Welcome to the 16 November edition of SafetyNet.
Sadly, WorkSafe are investigating the death of an auto electrician who was killed while working on a truck in Campbellfield on Saturday.
The 41-year-old was repairing a faulty tailgate when it collapsed.
We send our condolences to family, friends, and workmates of the deceased.
This death was preventable. Another Victorian worker did not return home to family and friends, as they should have.
We mourn the dead but fight like hell for the living.
We hope you find this week's journal useful and interesting. Feel free to share it, and please, encourage others in your workplace to subscribe.
For OHS news and helpful information visit We Are Union: OHS Reps Facebook page, or for advice, Ask Renata
UNION NEWS
COVID NUMBERS
As of Tuesday 15th November 2022, Victoria recorded:
3,192 new daily infections
11 COVID deaths
351 hospitalisations, and 9 are in ICU.
VACCINATION UPDATE
94.4% of all eligible Victorians (16+), as of 15th November, have received their second dose, 95.5% their first dose. For the third dose the figure is 70.1% (16+).
The figure for all eligible Australians (16+), for the same date is First Dose 97.3%, Second Dose 95.9%, the third dose 69.2% and the fourth dose 24.6% (16+).
Check COVID-Live for Updates.
PROFESSOR BEN COWIE'S MESSAGE TO HSRs
During this year’s HSR Conference, Deputy Chief Health Officer, Professor Ben Cowie spoke on the impact COVID has had on our workplaces and community and the lessons learnt from our response.
- There is likely to be a new wave of COVID-19 over the summer as the virus mutates to break through defences and immunity from vaccines wanes over time. New variants can be detected in wastewater systems up to 6-8 weeks before they appear as a new wave in the population.
- Control measures such as vaccines, masks, isolation periods and proper ventilation work in slowing the spread of COVID. With every successive wave we have seen, vaccines have lowered the chances of people getting infected (even accounting for mutation). In fact, there is a 40% reduction in the likelihood on contracting COVID after exposure for 3-4 months after your last dose
Read Professor Ben Cowie's message in full here
If you would like to view the rest of HSR Conference, you can do so here
ASK RENATA
Our HSR has left the workplace, so we have a vacancy. We put out a call for nominations but received nothing. Can we tap someone on the shoulder?
AMWU FINISHING UP COLLABORATION IN MANUFACTURING PILOT PROGRAM
SafetyNet were kindly invited to attend the Managing Psychological Risks in Manufacturing Conference on Monday at Southbank, during which insights gained at participating sites were shared by HSRs, managers and academics involved in the project.
Read more about the link between psycho-social safety and the involvement of HSRs
REGULATOR NEWS
‘HOW TO LIFT TRAINING’ DOES NOT REDUCE RISK
The Heads of Workplace Safety Authorities Musculoskeletal Disorders national working group has released a position paper reminding employers they must, so far as is reasonably practicable, consider and implement higher order risk control measures to meet their duties under the various state Health and Safety Acts.
WorkSafe, as a member of the working group has released new information consistent with the position paper.
PROSECUTIONS
$7000 FINE FOR SILICA DUST EXPOSURE
Miter Square manufactures engineered stone benchtops in a Knoxfield factory. A WorkSafe Inspector, attending as part of a project on crystalline silica exposure in the stonemason industry, observed a handheld power tool being used to abrasively polish a stone slab.
EVENTS
HSR INITIAL & REFRESHER TRAINING
Trained HSRs are more effective HSRs - have you just been elected and haven't organised your training yet? Do it now! And if you completed your initial five-day training then organise your annual refresher now. There are things happening in the OHS space you need to be aware of.
Remember: under Section 67 of the OHS Act 2004 all HSRs and dHSRs are entitled to attend at least 1 one-day refresher course every year, yet many just don't get around to it. If this is you, then check out the courses scheduled for next year, and enrol now, before they fill up. It's important to attend in order to keep up your knowledge of OHS law and practice up-to-date. In the past year we have had significant amendments to the OHS Act, new regulations (for crystalline silica) and new codes. Trained health and safety reps make a real difference in their workplaces, and it's great to meet with others and share experiences!
Go to this link to enrol in any of the five-day initial or refresher courses. Remember to then notify your employer at least 14 days before the course.
Initial Courses Dates:
21 - 25 November – Geelong – Available
21 - 25 November (Education Sector) – AEU Abbotsford – Available
5, 6, 7 December & 12, 13 December – Carlton – Available
5 - 9 December -Bendigo - Available
Refresher Course Dates:
29 November - Trades Hall Carlton – Available
1 December – Geelong – Available
14 December – Trades Hall Carlton - Available
Refresher Course Dates - Work-related gendered violence including sexual harassment:
1 December - Narre Warren - Available
Click here for more OHS Events
OHS Team
http://www.weareunion.org.au/