This week in SafetyNet: VTHC launches HSR survey, RSVP for our special Injured Workers Day event, Amazon's killer conditions exposed, using risk management to address AI threats, new forklift guidance, and much more.
An HSR writes to Ask Renata about OHS noticeboards, and as always, we encourage you to send your questions to Ask Renata.
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.
Union News
VTHC SURVEY: SUPPORT HSRS, DRIVE REFORMS
Last year the Government announced they would be reviewing the powers and protections for HSRs under the OHS Act.
In preparation Victorian Trades Hall Council is conducting a survey of HSRs and deputy HSRs to gather information about your experiences and to advocate for changes that will better support your vitally important role.
By completing this survey, you provide us with the evidence needed to push for reforms and improvements.
As an HSR, you won't find a more crucial survey to fill out than this one!
Please encourage all HSRs at your workplace to fill out the survey. It should take about seven minutes to complete.
WELLBEING STRATEGIES FOR INJURED WORKERS
For Injured Workers Day 2024, the Victorian Trades Hall Council will host an online event featuring Christine Field, CEO of Hunterlink, a not-for-profit Employee Assistance Program focused on workers’ wellbeing. Christine will share wellbeing and coping strategies for injured workers and answer questions related to mental health.
‘SHORTS BAN’ OVERTHROWN
Sydney Trains has faced criticism for enforcing its safety rule against wearing shorts in a 'blanket manner', with the Fair Work Commission ruling that the directive cannot be deemed lawful and reasonable until workers are consulted in accordance with OHS laws.
ASK RENATA
What type of information must or should be displayed on our worksite’s OHS noticeboard?
Your OHS noticeboard will ideally display a wide variety of helpful and important information, reflecting a well-organised worksite that places a high priority on worker safety.
International News
WOMEN MINERS TARGET OHS AND GENDERED VIOLENCE
In Côte d'Ivoire, workshops involving over 100 women are addressing key issues for women in the mining sector. Topics include fighting for equal treatment and opportunities, ensuring equal pay for equal work, boosting women's representation in union leadership, combating workplace biases and harassment, and enforcing occupational health and safety laws.
POLAND: AMAZON KILLER CONDITIONS EXPOSED
Maria Malinowska, an active union member and a former employee at Amazon's Sady warehouse near Poznan in Poland, recently won a legal battle against Amazon after being wrongfully dismissed for criticising working conditions following the death of coworker, Darek Dziamski, who died from a heart attack while working under strenuous conditions.
Prosecutions
UNIROLL CRUSHES WORKER'S FINGERS
Uniroll Roofing, a manufacturer of metal roofing products, seriously injured a worker who had only been with the company for two weeks. The worker was instructed by a manager to clean a Trimdeck machine at their Warrnambool factory, machine while it was still running.
DEKRO FINED $25K FOR AMPUTATING FINGER
Dekro Recruitment has been fined $25,000 for failing to ensure a safe work environment after a factory worker’s right hand was pulled into the blades of a machine, amputating the middle finger at the first knuckle, with degloving up to the middle knuckle.
Research
SWA CEO FLAGS RESEARCH COLLABORATION
Safe Work Australia's CEO, Marie Boland, announced new opportunities to collaborate with regulators and agencies on emerging OHS at the Australian Institute of Health and Safety's 2024 Conference last Wednesday.
These partnerships may involve research support, closer consultation, and developing solutions for workplace safety challenges.
A.I. DANGERS: USE RISK MANAGEMENT SKILLS
SJ Price, a technology law expert presenting at the Australian Institute of Health and Safety's 2024 National Health and Safety Conference, warned about the risks associated with AI safety programs but suggests OHS professionals are well-equipped to handle them.
Regulator News
EIGHT KILLED BY FORKLIFTS SINCE 2019
WorkSafe has introduced new guidance and a state-wide inspection program to improve forklift safety and reduce related injuries and deaths. WorkSafe says its guidance offers practical advice on using and maintaining forklifts safely, emphasising the importance of separating forklifts and pedestrians.
WORKSAFE AWARDS: NOMINATIONS OPEN
Nominations for the 35th edition of the WorkSafe Victoria Awards have opened. The seven categories are:
- Commitment to prevention of mental injury in the workplace;
- Farm safety solution;
- Health and safety representative of the year;
- Leading return-to-work practice;
- OHS leadership/achievement;
- Worker return-to-work achievement; and
- Workplace health and safety solution of the year.
Entries for the 2024 competition close on 21 June, and the winners will be announced in February next 2025.
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 on gendered violence.
Check out our training webpage for more information.
OHS Team
http://www.weareunion.org.au