In this week's edition of SafetyNet: training on psychological risks within the mining sector falls short, worsening burnout and work intensity in the UK, prosecutions in the warehousing and construction sectors, bans on engineered stone, and more support for HSRs at ALP conference and HSRs' views invited regarding asbestos regulation.
A UWU member writes to Ask Renata about WSV improvement notices. As always, we encourage you to send in your questions to Ask Renata.
For OHS news and helpful information, please visit the We Are Union: OHS Reps Facebook page.
To access previous issues, you can visit our SafetyNet Archive.
Union News
OHS PRIORITIES: SILICA BAN & SUPPORT FOR HSRs
The ALPs 49th national conference wrapped up in Brisbane over the weekend.
Several workplace health and safety priorities were set, key amongst them, a resolution to ban on ‘silica-containing workplace products’.
Parliamentarians, members and unionists also agreed to:
- Address the increasing prevalence of psychological injuries at work
- Act on recommendations for preventing workplace sexual harassment
- Ensure union officials and HSRs can fulfill their functions free from obstruction or adverse treatment
- Focus on hazardous chemicals in workplaces
- Review workers' compensation programs
ASK RENATA
I placed a PIN some time ago and WorkSafe made some recommendations. I was wondering if the company has to follow the recommendations.
You mention ‘worksafe made some recommendations’. In what form were those recommendations made? Were they contained in an Improvement Notice, issued after a site visit from an inspector?
If so, notices must be complied with.
WEEKLY COVID NUMBERS
From 10 August – 17 August, Victoria recorded:
517 (+21%) total cases for the past week
2 COVID deaths on average each day over the past week
99 cases in hospital (7 day rolling average) with 6 in ICU (7 day rolling average)
International News
TUC WARNS OF BURNOUT CRISIS IN UK
The TUC (Trade Union Congress) has raised concerns about the increasing intensity of work in the UK, leading to burnout among workers.
According to a recent survey more than half of workers (55%) feel their work is becoming more demanding, and three out of five (61%) feel exhausted at the end of most workdays.
Many are spending more time outside of their contracted hours dealing with work-related tasks like emails and core work activities with women disproportionately affected.
Prosecutions
FATAL FORKLIFT INCIDENT SPARKS CHARGES
There's concerning news a worker, charged with recklessly endangerment, could face jail for up to five years after being charged following the death of a colleague who died after a forklift's load toppled onto him.
The fatality occurred at a Corio warehouse, where a 52-year-old maintenance fitter was allegedly operating a forklift with an unsecured load.
SafetyNet wonders what instruction, training and supervision were provided this worker.
MULTIPLEX $195,548 PLEDGE TO PREVENT MORE FALLING OBJECTS
Construction company Multiplex has faced charges of failing to ensure a workplace free of risks to health after a sprinkler pipe being installed on the 26th floor of a residential tower detached and fell, landing close to workers in the street below.
Regulator News
HSRs INVITED TO HAVE A SAY: ASBESTOS 'COMPETENCY' RULES
Safe Work Australia (SWA) is asking for input on the rules for ‘competent persons’ in relation to asbestos-related tasks.
SWA want to address issues around defining who qualifies as a ‘competent person’ and are inviting HSRs, as well as employers and others for their thoughts.
Comments can be submitted here, with public consultation open until 1 October.
Research
PSYCHOSOCIAL RISKS: TRAINING FALLS SHORT
Key findings from workshops and interviews conducted by WorkSafe WA in 2023, focusing on the psychosocial wellbeing of workers in mining industry reveal employers are increasingly aware of the need to train workers on issues like harassment and bullying, but the current approach of providing single, isolated training sessions has limited impact.
Events
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 training webpage for more information.
OHS Team
http://www.weareunion.org.au