In this SafetyNet edition, we delve into research revealing which workers are most vulnerable to flu infection. We also explore how low wages are creating safety risks in the transport sector, provide guidance on trench safety, discuss the A-1 Engineering prosecution, and examine the impact of cutbacks on the London Tube, which is exposing staff to OVA.
A warehouse worker writes to Ask Renata about HSR lists, 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.
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Union News
INJURED WORKERS DAY IS TODAY!
On 1 June each year unions commemorate Injured Workers Day. On this day, we express solidarity with all injured workers, coming together to hear from injured workers, pay tribute to those injured at work and fight for a fairer, more just workers compensation system.
The recent changes announced by the government to workers compensation make this Injured Workers Day more important than ever.
This year's event will be held at Victorian Trades Hall Council. There will be a barbecue starting at 12PM. After that, we'll make our way upstairs to Solidarity Hall for presentations from injured workers, WorkCover experts and other guest speakers. The event will finish at 3:30PM.
Attending injured worker's day sends a clear message.
As a union movement, we stand with and protect the rights of injured workers.
Injured Workers Day - 1 June 12PM - 3:30PM, Victoria Trades Hall, 54 Victoria Street, Carlton
It's not too late to register - RSVP today!
This Injured Workers Day event is supported by Slater & Gordon.
LOW WAGES PUT ROAD TRANSPORT SAFETY AT RISK
Transport union leader, Michael Kaine has warned the safety and livelihood of truck drivers and others is being ‘gravely compromised’ due to poor conditions and inadequate pay rates within the sector.
The TWU national secretary stated 'There are decades of evidence that show in road transport that if you have poor conditions and poor rates of pay, then there is a safety outcome on our roads. That is a critical concern.'
TWU safe rates campaign. More on the hazards of low pay.
WEEKLY COVID NUMBERS
From 19 May - 25 May, Victoria recorded:
10,642 (+15%) total cases for the past week
9 COVID deaths on average each day over the past week
407 cases in hospital (7 day rolling average) with 17 in ICU (7 day rolling average)
More COVID data here
ASK RENATA
I have recently completed the initial HSR training course and am waiting to receive my attendance certificate. My OHS manager wants to see a certificate before he updates the HSR board.
Once a worker has been elected HSR for his or her DWG, that person is entitled to exercise all their powers and rights under our OHS Act.
Your right to be on that noticeboard stems from the fact you've been elected. It is not contingent on whether or not you have competed training.
Read our full response here.
Regulator News
WORKSAFE: USE TRENCH CONTROLS OR 'RISK JAIL'
Since 2017, there have been four fatalities due to trenching incidents at Victorian construction worksites.
WorkSafe are reminding employers they must use trenching controls or risk jail.
Prosecutions
A-1 ENGINEERING FINED $250K FOR FATAL CRUSH
Cobram company, A-1 Engineering has been fined $250,000 following an incident at Leitchville in 2017 that fatally crushed a worker and inflicted serious injuries on another.
The company was found guilty of failing to provide the supervision necessary for employees to perform their work safely and without risk.
Read more about the prosecution here.
International News
USA: MINNESOTA ACTS TO PROTECT WAREHOUSE WORKERS
Minnesota lawmakers have passed a bill that would provide more protection for warehouse workers who have to meet productivity quotas, a move aimed at helping employees at companies like Amazon.
Read more here. Source: ABC News
LONDON: TUBE WORKERS FACING THREATS OF VIOLENCE
Rail union RMT has called on Transport for London (TfL) to end its cuts programme, which is forcing repeated station closures across the London Underground network, exposing staff up to abuse from frustrated passengers.
Read more here. Source: RMT news release.
Research
WORKERS MOST EXPOSED TO FLU INFECTION IDENTIFIED
European researchers have identified factors that increase the likelihood of workers contracting the flu and the occupations most vulnerable to infection.
Read more. Access the research here
Events
OHS 2 DAY TRAINING COURSE FOR MANAGERS & SUPERVISORS
Are you a manager or supervisor? Do you sit on an OHS Committee? We have a 2 Day course that familiarises you with the OHS Act 2004 and your duties under it. The 2 Day course is an overview designed for managers, supervisors and committee members – it is not a replacement for the 5 Day HSR Initial OHS Training Course.
Managers, Supervisors and Committee Members are key players in workplace health and safety.
Under the OHS Act 2004, employers are required to ‘provide and maintain so far as is reasonably practicable for employees a working environment that is safe and without risks to health’.
Providing and maintaining that safe and healthy work environment requires effort on three fronts:
- Planning - to identify and control workplace hazards
- Integration - to ensure that health and safety is built into the overall operation of the workplace, alongside production, quality control and customer service.
- Involvement - only the active commitment of senior management, line managers and supervisors, health & safety committee members, employees and their health and safety representatives will change workplace health and safety standards.
Course hours: 9am – 5pm
Course length: 2 Days
Cost: $750 (inc GST)
Course Dates: 29 & 30 June 2023
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/
Previous issues: SafetyNet Archive