07:40 am, Wednesday 20 October, 2010

Workplace Health and Safety Queensland is reminding businesses of the amendments to the Workplace Health and Safety Regulation 2008 and the Dangerous Goods Safety Management Regulation 2001

The regulatory changes, which commenced on 25 June 2010, give recognition to the Globally Harmonised System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) as an alternative option to compliance with current hazardous substance and dangerous goods legislation.

This development affects all chemical products imported, prepared for export, or manufactured in Queensland.

Other key amendments are in connection with:

* the application of asbestos regulations to buildings previously not covered by local government approval;
* extending the rural exemption for high risk and earthmoving work (particularly crane occupations);
* extending the transition period for adoption of the national units of competency and national assessment instruments for high risk work for another 12 months;
* updating references to Australian Standards;
* development of a new competency option for underwater diving work.

Report by Julia Alder - Do you have an OHS News Story - Let us know

09:24 am, Tuesday 21 September, 2010

WorkSafe WA is gearing up for the changes in licensing requirements for high-risk workers by visiting construction sites starting October 1.

A new WorkSafe campaign will target people employed in rigging, scaffolding, forklift, dogging, hoist and crane operations.

Inspectors will visit metropolitan and regional WA construction sites to ensure stake holders know about the new licensing requirements for high risk construction jobs.

The regulatory changes were introduced in 2007 and will soon be taking full effect for people performing high-risk work.

According to WorkSafe’s Chris Kirwin, workers whose Certificate of Competency was issued before 2002 will no longer be permitted to work without a High-Risk Work licence.

He said a total phase out of Certificates of Competency will take effect on 30 June 2012, and the new licence will be required for all high-risk workers.

“Construction work is a high-risk industry so it is vital that anybody in these high-risk occupations has the appropriate training,” Mr Kirwin said.

“Under the licensing system we can be confident that high-risk workers will have achieved a minimum standard of competency and safety awareness.

“And because the licences are recognised throughout Australia, workers will be able to transfer between states more easily.”

Mr Kirwin said the campaign serves mainly as an information drive, but inspector will issue improvement notices if safety breaches are found.

Report by Julia Alder - Do you have an OHS News Story - Let us know