In this week's edition of SafetyNet: a world's first in Tasmania, welders at risk, criticisms of Highland Pine's culture and much more.
An AMWU member writes to Ask Renata about prescribed industrial wastes. As always, we encourage you to send in your questions to Ask Renata.
For OHS news and helpful information, please visit the We Are Union: OHS Reps Facebook page.
To access previous issues, you can visit our SafetyNet Archive.
Union News
ROAD WORKER STRUCK BY CAR
It’s been reported a worker, in his late 50s, has died after being struck by a car in Clifton Hill. He was struck working on roadworks last night near Hoddle Street in Clifton Hill and later passed away at the Royal Melbourne Hospital.
We extend our condolences to the man’s family, friends, and colleagues. Another Victorian will not return home as they should have. While we mourn the dead, we shall fight like hell for the living.
WORLD FIRST: TASMANIA ADDS FEMALE-SPECIFIC CANCERS
Tasmania has introduced a new bill that expands the types of cancer covered by workers' compensation for firefighters.
The bill adds eight new types of cancer to the existing list of 12, including cancers specific to women.
WELDING FUMES AND CANCER: GROWING CONCERN
A growing cohort of welders is facing the consequences of inhaling fumes that have become increasingly linked to cancer over decades.
In line with the Netherlands and Germany, where exposure limits are set at 1.25 mg and 1 mg respectively, the AMWU is advocating for stricter exposure limits to welding fumes.
'Under the current standard, welders are legally allowed to breathe in 11 milligrams of a known carcinogen [each year]. It’s mind-boggling.'
CULTURE CRITICIZED AFTER HARASSMENT CASE
The Fair Work Commission (FWC) has ruled a worker was appropriately dismissed from his job due to engaging in inappropriate sexual jokes and comments towards colleagues.
Significantly the FWC also found the company's workplace culture didn't support reporting such behaviour, allowing it to persist for years.
ASK RENATA
We need to dispose of oily rags - is there a certain way these item go.. ie certified waste?
The EPA’s Industrial Waste Resource Guidelines advise that Waste oils and used oil filters are ‘prescribed industrial wastes’.
Prior to collection by a contractor they must be securely stored in good quality bulk tanks or 200 litre drums, in an enclosed (bunded) area, preferably under a roof, or on spill containment pallets or other self-bunded storage units.
WEEKLY COVID NUMBERS
From 18 August – 24 August, Victoria recorded:
479 (-3%) total cases for the past week
2 COVID deaths on average each day over the past week
101 cases in hospital (7 day rolling average) with 4 in ICU (7 day rolling average)
International News
U.S. UNION LEADERS CALL FOR ACTION AFTER HEAT FATALITY
Members of Teamster 667 are demanding change at Kroger Distribution Center in Memphis, following the death of Tony Rufus, who died Friday while desperately trying to find a way to cool off amid extremely hot temperatures.
Prosecutions
WorkSafe Victoria has turned it’s attention to trucking after a spate of recent fatalities and serious injuries, with three significant prosecutions within a week.
FATAL DEPOT INCIDENT: MALEC HOLDINGS FINED $320K
Transport company, Malec Holdings, has been fined $320,000 after a driver was run over and killed at a depot in Yarraville in 2020 with company admitting it failed to implement a safe system of work.
$110K FINE AFTER ONGOING SAFETY NEGLECT
Peter Stoitse Transport has been fined $110,000 after ignoring safety warnings, resulting in two separate incidents involving milk tankers in 2020.
Frustratingly, the company’s offending follows earlier convictions and a $490,000 following the 2018 death of a tanker driver in an incident at Leongatha.
CHARGES AFTER WORKER'S FATAL FALL AT DEPOT
Transport company, D & A Martin, is facing the charges after a 60-year-old man suffered head injuries, and later died, after falling about four metres when a guard rail failed while he was inspecting hatches on top of the truck.
Regulator News
FOOD DELIVERY CAMPAIGN WRAPS UP: 25K VIEWS
This week is the final week of Safe Work Australia’s national ‘Deliver yourself home safely’ campaign aimed at increasing OHS knowledge and awareness for food delivery workers.
Translated into 6 languages, the campaign features digital display and social advertisements, in cultural media outlets and through public relations and community engagement activities.
SWA are saying the campaign has received over 25,000 views via social media channels and campaign websites.
Let's hope the campaign has an impact.
You can Go to Safe Work Australia’s ‘Deliver Yourself Home Safely’ website to view and share the resources.
STRENGTHENED SPOTTER & GUARDING RULES FOR EWPs
WorkSafe Victoria has updated its ‘Industry Standard for the safe use of EWPs with stricter rules for spotters and guarding, after recent EWP incidents, including multiple fatalities.
Research
RISING HEAT THREAT: WORK, HEALTH, AND ECONOMIC TOLL
New research concludes there is an urgent need for holistic work management policies such as the Total Worker Health approach and for climate change adaptation and mitigation efforts to protect workers’ health from future warming and climate extremes.
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 training webpage for more information.
OHS Team
http://www.weareunion.org.au