This week in SafetyNet: controversial ruling: one work group for 170 school staff, training gaps lead to $400k fine, chemical fires are a community issue, SAC publishes submissions on OHS Act reform and more.
An HSR writes to Ask Renata about notifiable incidents, 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
OHS REFORM: SAC PUBLISHES SUBMISSIONS
Readers may recall that earlier this year VTHC advertised in SafetyNet that the Sentencing Advisory Council (SAC) was undertaking public consultation on reforms to improve the sentencing of occupational heath and safety offences. This process has now finished. You can access VTHC's and other submissions here.
The Council will now review these submissions and make recommendations to Government for reform. We will bring you more information as it is published.
CHEMICAL FIRES ARE A COMMUNITY ISSUE
On 10 July a factory fire broke out in Derrimut, setting hazardous materials and unknown toxins ablaze. Witnesses reported seeing billowing black smoke and barrels of chemicals exploding into the air.
Not only are these fires extremely dangerous for workers, but they also have a severe impact on the environment and on local residents' health and safety.
Unions and HSRs will recall, this is not the first chemical fire we’ve experienced here in Victoria.
While there are ways to remediate the damage, previously the cost has been borne by the public and the consequences on surrounding communities.
SUPPORT YOUR FELLOW HSRs
Last year the Government announced they would be reviewing the powers and protections for HSRs under the OHS Act.
VTHC are gathering information from HSRs and Deputy HSRs about your experiences so we can advocate for changes that will better support your vitally important role.
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.
ASK RENATA
If an employer fails to report a notifiable incident to WorkSafe, is the HSR entitled to do so?
The short answer to your question is yes, a HSR is entitled to contact the authority for assistance when ‘monitoring the measures taken by the employer or employers in compliance with this Act or the regulations.’
COVID ACTIVITY WANING BUT DEATHS CLIMB
The number of people in hospital with COVID-19 has decreased this week. The 7-day average is 229 (week ending 09 July), compared to 259 last week.
However, deaths have increased.
SHAPE POLICY WITH OUR SURVEILLANCE SURVEY
Victorian Trades Hall Council wants to understand your experience of surveillance in the workplace.
Take this 5-minute survey to help inform VTHC’s submission to the Victorian Parliamentary Inquiry into Workplace Surveillance.
Participants go into a draw for a $50 Visa gift card. We encourage you to participate in the survey and forward it to friends, family, or workmates who would like to share their views on workplace surveillance.
Prosecutions
TRAINING GAPS LEAD TO $400K FINE
Big Bell Gold Operations has been fined $400,000 after a contract worker was injured while performing a task that wasn't covered in his safety induction. The supervising task manager was also untrained. The company admitted to breaching safety laws in the Perth Magistrates Court and failing to provide a safe working environment.
Research
LOW REWARDS, HIGH STRESS DRIVE BURNOUT
A study by Sweden's Karolinska Institute has found that a high effort-reward imbalance (ERI) significantly increases the risk of workers burning out, but high demands are only part of the problem.
Regulator News
CONTROVERSIAL RULING: ONE WORK GROUP FOR 170 STAFF
In a NSW decision that sets a worrying precedent, an employer has successfully argued that its workplace should only have one designated work group (DWG) instead of the five determined by the WHS Regulator.
FUMIGATED SHIPPING CONTAINERS GUIDANCE RELEASED
WorkSafe have released guidance for employers on how to inspect, vent and safely unpack fumigated shipping containers.
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