WorkSafe Victoria news
Reminder: Health and Safety Month, October 2019
WorkSafe Victoria has launched its program of events for this year's Health and Safety Month, which will be taking place October 2 - 31. There are over 20 events being run on topics, for a range of industries all across the state. Download the event program here, and register for an event. Remember though, if you're an elected HSR, your event will be the VTHC HSR Conference.
New App for HSRs
Good news for HSRs looking for easy access to WorkSafe Victoria information and publications: a new app QIN Codesafe! It was developed by Sam Hatfield and Kim Giles in response to an identified need to provide HSRs in the field quick and easy access to both compliance codes and VWA guidance specifically on their role as HSRs. Sam, a past member of our own OHS team here at the VTHC, and Kim are HSR Support Officers, providing advice to HSRs in the field. To download the app, search for it in the App store or go to this link. Once you have it, it's easy to share with other reps.
NSW: Horrific woodchipper fatality
A worker was killed last Saturday morning after being dragged into a woodchipper at Lindfield on Sydney’s north shore. Reports indicate the man was working with two others putting tree branches into a woodchipper when the incident occurred. It appears two of the men left the scene when they went down the street to see if they could find a motorist to move a car. They left their colleague working by the chipper. When they returned the 40 year old man had vanished but a pool of blood was visible. They immediately called emergency services. Police said the man died at the scene. SafeWork NSW is investigating the incident and a report is being prepared for the Coroner.
Read more: News.com.au,
Safe Work Australia
Fatality Statistics
Safe Work Australia has updated its fatality statistics: as of August 29, there were 101 fatalities notified to the national body. This is 18 more than the last update. Six of these were in Agriculture, forestry & fishing, and five were in the Transport, postal and warehousing sector, The workers killed came from the following industries:
- 33 in Transport, postal & warehousing
- 25 in Agriculture, forestry & fishing
- 14 in Construction
- 6 in Public Administration & safety
- 6 in Electricity, gas, water & waste services
- 7 in Mining
- 3 in Manufacturing
- 2 in Professional, scientific & technical services
- 2 in Wholesale trade
- 2 in 'Other services'
- 1 in Administration & support services
To check for updates, and for more details on fatalities since 2003, go to the Safe Work Australia Work-related fatalities webpage and in particular, here.
