This week in SafetyNet: understanding changes to workers' comp, play centre charged after child falls, curbing discrimination in religious schools, top cardiologist accused of harassment, six workers missing in Baltimore bridge disaster, ministers agree on implementation of engineered stone ban and much more.
A HSR writes to Ask Renata about fixing their Safety Issue Resolution Procedure, and as always, we encourage you to send your questions to Ask Renata.
There’ll be no SafetyNet next week due to the Easter long weekend. We'll return with all the latest, the following Thursday.
For OHS news and helpful information, please visit the We Are Union: OHS Reps Facebook page.
To access previous issues, you can visit our SafetyNet Archive.
News
HANDY TOOL FOR SETTING UP DWGs
Looking to set up a DWG? You’re already an HSR but the parameters of your DWG has changed or been lost to time?
One of the many common disputes HSRs find themselves in is whether a co-worker is or isn’t in their DWG. VTHC have designed this handy tool as a written record of what was discussed and agreed in the formation or variation of a single employer DWG.
DISCRIMINATION IN RELIGIOUS SCHOOLS
The Law Reform Commission (ALRC) has recommended legal changes to significantly limit the circumstances under which religious educational institutions can discriminate against their employees.
TOP CARDIOLOGIST ACCUSED
One of Australia’s top cardiologists has been accused of harassing a young female colleague. The harassment allegedly began with excessive text messaging and escalated to unwelcome physical contact and surprise visits to her apartment.
ENGINEERED STONE BAN: IMPLEMENTATION AGREED
Last Friday, Work Health and Safety Ministers from the Commonwealth, states, and territories convened to address important implementation issues regarding the upcoming prohibition on the use of engineered stone. This prohibition is set to take effect in Victoria July 1 of this year.
ASK RENATA
The safety issue resolution procedure at our workplace is rubbish. Any advice on how we can fix it?
If either the employer or most employees are unsatisfied with an agreed procedure, they can withdraw their agreement, and the OHS Regulations will apply until a new one is established.
CORRECTION TO ASK RENATA 706
We aim to offer accurate advice through our Ask Renata service. If we make mistakes, we think it’s important to correct them.
Our recent advice regarding r.106 – the requirement to retain records of inspection and maintenance for prescribed plant - was incorrectly applied to daily start-up inspections for forklifts.
Our thanks to eagle-eyed correspondent, Ray, for bringing the error to our attention.
Read our amended response here.
WEEKLY COVID NUMBERS
Australia: As of 18 March, there have been 11,835,479 cases and 24,324 COVID deaths.
World: As of 18 March, there had been 704,240,889 worldwide infections with COVID-related deaths numbering 7,006,175
(Source: Worldometer)
You are invited to VTHC’s International Workers’ Memorial Day
Monday 29 April, 10.30am Argyle Square, Lygon St, Carlton
RSVP here
Asbestos News
SAFETY THIS EASTER: ASEA'S ADVICE
Coinciding with the lead-up to the Easter holidays, a known period of increased DIY and home improvement activity, ASEA is encouraging workers to visit their state asbestos information website to ensure they receive the most up-to-date information and practical guidance on how to manage or remove asbestos.
International News
BALTIMORE BRIDGE: 6 WORKERS MISSING
A cargo ship collided with the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, causing a collapse and sending vehicles into the water.
Six construction workers, reported to be hail from El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Mexico are missing and presumed dead.
Research
NEW MANSLAUGHTER REPORT
The NSW Parliamentary Library has released a research report on industrial manslaughter laws as the state considers enacting legislation making it a criminal offense carrying fines of up to $18 million and lengthy prison terms.
Regulator News
TELEHANDLER LICENCE: WORKSAFE ASSESSES DEMAND
Following recent amendments to our OHS Regs creating a new non-slewing telehandler license, WorkSafe has created a survey to establish where operators are located and how far they are willing to travel to undertake training.
WORKING ALONE INCREASES THE RISKS
WorkSafe data indicates that March is one of the peak months for workplace fatalities in agriculture. Many of these deaths could have been prevented if the injured person had received earlier emergency care and if better emergency procedures were in place. W
The 'It’s never you, until it is' campaign encourages conversations about safe work practices to prevent accidents and reduce fatalities.
Prosecutions
CHILD INJURED: PLAY CENTRE CHARGED
WorkSafe has charged an indoor play centre in Maidstone after an eight-year-old child suffered a fractured spine when they fell about seven meters from a rope ladder in July 2022.
FORKLIFT FAILURES: ARROW FINED $140k
A forklift driver was adjusting steel beams on a flat bed truck when the beams fell, causing life-altering injuries to the driver of the truck, including the loss of both legs and a traumatic brain injury.
LACK OF INSTRUCTION LED TO DE-GLOVING
A worker who failed to isolate power to a conveyor during its cleaning inadvertently activated the machine leading to a serious injury. Subsequent investigations found the Slinger's operating manual lacked adequate safety instructions.
Events
UNDERSTANDING CHANGES TO COMPO
On March 31, 2024, significant changes will be made to the Victorian WorkCover scheme. These changes affect workers' rights to receive income support from their WorkCover insurer for more than 130 weeks, and also impact certain workers' ability to claim compensation for specific psychological injuries.
This webinar, held in partnership with Slater & Gordon's WorkCover experts, will help attendees navigate the upcoming changes.
Date: April 17, 2024 Time: 4pm - 5pm The webinar will take place via Zoom, and a link will be sent to RSVPs
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 on gendered violence.
Check out our training webpage for more information.
OHS Team
http://www.weareunion.org.au