SafetyNet 706
This week in SafetyNet: report released indicates the finance sector is failing on harassment, women HSRs networking night, global union fights gendered violence, 13 million in fines for White Island Volcano disaster, NSW publishes new guidance on designing work to manager psychosocial risks, Connect Logistics supervisor sentenced, after hours use of devices linked to anxiety, Boeing’s SMS failures and much more.
A forklift operator writes to Ask Renata about daily safety checks, 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
FINANCE SECTOR FAILS ON HARASSMENT
The Finance Sector Union (FSU) has conducted a survey that reveals that many workers in the sector are experiencing sexual harassment at work, but may not be recognising it as such, and even when they do, are hesitant to report.
FEAR OF RETALIATION AT BOEING
A review of Boeing's safety reporting system shows employees are afraid to report safety concerns due to fear of retaliation, and many are unaware of how the company's safety management system (SMS) operates.
ASK RENATA
Is it necessary to keep records of Forklift daily inspections if the Forklift passes inspection? If so, for how long? It seems like a lot of paper would accumulate, considering the inspections occur daily and for every shift.
Regulation 106 (record of inspection and maintenance) provides the following instruction:
An employer must keep a record of any inspection carried out on the plant for the period that the employer has management or control of the plant.
COVID NUMBERS CONTINUE TO EASE
The number of people in hospital with COVID-19 has decreased this week. The 7-day average is 156, compared to 164 last week.
The 7-day average of ICU patients has decreased this week (8 to 5).
Research
DESIGN FOR PSYCHOSOCIAL HEALTH
SafeWork NSW has released a 38-page guide titled Designing Work to Manage Psychosocial Risks emphasising the crucial importance of understanding how the work is actually done, compared to how it's imagined in safety documents.
AFTER HOURS DEVICE USE INCREASES ANXIETY
A South Korean study has identified and compared the associations between long working hours, the use of work-related devices after hours, and anxiety symptoms.
Regulator News
SAFETY IN AGRICULTURE CAMPAIGN
WorkSafe has released the first of a series of new social media posts as part of a safety in agriculture campaign. Posted on ‘X’ and Facebook, the initial posts focus on the dangers of working alone when drafting cattle.
'You shouldn't have to draft cattle alone. If anything happens, it could be hours before you are found.' - Peter, Animal Transporter.
More guidance on a range of agricultural hazards is expected in coming days and weeks.
WORKSAFE'S HSR PODCAST SERIES
WorkSafe has launched a podcast series as part of its ‘commitment to help and support HSRs.’ The podcasts are intended to provide support by exploring various topics and offering advice, guidance, and insights from WorkSafe's OHS experts and leaders.
Access WorkSafe’s HSR podcast series here
NSW EYES INDUSTRIAL MANSLAUGHTER
The NSW government is considering introducing an industrial manslaughter offense with significant fines and prison sentences as part of a broader overhaul of workplace safety laws in the state.
NEW ZEALAND PROHIBITS PFAS
The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) in New Zealand will ban the use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in cosmetic products starting from December 31, 2026.
Prosecutions
FATAL FALL: MINOAN CHARGED
A builder has been charged after a worker died at a construction site in Cheltenham.
Minoan Constructions Pty Ltd faces three charges under our OHS Act for failing to ensure a safe workplace with WorkSafe alleging the company failed to adequately address the risk of workers falling from height.
The incident occurred in February 2022 when a 69-year-old worker fell from a mezzanine level using an unsecured ladder and died.
Source: WorkSafe Victoria
FINE AFTER SERIOUS SPINAL INJURIES
Metal fabrication subcontractor, Karagata Australia has been convicted and fined $35,000 after a worker fell four meters at Tullamarine, sustaining serious spinal injuries.
CONNECT LOGISTICS SUPERVISOR SENTENCED
Workplace supervisor Simiona Tuteru has been sentenced for recklessly allowing a drug-affected truck driver to operate a vehicle, resulting in the deaths of four police officers.
International News
NZ: 13 MILION IN FINES FOR WHITE ISLAND
Five entities charged over the White Island volcanic eruption in New Zealand in 2019, which killed 22 people, were fined a total of $13 million for breaching workplace safety laws.
NO EXCUSE FOR GENDERED VIOLENCE
On International Women's Day (IWD), IndustriALL launched the 'NO EXCUSE' campaign to reinforce its stance against GBVH.The global union is calling for proactive efforts from affiliates to promote equality, diversity, and inclusion, recognizing these values as crucial for the future.
Events
WOMEN HSRS - LEADERS AT WORK NETWORKING NIGHT
WRAW Fest is celebrating all women leaders of our movement, including women HSRs and those interested in becoming one! Join us for an online panel discussion with women HSRs from various industries, followed by a networking session and a WRAW Chat for women HSRs to share experiences, challenges, opportunities, and support for our union sisters in workplace leadership roles. This event is open to all women and gender diverse individuals only.
When: Monday, March 25, 6:30 pm - 7:45 pm
Where: Zoom (Register to receive the link on the day)
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 training webpage for more information.
OHS Team
http://www.weareunion.org.au