In this week's SafetyNet Journal, we look at how Australian Standards and WHS Law interact, systemic interventions on workplace bullying, the Spartan Steel prosecution and international news from Spain and the Gulf States.
A UWU member writes to Ask Renata about workplace exercise programs, and as always we encourage you to send in your own queries to Ask Renata.
For OHS news and helpful information visit We Are Union: OHS Reps Facebook page.
For previous issues visit our SafetyNet Archive.
Union News
PREVENT BULLYING USING OHS FRAMEWORKS: RSVP TODAY!
In March, we facilitated an online seminar featuring Professor Michelle Tuckey, on the impact that changing work systems has on reducing bullying.
Attendees expressed the need for a follow-up event that provides a step-by-step action plan for HSRs.
Due to high demand, our first event on June 19th is fully booked, but we are pleased to offer a second workshop, July 27 for those who missed out.
The workshop, facilitated by Marty from VTHC's OHS Team, will guide participants through an action plan to address bullying-promoting systems.
RSVP here to receive the Zoom meeting link.
Let's make a positive impact on Victorian workplaces together. This event is sponsored by Slater & Gordon.
ASK RENATA
I am looking for data or research that supports workplace exercise programs and having an on-site physiotherapist. I am trying to establish a rehab/physio room and offer on-site physiotherapy appointments along with pre-work exercises.
We can certainly see the benefits of an on-site physiotherapist and easily accessible treatment for injuries, whether work-related or not. However, we would advise proceeding cautiously.
Read our full response.
WEEKLY COVID NUMBERS
From 02 June - 08 June, Victoria recorded:
- 6,135 (-28%) total cases for the past week
- 9 COVID deaths on average each day over the past week
- 429 cases in hospital (7 day rolling average) with 13 in ICU (7 day rolling average)
More COVID weekly stats here.
FREE DOWNLOAD: 35 YEARS OF VICTORIAN OHS HISTORY
For a limited time, SafetyNet subscribers have the opportunity to download Barry Naismith's exceptional three-volume work, 35th anniversary of OHS in Victoria for FREE!
More information here.
SIGN OUR PETITION FOR WORKCOVER THAT WORKS FOR ALL
We recently gathered once again to commemorate Injured Workers Day, expressing solidarity, listening to each other's stories, and reaffirming our commitment to fight for dignity and respect for all injured workers.
Given the recently announced governmental changes to our workers' compensation scheme, this year's Injured Workers Day held particular significance.
A reminder then to please sign and share our petition calling on the Victorian government to create a WorkCover scheme that benefits everyone.
Regulator News
WHS LAWS & AUS STANDARDS: INTERACTION CLARIFIED
Safe Work Australia (SWA) has provided clarification on the interaction between Work Health and Safety (WHS) laws and Australian Standards.
Following a change in the model WHS Act in 2022, compliance with Australian Standards is not mandatory unless specified in a provision or clause.
Details here.
ENTRIES OPEN FOR WORKSAFE AWARDS 2023
The WorkSafe Awards celebrate the outstanding achievements of our health, safety, and return to work champions.
Why enter?
It’s a way to recognise individuals, teams, or organisations that go above and beyond for workplace safety. .
Entries are now open across the following categories:
- Commitment to Prevention of Mental Injury in the Workplace
- Commitment to Workplace Health and Safety on a Farm
- Health and Safety Representative of the Year
- Leading Return to Work Practice
- OHS Leadership/Achievement
- Worker Return to Work Achievement
- Workplace Health and Safety Solution of the Year.
See here for details on how to enter.
Prosecutions
SPARTAN STEEL FACES SAFETY CONSEQUENCES
On 1 July 2020, an incident occurred at Spartan Steel that injured a worker operating a remote-controlled overhead traveling crane. The task involved lifting five steel parallel flange channels, weighing approximately 200 kg, onto a truck. During the lifting process, the load shifted, striking and trapping the worker.
Immediate medical attention was provided, and the injured worker subsequently required multiple surgeries.
Read more here.
International News
GLOBAL: DEATH-TRAP TRAWLER CREW MUST BE ALLOWED HOME
Fishers on a 50-year-old ‘death trap’ trawler should not be made to go back to sea, even to sail to a repair yard, the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) is demanding.
More here.
GULF STATES: MIGRANT WORKERS AT SERIOUS RISK FROM HEAT
Migrant workers toiling in the Gulf are at serious risk from dangerous heat exposures through the working day, Human Rights Watch (HRW) has warned.
More here.
SPAIN: BIG WIN FOR HOTEL HOUSEKEEPERS ON WORKLOAD
More than 20,000 hotel housekeepers in the Balearic Islands, Spain, will benefit from a new methodology to regulate their workloads, taking into account the class of hotel, the specifications of each room and mandated requirements for cleanliness.
More here.
Research
GUILT & ENDLESS MEETINGS: NO REST FOR HYBRID WORKERS
According to researchers from Manchester Metropolitan University, remote and hybrid workers are sacrificing their rest breaks due to the pressure to maintain an online presence.
The study found that back-to-back online meetings and the fear of appearing inactive or not working hard enough prevent workers from taking breaks.
To address this issue, the researchers suggest that employers adopt authentic leadership and establish company-wide social norms that encourage taking breaks and being away from the desk.
Read more here
Events
OHS 2 DAY TRAINING COURSE FOR MANAGERS & SUPERVISORS
Are you a manager or supervisor? Do you sit on an OHS Committee? We have a 2 day course that familiarises you with the OHS Act 2004 and your duties under it. The 2 day course is an overview designed for managers, supervisors and committee members – it is not a replacement for the 5 day HSR Initial OHS Training Course.
Managers, Supervisors and Committee Members are key players in workplace health and safety.
Under the OHS Act 2004, employers are required to ‘provide and maintain so far as is reasonably practicable for employees a working environment that is safe and without risks to health’.
Providing and maintaining that safe and healthy work environment requires effort on three fronts:
- Planning - to identify and control workplace hazards
- Integration - to ensure that health and safety is built into the overall operation of the workplace, alongside production, quality control and customer service.
- Involvement - only the active commitment of senior management, line managers and supervisors, health & safety committee members, employees and their health and safety representatives will change workplace health and safety standards.
Course hours: 9am – 5pm
Course length: 2 Days
Cost: $750 (inc GST)
Course Dates: 29 & 30 June 2023
OHS TRAINING UNIT
The Victorian Trades Hall Council’s OHS Training Unit is one of the most experienced training providers in Victoria.
We have delivered OHS training to tens of thousands of Health & Safety Reps across Victoria since 1983.
We deliver high quality WorkSafe Approved training that is practical and solution-focused in multiple locations around Melbourne’s suburbs and regional Victoria.
- 5 Day HSR Initial OHS Training Course Fee - $950 (inc GST)
- 1 Day HSR Refresher Training Course Fee - $350 (inc GST)
Click on the links below for dates and locations.
HSR Initial OHS Training Course
HSR Refresher OHS Training Course
VTHC also offers tailored training, including for managers and supervisors, on Comcare, and gendered violence.
Check out our website for more information.
OHS Team
http://www.weareunion.org.au/