Welcome to the 30 November edition of SafetyNet.
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
MAKE YOUR WORKPLACE CLIMATE SAFE: THIS MONDAY
December 5, Trades Hall will host a workshop featuring Dr. Todd Denham and Professor Lauren Rickards, authors of the Climate Impacts at Work Report. We'll be exploring how HSRs can address climate change at the workplace level.
We're asking HSRs to share your insights on what needs to happen to make your workplace safe from the effects of climate change.
Food and drinks will be provided to encourage in-person attendance, though remote attendance is possible, if that's your preference.
Making Workplaces Climate Safe
Where: Victorian Trades Hall Council, Meeting Room 3 AND Online (Hybrid Event)
When: 5 December, 6PM - 7:30PM
RSVP here
We hope to see you there.
COVID NUMBERS
As of Tuesday 29th November 2022, Victoria recorded:
4,149 new daily infections
19 COVID deaths
551 hospitalisations, with 22 currently in ICU
COVID FACT SHEETS
Subsequent to an affiliates meeting held last week, The ACTU have now finalised their COVID Aware factsheets.
You can find them on the Australian Unions website.
Additionally, you can click here to download a fit testing infographic the ANMF have kindly shared (see below).
ASK RENATA
I’d like access to information on workplace injuries that have occurred within my DWG. Do I have the right to such information? If so, do you have an email template I could use?
As an elected HSR you have the power, under section 58 of the OHS Act, to enquire into any matter than poses a risk or potential risk to members of your DWG.
In addition, under section 69(1)(a), your employer has a duty to 'allow a HSR access to information the employer has relating to actual or potential hazards.' (our paraphrasing)
Using these rights and powers we encourage you to request the information you seek in writing, noting it's always a good idea to keep your DWG in the loop and secure their endorsement.
We have a record of consultation proforma here that might suit your purposes, and a consultation email template here.
CFMMEU: WE'LL BAN IT IF GOVERNMENTS DON’T ACT
The construction and general division of the CFMMEU will impose a ban on importing manufactured stone products linked to silicosis, if federal and state governments fail to move first.
Regulator News
ENGINEERED STONE COMPLIANCE CODE NOW IN EFFECT
Minister for Workplace Safety, Ingrid Stitt, has approved the making of the Managing Exposure to Crystalline Silica: Engineered Stone Compliance Code, and it subsequently came into effect, 15 November.
The code provides practical guidance for duty holders working with engineered stone.
Prosecutions
$2 MILLION FINE FOR COLLAPSE THAT KILLED CHRISTOPHER CASSANITI
Scaffolding company, Synergy Scaffolding Services, has been fined $2 million over a ‘catastrophic’ collapse at a Sydney construction site, when overloaded scaffolding gave way.
Read more here
Research
ADDRESS MANAGER STRESS FOR A HEALTHY WORK ENVIRONMENT
A large study from Denmark has shown that managers can ‘transmit’ the stress they experience to their workers, the effects of which were detected a year later and took two more years to fade.
International News
P&O CHIEF NAMED ‘WORST BOSS IN THE WORLD’
P&O chief executive Peter Hebblethwaite has been named the world’s worst boss in a global poll after illegally firing almost 800 UK workers in a pre-recorded Zoom call.
His award was announced at the World Congress of the global union confederation ITUC in Melbourne, last week.
Sadly, Australia entrant, Alan Joyce, CEO of Qantas, only managed to secure the bronze.
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:
5, 6, 7 December & 12, 13 December – Carlton – Available
5 - 9 December -Bendigo - Available
Refresher Course Dates:
1 December – Geelong – Available
14 December – Trades Hall Carlton - Available