OHS REPS @ WORK

Issue 135 - SafetyNet Journal 135

Welcome to SafetyNet Journal 135, your source for the latest OHS news from Australia and around the world

---

Union News
Research
WorkSafe News
Worksafe Prosecutions
International News
Events

---

Union News

Activities / News for Reps

Comedy @ Trades tickets
Thanks to all those who completed our SafetyNet Survey.. if you haven’t done so yet, please do. Those who did before Monday went into the draw for free tickets to shows at Comedy @ Trades – part of the Melbourne Comedy Festival (see www.comedyattrades.com.au for details of the fabulous shows on offer). Lucky winners were: Leigh Norton, Bronwyn Carlos, Linda Neale, Cindy Sexton, Cassie Webb, Zoe Gray, Louisa Boucher,  Liam McIntosh, Bette Prange, Lisa Garland, Terry Phillips, Michael Snowden, Kylie Muus, Jane Garvey and Denise Anderson.

Free OHS  resources:

• Safety At Work Weblog 
  The Safety At Work blog is a free resource featuring weekly OHS articles and news intended to inform and generate debate.  

SunSmart courses online
Australian workers face increased risk of skin cancer, with news this week that melanoma is now Victoria’s third most common cancer (after prostate and breast cancer) – more cases diagnosed than lung cancer. 
SunSmart is offering online courses designed specifically for outdoor workers covering UV radiation, who is at risk of skin cancer, five simple steps to protect your skin outdoors and tips on looking out for skin cancer and how to check your skin.
UV Radiation page on OHS Reps site 

Nominate now for WorkSafe Awards
Nominate now for the WorkSafe awards. They include awards for OHS Rep of the Year, OHS Committee of the year and more.  Most reps know that taking on the role of rep is hard work and often thankless… so if your rep is fantastic or if you think you deserve to be recognised put a nomination in now.

Winners will be announced during WorkSafe Week later in the year. Read an interview with last year’s winner Tarek Soueid.
Read more about the awards and download nomination forms [pdf] on the WorkSafe website.

Nanotech and food report raises concerns
Friends of the Earth Australia have released a report into nanotechnology and food which raises serious concerns about the potential risks posed by the emerging technology. The report shows that there are at least 104 food products on sale internationally containing nano-ingredients and calls for a halt to the sale of nanofoods until they can be shown to be safe.

There is strong evidence from around the world that nanofoods could pose a toxic risk to humans. The International Union of Food, Agricultural, Hotel, Restaurant, Catering, Tobacco and Allied Workers' Associations (IUF) has called for a global moratorium  on nanotechnology due to health and environmental concerns.

Read the report: Out of the laboratory and on to our plates: Nanotechnology in food and agriculture  
OHS Reps page on nanotechnology 

Work experience and OHS – company fined
Many reps would be working in workplaces which provide work experience to students. Now a judge in SA has warned employers they must properly induct and supervise work-experience students after fining a company $7500 for a teenager's hand injuries.
 
More info on work experience on OHS Reps.

Asbestos News

Defence Minister tells department to stop using asbestos
Defence Minister Joel Fitzgibbon has ordered the department to stop using asbestos in parts and equipment. A report in the Sydney Morning Herald says the minister “blasted” officials over their application to extend a three-year exemption from laws banning the use of asbestos products.

The executive director of the Asbestos Diseases Society of Victoria, Leigh Hubbard, said he was delighted that Mr Fitzgibbon was taking a tougher stand with Defence.
SMH news report 

Ford to appeal landmark asbestos compensation
Ford Australia will appeal a landmark compensation ruling awarding a Perth mechanic $840,000 for work-related asbestosis. A ruling in the WA Supreme Court found that Ford was negligent in causing the man’s asbestosis. He is the first mechanic in Australia to win an asbestos case against a car manufacturer.

His lawyer told the West Australian newspaper that the appeal was a major blow for a gravely ill man but that he would not give up his fight. Antonino Lo Presti, 58, used compressed air to clean brake drums while working at Ford dealerships in the early 70s.
Source: The West Australian 

New asbestos exposure limit for US mine workers
Mine workers in the US will have the same asbestos exposure standards as Australian workers. From April 29 it will be unlawful for employers in the US mining industry to expose workers to asbestos concentrations higher than 0.1 fibre (per cubic meter of air)  over an 8-hour shift, the same exposure standard as in Australia.

The new regulation replaces a 1978 exposure limit of 2.0 fibre (per cubic meter of air) which has long been replaced in other US industries. However the Mining Safety Health Administration (MSHA) standard includes no additional protections such as protective clothing, hygiene facilities or medical surveillance.
Source: The Pump Handle 

Other Union News

Unions face injunction on WA pipeline stoppage
Industrial action by up to 180 workers on an offshore barge in WA may be declared illegal by the Federal Court in an ongoing dispute relating to OHS concerns. The Court is expected to release a decision soon on whether three unions - the AMWU, AMWU and CEPU – are liable for the stoppage on the $1.5 billion Woodside petroleum pipeline.

Unions maintain the stoppage was lawful and undertaken in response to reasonable OHS concerns. The ABCC has confirmed it is looking into the matter.
Source: Workplace Express

MUA condemn slave ship operating off SA
The Maritime Union of Australia has condemned the operation of a ship, The Destiny Queen, in South Australian coastal waters. The union says the ship is a ‘slave’ ship crewed by cheap foreign labour without appropriate visa and Australian terms and conditions.

The union has called on the operating company, Destiny Group, to allow SafeWork SA inspectors and the International Transport Workers Federation (ITF) onboard to check safety conditions under which it operates.
Source: MUA media release  

Research

Diesel risk to road workers face brain peril

Roadside workers face the risk from diesel fumes according to new research. Just 30 minutes breathing diesel fumes in a busy street is enough to induce a "stress response" in the brain and could cause lasting problems.

Nanoparticles, including particulate matter in diesel exhaust fumes, have long been known to reach the brain when inhaled, but this study is the first time they’ve been shown to affect how we process information. The Dutch researchers say further studies are needed to explore the effect and to assess the relationship between exposure levels and the brain's response, and investigate the clinical implications.

Bjoern Cruts, Ludo van Etten, Hakan Tornqvist, Anders Blomberg, Thomas Sandstrom, Nicholas L Mills, Paul JA Borm. Exposure to diesel exhaust induces changes in EEG in human volunteers, Particle and Fibre Toxicology, volume 5, number 4, 2008 - abstract  and full paper [ pdf ].
Source: Risks 347  

Radiation linked to heart disease
A study of 65,000 UK nuclear industry workers conducted over 60 years has found a possible link between high radiation exposure and heart disease. Whilst the research team did not rule out other factors such as stress or irregular shift patterns as contributing to the heart problems, the study is the first to link high-radiation exposure and heart disease.

The study found that there was no statistically significant difference between nuclear workers in general and workers in other industries in relation to heart disease. However when the nuclear workers were split into groups based upon their levels of radiation exposure, those in the highest level had a lower life expectancy due to cardiovascular illness.

The UK nuclear industry union, Prospect, has called for further studies and a review into whether non-cancer circulatory diseases should be added to the coverage of the industry's Radiation Linked Compensation Scheme for nuclear workers.

Dave McGeoghegan, Keith Binks, Michael Gillies, Steve Jones, and Steve Whaley. The non-cancer mortality experience of male workers at British Nuclear Fuels plc, 1946-2005, International Journal of Epidemiology Advance Access, published online on 4 March 2008; full paper and abstract .

UK: One in three nurses attacked at work
Almost a third of UK nurses suffer frequent violence at work, according to new research. UK health service union UNISON condemned the 'unacceptable' level of attacks, one of the highest rates in Europe, with only France experiencing higher levels of attacks on nurses. The union called the findings shameful.

The study, published in the journal Occupational Medicine, found that 29 per cent of UK nurses had suffered frequent violent incidents at the hands of patients or their relatives. The researchers surveyed 39,894 nurses in 10 countries. They found that violence had wide-ranging effects including recruitment and retention problems, increased amounts of sick leave and burnout.
UNISON news release 
Source: Risks 346

Workplace bullying may be worse than thought: study
A Canadian study suggests workplace bullying may have far more serious affects than previously thought, and may in fact be more severe than the impacts of sexual harassment at work. The researchers reviewed 110 studies conducted over 21 years comparing the consequences of workers’ experiences of sexual harassment and workplace aggression.

They found that both issues create negative work environments and unhealthy consequences for employees, but that workplace aggression has more severe consequences, including job stress and higher levels of anxiety. They surmised that sexual harassment has become increasingly more unacceptable and support systems are in place in many workplaces to deal with incidences. Whereas bullying is more subtle and often not dealt with  in workplaces.

The research was presented at the Seventh International Conference on Work, Stress and Health, co-sponsored by the American Psychological Association, the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health and the Society for Occupational Health Psychology.
Presentation : Comparing the Outcomes of Sexual Harassment and Workplace Aggression: A Meta-Analysis, M. Sandy Hershcovis, PhD, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba and Julian Barling, Queen's University, Ontario, Canada.

WorkSafe News

Machine maintenance safety campaign

WorkSafe will conduct a workshop in Ballarat on the dangers of improperly guarded machines, particularly when undertaking maintenance work. The workshop, on 1 April, targets the need to plan and properly supervise people involved in the maintenance, repair, installation, servicing and cleaning of machines (MRISC).

WorkSafe says that nine people died in 2007 and almost 5000 were seriously injured in machinery related MRISC work in Victoria’s manufacturing industry.
Book online or call WorkSafe’s Advisory Service on 1800 136 089.
WorkSafe Media Release 

Upcoming WorkSafe inspection campaigns
WorkSafe will conduct targeted workplace safety campaigns in specific geographical areas in the first half of 2008. The following areas will be targeted:

Safer Work Zones – 5 days – targets metropolitan industrial estates
Tullamarine: 31 March to 4 April
Boronia: 28 April to 2 May

Safe Towns – 5 days – targets towns in large regional centres
Bendigo: 5 - 9 May
Warragul: 26 May - 30 May

Mini-towns - 3 days – targets smaller regional centres
Camperdown: 19 - 21 May (TBC)
Falls Creek: 19 to 21 May
Quambatook: 23 to 25 June (TBC).
WorkSafe Media Release 

Useful publications:

• Precast and Tilt-up National Code declared 
  media release [pdf] New code [pdf] 
• New construction poster -  the Construction Industry Guide to Site Safety 2008 includes the latest, up-to-date safety information on working at heights, electrical safety, noise hazards, hoist safety, UV radiation hazards and emergency preparedness. Order form [pdf]
  

Worksafe Prosecutions

Company convicted and fined $200,000 for forklift fatality

A North-Victorian company was convicted and fined $200,000 for safety failings which resulted in the death of a forklift driver in 2005. SDS Beverages Food and Wine Pty Ltd of Irymple was sentenced in the County Court after the company pleaded guilty to one charge laid under the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

A 44-year–old forklift driver died on 8 November 2005 when his machine tipped onto its side over after striking a roof support pole. He was not wearing a seatbelt and was crushed by the machine. WorkSafe’s investigation found the roof support poles had been struck a number of times by forklifts and that workers had backed into poles because of inadequate space.
WorkSafe media release 

Company director given enforceable undertaking over OHS faults
A company director of DJ Denman & Associates Pty. Ltd has been issued an enforceable undertaking for OHS failures after charges were withdrawn in the Melbourne Magistrates Court. WorkSafe had inspected a company site where scaffolding was inappropriately set up and were informed it would not be used and would be dismantled. However, on returning to the site inspectors found the scaff was in use.

The court issued the undertaking which includes the director attending an OHS reps / supervisor’s course by the end of June and also make at least 3 presentations at a TAFE facility to inform apprentices about the circumstances and the WorkSafe requirements and also what the company has done to comply with the undertaking.

The company was also found guilty and fined $40,000 for the same breach.

International News

Diacetyl flavouring resources updated

The US National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) flavourings topic page was recently revised to provide updated information and resources on flavouring-related occupational lung disease for workers, managers, physicians, and health and safety professionals. 

This comes as reports emerge that some USA popcorn industry workers have developed lung disease after inhaling fumes from the flavouring agent. Diacetyl, a flavouring agent designed to taste like butter, has been condemned as unsafe by unions and there are calls for it to be banned. 

New Zealand: Govt to appeal sentences in mining tragedy case
The NZ Department of Labour is appealing the leniency of sentences imposed against the company, mine manager and consultant geologist prosecuted following the Tiller Mine tragedy in which a worker died. In January, the Greymouth District Court ordered Black Reef Mine Ltd, the company that owns Tiller Mine near Greymouth to pay reparation of $21,600 and a fine of $10,000.

Unions have argued that the reparations are far too lenient and fail to take into account the poor safety standards in operation at the mine.
Media release 

New online resource for the hotel, restaurant and catering sector
From the European Agency for Health and Safety at Work, a webpage HORECA: The Hotel, Restaurant and Catering Sector, with resources on risks and how to prevent them.  The sector is one of the fastest growing in Europe, with more than 7.8 million people employed in 2004. 

As in Australia, jobs tend to be temporary, with irregular hours, low pay and few career prospects. There is a high proportion of young people working in the sector.

New chemicals health monitor online

The UK Health and Environment Alliance (HEAL) has launched a new Chemicals Health Monitor website - an online source of information about chemicals and related diseases.
The new resource provides a information about the links between chemical contaminants and ill health.

It includes a list of several diseases and conditions - asthma, autism, breast cancer, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, endometriosis, infertility, obesity, Parkinson's disease, prostate cancer, testicular cancer, Testicular Dysgenesis Syndrome - associated with chemical contamination. There's also information on risk factors associated with these different human health conditions, trends in specific disease incidence, and disease-specific costs.
HEAL news release  
Chemicals Health Monitor website 

USA: Latino workers most likely to die on the job
Each year, nearly 6,000 workers die on while working in the United States. Since the federal government began compiling these statistics, the number of workplace fatalities has been fairly constant - except among Latinos. The US he Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that Latino workers' fatality rate was 21 percent higher than all workers in 2006.

In 2006 nearly 1000 Latino workers died. Unions and labour advocates cite a range of factors as contributing to the shocking statistics. Latino workers are less likely to be members of unions and are often unaware about their rights to a safe workplace as the conditions are not what they are used to in their home countries. Many migrant workers who are working illegally in the US are also fearful of being deported if they report unsafe working conditions.
Source: Risks 346

Events

Safety in action

April 29-May 1 Safety Institute of Australia, Melbourne, Ph (03) 9654 7773 or email safety@aec.net.au. Details: www.safetyinaction.net.au.
 
Training at VTHC
The OHS Training Unit has a range of courses coming up in 2008. Check out the training page of the website for all the latest news and sign up for courses.
Contact Judith Rodda on 03 9663 5460 for more information on scheduled courses or what we can do for your workplace, and to enrol.

Initial 5-Day Metropolitan (for Elected OHS Reps under the Victorian OHS Act - this course is approved by the VWA under Section 67)
April 7 – 11 Carlton
April 14 – 18 Werribee
April 14 – 18  DEECD (Education) Carlton
April 16, 17, 18, 21, 22   Health Services  Carlton
Course hours: 9am - 5pm.  Course fee $620.00

Initial 5-Day Country
May 19 – 23  Geelong
May 19 – 23  Wodonga
May 26 – 30  Bendigo
May 26 – 30  Ballarat
Course hours: 9am - 5pm.  Course fee $650.00

Comcare 5-Day Ohs Reps Course (for Elected OHS Reps under the Comcare Act)
April 28 - May 2 Carlton
Course hours: 9am - 5pm.  Course fee $650.00

2-Day Metropolitan
This  2-day course is an overview designed for managers, supervisors and committee members.  It is NOT a replacement for the VWA approved 5-day training for elected reps.
May 15, 16 Carlton
Course hours: 9.30am - 4.30pm.  Course fee $350.00

1-Day Refresher
The Refresher course is approved by the VWA under Section 67 of the Victorian OHS Act 2004 for elected reps and deputies.
April 23 Legislative Update Carlton
April 24 Psychological Hazards Carlton
Course hours: 9am - 4.30pm.  Course fee $180.00

Go to the 2008 Training program page to download an application form.