It is evident that many people do not yet realise how national licensing changes will affect them and their business. To assist in updating them, Forklift Safety is now conducting both metro and regional seminars Australia-wide. See if they are in your town or city. To register go to www.forkliftsafety.com.au

Melbourne longest running safety group now celebrates its 50th Anniversary, 30th August, 2007.

The Western Safety Group has been operating since 1957 as a forum for sharing information and knowledge on occupational health and safety.  Over the years the work of the Group has had the active support of local councils, government health and safety regulators and local emergency services

Meeting monthly, the Group provides a network of support for organisations and people active in the field of health and safety: whether they be OHS professionals employed by member organisations, suppliers of safety products and equipment or OHS trainers or consultants.
             
The regular meetings allow guest speakers to provide members with information on topics ranging from updates on legislative changes to systems and practices for achieving improved management of health and safety performance and other areas of concern in the field.

Additionally, through regular site visits, the Group gives members the opportunity to see how other organisations are meeting their OHS objectives and learn of their activities and management systems.

www.wsg.org.au

VIC: New OHS regulations 2007 now in force
Victoria's new Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2007 came into operation on 1 July. This single regulation replaces Victoria's 13 separate OHS regulations covering specific hazards, OHS issues and hazardous industries. The new regulations mostly translated the existing regulations. In keeping with the move towards nationally consistent safety laws, they also incorporate changes in key areas so Victoria’s approach reflects National Standards. This involved some new obligations for employers and workers who engage in high-risk work. For an overview click here:

http://www.workcover.vic.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/WorkSafe/Home/Laws+and
+Regulations/Acts+and+Regulations/Regulation_Overviews/

To view or download the new regulations:

http://www.dms.dpc.vic.gov.au/Domino/Web_Notes/LDMS/PubLawToday.nsf
/b12e276826f7c27fca256de50022686b/da19e13cb92a0becca25730700205
411!OpenDocument

Hard copies can be obtained from Information Victoria (tel 1300 366 356).

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VIC: Your guide to safety topics and industries - now online
WorkSafe's "Health and safety guides" have been published and summarise parts of the new OHS regulations and other related OHS topics, such as controlling OHS hazards & risks. To view or download click here:

http://www.ohsrep.org.au/index.cfm?section=9&Category=27&viewmode
=content&ContentID=1660

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VIC: Public comment on Vic OHS Reg’s and WorkSafe's responses
An extensive report is now available which summaries the comment received and the responses given by WorkSafe Victoria. To view these click here:

http://www.workcover.vic.gov.au/wps/wcm/resources/file/eb4c4907647566a/
Summary%20of%20public%20comment%20issues_June%202007_final.pdf

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VIC: Launch of the new Safety in Forest Operations (Harvesting & Haulage) Industry Standard
The new Safety in Forest Operations Industry Standard involved extensive consultation with industry with an oversight by WorkSafe's tripartitie Forest Industry OHS Stakeholders Forum. The Industry Standard will be launched by the State Coroner and Forum members at the National Industrial Skills Training Centre, Moorefield Park Drive, Wodonga on Wednesday 25 July 2007 at 12.30pm. You will need to book to attend the event, RSVP by 18 July to Carol Papillo of WorkSafe Victoria on 9565 9444. Additional information and education sessions on how to use the Industry Standard will be conducted in regional Victoria during late September and October, 2007.

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VIC: Victorian Company cops $40,000 fine 
A $40,000 fine for a company has highlighted the need for employers to make sure all staff in the workplace were sufficiently trained. The call comes after a manufacturing company pleaded guilty to two breaches of the Occupational Health and Safety 2004, including failure to maintain a plant and failure to provide adequate training. The company was prosecuted by WorkSafe Victoria after an incident in which a worker suffered horrific injuries to his hand after it was caught in a machine. The investigation by WorkSafe found there was inadequate protection on the machinery to prevent injuries and that the company had not provided sufficient instruction on safe usage of the machinery.

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VIC: How to declare rateable remuneration online
Commencing this year, employers renewing their Victorian WorkSafe Injury Insurance can complete their Declaration of Rateable Remuneration online. The online system allows employers to certify their rateable remuneration for the 2006/07 financial year and estimate their rateable remuneration for the 2007/08 year. For more info:

http://www.workcover.vic.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/WorkSafe/Home/Insurance+
and+Premiums/Employer+Online+Remuneration/

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VIC: Haul truck fire in underground mine - Significant Incident Report
The Department of Primary Industries (DPI) has issued a Significant Incident Report after a retarder brake on a haul truck caught fire while being driven down an incline in an underground mine. No one was injured in the incident. For more info click here:

http://www.dpi.vic.gov.au/DPI/nrenmp.nsf/9e58661e880ba9e44a256c640023
eb2e/33925cbcc8d01550ca25730f0083ba40/$FILE/SIR%20-%204%20-
%202007.pdf

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VIC: EnergySafe revamps website
The Energy Safe Victoria website has a fresh look. The website now has separate areas for gas professionals, electrical professionals and safety information. For info on the Brooke Hanson incident click here:

http://www.esv.vic.gov.au/AboutESV/News/tabid/135/Default.aspx

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WA: Clearing trees with bulldozers - Significant Incident Report
Resources Safety has issued a Significant Incident Report following a near miss where a 20 metre tree fell on a bulldozer during clearing operations at a mine site in the state South West. For more info click here:

http://www.docep.wa.gov.au/resourcessafety/Sections/Mining_Safety/pdf_/
MS%20GMP/Significant%20Incident%20Reports/SIR143UseDozersTreeC.pdf

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WA: Transport company fined $20,000 for driver fatigue offences
A transport company has been fined a total of $20,000 for failing to comply with WA's laws on fatigue management for commercial vehicle drivers. WorkSafe undertakes regular driver fatigue roadblock exercises in close cooperation with several other agencies. For more info click here:

http://www.docep.wa.gov.au/Corporate/Media/statements/2007/July/
Transport_company_fi.html

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ACT: Company receives $35,000 fine
The ACT Magistrates Court today convicted AB Enterprises Pty Ltd known as Brindabella Logging of offences under the ACT Occupational Health and Safety Act 1989 (the Act) in the prosecution relating to the death of an employee in December 2004. The company was fined a total of $35,000 in relation to the charge. For more info click here:

http://www.workcover.act.gov.au/pdfs/media/MR_07Jun-ConvictFollwgDeath.pdf

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ACT: Workplace E-News - July edition
Now available online is the July edition of the Office of Regulatory Services monthly electronic news bulletin. It includes OHS news from ACT WorkCover.

http://www.ors.act.gov.au/pdfs/Newsletters/ORS_E-News_07-July.pdf

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TAS: Workplace Issues - June edition
The latest edition of WorkCover Tasmania's Workplace Issues magazine is now online. Download the latest issue:

http://www.workcover.tas.gov.au/resource/workplaceiss-28.htm

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SA: Unsafe work system results in injury and fine
An Adelaide car component maker has been fined over unsafe work systems that resulted in an experienced employee suffering a permanent hand injury. Read media release:

http://www.safework.sa.gov.au/uploaded_files/290607_nylex.pdf

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SA: Family life affected by pressures, not just hours
The debate about how to find the best fit between work and leisure has been too narrowly defined around time spent at work beyond the traditional 38-hour week, according to leading social policy expert. Getting the right work-life balance is not just about simply cutting down work hours in favour of family time or recreation. In many cases, reducing job stress is just as important as working fewer hours. For more info:

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,22059741-2702,00.html

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NSW: No justice for Joel Exner death, says mother
The mother of a teenage construction worker, Joel Exner, has labelled a fine imposed on the site's owner over his death, "pathetic". Occupational Health and Safety Act 1989 (the Act) in the prosecution relating to the death of an employee in December 2004. The company was fined a total of $35,000 in relation to the charge. The employee was unloading a logging forwarder when the tractor section of the forwarder rolled over and off the right side of the float. The cabin on the forwarder collapsed as the tractor section of the forwarder came into contact with the ground. Read the media release:

http://www.workcover.act.gov.au/pdfs/media/MR_07Jun-ConvictFollwgDeath.pdf

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QLD: Safety Alert - Stability requirements for telescopic handlers used as cranes
Workplace Health and Safety Queensland has issued an alert on the use of telescopic handlers used as cranes following a number of incidents where plant used in the crane mode, have overturned. Click here for more info:

http://www.deir.qld.gov.au/workplace/publications/alerts/cranes/index.htm

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QLD: Criteria for the assessment of drugs in coal mines
The Department of Mines has release a standard on criteria for the assessment of drugs in coal mines. This applies to all mines required to have a safety and health management system for controlling risks associated with drug consumption or ingestion for persons at a mine, including workers and visitors. To download the standard click:

http://www.nrw.qld.gov.au/mines/inspectorate/pdf_tw07/recog_standard07.pdf

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NAT; NTC Get ready for new heavy vehicle driver fatigue laws
Updated fact sheets, guidelines and information about the national heavy vehicle driver fatigue reform are now available on the National Transport Commission (NTC) website. The information will assist all parties in the supply chain to understand their obligations under the new laws ahead of planned implementation in September 2008. Visit the Fatigue Home Page:

http://www.ntc.gov.au/ViewPage.aspx?page=A02314401400090020

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NAT: NTC - COAG ruling phases-out heavy vehicle cross subsidies
The National Transport Commission (NTC) has released the 2007 Heavy Vehicle Charges Determination draft Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS) for public consultation. The Council of Australian Governments (COAG) and Australian Transport Council (ATC) directed the NTC to remove cross-subsidies between vehicle classes. This has resulted in a re-balancing of heavy vehicle charges, with some registration costs falling and others increasing. Read the media statement:

http://www.ntc.gov.au/NewsDetail.aspx?page=A0240030550000002000240

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NAT: New CEO at Comcare
Martin Dolan will act as Chief Executive Officer of Comcare following the appointment of former CEO, Barbara Bennett, to the position of Director, Workplace Authority. Mr Dolan has been deputy Chief Executive Officer of Comcare since February 2006.

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NAT: ATA: National B-Triple Network A Step In The Right Direction
The Australian Trucking Association (ATA) has commended the Federal Government’s release of a national B-Triple network as a step in the right direction to improving the safety, productivity and environmental outcomes for the road freight industry. However, while acknowledging the Commonwealth’s intentions to see the network extended, ATA chief executive Stuart St Clair expressed some concern that the routes do not span all Australian states and territories. Read the media release:

http://www.atatruck.net.au/Media%20Releases%202007/mr056-07.pdf

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NAT: NICNAS - Chemical Hazard Assessments online for comment
The National Industrial Chemicals Notification and Assessment Scheme (NICNAS) are seeking public comment on the Draft Phthalate Hazard Assessments and Hazard Compendium, which deals with plasticisers (plastic softeners). The report is available for public comment until 1 August 2007. More information:

http://www.nicnas.gov.au/Industry/Existing_Chemicals/Phthalate_Hazard
_Assessments.asp

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NAT: ASCC - Making Chemical Control Easier for Australian Printers
The Australian Safety and Compensation Council have said that Australia’s printing industry will become a healthier employment choice with the release of the Essential Chemical Controls Package for Printers today. This web based package provides practical guidance materials to assist the printing industry with the control of hazardous substances. Read the media release:

http://www.ascc.gov.au/NR/rdonlyres/EBEA3BBC-19AD-4410-9945-CE247A8D69E2/0/ASCC_MR_EssentialChemicalControl_Jul07pdf.pdf

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TAC: IAP Certification symbol: a guide for transport operators
Transport Certification Australia Limited (TCA) has developed an IAP Certification symbol which will be issued to companies once they become IAP Service Providers. The symbol means that a company has been certified by TCA and tested to ensure it can meet the necessary standards required to perform and function within the IAP. It also means it can offer IAP services to transport operators. Read more:

http://www.tca.gov.au/Content_Common/ns-IAPCertificationsymbol.seo

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TWU Safety Seminar 2007
The annual transport industry Safety Seminar is to be held at Moonee Valley on Tuesday 24th July 2007 between 8.00am-12.30pm. Following an opening address by the Minister for Roads and Ports, Tim Pallas, you will hear from expert speakers on Shiftwork and Sleep Disorders, Fatigue related truck crashes, the new National Hours of Work laws, and recent initiatives of the Transport Industry Safety Group. More information:

http://www.twu.asn.au/info/general/Content/get/1103/itemId/

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ACTU: Unions concerned about dangerous job conditions for temporary migrant workers
This Construction Union (CFMEU) and the ACTU have drawn attention to the deaths of three migrant workers in the last month. Read ACTU media release:

http://www.actu.asn.au/Campaigns/YourRightsatWork/YourRightsatWorknews/
Unionsareconcernedaboutdangerousjobconditionsfortemporary
migrantworkers.aspx

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NAT: ATA- Latest Friday Fax
The Australian Trucking Association has released the latest edition of The Friday Fax. View here:

http://www.atatruck.net.au/media_friday_fax.html

UK: HSE -  Case studies on reducing noise
Noise control case studies offer real examples of how some companies have reduced noise at work. They can help you in controlling noise in your workplace by giving ideas of what can be achieved. For more information please visit:

http://www.hse.gov.uk/noise/casestudies/index.htm?ebul=hsegen/02-jul-2007&cr=3

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US: OSHA "Making a Positive Difference" webpage
The United States Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OHSA) has updated its “Making a Positive Difference” webpage with new examples of how compliance safety and health officers save lives. View the webpage:

http://www.osha.gov/as/opa/oshasaveslives.html

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US: Getting the point about PPE
The US Naval Safety Centre website has published an image which demonstrates why you should wear eye protection:

http://www.safetycenter.navy.mil/photo/archive/archive_251-300/photo252p.htm

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US: Woman tells friends how she lost her legs at Sumter plant
A worker has lost both legs in an plant accident. The worker said that was partially seated inside a mixing blender whilst cleaning it out when the blades activated. For more info:

http://www.wistv.com/Global/story.asp?S=6765062

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US: Man found dead at Nestle plant
A news report has said that a man has died at a chocolate factory plant. The man was pronounced dead at the scene by the Coroner after he was found by a co-worker at the plant. The coroner said the death is being preliminarily attributed to electrocution, pending the outcome of an autopsy. Read the news report:

http://www.sj-r.com/sections/news/stories/117894.asp

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US: Propane tank explosion injures one
A man suffered significant burns this evening when a propane tank exploded. The explosion took place as two workers were changing propane tanks used to power a forklift. For more info:

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/orange/orl-bk-explosion070507,0,1390289.story?coll=orl-jobs-utility

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CA: Five killed in Rockingham farming accident
A farm accident killed four members of a family and a hired hand at a dairy farm. Authorities said that a couple and their two young daughters and a farm worker had died from methane gas emanating from a manure pit at their farm. Read the news report:

http://www.dailypress.com/news/local/virginia/dp-va--fivedead0703jul03,0,1066058.story?coll=dp-headlines-virginia%20

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AUGUST

Western Safety Group 50th Anniversary
30th August 2007
VIC

The Western Safety Group in Mlebourne was founded in 1957 by a small handful of individuals concerned about safety in the workplace. Since 1957, WSG has seen hundreds of people getting involved. They currently meet once a month, and on the 30th August 2007 are celebrating their 50th Anniversary. Everyone is invited to help celebrate this achievement.

http://www.wsg.org.au

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SEPTEMBER

OHS Mock Court
10th September 2007
QLD

Punish the Guilty - Keep the Innocent Nervous. The Brief Group’s Mock Court training is designed to strike fear into your employees and managers, but only enough to get their attention. Facilitated by former WorkCover prosecution lawyers, the objective of this program is to keep you out of court and the workplace safer by demonstrating through audience participation the importance of systems and remaining pro-active.

http://www.thebriefgroup.com.au/mockcourt.shtml

24th September 2007
SA

Punish the Guilty - Keep the Innocent Nervous. The Brief Group's Mock Court training is designed to strike fear into your employees and managers, but only enough to get their attention. Facilitated by former WorkCover prosecution lawyers, the objective of this program is to keep you out of court and the workplace safer by demonstrating through audience participation the importance of systems and remaining pro-active.

http://www.thebriefgroup.com.au/mockcourt.shtml

MENTORING

“Mentoring is the means by which we not only affect the present but the future too!"

Pat Mesiti