and Safety :Safe Work Releases CoP for Traffic Management

Safe Work Australia recently release the complete version of its model Code of Practice for workplace traffic management in addition to four industry-specific guides relating to the Code.

The Code will involve all businesses or tasks wherever there is a “risk of vehicles and powered mobile plant colliding with people in the workplace”.

The code of Practice for Traffic Management in Workplace will continue to require approval by the Ministerial Council on Workplace Relations, and  formal gazettal as assimilated in each relevant jurisdiction prior to the gaining of  full status as a COP in the relevant jurisdiction.

However, since the code and its related documents have essentially been accepted by all regulars (with the exception of Victoria),  they act as important guidance in all jurisdiction regardless of formal finalisation.

The Code of Practice contains; information related to identifying traffic hazards, an extensive list of control measures (complete with diagrams), and a traffic control measures checklist.

The Code highlights that “Vehicles moving in and around a workplace, reversing, loading and unloading are often linked with death and injuries to workers and other people,” and “Persons conducting a business or undertaking [in such cases] should contact the local road authority for the relevant traffic management requirements and guideline.

More info on Occupational Health and Safety

Source: 

http://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/sites/SWA/about/Publications/Documents/785/Traffic-Management-COP.pdf

Human Resources:Workplace Bullying Code of Practice Criticized By Companies

Some of the nation’s most prominent businesses fear newly proposed rules on workplace bullying which they fear will force them to monitor the social networking of employees, which could also expose themselves to bullying claims by workers.

Safe Work Australia released  a draft code of practice on bullying,  but a coalition of 200 companies – many in the top 100 – are rallying against a code that could be used in court actions, alleging that bullying is extremely subjective and employee social media is out of their control outside of working hours.

The companies feel that social media the number one weapon bully’s use  but if they monitor social media pages of their employees, that in itself could be construed as bullying.

The draft code reports that bullying can be done via email or text messages, internet chat rooms, instant messaging or other social media channels.

The office of Workplace Relations Minister Bill Shorten remarked that feedback on the code would be  “appropriately considered in due course”. The office said the government had recently introduced provisions to the Fair Work Act to tackle “the scourge of workplace bullying” as it had a dreadful human cost and was a significant cost to the economy.

More info on Human Resource Training

Source: http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/industrial-relations/workplace-bullying-code-puts-firms-in-a-bind/story-fn59noo3-1226680427114

Monitors Hired to Head Asbestos Removal Process

Over a dozen monitors are expected to be hired to check the removal process of asbestos in Telstra pits prior to handing a report into the independent Asbestos Taskforce.

This initiative  was formed in conjunction with the IAT, will ensure that work on the NBN rollout where asbestos is a risk, is handing in a safe manner that safeguards employees, contractors, and the local community.

The taskforce  launched by Australian Government in June to in response to the asbestos scare caused during the Telstra NBN Rollout.

Asbestos training is being provided to all Telstra employees. Any personnel working in Telstra pits will be properly trained in asbestos removal and handling of asbestos-containing materials.

Telstra and NBN Co have also confirmed that they are close to releasing their competency card that employees, contractors and subcontractors will have to keep on their persons in order certify they are fully trained.

All work on pits with asbestos risks present, will continue once the training has been completed.

The taskforce has come together on several occasions, and is headed by Geoff Fary (Chair, Asbestos Management Review). The taskforce’s membership includes representatives from Telstra, NBN Co, the Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency (ASEA), Comcare, industry unions, asbestos community groups and WHS experts.

Source: http://www.sia.org.au/browse.aspx?ContentID=issue180-news5

Camden Pleas for Greater Asbestos Powers

Camden Council is pleading for  stronger powers in order to deal with  asbestos problems, and to deliver harsher penalties for people who neglect clean up orders.

The plea emerged as the council currently pursues two homeowners whoit claims have thus far failed to remove asbestos that is exposed on their properties.

The council has been in contact with the Camden property owner since a house fire earlier this year uncovered asbestos. The council subsequently contacted the owner and their insurance company to have it removed.

Mayor Lara Symkowiak said the council’s instructions for the asbestos to be removed have since been ignored.

she did not deny the possibility of the council removing the asbestos and recovering its costs from the homeowner.

“This is an extreme situation and is not council’s preferred method of dealing with the matter,” she said.

“The costs associated with the clean up of asbestos can be high and the responsibility for compliance should rest with the owner of the site.

“Council is awaiting a response from the mortgagee for the supply of specialist reports undertaken as part of the investigations on this site to gauge the extent of works that may be required, should the work not be undertaken in the immediate future.

“Council is committed to ensuring the safety of our community, especially where asbestos is involved.”

More info on asbestos training

Source:http://www.camdenadvertiser.com.au/story/1626665/need-for-powers-on-asbestos/?cs=1184

Renovators Warned About Asbestos Dangers

Maitland home renovators will be central in a campaign about the dangers of asbestos found within walls of many of the city’s pre-1987 houses.

Asbestos  is often found lurking beneath floor coverings, behind walls and floor tiles, in cement floors, internal and external walls, ceilings, eaves, garages, around hot water pipes, fences, extensions, outdoor toilets and even dog kennels and backyard sheds.

Betty the educational mobile home, along with volunteers Geoff and Karen Wicks, will visit Maitland on Tuesday to highlight the various dangers of home renovation.

They will demonstrate the surprising  locations where asbestos is sometimes found in homes

Betty is the of her kind and helped launch the Asbestos Diseases Research Institute in partnership with the Asbestos Education Committee.

Betty;s tour will see her travel 1800 kilometres in 16 days.

Australia has one of the highest rates of asbestos-related diseases in the world because it was one of the top consumers of asbestos and its products in the 20th century. Almost every home built or renovated before 1987 is likely to contain asbestos, while one in three homes contains the deadly substance

More info on Asbestos training

Source: http://www.maitlandmercury.com.au/story/1647281/renovators-warned-of-asbestos/?cs=171

Alabanese Closely Monitors NBN Asbestos Situation

Acting Prime minister Anthony Albanese assured that strict safety procedures  being implemented to deal with handle any  further uncovered asbestos  during the National Broadband Network rollout.

Albanese was in Coffs Harbour where he referenced the asbestos scare in Coffs Harbour and any repeat incident will be managed with great care.

“Each and every time there’s a project in which asbestos is present, it needs to be managed according to best occupational health and safety practice.” he said.

“This is not an issue that will be dealt with over a day or a week, this is an issue that is dealt with whenever you deal with infrastructure.”

Mr Albanese said the NBN can have a significant impact on education and healthcare.

“Now just think about the silly debate that goes on about costs,” he said.

“The costs of hospitalisation, the costs of trips to the GP, the costs of nurses going to the home to look after people.

“That’s why this is such a no brainer, this is about saving money, not spending money.”

More info on Asbestos Training

Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-07-05/close-watch-for-asbestos-in-nbn-rollout/4802052

Forklift Safety:Court Fines Man for Running Over Co-worker

In Early 2011, Gary Egberts was operating a forklift in order to unload a truck at the Karratha depot of transport company Star Frieghtlines. As a result of his inadequate training, Egberts accidentally hit  a truck driver and ran over his left leg, resulting in a dislocated patella and significant abrasions and bruising.

WorkSafe reported that  Egbert did not honk the forklift’s horn while reversing and it lacked a working reverse alarm.

Egberts put forth a guilty plea for  failing to take reasonable care to avoid an incident and was fined in the Perth Magistrates Court this week.

Last month, his employer was subject to a $20,000 for failing to provide and maintain a safe work environment.

More info on Forklift Safety

Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-07-12/worker-fined-3k-over-forklift-accident/4816924?&section=news

Bullying and Violence: What are they exactly?

Violence usually involves physical assault or the threat of physical assault. Bullying and violence can both result from conflict and can occur together. However, bullying does not always result in violence. Threats to harm someone, violence and damage to property are criminal matters that should be referred to the police.

Identifying and controlling the risk of Workplace Bullying

Bullying is best dealt with by taking steps to prevent it before it becomes a risk to health and safety. Using a risk management approach will assist in the process. Consultation with workers and their health and safety representatives must occur at each step of the risk management process.

• Identify bullying risk factors
• Assess the likelihood of bullying occurring and its impact
• Control the risks by eliminating them, or if not reasonably practicable, minimising the risk as far as reasonably practicable, and
• Review the effectiveness of the control measures.

The WHS Act requires that you consult, so far as is reasonably practicable, with workers who carry out work for you who are (or are likely to be) directly affected by a work health and safety matter. Consultation must also be carried out in the development of any policies and procedures related to bullying, including complaints procedures.

PCBU’s should develop a Bullying policy in consultation with workers and their health and safety representatives.  The policy should set out the standards of expected behaviour and make a clear statement that inappropriate behaviour will not be tolerated

A workplace bullying policy should contain:

• A statement that the organisation is committed to preventing bullying
• The standards of appropriate behaviour,
• A process to encourage reporting, including contact points
• A definition of bullying with examples of bullying behaviour, and
• The consequences for not complying with the policy.

An appropriate communication strategy for the policies and procedures relating to bullying and harassment will encourage widespread awareness of the health and safety impacts of workplace bullying and endorse the need to be proactive in preventing workplace bullying.

What is Not Considered to be Workplace Bullying?

Many things that happen at work are generally not considered to be bullying, although some experiences can be uncomfortable for those involved. Differences of opinion, performance management, conflicts and personality clashes can happen in any workplace, but usually they do not result in bullying.

A single incident of unreasonable behaviour is not bullying, although it may have the potential to escalate into bullying and therefore should not be ignored.

Reasonable management action, carried out in a fair way, is not bullying. Managers have a right to direct the way work is carried out and to monitor and give feedback on performance, but the way that this is done is a risk factor in determining the likelihood of bullying occurring.

Examples of reasonable management action include:

• Setting reasonable performance goals, standards and deadlines in consultation with workers and after considering their respective skills and experience
• Allocating work to a worker in a transparent way
• Fairly rostering and allocating working hours
• Transferring a worker for legitimate and explained operational reasons
• Deciding not to select a worker for promotion, following a fair and documented process
• Informing a worker about unsatisfactory work performance in a constructive way and in accordance with any workplace policies or agreements
• Informing a worker about inappropriate behaviour in an objective and confidential way
• Implementing organisational changes or restructuring, and
• Performance management processes.

Harassment and Discrimination

Harassment involves intimidating, offending or humiliating behaviour directed toward a person on the basis of a particular personal characteristic such as race, age or gender.

Discrimination involves the unfair treatment of a person based on a personal characteristic, for example not hiring or promoting a woman to a position because she may become pregnant or has children.

Unlike bullying, harassment and discrimination do not have to be repeated and have to be based on some characteristic of the target.

Discrimination and harassment are dealt with separately under anti-discrimination, industrial and human rights laws.  The WHS Act includes specific protections against discriminatory conduct for persons raising health and safety concerns or performing legitimate safety-related functions.

A worker can be bullied, harassed and discriminated against at the same time.

Bullying Can Happen in All Types of Workplaces

Bullying is a hazard as it may affect the emotional, mental and physical health of workers.

The WHS Act defines ‘health’ as both physical and psychological health. Therefore the duties imposed under the WHS Act to ensure health and safety also includes ensuring the emotional and mental health of workers.

In some workplaces, workers may feel that they are the subject of bullying, harassment and discrimination and it may be a misunderstanding of what bullying, harassment and discrimination is that leads to dissatisfaction within the workplace.  To assist in clarifying, we are going to detail the differences. The risk of bullying is minimised in workplaces where everyone treats each other with dignity and respect.

Workplace bullying is repeated, unreasonable behaviour directed towards a worker or a group of workers, that creates a risk to health and safety.

‘Repeated behaviour’ refers to the persistent nature of the behaviour and can refer to a range of behaviours over time.

‘Unreasonable behaviour’ means behaviour that a reasonable person, having regard for the circumstances, would see as victimising, humiliating, undermining or threatening.

Impact of workplace bullying

Bullying can be harmful for the workers who experience it and those who witness it. Each individual will react differently to bullying and in response to different situations. Reactions may include any combination of the following:

• Distress, anxiety, panic attacks or sleep disturbance
• Physical illness, such as muscular tension, headaches and digestive problems
• Reduced work performance
• Loss of self-esteem and feelings of isolation
• Deteriorating relationships with colleagues, family and friends
• Depression and risk of suicide.

Those persons who witness bullying may experience guilt and fear because they cannot help or support the affected person in case they too get bullied. Witnesses may feel angry, unhappy or stressed with the workplace and may become unmotivated to work.

Bullying can also damage organisations. It can lead to:

• High staff turnover and associated recruitment and training costs
• Low morale and motivation
• Increased absenteeism
• Lost productivity
• Disruption to work when complex complaints are being investigated, and
• Costly workers’ compensation claims or legal action.

Library Closes Amidst Asbestos Scare

The Alice Springs Library has been closed following an asbestos scare.

The town’s Mayor  revealed that a pocket of encapsulated asbestos was found on Thursday while workmen were installing a new airconditioner unit.

Damien Ryan reported that an environmental company spent Friday testing the entire library and its contents for asbestos contamination

Fortunately the results were found to be negative but the library will remain closed for another week until the asbestos has been removed.

“I’d like to encourage all of our library borrowers who have got books that are due to be returned to hang on to them for another week because the delivery box on the side of the library, that room is now full from people returning things but we can’t get staff in there,” he said.

*Update*

The Alice Springs Library will not reopen at least until next week

Greg Buxton from the Alice Springs Town Council says it is a long and complex process to ensure the building is now safe.

“A very tedious process,” he said.

“I mean not only do you have to remove the material, you’ve got to clean down everything in there and wipe down all wires and tracks and ceilings and things like that, so it’s quite a complicated, long process.

More info on Asbestos Training

“Source:http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-07-08/asbestos-scare-closes-alice-library/4806020

Mental Wellbeing An Important Part of Occupational Health and Safety

For a long time, both government and businesses have neglected to consider mental health as important to workplace safety as physical safety. Now research has shown that depression in the workplace costs the nation in excess of $12 billion per annum.

Recently, this change in mentality has come with the launch of the Mentally Healthy Workplace Alliance.

Finally, for the first time ever, this alliance has brought together the efforts of Australian mental health organisations, as well as business and government officials. Together they reportedly aim to ensure that workplaces are mental health friendly.

“Mental health is a significant business issue that requires the attention of organizations. People who experience mental health issues face incredible challenges in the workplace. Many are misunderstood, shunned and underutilized,” said Karla Thorpe, Associate Director, Compensation and Industrial Relations at the Conference Board of Canada. “In a world where shortages of critical skills are top of mind for many organizations, employers cannot afford to allow this situation to continue.”

More info on Occupational Health And Safety

Source: http://www.thecourier.com.au/story/1618942/mental-health-at-work-just-as-important-as-safety/?cs=64</em>

Asbestos Training: Comm. Minister Says NBN Rollout Targets Being Met

At an NBN rollout event, Albanese revealed that over one million homes and businesses are, or are in the process of being, connected to the NBN.

The initial target was for more than 340,000 premises to be ready to connect by the end of June, but that was later reduced to between 190,000-220,000 properties.

Albanese promised that any further asbestos issues in connection with the rollout will be handled with the utmost care.

Albanese stated that any time there is a presence of asbestos in any project, it needs to be managed according to occupational health and safety practice.

“This is not an issue that will be dealt with over a day or a week, this is an issue that is dealt with whenever you deal with infrastructure development.” he said.

“Whether it be a large infrastructure project, such as the National Broadband Network, or whether it be someone fixing up a suburban house who wants to change their car garage.”

More info on Asbestos Training

Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-07-04/federal-government-meets-nbn-roll-out-targets/4800182

Fire Safety: Desalination Plant Fined Over Explosion

However, the employee failed to turn off the home’s gas hot water service which caught on fire and caused a massive explosion upon coming into contact with the liquids vapours.

Industrial Magistrate Michael Ardlie called it  “sheer luck” that no was one harmed especially the 88 year old World War Two veteran who occupied the house.

Mr Ardlie said the explosion could have easily been avoided.

“The measures that should have been taken and were reasonably practicable were straight forward and simple,” Mr Ardlie found.

“The employee should have been educated as to the hazards imposed by the use of the solvent.”

The company and Mr Twarowski were fined $68,000 and $8,500 respectively and ordered to pay $500 compensation for medical treatment incurred by the occupant’s son.

More info on Fire Safety
Source: http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/national-news/south-australia/prospect-building-services-fined-after-causing-saltdamp-explosion-at-morphett-vale-house/story-fnii5yv4-1226672701912#ixzz2Y8nPzHEn

Telstra Returns To Work Amidst Asbestos Concerns

Telstra has resumed work on its  NSW telecommunication pits following the asbestos scare at National Broadband Network (NBN) sites which halted all operations last month.

In a recent statement Telstra said it would resume the ‘replacement and repair of telecommunication pits associated with the provision of essential services’.

However, the work will only includerestoration and repair work associated with incidents i.e  cable-cuts leading to outages and loss of basic services, Telstra said.

Every task will be reportedly conducted by licensed removalists.

A spokeswoman said the work is not being done at asbestos-contaminated NBN pits.

No confirmation was given as to how sites would be subject to repair work.

‘It’s only a handful – a very small number (of pits) in NSW,’ the spokeswoman told AAP.

‘We’re not resuming NBN work today. This is very limited, essential emergency work.’

Remediation work on Telstra’s NBN sites was halted  over three months ago when it was discovered that many were  contaminated with asbestos that had not been handled properly.

‘This is the first time we’ve started to do anything since we announced the stoppage of all work at the end of May,’ said the spokeswoman.

Telstra contractors are still undergoing retraining for asbestos management.

Your Duties for Labour Hire Workers – OHS / WHS Newsletter – July 2013

The primary duty of care under the WHS Act is owed by a PCBU to a ‘Worker’.
The term ‘Worker’ specifically includes a labour hire worker who has been assigned by one PCBU to work for another.

If your business contracts labour hire workers (Host PCBU) or is an agency which provides services of labour hire workers (Labour Hire PCBU), the WHS Act sets out your specific health and safety obligations.

Both the Host PCBU and the Labour Hire PCBU have individual and shared duties aimed at better protecting the labour hire worker. The duty is to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety of labour hire workers engaged by, or whose activities are influenced or directed by the PCBU.

Where this is the case, all duty holders who have a duty in respect of the same matter must consult, cooperate and coordinate with each other so far as is reasonably practicable. (Refer Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Work Health and Safety: Consultation, Cooperation and Coordination.)

Host PCBU – Work health and safety duties

As a host PBCU, you have the same health and safety duties to labour hire workers as you do to directly engaged or employed workers. It is your duty to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety of all workers while at work. This duty requires you to eliminate or, if that is not reasonably practicable, to minimise risks to health and safety.

As a host PCBU you must also consult, cooperate and coordinate activities with the labour hire agency to ensure you meet your obligations. The WHS Act specifically provides that you cannot contract out of or transfer your work health safety obligations to another party

When engaging labour hire workers to carry out work, you should:

– Provide the labour hire PCBU with detailed information about the nature of work to be carried out including details of:

– – The work environment
– – Any plant or equipment to be used
– – Organisational and work health and safety arrangements
– – Health and safety risks associated with the work
– – Any skills and knowledge required to safely undertake the work required.

– Verify that the selected worker/s have any necessary qualifications, licences, skills and training to carry out the work safely

– Consult with the labour hire PCBU on general health and safety information about the work, the workplace and work environment and ensure that general health and safety information about the work, workplace and work environment has been provided to the worker/s

– Maintain open communication and consultation methods with the labour hire PCBU and the labour hire worker in relation to health and safety matters. This should include establishing relevant points of contact for health and safety between the organisations as well as agreed means and frequency of communication.

– Provide labour hire workers with a site specific safety induction which would outline specific work health and safety duties they are to comply with, workplace policies and procedures, safe work practices, training requirements etc.

– Provide adequate information, instruction, training and supervision of labour hire workers to ensure that work is being performed safely

Labour Hire PCBU – Work health and safety duties

As a labour hire PBCU, it is your duty to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety of workers during their placement with a host PCBU. It is your duty to eliminate or, if that is not reasonably practicable, minimise risks to health and safety a labour hire worker may encounter. In some circumstances, this might mean not placing workers in a workplace while you believe there is a risk to their health and safety or where risks have not been adequately controlled.

Before you place labour hire workers, you should:

– Review information about the host PCBU’s safety record and the workplace including the work environment, organisational arrangements, health and safety risks associated with the work and any skills and knowledge the worker will require to safely undertake the work

– Assess the workplace for any risks to health and safety. Where risks are identified,

– consult with the host to ensure they are eliminated, or if that is not reasonably practicable, minimised

– Verify that the host PCBU will provide site-specific and task-specific induction, training and PPE to labour hire workers

– Ensure that workers have the necessary qualifications, licences, skills and training to safely carry out the work

– Ensure the host PCBU obtains your approval prior to transferring a labour hire worker to

– new task

– Consult with the host PCBU and workers to ensure you and the workers understand and are confident in your understanding of the work health and safety policies, procedures and practices of the host PCBU

– Establish communication methods so workers can use to contact you if they consider there is any risk to their health or safety or if the worker is unsatisfied with the host PCBU’s response to a safety concern.

– Ensure workers have the means to identify and take action in an unsafe situation at the host workplace, such as stopping work or bringing it to the attention of the host PCBU or a health and safety representative

– Provide workers with a general work health and safety induction and training covering any risks you have identified in the host workplace and consultation methods you have established with workers and the host PCBU

– Ensure that you have a documented system in place for the management of work health and safety including trained staff.

While your workers are placed with the host PCBU, you should continue to:

– Consult with the host PCBU and labour hire workers on any changes which may affect their health and safety.

– Monitor the workplace for new risks to health and safety and consult with the host PCBU about how they might be addressed. (e.g. regular visits to the host workplace)

– Take effective action when the worker or host PCBU identifies risks or raises concerns about health and safety

– Encourage workers to maintain contact with you and to provide feedback on health and safety matters in the host workplace.

Whether your business contracts labour hire workers (Host PCBU) or is an agency which provides services of labour hire workers (Labour Hire PCBU), you should ensure your workers are aware of their duties, and highlight the duties which are shared between the host PCBU and the labour hire PCBU, and those that are not.

All workers have the same right to expect a safe workplace.

You can obtain further information regarding your duties via your local Work Health and Safety Regulator or directly from Safe Work Australia. (www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au)

How to Manage HAZARDOUS MANUAL TASKS – Newsletter – May/June 2013

Safe Work Australia developed the HAZARDOUS MANUAL TASKS Code of Practice in December 2011 to assist PCBU’s to control the risks associated with hazardous manual tasks – formerly known as manual handling and ergonomics.

Hazardous manual tasks are inherent in most industries and a risk management approach should be adopted by PCBU’s to ensure all hazardous manual tasks and ergonomic hazards are appropriately identified, controlled and reviewed in consultation with workers.  Records should be maintained of all assessments, control measures and review processes.  Best practice would be to review these at least once every three (3) years or sooner if circumstances dictate.

A key component in the management of hazardous manual tasks is to eliminate where possible or minimise the risk where it cannot be eliminated.  The use of mechanical and other aids should be emphasised and recognised as the next option.  The PCBU must, so far as is reasonably practicable, achieve risk control by means other than team lifting.

In order to ensure hazardous manual tasks in the workplace are appropriately managed, the following steps as prescribed in the Hazardous Manual Tasks Code of Practice [Safe Work Australia December 2011] must be followed.

1.     Identify hazardous manual tasks by:

• Consultation with workers
• Review of information such as workplace injuries/incidents, inspection reports, ergonomic self-assessment checklists and claims data
• Identifying trends or common problems
• Direct observation

Hazardous manual tasks and ergonomics potential hazards will need to be considered when there are:

• Any changes that have resulted in new manual tasks or change in existing tasks
• Tasks involving tools, machinery or equipment that do not work properly or are difficult to use
• The introduction of new or modified plant/tools/equipment
• Redesign, refurbishments or renovation of the work premises and/or environment
• Changes to work practices and/or systems of work

2.     Assessment of Risks

When assessing risks, by following the Risk Management Process for Manual Tasks from the Hazardous Manual Tasks Code of Practice [Safe Work Australia December 2011], the PCBU will ensure appropriate risk factors and controls are considered.

During the risk assessment stage, managers in consultation with workers must:

• Evaluate the likelihood and severity/risk of injuries/illnesses occurring in relation to the hazard
• Review available health and safety information relevant to the hazard
• Consider the following risk factors:

a)    Repetitive movement – as a general guideline, ‘repetitive’ means a movement or force which is performed more than twice a minute.

b)    Sustained or awkward posture – as a general guideline, ‘sustained’ means a posture or force which is held for more than 30 seconds at a time.

c)    Duration of the task – as a general guideline, a task of long duration is one which is done for more than a total of 2 hours over a whole shift or continuously for more than 30 minutes at a time.

d)    Forces (especially high or sudden forces) exerted by a worker and on the worker e.g. restraining a person.

e)    Exposure to vibration e.g. frequent or prolonged use of hand powered tools

• The source of the risk must also be considered. The main sources of risk are the:

a)    Work area design and layout e.g. height or work benches

b)    Nature, size, weight or number of things handled in performing the manual task

c)    Systems of work e.g. pace and flow or work across the shift

d)    Environment where the manual task is performed e.g. working in areas where the floor may be slippery

3.     Control of Risk

In the first instance, if reasonably practicable, the manual task should be eliminated.  If the task cannot be eliminated, the risk should be minimised as far as practicable by:

• Substitution e.g. replace heavy items with those that are lighter
• Isolation e.g. remove worker from vibrating machine by using independent seating
• Engineering e.g. use mechanical aids

When controlling hazardous manual tasks/ergonomic risks, the following should be considered:

a)    Changing design or layout of work areas

• Workstation design e.g. adjustable work surfaces
• Working height e.g. tasks involving keyboard use should be performed at just below elbow height
• Working position e.g. avoiding prolonged sitting or standing during task
• Work space e.g. enough space for workers to be able to manoeuvre equipment safely.

b)    Changing nature, size, weight or number of items handled

• Handling loads e.g. reducing the size of containers handled

c)    Using mechanical aids

Mechanical aids should be:

• Designed to suit the load and the work being performed
• As light as possible
• Easy to use
• Adjustable
• Located close to work area
• Be appropriately maintained
• Introduced with appropriate instruction and training

When purchasing equipment to eliminate or minimise hazardous manual tasks, consideration must be given to the design, handling, delivery, storage and vibration specifications as they can all have an impact on the manual/ergonomic task performed.

d)    Handling of people

When people are being handled, the controls selected and applied should take into account all of the sources of risks. Controls may include the following:

• No worker should fully lift a person (other than a small infant) unaided i.e. without assistance from equipment, assistive devices or another worker
• A mobility risk assessment: Maximise the person’s ability to assist in the move through the use of appropriate advice, mechanical and/or assistive devices.
• Moving the person to a place that does not constrain the movement of the worker performing the task, for example, using a shower trolley to bathe a patient
• Where handling is required, assessing the needs of the task including the specific type of mechanical aids and personnel needed and planning it in a manner that avoids the hazardous manual task
• Where the use of a hoist requires two or more people provide adequate supervision and resources to eliminate the risk of workers being under time pressure and attempting the task on their own
• Planning how to handle a person attached to medical or other equipment
• Ensuring the location and storage of mechanical aids and assistive devices allows easy access
• Providing training for the safe use of mechanical aids and assistive devices.

e)    Changing the system of work

• Workload and pace of work e.g. minimise double handling
• Task designs e.g. take into account range of human capabilities such as age, height and weight
• Resources and support e.g. ensure there is enough equipment which is accessible to workers

f)     Changing work environment

• Vibration (whole body and hand/arm) e.g. select appropriate tools to eliminate the need for vibrating equipment
• Cold, heat, humidity and windy conditions e.g. providing fans or air conditioning
• Lighting e.g. increase/decrease number of lights

Administrative controls do not directly address the risk factors for hazardous manual tasks, or the source of those risk factors.  This type of control is used to attempt to reduce exposure to the risk. Examples include:

• Job rotation
• Rest breaks
• Team handling
• Information, instruction and training – Training in lifting techniques must not be used as the primary means to control the risks associated with hazardous manual tasks. Ideally workers should participate in competency based hazardous manual tasks and Ergonomic theory and (practical) training relevant to their role.  Training should occur at orientation and reinforced annually.

4.     Review of Risk control Measures by:

• Consultation with workers on effectiveness of control
• Evaluating/assessing changes in incidents/accidents/injuries and associated costs
• Consultation and discussions with WHS professionals
• Evaluations of effectiveness of information, instruction, supervision and training

Our training satisfies all State WHS Act/Regulation duty of care requirements and State WorkCover Authority Audits. It is ideal for refresher training for health care and aged care workers as well general awareness training for office and warehouse workers.

You are encouraged to visit the Safe Work Australia website and download the Code of Practice for further guidance.

Electrical Safety : Bakery Electrocution Site Tampered With

An inquiry  into the electrocution death of a man has revealed that the Sydney bakery where he died had been tampered with prior the police’ arrival on the scene.

Deputy NSW Coroner Sharon Freund is currently looking into the death of Norayer Khaloyan who was killed while installing an AC-unit in December 2010.

Glebe Coroners Court reported that the man was working in the roof of The Baking Company at Botany.

It was revealed in the court that the man had migrated to Australia from Iraq in 2007 with his wife and had trained as an electrical engineer in Iraq.

But counsel assisting the inquest, Bronwyn Lorenc, said his training was not deemed satisfactory enough to grand certification by Trades Recognition Australia (TRA).

The inquest revealed that  that after the electrician collapsed, the owner of The Baking Company, Michael Munk, and another employee went to the scene to try and help.

Munk reportedly said “don’t tell police he was working with electricity, because you will get into trouble”.

The court heard there is evidence electrics in the building might have been “tampered with” after his death and before a WorkCover inspection.

More info on Electrical Safety

Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-07-03/electrocution-site-may-have-been-27tampered-with27/4796796

Occupational Health and Safety: QLD WorkCover Jobs In Jeopardy According To Union

 An additional 200  Queensland public servants suffer wage cuts or employment termination while MP’s have seen drastic  pay rises, a union says.

The Together public sector union  reports that the government is compelling 25 per cent of WorkCover Queensland’s staff to choose between redundancies or classification downgrades.

This issue has emerged soon after it was revealed that  MPs pocket an extra $57,000, thereby increasing their base pay to $194,000 annually.

Together secretary Alex Scott says ‘Once again this has been a rushed process with a lack of transparency,’

He called forcing workers to choose between lower wages and their job, an ‘outrageous attack’ on workers.

Adding fuel to the fire is the government’s refusal to overturn laws that dictates state MPs’ wages should match their federal counterparts.

The government received legal advice that a 2009 wage freeze imposed by former Labor premier Anna Bligh breached legislation.

Which has now resulted in a hefty pay rise.

Mr Scott said WorkCover staff have already faced massive budget cuts and weeks of upheaval, including the closure of almost all regional WorkCover offices.

The Industrial Relations Commission will hear the wage matter on Friday.

Occupational Health and Safety

Source: http://www.skynews.com.au/businessnews/article.aspx?id=885129

Architect Denies Asbestos Reports

An architect for a work site has denied reports by union reps that asbestos was discovered at the Darwin work site.

The four-storey Paspaley Building has been under demolition for the last few weeks in preparation for building the 18 or 20-storey Charles Darwin Centre on the corner of Smith and Bennett streets.

The building’s height  has not yet been determined.

Chief Minister Adam Giles had planned a staged media walk-through of the site for lunchtime, but cancelled it at 11.25am.

Officials from the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union said they took samples from the site at 8am today and sent them for laboratory examination this morning, which they said identified them as chrysotile, or “white asbestos”.

But building architect Ross Connolly said Worksafe NT has declared the site safe and that the union was “stirring the pot”.

Fire Safety: Employees Evacuate Engulfed Lab

The fire was  first reported at approximately 8am. The fire was believed to have started in a small filter room of Genalysis Laboratory on Alloa Road.

Approximately 50 employees were directed to immediately to leave the building.

Twenty firefighters  made it to the blaze ,which was eventually extinguished by 9.20am.

A DFES fire investigations officer on site stated that the small blaze resulted in an approximately $40,000 damage and had caused suspected lead contamination of both air and water. However, the spokesman  confirmed that contaminant level was within safe levels and guidelines will be followed as staff continues to monitor the situation.

Firefighters stated that they will remain on site in the event of  flare-ups, while the pollution response crew from the Department of Environment Regulation is monitoring water runoff.The cause of the fire is currently being determined

More info on Fire Safety

 Source:http://www.perthnow.com.au/news/western-australia/fire-at-maddington-laboratory/story-fnhocxo3-1226672494283

Occupational Health and Safety: Tour Guide Gets Compo For Broken Leg

A tour guide who suffered a broken leg while helping a tourist, has won a workers compensation claim against her employer and insurer.

Adventure Tours Australia declined to pay Megan Elizabeth Woff compensation for the injury she sustained when she was struck by a snapped shackle of a 4WD tour bus which was towing a bogged car. The company reportedly refused to pay compo on the grounds that she was still a trainee at the time.

The company alleged that she was participating in a familiarisation tour – a prerequisite for  any potential employee.

But Ms Woff  brought the courts her claim that she was a “worker” under the Workers Rehabilitation and Compensation Act.

Top 5 Most Common Workplace Accidents

Every business should try to the best of their ability to ensure the safety and security of their employees. It is one of the most important aspects of business to be certain that their workers are healthy and safe.

Getting injured at work happens more often than we would like though. There are some casues of injury that can’t be controlled,  there are some which can be controlled and there are some which can be prevented through training, awareness and education. The most common workplace injuries probably won’t come as a surprise for you, they are sprains, tears and muscle injuries. They were ranking in at 38% of the injuries which are most commonly found in the workplace worldwide.

This was true of nearly every type of workplace. It surprises most people that workplaces may vary but in nearly every workplace in the world the injuries are the same. This includes all types of workplaces from the construction industry to office environments. The main injuries that are found in the office and elsewhere include:

• Over-exertion in lifting or lowering packages resulting in back injury accounted for more than 20% of all workplace injuries
• Falls from the same level as you were standing accounted for 12 percent of the workplace injuries
• Slips and trips without any kind of a fall resulting in sprains such as foot, hands, neck or arm were responsible for about 7 percent of workplace injuries.
• Workplace violence, fights or other kinds of interaction were about 4 percent of workplace injuries.
• Falls to a level lower than that on which the worker was standing was responsible for about 3 percent of workplace injuries.

Most of these injuries, may have been preventable with the right kind of training and knowledge about the workplace environment, paying attention to safety signage, wearing more appropriate footwear or clothing but human error will always be present no matter how hard we try to make a perfectly safe work environment.

Builder Faces Prosecution For Asbestos Risk to Family

The Canberra builder accused of exposing a young family to asbestos is the subject of an investigation by WorkSafe ACT which could turn into a  prosecution.

The ACT government could potentially strip the business’ licence if it is discovered that employees worked with the deadly substance without permission.

ACT Work Safety Commissioner Mark McCabe is seeking to implement $5000 on-the-spot fines for builders who dodo not properly dispose of asbestos.

He stated that the case was such a serious breach of the Work Health and Safety Act that the case could end up in court.

”Given the level of exposure to the family I think the public would demand prosecution if a breach of health and safety laws is proven in this case,”

The new fines will be considered as part of the ACT government’s review of the Dangerous Substances Act, which is likely to be tabled in spring, with the new fine schedule to take effect from January 1.

The family whose home was contaminated says they remain shaken by the incident which forced them out of their home for three weeks after the builder, hired to renovate their bathroom, used angle grinders to cut through asbestos sheeting in the house.

The family was living in the home at the time cleaned the asbestos from surfaces in the living area and kitchen, unaware of the danger the family were in until alerted by a neighbour, who called WorkSafe.

Mr McCabe on Monday confirmed the company involved in the incident was being probed by the organisation’s serious incidents investigations team. McCabe stated that if the builder was found to have breached the WHS Act, the consequences could be quite severe. Serious breaches of the act often result in large fines and incarceration for company directors, he said.

Approximately 120 of the family’s personal items had reportedly been contaminated and had been destroyed, and that the builder had refused to refund the family’s $6000 deposit or to provide compensation.

Source: http://www.canberratimes.com.au/act-news/asbestos-builder-faces-prosecution-20130612-2o50j.html#ixzz2X0rrjxjj

Paspaley Building to Undergo Asbestos Test

Samples from the Paspaley Building site have been sent in for tests by an  independent inspector.

The four-storey building has been under demolition for several weeks in preparation for building the 18-storey Charles Darwin Centre on the corner of Smith and Bennett streets.

Union officials discovered positively identified traces of white asbestos on the site late last month.

However, builders say all asbestos  was carefully removed from the site and that the union was causing trouble  and maybe even planted the substance.The original removalists checked the site again and found nothing.

Minister Vows To Keep School Open Following Asbestos Scare

Education Minister Martin Dixon has vowed to keep the western Victoria open despite the recent asbestos scare.

The Timboon Prep to 12 School was cleared out of all personnel and students ] when following WorkSafe’s closure notice after discovering asbestos and peeling lead paint.

Fortunately, tests revealed that students and teachers were not exposed to airborne asbestos.

Despite reports earlier this year that the school would be permanently closed, Dixon promised that will not happen.

“The school’s definitely not going to close,” he said.

“It’s a great school. It’s a great community and when you look at where the school is situated within the broader community, it’s a vital hub and I can assure the community that the future of the school is very very bright.”

The closure order has since been lifted and classes have resumed normally. The asbestos and paint will be dealt with over the holidays.

Principal Rosalie Moorfield says the school community has been very supportive during the closure.

“This has probably been a pretty low week for the Timboon community,” she said.

“But at the end of that, strong bonds have been formed and a real passion to make sure that our facilities are the facilities that we deserve, has certainly been ignited.”

More info on Asbestos Training

 Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-06-28/asbestos-order-lifted-on-closure-of-timboon-school/4786734?section=vic

Dangerous Goods Classes – Identifying and Working With Them

Workplace Health and Safety identifies nine different dangerous goods classes. They also enforce training and skills that are necessary in order to come into contact with those dangerous goods on any level. Even those who will write documentation on the dangerous goods are required to have a given type of training. The nine dangerous goods classes which are identified by Workplace Health and Safety are:

• Flammable gas: gases which may be ignited in air. They can cause a fire or an explosion. Some examples are natural gas, petroleum gas or hydrogen.
• Flammable Liquids: liquids that may produce a gas which can be ignited on contact with air. These include unleaded gasoline, kerosene and acetone.
• Flammable Solids: substances that may be ignited simply by friction or by being touched in some way. They may also ignite from other ignition sources.
• Substances that in contact with water emit flammable gases
• Oxidising Agents: substances that can cause serious damage to the body if touched or splashed on the skin.
• Toxic Gases: gases that can, on inhalation of the gas, result in serious injury or death.
• Corrosive Substances: items which are capable of causing the degradation and destruction of living tissue, steel and other materials on contact. Some may give off irritating vapours affecting the eyes, airways and skin.
• Explosives: substances or materials that have the ability to explode as a result of a chemical reaction with other substances or materials it may come in contact with.
• Miscellaneous Dangerous Goods: items which do not fit into any of the other categories but which may cause damage to humans who come into contact with them.

Each item has given requirements that are necessary in order to work with the dangerous goods or to see them transported. There are also some identified dangerous goods which are classed as too dangerous to transport. These are of course in a class by themselves.

In order to safely work with any dangerous goods, whether you and your employees are actively working with the substance or are simply working with the documentation of the item, you do need to have some level of skill in recognition of the placards and other methods used for transport.

Among those things which are required of you and your employees are the knowledge of the documentation necessary and recognizing which documents and which placards inform you of the nature of the substance. To comply with all of the necessary governmental requirements for safe handling of dangerous goods for both aviation and maritime industries do online dangerous goods training with AlertForce today.

Carbon Management: Emissions Concerning the Coalition

Carbon Management TrainingTHE Coalition has demanded Safe Work Australia explain why there has been a dramatic increase in emissions of the carcinogenic chemical formaldehyde and how they can be reduced.

Opposition workplace relations spokesman Eric Abetz said yesterday he was “deeply concerned” by a report in The Australian about a doubling in formaldehyde emissions by industry since 2007.

“A Coalition government would work with unions, industry, state governments and regulators to ensure safer workplaces for all Australians. Safe Work Australia’s role should include explaining to Australians how it is that the use of formaldehyde has doubled in recent times,” he said.

The workplace safety regulator has failed to act on recommendations made in 2006 by Australia’s chemical regulator, NICNAS, about the need to slash safe exposure levels.

Since then, numerous countries have classified the substance as carcinogenic. It is used in a wide range of products, including building materials, hair treatments, clothing and insulation batts.

A spokeswoman for Workplace Relations Minister Bill Shorten said Mr Shorten had asked the agency to consider the role of these standards in workplace health and safety laws.

Asked yesterday whether Australia should strengthen its labelling laws, Consumer Affairs Minister David Bradbury said the government had relied on the advice of NICNAS and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.

More info on Carbon Management Training

Source:http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/action-demanded-on-toxin/story-fn59niix-1226682236571

Human Resources: WorkCover Undergoes Inquiry For Bullying

The state government authority responsible for protecting injured workers will soon be the subject of a bullying inquiry.

The NSW government has backed the parliamentary inquiry into WorkCover  following a NSW Industrial Relations report of workplace bullying. This report emerged when a senior employee was allegedly bullied out of his job.

Greens MP David Shoebridge, who put forth the idea for an inquiry, has welcomed the government’s support. . ”It is completely unacceptable to have ongoing bullying in WorkCover which is the government body tasked with protecting all employees from harassment in the workplace,” he said.

”This most recent finding by the IRC raises serious concerns about the culture of WorkCover.

”There have been ongoing concerns within WorkCover of systematic bullying and mistreatment of staff for years, yet despite reviews and promises it seems nothing has changed.”

Mr Shoebridge cited 2011 report by PricewaterhouseCoopers which found 40 per cent of WorkCover employees reported experiencing harassment and bullying.

More on Human Resources

Source: http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/workcover-bullying-inquiry-20130627-2p01n.html#ixzz2XpPIrtVN

Food Safety: Company Fined For Serious Burns

A food company was charged with a  $110,000 fine and ordered to pay WorkCover’s legal costs after a 19-year-old apprentice chef suffered serious burns at a CBD restaurant.

Telstra Uncovers More Asbestos-Contaminated Soil

Telstra has once again discovered asbestos  in the soil scattered throughout its telecommunications pits in Sydney’s west.

In Junem Telstra shut down its asbestos removal program at telecommunications pits throughout the nation after concerns were raised that community had been exposed to the deadly fibres during remediation work.

Penrith was one of the sites first to be shut down  and several members of the community were forced to evacuate their homes.

Telstra has since finished the clean-up work at five pits in the area but the inspections of  16 others, found more asbestos in the soil.

Telstra says 11 other pits throughout the area will be cleaned up by this week.

In a statement, the telco said it is uncertain whether the asbestos contamination came from the pits.

A review by Telstra this month revealed that key contractors needed more supervision and better supplies. .

Telstra’s chief operations officer Brendon Riley  said the company will ensure that all mandatory standards are met by all staff.

Asbestos was often used in the 1980’s as a building material. It has since been prohibited to use, but remains a rising cause of death.

More on asbestos training

Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-06-25/telstra-uncovers-more-asbestos-contaminated-soil-around-pits-in/4779746?section=nsw

More Jails Increases Asbestos Danger

Only four of WA’s 16 prisons have been identified as asbestos-free, with two facilities rated as high-risk, it has emerged.

Last month it was revealed that removing the  asbestos contamination at Hakea Prison would cost the public $2.5 million. The Department of Corrective Services has confirmed a further 11 prisons have asbestos-contamination “to some degree”.

Pardelup Prison Farm, near Mt Barker, and Roebourne Prison were both slapped with a high-risk rating.

The other contaminated jails at  medium to low-risk are as follows;  Bandyup, Bunbury, Wooroloo, Karnet, Albany, Broome, Eastern Goldfields, Greenough and Walpole Work Camp.

The department said work was required at two high-risk jails  by the end of this month.

The removal of asbestos was needed,rather than sealing and capsulation.

It said an asbestos exposure register established  in 2009 had 20 reports “from people who had potentially been exposed to asbestos”.

Shadow corrective services minister Paul Papalia stated the need for a  comprehensive register to deal with the “threat of asbestos in the older buildings”.

“Not just of people who have gone into roof spaces but, in conjunction with experts in the field, a register that is comprehensive in the event a prison officer, a prisoner or staff member is exposed and later in life succumbs to the illness,” he said.

Papalia called for health checks for prison officers and prisoners exposed or potentially exposed to asbestos.

However, the department said this was not needed nor recommended.

Corrective Services Minister Joe Francis said “I’m committed to ensuring that works are carried out in accordance with WorkSafe’s directions,” he said.

More info on Asbestos Training

Source: http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/a/-/wa/17629720/more-jails-pose-asbestos-risk/

On the Spot Fines To Tackle Canberra’s Construction Safety Breaches

WorkSafe ACT inspectors will soon commence the issuing of on-the-spot fines throughout construction sites that are in breach of safety regulations.

A report released last year cast a dark shadow over  the Canberra construction industry when it revealed the serious injury rate there was 31% higher than the national average.

The Government accepted the report’s recommendations which included the soon to be implemented on-the-spot fines.

Workplace Safety Minister Simon Corbell says 11 types of safety breaches fall under the new fine scheme.

“These deal with relatively straight forward, factual matters that allow inspectors to exercise their discretion and issue a fine,” he said.

“That will send a message to people in control of development sites that they have to keep their house in order in relation to these basic safety obligations.”

WorkSafe ACT are pleased with the new power, and announced that employers  could  potentially face on-the-spot fines of approximately $3,000.

WorkSafety commissioner Mark McCabe says construction safety can no longer be gambled.

“I think they knew it’s only the very serious cases that are going to end up in court,” he said.

“They could roll the dice and just hope to get away with it basically.”

Under the new penalties, building site managers will still be able to challenge a fine in the courts if they believe it has been incorrectly imposed.

More info on Construction Safety

Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-06-24/act-on-the-spot-construction-fines/4776072?section=act

Confined Space:Company Fined For Crippling Miner

Broken Hill mining company Perilya has been ordered to pay a fine stemming from an  accident five years ago that left a miner in a wheelchair.

The Industrial Court of NSW ruled that Perilya will pay $260,000 over the crippling accident in 2008.

Rod Flight was left a quadriplegic after the front-end loader he was operating at, toppled over and trapped him beneath it.

The court ruled that Perilya’s failure to maintain the vehicle resulted in a diminished braking capacity and a faulty warning light and alarm.

The company also failed in ensuring that staff maintained the right safety paperwork.

Perilya handed a guilty plea to the courts for failing to ensure the safety of its employees under the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

Mr Flight now lives in Adelaide and is paralysed from the neck down.

More info on Confined Space

Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-06-07/company-fined-for-turning-miner-into-quadriplegic/4739802

Parents Fear Asbestos Risk For Bondi Public School Students

Asbestos Removal Sydney owner Wade Rogers confirmed the trucks held asbestos, but said that the school community was safe because the fibres were contained within sheets of cement.

But Bondi Public parent Michelle Stone was horrified at the prospect of these trucks being close to her children.

“In the 21st century, it’s completely unacceptable for any company to allow an uncovered, unsecure truck in a residential zone outside a school, full of bags containing asbestos waste,” she said.

“It is grossly irresponsible and the company needs to act immediately to remove what is a legitimate and serious threat to the health of hundreds of children.”

Another parent Allan Moore reported split open bags, while others were not taped closed.

Upon investigation  a ranger found that the asbestos was bonded and unlikely to break down and not considered harmful.

Any potential risk was further decreased by recent rain.

This assessment was supported by a later WorkCover inspection.

“Nevertheless, council and the mayor were very concerned about the presence of asbestos in a public place, and the ranger contacted the truck owner and asked them to move it,” the spokeswoman said.

“The owner of the truck undertook to move it this morning.

“Council is treating the matter seriously and will continue to follow up with WorkCover and the truck owner.”

More info on asbestos training

Source: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/city-east/asbestos-scare-for-bondi-public-school-students/story-fngr8h22-1226666401138

Asbestos Training: Deadly Material Found in Paspaley building Tests

NT WorkSafe has  divulged that asbestos was found in the Paspaley building at the end of the Smith St Mall in Darwin.

NT WorkSafe boss Doug Phillips said they met with the builders, Sunbuild and discussed the  findings of the sampling.

“The sampling found there were some isolated pieces of bonded asbestos,” Mr Phillips said.

“However there was no asbestos detected in the soil sampling.”

Sunbuild had once denied the existence of s any asbestos left on the site even though unions had submitted various samples that contained the deadly material.

The original asbestos removal team came up short which lead to NT WorkSafe conducting its own independent tests.

Telstra To Overhaul Pit Workers Asbestos Training

The findings of a recently conducted review of one of Telstra’s asbestos removal contractor has been damning. The findings were released by Telstra as it embarks on their mission of rolling out the National Broadband Network (NBN), including old pits containing asbestos.

All remediation work was halted in May following a variety of mishandling complaints throughout several sites nationally.

Telstra’s review of its key contractors found that changes were needed in several areas, such as increased supervision and ensuring adequate supplies.

Telstra’s COO Brendan Riley revealed the company’s intentions to ensure that mandatory standards are met for training staff on the extensive asbestos risks.

“We will continue to be open about the status of these issues and the work we are doing to strengthen contractor management of asbestos handling,” Mr Riley said in a statement.

“We will not allow recommencement of cement pit remediation work until we are satisfied the necessary safety measures are in place.”

Opposition communications spokesman Malcolm Turnbull says it highlights the risks with large projects.

“One of the risks with a very large project like this, which is disturbing a lot of asbestos-containing material at the same time with the dramatically increased workforce, is that it’s much harder to maintain standards,” he said.

Telstra is consulting with unions and Comcare over the implementation of the plan.

More info on Asbestos Training

Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-06-19/telstra-announces-overhaul-of-asbestos-safety-training/4766524?section=tas

Working At Heights Company Fined Over 70K for Fall

Terry’s Crane Hire and director Terrence Ronald Brown put forth a guilty plea for failing to provide a safe work environment which consequently resulted in serious harm to a contractor.

In August 2010, the Mallon Company contracted Terry’s for some re-roofing work  on a commercial property. An 19 year old independent contractor assisted while Terry’s used a crane for the removal of asbestos ridden sheeting. The 19-year-old climbed on top the roof to guide the crane operator. The man walked across the damaged sheets which eventually collapsed causing the man to fall to the cement floor. 

Although safety mesh was in place to prevent falls below the roof, it had not continued to the frontage area as asbestos was to be removed prior.

The court found Terry’s had failed to ensure the safety of the 19-year-old, nor did they ensure that he  was informed of the risks and was not adequately supervised.

The company was fined $51,000 and Brown was fined $20,000.

They were also ordered to pay $1600 in court costs.

WorkSafe WA commissioner Lex McCulloch stated that 16 WA workers have died from falls in the past four years.

“Many others have been seriously and permanently injured as a result of falls, and it’s really disappointing when we keep finding people working at heights without all the possible preventative measures in place,” he said.

More info on Working At Heights

Source: http://www.perthnow.com.au/news/western-australia/fine-over-workers-roof-fall/story-fnhocxo3-1226663392976

OHS:Maritime Safety A Hot Topic Following Ship Fatality

The Maritime Union described their findings from an investigation into the death of a man as “horrific”.

The 56-year-old worker was crushed and died while working on a cargo ship in September of last year. His death was result of a 20-tonne pallet of aluminium ingots fell upon him.

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau’s recently released report from their 8-month investigation, revealed that unsafe work practices and stevedore fatigue could be to blame.

Union rep Warren Smith called for changes in the industry to improve safety.

“The findings are quite horrific really and it clearly demonstrates a complete lack of safety culture and massive gaps in the safe working systems within Newcastle Stevedores that absolutely need to be rectified,” he said.

“It’s quite abhorrent really that in the 21st century basic flaws in safety systems exist like that.”

The union are expected to meet with Newcastle Stevedores to discuss the findings of the ATSB report.

Smith says improvements to the system are especially needed.

“We have met them [Newcastle Stevedores] over a period of time prior to the release of the report and all our concerns have been articulated to the company very clearly.

“There will be ongoing meetings and we’ll do everything we can with the company to ensure the systems of work are eliminated, the gaps in their system of work are eliminated once and for all.”

More info on Occupational Health and Safety

Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-06-05/maritime-safety-talks-to-continue-after-ship-fatality/4733616

Asbestos Risks Prompt Work Stoppage for Posties

Australian Postal workers  have stopped delivery of mail throughout a Sydney street,  fearing  possible asbestos contamination linked to the national broadband network (NBN) rollout.

The government-owned postal service said mail delivery to Hornseywood Avenue in Penrith was halted temporarily.

“We made that decision for the safety of our staff and after discussions with the council and WorkCover,” a spokesperson told AAP on Wednesday.

Australia Post said deliveries are will not resume until Telstra finishes their audit on the practices of contractors upgrading pits as part of the NBN rollout.

This comes as work on the NBN was suspended after a Penrith resident contacted WorkCover concerned that asbestos safety procedures weren’t being followed.

The telco hopes it will have the sites cleaned up by Thursday and is asking affected residents to give permission for a clean-up.

Residents have been told they can collect their mail from the Australia Post Nepean Business Hub.

More info on Asbestos Training

Source: http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/breaking-news/work-on-nbn-suspended-amid-asbestos-fears/story-fn3dxiwe-1226652881991

Occupational Health and Safety:Man Crushed By Truck at NBN Site

A man was killed when he was crushed between two trucks at the National Broadband Network (NBN)  worksite.

Paramedics rushed to the scene and found the 57-year old trapped between two trucks but had already succumbed to his head injuries.

Police report that the man was removing an item from the back of one of the trucks when unaccompanied young worker got into a second truck and parked right behind. The 20-year old worker drove into the man and crushed him against the stopped truck.

NBN Co released a statement confirming the death and stated that it was working with its contractor to assist in investigations .

The death comes only a day after it was revealed several NBN rollout sites across the country have been under investigation for asbestos exposure risks.

Acting Superintendent Andrew Koutsoufis says the worker was pronounced dead at the scene.

“It just seems to have been a tragic accident at this stage,” he said.

“We’re very early into our investigation of the matter.

“The driver of the truck was conveyed to a local hospital to undergo mandatory testing, we’ve got a crash investigation unit there.”

Superintendent Koutsoufis says the driver is very distressed.

“But as yet, other than undergoing the mandatory testing we haven’t spoken to him in a formal manner,” he said.

WorkCover is currently investigating the incident and union officials from the Community and Public Sector Union are looking into the death.

Kiama is one of the five towns connected to the $37.4 billion high-speed broadband network  or NBN

The project is expected to take until atleast 2023.

More info on Occupational health and safety

Source: http://au.news.yahoo.com/a/-/world/17410507/man-crushed-by-truck-at-nbn-work-site/

Alertforce Becomes Diamond Sponsor For SIA

POTTS POINT, NSW- Australia’s Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) and environmental training company, AlertForce (AF) has recently been awarded the honor of being a Diamond Sponsor for the Safety Institute of Australia Ltd (SIA).

SIA is an OHS organisation that has represented OHS professionals for over 50 years and with over 4’500 members. Members of this organisations are able to easily access timely advice relating to a variety of OHS issues relating to policy,regulations, and any current developments regarding the OHS industry.

Members of the SIA often join if they are currently employed or desire to be working in the OHS field.  Other times members join in order to have professional and qualified advice on OHS issues. Regardless of the issue, SIA aims fulfill its mission :

• To affirm the SIA as the peak professional body for health and safety
• professionals by:
• Driving the development of the health and safety profession;
• Setting and maintaining standards of professional practice

 AlertForce with its extensive catalogue of respected online safety training programs;has given their support to another organisation that continues to provide quality safety advice.  AF was granted Diamond Level status; the highest tier in SIA sponsorship grade levels. Diamond Sponsors contribute $10,000+ dollars to the OHS body in order to help SIA embark on the their vision of  providing “Professional Excellence– facilitating and communicating”.

Brendan Torazzi, the founder of AlertForce says, “I am very happy to have been able to contribute to such a vital organisation as the SIA — another organisation that is as dedicated  as us to providing helpful, qualified, and professional advice for all OHS issues.

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

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OHS: Birkenhead Man Crushed By Fence, Dies

OHS:Company Fined for Burned Chef

The Company that owns a fancy Sydney restaurant was subject to an over $100,000 fine, after a chef was badly burned by boiling stock.

SG Foodservice was slapped with the $110,000 fine over the incident which occurred at the Pendolino restaurant in September 2010.

The apprentice chef, 19, was carrying a boiling stock in two 20-litre buckets when he slipped and dropped them, burning over half of his body.

The chef was using the fire stairs when he dropped the boiling buckets.

He received emergency hospital treatment and had to receive skin grafts to his left calf, right ankle, and right thigh, according to WorkCover.

His injuries were so severe that he had to wear compression bandages, and was prohibited from being in sunlight and required physiotherapy.

WorkCover said SG Foodservice pleaded guilty to breaching the Occupational Health & Safety Act over the incident.

WorkCover NSW’s acting general manager of work health and safety, Peter Dunphy, said it would “work with the company to ensure that the same mistakes were not made in the future”.

More info on Occupational Health and Safety

Source: http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/breaking-news/company-fined-after-sydney-chef-burnt/story-fni0xqi4-1226657098067

OHS:Ten Queensland Rides Given Prohibition Notices

Amusement ride safety has once again become a hot topic after a young child was flung 10m from a frisbee ride only a few weeks ago.

Carnival Land Amusements, the ride operator, had recently passed an official audit conducted by Workplace Health and Safety when the accident occurred.

In order to maintain safety standards, OHS inspectors frequently do random audits at shows,carnivals and fetes — where they assess the rides against the Amusement Devices National Auditing Tool.

Currently over 200 inspectors are employed and continue to conduct audits on rides all over the country– with 663 assessments last year alone.

The peak industry body, the Australian Amusement, Leisure and Recreation Association has also developed a private audit – AMSAFE – through which members can gain another safety “tick”.

Amusement ride inspecting engineer of 13 years Brian Bradley said most operators maintained their equipment and complied with the regulations

Mr Gidlow said a Prohibition Notice was reserved for rides that were likely to cause injury or illness.

More info on Occupational Health and Safety

Source: http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/national/ten-amusement-rides-found-to-be-dangerous-and-temporarily-shut-down-last-year/story-fnii5v70-1226650511597

Kambah Family Suffers Asbestos Exposure

WorkSafe ACT will direct a  Canberra builder to the Director of Public Prosecutions after workers risked the lives of a  Kambah family by risking exposing them to asbestos.

Over a month ago, parents Justin and Erin Thompson had to leave their home for more than three weeks after builders used angle grinders to cut through asbestos sheeting during bathroom renovations, contaminating the family’s home.

”Our neighbour came over and told us he thought there was asbestos being placed out the front of our house,” Mr Thompson said.

”He confronted the builder and the guy told him he didn’t know what he was talking about, so our neighbour called WorkSafe and they tested it and confirmed it was very dangerous.”

Over 120 personal items, such as dozens of contaminated children’s toys, had to be destroyed in order to prevent further risks to the family.

WorkSafe ACT Commissioner Mark McCabe said  they had issued three prohibition notices,as well as two improvement notices and two infringements.

”There is no such thing as asbestos which is not dangerous so this is very concerning, especially coming from an established company who members of the public would assume they can trust,” he said.

”We are treating this case very seriously and my advice for anyone worried about what work is being undertaken at their home is to immediately contact ACT Planning and Land Authority or WorkSafe and we will investigate.”

NSW Electrical Trades Union assistant secretary Neville Betts was appalled at the case. ‘The poor buggers sat through three days of asbestos risk because of the dodgy builder,” he said. ”I have had a quick chat to some other union members and we have asked the family to give us a list of the children’s toys so we can replace them.”

More info on Asbestos Training

Source: http://www.canberratimes.com.au/act-news/family-exposed-to-deadly-asbestos-20130517-2jsjg.html#ixzz2UNBODBuv

Cert IV/Comcare HSR Training Provider AlertForce Attends HSR Hearing

Australia’s Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) and environmental training company, AlertForce (AF), has been successfully offering their Comcare  approved 5-day Health and Safety Representative (HSR) training course. Recently, AF attending a hearing that showcased training principles behind HSR training.  (Photos below).

The HSR courses 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.

OHS:Worker’s Arm Caught in Olive Crushing Machine

WorkSafe ACT is reviewing safety conditions at a Narrabundah business where a worker’s arm was became wedged into an olive-crushing machine.

Crews were required to use hydraulic tools in order to release the machine’s hold on the man’s hand and he was then transported to Canberra Hospital by ACT Ambulance service.

The man suffered injuries to the lower part of his arm.  A spokesperson for the hospital was reportedly unable to comment on the man’s condition beyond the fact that he had been receiving continued treatment.

ACT WorkSafe Commissioner Mark McCabe said the authority had handed out a prohibition notice on the equipment in addition to an official do not disturb notice throughout the area. A full  investigation is being considered.

McCabe stated that investigators would deliberate on whether the  business owner’s are required to comply with regulations established by the Work Health and Safety Act.

”WorkSafe has some serious concerns about the processes in place,” Mr McCabe said. ”Our serious investigations unit are looking at the issues involved and once we clarify the situation we will investigate how this incident came to take place.”
Source: http://www.canberratimes.com.au/act-news/mans-arm-caught-in-olive-crusher-20130530-2nd7j.html#ixzz2VE70ihgG

Asbestos Training: ComCare To Be Grilled Over Duties

The Federal Opposition believes the Government is putting Tasmanian  national broadband rollout contractors at an avoidable risk of asbestos exposure.

NBN alleges that contractors working on the rollout had not been exposed, but Electrical Trades Union is not convinced.

Unionist Michael Anderson says workers had likely been put at risk, and the federal work safety regulator CommCare has not been lapsing in its duties.

“With a risk as big as asbestos, I thought they would’ve been going to their utmost to fix it,” he said.

ComCare was poised to face senate committee.

Liberal Senator Eric Abetz says it has serious questions to answer.

“We will be asking as to who is responsible,” he said.

But he already has one culprit in mind.

“Political agenda to roll out the NBN as quickly as possible ahead of people’s well-being,” Senator Abetz said.

He paralleled it to the pink batts program during the global financial crisis.

More on Asbestos Training

Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-06-01/safety-regulator-to-be-grilled-over-asbestos-risk/4727334?section=tas

Company Faces $100K Fine for Breaching Occupational Health and Safety Act

A project management company has been fined $100,000 after a dogman lost half a leg during an accident at the Port Kembla steelworks.

David Wormleaton’s right leg was amputated below the knee after the March 2009 incident, which occurred during work to dismantle a large sinter cooling system being trialled at the BlueScope Steel site.

Transfield Services Engineering Group (TSEG) was subcontracted to carry out the dismantling work.

Workers were removing pieces of the cooling system when a large fabricated steel frame weighing 1.7 tonnes and measuring 2.3 metres high and 8.1 metres long toppled onto Mr Wormleaton, causing serious crush injuries.

He was unaware that nuts securing the structure to concrete had been loosened and removed by other workers before it was to be secured by chains to a crane.

WorkCover launched an investigation into the incident, which led to proceedings in the NSW Industrial Relations Commission in April.

TSEG pleaded guilty to a breach of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and was fined $100,000.

The court found TSEG had failed to put in place adequate safety processes to prevent the frame from being unbolted before it had been attached by chains to the crane.

Last year, building firm Thomas and Coffey pleaded guilty to two charges and was fined $270,000 over the incident.

Thomas and Coffey was a subcontractor on the project which in turn contracted Allstate Cranes and Plant Hire, for whom Mr Wormleaton worked.

WorkCover NSW’s General Manager of Work Health and Safety Division John Watson said safety for workers must be the highest priority for all employers, especially those working in manufacturing or with heavy machinery.

“Working with such heavy machinery or large products can be very dangerous, which is why every safety precaution must be taken,” he said.

Mr Watson said WorkCover would work with TSEG to ensure no similar incidents occurred in the future.

During court proceedings, a company representative expressed remorse and regret over the incident and said arrangements had been made for a safety and fund-raising program to assist Mr Wormleaton.

More info on occupational health and safety

Source: http://www.illawarramercury.com.au/story/1562969/firm-fined-after-man-loses-leg-in-accident/?cs=12

OHS:WorkSafe Crackdowns on Apprentice Safety

High-risk apprentices will now be safer following a renewed crackdown on construction projects by WorkSafe ACT

Commissioner Mark McCabe released two new sets of guidance requirements for apprentice supervision.

Under these new requirements, apprentices and trainees are prohibited from working without mandated supervision or without required accreditation

”We have seen several accidents in recent months involving apprentices working alone doing high-risk work,” Mr McCabe said.

”Supervisors should be aware that they are responsible for the safety of all of their workers, and especially apprentices and trainees, who require a higher level of supervision than experienced workers.”

Last February, Fairfax Media reported young electrical apprentices were illegally being told to work despite no proper supervision and completing jobs charged at the full commercial electrician’s rate.

A WorkSafe audit and compliance campaign was launched following two serious accidents in the ACT in which apprentices suffered from electric shocks while working without supervision.

Mr McCabe said  ”I am releasing these new guidance notes as part of a campaign to ensure that all supervisors understand and adhere to this responsibility,” he said.

”Failure to do so could not only lead to severe penalties for supervisors, it could cost lives.”

The guidance notes for construction and electrical call for risk assessment and proper supervision as well as fines of $3 million for corporations and $600,000 and even up to five years imprisonment for individuals who breach the rules.

The notes state that licensed electricians must be present when an apprentice is carrying out licensed electrical work as a suitably qualified person must be present to oversee output by apprentices and trainees.

Mr McCabe said closer scrutiny of supervision of apprentices by WorkSafe inspectors in the ACT would begin in coming months.

More info on Occupational Health and Safety

Source: http://www.canberratimes.com.au/act-news/crackdown-on-work-sites-for-apprentices-20130520-2jx8v.html#ixzz2UMhWD9z3

Fire Safety: Vic Firefighters Concerned With Compensation

However a small contingent of firefighters employed by the commonwealth, mostly at airports, are able to claim government comp since a 2011 federal law was passed.

Firefighter Marcel Van Elmpt says commonwealth firefighters are covered by compensation legislation if there is a fire at the airport, but if they needed support, state crews would not get the same coverage.

“Same fires, same exposures, same carcinogens, same cancers, but we’re not covered,” he said.

Mr Wells said the government was anticipating a report by Monash University due to be released next year before decisions are made on the future.

He said Victoria had almost 60,000 volunteer firefighters that needed to be taken into account and the laws only apply for full-time firefighters.

“It would be unfair to deal with some people in the CFA (Country Fire Authority) and not other people in the CFA for example.”

United Firefighters Union national secretary Peter Marshall said there was a clear link between occupational cancer and firefighting.

Marshal stated that firefighters based in Western Australia, South Australia and Tasmania covered volunteer firefighters.

“There is no excuse for any further delay on legislation protecting firefighters here,” he said.

“As we speak, it’s an emotive issue, but it’s a real issue – firefighters are dying from occupational cancer.”

More info on Fire Safety

Source: http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/breaking-news/vic-firefighters-angry-over-compensation/story-fni0xqi4-1226644497015

Heritage-Listed Cinema Deemed Unsafe Amidst Asbestos Dangers

Worksafe inspectors recently visited the cinema and ordered  14 improvement notices.

One of the improvement notice called the the cinema out for breaching  Occupational Safety and Health Regulations  by failing to have an asbestos register. Watson has been until August 9 to conduct an identification and risk assessment on the asbestos and to record all data at an onsite register.

“Since that time we have had preliminary plans prepared by the conservation architect for the arcade and theatre to understand what can and cannot be done to the building. In respect of the asbestos roof … sheet asbestos roofing is a stable form of asbestos in particular when painted. Many schools in WA have this form of roofing. That is not to say we will not be replacing it when we renovate the arcade, but it is not at the point where it should be replaced immediately.”

But WA Asbestos Diseases Society president Robert Vojakovic called on the health department for urgent attention and to investigate the issues in order to ease the minds of patrons and workers alike.

Mr Vojakovic  upon seeing photos, described the site as being in a very poor state and appeared to be “friable” in places. “If the dust can reach the cinema then there is a risk,” he said. “The Department of Health or Perth City Council need to have a look at the situation. It’s a public facility; it must be free of risk.”

Roof plumber Rick Rogers, discussed the condition of the cinema stating”It is in poor condition, it’s quite flaky,” he said. “My old man died of asbestosis at 48. You are talking to a guy who is pretty paranoid.”

A Worksafe spokeswoman said inspectors didn’t see any cause for concern on the inside of the cinema because the asbestos roof is on the outside of the building.

A Department of Health spokeswoman said its officials were unaware of any issues at the Piccadilly. “Issues regarding the management of asbestos in the workplace should be directed to the Department of Commerce (WorkSafe WA),” she said. “When required, the department will assist WorkSafe by providing toxicology advice and public health risk assessments.”

More info on Asbestos Training

Source: http://www.perthnow.com.au/news/western-australia/horror-movie-right-here-in-the-cbd/story-fnhocxo3-1226650604784

SA Lost Over 1.5K Years Of Productivity Due To OHS Claims

WorkCover recently revealed that SA businesses lost over one and a half thousand years worth of productivity during the 2011/12 period due to compensation claims.

According to the safety watchdog, the loss of productivity resulted in a loss of $208 million to businesses.

Statistics from the WorkCover SA website report that the workers compensation claims amounted to over 560,000 days of lost productivity which is equivalent to 1536 years of work.

On top of the days lost, almost 30,000 claims for workers compo for workplace injuries and illnesses incurred in the 2011/12 period have so far cost the SA Workers Rehabilitation and Compensation Scheme approx. $208 million (an average daily cost in excess of $7800).

Chief Executive Officer of WorkCoverSA, Greg McCarthy, stated the reducing the cost of workers compo in SA is in everyone’s best interest and prevention is more efficient than the cure. McCarthy added that in cases where an injury has occurred, employers should be supportive of the injured workers and help them return to work swiftly and safely.

WorkCoverSA’s Experience Rating System, introduced in July 2012, rewards medium and large employers with lower workers’ compensation premiums for good claims performance.

More info on Occupational Health and Safety

Source: http://www.in-business.com.au/news/story/2013-5-24/15918

WareHouse Safety: Safety Breachs Responsible for Severed Finger

A recent incident resulted in a serious injury of an employee and a serious fine for an Australian employer for poor work safety practices.

The Industrial Court dished out a $28,000 fine (plus legal fees) to Improved Timber Pty Ltd following an incident that resulted in the severed finger of a worker. The worker was injured while working on a machine that had no guard in place which SafeWork SA has deemed a “failure to ensure machinery was in safe condition” for workers.

The incident occurred in February 2012 while the worker was being supervised operating the docking saw. The worker was holding timber in place when the blade caught his head, severing his left index finger. The worker was forced to take 10 weeks off for recuperation time as a result of his injury.

Magistrate Stephen Lieschke stated that the injury could have been avoided or reduced had a guard been placed over the saw or other operation controls.

Guard & Controls Have Been Installed Since Injury

Lieschke, revealed that Improved Timber had recently installed a guard and other controls to avoid further incidents and operators are no longer at risk or injury.SafeWork SA Executive Director Bryan Russell called on  employers to conduct hazard and risk assessments on machinery and tasks.

“The Industrial Court’s decision reminds all employers of their duty of care to prevent a worker suffering an injury,” stated Bryan Russell, executive director of SafeWork SA.

The employer  faced a maximum penalty of $300,000 however the court has since imposed a total penalty of $35,000, due to Improved Timber’s guilty plea, cooperation with SafeWork SA and statement of responsibility and contrition.

More info on Warehouse Safety Training

Source:  http://www.workerscompensation.com/compnewsnetwork/workers-comp-blogwire/16705-worker-severed-finger-due-to-lack-of-work-place-safety.html

Poultry Worker Hospitalised After Machine Pulled His Arm

A poultry worker from Geelong was hospitalised when his arm was pulled into a cutting machine at Turi Foods’ Golden Farms Breakwater plant . The 40-year old man was dragged into the machine after his clothing become caught in the machinery.

He was immediately taken to Geelong Hospital for emergency surgery to treat a deep cut and torn muscle in upper

WorkSafe officials are currently looking into the incident that they deemed as non-life-threatening.

National Union of Workers lead organiser Belinda Jacobi revealed that unions had recently visited the site following member’s safety concerns.

“We have very serious concerns about injury rates in this industry,” Ms Jacobi said.

Working At Heights: Maintenance Worker Falls 2.5 m

A Worksafe investigation is being conducted at a Hazelwood Power Station following an incident involving the injury of a worker. The maintenance worker suffered significant head injuries following his 2.5 metre fall. Emergency Services stablised the man prior to airlifting him to Alfred Hospital where he remains in stable condition.

The worker is employed by Hazelwood’s major maintenance contractor Fluor. He is believed to have been spotting a maintenance taks on a station boiler when he fell.

Mantenance unions and Incolink counsellors have visited the site where they are assessing the situation and assisting the injured worker’s colleagues wherever needed.

A spokesperson for GDF SUEZ Australian Energy, the owner operator of Hazelwood Power Station, said the worker was in the vicinity of a bunker when the incident occurred.

More info on Working at Heights

Source: http://www.latrobevalleyexpress.com.au/story/1521752/hazelwood-worker-stable-after-fall/?cs=1462

Alertforce Wins Gold With LexisNexis- WHS-Modules

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

POTTS POINT, NSW–   Australia’s Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) training company, AlertForce (AF) has successfully attainedwinning gold in the “Best in OHS” category for a Work Health and Safety (WHS) modules program they designed in conjunction with leading content provider LexisNexis.

The partnership successfully combined AlertForce’s OHS training expertise with LexisNexis respected and renowned legal content. This team produced the successful LexisNexis Online Training- WHS modules, which have since been awarded the Gold recognition for the program’s outstanding and quality design.

The modules designed by AlertForce sought to provide participants with the ability to identify and apply crucial aspects of the Model Work Health and Safety act. Their success in these aspects resulted in AlertForce earning a distinction from LexisNexis, which acknowledges that AlertForce’s course design is unparalleled in both quality and accessibility.

Together both organizations specially designed three interactive online training modules to allow participants the ability to engage in the modules at their own convenience. The training modules were written by the employment specialist law firm Harmers Workplace Lawyers.

The following modules were offered:

• Course 1 – Health and safety duties
• Course 2 – Health and safety representation in the workplace
• Course 3 – Health and safety consultation in the workplace

Each course required less than an hour to complete depending on the individual user and time spent exploring additional resources.

Completion of the LexisNexis Online WHS training modules provided participants with the opportunity to earn CPD/CLE points– declaring them as competent and compliant with the methods needed to sharpen an organisation’s competitive edge. Each course was available for purchase individually allowing participants to engage in the modules according to their own schedule.

Brendan Torazzi, the founder of AlertForce says, “I am extremely proud to hear that our LexisNexis –WHS modules have been acknowledged as being one of the best of its kind! Our courses allow people to learn at their own pace in a convenient and cost effective way. We will continue to provide the “Gold standard” of OHS training courses!”

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

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Risk Management:Coroner Told Wall Collapse Inquest May Take Years

The Victorian Coroners Court has been informed that potential criminal charges over the deadly Melbourne wall collapse may delay inquests for several years.

A brother and sister,  Alexander and Bridget Jones and French national Marie Faith Fiawoo were  all killed  as a result of the collapsing wall from March’s high winds. 

Coroner Ian Gray confirmed in a hearing that there may be delays but he remains confident that an inquest may occur at the same time as other court proceedings

 Fiawoo’s family lawyer raised concerns that any delays in the inquiry may cause undue stress for the families. 

Another lawyer, William Southey believes the delay should be be minimised.

“Delays in cases like this can sometimes be unavoidable,” he said.

“We just hope, on behalf of both families, that the delay will be minimised to the greatest possible extent.

“And we are confident that the state coroner will do his very best to ensure that that’s done.”

An inquest brief is being prepared for the coroner which analyze the the history of the wall, regulations around hoarding attached to the wall and conditions on the day of the collapse.

Construction giant Grocon and Worksafe are also running separate investigations.

More info on Risk Management

Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-05-23/victorian-coroner-says-wall-collapse-inquest-may-be-delayed-for/4708322?section=vic 

Verdict Reached For 2 Year Old Asbestos Case

 A Sydney judge has finally reached a verdict two years after hearing a case against the founder of the Clean Up Israel environmental campaign. The accused was said to have been causing land and water pollution by allegedly dumping asbestos-contaminated waste on his property Wollondilly.

Justice Rachel Pepper from the Land and Environment Court admitted that the delay in the hearing against Foxman and his company was “unacceptable and regrettable”.

It has also come to light that the delay affected other prosecutions relating to the incident which subsequently stalled any development or clean up at the site since the reported 2010 dumping.

The Land and Environment Court stated their intentions to deliver most delayed judgments within three months.

”However, competing demands, complex cases and judicial leave can sometimes make this deadline unattainable,” it said.

Following eight days of hearings in February and March 2011, Justice Pepper delayed her verdict on the matter.

 Foxman and his company have been accused of unlawfully disposing of up to 35,000 tonnes of soil ridden asbestos on his Wollondilly  construction site.

Foxman attempted to defend the actions and stated that the delay had had significant effects on him and his company and it was  ”extraordinary and unjust to have to wait so long”.

”I have had no way of clearing my name and that has had a devastating effect,” he said. ”It is a horrible situation … I have not been able to put a shovel in the ground for three years.”

More info on Asbestos Training

Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/environment/asbestos-verdict-in-two-years-20130518-2jtaj.html#ixzz2TyR5q8PQ

SafeWork/EPA Dish Out Notices For Asbestos Issues

Safework and the EPA have handed out a total of 74 compliance notices to 11 licensed removers after conducting a recent audit.

The notices call for improvements on a variety of matters including asbestos removal methods, safe storage and the frequency of respiratory equipment testing. 

SafeWork SA executive director Bryan Russell  revealed that this was simply the the first stage of a statewide audit of 70 licensed removalists.

“We will not be happy until asbestos is removed entirely from all workplaces but obviously that’s a long-term vision and we’re working towards ensuring that the safest possible processes are in place to manage asbestos in its current form,” he said.

Mr Russell has been pleased with cooperation most companies have had with them.

“This is not something that you would be complacent with. Asbestos is not an area that we would ever say that we are satisfied with what’s happening,” he said.

“We will remain vigilant and we expect businesses to be vigilant with respect to the management of asbestos.

More info on Asbestos Training

Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-05-23/compliance-notices-issued-over-asbestos/4707804?section=sa

OHS:Mine Worker Measles Leads to Statewide Alert

A statewide alert has been raised following the diagnosis of a Central Queensland mine worker with measles.

Queensland Health’s communicable diseases unit acting senior director Stephen Lambert stated that the Moranbah mine worker had contact with several mining colleagues and others over the past few weeks.  Investigators are concerned that he may have infected others. 

He said many of the mine workers had returned to homes throughout Queensland.

Dr Lambert said measles was a serious infection, particularly in children too young to be immunised.

“Up to one-third of young adults who are infected will be hospitalised,” he said.

The Moranbah mine worker who has triggered the measles alert is believed to have contracted the virus while holidaying in Asia.

Dr Lambert said the man had been in the dining room of Moranbah’s Grosvenor Village camp in the last week of April.

He said Queensland Health was asking anyone who may have been exposed to the virus to seek medical advice if symptoms developed.

They should alert their general practitioners they may have measles before attending the clinic.

“Measles is one of the most infectious of all communicable diseases and is spread by tiny droplets through coughing and sneezing,” Dr Lambert said.

Symptoms usually start around 10 days after becoming infected and include a fever, lethargy, runny nose, a cough and sore, red eyes followed by a blotchy red rash.

Measles complications can include pneumonia and inflammation of the brain. The infection can occasionally be fatal.

More on Occupational Health and Safety

Source: http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/moranbah-mine-workers-measles-prompts-alert/story-e6freoof-1226637798701

Asbestos Training: Mesothelioma and 9/11

Fallout: 9/11 and the Risk of Ground Zero

It is no secret the terrible attack on the World Trade Centre on September 11,2001 had many affects on the lives of New Yorkers. Over 2,500 lives were tragically taken on that day and the days to follow. Now, over ten years later, the general public is taking notice of more WTC casualities  as the nation’s first responders, and NYC residents are dying of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related disease.

Doctors and other experts have long predicted that the future held an onslaught of mesolthelioma cases in the NYC area which was caused by the torrent of asbestos fibres that rained down on the city’s fire fighters, police, paramedics and other local residents.  Those who remained in the city can recall that lower manhattan was covered in a grayish dust which was said to be consisted of glass shards, asbestos, lead, mercury, cadmium, dioxins and various other dangerous substances.

It is unclear how much asbestos was actually released into the air upon the demolition of the the towers’ remains. However, the WTC construction had commenced before the use of asbestos was banned. Subsequently, a spray-on asbestos fire retardant was reportedly used in the lower section of the towers. When use of asbestos was banned in 1971, the remaining areas of the towers were fitted with a different insulating material. Despite this, it is said that up to 400 tonnes of asbestos fiber was in the buildings when they collapsed.

Many first-responders developed immediate health problems such as the “The World Trade Centre Cough” .  One study  even revealed that over  85% of those who initially responded to the tragedy were suffering from some sort of respiratory illness.  Studies have shown that over 110,000 (est) people have potentially been exposed to the deadly substance. 

These same reports show that in an effort to quickly clean up debris,  proper precautions were not taken to protect workers from harm nor were standard and necessary asbestos abatement procedures followed.  

Asbestos related deaths are expected to increase drastically, not just in NY, but throughout the world as well due to it being commonly used in the past for building and construction material. As the popularity of DIY home renovation tv-series’ increase, do do the amount of people who practice it which has subsequently raised the risk of  mesothelioma and other asbestos related disease.

More info on Asbestos Training

Source: http://www.mesotheliomasos.com/

OHS / WHS Newsletter – April 2013 – Asbestos Removal

Asbestos is a generic name that is given to a group of fibrous silicate materials that occur naturally in the environment.

What’s New in the WHS Act?

Does the new legislation have just a bit of new jargon for me to learn or are there real and significant changes? How might things have changed for my business under the new legislation and am I more or less liable than I was under the old. In fact, who is really responsible for my health and the health and safety and everyone else at work.

For a lot of people the shock is that most people are now ‘workers’. No more soft touches like ‘employee’,  ‘staff’ under this legislation. Of course, in actuality people at work still fall under these definitions, these terms still exist in language and we may use them in our own organisations. At work we are workers unless we qualify as an ‘officer’ as defined the Commonwealth Corporations Act 2001 (which by the way is 800 pages – long the biggest in the world – by comparison, Sweden’s is only 200 pages). So who is an ‘officer’, well, anyone who may influence the governance of an organisation. So, hands on the purse strings or making decisions about how and where the organisations resources may be spent, you are it! And you must demonstrate positive due diligence. Really, it makes sense. Why should the vital role of health and safety of everyone in a workplace be treated differently to, say, the management of financial risks. It assists in linking health and safety to productivity. It is not an add on but an integral part of good governance. Most particularly in the business is operating in a more hostile environment. For example, construction and mining.

The WHS Act (S27) clearly defines what officers are expected to do in order to exercise due diligence. So, if I tick the boxes and am an officer, under the new legislation, I must take reasonable steps to:

1. acquire and keep up-to-date knowledge of work health and safety matters;
2. gain an understanding of the nature of the operations of the business or undertaking and of the hazards and risks associated with those operations;
3. ensure that the person conducting the business or undertaking has available for use, and uses, appropriate resources and processes to eliminate or minimise risks to health and safety from work carried out as part of the conduct of the business or undertaking;
4. ensure that the person conducting the business or undertaking has appropriate processes for receiving and considering information regarding incidents, hazards and risks and responding in a timely way to that information;
5. ensure that the person conducting the business or undertaking has, and implements, processes for complying with any duty or obligation of the person conducting the business or undertaking under this Act; and
6. verify the provision and use of these resources and processes.

And here is the punch line. IGNORANCE IS NO DEFENCE. You cannot say ‘I didn’t know the gun was loaded’. Read the points 1-6 above again. You may allocate the work to another (a worker!) but not the responsibility. And you must VERIFY VERIFY….

This does not let workers off the hook. Under the legislation worker must take reasonable care of themselves and others in a workplace. Noticing hazards and risks and reporting them up the line is essential if officers are to have the knowledge and information they require to adequately allocate resources to the management of health and safety.

OHS:Subcontractors To Be Hit by Compensation Scheme Changes

Subcontractors are among those expected to lose access to the state’s workers’ compensation scheme under changes due to be introduced into Parliament this week.

Attorney-General Jarrod Bleijie said the Government was moving to change the definition of a worker under the Workers’ Compensation and Rehabilitation Act.

“We’ve come up with a plan to do what they did at the federal level and have the definition of worker the same as the Australian Tax Office and PAYG definition,” Mr Bleijie said.

The move, which would repeal changes made by the Beattie government in 1999, comes less than four weeks before a parliamentary committee is due to report back with the findings of its review of the WorkCover scheme.

Unions are expected to object to the change, which will largely affect the construction and transport sectors.

But Mr Bleijie said he believed no worker would be worse off.

He said the change had been requested by the WorkCover board following a litany of complaints from businesses that had been audited and fined because they found the current definition confusing.

In one instance, Mr Bleijie said a business was left with a $600,000 bill following an audit, even though its employees were independent contractors.

“These poor guys never anticipated this because they never thought they were actually in the WorkCover scheme,” he said. “It is a genuine issue that’s impacting a lot of businesses.

“My view is if a tradie comes in with their own ute, all their own tools, their trailer … and they’ve got their own work insurance so they should be an independent contractor and not fall under the definition.

“But if you look at the technical nature of it, they do fall under the worker definition … which is hitting business hard in Queensland.”

He defended the move to introduce changes to the scheme before the parliamentary committee’s review of WorkCover had been finalised.

About 17 submissions to the review raised the definition as an issue needing investigation with the committee hearing arguments for and against such changes during public hearings.

Some raised fears employers could exploit the change by forcing workers to become independent contractors so they did not have to pay WorkCover premiums while other submitters said the change would benefit workers and business.

“We are going to amend that before the review is finished because we want to give some immediate certainty to business and to WorkCover and to workers that they are either in the WorkCover or they are not in the WorkCover scheme.”

If passed, the change will be in place by July 1.

“You are either a worker or you’re an independent contractor. Absolutely no one will be worse off,” Mr Bleijie said.

“The benefit will flow to both parties because people will be less confused and you may avoid a situation where a worker believes they are under WorkCover but the employer thinks they are an independent contractor.”

More info on Occupational Health and Safety

 Source: http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/subcontractors-likely-to-be-hit-hard-by-changes-to-workers-compensation-scheme/story-e6freoof-1226631860536

Construction Safety: Union Delivers List of Demands Follow Worker Death

THE CFMEU has delivered a list of demands to the employers of a Canadian backpacker killed in an accident on a Sydney construction site earlier this month. Mathieu Lopez-Linares, 22, suffered fatal head and chest injuries when he was hit by metal beams during the demolition of a building in Camperdown, in inner Sydney, on April 13.

The Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union said Lopez-Linares was on a temporary working visa and was not paid any superannuation during the two weeks he worked at the site. It is demanding employers pay $225,000 to the Lopez-Linares family, an amount representative of the death benefit that would have been payable to his family had the company been paying his superannuation.

CFMEU NSW secretary Brian Parker said yesterday the union had raised concerns over safety at the Australia Street site two weeks before the accident. Mr Parker alleged that foreign workers on Ceerose sites were underpaid and did not receive full entitlements. The union is also demanding the alleged underpayments be paid.

A temporary truce has been reached between the union and Ceerose representatives, agreeing to further meetings this week. Unions have threatened further disruptions if the matter is not settled by Monday. A Ceerose spokesperson said the company was co-operating with the WorkCover investigation into the death.

The spokesperson said Ceerose was not the man’s direct employer and invoices for wages were provided to them by the parent company of One Stop Work Force, the labour hire company that employed Lopez-Linares. One Stop Work Force would not comment on the matter yesterday, citing the ongoing investigation. The union said the company was not present in yesterday’s negotiations. Police will prepare a report for the coroner.

More info on Construction Safety

Source: http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/industrial-relations/cfmeu-seeks-super-for-dead-worker/story-fn59noo3-1226631857583

Unions to Submit Asbestos Report on Telstra Site

Workplace safety watchdog Comcare verified reports that it is looking into various issues at the Telstra pits.

Federal Communications Minister, Stephen Conroy, and companies heading the $37.4 billion National Broadband Network (NBN) out of Tasmania  are poised to receive  a report on asbestos issues related to the construction project .

Communications, Electrical and Plumbing Union (CEPU) official David Mier recalled that approximately 85 per-cent of contractors working in asbestos ridden pits, lacked the necessary safety training.

Mier stated the lack of training by NBN co-contractor Visionstream, have left the pits exposed and liable to endanger lives.

Network builder NBN Co claims to be awaiting further details from the union as to whether or not the asbestos dangers exist on its sites.

Source: http://www.computerworld.com.au/article/461380/union_deliver_nbn_asbestos_report/

OHS:Comcare Fronts Meditation Bill for Former Worker

The federal government workers’ compensation fund has been ordered to pay for philosophy and mindfulness classes for a former Canberra public servant who has not worked for 14 years.

Eleanor Rope was injured in a car crash in 1987 when she was a federal public servant.

She had another fall at work and left on invalidity grounds in 1999.

Mrs Rope has suffered chronic pain and depression and received taxpayer-funded compensation for medical care, including travel to Townsville to receive specialist treatment not available in Canberra.

Last year her doctor recommended mindfulness meditation classes at the Canberra School of Practical Philosophy, but Comcare refused to pay.

The Administrative Appeals Tribunal has now ruled such classes are therapeutic and Mrs Rope is entitled to compensation of $110 per term for the cost of the course.

It also found Comcare should consider paying her travel costs of about $100 for a taxi from her farm outside Canberra to the classes in Barton.

Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-05-10/comcare-pays-for-meditation-for-former-public-servant/4680972?section=act

Are you a bullying bystander?

Is bullying a bit like background noise in your organisation?

Bullying can be like something you notice in the work place and just get used to and accept as part of the work environment. That is, of course, unless it is happening to you. For others it may be a bit like loud noise, some airborne pollutants – a bit irritating but not causing any immediate problem. Much less an immediate illness or injury, which is the way most health and safety risks present themselves to workers and management.  Like noise causing deafness many years on, bullying can have long term and delayed effects. It may of course also have immediate effects.

In Australia there may be between 2.5 million and 5 million people experiencing some aspects of bullying at work. This is the estimate made by The Beyond Bullying Association.

What is it?

Workplace bullying[1] can be any negative behaviour that demonstrates a lack of regard for other workers. The Human Rights Commission defines workplace bullying as verbal, physical, social or psychological abuse by an employer (or manager), another person or a group of people at work. It can happen in any type of workplace, from offices to shops, cafes, restaurants, workshops, community groups and government organisations. It can happen to volunteers, work experience students, interns, apprentices, casual and permanent employees.

Responsibility of employers

People conducting a business or undertaking (employers) have a legal responsibility under health and safety and anti-discrimination law to provide a safe workplace. Employers have a duty of care for the health and wellbeing of workers and others in the workplace at work. An employer that allows bullying to occur in the workplace is not meeting this responsibility.

Let’s take the scenario – I know it happening but……..  [2].

Then you are a bystander. A bystander is someone who sees or knows about bullying or other forms of violence that is happening to someone else. Bystanders can be either part of the bullying problem or an important part of the solution to stop bullying.

Bystanders can act in different ways when they see or know about bullying. Some bystanders take the side of the bully by laughing at the victim, encouraging the bully or by passing on text messages or messages on social media sites like Facebook and YouTube. Some bystanders will give silent approval or encourage the bully by looking on. Some bystanders may watch or know about the bullying but don’t do anything. They may not know what to do or are scared. This group of bystanders knows that bullying is not OK.

Some bystanders will be supportive and take safe action to stop the bully, find help or support the victim

Supportive bystanders

Just as we have human rights we also have responsibilities to respect and protect the rights of others. A supportive bystander will take action to protect the rights of others. A supportive bystander will use words and/or actions that can help someone who is being bullied. If bystanders are confident to take safe and effective action to support victims then there is a greater possibility that bullying can stop and the person who is bullied can recover.

People respect those that stand up for others who are bullied but being a supportive bystander can be tough. Sometimes it is not easy to work out how to help safely because bullying happens in different ways and places such as online, at work or school. There is no one size fits all approach to being a supportive bystander. For supportive bystanders to take safe and effective action here are some suggestions:

• Make it clear to your friends that you won’t be involved in bullying behaviour
• Never stand by and watch or encourage bullying behaviour
• Do not harass, tease or spread gossip about others, this includes on social networking sites like Facebook
• Never forward on or respond to messages or photos that may be offensive or upsetting
• Support the person who is being bullied to ask for help e.g. go with them to a place they can get help or provide them with information about where to go for help
• Report it to someone in authority or someone you trust e.g. at school to a teacher, or a school counsellor; at work to a manager; if the bullying is serious, report it to the police; if the bullying occurs on Facebook, report it to Facebook.

What sort of bystander are you?

Some additional resources you may appreciate

Supportive Bystander Fact Sheet

The Commonwealth Fairwork Ombudsman can provide information and advice about Australia’s workplace rights and rules and protection against harassment and discrimination. Call 131394

If you are looking for help and advice because you are experiencing workplace bullying you may go to:

WorkSafe ACT  or call 02 6207 3000

WorkCover NSW  or call 13 10 50

NT WorkSafe   or call 1800 019 115

SafeWork SA or call 1300 365 255

Workplace Victoria

Workplace Health and Safety Queensland or call the young workers advisory service 1800 232 000 and the Workplace Bullying hotline 1800 177 717

WorkSafe WA or call 1300 655266

Unions Australia or call the Workers helpline 1300 486 466

OHS: Falling Gate Kills Worker

A 32-year-old man was killed when a steel gate pinned him between it and a vehicle. The industrial accident occured at Bayswater North  earlier last week.

A Victoria Police spokeswoman said the incident occurred just after 7pm at an automotive engineering factory in Clipsal Drive.

It is believed three men were working on a large steel gate at the factory when the heavy object suddenly fell from its track.

The gate then landed on one of the men and pinned him between the gate and a vehicle.

Emergency personnel were unable to revive the 32-year-old Croydon man.

Police said the two other men, believed to be a 55-year-old from Ringwood East and a 44-year-old from Donvale, were not injured.

WorkSafe Victoria also attended the site and will prepare a report for the coroner in conjunction with police.

More info on Occupational Health and Safety

Source: http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/man-crushed-killed-by-falling-gate-20130509-2j8sm.html#ixzz2T3n3JEkG

NBN Roll Out Work Stopped Amid Asbestos Concerns

Calls for a work stoppage on Tasmania’s NBN roll-0ut  have emerged amid asbestos exposure concerns.

The Electrical Trades Union’s David Mier reported having visited approximately 13 sites around Hobart, with some next to asbestos pits.

He alleged that only a small number of subcontractors at the sites had received mandatory asbestos training.

“Not only are they exposing themselves to the potential of asbestos fibres, but the general public as well,” he said.

“Clearly I’d be suggesting the work should cease until they’ve been adequately trained.”

Mier is concerned over reports that uninformed workers are digging up asbestos-lined telephone pits.

“Potentially it can put lives at risk, the workforce and the general public,” he said.

“I’ll be writing a chronology of events and a precis of what we’ve seen here and we’ll be submitting that to Conroy and NBN Co and we’ll be asking questions: why aren’t their obligations being fulfilled?”

The agency responsible for the safety of workers installing the NBN admits there are issues surrounding asbestos.

Comcare has stated intentions of  intervening on specific sites.

It says it is working with NBN Co to improve current systems, including around asbestos awareness training.

NBN Co released a statement saying it is investigating the claims.

Its contractor Visionstream says its workers have all received training in asbestos awareness and handling.

Federal Communications Minister Stephen Conroy has been contacted for comment.

Source: http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/breaking-news/nbn-rollout-hits-asbestos-snag/story-fn3dxiwe-1226637791432

OHS:Rural Death Causes Plea For Safety

The WorkSafe commissioner says the agriculture industry must undergo a cultural change to prevent any more fatal accidents.

A 65-year-old man was killed on Tuesday at a potato farm near Pemberton while trying to stop a truck that was rolling down a hill.

It is the sixth death in the sector this financial year.

Lex McCulloch says while the industry only accounts for 3 per cent of the workforce Australia-wide, it accounts for 35 per cent of workplace deaths.

“We’re moving to a very busy time of the year, it’s really important that they assess the risks of the work they’re doing, they put in place strategies to minimise and mitigate those risks and that they use … [equipment] consistent with the manufacturer’s instructions,” he said.

“They do work in quite a dangerous industry, they work long hours but they also need to be really clear about the … [equipment] and the safety requirements … and if they do that and follow the manufacturer’s instructions there’s a good chance that nothing untoward will happen.”

More info on Occupational Health and Safety

Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-05-09/potato-farm-death-sparks-plea-for-rural-jobs-safety/4679478?&section=news

OHS:Plasterer Suffers Back Injury

A plasterer suffered a back injury at a construction

A 34-year-old plasterer has been lowered from an O’Malley construction site with a hydraulic lift after suffering a back injury this morning.

The man has received pain relief and was talking to paramedics before he was taken by ambulance to Canberra Hospital.

An ACT Fire & Rescue Skylift hydraulic platform  was used to lift the man from the second storey of the private residence on Wallangara Street, as he was unable to use the scaffolding.

Work Safety Commissioner Mark McCabe said inspectors had been on site, but there was no concern over working conditions.

Read more: http://www.canberratimes.com.au/act-news/plasterer-injured-in-workplace-incident-20130507-2j4ed.html#ixzz2Sel3EA9T

“It appears the man has bent over to pick something up and his back has knocked up,” he said.

“We don’t believe there’s any worksafe issues.”

ACT Ambulance Service duty officer of operations Steve Mitchell said he was alerted to the incident about 8.45am, and wasn’t aware of the exact details.

“He hasn’t fallen from a height or anything – he said [he was doing] some sort of lifting,” he said.

“This doesn’t appear to be an accident, more an incident.”

Complete Fixset Plastering owner Ron Rawson, the man’s employer, said he understood the worker had been moving a stool at the time of the injury.

Mr Rawson said his company had been on the site for a week.
Read more: http://www.canberratimes.com.au/act-news/plasterer-injured-in-workplace-incident-20130507-2j4ed.html#ixzz2Sel0ibZm

National Swimming Team Commences Training Alongside Asbestos Removal At Centre

Asbestos removal has commenced at the Australian Institute of Sport Aquatic Centre even though the country’s elite swimmer’s continue to use the centre. Renovations on the almost thirty-year old building have been ongoing for approximately a month and are expected to continue until the end of the month.

The national swimming team has been centre since Sunday for orientation camp, forcing them to walk past the construction site on the way to training. Tests are conducted on a daily basis to ensure that the particles are not air-borne around the worksite, and barriers and signs are in place to warn passersby of the potential dangers.

Comcare gave the ‘go ahead’ on the asbestos removal after examining the project.  The asbestos will be removed from outside the building and replaced with compressed fibro.

A spokesman for the ASC described the asbestos as ”low-risk” and said all the required steps had been followed to ensure its safe removal.

Those include:

■ An ACT-certified asbestos remover being retained to advise on and remove the bonded asbestos sheeting from the site.

■ Comcare approving the project approach and removal of asbestos.

■ An independent organisation conducting daily tests throughout the removal period to verify that no particulate asbestos are found in the air around the worksite.

■ The ASC occupational health and safety adviser being informed and agreeing to the process proposed and remaining on call should any OH&S issues arise.

”An exclusion zone has been set up around the work area to cordon off access from the public and staff since the start of the work,” the spokesman said. ”Arrangements have been put in place to ensure that the removal process complied with applicable work, health and safety laws.”

The AIS pool will be closed to the public from May 19 to June 7 for maintenance work.

More info on Asbestos Training

Source: http://www.canberratimes.com.au/act-news/asbestos-removed-as-athletes-swim-on-20130508-2j8ho.html#ixzz2T1ZcVyNf

Construction Safety: Workers Return To Work Site

Construction workers will recommence work at one of two work sites at Canberra Hospital, following safety disputes.

Numerous workers walked off the job amid concerns about a significant lack of safety representatives on-site.

The construction union, CFMEU, says workers were concerned about a lack of properly elected on-site safety representatives.

CFMEU ACT branch secretary Dean Hall says work has recommenced at the old maternity building site, and more talks are planned between the union and the Leightons company on Wednesday.

But Mr Hall says the issues with GE Shaw at the emergency department site are more complex.

“GE Shaw has raised concerns with us about the [ACT] Government procurement process and the fact that they believe that they have been forced into a situation that they have to engage sham contractors on the site because the actual contract doesn’t allow them to engage direct labour to perform construction,” he said.

“We want them to come with us to the Government to explain to them how they have been forced into this situation where they’ve had to use sham contractors.

“If they persist with using sham contractors then we were going to go out and take further industrial action because we’re not allowing workers to be ripped off in the workplace on the entitlements.”

Mr Hall says the union recommended the workers return to work on a temporary basis until further safety talks and discussions about the use of sham contracting can take place.

“The issue is under all employment law and workers compensation law and superannuation and the long service leave act, when you only supply your labour then you can only be an employee you can’t be a propriety limited company,” he said.

“That’s what’s commonly known as sham contracting.

“Employers engage workers that way to avoid paying them things like superannuation, long service leave, holiday pay and on the side of the worker the appropriate tax rates as well.

“It’s basically a sham or a contract to avoid paying a worker their lawful entitlements.”

Mr Hall says the GE Shaw emergency department site also had major fall protection issues including missing handrails and scaffolding.

More info on Construction Safety

Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-05-07/workers-return-to-hospital-building-site/4674974?section=act

Electrical Safety:Fuller Had Two Close Calls Prior To his Insulation Death

Two life threatening incidents occurred prior to the electrocution of Matthew Fuller, who was killed while installing insulation.

It was revealed in Brisbane’s Magistate’s court that Mr Fuller had received little safety training in his two weeks of starting work with QHI Installations,when one of the life threatening incidents occurred.

A second incident happened to a fellow worker, but in both cases the safety switch avoided further tragedy and little was followed up on.

Workplace Health and Safety principal inspector of investigations Doug Innes said Mr Fuller, along with workmate and girlfriend Monique Pridmore, lacked the necessary experience for their new job and supervision was necessary.

“Given the level of the extreme risk…and no experience, then the measures that should have been in place should have been at the highest level,” he said.

The inquiry was told Mr Fuller received little safety training and had only worked two weeks of the necessary two years of experience needed to perform the installation work.

Mr Innes was speaking at an inquest into the electrocution deaths of Mr Fuller, 16-year-old Rueben Barnes in 2009 and Mitchell Sweeney, 22, who died in 2010.

Mr Fuller and Mr Sweeney had been laying foil insulation using metal staplers and Mr Barnes had been installing fibreglass batts in a “live” ceiling cavity.

Department of Justice principal electrical safety officer Gerard Poynting said every house’s electrical wiring was different and it was often difficult to determine if the power had been completely shut off.

He told the inquiry the federal government initiative was known more commonly as the “pink bat scheme” and could have added to installation confusion.

“I don’t think a lot of people realised aluminum was used,” he said.

The inquiry continues.

More info on Electrical Safety

Source: http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/matthew-fuller-had-life-threatening-near-miss-in-week-before-death-from-electrocution-while-working-on-insulation-scheme/story-e6freoof-1226636752418

Safety Issues At Hospital Denied

Safety concerns at St John of God are “completely untrue”, the oncology nurse manager has argued, despite a senior nurse admitting he almost administered the wrong chemotherapy treatment.

On the second day of a Fair Work hearing into the dismissal of oncology nurse Guy Mitchell, day stay nursing unit manager Anita Edwards painted a picture of an employee who “wouldn’t even say good morning”, was unhappy when he wasn’t in charge and was not a team player.

Ms Edwards told the hearing she believed Mr Mitchell understood he was not to treat a patient who was a friend of his, an order he went against, leading to his termination.

Under cross examination from Mr Mitchell, she said staff were not counselled about bullying inherited from the previous ward staff nor were there numerous safety concerns.

She said she did not speak to Mr Mitchell about “frequent” crossing of patient boundaries by other staff who did not receive warnings and said a complaint from the same patient about another nurse was “poles apart” from his behaviour.

Ms Edwards said she was unaware of his concern about not double checking chemotherapy to the patient was driven partly because he was one of the nurses who had almost given a patient the wrong treatment.

Asbestos Death Toll To Rise

Between 30 and 40 thousand Australians are expected to die from asbestos-related diseases in the next two decades, a Senate inquiry has heard.

The Inquiry into the Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency Bill included evidence from Hobart with a vast range of groups who have experienced the deadly building material. 

According to David Clement from Asbestoswise, the age of mesothelioma patients is dropping — meaning patients are becoming younger. Clement has attributed this to the growing number of young people who are carrying out home renovations.

Despite widespread ignorance among DIY renovators about the risks, most efforts to increase asbestos awareness for DIY home renovations have all but failed.

“The story we have with home renovations shows is that we have been banging on their doors for years trying to get on,” Mr Clement said.

Simon Crocker, from Asbestos Free Tasmania, said about 12 people a year in the state died from asbestos-related disease.

“We have a poison in our community that’s killing people and it’s going to keep on killing people until we do something,” Mr Crocker said.

He said it should be a legal requirement that sellers disclose whether homes contain asbestos.

“We believe that if somebody knows they have asbestos in the house then they should disclose that at the point of sale,” he said.

More info on Asbestos Training

Source: http://www.themercury.com.au/article/2013/04/24/377653_tasmania-news.html

Human Resources: FWC Struggles With Surge in Bullying Claims

The Fair Work Commission (FWC) will struggle to  deal with a sudden overflow of bullying claims once the federal government delegates control of bullying complaints to the workplace tribunal. The warning comes from the employment legal centre JobWatch which claims the tribunal could be required to handle more than 10,000 bullying complaints a year.

A Senate committee is considering the bullying proposals as part of proposed changes by Workplace Relations Minister Bill Shorten to the Fair Work Act. Under the changes the commission would be required to list any application for consideration within 14 days. It will be able to make orders to deal with the complaint as well as refer matters to the relevant state regulator. Failure to comply with an order of the commission would attract a maximum penalty of up to $33,000.

In a submission to the committee, JobWatch welcomed the 14-day time limit but questioned the commission’s capacity to “deal with what will undoubtedly be a massive influx of stop bullying applications”. In the 12 months to July 2011, WorkSafe Victoria received more than 6000 complaints about workplace bullying. “If this figure is extrapolated across all Australian states and territories, even by a conservative estimate, the FWC is going to receive hundreds, if not thousands, of stop bullying applications per year, possibly even more than 10,000,” it says.

More info on Human Resources

Source: http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/industrial-relations/fwc-faces-massive-influx-of-bully-claims/story-fn59noo3-1226629608512

Fatigue Management:12-Hour Shifts Killing Workers

Recent research has revealed that workers suffer a multitude of problems that are associated with working 12-hour shifts and rotating shifts. Some of these problems can include a disturbed body-clock, shortened and distorted sleep, and a disturbed family and social life.

These issues resulted in acute effects on fatigue, mood and performance when adequate coping strategies are absent. Often times, these issues can progress into chronic effects on the mental and physical well being of a person, as well as a risk of cardiovascular gastrointestinal problems.

Furthermore, the results have revealed the obvious, which is that a lack of sleep or heightened fatigue can increase safety risks.

The research was founded by Professor David Peetz and Associate Professor Georgina Murray of  the Griffith University Centre for Work, Organisation and Wellbeing, based on a survey carried out between August and December 2011.

The survey examined the effects of shift rosters and working hours in the mining industry. Respondents included 2566 Construction Forestry Mining Energy Union members and 1915 partners of miners.

A large percentage of respondents referred to sleeping difficulties, use of anti-depressants, and fatigue. Partners found that their spouses were too tired to function properly within the family.

There are growing numbers of studies being conducted into shift rosters as the 24-hour operation of mines and other operations become more prevalent. To many Australians, it is a 24-hour working world.

More info on Occupational Health and Safety

Source: http://www.greenleft.org.au/node/53879

Site of Killed Man Had Safety Issues

NSW Man Critical Condition After Forklift Traps Him in Freezer

A NSW man is in a critical condition in hospital after being trapped by a forklift inside a commercial freezer thought to be set at minus 19 degrees Celsius.

The man was trapped in the freezer at a business in Matraville, in Sydney’s east, for at least half an hour on Saturday.

He was operating a forklift alone at the time of the accident.

It is thought the machine tipped over against a set of shelves, trapping the man.

He was found by colleagues, who called police rescue and paramedics to the scene around 3.00pm AEST.

The man was freed and taken to St George Hospital in a critical condition.

Police say WorkCover has been informed, and an investigation will take now place.

More info on Occupational Health and Safety

Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-04-27/forklift-traps-man-inside-commercial-freezer/4655408

OHS: Unions Raise Concerns Over WorkCover Closures

Unions have raised concerns that the imminent closing of WorkCover’s regional offices in Queensland, is in fact an attempt to hinder workers’ compensation claims.

The Toowoomba branch will join nine others when they are shut down throughout the next month.

The closed branches are set to be replaced by four outlets in Brisbane, which means claims outside of the state’s capital will have to be made by phone.

Electrical Trades Union Toowoomba spokesman Chris McGaw stated that the move was simply a part of the LNP’s “slash and burn” public service policy.

McGaw stated that the concerns are not simply about jobs and offices but rather, the impact the closures would have on people’s access to the services.

“The hoops they have to jump through to get workers’ compensation is hard enough already.

“The last thing an injured worker needs is more hassles – especially for people who live from pay to pay.

“That office has been operating here for as long as I’ve been in the workforce – more than 40 years.”

Mr McGaw said the forthcoming May 5 Labour Day march in Toowoomba would be the “biggest since WorkChoices”.

More info on Occupational Health and Safety

Source: http://www.thechronicle.com.au/news/unions-react-workcover-office-closures/1840918/

OHS:Perth Company Fined for Grinder Death

Welshpool-based Diamond Powder Coaters this week pleaded guilty in Perth Magistrates Court to failing to provide a safe workplace and causing the death of the worker as a result of that failure.

The incident occurred in November 2010, when the worker used an angle grinder to cut into a metal drum that had previously contained methylated spirits.

A spark from the angle grinder ignited the residue or fumes in the drum, causing an explosion so large it blew part of the drum 20 metres over a fence into a neighbouring property, and inflicted fatal head injuries to the worker.

WorkSafe WA Commissioner Lex McCulloch said serious incidents involving the cutting of drums was something he heard about far too often.

“Angle grinders, oxy torches or any other heat-producing equipment should not be used to cut metal drums that have contained flammable or combustible liquids or gases, or when there is any doubt about the previous contents of the drum,” Mr McCulloch said.

“The rule of thumb is that if you don’t know what has been in the drum or tank, assume it has contained an explosive substance and have it recycled by a specialist cleaning company.

“This is neither an expensive nor inconvenient process, and it could well save someone’s life.”

Earlier this week, a Bunbury man was seriously injured when a fuel tank he was cutting with an oxy torch exploded.

A worker in Welshpool died last year doing the same thing.

More info on Occupational Health and Safety

Source: http://www.perthnow.com.au/news/western-australia/business-fined-over-angle-grinder-death/story-fnhocxo3-1226624683812

Workplace Fatigue Guidelines Released

A new guide to managing risk factors arising from fatigue in the PS workplace and others has been prepared and released by Safe Work Australia for review and comment.

The draft Managing the risk of fatigue at work publication provides practical guidance for managing fatigue and ensuring it does not contribute to health and safety risks in the workplace.The consultation process in the Commonwealth arena is being managed by Comcare. The draft guide was developed as part of a process to harmonise work health and safety laws and provide a consistent approach across Australia.

It says the information in it can be applied generally to all types of work and all workplaces covered by the Work Health and Safety Act 2011.    “It is not designed to provide information on how to manage fatigue in specific industries and does not replace requirement related to fatigue under other laws,” the guide says, “for example heavy vehicle driver fatigue laws or rail safety requirements under the Rail Safety National Law.  “The steps that need to be taken to manage the risk of fatigue will vary from one workplace to the next, depending on the nature of the work, environmental conditions and individual factors.“The first step in the risk management process is to identify all reasonably foreseeable factors that could contribute to the risk of fatigue.” 

It said there may not be obvious signs of fatigue at the workplace but that did not mean it was not occurring or factors that increased the risk of fatigue were not present.

More info on Fatigue Management Training

Source:http://www.psnews.com.au/Page_psn3561.html

Working At Heights: Workers on Shaky Ground

Recently two workers risked falling while working at heights  and were caught on camera by a passerby.

The pair were seen using a ladder, awkwardly supported on two table tops  on a sidewalk, to hang a sign outside of a O’Connell St establishment.

SafeWork SA’s guidelines for safe ladder use call for ensuring the ladder is placed on a firm footing and that a barricade or warning signs are displayed for other people within close proximity of the work area.

“Ladders are generally considered high-risk plant and should only be used if there is no other reasonably practicable alternative, such as scaffolding or an elevating work platform,” the guidelines recommend.

The business could not be contacted for comment.

More info on Working At Heights Training

Source: http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/south-australia/worker-in-north-adelaide-snapped-in-dangerous-balancing-act/story-e6frea83-1226614281682

Working At Heights: :Ladder Safety A Top Priority

Working At Heights: Workplace Injuries Hurting Canberra

Serious falls in the ACT over the past year:

■ In July 2012 a painter fell 3.5 metres from scaffolding at a house site in O’Connor, resulting in broken bones.

■ In August 2102 a worker fell through a collapsed house roof in Bonner.

■ In September 2012 a formworker fell 2.4 metres at a house site in Harrison, sustaining head and vertebrae injuries.

■ In September 2012 a worker at the Cotter Dam who was working on the dam’s abutment face fell 3.4 metres.

■ In September 2012 a worker fell 4 to 5 metres from a ladder when he received an electric shock while working on a roller door in Phillip.

■ In October 2012 a worker was lucky to sustain only minor bruising and grazes when he fell 4.5 metres from a ladder in Mitchell.

■ In October 2012 Jason Bush sustained significant injuries when he fell 5 metres into a lift shaft when working at the Nishi site.

■ In February 2013 a worker suffered a broken hand, elbow and shoulder when he fell 3 metres from a ladder in Gungahlin.

■ In February 2013 a fire systems worker fell through a roof space in Red Hill when a truss gave way.

■ In March 2013 a worker sustained broken ribs when he fell through a fan duct penetration in a roof at Chapman.

More info on Working at Heights Training

Source: http://www.canberratimes.com.au/act-news/injuries-take-heavy-toll-on-canberra-workers-20130407-2hf8x.html#ixzz2QH625XV9

Local Residents Concerned About Asbestos Dump Site

Torquay residents are concerned about an apparent asbestos dump west of the township near Spring Creek.

It is believed the asbestos is in soil used as fill and brought in from elsewhere.

Resident Kim Hammond said she noticed men wearing white suits working in the valley opposite her house a few months ago in an area earmarked for subdivision.

She said she had spoken to the Environment Protection Authority, which said it was a Worksafe responsibility. She had also spoken to Surf Coast Shire.

Ms Hammond said Worksafe had advised her the asbestos was being removed in the proper manner.

“The EPA, Worksafe and the shire have all wiped their hands of it pretty much, and they are saying the responsibility is with the developer, Ironbridge Property Developments,” she said.

OHS / WHS Newsletter – March 2013 – Duty of Care – the Top-Down approach

For all jurisdictions that have adopted the Model WHS Act, Section 19 details the “Primary duty of Care”.

The principal duty holder is a ‘person conducting a business or undertaking’ (PCBU). The PCBU has an absolute duty to take all reasonably practicable steps to ensure the health and safety of workers and other persons impacted by the business or undertaking.

The duties imposed on a PCBU are probably the most significant conceptual change from previous OHS Acts. The change is aimed at ensuring that the WHS Act coverage extends beyond the traditional employer/employee relationship to include new and evolving work arrangements and risks.

The significant reform requires the officers of a PCBU to show leadership with regard to health & safety in order to influence health & safety outcomes and the safety performance of the organisation. Health and safety commitment and leadership from the top levels of the business or undertaking is critical to health and safety outcomes.

The PCBU needs to provide a work environment that is without risk, the provision of appropriate safety resources, provision of safe systems of work, ensuring safe use, handling and storage of plant, structures and substances, provision of adequate facilities for the welfare of workers, provision of information, training, instruction and supervision, and monitoring to ensure prevention of injury and illness.

Officers, including company directors have high level obligations for work health and safety. Officers have a duty to exercise due diligence to make sure that their business or undertaking fulfils its health and safety obligations under the Act. (Section 27- WHS Act). This is a positive duty in that it is allocated to the officer in his or her own right.

A PCBU can show its commitment to actively managing WHS through comprehensive policies and procedures that link directly to the corporate objectives and values whilst complying with legislative requirements.

Policies and procedures should outline WHS responsibilities, the PCBU’s commitment to WHS improvement and include provisions for consultation, cooperation and communication on WHS matters between the PCBU, workers and/ or HSRs.

Managers have a key role in ensuring staff understand policies and procedures and enforcing the standards they set, consistently and fairly. The most important responsibility of managers, and their most valuable contribution to ensuring that the standards set out by policies and procedures are implemented, is to lead by example.

One such policy that links the corporate objectives and values is a ‘Code of Conduct’.

The intent of a Code of Conduct is to provide a framework consistent with the PCBU’s vision, mission and principles to promote ethical day-to-day conduct and decision making. A Code of Conduct cannot cover every possible situation that can arise in a workplace, however it provides general guide.

A Code of Conduct assists with building a positive workplace culture based on the organisation’s core values of collaboration, openness, respect and empowerment. The code is a set of principles that a PCBU defines as necessary for maintaining a safe and ethical work environment.

A Code of Conduct will generally include:

• Introductory message from the PCBU outlining the core values
• Purpose – why do we have a Code
• Scope – Who the Code applies to
• Responsibilities under the Code
• What happens if there is a breach of the Code
• What to do if you are concerned about a breach of the Code
• Protection for people who raise concerns about a breach of the Code

The code would provide details requiring staff to adhere to standards such as:

• Promote a positive work environment
• Work Health and Safety
• Demonstrate honesty and integrity
• Personal and Professional conduct – acting professionally and ethically
• Use official resources lawfully, efficiently and only as authorised
• Maintain the security of confidential and/or sensitive information
• Equal Opportunity
• Acceptance of gifts and benefits
• Conflict of Interest
• Maintain professional relationships with colleagues and clients

Senior management (officers) must model the behaviours of the Code of Conduct if they are to hold the rest of the organisation accountable.

Where a Code of Conduct is in place, there can be no doubts about the standards of ethical and professional conduct that is required of everyone within the PCBU.

Generally the PCBU will require workers to sign a declaration acknowledging they have read and understood the standards of responsibility and ethical conduct outlined in the Code of Conduct.

Company and Two Employees Fined For Providing False Info on Asbestos

Land and Environment Court of NSW recently convicted Aargus Pty Ltd and two of its employees for failing to reveal the existence of asbestos in a pile of soil that was classified as waste.

Aargus, and  its employees; Kariotoglou and Kelly, all pleaded guilty to charges of breaching section 144AA of the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 (NSW) (POEO Act), by providing deceptive and misleading information regarding waste that contained the deadly substance, asbestos.

Justice Craig convicted all responsible parties, and fined the company $30,000. Kariotoglou  ( the project manager) was fined $9000, and Kelly (environmental manager) was fined $3000.

by supplying false or misleading information regarding waste – in this case, waste containing asbestos.  As a result, the judgment of Justice Craig was limited to determining the appropriate sentence.

Aargus was ordered to pay 50% of the EPA’s legal costs, while Kariotoglou and Kelly were ordered to pay 30% and 20% respectively.

A clean up notice was issued, and the site awaits a costly fix.

More info on Asbestos Training

Source:  http://www.nortonrose.com/au/knowledge/publications/78452/employees-beware-both-company-and-two-employees-fined-for-supplying-false-information-about-waste-containing-asbestos

Years of Harmful Exposure To Chemicals Leads to Lifelong Skin Problem

Nearly everything in her home can result in  Leslie Dyson’s hands, arms and legs breaking out painful rashes and lumps.

The mother of four, now suffers from allergic dermatitis  (and probably will for the rest of her life) as a result of her working as a process worker for a Perth company which required her to electroplate metals with chemicals.

When she stopped working a year ago — and when the company agreed to pay her workers’ compensation– skin had been peeling off her eye lids, cheeks, stomach, and anywhere else you could imagine.

She was forced to use a steroid cream every day to attempt to avoid flare-ups of the rashes that often last for months.

 Dyson said she was exposed to a range of chemicals including tantalum chloride, pentanol, ruthenium chloride, hexachloroiridate solution and, to a lesser extent, epoxy, nickel and cobalt. Now, even water can result in a horrible rash. 

Dyson alleges that her employer failed to provide her with the proper protective clothing and only gave her yellow dishwashing gloves.

“It wasn’t until I saw a specialist and showed him what gloves we were using that he found out we should’ve been using rubberised gloves that don’t seep,” she said.

She resented that she had to investigate the safety of the chemicals she was working with, instead of the onus being on her employer.

Slater and Gordon workers’ compensation lawyer Joel Schneider warned many workers were still being exposed to hazardous chemicals.

Mr Schneider said people worried about their exposure to chemicals should contact WorkSafe.

More info on Personal Protective Equipment or PPE

 Source: http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/a/-/wa/16617862/worker-was-exposed-to-chemicals/

AlertForce Raises Almost $5000.00 in Charity Auction

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

AlertForce Raises Almost $5000.00 in Charity Auction

POTTS POINT, NSW- Australia’s Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) and environmental training
company, AlertForce (AF) helped raising money for a charitable organisation by auctioning off certified OHS training courses.

Six AlertForce  training courses  were offered  and ALL subsequent proceeds were donated to The Very Special Kids Foundation.  Successful participants of the auction will have the opportunity to become; certified, safety-conscious individuals while supporting a good cause.  While individuals may typically participate in OHS courses for their safety or the safety of the employee; participants in this auction had the opportunity to help people outside the industry and beyond.

The organisation successfully raises nearly five thousand dollars when they offered the following courses in the auction:

• AlertForce offer the Cert IV in WHS (Online)
• AlertForce offer the Cert IV in WHS (Face-to-Face) 

Successful completion of these courses will enable participants to enroll in the  BSB41412 Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety. The online method of taking the courses will allow individuals to engage the courses according to their own comfortable pace and convenience.  Participants can enroll in this courses for approximately $1400, while the ‘in-person’ option will be available for approximately $1700. The combination of  all six-courses represent a value in-excess of $10,000.

Engaging in these courses will benefit participants in the following ways :

• Making a positive change to your life now with instant access 
• Creating the best job opportunities for you – with the course that is the future of OHS employment 
• Boosting your CV with the bonus online training to the value of $200 
• Choosing what’s best for you: accelerated Face-to-Face training or online (distance) learning 
• When do you want to start your new job? Pace your training to suit your career goals (Face -to-Face courses must be completed within a 12-month period) 
•  Recognising and subsequently– enhancing your exisiting knowledge and skills

Each course should take under an hour depending on the individual user and time spent exploring
additional resources. Participants have 5 days to complete the in-person courses and daily lunch meals will be provided.

Brendan Torazzi, the founder of AlertForce says, “I am ecstatic that were able to raise so much through our participation in this charity auction! I feel like it really shows our company’s commitment to helping others — not only in a professional capacity but  worldwide as well! ”

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

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Asbestos At Park May Be Due To Hut

A member of the public has suggested asbestos found this week at Stromlo Forest Park may be from ruins of a hut that was built almost 60 years ago.

The man, who did not want to be named, said he had been walking the trails on Mount Stromlo for many years and the asbestos could have originated from a now-ruined structure known as Magnetic Hut.

The Australian National University website says the hut, the first paleomagnetic laboratory on campus, was built in 1955 and was a ”long, timber-frame structure clad in weatherboards”. Sections of the hut were removed in the 1970s.

Small pieces of bonded asbestos were found on a cycling track at Stromlo Forest Park. The results of soil and air tests are due by the middle of next week. The track has been closed.

More info on Asbestos Training

Source: http://www.canberratimes.com.au/act-news/claims-asbestos-may-be-linked-to-hut-20130405-2hcsj.html#ixzz2Q1KNU9ce

Unions Raise Asbestos Handling Concerns

The Transport Workers Union (TWU) has raised serious concerns regarding the asbestos handling practices of a South Queensland waste disposal company.

The potentially-deadly substance was reportedly placed in a skip bin at the JJ Richards Darling Downs site last  month. WHS Queensland has reportedly issued prohibition notices and ordered a decontamination of the zone.  However, TWU spokesman Peter Biagini says the health of workers and their families could have been put at risk.

“It’s getting moved around with an excavator and our concern it’s in the air and it’s exposed workers to asbestos and not only that, their families as well,” he said.

“It gets in your clothes, goes home, in the washing machine.”

Mr Biagini says the TWU has raised its concerns with authorities.

“JJ Richards … [has] contracts with many, many councils all over Queensland and our concerns are they could be doing the same thing in many other sites,” he said.

“We’re calling on the State Government and councils – we’ve written to the councils as well – urging them to do an inspection to make sure that they are handling it legally.”

However, JJ Richards has issued a statement saying it adheres to all regulations regarding asbestos.

The company’s branch manager, Tom Richards, says in the statement the company takes the welfare of its staff and the public very seriously.

“The health of our employees and the greater public is paramount and we have strict health and safety measures in place to ensure their ongoing safety,” he said.

“Our workers’ compensation history demonstrates this commitment, with the company operating at well above the industry standard.

“Our health and safety and environmental records demonstrate our commitment to these important health and safety and environmental matters.

“We welcome audits of our sites by relevant authorities at any time and give the community our assurance that should any concerns be identified, we will address them with priority.”

More info on Asbestos Training

Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-04-09/union-raises-qld-asbestos-handling-fears/4617638?section=qld

Environmental Awareness: Day Care May Close Temporarily Due To Emissions

A family day-care is concerned that they may be forced to disrupt their play group if sulphur dioxide becomes too much for children to handle.

Incitec Pivot’s acid plant — a key player in reducing the amount of SO2 from Xstrata’s copper smelter, will be undergoing maintenance for a week. The company which monitors releases from the copper smelter stack, will subsequently be out of commission temporarily, which Xstrata’s spokesperson stated may result in  more visible plume coming from the smelter plant.

The company spokesperson called on anyone who feels they are having issues, to contact the company’s community feedback hotline.

Day care manager Elaine Hardwick, who is business is near Xstrata Mount Isa Mines, says on previous occasions staff have finished their playgroup early due to the sulphur dioxide in the air. Ms Hardwick says two or three times over the past few years staff were able to smell and taste the sulphur dioxide coming from Xstrata’s copper smelter stack. She says she would like to see more promotion of the company’s feedback hotline as a way of giving advice to residents.

“If they could get feedback from services when there are issues, it might help them to provide better support to the community as in what to do and what not to do and how to handle it,” she said.

Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-04-09/acid-plant-emissions-may-impact-day-care-centre/4617612?section=business

Bike Trail Closed Until Asbestos Removed

Scattered areas throughout the mountain bike trail at Stromlo Forest Park in Canberra have been closed down following the discovery of asbestos. Pieces of material believed to be asbestos was discovered on two sections of the track.

The material is believed to the remains of the Australian National University’s buildings (ANU) which were destroyed in 2003 bush-fires.

The asbestos material is expected to be removed by ANU by the end of the week and the park will remain closed for sometime after as a safety precaution.

Signs are in place near Red Rock and Tall Trees informing trailblazers of alternative routes.

Organisers of the World 24-hour Solo Mountain Bike Championships say the discovery should not affect the event.

Asbestos was found during earthworks to establish the North Weston Ponds site, near the new Molonglo suburbs of Wright and Coombs.

The ACT Government allocated $20 million for the clean-up of the pond site.

More info on Asbestos Training

Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-04-04/track-closures-at-stromlo-forest-park/4608672?section=act

MUA Rally Against Businesses Over Safety Concerns

The Martime Union of Australia and thousands of its members will rally outside the offices of the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry to call on the business community to cease its campaign against waterfront safety reforms.

The union says the ACCI has intervened in the development of the National Stevedoring Code of Practice (NSCOP), which the MUA says seeks to create a uniform national set of safety guidelines for stevedoring.

“Wharfies are fourteen times more likely to die at work than the average Australian worker,” MUA assistant national secretary Warren Smith said.

“The development of the Code of Practice has been underway for several years through a collaborative effort between Safe Work Australia, the state regulators, the MUA and industry representatives.

“However, the day after the death of wharfie Greg Fitzgibbon at Newcastle Port last year, the big stevedoring companies and the representative of foreign shippers, Shipping Australia, tried to bomb the code.

“To its credit, Safe Work Australia maintained the key protections in the code, but now ACCI has weighed in, delaying the code’s progress by making factually incorrect, misleading claims about the cost of implementation to industry.

“Any stevedore that is obeying current laws won’t experience any problems or additional costs implementing the Code of Practice.

Smith said the safety of workers was the most important aspect of implementing the code.

“Every worker deserves to come home from work alive and unhurt. It is disgraceful for ACCI to misrepresent any impact on a company’s bottom line when it comes to protecting the safety of workers.

“This nineteenth century way of viewing industrial relations is at odds with community standards and indeed international safety standards.

“The fact that we even need to be having this argument about the primacy of workers’ lives over profit in 2013 is an absolute disgrace.”

More info on Occupational Health and Safety

Source: http://www.logisticsmagazine.com.au/news/mua-rallies-against-business-groups-over-safety

OHS: Wharfies Demand Safety Reforms

Young Workers Face Higher OHS Risk

Nearly 20 per cent of all workplace injuries experienced by Australian workers were involved individuals 25-years old and younger.

Safe Work Australia’s Work-related injuries experienced by young workers 2009-2010, report found the injury rate of young workers (the rate of injuries per 1,000 workers) was 18 per cent higher than for those aged over 25.

Compared to workers aged 25 and over  (56.2/1000 workers), the rate for younger workers was significantly higher at approximately 66.1 OHS injuries per 1000.  The report revealed that the disparity was greatest in the manufacturing, accommodation, food service, healthcare and construction industries.

The report also showed that nearly 66 per cent of injured workers never applied for workers compensation, with about half of them feeling their injury was too minor to lodge a claim.

Chair of Safe Work Australia, Ann Sherry stressed the need for  young people to comprehend the various safety issues in their workplaces and learn the value of following procedures.

“Often in their first jobs, young workers can get caught up with the excitement of entering the workforce,” Ms Sherry said.
“They may overlook the need to be familiar with the potential workplace hazards and safety procedures in place.”

She said the statistics in the report showed why it was necessary for young people to learn safe workplace practices and who they should go to for help.
“The safety habits and behaviours they learn now will set them up for positive safe work practices for the remainder of their working lives,” she said.

More info on Occupational Health and Safety

Source: http://www.psnews.com.au/Page_psn3543.html

Confined Spaces: Mine Worker Health Concerns

A health researcher  is concerned that data  from hundreds of thousands of  mine workers which studied the long-term health affects, is no longer being collected.

Lin Fritischi, an epidemiologist from the WA Institute of Medical Research at the University of Western Australia, stated that the data was crucial to learning of the health implications for WA mine workers. 

Fritischi is worried  that proper analysis of the information or thorough consultation with health experts was avoided prior to cancellation of the data collection.

“We’re concerned the Mine Health Surveillance was stopped without a full public consultation,” she said.

“It was announced on the 12th of January and stopped on the 13th, we’re worried there wasn’t a full thinking through of it.”

The program involved conducting health assessments on workers who are regularly exposed to dangerous chemicals such as those contained in diesel emissions.

Cancellation of the study is of particular concern for health experts after the World Health Organisation recently classified diesel emissions as a cause of cancer.

“We think they should use the mine health data they have collected to properly evaluate whether the mine health scheme should remain in place,” Professor Fritschi said.

“If the data proves useful, then they should consider continuing the program.”

More than 11,000 WA miners work underground and are exposed to diesel emissions in a confined environment on a daily basis and there are guidelines in place recommending companies keep that exposure within safe limits.

The Department of Mines said it stopped the program because its analysis of the data found the program neither prevented nor detected ill health at an early stage and therefore wasn’t helpful.

The department’s Mike Rowe refutes claims the studies weren’t thoroughly analysed and says that information is publicly available.

More info on Confined Spaces

Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-03-04/mine-worker-health-research-program-closes/4551734?section=wa

MBA Responds To Construction Safety Report

A Prominent building industry organisation has responded four months after scathing inquiry into the safety of Canberra’s construction sector.

The Master Builders Association (MBA) accepted a majority of the “Getting Home Safely” report’s 28 key recommendations, but it also made additional suggestions.

The association wants to introduce random drug and alcohol tests for workers in order to improve safety.

MBA organised a working group to reply to the report. Former director of the Australian War Memorial Steve Gower, will head the group.

Following months of considerations, Gower believes more can be done to improve Canberra’s workplace safety.

“If we are serious about safety in the workplace, as indeed we all should be, the time has arrived to have random testing of workers on the sites for impairment,” he said.

MBA ACT President Simon Butt cited drug and alcohol impairment as a continuous concern.

“The group felt that it was important,” he said.

“It is not a panacea, no particular element is a panacea to all of the problems that are going forward.

“But it is seen, and it has been around for a long time, and there has been some resistance from some industry players to actually bringing this on board.”

But ACT WorkSafe Commissioner Mark McCabe says drug and alcohol impairment is not the pertinent issue.

“The report responded to four fatalities in Canberra in one year and a large number of series injuries,” he said.

“None of those that I’m aware of related to drug and alcohol issues.”

More info on Construction Safety

Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-03-27/mba-responds-to-safety-report/4597990?section=act

Tasmania’s Ambo Workers Face Fatigue Issues

Tasmania’s ambulance workers are reportedly at risk of being “worked into the ground” because  of a dramatic increase in overtime.

Tasmania Liberal party health spokesman Jeremy Rockliff cited leaked statistics that showed ambulance workers were on the job a total of 3469 hours overtime in the first two months of 2013 in southern Tasmania. He states that the data also shows that at least 30 crew shortages occurred and sometimes service was cancelled completely. 

“This is clearly an ambulance service in crisis,” he said.

Rockliff emphasized that staff were under stress which could potentially result in a workplace accident.

“As one paramedic put it in a recent survey: ‘It’s only a matter of time before a staff member crashes a vehicle or suffers major ill health due to exceeding their stress-fatigue limit’,” Mr Rockliff said.

The Government stated an additional $48 million had been spent on ambulance services over four years, but demand for services was on the rise. 

To cope with the demand, an additional 18 paramedics have been employed since December and 12  more are expected to  be employed in April.

More info on Fatigue Management

Source: http://www.themercury.com.au/article/2013/03/24/375349_tasmania-news.html

Asbestos Legislation Hits Parliament. Removal Agency Established

 Parliament has drafted new legislation which would effectively establish an asbestos board.

The Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency is expected to work with jurisdictions to establish a nationally consistent method of asbestos eradication, handling, and awareness. The agency will also manage environmental and public health issues attributed to asbestos.

The  Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency was a key component found in the Asbestos Management Review 2010. 

The introduction of the asbestos agency joins recently harmonised OHS legislation across the country in order to maintain a consistent national approach.

Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, Bill Shorten said  Australia’s past widespread use of asbestos has left asbestos ridden material in the built environment. “It’s been almost a decade since asbestos was banned in this country and still, today, the dangers of this silent killer remain,” Mr Shorten said. “Asbestos is the worst industrial menace that will go on killing for decades.  “The sad truth is that asbestos-related deaths are not expected to peak until 2020, and that tragically, we are expecting another 30-40,000 people to be diagnosed with asbestos-related diseases in the next 20 years.  “There are children not yet born who will die of asbestos related diseases.  “We owe it to future generations to come to grips with the blight of asbestos.”

Shorten stated that the agency is the first bristle in a broad stroke against illegal dumping.  He hopes the legislation will encourage safe disposal across Australia.

“The Agency will work in tandem with all levels of government, unions, industry and support groups to implement a plan of action to eliminate asbestos exposure,” Mr Shorten said.“This is the first time that we will have a coordinated approach to eradicating, and handling asbestos beyond our workplaces.”
The new Agency is expected to be operational from 1 July 2013.

More info on Asbestos Training

Source: http://www.psnews.com.au/Page_psn3541.html?utm_source=psn354&utm_medium=email&utm_content=news1&utm_campaign=newsletter_www

Tasmania Councils Criticise Government Asbestos Plan

Tasmania’s councils have criticised the State Government’s plan to remove asbestos from all government buildings by 2030. The councils are reportedly concerned that the plan is not feasible, nor is it cost efficient. They also cited concerns over whether or not the level of expertise was available in the state to complete such a large scale task.

Councils doubt whether the goal is realistic and Local Government Association’s Barry Easther believes the plan has not been properly considered..

“What costs are going to be involved and how everyone’s going to pay for it?” The Launceston City Council’s Robert Dobrzynski says the plan extends to civic infrastructure, including the existing network of asbestos-based water piping. “There would be literally hundreds of kilometres of asbestos pipe.” The Workplace Relations Minister, David O’Byrne, says the Government is still trying to work out the cost of the plan.

More info on Asbestos Training

Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-03-26/councils-fear-asbestos-clean-up-too-costly/4595536?section=tas

Confined Spaces: Worker Injured by Fallen Rock

An underground mine worker at La Mancha Resources’ Frog’s Leg gold mine near Coolgardie was seriously injured in a rock fall yesterday.

The company said a rock became dislodged and fell on the 27-year-old man’s legs during routine machinery maintenance. It happened about 7am in an underground section of the mine.

“The company’s emergency response plan was immediately implemented and first aid was administered at the scene,” a La Mancha spokesman said.

The spokesman said the worker was having treatment at Kalgoorlie Hospital where he had been taken by the on-site ambulance.

The Department of Mines and Petroleum said it believed the worker had a crushed foot, broken leg and injured back.

Operations at Frog’s Leg were suspended after the accident but were expected to resume last night, apart from at the incident site, providing the company completed a full safety assessment to the satisfaction of the mines department.

The incident comes after it was last week reported the miner would look to double its workforce in the Goldfields. The expansion will be bankrolled by new owner and Cairo billionaire Naguib Sawiris.

About 160 people work at Frog’s Leg, but the miner wants to create 80 positions to reopen its White Foil open pit and 40 positions for its $110 million processing plant, due for completion next year.

More info on Confined Spaces Training

Source http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/a/-/wa/16411448/worker-injured-in-mine-rock-fall/

Risk Management:Victorian Dies in Garbage Truck Mishap

Boss of Insulation Death Employee Was Warned Seven Times

stockfreeimages.com

The company who employed the apprentice who was electrocuted while installing insulation, was reportedly sent seven safety alerts prior to the death.

Only weeks before the death, the company was sent a commonwealth ministerial notice reminding installation business to cut all power off in homes while putting insulation in.

The first-year apprentice  collapsed and died in November 2009 when he was electrocuted  while installing fibreglass insulation in the ceiling of a home.

The apprentice had been employed for less than a month prior to his death, and had yet to undergo any formal training that would render him capable and competent in electrical safety.

The Court heard that had  the power been shut off while Rueuben Barnes  began laying insulation, the outcome would have been different.

Co-director Chris Jackson of Arrow Property Maintenance claimed to only recall one of the seven notices regarding electrical safety that were emailed to the company.

The alerts called for installers to undertake a one day safety training.

Jackson alleged that he was computer illiterate and an administrative employee, Denise Watson checked all company email correspondence.

“You never saw any of these installer advices?” barrister Geraldine Dann, acting for Barne’s siblings, asked.

“No,” he replied.

“Denise never brought any of them to your attention?”

“No.”

Mr Jackson added he may have seen one of the notices but believed his company was complying with safety requirements.

The inquest will last one week, with an addition three days in May.

More info on Electric Safety

Source: http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/insulation-electrocution-boss-warned-seven-times-20130312-2fy0r.html#ixzz2NkCgYuLA

OHS: Crushing Conveyor Belt Incident To Be Investigated

A 27-year old worker was rushed to the hospital following a serious incident that resulted in his leg becoming lodged in a conveyor belt.

According to a spokesperson for Ambulance Victoria revealed that the paramedics were called to Thorton Engineering early in the morning.

Upon arrival they discovered the man had serious crush injuries to his leg. He was rushed to Geelong Hospital and was said to be in stable albeit, serious condition.

WorkSafe Spokseperson Rosanna Bonacurrso stated that the watchdog organisation was notified of the incident at the Corior workplace. Bonacurso stated

Just 13 per cent of Australians Have First Aid and CPR Training

St Johns Ambulance is reportedly disturbed at the findings of its report that shows just 13 per cent of Australian workers are trained in both first aid and CPR.

The report revealed that approximately 87 per cent of workplaces have failed to provide first aid training, despite the fact that first responders can dramatically change an injured person’s chance of survival.

St Johns claims that most Australian employers are simply uninformed of Safe Work Australia’s new Code of Practice for First Aid.

Retail businesses fared the worst, with just six per cent of workplaces with employees trained in first aid.

The best performing industry of the report was the education sector. This sector had approximately 21 per cent of workplaces  that met current first aid standards.

New South Wales, the ACT and Victoria were the top performing states, compared to Western Australia were less than nine per cent of workplaces met guidelines outlined in the new Code.

More info on First Aid Training

Source: http://www.geelongadvertiser.com.au/article/2013/03/08/360778_news.html

Alertforce Joins Forces With LexisNexis For WHS-Modules

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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POTTS POINT, NSW- Australia’s Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) and environmental training company, AlertForce (AF) has partnered with leading content provider LexisNexis to provide LexisNexis Online Training- Work Health and Safety (WHS ) modules.

The partnership will combine AlertForce’s Occupational Health and Safety training expertise with LexisNexis renowned legal content, to provide participants with the ability to identify and apply crucial aspects of the Model Work Health and Safety Act.Together both organizations have specially designed three interactive online training modules to allow participants the ability to engage in the modules at their own convenience. Each training module was written in conjunction with employment specialist law firm Harmers Workplace Lawyers.  

The following modules will be offered:

• Course 1 – Health and safety duties

• Course 2 – Health and safety representation in the workplace

• Course 3 – Health and safety consultation in the workplace

Each course should take under an hour depending on the individual user and time spent exploring additional resources.

Completion of the LexisNexis Online WHS training modules will provide participants with the opportunity to earn CPD/CLE points ensuring that individuals are competent and compliant with the tools needed to sharpen your organisation’s competitive edge. Each course can be purchased individually allowing participants to engage in the modules according to their own schedule. In addition to offering this convenient option, organisations are also able to purchase a 12-month subscription in order to continuously train employees.

Brendan Torazzi, the founder of AlertForce says, “ Our partnership LexisNexis allows you to learn at  your own pace in a convenient and cost effective way and earn CPD/CLE points without the travel times or costs associated with external training! ”

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

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Electrical Safety: Insulation Inquest Reveals A Lack of Training

A investigation by a coroner has revealed that the Brisbane teen who died while installing insulation, had received no training and was not supplied with the proper protective equipment.

The court was informed that newly-hired carpentry apprentice Ruben Barnes, 16, had been employed by Arrow Maintenance for under a month when he was electrocuted at a Rockhampton home in 2009.

The corner informed the court that the teen had not received any insulation training and no induction, and co-workers had not been trained in first-aid treatment for electric shock.

The apprentice was one of three individuals who died in Queensland as a result of home insulation safety errors.

A month prior, Mathew Fuller, 25, also suffered electrocution at Logan, while Mitchell Sweeney, 22, died in north QLD in early 2010.

The inquest will look into 11 safety issues such as why it was not mandatory to cut off or isolate any power during installation jobs.

More info on Electrical Safety

Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-03-11/insulation-inquest-told-no-training-provided/4566040?section=qld

OHS:UK Pie Manufacturer Employee Death Hits Close To Home

Andrew Jones Pies, a Yorkshire based pie manufacturer which is now facing bankruptcy , has been ordered to pay  £375,000 following a gas explosion which killed a man an injured another.

The manufacturer has been found in breach of health and safety laws, with a judge claiming it had “failed dismally”.

According to reports, the judge acknowledged that while the business is not in a financial position to pay the fines, the charges  expose the manufacturer’s failings.The explosion occured in 2009 when baker David Cole, repeatedly attempted to light a 3-decade old oven, unaware that gas was building up inside the baking chamber. Eventually the door blew off the oven and hit Cole, who was trapped when a section of the roof collapsed. Cole died and another worker at the scene was seriously injured.

The case is similar to a local case involving the directors of the  Pokolbin’s Drayton’s Family Wines. The winery was charged with failing to ensure the  safety of their workers which resulted in a  2008 explosion which killed two people.

Workcover NSW launched a criminal investigation against the winery almost two years after a coroner revealed that poor safety measures was a key cause of the blast which killed two employees.

More info on Occupational Health and Safety

Source: http://www.foodmag.com.au/news/uk-pie-manufacturer-fined-375-000-for-safety-brea

Fire Safety: Association Pushes For Caution After Firefighter Death

The Association of Volunteer Bush Fire Brigades raised  concerns for volunteer firefighters and stressed the importance of diligence, following the death of a firefighter on Friday.

Sixty-year-old Hori Clarke was killed by a falling limb while clearing burnt trees and rubble with volunteer firefighters in Quindanning.

AVBF president Mr Terry Hunter, who called Mr Clarke “a member of the AVBFB family”, said the tragedy was a difficult reminder of the many risks volunteers were exposed to every day when they went to work for their local communities.

“With an increased number of fires and other dangerous incidents in recent weeks, the AVBFB again expresses its concern for the safety of our members and urges everyone to be extra diligent while defending their local communities,” he said.

Mr Hunter issued a statement offering condolences to Mr Clarke’s family.

“I, like many of our 26,000 members have been deeply saddened by the news.

“Our most heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of the victim.”

Mr Hunter said local government, the Department of Fire and Emergency Services and AVBFB would work together to offer support services to Mr Clarke’s family and brigades in the area.

More info on Fire Safety

Source: http://www.watoday.com.au/wa-news/association-urges-care-following-firefighter-death-20130223-2exy9.html#ixzz2MPiY1dDG

Crane Failure Results in Crash

OHS:Spinal Injury Results in 60k Fine

A woman who suffered a fractured skull, broken ribs and serious spinal injuries  almost three years ago, has seen her employers fined approximately $70,000 for the inability to protect her.

National Fleet Administrative Services pleaded guilty for failing to provide and ensure a safe work environment.

The company contracts drivers who transport goods. According to WorkSafe, In 2009, a driver was sent to a customers residence to move two large industrial ovens.  The driver told the woman, an employee of NFAS, to lift the oven off the factory floor with the help of a device known as a “walkie stacker”. However, the truck did not have “roll stop devices fitted” and the stacker rolled backwards and fell off the end of the truck effectively pinning the woman to the ground.

It was revealed that the driver had not received any training on how to use roll stop devices or how to properly use the tail lift on his truck.

WorkSafe WA Commissioner Lex McCulloch called the driver’s  lack of training  “a recipe for disaster,” in a statement on Monday.

“The customer’s employee needlessly suffered serious injuries as a result,” he said.

“The case should serve as a reminder to employers of the importance of training workers in all aspects of operating machinery and having safe systems of work in place at all times, especially when handling heavy items.”

More info on Occupational Health and Safety
Source: http://www.watoday.com.au/wa-news/company-fined-60k-for-spinal-injuries-20130225-2f1re.html#ixzz2MPdYbua9

OHS: Air Collision Narrowly Avoided Due to Faulty Radio Switch

A close-call involving two aircrafts at Jabiru at the edge of Northern Territory has examplified the need for regularly checking radio equipment.

Jabiru is inside Kakadu National Park, approximately 230 kilometres east of Darwin.

More info on Occupational Health and Safety

Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-02-27/aviation-safety-near-miss-jabiru-nt/4542854?section=nt

OHS:Unions Left Out of WorkCover Pamphlets

“People should always be made aware of their rights to seek information from various sources, including from their union,” he told AAP on Wednesday.

Mr Lennon lamented that sick or injured workers were vulnerable and sometimes needed help with their cases.

The new fact sheet comes a year after the state passed far-reaching WorkCover reforms to help lower the $4 Billion deficit.

Benefits and medical expenses were capped and journey claims axed for many workers.

“I think this makes the situation even more difficult,” Mr Lennon said.

WorkCover could not be reached for comment on Wednesday night.

More on Occupational Health and Safety

Source:http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/breaking-news/we-were-sidelined-in-compo-leaflet-unions/story-e6frf7kf-1226587207557#sthash.gNvvp86C.dpuf

OHS: Worker Struck by Ute At Mowbray

A road worker died after being struck by a utility vehicle  in the Launceston suburb of Mowbray.

The 62-year old man from Ravenswood, was holding a stop-go traffic control sign when he was struck and thrown back approximately 15m.

He was rushed by ambulance to the Launceston General Hospital but succumbed to critical to both internal and external injuries and later died.

Tasmania Police Sergeant Nicholas Clark stated that the middle-aged driver of the Nissan flat tray vehicle was not injured but will undergo standard drug and alcohol tests at the LGH.

The accident which occurred on a suburban stretch of Vermont Rd at Mowbray, was witnessed by several coworkers who had been resealing the road.

Sgt Clark revealed the police will be investigating the speed and specifics of the accident while Workplace Standards will be investigating the work site’s signage and safety arrangements.

“We just ask motorists if they come across roadworks to pay particular attention to the signs there and slow
down,” Sgt Clark said.

“If the maximum speed is 50km, 40km or 60km, that is the maximum speed.

“Slow down, take your time and look out for people who are on the road or on the edges of the road.”

More info on Occupational Health and Safety

Source: http://www.themercury.com.au/article/2013/02/06/371764_print.html

Asbestos Discovery Halts Work on Construction Site

Refurbishing at the Telstra Building in Deakin, was stopped after WorkSafe ACT and the Environment and Sustainable Development Directorate issued stop-work notices to the contractor for breaches connected to the discovery of asbestos on the site.

Construction union representatives inspected the site and cited several concerns with authorities.

The contractor, Business 2 Business Commercial Fitouts (based out of Sydney) shut down the site following the inspection.

Dean Hall, ACT branch secretary of the CFMEU, reported that in addition to the building’s asbestos register  being inaccurate,the correct process of an asbestos audit and management plan were not followed by the contractor.

A Telstra spokesman stated that they were   ”aware that a contractor working on behalf of Telstra found some asbestos at a vacant part of the Telstra site”.

”The contractor took immediate action to ensure the safety of their employees … [and] is now working with appropriate authorities to ensure the site remains safe for anyone who works there.”

A spokesman for the ESDD said ”The head contractor did not have the appropriate licence, the asbestos removalist is licensed in the ACT. However, there were no approvals in place to undertake the work. None of the work on the site had the relevant approvals.”

It is unclear how long the site with be closed considering the number of approvals required.

More info on Asbestos Training

Source: http://www.canberratimes.com.au/act-news/work-halt-called-on-asbestos-site-20130215-2ej36.html#ixzz2LBGg0jj1

Workers Compensation Legislation Amendment Bill 2012

In June 2012 the Government introduced changes to the Workers Compensation Scheme in NSW.

The changes deliver significant new benefits for workers and improvements for employers by making benefit calculations fairer for all workers. The reforms are focused on encouraging and assisting early return to work and providing better financial support for seriously injured workers.

The Workers Compensation Legislation Amendment Bill 2012 amends the workers Compensation Act 1987 and other Acts with respect to the reform of the NSW Workers Compensation Scheme.

The reforms were passed by Parliament on June 22, 2012 and assented on June 27, 2012 making it law.

Principles behind the reforms include:

• Enhance NSW workplace safety by preventing and reducing incidents and fatalities
• Contribute to economic and jobs growth by ensuring that premiums are comparable
• with other States and there are optimal insurance arrangements
• Promote recovery and the health benefits of returning to work
• Guarantee long-term medical and financial support for seriously injured workers
• Support less seriously injured workers to recover and regain financial independence
• Reduce the high regulatory burden and make it simple for injured workers, employers
• and service providers to navigate the system
• Strongly discourage payments, treatments and services that do not contribute to
• recovery and return to work

Research has shown that getting injured workers back to work early is an important part of their recovery. Early return to work can reduce the impact on a worker and their family. In most cases, workers do not need to be 100% recovered to return to work. Assisting early, safe and durable return to work is a key intent of the reforms.

The new laws change the way workers compensation benefit claims are assessed and paid and the changes affect all new and existing workers compensation claims.

Amendments which have already commenced include:

• New threshold for payment of lump sum compensation for physical injuries of greater than 10% whole person impairment.
• Introduction of S.322A – specifying one assessment only of degree of permanent impairment
• Compensation for Pain and suffering (section 67) has been abolished
• Journey claims will only be accepted if a “real and substantial connection between the employment and the accident” is established – i.e. worker is deemed to be “on duty” at time of accident.
• No compensation for heart attack or stroke injury unless the nature of employment gave rise to a significantly greater risk of the worker suffering the injury than had the worker not been in employment of that nature.
• The definition of injury relating to ‘Disease’ claims has been revised to “a disease that is contracted by a worker in the course of employment but only if the employment was the main contributing factor”.
• Psychological injury resulting from ‘Nervous Shock’ claims can now only be made by a worker and eliminates any claims from spouses, children close relatives or witnesses (unless they are an employee) i.e. damages for nervous shock injury to non-workers has been abolished.

Benefits

Benefits for new claims are now based more closely on real earning prior to the injury incorporating overtime and shift allowances in the initial 52 weeks of weekly payments.

• Benefits cover medical and related expenses for up to 12 months after the injured worker ceases to be entitled to weekly payments (or 12 months after the injured worker made the claim if weekly benefits are not received).
• For most injured workers, weekly payments are limited to five years from the date of the claim (or when retirement age is reached, if that is sooner – at which stage the injured worker may receive Commonwealth benefits.
• Injured workers will receive up to 95% of pre-injury earnings for the first 13 weeks of a claim.
• Benefits in weeks 14 – 130 will be made up of 95% of pre-injury average earning if the injured worker returns to work for at least 15 hours per week, otherwise the injured worker will receive up to 80%.
• After 130 weeks, if the injured worker has the capacity to work but in not working at least 15 hours a week and earning at least $155 per week, then the benefits will cease. If the injured worker is working at least 15 hours per week and earning at least $155, or has no capacity to work, the benefits will continue.

Seriously Injured Workers

The Act defines a seriously injured worker as having greater than 30% whole person impairment. A seriously injured worker is exempt from the five year limit on weekly payments and from the 12 month limit on medical and related expenses.

Implementation

Changes to weekly benefits payments as prescribed under the Amendment Bill will occur in three stages:

• New claims lodged from October 1, 2012 will be calculated using the new weekly benefits
• Existing claims prior to October 1, 2012 will continue to receive the current rates of benefits until they transition to the new rates effective from January 1, 2013.
• Existing claims which have been assessed as having a 30% Whole Person
• Impairment, or greater, will be paid at the transitional rate effective September 17, 2012.

If you are making a claim on or after 1 October 2012, new arrangements to Workers Compensation may apply.

Please note: Workers Compensation changes do not apply to all workers – excluded groups are police officers, paramedics, fire-fighters, coal miners and workers who make dust disease claims.

The information contained herein is to give a general overview. Visit the WorkCover NSW website to access Workers Compensation Issues Papers, Parliamentary Inquiry, Final Bills, Fact sheets and brochures.

For more information contact your insurer or call WorkCover NSW on 13 10 50.

OHS / WHS Newsletter – February 2013 – Reflection on Major Changes in 2012

During 2012 Work Health and Safety changes occurred in most jurisdictions within Australia. We had the introduction of the new Work Health and Safety Act and Regulations 2011 and we also saw the introduction of the Australian Work Health and Safety Strategy 2012 – 2022, which replaced the National Occupational Health and Safety Strategy 2002-2012

In 2002 the Workplace Relations Ministers’ Council, the Australian Council of Trade Unions and the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry endorsed the National Occupational Health and Safety Strategy 2002-2012 to provide a framework for a broad range of national activities to improve the health and safety of workers in Australia. The current Australian Work Health and Safety Strategy 2012-2022 builds on the previous National OHS Strategy.

The purpose of the Australian Strategy is to drive key national activities to achieve improvement in Work Health and Safety; it promotes the vision of healthy, safe and productive working lives and sets four outcomes to be achieved by 2022.

Reduced incidents of work-related death, injury and illness achieved by
– Reduced exposure to hazards and risks using
– Improved hazards controls and supported by
– An improved work health and safety infrastructure

In order to achieve the outcomes, a systematic management of risks must occur at the workplace level and a concerted effort be made by duty holders and those who support them.

The Australian Strategy includes national targets and performance indicators that are used to measure the success of national actions. The number and incidence rate of fatalities, injuries and disorders are important indicators of health and safety performance.

The targets to be achieved by 2022 include:
– A reduction in the number of worker fatalities due to injury of at least 20%
– A reduction in the incidence rate of claims resulting in one or more weeks off work of at least 30%, and
– A reduction in the incidence rate of claims for musculoskeletal disorders resulting in one or more weeks off work of at least 30%

1. Health and safety by design – the most effective and durable means of creating a health and safe working environment is to eliminate hazards and risks during the design process.

– Structures, plan and substances are designed to eliminate or minimise hazards and risk before they are introduced into the workplace.
– Work, work processes and systems of work are designed and managed to eliminate or minimise hazards and risks.

2. Supply chains and networks – industry leaders within supply chains and networks need to be champions of health and safety.

– Supply chain and network participants understand their cumulative impact and actively improve the health and safety of the supply chain.
– Commercial relationships within supply chains and networks are used to improve work health and safety.
– Industry leaders champion work health and safety in supply chains and networks.

3. Health and Safety capabilities – Every person requires the capabilities, the knowledge, skills and resources to fulfil their role in relation to work health and safety.

– Everyone in a workplace has the work health and safety capabilities they require
– Those providing work health and safety education, training and advice have the appropriate capabilities
– Inspectors and other staff of work health and safety regulators have the work health and safety capabilities to effectively perform their role.
– Work health and safety skills development is integrated effectively into relevant education and training programs

4. Leadership and Culture – leaders promote positive workplace cultures.

– Communities and their leaders drive improved work health and safety
– Organisational leaders foster a culture of consultation and collaboration which actively improves work health and safety
– Health and safety is given priority in all work processes and decisions

5. Research and evaluation – a nationally-coordinated and cooperative approach is required to promote the efficient and effective use of Australia’s research resources.

– Build a national picture of work health and safety performance
– Evaluation and effectiveness and cost of work health and safety legislative changes.
– Better understand current hazard exposures, the effectiveness of controls, and attitudes towards health and safety.

6. Government – Governments can promote and influence work health and safety with Australian organisations and in the community.

– Work health and safety is actively considered in the development, implementation and evaluation of government policy.
– Governments use their investment and purchasing power to improve work health and safety
– Governments exemplify good work health and safety.

7. Responsive and effective regulatory framework – Regulators are encouraged to work collaboratively.

– Legislation, policies and regulatory practice are reviewed and monitored to ensure they are responsive and effective
– Relationships between regulators and all who have a stake in work health and safety are effective, constructive, transparent and accountable.

Even if your jurisdiction has not adopted the new WHS Act, we encourage you to follow the link to the Safe Work Australia Website for a full copy of the Australian Work Health and Safety Strategy 2012-2022. The strategy details the priority industry groups and priority disorders which have been identified as national priorities for prevention activities.

OHS / WHS Newsletter – December 2012 / January 2013 – Workplace Christmas Parties

HO! HO! HO! ‘TIS THE SEASON TO BE CAREFUL…..
The Work Christmas Party Is Coming!!!

We all like to think the annual Christmas party is a time to celebrate and reflect on the years’ achievements; however we also need to be aware that these gatherings can be fraught with risks. Some such risks could be physical Work Health and Safety (WHS) risks at venues such as slip, trip and fall hazards, or security, occupational violence, sexual and/or racial harassment, bullying and more broadly for your organisation; reputation risks.

When we look at our legal obligations, the work Christmas party will be considered part of the work environment, and having a connection with the employment of workers, therefore the duty to provide a safe workplace will continue to apply for the duration of the function. This vital point needs to be considered when arranging such events.

Christmas and end of year functions are great for team-building and rewarding staff. However, when workers let their hair down in the spirit of the season – especially when alcohol is involved, anything can happen – and sometimes does!

In the past there have been cases where employers (PCBU) and employees (Workers) have been liable under Work Health and Safety laws for incidents that have occurred at work Christmas parties and other work related functions.

– In South Australia, a worker was injured at a Christmas function at her workplace and was granted Workers’ Compensation

– Four Victorian workers were prosecuted after they were found to be playing around with chemicals at the work Christmas party resulting in one worker receiving severe burns

– In NSW a drunken worker who injured himself after work drinks was granted Workers compensation – the NSW Workers Compensation Commission ruled that socialising with the clients was in the course of his employment.

– A Queensland worker injured her back while helping out at the work Christmas party – she was entitled to compensation as she sustained the injury in the course of her work

This serves as a warning that although Christmas parties are usually outside normal working hours, employers (PCBU’s) are still responsible for the health and safety of their workers.

The rules that apply in the workplace also apply to work functions, including Christmas parties, even if the function takes place off-site. Therefore your policies and procedures relating to discrimination, sexual harassment, drugs and alcohol and Work health and safety still apply.

PCBUs should have up-to-date workplace policies, procedures and a clear complaints resolution process. You may wish to consider a specific code of conduct for work functions, or ensure conduct at work functions is clearly defined in your existing code of conduct, stating that failure to comply with the code can result in a worker facing disciplinary action or losing their job. A simple email reminding staff about appropriate behaviour and responsible alcohol consumption, and attaching the code of conduct document to the party invitation, can be effective.

If you organisation already has appropriate processes in place, you may only need to remind workers of their responsibilities. However if your workplace has in the past, not recognised that work functions carry risks; although leaving it very late, you should assess your proposed function and venue now.

PCBUs have a duty of care under the WHS legislation for their workers and that duty extends to the Christmas party or at other work related functions whether or not they are held off-site or on-site.

As an employer (PCBU), you need to perform a risk assessment. You must identify the hazards, assess the risks and implement controls and you need to be able to show you conducted your due diligence in keeping the risks as low as reasonably practicable.

– Risk Assessment – Inspect the site (venue) – document a risk assessment that identifies all foreseeable hazards and their defined controls.

– Manage Alcohol – Excessive alcohol consumption is a major contributing factor to dangerous and inappropriate behaviours and is always a key risk – ensure that there are non-alcoholic alternatives. Even if your workplace does not provide alcohol at the function and patrons purchase drinks, you must ensure that consumption is managed.

– Remind workers of their obligations and your expectations regarding responsible behaviour – reinforce policies and procedures regarding WHS, EEO and your company’s Code of Conduct.

– Provide food – less alcohol will be consumed if a meal or finger food is provided.

– Set reasonable start and finish times for the event.

– Supervise the event – ensure someone is supervising the event. This person should monitor safety hazards such as slip trip and fall hazards, wet floors etc., and monitor behaviour, including alcohol consumption.

– Travel – how will your workers travel to and from the event? Some organisations provide Cab vouchers; provide a courtesy bus or other transport means. Do not allow workers to drive home from the event if they have been consuming alcohol. Discuss this with workers prior to the event to allow them to make arrangements for collection etc. If transport is provided by the PCBU this can be included as a control measure in your risk assessment.

While we are looking at the Christmas party, the same risk management approach should be taken all year round for all work functions. Organisations need to look at their risk management programs to ensure that control measures, policies and procedures can effectively manage these risks.

This process needs to be ongoing to enforce safe behaviours and a safety culture all year round both at the workplace and at work related functions.

Wishing you all a very Safe and Happy Festive Season

Fatal Fall Prompts WorkSafe Investigation

WorkSafe is currently investigating the state’s first workplace fatality of the year which occurred at a Somerton crane company. 

A middle-aged man was found unconscious at the Hume Highway business by his workmates.

The man was taken to Royal Melbourne Hospital but eventually died.

Recently another Somerton business was found guilty and ordered to pay $275,000 following a workplace death in December 2011.

Perth Company Fined 10k for OHS injury

Perth-An engineering company was ordered to pay a $10,000 following a dangerous work incident that left an unlicensed 16-year-old apprentice without two fingers.

The Fremantle Magistrate’s Court accepted KEP Management Services Pty Ltd (trading as Phillips Engineering) guilty plea for two charges of allowing unlicensed work.

The apprentice was being taught by a crane operator how to sling and direct loads when he got his hand caught between steel beams. His right index and middle finger were amputated  at the middle knuckles.

Upon investigation, WorkSafe discovered that no one in the workplace had gained the proper licence for the work.

His right index and middle fingers were amputated to the middle knuckles.

The apprentice, 16, could not be granted the required license because it is not issued to individuals under 18.

WorkSafe WA Commissioner Lex McCulloch said,“A 16-year-old apprentice is not likely to be in a position to refuse to do work he is not licensed to do, which makes the situation that existed at this workplace even more worrying,” Mr McCulloch said.

More info on Occupational Health and Safety

Source: http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/a/-/breaking/16097117/fine-after-apprentice-loses-fingers/

Brush Fire Properties Need Safe Asbestos Removal

Following the property destruction during the brushfire season, WorkSafe is reminding  Victorians to ensure  property cleanups  do not expose them to asbestos

In the wake of devastating property losses during this bushfire season, WorkSafe is reminding Victorians to take particular care during the clean-up of their properties to avoid potential exposure to asbestos.

Less than 25 years ago, asbestos was a frequently used material in roofing, sheet walls, ceilings and in moulded products.

Other common asbestos-containing materials and products included vinyl floor tiles and sheets, insulation materials, and sealants.

Lisa Sturzenegger, WorkSafe’s Health and Safety general manager for operations, said, “We’re asking people undertaking a clean up of bushfire-damaged property to take particular care to avoid disturbing asbestos fibres.

“The safest way to remove asbestos, particularly if the asbestos is friable, that is it is crumbling or disintegrating, is to contact a licensed asbestos remover. There is a list of licensed asbestos removers at www.worksafe.vic.gov.au,” Ms Sturzenegger said.

“We strongly encourage property owners not to attempt to remove asbestos materials themselves. If you suspect that you have asbestos on your property, there is really only one way to identify it, by having it checked by an analyst accredited by the National Association Testing Authority.

In general, most asbestos materials used in the construction of houses are solid in nature and do not pose a significant risk. However, when asbestos is exposed to high temperatures, such as those found in bushfires, it can become less-solid (friable) and begin to crumble. This may result in the release of asbestos fibres into the atmosphere.

More info on Asbestos Training

Source: http://www.worksafenews.com.au/news/item/302-safe-removal-of-asbestos-from-bushfire-damaged-properties.html

Unions Push for Asbestos Awareness Campaign

Since being diagnosed with mesothelioma six years ago, Serafina Salucci has lost a lung and endured several rounds of radiotherapy.

Earlier this week she partnered with Australia’s biggest unions in their efforts to push state and federal governments to finance and implement all recommendations made by Asbestos Management Review Comittee (AMRC).

Salucci believes a national awareness campaign can put a stop to others experiencing the tribulations she has experienced.

“The reason why public awareness and education is so important is the fact that there is no cure for mesothelioma,” she told reporters on Wednesday.

“Once you’ve got it, that’s pretty much it.”

Living with an asbestos-related disease has “been hell“ Salucci said.

“You can’t put it into words what it’s been like and what it’s done to my life and how difficult it’s been.”

The Australian Manufacturer Workers’ Union (AMWU) and Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) recently launched a campaign to compel the  federal government to “address the deadly threat of asbestos that is still present in many older homes, government and commercial buildings”.

The unions released a joint statement saying that Australia has highest per capita rate of asbestos-related disease, two thirds of houses built between the 1940’s and 1983 still contain asbestos.

“It’s time for the Australian government to implement a strategy to effectively tackle the threat of asbestos,” AMWU National Secretary Paul Bastian said.

“That means the recommendations from the Asbestos Management Review Committee need to be implemented and fully funded to eradicate asbestos from our environment by 2030.”

Mr Bastian predicts that asbestos-related deaths will continue to increase for the next seven years.

“This is why we need to establish a dedicated National Asbestos Authority, and a national set of laws.”

More information on Asbestos Training

Source: http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/a/-/wa/16129409/unions-seek-end-to-asbestos-danger/

Asbestos Concerns for Crown Casino

Crane Safety Top Priority After Collapse

WorkCover NSW swiftly moved ahead a  safety inspection program of tower cranes throughout the state following last year’s crane fire and collapse at a Sydney construction site.

The inspections which were poised to begin later in 2013, have since been pushed ahead, WorkCover NSW said in a statement.

The rescheduling comes after a crane at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) site at Broadway became engulfed inflames, before the cables gave way causing the whole thing to collapse

Fortunately there was no one hurt in the incident and  the crane crew was praised for saving the lives of building workers and the public.

Responding to the incident, WorkCover NSW  stated tower crane verification inspection program will start with the type involved in the Sydney collapse.

The inspections will examine existing risk controls such as crane pre-assembly and pre-use inspection systems.

A physical inspection of the cranes will also occur.

‘The Sydney CBD crane collapse had never happened before and at the time of the incident was considered extremely unlikely,’ WorkCover General Manager John Watson said in a statement.

‘WorkCover’s thorough investigation into the causes, systems of work, maintenance of equipment and adequacy of control measures is continuing.’

More info on Cranes,hoists and slings

Source: http://www.skynews.com.au/topstories/article.aspx?id=838523

OHS:Safety Top Priority in Maitland

WorkCover NSW is strongly encouraging Maitland businesses put safety above all else in 2013.

Thousands of young workers will enter Hunter workplaces for the first time, therefore safety should be ensured to limit any injuries.

WorkCover’s acting Maitland district co-ordinator Greg Saunders said young workers suffered a greater risk of workplace injury than most other workers because of a lack of significant experience

He also cautioned that complacency could be a risk for older workers returning from holidays.

“Starting a new job can be an exciting experience for a young person entering the workforce or a new workplace,” Mr Saunders said.  “Many young workers are also keen to impress and take risks that more experienced workers may not.

“Unfortunately, 12 per cent of all injuries in NSW workplaces occur among the state’s young workers with 2767 workplace injuries and one fatality in the Hunter during 2011/12.”

Mr Saunders said the return to the work period at the end of the school holidays required extra caution on the part of more ­experienced workers.

“Complacency is a major factor in many workplace incidents and workers should be reminded that safety is the top priority when returning from holidays,” he said.

Hunter Valley business MIGAS Apprentices & Trainees provides a comprehensive induction process to ensure all employees understand their workplace safety rights and responsibilities.

“The safety and well-being of our staff and our apprentices and trainees is our first priority,” CEO David Brown said.

“We strongly believe that all injuries are preventable and every person should go home in the shape they came in, if not in a better frame of mind.”

More info on Occupational Health and Safety

Source: http://www.maitlandmercury.com.au/story/1249321/push-to-make-work-safety-a-priority/?cs=171

OHS Has Changed to WHS – What You Need to Know

Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) is a very broad term and means something different all over the world depending on the business culture of the region. In Australia OHS is going through some major changes, in fact it is no longer even going to be called Occupational Health and Safety; now it’s Work Health and Safety (WHS). This is going to bring about some changes as the new acronym and name is adopted, and you’ll need to know what differences these may bring to your workplace in Australia. The transition can make a huge difference in your workplace safety and the regulations your business must conform to, and if businesses don’t adhere to the new rules that pop up, they can end up being fined up to $3 million dollars.

This change is one of the largest that have ever been put into place when it comes to the rules and regulations of the workplace in Australia. The new Work Health and Safety act will affect you and the way any business is run. Below is a list of the broad changes that must be made with the switch to WHS.

• Completely new set of safety obligations

If you are an officer or manager of a business you’ll have to learn these new rules and practice what is called “due diligence”. This means you’ll have to adhere to these rules at all times and enforce them on the staff directly below you.

• The new rules will apply to more people
WHS is going to place this new legislation onto anyone conducting business within your workplace. This means anyone whether they are part time or full time employees. Now “Worker” is a broader term and it’s going to make Australian businesses responsible for a lot more people.

• Consulting your employees will be complicated
You can’t just give a general idea of the rules to your employees anymore. A slim book of safety regulations may have sufficed in the past but now you’ll have to use very specific wording and make sure your training is up to the standards the WHS holds.

• Discipline will be streamlined as well.
With these new rules you can be prosecuted in criminal court depending on the violation and/or situation at hand under the WHS rules. This will allow employees to press charges and also seek civil conflict resolutions such as compensation for damages.

• Unions will have more power
Unions will be allowed to (and even courage to) investigate incidents, consult employees, advise employees and question any worker about matters that fall under the guidelines of the WHS. They can investigate work area mishaps and basically have more power much more power at any workplace.

•… And many more changes to come
WHS is still a work in progress; it’s regularly being implemented across Australia and more changes are sure to come, many that are already planned but not listed above. It’s important to know which ones will affect you so research them the minute they are made available to you, and know when they are going to go into effect so you can protect yourself for making a violation and protect both the company and the employees as well’ as mentioned above, the fines for violations can be enormous. While OHS used to charge up to $1.5 million dollars in corporate fines as well as $150,000 possible fines for individuals and even jail time. The WHS makes that corporate fine limit $3 million, the individual fine $600,000 with possible jail time of 5 years. That is double for corporate fees and 4 times as much for the individual. You don’t want to have to face those fines so make sure that you are prepared for the WHS act to go into effect in your region.

While there are still updates being made it is important to note that the actual act went into effect at the start of 2012 so this change has been a long time coming. How this act affects you right now depends on your region but knowing the rules and the necessary information in order to avoid these massive penalties is a must. Luckily, there are lots of resources out there to find answers, from online venues to books produced to cover the issue. Below is a list of questions that you’ll want to know the answers for regarding your business; if you don’t know the answers, and then seek out the resources that can clarify them for you.

• When was the last time I conducted a safety audit in my business place?

• How long has it been since I reviewed basic safety policies?

• Is my staff aware of the proper procedures for safety related tasks in my workplace?

• What changes coming with the WHS affect our business?

• What kind of consultation must I receive and am I required to give under the WHS rules?

• Do I have proper due diligence tests implemented? Are they effective enough for the WHS?

If you can answer all of these questions then good for you, you are on the right track to properly adhering all the changes brought with the WHS act. If you can’t then you need to get on the ball before the WHS rules become part of your business and you end up facing critical and expensive problems by not knowing all the acts conditions and terms. Compliance is worth the effort it takes so make sure to keep up with the changes and keep your business in check.

There are a number of online resources dedicated to providing the information you need to know regarding the OHS to WHS changes and you can even find the act itself online, although it is in legalese that can be hard to decipher at times. Find the resource that works for you and start coping with the changes that may have already taken place in your business. Make sure you comply with the necessary changes and avoid getting slammed with any of the catastrophic fines or punishment that businesses are sure to face if they don’t live up to the standards set by the WHS act.

Dry Cleaner Audit Following Dangerous Incident

Soon after receiving criticism for “high handed statements”, WorkSafe ACT will be auditing all dry cleaners throughout the territory. WorkSafe has already issued approximately 60 improvement notices in just six inspections. 

Work Safety Commissioner Mark McCabe stated that he was ”appalled” at the first results of the audit, which were launched in response to a near-fatal carbon monoxide leak from a Woden dry cleaner.

The Drycleaning Institute of Australia expressed their disappointed by the  alleged lack of communication from WorkSafe ACT  pertaining to any breaches.

Chief executive officer Philip Johns said the Work Safety Commissioner’s  comments were “accusing” the entire industry of being responsible, despite the industry’s efforts to work very hard to be compliant with all safety laws.

”We would hope that the authorities come to us if there are any particular breaches, rather than making some fairly high-handed statements about getting your house in order, otherwise cop a $250,000 fine,” Mr Johns said.

”A little bit of working together is actually going to help us achieve more,” he said.

Johns revealed that the industry will conduct their own audit to address any potential safety issues.

McCabe said on Wednesday he would be more than happy to assist the industry with the internal audit.

He said it was to premature to commence talks with the industry, given the audit was still in its early stages.

More info on Occupational Health and Safety
Source: http://www.canberratimes.com.au/act-news/dry-cleaners-have-their-say-20130131-2dnvv.html#ixzz2JmLGdv8m

Construction Safety: Collapsed Wall Hospitalises Two Workers

A collapsed wall at a Hawthorn building site has resulted in two men, both in their twenties, being hospitalised.

The men were doing construction on an apartment complex the morning the accident occurred said a spokeswoman for Worksafe Victoria, Rosanna Bonaccurso,

The men were evening out concrete on a wall when the rock supported by the wall fell onto them, she said.

“The rock has fallen off the wall onto them,” she said. “They were both transported to hospital.”

The Metropolitan Fire Brigade arrived at the scene and had to pry of the men out of the rubble using a crane.

Bonaccurso revealed Worksafe Victoria issued a prohibition notice on the site preventing any further work until an engineer has conducted a thorough investigation of the site.

Both men suffered minor injuries – one an injured hip, the other an injured wrist – and were taken to the Alfred Hospital.

More info on Construction Safety

Source: http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/two-workers-injured-in-wall-collapse-20130130-2dkhf.html#ixzz2Jd3MohNa

OHS: Safety Blitz Results in Dozens of Notices

A safety raid on building sites in north Canberra has resulted in several improvement notices and on-the-spot fines.
The raids were organised by WorkSafe ACT inspectors and were reportedly a part of an continuous campaign to improve safety in the construction industry.

In excess of 80 improvement notices and infringement notices were issued midday and the tally is expected to rise according to WorkSafe Commissioner Mark McCabe.

He says inspectors are finding the same type of  problems throughoutmost building sites.

“There’ll be a lot of issues associated with sites not being fenced with no amenities for workers, fall from heights issues and electrical issues – those last two are quite important,” he said.

“The on-the-spot fines were largely about lack of signage on sites.”

The Harrison blitz follows a crackdown on residential housing developments in the Molonglo suburb of Wright in December

Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-01-31/harrison-work-safety-blitz-fines/4492602?section=act

More info on Occupational Health and Safety

Fire Safety: Worker Hospitalized After Dangerous Factory Fire

A factory worker is in intensive care at Royal Brisbane Hospital after suffering burns to both his face and torso following a  factory fire in Brisbane.

A firefighter was also injured during the incident.

The Fulcrum factory fire started early in the morning. Fire crews rushed to the scene after it was revealed that the very flammable chemical, methyl keytone was on the premises.

The chemical which is typically used as a solvent was reportedly stored in a locked fire-proof cupboard.

Three people were stuck inside when Fulcrum production supervisor Chris Baker arrived on the scene.

One “long-term, experienced employee” suffered severe burns to his upper torso.  His lungs are also believed to have suffered burns.

According to Fulcrum managing director Graham Scudamore-Smith, this is the first fire of this nature to occur on the property.

“They managed to get him out and into a shower,” he said.

“We are prepared for these sorts of things,” he said.

Queensland Fire and Rescue on call inspector Ted Ireland stated that the cause of the fire is still unclear.

“On arrival they had a fully involved fire on the upper levels and the placement of our lines have been really good, they were able to knock it out really quick,” he said.

“The guys (factory workers) that were here did really well, they shut everything down and self-evacuated.”

Ireland praised the fire crews vigilance considering the water shortages.

“We’ve got a specialised foam pump that’s been repositioned at Annerley for this sort of event,” Insp Ireland said.

“A lot of things lined up to give us a good outcome.”

Scientific officers are now  on site to ensure the dangerous chemicals are contained.

More info on Fire Safety

Source: http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/factory-worker-taken-to-hospital-with-serious-burns-following-factory-fire-at-moorooka/story-e6freoof-1226565642189

Construction Safety: Union Outraged Over Worker’s Death

The death of a 32-year old Tasmania Pole-driver has shocked the construction industry and union officials.

“Construction unions have been voicing very strong concerns about safety standards in construction for quite some time with very little response,” union boss Kevin Harkins said.

The victim was reportedly a subcontractor to the building firm building a new waste transfer station for the Hobart City Council at the McRobies Rd site.

The man died when a one-tonne steel beam fell as he was positioning it into a hole prior to driving it into the ground.

While positioning the beam, it swung through the air and struck the man in the head.

“”The webbing connecting the beam to the excavator then broke free, resulting in the beam falling on top of the man, and he sustained critical injuries” said Inspector Glen at the scene.

First Aid attempts were made by the man’s fellow colleagues, but he unfortunately died at the Royal Hobart Hospital soon after.

Workplace Standards will also be  investigating and compiling a report for the coroner.

Unions Tasmania says the loss of any life at work is completely unnecessary.

“The pain now faced by this man’s family, friends and work colleagues is immeasurable,” Mr Harkins said.

“I think the time has come for construction unions to play a far more proactive role in safety on worksites, and that’s what we are going to do,” he said.

“The time to rely on others to protect the safety of workers is over.”

More info on Construction Safety

Source: http://www.themercury.com.au/article/2013/01/30/371296_tasmania-news.html

Compensation for Injured Public Servants Almost $1 Billion

This year twice as much money is being paid out to compensate stressed federal public servants. The cost has doubled  to almost $1 billion for 2011-2012. 

The Federal Government’s workplace compensation insurer Comcare, blames the dramatic increase in claims and a result of public servants “not recovering as quickly as they should”.

They have also attributed the increase to lower interest rates on earnings and higher forecasts for inflation.

Comcare has been overseeing the recent surge in compo claims for bullying and an ” adjustment disorder”.

Comcare’s most recent annual report stated the cost of ongoing workers’ compo claims have risen from $459 million in in 2011 to $994 million a year later. Increases are slated to increase by 25 per-cent this year in order to combat the $564 million loss.

Comcare’s latest annual report reveals the cost of ongoing workers’ compensation claims soared from $459 million in 2011 to $994 million last year.

Comcare’s acting chief executive, Cathy Skippington, attributed the loss to ” economic factors and because some injured workers are taking longer to get back to work “.

“As a result, we’ve had to increase our scheme premium rates substantially to return the scheme, over time, to a fully funded position.”

A Comcare spokesman said the operating loss would have no effect on the Government’s Budget

Skippington also revealed a “moderate” increase  in mental health claims during 2012.

“People are much more aware of bullying now and the fact they don’t have to put up with it,” she said.

bullying has accounted for nearly half of the mental stress cases.

More info on Occupational Health and Safety

Source: http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/compensation-payouts-to-federal-public-servants-double-to-1-billion/story-e6frea6u-1226553103168

The Importance of Office Ergonomics

It may not seem like a big part of the work environment but how an office is laid out can make all the difference when it comes to efficiency in the work place. If your work environment is not ergonomically set up you can end up actually having some health problems not to mention a dip in attitude. If your office is laid out in a less than efficient way ergonomically speaking then you might experience frequent headaches, eyestrain, neck pain, back pain and even problems with your tendons due to the fact that you are frequently doing the same task over and over again (RSI). These problems might not be fatal but they can have a serious effect on your life by making your work day less productive and far less enjoyable.

In order to conquer health and attitude problems in the office, it’s well worth the costs involved to design work spaces in the office to be ergonomically friendly. There are training programs that teach individuals how to set up work stations in an efficient manner that are also comfortable and that can help prevent physical problems. You’ll feel more as if you are working at a second home instead of coming into that cramped little office where you struggle to grab at the tools you need to do your job, or suffer from headaches because you are staring into the screen too long, or at an unsafe distance.

What is involved in learning about office ergonomics? Due to case studies and design knowledge people have mastered the art of creating the most ergonomic office layouts. This means you’ll learn about adjusting the way your chair is situated, where the monitor is positioned relative to your seating, what kind of keyboard and mouse you have and where these are placed. Additional considerations include things like what kind of phone you have and where it is placed, kinds of computers you have, the height of your desks, and the adjustment of other office tools you would be using on a daily basis. A work station should be created with your posture and movement in mind. It’s much like how directors perform blocking for a movie; you have to carry out blocking for your work place and try to make it as efficient as possible. Do you stretch to grab your phone? Do you sit hunched over with your monitor where it is? Do you have to get up and walk across the room to grab your laptop or is it convenient positioned?

With the help of office ergonomics training, a known specialist, or just some good old fashioned trial and error you can improve your work station and make your day that much easier and enjoyable to get through. It’ll make you more productive and help you do a better job at work since you won’t have to struggle through headaches, sore and tired eyes and bad posture that leads to back and neck pain. If you are having these symptoms at work it’s definitely time for you to reassess your working space. The importance of office ergonomics can’t be stressed enough and improving your situation doesn’t take much effort.

To find out more about our office ergonomics courses click here.

Company Offers Free Cancer Prevention Skin Checks

Toowoomba construction company McNab have reportedly shown their dedication to the continued awareness and prevention of skin cancer for their staff. Queensland is the capital of skin cancer in Australia and Australia has one of the highest death-rates for melanoma in the world.

McNab launched a Safe Summer campaign which informs and educates staff about sun exposure, hydration and personal protection from the sun and UV rays.

McNab have joined forces with Danger Sun Overhead’s Joanne Crotty whose husband, a carpenter, died from melanoma skin cancer at the age of 43.

“I never thought I’d be a widow at 38 with four young children, especially from an illness that is preventable… and I’m just one story,” Ms Crotty said.

“80 per cent of cancers detected in Australia are skin cancers and two out of three people will be diagnosed before they are 70 years of age.

“There is a need for education.”

McNab has even gone to the extent of offering staff free skin cancer inspections throughout the  summer months and it is already proving to be a successful movement.

McNab HSEQ Manager John Martinkovic said “With the incentive for our staff to get checked for free, we are seeing them book themselves in for an appointment, and their families as well. We’ve already seen cases of melanomas being treated earlier.

“There is no cure for skin cancer, and the fatality statistics are only going up. Your only hope is early detection” he said.

More info on Construction Safety

Source: http://www.miningaustralia.com.au/news/hunter-mines-fatality-free-for-2012

Fire Safety: Darwin Business Faces Charges For Tradesmen’s Death

A Darwin business was held accountable for the gas explosion death that killed a young Irish tradesman.
Twenty-four year old Paddy Bird died instantly when his work vehicle suddenly exploded on the driveway of his home in December 2011.  

The refrigeration mechanic had pressurised flammable gas cylinders stored in his van the explosion.

Berrimah-based Damday Pty Ltd has been charged for the incident which resulted in his untimely death.

The Northern Territory Work Health Authority  reported that the company breached  the employer’s general statutory duty of care.

The charge fell under the provisions of the WHS Act that was applicable at the time of the accident.

The charge has been laid under provisions of the Workplace Health and Safety Act that was in force at the time of the accident.

The previous legislation has since been repealed and replaced with new legislation.

The maximum penalty for the charge is $650,000.

The matter is stands before courts until next month.

More info on Fire Safety

Source:  http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-01-15/gas-explosion-company-charged-paddy-bird-dies/4466112?section=nt

Construction Company Fined for Worker’s Death

A construction company tasked with upgrading roads, now faces a fine of $250,000 following the death of one of its workers.

The labourer was only on his second day on the the job with Coastal Asphalt and Civil Constructions and was laying asphalt when a three-tonne multi-wheeled roller ran over and crushed him. The incident in question occurred in January 2010 and was said to have been caused when the man was helping a vehicle operator clear asphalt stuck to the roller.

A preliminary investigation by WorkCover revealed that the Gosford company had failed to adequately train or supervise the labourer.

”This tragedy could have been avoided had there been the right instruction and the vehicle properly maintained,” the NSW Finance Minister, Greg Pearce, said on Thursday.

The worker was removing the asphalt from the roller by spraying it with diesel, when suddenly the brakes were accidentally released, causing the vehicle to roll forward and crush him.

”The incident could have been prevented if the roller’s built-in diesel spray unit had been working,” Mr Pearce said.

The company has pleaded guilty to a breach of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and will pay a fine of $250,000 plus court costs.

More info on Construction Safety

Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/fine-for-company-in-roadroller-death-20130117-2cw46.html#ixzz2ISEbXwZd

Driver Fatigue Management Training

When you work long hours and spend a lot of time on the road you can get quite tired which at some point can become dangerous. You’ll be working odd hours as well and driving a wide range of vehicles. Working in the EMS industry there isn’t a whole lot of conclusive data existing that compares fatigue rates with accidents but it’s definitely an issue. While it can be a difficult factor to measure studies have been carried out on fatigue and how it affects our perception and motor skills and it has been proven to be a real world problem.

Of course with long hours and lots of repetitive driving, and mundane countryside to drive through, fatigue is going to happen but luckily there is training which helps drivers notice the signs of fatigue and deal with them confidently. Whether you own a business or just drive for your employer fatigue management training is a very convenient and affordable to way to learn to fight fatigue with just a little bit of knowledge. Courses can be taken online for both you and/or your employees or in some cases you can find these courses at a local college.

By the time you or your employees are finished with the course you’ll be able to completely control your fatigue using the information and techniques you learned during the course including knowing when to pull over and rest, how to fight off the negative health effects, and understand what makes you more fatigued personally.

The training will eventually teach drivers how to drive up to 14 hours without feeling worn down and exhausted. Drivers will learn how to get the most of their rest which is a huge advantage. Those that get the training online have the advantage of finishing the courses at their convenience and even go over the courses online while on delivery. It’s definitely the most convenient way to complete the training and also one of the most affordable.

The prices of these online courses start at under $200 and can go up to $900 depending on the intensity of the program you are looking for.

If you run a business with drivers in your employment or are a driver yourself, you owe it to yourself to fight off the negative effects of fatigue. Fatigue management training will make your job easier and safer plus the training isn’t very expensive. Sign up for a course online or in whatever form you prefer and be prepared for those long drives and redundant jobs that might wear you down in the EMS industry.

Click here to find out about our fatigue management courses

Smelter Accident Prompts Investigation

SafeWork SA is attempting to determine if the Port Pirie smelter Nyrstar broke workplace safety standard laws which resulted in two of its workers suffering serious burns.

Nyrstar has yet to agree to discuss  over the incidents which occurred at the smelter early this January. The first incident involved a 53-year-old male worker who sustained burns to both his face and neck while cleaning a hot flue.

Sometime afterwards, a 43-year-old worker suffered burns on his feet, thighs and hands while cleaning waste products in the same area.

Both men were treated at  Royal Adelaide Hospital.

SafeWork SA has rejected any request to reveal further details until a thorough investigation has been conducted to determine if there have been any breaches of work health and safety laws

More info on Occupational Health and Safety

Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-01-14/smelter-accidents-under-investigation/4463760?section=sa

OHS:WorkSafe Investigating Death of Roma Worker

AN investigation has begun into the death of a coal seam gas project worker during last week’s heatwave.

Workplace Health and Safety Queensland has confirmed it is investigating the 38-year-old employee’s death on Sunday at Roma, where temperatures reached 42.8C.

Police are also preparing a report for the coroner.

Electrical Trades Union assistant state secretary Peter Ong said members had told him the man collapsed in his donga after finishing work on Sunday and hit his head.

He was taken to the Roma Hospital, in southwest Queensland, and pronounced dead.

Queensland Health said nine people had been seen at Roma Hospital since New Year’s Day with heat-related conditions.

Two people were admitted.

Another person has been admitted to the St George Hospital with a heat illness since the start of the year out of seven people who turned up at the emergency department affected by the extreme temperatures.

Figures provided by the Bureau of Meteorology show the mean average maximum temperature for Roma so far this year has been 38.9C, almost five degrees higher than the average January mean since records were kept.

Project manager Fluor Australia said it was investigating and assisting authorities in their investigations.

More info on Occupational Health and Safety

Source: http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/national/workplace-health-and-safety-authorities-investigating-the-death-of-38-year-old-worker-at-roma-on-sunday/story-fndo45r1-1226555379672

Maintenance Audit Following Dry Cleaner Gas Leak

A poisonous gas leak hospitalised workers has prompted urgent checks on the territory’s dry cleaners after preliminary investigations suggested inadequate maintenance as the cause.

Possibly deadly carbon monoxide is believed to have escaped from a faulty boiler at Bell’s Dry Cleaners at Bonner House.

That gas reportedly streamed through an airconditioning unit, and leaked into a nearby alterations shop.

Two workers at the shop collapsed from the fumes, as did the security officer who tried to assist them. Later a paramedic and Bell’s employee also suffered from effects of exposure . The hospitalised individuals were kept overnight and were discharged at the start of the week.

There is still uncertainty regarding the amount of time they had been inhaling the deadly gas, but fortunately they are believed to be void of any permanent injuries. Investigations from WorkSafe ACT visited the site to conduct further investigations.  Advertisement 

WorkSafe attributes the accident to  ”maintenance shortcomings” on the boiler, and are now looking into maintenance records for all relative equipment.

”We’re almost certain now that the fault is from a faulty boiler in the dry cleaning company,” said Work Safety Commissioner Mark McCabe. ”We’ve got a firm belief now that those maintenance issues probably led to the incident.”

Source: http://www.canberratimes.com.au/act-news/dry-cleaner-audit-after-faulty-boiler-causes-gas-leak-20130114-2cpch.html#ixzz2IIOw69VB

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Confined Spaces: Galaxy Blast Claims Another Life

Another worker has succumbed to the effects of an explosion that occurred last November at a Chinese Lithium plant owned by Galaxy Resources.

Australian Securities Exchange released an update earlier this week stating that a second worker had died as a result of an infection sustained from the injuries following the accident.

Galaxy had previously revealed that several employees and contractors were exposed to heated sodium sulphate solution  and suffered second-degree burns. Investigations into the causes of the explosion were reportedly done by the company and China’s Suzhou Safety Bureau.

Their report concluded that an “abnormal and unexpected blockage” resulted a mass of sodium sulphate which caused the fibreglass pipework to rupture.

“Employees and contractors affected by the incident continue to recover, and the company continues to support them and their families,” the statement said.

“The company has business, commercial and welfare insurance policies in China that cover the business interruption and the affected employees.”

Galaxy  reported that stainless steel replacements were on the way and the the ruptured section is expected to be repaired by February.

The company manages the Mt Cattlin mine.

Source: http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/a/-/wa/15844412/second-worker-dies-after-galaxy-blast/

More info on Confined Spaces

Careers Available with a Cert IV in OHS

Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) is something that every workplace is concerned with. Basically occupational health and safety efforts are always going to be around no matter how many industries rise and fall, so going after a career in the field is definitely a great idea. Getting started with the educational requirements necessary to work in the OHS field is also not very difficult and can be done while working elsewhere. It’s a great way to get a career even later in life when you are feeling unfulfilled at whatever position you currently hold, and there are many career opportunities available in OHS.

A Cert IV in OHS applies to work places everywhere in the world but more recently many jobs in this field have been created in Australia. On January 1st of 2012 the work health and safety act came into play and changed a whole lot of the rules and regulations for businesses across the continent. OHS was extremely relevant all of a sudden and many jobs opened up to those who were educated in the new rules. This is why getting a Cert IV in OHS is such a huge step for your career and can help you secure these freshly created jobs, and start your career in OHS at one of the many businesses across Australia.

With 2013 here these jobs are still needing to be filled and companies all around are hiring individuals with a Cert IV under their belt so there’s no better time to step into this employment opportunity while there’s such a high depend for people with a Cert IV in OHS.

The qualification for a Cert IV in OHS is ordered online and completed at a distance over a 1 year period. You can sign up and pay for the course and get started today; it has never been easier to get an education. If you sign up for the course today you’ll even be able to get an extra course in OHS which is directly related to the OHS industry. Many of the principles and ideas you are taught will carry over and make getting this second course completed easy. This extra course costs nearly $300 so you’ll be saving quite a bit of money as well.

The course is time consuming but you can work at your own pace. If you study hard enough and hit the books, and complete the work load in less than 6 months then you’ll be able to get your Cert IV and get a job sooner rather than later however you’ll have up to a full year to complete it if you want to move at a slower pace. The choice is yours and it’s perfect for those who want to get an education, and start a career but live busy lifestyles and often can’t have a set schedule for their classes. With different units it’s easy to segment off and plan the course according to your schedule as well.

The course itself is $1397 which while it may seem high is still much more affordable than tuition at any school and a worthy investment.

Latest OHS Jobs

Occupational Health and Safety Jobs on OHSCareer
Find Jobs, Events, Education and News for Professionals in Occupational Health and Safety in Australia and New Zealand.
http://www.ohscareer.com.au/jobs/all-jobs?show_all=1 Mon, 14 Jan 2013 15:00:37 +0000

Regional OHS Manager
http://www.ohscareer.com.au/jobs/4056-the-next-step/26965 http://www.ohscareer.com.au/jobs/4056-the-next-step/26965
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Injury Management Advisor – Up to $80k
http://www.ohscareer.com.au/jobs/2150-alexander-grey/26922 http://www.ohscareer.com.au/jobs/2150-alexander-grey/26922
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Risk/OHS Consultant
http://www.ohscareer.com.au/jobs/4056-the-next-step/26893 http://www.ohscareer.com.au/jobs/4056-the-next-step/26893
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Health and Safety Manager
http://www.ohscareer.com.au/jobs/5529-murray-goulburn/26892 http://www.ohscareer.com.au/jobs/5529-murray-goulburn/26892
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Director, Occupational Health and Safety
http://www.ohscareer.com.au/jobs/2218-robert-walters/26891 http://www.ohscareer.com.au/jobs/2218-robert-walters/26891
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Health, Safety & Environmental Manager
http://www.ohscareer.com.au/jobs/5361-strategy-one-human-resources/26890 http://www.ohscareer.com.au/jobs/5361-strategy-one-human-resources/26890

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Divisional Risk, Safety & Health Manager
http://www.ohscareer.com.au/jobs/5128-masters-home-improvement/26889 http://www.ohscareer.com.au/jobs/5128-masters-home-improvement/26889
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Community Emergency Services Officer
http://www.ohscareer.com.au/jobs/519-city-of-busselton/26888 http://www.ohscareer.com.au/jobs/519-city-of-busselton/26888

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Health & Safety Manager
http://www.ohscareer.com.au/jobs/5403-tabcorp/26843 http://www.ohscareer.com.au/jobs/5403-tabcorp/26843
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Safety Mentor – FIFO
http://www.ohscareer.com.au/jobs/2936-technical-resources/26842 http://www.ohscareer.com.au/jobs/2936-technical-resources/26842
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Executive Assistant – Health, Safety & Wellbeing
http://www.ohscareer.com.au/jobs/4712-westpac-group/26841 http://www.ohscareer.com.au/jobs/4712-westpac-group/26841

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Jobs – OHSCareer

Workplace Health, Safety & Environment Manager
http://www.ohscareer.com.au/jobs/5525-brisbane-racing-club-limited/26840 http://www.ohscareer.com.au/jobs/5525-brisbane-racing-club-limited/26840
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Health, Safety, Rehabilitation & Training Coordinator
http://www.ohscareer.com.au/jobs/3744-pepsico-australia-and-new-zealand/26838 http://www.ohscareer.com.au/jobs/3744-pepsico-australia-and-new-zealand/26838
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Safety Administrator
http://www.ohscareer.com.au/jobs/4213-linfox-australia/26837 http://www.ohscareer.com.au/jobs/4213-linfox-australia/26837
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Safety Coorinator
http://www.ohscareer.com.au/jobs/4213-linfox-australia/26836 http://www.ohscareer.com.au/jobs/4213-linfox-australia/26836
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HS&E Contractors 2013
http://www.ohscareer.com.au/jobs/4056-the-next-step/26818 http://www.ohscareer.com.au/jobs/4056-the-next-step/26818
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EOI – Senior OHS Manager – Construction
http://www.ohscareer.com.au/jobs/659-randstad/26809 http://www.ohscareer.com.au/jobs/659-randstad/26809
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OHSE Coordinator – Head Contractor
http://www.ohscareer.com.au/jobs/659-randstad/26808 http://www.ohscareer.com.au/jobs/659-randstad/26808
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TSS Sydney
http://www.ohscareer.com.au/jobs/4056-the-next-step/26802 http://www.ohscareer.com.au/jobs/4056-the-next-step/26802
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Environmental, Health and Safety Coordinator
http://www.ohscareer.com.au/jobs/2941-michael-page-engineering/26736 http://www.ohscareer.com.au/jobs/2941-michael-page-engineering/26736
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OHS:Man’s Injury Blamed on Dock’s Poor Safety Standards

“The health and safety of our employees is paramount and all steps will be taken to ensure our employee makes a full and speedy recovery,” the company said.

“The incident is currently under investigation.”

MUA WA secretary Chris Cain remarked on  Chevron and its contractor’s poor safety record at the Mermaid Marine Supply base for months.

“It’s becoming clearer and clearer that Chevron and their contractors like Mermaid are cutting corners to make up time and money on the Gorgon project,” Mr Cain said.

The union said WorkSafe WA was advised of the level of poor training and management  and the accident was “inevitable”.

“We’ve got serious issues when the day after WorkSafe says there’s no problem, ambulances are called to an accident of the type exactly predicted by health and safety representatives,” Mr Cain said.

More info on Occupational Health and Safety

Source: http://www.perthnow.com.au/business/poor-safety-blamed-for-dock-worker-injury/story-e6frg2qc-1226537890019

SA Moves Towards OHS Harmonisation

New legislation purposed with aligning South Australia’s workplace safety laws with the nation’s harmonised standards, are now being implemented.

Starting January 1, the states WHS Act 2012 took over where the Occupational Health, Safety and Welfare Act 1986 left off. This change means that SA has joined NSW, Queensland and the Australian Capital Territory in their adoption of the OHS Harmonisation laws.

SafeWork SA acting director Robin Scott reports that the new legislation will basically be aligned with existing requirements resulting in a minimal impact on businesses throughout the state.

Confined Spaces Training

We all know what a confined area is but when it comes to the workplace confined spaces take on a whole new meaning and they require you to be certified in order to operate equipment and fulfill work needs in those areas. A confined area is a space with limited access because the work being done there has the potential to be more dangerous. It can refer to just a cramped area or something more permanent such as a storage tanks. In some cases these areas have risks present that require further preparation in order to meet OSHA standards. Confined spaces must be clearly marked and workers in that area must have proper training in order to function properly, and that is why confined spaces training is a must for many employees in varied industries.

Confined spaces training is there to give people both the skills and knowledge of safety regulations in order to identify which confined spaces are safe to work in, and how to work in those areas as well. You’ll be trained on all sorts of different tasks that might have to be performed in confined areas such as cleaning, inspection, facility installation, maintenance work, additions and more. No matter where you work having these skills can prove to be invaluable.

You’ll learn how to identify confined areas as well. Sometimes this is harder than you might imagine and the area doesn’t even need to be small really, just confined. It also doesn’t have to be enclosed. After the training you’ll know how to spot what is technically a confined area and how to operate in there safely no matter what your task might be. You’ll also be ready to mark confined areas that aren’t yet marked by those around you.

Every year people lose their jobs, risk their lives and often suffer a great deal because they weren’t prepared for the work environment they were placed in. Whether the environment is too high up, too toxic or too confined doesn’t matter; just that you are prepared for the environment you are going to be working in. By taking the confined spaces training you’ll be more confident no matter what the situation is at work and you’ll be more prepared.

Confined spaces’ training is very affordable as well. The course starts at just $60 and while there are more intensive courses that can cost more and range up to around $100 it is much more affordable than most other safety and awareness courses. The general awareness course is where you’ll want to start and then you can move up to other safety courses and be even more prepared for risks faced. After the training you’ll be able to identify what is in any confined areas atmosphere, enter safely and then install utilities, and perform any maintenance duties needed before exiting.

Being safe in the workplace is important and confined spaces can be dangerous so be prepared. Thanks to the confined spaces training course you’ll be able to go into the situation knowing what to do and how to do it.

Find out more about our Confined Spaces Courses here

LDA Claims to Have Discussed Asbestos Removal With Residents

The Land Development Agencysays claims to have operated with extensive consultation including letters and seven newsletters sent to residents.

LDA Chief Executive David Dawes says site is being managed in accordance with strict environmental controls.

“The LDA is working with the Environmental Protection Agency and ACT WorkSafe to ensure that these measures are being rigorously adhered to by the contractor,” he said.

“A strict stockpile management protocol is being undertaken and an environmental consultant is on site overseeing all stockpile movements of asbestos contaminated material.

“The environmental consultant is also ensuring that appropriate dust suppression methods are being undertaken.”

He says air quality monitoring for asbestos contamination is continuing and to date the monitoring has been clear.

The LDA has also announced it will post on its website the weekly program of works to be undertaken on the site.

The master plan for the Campbell 5 site includes buildings for residential, retail and commercial uses plus parkland and walking paths.

Once completed the site is expected to have about 520 dwelling units.

More info on Asbestos

Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-12-12/campbell-residents-angry-about-asbestos-removal-at-nearby-site/5152628