This week’s SafetyNet looks at special Federal Budget funding for HSRs.
PLUS: research on the link between burnout and ‘technostressors’, combating workplace injury stigma, the VBA's CEO resigns, the high cost of falls and horrible harassment stats from the UK.
A community care worker writes to Ask Renata whether HSRs have any special duties, and as always we encourage you to send in your own queries to Ask Renata.
For OHS news and helpful information visit We Are Union: OHS Reps Facebook page.
Union News
FEDERAL BUDGET FUNDS HSR PSYCH TRAINING
As part of the Federal budget's $27.4 million initiative to 'enhance workplace safety and fairness,' HSRs will be funded to undergo specialized training on implementing and upholding the recently introduced WHS psychosocial regulations.
ASK RENATA
Can you clarify for me what my responsibilities are as a HSR and what the consequences could be if I fail to fulfill those responsibilities?
HSRs are elected by their peers to be the voice of their DWG, not the employer's representative.
Read our full response here
WEEKLY COVID NUMBERS
From 5 May - 11 May, Victoria recorded:
7,594 (+18%) total cases for the past week
8 COVID deaths on average each day over the past week
309 cases in hospital (7 day rolling average) with 17 in ICU (7 day rolling average)
Regulator News
INSPECTORS DESERVE A SAFE WORKPLACE TOO
The chief executive of the Victorian Building Authority (VBA) has resigned following criticism from staff and Unions regarding shocking stress and bullying.
Psychosocial hazards such as these continue to lead to the injury of Victorian workers every year. There is no news as to when Victoria will follow the lead of other Australian states and implement psychological health regulations.
S.W.A. COMBATS STEREOTYPING OF WORKPLACE INJURIES
Safe Work Australia (SWA) has launched a new campaign and provided guidance to employers and supervisors on reducing workers' compensation stigma.
Learn more
THE HIGH COST OF FALLS
WorkSafe is putting employers on notice they must address fall hazards after 41 workers deaths and 7,395 serious fall-related injuries over the past five years.
Learn more here.
Find guidance on eliminating risks here.
Prosecutions
400K FINE FOR FATAL FALL
Seascape Constructions, a residential construction company, failed to install fall protection measures at a construction site for two-story residential dwelling in Kalkallo, resulting in the death of a sub-contractor after they fell from an unprotected edge.
Read more on the Seascape prosecution here.
Find more WorkSafe prosecution summaries here
International News
UK: TWO-THIRDS OF YOUNG WOMEN HARASSED
A new poll conducted by the TUC reveals a majority of women workers in the UK have experienced sexual harassment, bullying, or verbal abuse on the job.
Read more. Access the full report here
Research
TECHNO-STRESS LINKED TO BURNOUT IN HOSPITAL WORKERS
Researchers have found a significant association between workplace ‘technostressors’ and burnout symptoms, emphasizing better prevention and intervention strategies are needed to reduce risk of technology-related stress.
Read more here or access the full study here
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 website for more information.
OHS Team
http://www.weareunion.org.au/