In this SafetyNet edition, we look at the Thales prosecution, the AMWUs welding fumes campaign, research on ZOOM fatigue, international calls for psych health laws and 35 years of Victorian OHS history.
A University worker writes to Ask Renata about incident reports, and as always we encourage you to send in your own queries to Ask Renata.
For OHS news and helpful information visit We Are Union: OHS Reps Facebook page.
For previous issues visit our SafetyNet Archive.
Union News
FREE DOWNLOAD: 35 YEARS OF OHS IN VICTORIA
For a limited time, SafetyNet subscribers have the opportunity to download Barry Naismith's exceptional three-volume work, 35th anniversary of OHS in Victoria for FREE!
More information here
INJURED WORKERS DAY: SOLIDARITY, STORIES & COMMITMENT
Last Thursday, we gathered once again at Victorian Trades Hall Council to commemorate Injured Workers Day, expressing solidarity, listening to each other's stories, and reaffirming our commitment to fight for dignity and respect for injured workers.
Given the recently announced governmental changes to our workers' compensation scheme, this year's Injured Workers Day held particular significance.
During the event, we shared a petition calling on the Victorian government to create a WorkCover scheme that benefits everyone. If you didn't get the chance to attend we strongly encourage to sign and share the petition today.
Thanks to Slater & Gordon for supporting our event.
STRICTER LIMITS ON FUMES URGED: NATIONAL REGISTER LAUNCHED
The AMWU are calling for a stricter limit on exposure to welding fumes and have just launched a National Welding Fumes Exposure Register.
PREVENT BULLYING USING OHS FRAMEWORKS: RSVP TODAY!
Workplace bullying poses a significant psychosocial hazard, yet some employers tend to focus on individualized solutions rather than addressing the broader issues.
In March, we conducted a webinar examining how inadequate work systems contribute to bullying behavior. Following feedback from Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs), our upcoming event on the 19th of June will feature case studies and action plans to effectively reduce or eliminate bullying.
Led by VTHCs OHS Team, this online workshop will demonstrate how HSRs and workers can utilize OHS frameworks to combat bullying.
Don't miss out! RSVP today to secure your limited spot.
Join us online for the 'Using OHS Frameworks to Stop Bullying' workshop, June 19th at 4 PM.
ASK RENATA
University management used to table a report of workplace incidents. They have decided to withhold this information. Can they do that?
An employer must consult with HSRs when 'identifying hazards or risks' as required by section 35(1)(a) of our OHS Act.
If a 'workplace incident report' is not a mechanism for 'identifying a hazard or risk,' then what is it?
Read our full response here.
WEEKLY COVID NUMBERS
From 26 May - 1 June, Victoria recorded:
8,669 (-15%) total cases for the past week
7 COVID deaths on average each day over the past week
464 cases in hospital (7 day rolling average) with 14 in ICU (7 day rolling average)
More weekly COVID data here
Regulator News
ENTRIES OPEN FOR WORKSAFE AWARDS 2023
The WorkSafe Awards celebrate the outstanding achievements of our health, safety, and return to work champions.
Why enter?
It’s a way to recognise individuals, teams, or organisations that go above and beyond for workplace safety. .
Entries are now open across the following categories:
- Commitment to Prevention of Mental Injury in the Workplace
- Commitment to Workplace Health and Safety on a Farm
- Health and Safety Representative of the Year
- Leading Return to Work Practice
- OHS Leadership/Achievement
- Worker Return to Work Achievement
- Workplace Health and Safety Solution of the Year.
See here for how to enter
STAY SAFE DURING HEAVY RAINFALL
With the BOM issuing a severe weather warning for parts of Victoria involving damaging winds, heavy rain and minor to isolated flooding, WorkSafe is reminding workers and employers that information what to do before, during and after heavy rainfall is available here.
More here
Prosecutions
THALES COPS $450K FINE FOR BENDIGO FATALITY
Defence contractor Thales Australia has been fined $450,000 for safety failures resulting in a worker's death at its Bendigo factory.
Read more about the prosecution here.
International News
EUROPE: CALLS FOR PSYCH RISKS LEGISLATION
The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) is urging binding legislation to prevent psychosocial risks at work. Over the past 20 years, European workers have seen a rise in workplace risks, with 44.6% exposed to such factors.
More here
Research
ZOOM FATIGUE: CAUSES AND IMPACTS, PATICULARLY FOR WOMEN
A Stanford study has examined the causes of Zoom fatigue, a feeling of exhaustion experienced by individuals during video-conferencing.
Using a sample of 9787 participants, the researchers found Zoom fatigue is influenced by the frequency, duration, and breaks taken during video-conferencing sessions.
More here
Events
OHS 2 DAY TRAINING COURSE FOR MANAGERS & SUPERVISORS
Are you a manager or supervisor? Do you sit on an OHS Committee? We have a 2 Day course that familiarises you with the OHS Act 2004 and your duties under it. The 2 Day course is an overview designed for managers, supervisors and committee members – it is not a replacement for the 5 Day HSR Initial OHS Training Course.
Managers, Supervisors and Committee Members are key players in workplace health and safety.
Under the OHS Act 2004, employers are required to ‘provide and maintain so far as is reasonably practicable for employees a working environment that is safe and without risks to health’.
Providing and maintaining that safe and healthy work environment requires effort on three fronts:
- Planning - to identify and control workplace hazards
- Integration - to ensure that health and safety is built into the overall operation of the workplace, alongside production, quality control and customer service.
- Involvement - only the active commitment of senior management, line managers and supervisors, health & safety committee members, employees and their health and safety representatives will change workplace health and safety standards.
Course hours: 9am – 5pm
Course length: 2 Days
Cost: $750 (inc GST)
Course Dates: 29 & 30 June 2023
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 website for more information.
OHS Team
http://www.weareunion.org.au/
Previous issues: SafetyNet Archive