In this week's issue of the SafetyNet Journal, we delve into Bradbury's $3 million chemical blaze fine, two devastating local fatalities, research on ill-fitting PPE and employer culpability in the mining sector.
We also cover shocking incidents on US tarmacs, hard bargaining on safety by NZ nurses, how to accelerate asbestos removal efforts here in Australia and much more.
An MUA members writes to Ask Renata about diesel fumes, 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
WORKING WOMEN TAKE OVER PARLIAMENT!
Last Thursday, 58 working women came to Parliament and bravely told stories to MPs about the impacts of gendered violence in the workplace and how important it is we stop workplace sexual harassment cover ups by ending the misuse of NDAs.
DRIVER CRUSHED BY GARBAGE TRUCK IN HOSIER LANE
It’s been reported a garbage truck driver has died after being struck by the vehicle he was operating in Melbourne's CBD on Monday.
More here
FATAL SKID STEER LOADER INCIDENT
WorkSafe is investigating the death of a farm worker in Nathalia on Friday.
Details here
PREVENT BULLYING: RSVP TODAY FOR JULY'S WEBINAR
Due to high demand, our first event on 19 June was fully booked, but we are pleased to offer a second workshop, 27 July for those who missed out.
The workshop, facilitated by Marty from VTHC's OHS Team, will guide participants through an action plan to address bullying-promoting systems.
Learn more
ASBESTOS NEWS: ACTU LOOKS TO ACCELERATE REMOVAL
The ACTU is hosting a 'Future of Asbestos Removal in Australia’ forum which will bring together union officials, representatives from ASEA and VAEA, ADDRI, and asbestos support groups.
Learn more
ASK RENATA
I am really concerned with the amount of diesel dust blowing around at work.
You’re right to be concerned.
In June 2012, a panel of scientific experts assembled by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a part of the World Health Organization (WHO), reached a definitive conclusion.
They declared diesel engine exhaust as a Group 1 carcinogen, meaning it is confirmed to be carcinogenic to humans.
Read our full response.
WEEKLY COVID NUMBERS
From 16 June - 22 June, Victoria recorded:
3,425 (-13%) total cases for the past week
5 COVID deaths on average each day over the past week
244 cases in hospital (7 day rolling average) with 10 in ICU (7 day rolling average)
More COVID weekly stats here.
SILICOSIS KILLS: RSVP TO LEARN MORE TODAY!
Silicosis, the deadly disease caused by exposure to silica dust, poses a significant risk to over 500,000 Australian workers across the country.
Join us for this important online event via Zoom, where we will identify high-risk occupations, effective silicosis treatment, and understand our rights when working with Silica in Victoria.
More here
International News
USA: ANOTHER WORKER FATALLY INGESTED INTO AIRCRAFT ENGINE
An airline crew member at the San Antonio International Airport died after being fatally ingested into an engine Friday 23 June.
Learn more
TEXAS LINEMMAN DIES 6 DAYS AFTER PROTECTIONS REPEALED
Less than a week after Texas' governor repealed measures safeguarding workers from heat-related illness, a lineman died from heat stroke while assisting with power restoration after storms.
More here
KENYA: META ORDERED TO CARE FOR MODERATORS
Meta has been ordered to ‘provide proper medical, psychiatric and psychological care’ to a group of moderators in Nairobi following a ruling in a Kenyan employment court.
Learn more
NEW ZEALAND: NURSES BARGAIN HARD FOR SAFETY
Nurses, midwives, health care assistants and other staff who work for Te Whatu Ora – Health New Zealand - say they will continue to bargain hard until their demands to be valued and safe at work are met.
More here
Regulator News
COMCARE RESOURCES TO REDUCE MENTAL HEALTH STIGMA
Comcare has developed the Mental Notes program with the objective of reducing stigma surrounding mental health. The program aims to enhance managers' knowledge and skills in supporting employees' mental well-being by providing practical strategies for identifying and managing psychosocial safety risks and making necessary adjustments.
NEW MODEL CODE OF PRACTICE FOR TOWER CRANES
Safe Work Australia has published a model Code of Practice for tower cranes. It provides practical guidance to employers and other duty holders on managing the work health and safety risks of working with tower cranes.
Learn more
Prosecutions
BRADBURY FINED ALMOST $3 MILLION FOR CHEMICAL FIRE
Bradbury Industrial Services Pty Ltd, now in liquidation, pleaded guilty to charges relating to a lack of workplace safety and failing to prevent a fire or explosion.
The fire, lasted four days, resulted in injuries to two workers, the closure of nearby schools, and extensive exposure to smoke in surrounding areas.
Read more here
DIVING COMPANY FINED $730,000 FOR RECKLESS SAFETY BREACHES
A diving company that specialises in underwater tank inspections and repairs has been convicted and fined for a string of life-threatening health and safety offences.
Learn more
Research
AUSTRALIAN EMPLOYERS ARE ALWAYS BEHIND MINING FATALITIES
A ‘ten pathways to death and disaster’ test has established employer culpability was present in all fatalities and serious injuries in Australian coal and metal mining.
Learn more
WOMEN FACE HURDLES FINDING PROPER-FITTING PPE
An article recently published by OHS Canada sheds light on the challenges faced by women seeking properly fitting personal protective equipment (PPE).
Events
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