Issue 167 - SafetyNet Journal 167
Welcome to SafetyNet Journal 167 - find out the latest in what's going on in OHS in Australia and around the world.Union News
Research
WorkSafe News
Worksafe Prosecutions
International News
Events
Union News
Activities for reps
VTHC laments missed chance to improve assistance to Victoria’s injured workers
The state government has missed a major opportunity to correct major problems in Victoria’s workers’ compensation system that date back to the Kennett years, according to the Victorian Trades Hall Council. The VTHC Secretary, Brian Boyd, said the government’s response to the recent Hanks Review of the Accident Compensation Act maintains discrimination against workers suffering stress injuries, does nothing to reduce the record levels of disputation in the system and is likely to make worse WorkCover’s often poor record of getting injured workers back to work. The VTHC Secretary called on the government to enter into urgent talks with the VTHC before turning its response to the Hanks Review into law.
“Although the government has improved benefits, to injured workers, its response to the detailed review does not address a system in need of major overhaul” said Mr Boyd.
“By opting to not improve dispute resolution within the system, the government has ensured that the 17,000 workers who have claims rejected every year will continue to experience long delays before getting the treatment and compensation for their injuries they deserve.”
VTHC media release
VWA media release
Ambos commence work bans over fatigue
Paramedics commenced industrial action at 7am on Friday 19 June, a move they hope will help Premier John Brumby decide if he supports longer rest breaks to combat on-the-job fatigue. Year-long negotiations broke down earlier this week after two weeks at the Industrial Relations Commission. Government representatives flatly refused to support 10 hour rest-breaks and fair wages, telling paramedics their claims were without merit. Paramedics today have begun an escalating campaign of industrial action which could result in the first ambulance strike in 36 years.
Ambulance Employees Australia State Secretary Steve McGhie said paramedics feel betrayed by Premier Brumby’s failure to support ten-hour rest breaks.
“Paramedics are taking this action because every day they are forced to make life and death decisions in a fatigued state,” said Mr McGhie.
Only Victoria and Western Australia retain 8-hour minimum rest breaks for paramedics. From today paramedics will defy Ambulance Victoria’s policy of eight hour rest breaks between shifts and take enforced 10-hour rest breaks. This will ensure they are properly rested and that any risk to the Victorian community from fatigued paramedics is reduced. It will be the responsibility of Ambulance Victoria to ensure there is ambulance coverage for the additional two hours. Paramedics will also defy Ambulance Victoria’s media ban and provide briefings to journalists about working conditions and their campaign for a safer ambulance service. Eight types of industrial action will start from today, including bans on participating in clinical trials and on filling in for managers who are on leave.
Video
– Paramedics explain why they are taking industrial action
Response Time!
OHS Reps – fatigue pages
Safe Work Australia Council meets for first time
The Safe Work Australia Council met for the first time in Sydney on June 10. The SWA Council meeting focussed on the harmonisation of OHS laws. Other items on the agenda included specifications for the maintenance of the Australian Mesothelioma Register designed to improve the collection of data on the past exposure to asbestos of patients diagnosed with Mesothelioma and ensuring the Register is a comprehensive source of data. The council is comprised of 15 members, including an independent Chair, nine members representing the Commonwealth and each State and Territory, two representing the interests of workers, two representing the interests of employers and the Group Manager of Safe Work Australia.
SWA media release
Ask Renata
I work as a food service assistant. My question is when we have our OHS meetings is the manager supposed to pay us, even if it's our day off? The OHS meetings are related to work duties. The manager calls the meetings once a month on a regular basis.
If the employer has called an OHS meeting, or indeed any other meeting, and is expecting workers to attend, then yes, this is to be treated as 'time at work' and the employer MUST pay workers to attend. If you or any of the other workers are employed as casuals, and the meetings only go for, say, an hour, you are entitled to be paid the minimum 'call-out' as per the award/agreement you are employed under. If the employer does not pay workers to attend any meeting then they have no duty to attend it. Contact your union if you find yourself in this situation as this kind of issues should be able to sorted out fairly quickly.
Do you have an OHS-related query? If so Ask Renata .
WorkSafe produces policy position on HSR access to the internet
The VWA has produced a policy position on Health and Safety Representative access to OHS information on the internet. Unions have long argued that it is crucial for reps to have access to the internet during work hours in order to access the increasing amount of OHS information on the net. This information includes WorkSafe’s own guidance material and information. In the past there have been cases where reps have been forced to issue a PIN to get access.
Supporting Health and Safety Representative access to health and safety information via the internet
ANF No Lifting Expo – August 7 2009
The 2007 ANF No Lifting Expo will focus on the integration and extension of no lifting to include allied health groups while maintaining nurses' back injury prevention programs. This conference is a must for all nurses, Nurse Unit Managers, Directors of Nursing, No Lifting Co-ordinators and anyone involved in implementing no lifting programs. No lifting programs have been independently proven to significantly reduce nurses' back injuries and save health organisations millions of dollars per year on lost work days, reduced WorkCover insurance premiums and injury claims.
Register now - fill out the Registration Form [pdf]
Trapped miner puts WA mine safety in spotlight yet again
A miner trapped underground for 15 hours at BHP’s Perseverance mine has highlighted the industry’s shocking safety record in WA. The 38 year-old man was trapped in a safety chamber one kilometre underground after a rockfall on June 10. Miners union, the AMWU, says the incident is the latest in a string of safety issues at BHP mines and says the culture of the company must change. The union called on the WA state government to address the number of deaths and injuries in WA mines in recent times. The company has admitted its safety record is “unacceptable”. The Western Australian government has rejected calls from the union and Greens for a federal inquiry into WA mine safety.
AMWU media release
The Age report
News.com report
Queensland mine deaths “unacceptable”: report
The Queensland Mines Inspectorate (QMI) says the number of people killed in mining accidents over the past year is unacceptable. This financial year has been one of the worst for fatalities on Queensland mine sites. Four people have died in work accidents, which is the worst figure since 1996-'97, when 10 people were killed. The annual report by QMI says the results show the industry is failing to give health and safety sufficient priority and that the deaths are unacceptable.
ABC news report
Australian cleaners celebrate cleaning up the industry
Office cleaners have celebrated an important win in cleaning up a notorious industry. The LHMU’s
Clean Start Agreement, which signed up 12 of Melbourne’s largest cleaning companies, means that 1500 of the city’s cleaners will have fairer workloads, and their minimum wage doubled from $199 to $427 a week. They will also get agreed annual wage rises of 4-8 percent and better job security. The current average workload see workers expected to clean 1000 square metres per hour. This is the equivalent to four family homes. The Clean Start Campaign has been fighting for three years to improve the wages and conditions. Thirty-five cleaning companies, representing the majority of the cleaning industry nationally, have now signed on to the Clean Start Collective Agreement, which comes into effect from July 1.
Clean Start Campaign
Asbestos News
SWA releases 2nd annual mesothelioma reportSafe Work Australia has published its second annual mesothelioma report. It shows the number of mesothelioma-related deaths decreased between 2005 and 2006. It also shows that the new diagnoses of the disease have decreased since 2004. However, the report warns it is too early to mark a turning point in the incidences of mesothelioma, which has been rising since 1982. In 2005 there were 597 diagnoses of mesothelioma, down from a peak of 645 in 2003, and there were 486 deaths from the disease in 2006, down from 545 in 2004.
The SWA Council says the incidence of new cases of mesothelioma in the population is expected to decline, because asbestos exposure in the workplace and the general environment has now been eliminated or minimised. Yet, due to the long latency between exposure and diagnosis, the number of new cases will not peak until 2017 in Australia.
SWA mesothelioma report OHS Reps – asbestos pages
Nanotechnology
Unions and toxicologists call for labelling of nano products
Federal and state governments are facing renewed pressure to introduce mandatory labelling of products containing nanoparticles with growing evidence of the asbestos-like harm posed by some products. A recent report on the ABC’s 7.30 Report looked at the concerns of a growing coalition amongst unions, toxicologists, insurance agents and some members of the nanotechnology industry all urging caution on the widespread adoption of such products. Campaigners, including unions, warn that governments are running the risk of being left behind on this important issue.
FoEA
ABC 7.30 Report transcript and video
Nano-silver report exposes extent of public health threat
Friends of the Earth (Australia & USA) and Health Care without Harm (Europe) have released a new report detailing the growing threat to public health posed by extreme germ killer nano silver, and exposing the huge number of consumer applications in which it is found. Silver has long been known as a potent antibacterial agent. However its use has exploded in recent years, not only in medical applications, but in a huge number of consumer products, including children’s toys, babies’ bottles, cosmetics, textiles, cleaning agents, chopping boards, refrigerators and dishwashers. Much of the silver used is in the form of nano silver, a tiny and especially potent form. Early studies suggest that not only could nano silver pose serious new health and environmental risks, its reckless widespread use could promote antibacterial resistance, undermining its efficacy in a medical context.
FoEA - Nano silver: extreme germ killer presents a growing threat to public health
OHS Reps – nanotechnology page
International Union News
World Day Against Child Labour
According to UNICEF there are around 160 million children in child labour worldwide. The annual World Day Against Child Labour was marked by events in scores of countries around the world on 12 June amid growing concerns over the impact of the economic crisis on child labour, and in particular girls. The ILO has also released a new report entitled
Give Girls a Chance: Tackling child labour, a key to the future, highlighting the exploitation of girls in child labour and warning that the crisis could force more girls out of education and into child labour. The report says the danger of girls being forced into child labour is linked to evidence that in many countries families give preference to boys when making decisions on education of children. It states that because of the increase in poverty as result of the crisis poor families with a number of children may have to make choices as to which children stay in school. In cultures in which a higher value is placed on education of male children, girls risk being taken out of school, and are then likely to enter the workforce at an early age. This year’s World Day also marks the tenth anniversary of the adoption of ILO Convention No. 182 on the elimination of the worst forms of child labour.
ILO media release
ILO - World Day 2009: Give girls a chance: End child labour
Babu’s Story
– Article on Bangladeshi child labourers
76
trade unionists murdered worldwide in 2008
2008 was another bad year for attacks against trade unionists with 76 recorded murders of labour activists. Once again Colombia headed these damning statistics with 49 trade unionists losing their lives in 2008. In Latin America there were 66 murders in total, making it the most dangerous region for labour organising in the world. The ITUC’s
Annual Survey of Trade Union Violations is important reading, detailing the abuses against workers and their representatives.
ITUC Annual Survey of Trade Union Violations
ACTU media release
Decent work for domestic workers
The ILO has warned that the economic downturn is likely to exacerbate the vulnerabilities in domestic work, already one of the most precarious occupations. This year, at the annual International Labour Conference in Geneva, delegates from Governments, Workers’ and Employers’ Organizations held a discussion on gender issues in the context of the ILO’s Decent Work Agenda. It was the first dedicated and formal gender discussion by the Conference in nearly a quarter century.
In many countries, domestic work is not considered formal employment and often falls outside of labour protection laws. Put simply, domestic workers are often at the mercy of their employers. Should the employer physically or sexually abuse them, withhold wages or degrade them, many women feel they have little recourse except to run away. But many are migrants from other countries, working without proper visas and if caught by the authorities they could be immediately deported or face further abuse. The ILO plans to begin the process of developing a legal instrument such as a Convention on Domestic Work at next year’s International Labour Conference.
ILO news release
Rehabilitation - A short guide to the evidence
This briefing from the UK’s TUC outlines the evidence of what works and when for rehabilitation. The briefing is based on the UK Department of Work and Pensions review of rehabilitation called
'What Works, For Whom and When?' [pdf].
Rehabilitation - A short guide to the evidence
Research
Study investigates cancer and mortality in Australian prebake aluminium smelters
A study of over 4000 men working in two Australian prebake aluminium smelters has found elevated risks for incident stomach cancer, mesothelioma and kidney cancer. The study examined 4396 men who’d worked at the smelters for at least 3 months. The study found no overall excess risk of mortality or cancer however.
Mortality and cancer incidence in workers in two Australian prebake aluminium smelters
; M R Sim, A Del Monaco, J L Hoving, E MacFarlane1, D McKenzie, G Benke, N de Klerk and L Fritschi; Published Online First: 12 February 2009. doi:10.1136/oem.2008.040964; Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2009; 66:464-470
French study links solvent exposure to infant malformation
A recent French study has provided further evidence of an association between exposure to solvents during pregnancy and the risk of major malformations in babies. Over 3000 pregnant women in Brittany in France were recruited until the end of 2005 by physicians before 19 weeks of gestation and followed through to birth. Occupational exposure to solvents at the beginning of pregnancy was assessed from the women’s self-reported occupational exposures. 30 percent of women declared regular exposure to at least one product containing solvents and 21 percent were classified as at least medium exposure. Occupations found to be exposed included hairdressers, nurses’ aides, nurses and chemists/biologists. The study found significant associations between major congenital malformations and maternal occupational exposure to solvents.
Maternal occupational exposure to solvents and congenital malformations: a prospective study in the general population
; Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2009; 66:456-463; doi:10.1136/oem.2008.041772
Women farm workers at increased leukaemia risk
New Zealand research shows that women in the country's agricultural sector have the highest risk among of workers of contracting leukaemia. According to Massey University's Centre for Public Health Research overall risk of contracting leukaemia appeared to be up to 3.4 times greater in women than men. The analysis was made from data it started collecting in 2003, when researchers interviewed 225 cancer patients aged 25-75 and 471 randomly selected participants from the general population. It was not clear why there was a difference between the genders, but one possible reason was because of different tasks traditionally performed by men and women in horticultural occupations.
Occupational cancers account for more than 300 deaths in New Zealand each year, with the National Occupational Health and Safety Advisory Committee estimating that 30 deaths annually from leukaemia are attributable to occupational exposures.
Stuff.co.nz report
Inhaled nanotubes suppress immune system
Inhaled carbon nanotubes may suppress the immune system according to new research. In the new study on mice, researchers found that inhaling nanotubes affected the function of T cells, a type of white blood cell that organises the immune system to fight infections. Researchers said that although carbon nanotubes were unlikely to pose risks to the general public when incorporated into products, anyone working in their production and processing was more likely to be exposed to larger amounts over a longer period. "Immune dysfunction is a concern for those who work in this industry," they wrote. In the experiment the team exposed mice to airborne suspensions of commercially bought nanotubes for around six hours a day for two weeks.
Mechanisms for how inhaled multiwalled carbon nanotubes suppress systemic immune function in mice -
Abstract
WorkSafe News
Comcare the ‘worst resourced’ inspectorate
An Australian study of OHS inspectors has found Comcare was the "worst-resourced" inspectorate in Australia. However one of the study's authors, Michael Quinlan said that this probably doesn't matter as "they rarely enforce anyway" and that until recently Comcare had run only one prosecution. He also said that unlike other jurisdictions Comcare recruits people who didn't have any OHS training.
The study also found that at least 50% of inspectors' visits were the result of a targeted campaign. This marked a shift from the past practice of random workplace visits. Of concern to unions is that in only a third of visits did inspectors speak to a an OHS rep onsite. This was attributed to declining union membership across all industries. However, it was noted that the Victorian protocol that inspectors should speak a HSR if there is one present on the site is a practise that should be adopted by other jurisdictions.
Inside OHS 63
WorkSafe warns business to not become a statistic
Getting information about reducing the chance of workplace injuries, dealing with workers compensation claims and meeting obligations about helping injured workers return to work is how Victorian businesses can help weather economic storms. WorkSafe’s annual business briefings began this week at 22 locations across the state. This year’s focus is ensuring safety in tough times, prevention of common injuries, how to make a claim, helping injured workers back to work and information on a range of free services.
Register online
Useful Materials
- Construction - Preventing explosions when testing pipelines
Solution for preventing explosions when testing pipelines. - Preventing fire and explosion risks when dispensing methylated spirits
Solution for preventing the fire and explosion risks when dispensing methylated spirits - Industry Standard, Safe erection of structural steel for buildings
This industry standard has been designed to raise awareness of the dangers associated with erection of structural steel in the construction industry.
Worksafe Prosecutions
SES faces prosecution over volunteer death
Victoria's State Emergency Service (SES) is being prosecuted over the death of a volunteer at Mildura, in the state's north-west, two years ago. Ronald Hopkins, 54, was involved in a flood boat training exercise with the SES when he went missing in the Murray River near Mildura in May 2007. His body was found 17 hours later. An inquest into Mr Hopkins' death by the New South Wales coroner was terminated earlier this year after advice criminal proceedings would be initiated in Victoria. The Victorian WorkCover Authority is now prosecuting the SES with failing to ensure a person is not exposed to risk and failing to provide a safe working environment. The matter will come before the Mildura Magistrates Court again next month.
VWA media release
Company fined for failing to comply with PINs
A Port Melbourne distribution and supply company was fined $24,000 for failing to comply with PINs. In January 2008 a VWA Inspector visited Merchants Supply Coy Pty Ltd and noted a range of issues relating to the warehousing arrangements including damaged and poorly secured racking, loose dyna bolts and no collision protection. Despite being given until March 2008 to fix the problems the company didn’t comply with the PINs until September.
VWA media release
International News
China: Landslide buries mine workers
A landslide in south-western China on June 5 buried dozens of people, according to state media reports. Fifty mine workers and nine residents were initially thought buried by the landslide, in an iron-ore mining area of the Chongqing region. The Xinhua news agency said millions of cubic metres of rock flooded a valley, burying an iron ore plant and six houses in Tiekuang township, and cutting power and communication lines. It is not clear what caused the tragedy, but an official with the Chongqing work safety supervision bureau told Associated Press that the landslide did not appear to have been caused by the work at the mine. This was contradicted by later reports. Deadly incidents in China's mines are common, due to poor safety standards, illegal mining and the rush to feed the demand from one of the world's fastest-growing economies.Risks 410 BBC news
Workers killed in Indonesian coal mine
An explosion at an Indonesian coal mine has claimed the lives of 31 workers. Nine other workers were hospitalised after the massive explosion on 16 June. The blast may have been triggered by a buildup of methane gas in the mine. Indonesia has some of the world's largest coal deposits and is a major coal exporter, but safety standards in its mines are poor. The blast occurred at a mine owned by a local company in Sawahlunto, West Sumatra province, 900 kilometres northwest of the capital, Jakarta.
Jakarta Post
Events
At Trades Hall (Cnr Victoria and Lygon St, Carlton Sth)
Return to Work Unit
The Victorian Trades Hall Council Return to Work Unit challenges the barriers that stop injured workers returning to full and meaningful employment. A big part of the VTHC initiative is to provide training to workers and their representatives. Check out the training scheduled for 2009
VTHC OHS Training Centre
Initial 5-Day Metropolitan (for Elected OHS Reps under the Victorian OHS Act - this course is approved by the VWA under Section 67)
July 6 – 10 Initial Carlton
July 13 – 17 Initial Carlton
Course hours: 9am - 5pm. Course fee $670.00
Initial 5-Day Country
July 3 – 6 Initial Ballarat
Course hours: 9am - 5pm. Course fee $690.00
Comcare 5-Day OHS Reps Course (for Elected OHS Reps under the Comcare Act)
July 13 - 17 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.
September 17 and 18 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.
July 27 Psychological Hazards Carlton
July 28 Legislative Update Morwell
Course hours: 9am - 4.30pm. Course fee $180.00
Go to the 2009 Training program page of the website for all the dates of upcoming courses, and to download an application form.