Less than 4 weeks to the VTHC HSR Conference - enrol now!
In this week's SafetyNet: counterfeit components endanger mine workers, research on depression risks in shift work, global safety organising for pulp and paper workers, stats on the 10 year surge in mental health claims, big penalties for unguarded machinery and poor traffic management, and new approaches to asbestos management and removal.
An education worker writes to Ask Renata about consultation on policy changes, and 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
EXPLOSIVE MEDICINAL CANNABIS DISMISSAL UPHELD
The Fair Work Commission in Brisbane has upheld the dismissal of a ‘safety-critical’ worker who lost his job for using medicinal cannabis and failing to disclose changes to his medication regimen.
HSR CONFERENCE 2023: PSYCH HAZARDS - REGISTER NOW!
We all know that psychosocial hazards exist in workplaces, but how do we identify and address them?
Our annual HSR Conference is back and this year we’re looking in the world of psychosocial hazards and risks.
Monday 23 October, 8:30am - 2:45pm (registrations open 8am)
Melbourne - Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre
Morwell - Italian Australian Sporting Club
Bendigo - Bendigo Trades Hall
Portland - Portland Golf Club
Wodonga - LaTrobe Uni. Lecture Theatre AW6
The conference is WorkSafe Victoria approved under Section 69 so be sure to give your manager at least 14 days’ notice for paid time off work to attend.
Numbers are limited so enroll ASAP!
Check out the program and register here.
This event is proudly sponsored by Slater and Gordon.
COUNTERFEIT COMPONENTS ENDANGER MINE WORKERS
Employers in the Queensland mining sector have been warned about the dangers of counterfeit equipment components after it was recently discovered counterfeit heavy-duty bearings, marked with a manufacturer's trademark, had been supplied to a Queensland mine.
EQUAL PAY URGED FOR DISABILITY AND AGED CARE WORKERS
The Disability Royal Commission has made several recommendations in its final report. One significant recommendation is the establishment of a national disability support worker registration scheme by July 2028. This scheme would include a definition of "disability support worker" and portable training and leave entitlements.
ASK RENATA
What are my powers as a HSR to request policy documents on drugs and alcohol in my work place? My HR manager is giving me the run around and refusing to share as apparently, they're in review and not ready to be circulated
Under section 69 of our OHS Act your employer has a duty to provide you with access to safety information, and under section 35 they should be consulting with you through the policy review process.
WEEKLY COVID NUMBERS
The number of people in hospital with COVID-19 continued to increase this week to a daily average of 168, up from 143 last week.
The 7-day average of ICU patients decreased this week (8 to 5).
Research
SHIFT WORKERS FACE HIGHER DEPRESSION RISK
A Huazhong University study has examined how shift work affects people's mental health, specifically depression and anxiety.
International News
STOCKHOLM: GLOBAL PULP AND PAPER UNIONS PRIORITISE SAFETY
Unions from around the world have gathered in Stockholm for the first in-person meeting of the IndustriALL Global Union pulp and paper sector work group, since 2019.
Key topics covered included the 3R campaign promoting OHS rights for workers, including the right to know about hazards, the right to refuse unsafe work, and the right to participate in health and safety decision-making.
STOP CUTS TO SCOTTISH FIRE AND RESCUE
On 26 May, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) announced a programme of £11 ($21.1AUS) million worth of cuts in order to balance the budget for the 2023/24.
The FBU (Fire Brigades Union) are demanding immediate, significant, and sustained investment from the Scottish Government to reverse the cuts and prevent potentially devastating impacts on local communities and public safety.
Show international solidarity by signing the FBU’s petition here
Regulator News
31ST ANNIVERSARY: SAFETY MONTH 2023
WorkSafe Victoria is celebrating the 31st anniversary of Health and Safety Month during October 2023.
A series of events will be held in-person and online between 2nd to 27th October where HSRs can come together to connect, learn and share across a number of OHS topics.
National Safe Work Month has started with employers encouraged to host SafeTea chats addressing mental health and workloads, and ensuring safer workplaces for women.
During the first week, the focus is ‘working together to manage risks at work,’ covering areas like risk assessments, noise management, working safely in heat and sun, and complying with duties in the construction sector.
Subsequent weeks will centre on ‘protecting workers' mental health,’ ‘supporting all workers,’ and ‘ensuring a safe and healthy workplace.’
10-YEAR SURGE IN MENTAL HEALTH CLAIMS
Safe Work Australia has released its Key Work Health and Safety Statistics report. In 2022, SWA reports195 people died while at work in Australia.
Here are some key points from the report.
Hosted by Comcare, the Transport Network Forum ‘provides an opportunity for industry experts and peers to come together and talk through latest information and initiatives in risk management, prevention and early intervention.’
They’re inviting representatives from the road transport and logistics industry to discuss OHS issues, and ‘the latest initiatives to help manage risks, prevent injury and support workers.’
Interested parties are encouraged to register here. View the forum program here.
Prosecutions
ENTIRELY PREVENTABLE FATALITY ATTRACTS $350K FINE
D&R Henderson Pty Ltd has been fined $350,000 following an fatal incident at their Benalla timber mill. The court heard the death could have been avoided with appropriate guarding. There were also no safe procedures in place for realigning conveyor belts, a task that workers were required to perform while the machine was still running.
NO TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT PLAN: WORKER BADLY INJURED
Logistics Pty Ltd pleaded guilty following an incident in which their forklift exited through a roller door, coinciding with a truck driver entering. The forklift then reversed into the warehouse, hitting the truck driver and crushing his left leg.
POOR MAINTENANCE & TRAINING LEADS TO SEVERE HAND INJURY
Victorian company, Cabinetry Pty Ltd, has been fined $25,000 after an edge banding machine suddenly started operating while a worker was attempting to repair it.
EMPLOYER HELD LIABLE FOR INADEQUATE HARASSMENT PROBE
A Sydney employer has been held responsible for a worker's psychological injury because they did not conduct a proper investigation into serious harassment allegations against the worker.
Events
ASBESTOS 2024: REGISTRATIONS NOW OPEN!
ASEA is inviting you to attend their 2024 conference, in person or virtually, to learn about new approaches in managing, removing, and disposing of aging ACMs.
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