ARE YOU WORKING IN A FLOOD-AFFECTED AREA?
WorkSafe Queensland have some good practical guidance on storms and floods, including consideration of:
- Work health and safety laws when cleaning after storms and floods
- Electrical safety during storms
- Steps for planning to do work safely
- Managing volunteers during flood cleanup and recovery
- Working at a height
- Demolition
- Asbestos – removal of, and work on asbestos containing material
- Chemical hazards
- Slips, trips and falls
- Biological hazards
- Fatigue management
- Psychological stress
- Manual tasks
- Displaced fauna
- Quad bike use
- Animal carcass disposal after floods
- Operating wheeled or tracked machinery in the wet
Comcare have resources on working in floods and flood recovery and flood and storms hazards. WorkSafe Victoria provide advice on risks associated with working in the wet. Our own OHS Reps website contains helpful information on mould, biological agents and the right to refuse unsafe work.
The NSW Government has information on maintaining health during and after floods and storms, and the Federal Government on what to do before, during & after a flood.
Additional information can be obtained via the Bureau of Meteorology, ABC, and Victoria State Emergency Service. The Victorian Government also provides information on trauma reaction and recovery, emergencies - floods, after a flood – animal and insect related hazards, returning home safely, and flood warning services.
HSR CONFERENCE 2022 - HSR LIFESAVERS
We all know active HSRs save lives! Our annual HSR Conference is back and this year we’re talking all about mentally healthy workplaces and insights from the COVID pandemic. For the first time in two years, this conference will be held in person!
Here are the details:
Date: 27 October 2022
Time: 8:30am – 2:30pm
Where:
Melbourne - Centrepiece Melbourne Park
Bendigo - Bendigo Trades Hall Council
Wodonga - La Trobe University
Portland - Portland Golf Club
Morwell - Italian Australian Sporting Club
Whilst enrolments will remain open, HSRs should note the entitlement to be released requires that 14 days’ notice is given, which is today! If you miss this deadline, you will require your employer’s agreement to be released. Check out the program and register here.
