SafetyNet JOURNAL
SafetyNet Journal 118
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| Fri 06 Jul 2007 |
Issue 118 - SafetyNet Journal 118Mon 09 Jul 2007Welcome to SafetyNet 118 – news from the world of OHS. Read about what’s happening in OHS in Victoria, Australia and the world. A printer-friendly version of this newsletter can be downloaded here. Union News Research WorkSafe News Worksafe Prosecutions International News Events Union NewsActivities
This week’s FAQ:
What changes are in the consolidated regulations? Consolidated Health and Safety Regulations came into effect from July 1 2007. We are currently updating our website and materials to reflect these changes. Visit WorkSafe for an over view of the regulations. Explanatory notes to the new regulations can be downloaded here. If you have any questions or need help with any OHS related issue, Ask Renata You are guaranteed an answer.
ABCC confirms OHS right of entry
Guest worker visa deaths probedThe Office of the Australian Building & Construction Commissioner (ABCC) has set out the difference between right of entry and OHS right of entry in its latest industry update. It states that OHS right of entry would require union officials to hold state (only available in NSW, ACT, Qld, Vic and WA) and federal permits, must "suspect" an OHS breach, have members on site, and comply with OHS regulations. They do not need to provide notice before entering unless they are inspecting records. Source: Occupational Health News 741 The Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) has launched an inquiry into the work-related deaths of three workers on s457 visas. ACTU President Sharan Burrow said unions were concerned s457 visas were being issued without "adequate consideration to the safety and conditions of work". She said overseas workers were often "inadequately trained, don't have good language skills to understand safety procedures and lack the support to speak out".
Source: Occupational Health News
Smoking banned in Victorian and NSW clubs, pubs and bars
Smoking bans have come into effect from July 1 making it illegal to smoke indoors or in covered outdoor areas where food is served at all licensed premises. Be sure to read exactly how the rules apply. Read more: Tobacco Reforms Website – Information for Licensed Premises Environmental Tobacco Smoke
Mining Safety Strategies available for commentVictorian workplace surveillance laws take effect Legislation banning employers from placing workers under surveillance in workplace toilets, washrooms and change rooms has commenced. The Surveillance Devices (Workplace Privacy) Act took effect on 1 July. The workplace privacy laws were enacted after a Victorian Law Reform Commission inquiry found that workplaces were not adequately covered by laws to guide employers and workers on privacy issues. The legislation prohibits employers placing workers under surveillance in workplace toilets, wash rooms (including shower and bathing facilities), change rooms and lactation rooms. It also bans the material obtained from surveillance from being distributed. The penalties for both offences are a maximum of two years jail and/or a fine up to $26,429 for individuals, and fines up to $132,144 in any other case. Such surveillance would only be permitted when conducted in accordance with a warrant or emergency authorisation, a Commonwealth law, or if required, by a liquor licence. Any information obtained can be used only for the authorised purpose. Source: Worksafe The National Mining Safety Framework Consultation Forum has released three strategies for comment. The strategies relate to a Nationally Consistent Legislative Framework, Consistent and Reliable Data and Analysis, and Effective Consultation Mechanisms. The strategies are available for comment until 20 July 2007 online.
Chemical Hazard Assessments online for comment ResearchRude bosses ruin it for everyoneRudeness and unfair behaviour from bosses and colleagues in workplaces can significantly affect worker productivity, a new study has found. University of Western Sydney organisational psychologist Dr Barbara Griffin says that while "incivility" was "not as targeted" as bullying behaviour, it could impact on workers' emotional wellbeing and affect their attitudes in the workplace. WorkSafe NewsMan dies in hospital after city fallA 35-year-old window cleaner has died in hospital after falling about 12 metres from a city office building. The incident follows another serious fall from height at a shopping centre. In that incident, a 22-year-old man fell about five metres to the ground while sealing glass panels, he remains in hospital. WorkSafe is investigating. Four of the 17 deaths reported to WorkSafe this year have been the result of falls.
WorkSafe issues alert on Powder Actuated Tools
WorkSafe has issued an Alert after an incident in which a worker was killed when a fastener (nail), fired by him from a high-velocity Powder Actuated Tool (PAT), ricocheted and pierced his heart. It warns employers and users of PATs of the danger and the risks to operators and other persons when these tools are used and provides advice to control such risks. Powder Actuated Tools (PATs) are used to fasten construction materials to concrete, steel or brick and consist of the tool, a fastener and an explosive charge; they are commonly referred to as explosive power tools. Current generation PAT models are low-velocity types and incorporate a captive piston that contains most of the excess energy within the tool, reducing the risk of serious injury. The older type high-velocity PATs are becoming obsolete and some manufacturers no longer sell them new in Australia; however they are still readily available, particularly in the second-hand market. Care should be taken when purchasing a second-hand PAT and prior to use the tool should be thoroughly checked. Source: WorkSafe Worksafe ProsecutionsCompany $40,000 for horrific injuriesA Victorian company was prosecuted by WorkSafe Victoria after an incident in which a worker suffered horrific injuries to his hand after it was caught in a machine.
Family construction firm convicted, fined after son burned International News20% of workers globally working “excessive” hoursA new study by the International Labour Office (ILO) estimates that one in five workers around the world - or over 600 million people - are still working more than 48 hours a week. 'Working time around the world: Trends in working hours, laws and policies in a global comparative perspective', released 7 June 2007, says an estimated 22 per cent of the global workforce, or 614.2 million workers, are working 'excessively' long hours. The report identifies a clear 'gender gap' in working time, saying men tend to work longer average hours than women worldwide, with women working shorter hours in almost every country studied. Moreover, men are more likely to work long hours than women, while women are far more likely to work short hours (fewer than 35 per week) than men. ILO Report Source: Changing Times News Events2007 APPEA national oil and gas safety conferenceThe Australian Petroleum Production & Exploration Association will host the 2007 Health and Safety Representatives Forum and a National Safety Conference in Perth on 7-9 August.
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