This week in SafetyNet: Victoria’s injured worker entitlements slashed, Qantas fined $250k for HSR discrimination, concern about diesel fume levels at Southern Cross Station, WorkSafe charges the Department of Justice and Community Safety, recognition for healthcare HSR heroes, and much more.
An education worker seeks advice from Ask Renata regarding access to first aid rooms. As always, we encourage you to send 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
INJURED WORKER ENTITLEMENTS SLASHED
Unions are justifiably furious the State Government have made adeal with the Liberals to pass legislation that will significantly reduce the rights of injured workers and worsen the WorkCover scheme.
QANTAS FINED $250K OVER THEO'S SHAMEFUL TREATMENT
Following on from our report last week that Qantas Ground Services has agreed to compensate HSR Theo Seremetidis with $21,000 after a court found he was unlawfully discriminated against.
Qantas has also been fined $250,000 by the District Court of NSW for breaching the NSW WHS Act, describing Qantas' conduct as ‘quite shameful.'
DIESEL DANGERS: SOUTHERN CROSS AIR QUALITY CONCERNS
Documents that have recently come to light under a Freedom of Information request show that the Southern Cross Station has some of the least clean air in the city.
Data reveals high levels of diesel fumes going back to at least 2010 that pose health risks, especially for vulnerable groups and employees based at the station.
ASK RENATA
Is it legal to always lock a first aid room?
First Aid in the Workplace Compliance Code advises that first aid officers ‘need to have access to’ the first aid room, and that ‘each first aid room (and its contents) needs to be under the control of a first aid officer.'
HOSPITAL ADMISSIONS EASE
The number of people in hospital with COVID-19 has decreased this week. The 7-day average is 164, compared to 178 last week.
The 7-day average of ICU patients has increased this week (7 to 8).
Research
DIGITAL WORK TRENDS IMPACT MENTAL HEALTH
The European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA) conducted a pulse survey of 27,000 workers in 2022, concluding that the COVID-19 pandemic was a ‘formative event’ for workers' mental health.
The survey revealed that many workers experienced increased stress, mainly due to two factors, and suggest employers need to proactively monitor health-damaging working conditions.
Regulator News
HEALTHCARE HEROES TRIUMPH IN WORKSAFE AWARDS
ANMF members Jen Gamble and Gaye Coles, nurses at University Hospital Geelong, along with Ambulance Victoria’s Jason Learmonth, were jointly awarded the title of WorkSafe’s HSR of the Year on February 29th.
THREE MORE WORKPLACE FATALITIES
On February 27, a 55-year-old traffic controller died after being crushed between two vehicles in Dandenong North. She was guiding a reversing truck when a parked ute rolled backwards, pinning her between the vehicles.
On February 29, a 91-year-old farmer died after driving his quad bike into a fence post.
A 28-year-old truck driver died at a building site in Berwick 1 March. It is understood the was working alone, unloading timber products when struck and crushed by the boom of a truck-mounted crane.
These deaths were preventable. Three Victorian workers will never return home.
'Mourn the dead and fight like hell for the living.
Prosecutions
WORKPLACE BULLYING: PRINTCO DIRECTOR FINED
A court has imposed a fine of $20,000 after investigators found the director of a real estate signage company had subjected multiple employees to yelling, swearing, and intimidation over a period of almost three years.
CHARGES OVER PARKVILLE YOUTH JUSTICE ASSAULT
WorkSafe has charged the Department of Justice and Community Safety after a youth justice worker was assaulted at the Parkville Youth Justice Precinct in March 2023.
International News
TRANSFORMING SHIPBREAKING: HKC'S IMPACT
Shipbreaking is recognised as one of the most dangerous occupations globally. The Hong Kong Convention, set to take effect in June next year, mandates a range of measures to create a safer and more environmentally sustainable industry.
Events
WOMEN HSRS - LEADERS AT WORK NETWORKING NIGHT
WRAW Fest is celebrating all women leaders of our movement, including women HSRs and those interested in becoming one! Join us for an online panel discussion with women HSRs from various industries, followed by a networking session and a WRAW Chat for women HSRs to share experiences, challenges, opportunities, and support for our union sisters in workplace leadership roles. This event is open to all women and gender diverse individuals only.
When: Monday, March 25, 6:30 pm - 7:45 pm
Where: Zoom (Register to receive the link on the day)
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY RALLY - END THE SILENCE!
For too long, the patriarchy has tried to silence us. This International Women’s Day, we refuse to stay silent. Instead, we're raising our voices for justice, safety, respect, and equality for all women. Join us as we rally through Melbourne together on Thursday, March 7th at 5:30 pm and demand real action. What won't you be silent about? What action do you want to see? We welcome and encourage all women, cis and trans, non-binary and gender-diverse folks of all ages, sizes, colors, races, sexualities, identities, religions, and cultures, as well as our allies and comrades, to attend the rally.
Where: State Library of Victoria, Corner Swanston and LaTrobe Sts, Naarm, Melbourne
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