VIC: Trades Hall calls for more action on occupational cancer
Occupational cancer is the leading cause of workplace death. Every day around the world almost 2000 people are estimated to die from cancer caused by their job. In Australia many workers are exposed to cancer-causing environments and substances, often with little or no awareness of the risk. Click her to download a guide to the prevention of occupational cancer:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
VIC: Register for updates on Work Safe Week 2007: 22-26 October 2007
Find out the latest information about WorkSafe Week 2007 by registering to receive free updates. Learn more about Occupational Health & Safety from the experts, get into practical demonstrations and learn from others in your field - free! Click here to register for more info:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
VIC: Prosecutions 2006
Prosecutions 2006 contains summaries of the prosecutions brought by the Victorian Workcover Authority during that year. The publication covers health and safety prosecutions, accident compensation prosecutions, committal proceedings, appeals and a summary of legislation. The cases reported involve employers, employees and other duty holders such as suppliers of plant, whom have breached Victoria’s OHS laws. It also outlines cases where employers and workers have failed to comply with their obligations under the WorkCover Scheme. Download::
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
VIC: Education department fined for WorkCover hold up
WorkSafe Victoria today warned Victorian employers that failure to submit WorkCover forms would lead to court action and possible fines. The call comes following the Victorian Department of Education & Training being found guilty and fined $1,000 without conviction recently in the Melbourne Magistrates Court after a School Principal refused to process a claim for compensation submitted by an injured worker at a secondary school. Click here to read media release:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
VIC: Quad bike safety in the spotlight
The death of an elderly farmer after his all-terrain vehicle (ATV) rolled down a hill has prompted a renewed call for helmets to be worn by all ATV users. Although the joint Victoria Police–WorkSafe investigation is at an early stage, it appears the man lost control of the bike while travelling along a narrow farm track near the edge of an embankment. WorkSafe’s farm safety publication, including one on ATVs, can be obtained by calling the advisory service on 1800 136 089:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
VIC: Man faces jail for swindling $50,000 from WorkSafe
A former Victorian policeman was convicted today and faces the possibility of six months in jail for fraudulently obtaining more than $50,400 in workplace injury compensation payments. Click here for media release:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
VIC: Dangerous goods ready reckoner
WorkSafe has developed an online dangerous goods ready reckoner. This tool aims to help businesses correctly label their dangerous goods. The tool allows the user to enter the quantities, type and location of all dangerous goods on their premises. It results in an easy-to-read report outlining labelling requirements. Click here to reckoner:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TAS: Workplace Standards Tasmania revamps website
Workplace Standards Tasmania has revamped its website. It has a fresh look and four sections covering safety and compliance, industries and occupations, employment information and resources. Click here to see new website:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSW: Alcohol and drugs in the workplace: new fact sheet available
WorkCover NSW has launched new fact sheet to assist employers address the misuse of alcohol and other drug use in the workplace. Click here for more info:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSW: WorkCover investigates death of factory worker
WorkCover NSW is investigating the death of a 35 year old man after he was crushed by multiple sheets of glass at a factory. It is understood the man was unloading the glass sheets from timber crates which became unstable, causing numerous sheets to fall on top of him.The glass sheets that fatally injured the worker weighed a total of 1.5 tonnes and were being used for the manufacture of shower screens. Click here to read the media release:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSW: The WorkCover Assist Program
The WorkCover NSW Assist Program is a new initiative is to support unions and employer associations in their efforts to assist their members in adopting requirements under OHS and workers compensation legislation. Other organisations can be involved in partnership with eligible organisations. The funding grants made available through this program cover a period of 12 months.
Click here for more info
:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSW: Fact sheet on managing alcohol and drug misuse
WorkCover NSW has produced a fact sheet to assist employers in dealing with misuse of alcohol and drugs in the workplace. Click here to download fact sheet:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSW: WorkCover Issues Alerts
WorkCover NSW has issued a Safety Alert for the failure of the first stage regulator on a bulk liquefied petroleum gas installation and the filling of LP Gas cylinders.
Click here to see an Alert for the failure of the first stage regulator on a bulk liquefied petroleum gas installation:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSW: Safety Conference - Sydney – 24 – 26 October 2007
The Safety Conference will be held concurrently and features presentations from over 60 Australian & international speakers on the latest issues in OHS. Read more:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WA: WorkSafe investigates death of farmer
WorkSafe WA is investigating the work-related death of a 68-year-old farmer. The man was believed to have been felling trees on his farm when he was struck and killed by a falling branch. WorkSafe inspectors are investigating. Click here to read:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WA: Company fined $8,000 over forklift drivers
A company has been fined for failing to ensure it had evidence that its forklift drivers were competent to operate the vehicles. Click to read the media release:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WA: New regulations-High risk work
New regulations will come into effect on 1 October 2007 relating to people who perform high risk work, including scaffolders, doggers and riggers and operators of forklift, crane, hoist or pressure equipment. For further information on these changes:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
QLD: 15th Annual Occupational Health and Safety Conference
14-16 November 2007, Holiday Inn Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast:
The Safety Institute of Australia (Queensland/Northern Territory Division) (non-Queensland Government link) is very proud to announce the 15th annual Occupational Health and Safety Conference. A Welcome Function for delegates precedes this on Tuesday 13 November. In addition to presenting and exploring a range of health and safety issues, the programme will focus on achieving the national OH&S priorities outlined by the Australian Safety and Compensation Council (non-Queensland Government link). For more info see:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SA: New advertising campaign - 'Look after your mates'
Mateship at work is the theme of a new advertising campaign promoting workplace safety in South Australia. 'Look After Your Workmates' is the key message of the $1 million SafeWork SA campaign. Click here to read media release:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SA: Work-life balance strategy takes shape
A SafeWork SA project on work-life balance is taking shape and will involve workplaces in a strategy on how best to manage the issue. The project is currently reviewing examples of best practice in work-life balance across a range of industries to help formulate the final strategy. Click here to read media release:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SA: Key legal concession over serious workplace injury
A company which services compressed air and gas installations has withdrawn its appeal over an industrial relations court conviction for a 2003 workplace incident which left one of its maintenance workers severely brain injured. By ceasing attempts to overturn its conviction, the company has accepted responsibility for the incident. While servicing a high-pressure gas fuel system, components in the valve housing hit the worker’s face. Read the media release:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NT: Update of Review of Work Health Act, Mining Management Act & Petroleum Act
In 2006 the NT government approved the amalgamation of Department of Planning and Infrastructure (DPI) (Electrical Safety) and Department of Primary Industry, Fisheries and Mining (DPIFM) (Mines Safety) occupational health and safety (OHS) regulatory functions into NT WorkSafe, within the Department of Employment, Education and Training (DEET). Concurrently, Minister Henderson whom is responsible for DEET also seeks to ensure that the Work Health Act, regulations and penalties are contemporary Australian practice. For more info click here:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NAT: ASCC - Amendments to the National List of Exemptions
In accordance with sub-section 7(1) of the Australian Workplace Safety Standards Act 2005 the Australian Safety and Compensation Council (ASCC) is inviting public comment on the proposed amendment to Schedule 2 of the National Model Regulations for the Control of Workplace Hazardous Substances to extend Exemption 4 of the National List of Exemptions until 31 December 2010. Click here to read discussion paper:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NAT: National Standard and Code of Practice for Manual tasks now available
The National Standard and Code of Practice for the Prevention of Musculoskeletal Disorders from Performing Manual Tasks at Work (2007) were declared on 22 August 2007 by the Australian Safety and Compensation Council (ASCC). ASCC chair, Bill Scales, this week strongly encourage the states and territories to incorporate the national standard and code as soon as possible into their legislation. Click here to read media release:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NAT: Amendments to OHS legislation passes Senate
The Building and Construction Industry Improvement Amendment (OHS) Bill 2007 was passed in the Senate yesterday (13 September). This OHS legislation provides for the application of the accreditation scheme for Australian Government funded projects.
The amendments are to the accreditation of head contractors, the appointment of Federal Safety Officers and disclosure of information to government. The changes take effect from 1 October 2007. For more info click here:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NAT: Older farmers least likely to use PPE with pesticides - study
An Australian study has found that farmers' use of personal protective equipment (PPE) while handling pesticides is low and recommends safety authorities focus on improving chemical training in the agriculture sector. They found that between 10 and 40 per cent of farmers routinely wear no PPE at all when using pesticides. Younger farmers and those who had received farm chemical training were the most likely to use PPE. Click to find out more:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NAT: DEWR completes analysis of global chemical system
The Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR) has analysed Europe's proposal to adopt a globally harmonised system of classification and labelling of chemicals (GHS). The DEWR has concentrated on classification criteria and scope of coverage of the proposed Australian workplace chemicals framework compared to the GHS and European proposals. The GHS is a single internationally agreed system of classification and labelling of chemicals which was developed under the auspices of the United Nations. Download the report from the Australian Safety and Compensation Council:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NAT: ASCC MSD's / Waterfront safety
The Australian Safety and Compensation Council (ASCC) held its sixth meeting in Canberra recently where it declared the National Standard for Manual Handling Tasks and the National Code of Practice for the Prevention of Musculoskeletal Disorders from Performing Manual Tasks at Work. The ASCC also supported the Victorian Waterfront Safety Project as a first step to developing national guidance materials, and to undertake a ‘comprehensive needs assessment’ in relation to occupational diving. Click here to read media release:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NAT: Workplace safety is a national priority - ASCC
At the launch of Safe Work Australia Week, the Australian Safety and Compensation Council have made workplace safety a national priority. Safe Work Australia Week will be held nationally from 21 to 27 October. Read the media release:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NAT: ASCC: Draft National Standard and Codes of Practice for the Control of Workplace Hazardous Chemicals now available
Summary of Public Comments for the Draft National Standard and Codes of Practice for the Control of Workplace Hazardous Chemicals are now available. Click to see:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NAT: ASCC: National Standard and Code of Practice for Manual tasks now available
The National Standard and Code of Practice for the Prevention of Musculoskeletal Disorders from Performing Manual Tasks at Work (2007) were declared on 22 August 2007 by the Australian Safety and Compensation Council (ASCC). ASCC chair, Bill Scales, this week strongly encourage the states and territories to incorporate the national standard and code as soon as possible into their legislation. Click here to download the standard and code:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
VIC/NAT: Q fever warning for meat and livestock industry
An animal product processing company was fined after four workers were infected with Q fever because they had not been immunised against the debilitating condition. Q fever typically occurs after the inhalation of contaminated airborne droplets or dust from placental tissues, birth fluids, or excreta from infected animals, or from direct contact with contaminated animals or materials. Read the media release:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NAT: Safe Work Week: 21 – 27 October 2007
Safe Work Australia Week is a national week developed to focus attention on workplace safety issues around Australia. It aims to encourage all working Australians particularly employers to get involved and concentrate on safety in their workplace to reduce death, injury and disease. Free promotional products, employer resource kits and activity ideas for Safe Work Australia Week 2007 are available from the ASCC website:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Product Recalls
Kenworth Trucks - Shock Absorber Bracket Weld
Supplier Name: PACCAR Australia Pty Ltd
Product Info: Models built between December 2006 and September 2007
Defect Details: The lower front shock absorber mounting bracket has been incorrectly manufactured and may fail as a result. If this happens it could potentially foul the steering linkage impeding vehicle control.:
Volvo Trucks - Brakes locked on 4x2
Supplier Name: Volvo Commercial Vehicles Australia
Product Make: Volvo
Product Model: Truck
Defect Details: The airline routing may cause excessive load on the VIPS connections causing the brakes to lock on. Click here for more info:
|
