03:46 pm, Friday 26 April, 2013

The Industrial Court on Monday fined a Monarto-based manufacturing company $26,250 plus legal fees after a worker’s finger was caught in a machine that had no guard in place in August 2011 resulting to amputation.

The company was prosecuted under the Occupational Health, Safety and Welfare Act 1986 for failure to ensure the machinery was in a safe condition by putting a guard over the machine.

SafeWork SA Executive Director Bryan Russell said employers need to carry out hazard assessments on machinery and tasks and implement appropriate control measures.

“The Industrial Court’s decision reminds all employers of their duty of care to prevent a worker suffering an injury,” said Mr Russell.

Magistrate Michael Ardie said the company took steps at once to correct the issue, and cooperated during the entire investigation. They had no previous convictions in 28 years of operation.

The company faced a maximum penalty of $300,000. The court recorded a conviction and imposed a penalty of $35,000, with a 25 percent discount because of their guilty plea and the company’s contrition.

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02:46 pm, Thursday 25 April, 2013

A police officer in Western Australia was injured when a car at a random breath testing station hit him.

Senior Sergeant Richard Moore, the acting officer in charge at Bunbury, said that it would be alleged that the police were holding a Random Breath Test Action at Norton Promenade in Dalyellup when the incident happened.

They allege that a woman in a Toyota Camry started to merge into the lane as requested by police prior to then driving forward and hitting the police officer and causing the injuries.

The police officer was hit by the bonnet of the car and sustained minor hip and thigh injuries.

The 55 year old woman that was the driver of the car sill be summonsed for careless driving and recording an alcohol reading higher than 0.05.

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02:37 pm, Friday 2 November, 2012

The winners of the annual WorkSafe Awards have been announced in a ceremony at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.

More than 500 employers, workers and safety industry stakeholders from across Victoria witnessed on Thursday as 11 winners were honoured during the night.

Thirty-five finalists were recognised in the Awards, now in their 24^th year.

Speaking at the event, Assistant Treasurer Gordon Rich-Phillips said the awards recognised the contribution of organisations and individuals in workplace health, safety and return to work.

“Victorian workplaces are the safest they have ever been and we continue to see the rate of workplace injuries trending downwards,” he said.

“Too many Victorians are still being injured at work. The safety solutions, programs and achievements showcased today highlight what can be achieved when hazards and problems are identified, and people work together to achieve a successful and safe resolution.”

WorkSafe’s Acting Chief Executive Ian Forsyth congratulated the winners of the Awards.

“These individuals and businesses highlight the importance and benefits of making health, safety and return to work a priority in the workplace,” said Mr Forsyth.

“They have shown, through their actions and ideas, that it’s possible to do more. They had the foresight to recognise this potential – and the determination to put their ideas into practice.”

He said the results reflected leadership, hard work and commitment of workers, health and safety representatives, return to work practitioners, supervisors and employers right across the state.

Entrants who did not reach the finalist stage are recognised through the Awards website.

WorkSafe Victoria Awards winners:

Health and safety

Health and Safety Representative of the Year
This award acknowledges Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs) who have made a significant contribution and demonstrable difference to OHS within their designated workgroups.

Harold Roeding – Department of Primary Industries

Health and Safety Committee of the Year
This award acknowledges the roles and functions of health and safety committees (HSCs) and recognises performance and achievements that demonstrate high level consultation and commitment to health and safety across the entire workplace.

Department of Primary Industries – Mildura

Best Solution to a Workplace Health and Safety Issue
This award recognises excellence in developing and implementing a solution to an identified workplace health and safety issue.

Preventing Musculoskeletal Injuries (for an innovation, invention or initiative that eliminates or significantly reduces the risk of musculoskeletal injuries)

Metropolitan Fire & Emergency Services Board – Richmond

Goodstart Early Learning – Locations across the state

Preventing Health and Safety Risk (for an innovation, invention or initiative that eliminates or considerably reduces a significant risk in a workplace)

SafePanel Pty Ltd – Parkdale

Health and wellbeing

Commitment to Workplace Health and Wellbeing
This award recognises leadership that demonstrates a whole-of-organisation commitment to promoting health and wellbeing at work.

Parmalat Australia Limited – Rowville

Return to work

Employer Excellence
This award recognises, at an organisational level, an employer’s outstanding efforts to support the return to work of an injured worker(s) to safe and sustainable work.

Confoil Pty Ltd – Bayswater

Vic Freight Xpress – Tullamarine (Honourable mention)

Occupational Rehabilitation Consultant Achievement
This award recognises an occupational rehabilitation consultant’s (from an approved provider) outstanding achievements in returning an injured worker(s) to safe and sustainable work.

Peter Murphy – Nabenet – Hawthorn

Return to Work Coordinator Excellence
This award recognises an individual Return to Work Coordinator’s outstanding achievements in returning an injured worker(s) to safe and sustainable work.

Libby McLean – Form 700 – Altona North

Treating Health Practitioner Achievement
This award recognises a treating health practitioner’s outstanding achievements in returning an injured worker(s) to safe and sustainable work.

Nick Economos – Empower Rehab – Heidelberg Heights

Worker Return to Work Achievement Award

This award recognises a worker’s outstanding achievements in returning to work following a workplace injury.

Grant McKinna – GEA Westfalia Separators Australia Pty Ltd – Thomastown

WorkSafe is now accepting entries for the WorkSafe Awards 2013.

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01:56 pm, Wednesday 17 October, 2012

WorkSafe is calling on workers and employers to do more to control dangerous machines after recent statistics revealed almost 450 body parts have been amputated from Victorian workers by common types of machinery used in Victorian workplaces over the last five years.

The amputations, together with other injuries to almost 11,000 workers have resulted to a $220 million bill for medical treatment, rehabilitation and income support during the same period.

More than fifty percent of these injuries came from Victoria’s traditional manufacturing and logistics corridor around greater Melbourne, from Geelong to Dandenong. These were caused by machines which mix, cut or convey materials as well as common power tools.

Almost $12 million in fines were imposed on employers over the last four years following WorkSafe prosecutions related to unsafe machines.

“There’s still too many workers being hurt by common types of machines,” says WorkSafe Health and Safety Operations General Manager, Lisa Sturzenegger.

“If we’re going to keep Victoria the safest place to work, employers have to do more to control dangerous machines.”

“We know they’re essential to many businesses, but they can be dangerous and must be controlled.”

“The risk dangerous machines pose are well known, with cheap and effective solutions freely available.”

According to WorkSafe statistics, almost 11,000 injuries related to dangerous machines recorded over the last five years:

• 71% (7773) occurred in manufacturing, construction, transport, warehousing and storage industries
• 27% (2592) involved cuts and lacerations to the body
• 32% (3453) involved workers’ hands and fingers
• 441 body parts were amputated, with 98% (433) of all amputations involving hands and fingers being torn off the body

Over the next 12 months, WorkSafe inspectors will conduct inspections and will issue safety improvement notices to companies to make sure risks are controlled.

“It’s not just Victorian employers who are covering the cost through their workers’ compensation premiums but also the injured people, their families and the wider community,” Ms Sturzenegger said.

“Many injuries caused by unsafe machines are debilitating, long lasting and often permanent.”

“Employers must get on the front foot by taking a preventative approach to identifying and controlling the risk of dangerous machines at their workplace. Workers need to ask questions and not take anything for granted.”

We’ve got plenty of advice and guidance for employers on how they can control their dangerous machines and keep their workplace safe, so really there’s no excuse,” said Ms Sturzenegger.

Assistant Treasurer, Gordon Rich-Phillips, said the results serve as reminder to ensure workplace safety.

“Taking the time to make sure machines are safe can prevent injuries and the pain they cause people and businesses,” he said.

“While Victoria’s workplaces are the safest they’ve ever been, safety must be top of mind every day.”

WorkSafe offers the following tips to make machines safer:

• The machinery is not broken and has all the appropriate parts
• A person could not be injured using or maintaining the machine
• The machinery is properly guarded and safety interlocks are regularly checked before operating
• People do not operate the machinery without the guarding attached
• Production schedules allow for safe operation
• Operator controls are easily accessible and clearly labelled. Warning lights and sounds are working
• Energy supplies and services such as power, water and air are physically isolated before any maintenance is done
• Energy stored in the machines such as spring tension, gravity or hydraulic pressure is released before maintenance is done
• Workers are provided with regular information about the hazards associated with machinery and how to operate them safely
• Workers can identify when the machinery is not safe to use
• Supervisors regularly check to see workers are operating/cleaning the machine the right way
• Untrained workers are not allowed to operate or maintain machinery

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12:49 pm, Thursday 9 August, 2012

SafeWork SA will conduct its next ‘Safe Business is Good Business’ information session on Monday, 3 September 2012.

The free information sessions are designed to help small businesses effectively manage safety in the workplace and help protect workers from diseases and injuries as well as businesses from the costs associated with workplace injury.

The ‘Safe Business is Good Business’ information sessions offer effective ways to identify how well your business is managing safety. Participants are also introduced to the free “Serious About Business’ kit which demonstrates simple methods to manage and improve workplace safety.

The two-hour information session covers the following topics:

• Management commitment to safety
• Consultation
• Developing and implementing safe work procedures
• Training and supervision of employees
• Reporting safety issues
• Workers compensation and return to work programs
• Self assessing your business

The information session will be held at the Northbank Room, Lakes Resort Hotel, 141 Brebner Drive, West Lakes from 6pm to 8pm. Interested participants can register now.

Further information on the Information Sessions can be found on the SafeWork SA website.

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10:06 am, Wednesday 13 June, 2012

A worker was convicted and fined at the Wodonga Magistrates’ Court over an incident where he accidentally shot an apprentice with a nail gun, injuring his arm.

The 34-year-old worker pleaded guilty on Tuesday to one charge under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 for failing to take reasonable care for the health and safety of others at the workplace. He was ordered to pay $3000 in monthly instalments of $200.

WorkSafe investigation revealed that the worker fired a 38mm long nail into the third-year apprentice’s arm. The nail penetrated the victim’s bone and he had to undergo surgery to remove it. The victim was able to return to work on restricted duties for five weeks after the surgery.

Magistrate Ian Von Einem said the worker’s action was “silly”.

“In fact it’s almost beyond belief. It’s lucky the young man wasn’t more seriously injured. The thought of a nail gun being fired into one’s arm sends shivers down one’s spine,” said Magistrate Einem.

WorkSafe’s General Manager for Operations, Lisa Sturzenegger, said that improper use of nail guns was unacceptable in the workplace.

“Nail guns are high-risk/ high-consequence equipment which have resulted in 1190 claims reported to WorkSafe over the past 10 financial years, that’s about two each week.

“They are powerful and can help get work done more quickly, but the consequences if they are not used correctly can be extremely serious.”

She also said that a zero-tolerance approach should be implemented to workplace pranks which can cause serious injury and potential death.

“Everyone has a responsibility to ensure their workplace is as safe as practicable and employers need to set an example that inappropriate behaviour will not be tolerated.

“Employers and supervisors have clear responsibilities to ensure equipment is well-maintained and that the people using them are trained and have a very clear idea of what can happen through misuse.

“Workers have very clear responsibilities to work in a safe way, not put others at risk while co-workers, particularly more experienced people, need to speak up if inappropriate behaviour is going on,” said Ms Struzenegger.

More information on preventing workplace injuries and workers compensation matters can be accessed through the WorkSafe Victoria website.

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03:10 pm, Monday 11 June, 2012

Every day 43 Victorians are seriously hurt with musculoskeletal injuries, according to Assistant Treasurer Gordon Rich-Phillips who launched today a new year-long WorkCover campaign targeting musculoskeletal injuries.

“Musculoskeletal injuries are the most common workplace injury, costing nearly $1 billion a year in medical costs, wages and other expenses,” said Mr Rich-Phillips.

“They affect the body’s muscles, joints, tendons, ligaments and nerves, are easily prevented, often difficult to treat and can be long-lasting and a source of great pain.

“Every day 43 Victorians are seriously hurt with these injuries, with an average workers’ compensation claim costing $55,000 medical costs, wages and other expenses.”

Mr Rich Phillips also said that Victoria had the lowest workplace injury insurance premiums in Australia.

“The Victorian Coalition Government has slashed WorkCover premiums by three percent to 1.298 percent in this year’s Budget saving employers $57 million a year,” said Mr Rich-Phillips.

“Dangerous manual handling particularly lifting, lowering and moving things account for about 68 percent of all Victorian workers’ compensation claims, while about 20 percent are the result of slips, trips and falls.

“These injuries are largely hidden because they do not make the nightly news, but the impact on workers, their families and their employer’s business can be enormous and long-lasting.

“Ensuring people are properly trained and supervised, use the right equipment and clean up spills to prevent falls are no-cost or low-cost measures that will reduce workplace accidents.”

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11:50 am, Tuesday 5 June, 2012

Nominations for the 2012 WorkSafe Victoria Awards are now open, and WorkSafe calls on people who have returned to work after a workplace injury, as well as those who have helped them to join.

Lodging an application to the awards is very easy and takes just 10 minutes to do online.

WorkSafe’s Return to Work project manager, Danielle Jacobs, said the awards were a great way for people and organisations helping injured workers get back to work to be recognised for their outstanding contributions and innovations.

“We’re looking for return to work entries from across the state. They could be big or small businesses – standout workers, rehabilitation providers, health practitioners and coordinators as well as return to work success stories.

“While helping an injured worker to return safe, sustainable work sooner is good for business and its good for the worker, many individuals and businesses go above and beyond what’s needed.

“This is something that WorkSafe wants to recognise and celebrate.”

Winners will be recognised at the 2012 WorkSafe Awards ceremony in October.

WorkSafe Awards return to work categories:

• Employer excellence: This category recognises, at an organisational level, an employer’s outstanding efforts to support the return to work of an injured worker(s) to safe and sustainable work.
• Occupational rehabilitation provider achievement: This category recognises an occupational rehabilitation consultant’s (from an approved provider) outstanding achievements in returning an injured worker(s) to safe and sustainable work.
• Return to work coordinator excellence: This category recognises an individual Return to Work Coordinator’s outstanding achievements in returning an injured worker(s) to safe and sustainable work.
• Treating health practitioner achievement: This category recognises a treating health practitioner’s outstanding achievements in returning an injured worker(s) to safe and sustainable work.
• Worker return to work achievement: This category recognises a worker’s outstanding achievements in returning to work following a workplace injury.

Interested applicants can contact Hema Anand (9641 1652), Vera Mert Ilijin (9641 1703) or Danielle Jacobs (9940 4283) for assistance with award applications. More information can be found at the WorkSafe Awards website.

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11:59 am, Thursday 19 April, 2012

The 2012 Seacare Conference and Awards, which provides a unique opportunity for scheme participants to gather and learn about effective injury management and to celebrate the achievements of stakeholders will be held 24-25 October 2012 at Crystal Palace Luna Park in Sydney.

This year’s theme is Seafaring safety, navigating change, and will focus on the health and wellbeing of seafarers. It will also highlight key changes to the industry including scheme coverage and the harmonisation of occupational health and safety (OHS) laws. The Seacare Awards will be presented at a gala dinner on Wednesday 25 October. Nominations for the award will open in May.

The Seacare Conference and Awards are held every two years with the main purpose of engaging employers, seafarers and other scheme stakeholders with the mission of the Seacare Authority, which is to minimise the human and financial costs of workplace injury in the Australian maritime industry.

Those who want to participate in this event are invited to register their interest. For more information, visit the 2012 Seacare Conference and Awards website.

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01:20 pm, Monday 16 April, 2012

A WorkSafe experiment in which two actors posing as workers asked passersby to hand over to them a ‘live’ cable from one to the other has delivered shocking results.

Despite being warned that the cable was dangerous, 90 percent of passersby who were asked by the ‘supervisor’ to hand over the live wire to the ‘apprentice’ did as they were told. The apprentice received a fake shock and dropped the cable, yet the passersby picked the cable up and handed it to him again.

This experiment is part of WorkSafe’s supervisors’ campaign, and was conducted to show that people are willing to follow instructions even if doing so may harm other people.

“Supervisors should not be asking workers to do something that is unsafe and dangerous as there is a high likelihood they will,” said WorkSafe Operations General Manager Lisa Sturzenegger.

“Supervisors need to be aware of this and ensure the people who are working for and with them are not put into a dangerous situation.”

“Victoria has Australia’s safest workplaces and its employers have, on average, the lowest premiums for workplace injury insurance, however this will only continue of high safety standards are maintained.”

“It’s in people’s nature to be respectful and do the right thing but at times doing that can lead to danger.”

“While employers have the principal responsibility for health and safety, supervisors also have an important role to ensure safe work practices are being followed.”

“Workers’ attitudes to safety are heavily influenced by their immediate supervisor. If they don’t take safety seriously and if their employers don’t take safety seriously, the consequences can be horrific.”

The experiment was based on a psychological experiment done by Stanley Milgram in the 1960s, which focused on people’s willingness to obey requests from authority figures, even if the requests can potentially harm them or others.

WorkSafe’s supervisor campaign was created after a recent survey revealed that supervisors rate keeping up with productivity and meeting client deadlines as their most important priority ahead of safety. The survey also showed that one in five supervisors admitted they would ask their workers to neglect safety in order to complete a task quickly.

“The important thing to realise is that supervisors have roles that go beyond maintaining productivity and directing the day to day work,” said Ms Sturzenegger.

“While deadlines and budgets are important, it won’t count for much if someone in the team is injured.”

The experiment is part of a series of activities that WorkSafe is using to help target supervisors over the next month, including a TV campaign which uses black humour to ask supervisors if they would do what they asked their workers to do.

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