For the latest update on OHS News and information from across Australia.

OHS News - October 2008

VIC: Man jailed for WorkSafe fraud

Friday October 31st 2008 07:21 a.m.

A Birregurra man was sentenced to three months in jail yesterday for fraudulently obtaining more than $7,600 in workers compensation payments and for providing false information.

The Geelong Magistrates Court heard that in 2000 Luke Voskresensky injured his lower back while working as a labourer with a meat packing company. He submitted a workers compensation claim which was accepted.

Mr Voskresensky’s injury required him to travel to a chemist in Camperdown to collect his medication. As he lived in Birregurra he claimed travel expenses to and from the chemist.

Evidence revealed, however, that Mr Voskresensky claimed for travel expenses on days which he did not attend the chemist. He also claimed for travel expenses on days when he was in jail serving a sentence for another matter. A total of 82 invoices which contained false and misleading information were submitted for reimbursement.

Mr Voskresensky pleaded guilty to one count of fraudulently obtaining payments and one count of providing false information under the Accident Compensation Act 1985.

He was convicted and sentenced to three months jail. He was also ordered to repay the $7,621 he had obtained fraudulently.

WorkSafe Executive Director, Len Boehm, said one of the important reasons the WorkSafe scheme existed was to protect workers who suffered a workplace injury.

“This sort of fraudulent behaviour attempts to take advantage of a system that is set up to provide support for people who are unable to work due to a workplace injury,” said Mr Boehm.

“Mr Voskeresnky submitted 82 false invoices, which shows he knew exactly what he was doing.”

“We will identify and prosecute those who deceive the system, in order to protect honest workers, employers, and service providers.

OHS News Tip: Workplace Safe Work Method Statements

ACT: Building Site Collapse Becomes Test Site

Thursday October 30th 2008 07:29 a.m. Source: Canberra Times

The collapse at a multi-storey building site in Civic on Monday will be used as a test case in ensuring safety for members of Australia's largest construction union.

But the Construction Forestry Mining Energy Union's national health and safety expert, Martin Kingham, said he was denied access to the site yesterday morning on the grounds that he was not accredited under the Workplace Relations Act because he was not from the ACT.

Part of a building collapsed on the construction site on the corner of Alinga and Marcus Clarke streets about noon on Monday. Emergency crews said it was lucky none of the 139 site workers had been killed or injured.

In the wake of the collapse, the union has called for an audit of all formwork construction sites, in Canberra and throughout the country, and has brought in Mr Kingham, regarded as the union's foremost expert on all occupational health and safety issues.

He said yesterday the union needed to investigate the site to find out what went wrong so that all building companies could avoid similar disasters in the future.

But he said the provisions of the Act stipulating that only some union officials had specific statutory rights to access building sites hindered the work of the union in ensuring safe workplaces.

''It's a lot more instructive if we can say that on this job, there was a failure of this particular type of component, of this particular type of equipment, and pay some special attention to that,'' he said.

''That's what we do in this industry. If there's a near miss, or someone is injured or killed, we try to find out why, as quickly as possible, to share that information with the whole construction family to ensure that other people don't suffer the same risk.''

He said Leighton Contractors had been ''obstructive'' to the union in Canberra.

''It once again shows how [the Act] is so wrong if companies can use it to block workers' representatives from getting on to the site to do something as basic as have a look at why a building came down, get the information from WorkCover and the employer so we can share that with our members and assist in the process of getting the job made safe and getting the workers back on the site,'' he said.

But a spokeswoman for Leighton Contractors told The Canberra Times that an accredited union representative from the ACT had already been granted access to the site for the purposes of carrying out a safety investigation for Work-Cover. ''We don't want to get into a fight with CFMEU,'' she said. ''But from our perspective, it is a matter of relevance that an ACT representative of the union has been given access.''

The union's ACT branch secretary, Sarah Schoonwater, said it was also trying to expedite the process of getting workers back on site amid complaints they were not being paid after the collapse.

''There are workers who are not being paid on the job. Leighton's have denied this but we've had plenty of workers complain to us that they're not being paid.''

The spokeswoman for Leighton Contractors confirmed that all the company's employees were still being paid, and that most sub-contractors had either been relocated to other jobs or were still being paid while the investigation continued.

OHS News Tip: Workplace Safe Work Method Statement

QLD: Mining Worker crushed by mobile equipment

Wednesday October 29th 2008 07:34 a.m.

A worker has died after being crushed between a stationary light vehicle and a mobile tool carrier.

The service crew operator was standing near the vehicle, preparing to transfer tools from the vehicle to a man basket attached to the tool carrier. The mobile carrier failed to stop in time, crushing the operator against the vehicle.

According to the QLD Mines Inspectorate, it is common for workers in mining operations to be on foot around moving equipment, which adds to the danger of people being hit, caught or crushed by the equipment.

The risk of injury is increased if there is no line of communication between the equipment operator and the pedestrian, if pedestrians enter an area of operation without notification, or if the pedestrian is positioned in the path of the equipment.

The Inspectorate recommends all mines have clear rules governing the interaction of mobile equipment and pedestrians, including who has right of way.

OHS News Tip: Transport Industry Safe Work Method Statement

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

ACT: Concrete floor collapse

Wednesday October 29th 2008 07:27 a.m.

ACT WorkCover is investigating the collapse of part of a floor of a building under construction during a concrete pour.

The incident occurred in Canberra on Monday and resulted in equipment and scaffolding crashing downwards.

No one was injured, however WorkCover closed the site for a full safety inspection.

The company in charge of the site says it has employed trauma counsellors for the 139 workers working on the project.

The CFMEU said the incident was an indication of a catastrophic failure of the formwork.

OHS News Tip: Concrete Preparation & Laying Safe Work Method Statement

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

VIC: Preventative Health Program Faces Delays

Tuesday October 28th 2008 07:24 a.m.

Progress has been delayed on WorkHealth, the State Government's preventive health program.

WorkHealth is a $218 million innitiative which was announced by Premier John Brumby in March of this year. It was lauded by health industry experts as visionary and a world-first.

The program involves health checks, lifestyle programs and health advice for 2.6 million Victorian workers over the next five years.

Mr Brumby said in March that WorkHealth would commence in July.  However, thus far, progress has been limited to a small pilot project that has administered health checks to a mere 200 workers.

Key elements of the program appear to have been abandoned, including an initial "tick test" screening process.  The proposed $130 million worth of prevention programs are not in the pilot at all.

Debate continues over what health checks should be included.  A change has been requested by the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union, namely that the WorkHealth checklist include questions on workplace practices that affect the health of workers, such as hours, shifts, conditions and facilities. This has been opposed by the Victorian Employers Chamber of Commerce and Industry, which is threatening to withdraw its support for the program, claiming it is being used as an "industrial weapon".

OHS News Tip: Workplace Safe Work Method Statement

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

NSW: Ferry Master Fined for Harbour Death

Tuesday October 28th 2008 07:18 a.m.

A RiverCat ferry master has been convicted of negligent navigation and fined $1100 for crashing his vessell into a fishing boat which resulted in the death of a 72 year old fisherman.

The incident occurred on Sydney Harbour, just off The Rocks, in January last year.

The ferry master was steering the RiverCat Dawn Fraser when it hit a dinghy just off The Rocks.

A District Court Judge found that the ferry driver should have slowed his speed from 20 knots as he entered one of the busiest parts of the harbour.

"It was both practicable and prudent and reasonable to reduce speed, given the difficulties under which he was operating, and he did not do it," the judge said.

"That seems to me to be enough to establish that he did depart from the standards of reasonableness required."

OHS News Tip: Transport Industry Safe Work Method Statement

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

SA: Workers Unite To Fight WorkCover Reform

Monday October 27th 2008 07:22 a.m. Source: Adelaide Now

Injured workers are uniting under a new peak body to fight the controversial WorkCover reforms, saying they have been "bullied" for too long.

And the group's spokeswoman has vowed to help people return to work quicker, accusing the WorkCover system of "breaking" injured workers.

The body – which has the working name of Encompass – will provide counselling, support and advice to injured workers and families of people killed at work.

Encompass spokeswoman and injured worker Rosemary McKenzie-Ferguson said changes to WorkCover meant people injured at work must stand united.

"The one thing we know more than anyone else is that when you're forced into isolation, which the system does, you start to doubt your own injuries," she said.

"(The group) has been a long time in the making but with the change of legislation . . . it has formalised it to the point that we have to do something.

"We can't rely on the system to fix the system because it's the system itself that is broken and injured workers are being even more broken because of it.

"With the formation of this body, we intend to be a voice to be heard . . . this is the first time this has actually been attempted in Australia."

In June, the State Government rammed through changes to the WorkCover scheme – including cutting workers' entitlements – in a bid to rein in ballooning unfunded liabilities nudging $1 billion.

Ms McKenzie-Ferguson – who runs advocacy group the Work Injured Resource Connection Office – said the lobby group would provide social workers, community advocates and possibly financial counsellors to help injured workers.

She said the group – which already has about 200 members – would also write to Industrial Relations Minister Paul Caica to seek an "observational seat" at WorkCover board meetings.

"We are quite serious in what we are doing because, quite frankly, injured workers have been pushed and bullied for far too long," she said.

"Nobody sits down and explains to them what the (WorkCover) process is and what's actually involved in returning to work.

"What we will be doing is hand-holding until they understand those processes and encouraging them in their own return-to-work plans. The problem now is employers simply don't know if they can trust the work ethic of an injured employee so our goal is to try and break down those barriers."

She said Encompass had secured office space through an "industry heavyweight" but would apply for money through WorkCover's $15 million return-to-work fund, which was established as part of the State Government's review of the workers compensation system.

WorkCover is offering one-off payments to any group that can devise strategies to get people back into the workforce.

"We hope the minister will be supportive and the corporation will be supportive," Ms McKenzie-Ferguson said.

An inaugural public meeting of Encompass is scheduled for December.

OHS News Tip: Workplace Health and Safety Safe Work Method Statement

VIC: Concreter Falls Into Lift-Shaft

Thursday October 23rd 2008 07:30 a.m.

WorkSafe Victoria is investigating an incident where a concreter fell into an elevator pit at Tullamarine Airport.

He was rescued by paramedics after falling from ground level into the 1.7-metre pit.

The worker suffered severe head injuries.

Intensive care paramedic Alan Penaluna said, "The lift-well, being under construction, was very dark and dirty and the environment was very cramped with all the construction material in there."

OHS News Tip: Confined Spaces Safe Work Method Statement

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

VIC: Ammonia Leak Causes Evacuation

Thursday October 23rd 2008 07:17 a.m.

WorkSafe is investigating an incident where four houses were evacuated following an ammonia leak from a fruit shop.

The potentially explosive substance was detected leaking from a 1,500 litre container in the rear of the shop.

Fire Authority crews entered the area in gas suits with detection devices and were able to shut down pipes in the vicinity.

Ammonia is an explosive gas and can cause burns. 

The Fire Authority reported that the levels they found were not of an extremely dangerous nature.

OHS News Tip: Working Around Explosives Work Method Statement

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

VIC: RECORD ATTENDANCE FOR WORK SAFE WEEK

Wednesday October 22nd 2008 07:19 a.m.

Nearly 12,000 people have registered for events during Work Safe Week which runs from October 27 to 31.

It’s a record number of bookings for the week which features a series of free seminars and events across the state. 

WorkSafe’s Executive Director, Health and Safety, John Merritt, said Work Safe Week was about giving people skills and knowledge to take back to their workplace.

“The fact that demand for places is up reflects the growing awareness that health and safety outcomes can be improved, and more importantly, that managers, supervisors and workers want to play their part.”

This year’s theme ‘Learn the latest and stay up to date’ encourages people to attend one or more of the free, practical, seminars and events being run in their region.

More than 80 workshops are being held at the Melbourne Museum. Another 40 are being run in suburban and regional areas. The workshops cover a wide range of safety issues, occupations and industries including construction, manufacturing, mining, transport, education, farming and small business.

Topics include Return To Work for injured workers, manual handling, health and safety consultation, employing young workers, fatigue and a range of general OHS topics relevant to all employers.

For the full calendar and to register for these activities visit worksafe.vic.gov.au

“Everyone should treat every week as Work Safe Week, but these workshops give people the opportunity to take stock about what more they can do to help keep themselves, their workmates and business safe.”

Over the past five years more than 150,200 Victorians were injured seriously enough to make a workplace injury claim*.

“The sad reality is that almost every one of these injuries is preventable,” Mr Merritt said.

OHS News Tip: Safe Work Method Work Method Statements

VIC: WorkSafe blitz to prevent manual handling injuries

Tuesday October 21st 2008 07:15 a.m.

A state-wide campaign targeting musculoskeletal disorder injuries (commonly known as “sprains and strains”), begins on 1 November when WorkSafe begins a state-wide inspection campaign.           
                              
Improvement and Prohibition Notices will be issued where safety issues are found. In some cases, prosecutions may follow where serious safety breaches are identified. 

WorkSafe’s Executive Director, John Merritt, said employers needed to do more to improve safety.

“Preventing injuries from manual lifting and slips, trips and falls of less than two meters are the focus of this campaign. These injuries accounted for more than 60% of all workplace injury insurance claims in 2007-2008.”  

“Despite working with and supporting industry for more than a decade to address these risks, WorkSafe’s message does not appear to be getting through,” Mr Merritt said. 
                   
Technological solutions such as robotics and the bulk supply of raw materials are helping eliminate manual lifting in manufacturing. In the health and aged care sectors patient-lifting devices have had a significant impact on these injuries.
Mr Merritt said many employers did not seem to realise that affordable mechanical solutions were readily available and that costs of between $1000 and $3000 are no longer prohibitive.

“These solutions have been available for many years and are a good first step towards reducing unsafe manual lifting.”
Injuries from slips, trips and falls where workers were using unsuitable ladders or climbing on furniture to reach and handle objects located above shoulder height are of particular concern. 

“Mobile scissor lift work platforms or mobile, stable steps with a work platform and handrails such as we see in supermarkets, are readily available. 

While these solutions reduce injuries, they can also increase productivity and help minimise business costs associated with managing claims and potential legal and reputational issues.

“Creating a safer, more productive workplace requires thought and action. Once the process has begun, it must be followed through. Too often WorkSafe inspectors find that plans have been developed, but not put into effect.

WorkSafe has publications aimed at industries of all types.

OHS News Tip: Manual Handling Work Method Statement

TAS: Concern For Workplace Safety

Tuesday October 21st 2008 07:15 a.m. Source: ABC News

A poll of Tasmanian union members shows 30 per cent of workers are concerned about health and safety standards in their work place.

The EMRS poll, which was commissioned by the ACTU, interviewed 400 Tasmanians about whether they thought union membership was valuable.

The Secretary of Unions Tasmania, Simon Cocker, says the safety statistic is a clear sign that being part of a union is very necessary.

"Thirty per cent of Tasmanians indicating that they are concerned about their health and safety at work, that is very worrying" he said.

"We need to know more about that figure and find out why."

OHS News Tip: Safe Work Method Work Method Statement

CTH: Safe Work Australia Week Begins

Monday October 20th 2008 08:10 a.m.

Safe Work Australia Week 2008, being held this year from 19 - 25 October, aims to raise awareness of workplace safety, prevent workplace incidents and manage injuries.

More than 140,000 people are seriously injured and over 250 people die annually owing to work-related incidents.

Work-related injuries also cost the Australian economy some $34 billion a year.

The Australian Safety & Compensation Council (ASCC) Chairman, Mr Bill Scales AO, has encouraged all Australians to get involved in national Safe Work Australia Week and make workplace safety a priority.

Scales said that that over 3000 organisations from a diverse range of industries across Australia are participating in Safe Work Australia Week.

The construction industry will be targeted in particular during the week. Representing 9 per cent of the Australian workforce, this industry still accounts for a large proportion of work-related accidents, with an incident rate well above Australia’s average rate.

Other industries, such as manufacturing, transport and mining also have incident rates higher than the national average.

The ASCC website has a range of information about Safe Work Australia Week including industry workplace safety statistics and links to each state and territory WorkCover and WorkSafe organisation.

The Safety conference will incorporate research, workshops and case studies relating to safety in the workplace.

OHS News Tip: Safe Work Method Work Method Statement

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

SA: Survey Finds Police Are Distressed

Monday October 20th 2008 08:04 a.m.

A recent survey of police in South Australia has found many officers in need of help for psychological "distress".

The survey of 918 frontline officers was conducted by psychologists, Professor Maureen Dollard and Dr Peter Winwood, from the Work and Stress Research Group at UniS.

The Police Association of SA said aspects of the survey results were "a concern" and urgent action was needed for a better system to support at-risk officers.

The aim of the survey was to investigate the potential psychological risks to police so that suitable OH&S policies could be developed to protect officers.

It found some of the key factors linked with psychological distress were physical injury, verbal abuse, attending fatal accidents and using force to restrain offenders.

Manifestations of psychological distress identified in the survey included post-traumatic stress disorder, sleep disorders, alcohol use, cardiac, blood pressure and circulation problems.

The survey also identified lower levels of job satisfaction and an increased risk of staff turnover.

Pressures on police who, unlike other workers were compelled by their oath to stand in harm's way, made them prone to levels of stress higher than those in the general community.

OHS News Tip: Safe Work Method Work Method Statement

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

SA: Union To Lobby Over WorkCover Again

Monday October 20th 2008 07:58 a.m. Source: ABC News

South Australia's unions will again lobby the State Government on WorkCover after the weekend's Labor Party conference agreed to soften the effects of the controversial laws.

A resolution was passed calling for a number of measures to be considered, including a safety net for low-paid workers.

The Government says it will discuss the proposals, but will not commit to changing the laws.

Manufacturing Workers Union spokesperson John Camillo says the laws will be up for review next year.

"The mechanism we've put in place is to get the Labor Government sitting down and consulting and getting a few things in place," he said.

"The key issue for us is the review in 2009, where we'll be engaging in regards to problems facing workers who are injured and then we'll be sitting down with the State Government and looking how we're going to fix those issues up."

Industrial Relations Minister Paul Caica says he will consider the proposal, but says the Government does not plan to change the legislation.

"The WorkCover legislation will not be reopened between now and 2010," he said.

OHS News Tip: Safe Work Method Work Method Statement

SA: Mine Safety Workshops

Monday October 20th 2008 07:48 a.m.

SafeWork SA will be running mining safety workshops in South Australia over the next four weeks to raise awareness about safety in the workplace.

Graham Sauer, SafeWork's Inspector of Mines and Major Hazards Facilities, will give a talk on principal/contractor relations in the mining industry, including safety issues and solutions.

Sauer will also deliver findings from some coronial inquiries which are related to contractor and mine operations.

SafeWork SA’s chief advisor of compliance investigation, Carl Asker, will also be available to discuss changes to licensing requirements for operators of high risk plants.

The workshops are free to attend and are aimed at preventing incidents of harm at work.

OHS News Tip: Mining Industry Work Method Statement

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

NSW: Company Fined For Poor Lock-Out Procedure

Monday October 20th 2008 07:34 a.m.

A stock feed manufacturer has been fined $150,000 for a 2006 incident in which a worker died after a large cement mixer was activated while he was inside cleaning it.

WorkCover NSW found the company had failed to ensure employees could only enter the mixer once the plant had been isolated from the electrical supply and locked out. It had also failed to undertake adequate risk assessments of the mixer.

The task of cleaning the mixer was required to be performed up to 20 times a day.  The mixer's interior was not lit and there was no guarantee the isolation system was functioning properly.

Although the company fitted guarding and interlocking devices to the mixer promptly after the incident, the sentencing judge said employers were required to be diligent in managing potential risks, rather than simply reacting to incidents.

OHS News Tip: Lock-Out Of Plant and Equipment Work Method Statement
OHS News Tip: Cement Mixer Usuage Work Method Statement

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

NSW: New Major Hazard Facility Laws

Monday October 20th 2008 07:26 a.m.

As of 13 October 2008, new major hazard facility (MHF) laws came into effect.

In addition to Dangerous Goods notification, the legislation now requires notification to WorkCover NSW.

Operators of MHFs as of 13 October should notify WorkCover NSW by 12 January 2009.

Notification is compulsory for all facilities where the total quantity of any Schedule 8 material present or likely to be present exceeds 10% of the corresponding threshold quantity set out in the NSW Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 2001.

This includes facilities with more than 20t of LPG, 2.5t of chlorine gas, more than 20t of oxidising materials or more than 5000t of flammable liquids.

More information on notifications and MHFs are available from the Major Hazard Facilities Guide on the WorkCover website.

OHS News Tip:

• Hazardous Materials Safe Work Method Statement
• Working Around Explosives Work Method Statement
• Liquid Propane Gas (LPG) Safe Work Method Statement
  
  Report by Julia Alder, OHS News Reporter - Do you have an OHS News Story - Let us know

VIC: WorkSafe update on Arthurs Seat chairlift

Monday October 20th 2008 07:14 a.m.

WorkSafe Victoria rejects claims that it is delaying a re-opening of the Arthurs Seat Chairlift.

The claim was made by the chairlift’s operator in media reports today.

WorkSafe’s Executive Director John Merritt said the workplace health and safety regulator’s role was to help the operator ensure the chairlift meets the Canadian standard Z.98 which is used in Australia.

“Our aim is to ensure the operator has a clear understanding of his responsibilities, particularly in relation to ongoing maintenance once the ride re-opens.

“This facility is open to the public – locals, and visitors to the area from Melbourne, interstate and overseas. Their safety cannot be compromised. 

“WorkSafe is in frequent contact with the chairlift’s operator as we help implement a court-ordered safety improvement project which was agreed to by the company, which would make it compliant with Z.98 (see below).

While WorkSafe is offering assistance, the owner’s responsibility is to put that standard into effect and ensure it is maintained.”

As a result of two comprehensive WorkSafe investigations arising from incidents in 2006 and 2004, the company has pleaded guilty in two prosecutions in the past year. 

WorkSafe found that inadequate maintenance was an issue in those incidents

In 2006, four chairs crashed together when the cable became entangled stranding passengers for some hours. The chairs that collided were empty and no one else on the ride was hurt. The safety improvement project arose out of this incident.

In 2004, an elderly woman suffered serious leg injuries when her chair slipped down the cable and crashed into another. The County Court found the bolts on only 8 of 64 chairs on the ride were adequately tightened.

SAFETY IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
 
A Frankston Magistrate ordered Arthurs Seat Scenic Chairlift Company to undertake the project, agreed to by the firm August.

The plan was developed in consultation with U.S. experts who sit on the Z.98 panel and who visited the chairlift this year.  

WorkSafe determined it was in the interests of safety and the Victorian community for the money that would have been paid by way of a fine to be spent improving chairlift safety.                   

The proposal was put to the company in court in May this year and accepted at a prosecution in August.

Arthurs Seat Scenic Chairlift Pty Ltd pleaded guilty to not taking care of people other than employees as a result of a May 2006 pile-up of chairs when the chairlift cable jumped off drive wheels.

The Frankston Magistrate’s Court ordered the company to make a number of safety improvements and report on compliance with international standards every three months for the next two years.

The company was also ordered to pay costs of $15,000 and was not convicted.

Safety improvement projects are among a suite of alternative means of dealing with some workplace health and safety issues and incidents allowed under the OHS Act 2004.

In the past, fines and good behaviour bonds, with or without convictions, were the only options for dealing with companies or individuals found guilty of breaching the OHS Act.

The improvement project agreed to by the company and imposed by the Frankston Magistrate’s Court requires the company to:

• Engage a consultant (the cost of which is to be borne by Arthurs Seat Scenic Chairlift) who is approved in writing by WorkSafe to audit ASSC's compliance with its operations and maintenance manual produced under point 2 and to report in writing to WorkSafe.  The report to WorkSafe is to be provided before recommencement of operations and at intervals of not greater than 3 months thereafter for 24 months.
• Engage a consultant (the cost of which is to be borne by Arthurs Seat Scenic Chairlift) who is approved in writing by WorkSafe to assist in the revision and / or preparation of a written operations and maintenance manual for the Chairlift that includes chapters on procedures to ensure compliance with Z98-3.36.3, Z98-3.36.4, Z98-11.23 & Z98-11.26
• Ensure that all return sheaves fitted to the Chairlift comply with Z98-3.21.6.1.
• Conduct field tests at each tower sheave assembly to ensure that all cable derailment devices fitted to the Chairlift comply with Z98-3.29.7.
• Conduct a load test on the Chairlift in compliance with Z98-11.25.1, Z98-5.6.1 and Z98 Appendix J, and provide WorkSafe with a written copy of the results of the test.
• Give WorkSafe not less than 2 weeks notice of the conduct of any compliance test on the Chairlift and must allow a representative of WorkSafe to observe the conduct of the test should WorkSafe require.
• Add Belleville springs to the grip tightening bolts.
• Ensure that the grips comply with Z98-3.28.

OHS News Tip: Chair Lift Safe Work Method Statement

VIC: Worker Tells Of Horrific Injuries

Friday October 17th 2008 07:35 a.m. Source: Geelong Advertiser

A man who suffered horrific injuries when he was scalped by a machine at work will be spreading the message about workplace safety in Colac next week. 

David Holland will address a breakfast seminar on Wednesday as part of WorkSafe  Week.

Mr Holland, who is in his fourth year of recovery from his accident, said he wanted to encourage all people to think about safety.

``It is not just a thing for employers or managers, safety is about everyone,'' he said.

``It is about people going home safe at night.''
Mr Holland said he was happy to tell his story if it helped people think about workplace safety.

``We encourage everyone to come along. Wives or  partners, workers or managers, everyone has a role to play in keeping  safe,'' he said.

He said he wanted people to think about what accidents meant.

``They have a much larger effect than people realise.''

``My injury damaged me but it also affected hundreds of other people from people who witnessed it to the paramedics and medical  people who treated me, to family and friends. It goes on for years.''

Mr Holland  suffered post traumatic stress and said he was only now getting ready to return to some form of fulltime  work.

``The effects just go on and on, and the thing is these accidents can be prevented,'' he said.

``How many farmers used heavy or dangerous equipment every day without going through a safety check-list?

``A lot of people on farms just hop on machines and go, and they never think about an accident or what will happen if there is one.
``That is my message. Just think about safety; it's everybody's responsibility.''

 In Geelong, WorkSafes Deputy Chief Executive, Ian Forsyth, will provide an update on the latest developments in OHS at a breakfast on Monday October 27 at Skilled Stadium from 7.30am.

This seminar will also cover bullying and how to respond to it in your workplace.
WorkSafe Inspectors will answer questions about the upcoming Safe Towns campaign in Geelong.

OHS News Tip: Workplace Health and Safety Safe Work Method Statement

VIC: Worksafe Targeting Generation Y

Friday October 17th 2008 07:26 a.m. Source: Star News

Worksafe Victoria will target Generation Y in a campaign aimed at reducing workplace injuries and deaths involving young people.

WorkSafe Victoria’s executive director of health and safety John Merritt said that despite Victoria having the best workplace safety record in Australia, figures show that the likelihood of younger workers being admitted to hospital emergency departments compared to their older counterparts is close to double.

Figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, WorkSafe and Department of Human Services show that 15 workers aged between 15 and 24 had been killed at work in the last five years;.

Men under the age of 24 have the second highest injury rate of all age groups by gender, second only to men aged 45 to 54.

Women under the age of 24 have the highest injury rate of all female age groups, while young men aged between 15 and 19 in regional Victoria are four times more likely to be hospitalised compared to their city counterparts.

New research conducted by WorkSafe involving 1600 young workers also found that younger workers are less likely to be consulted on safety in the workplace.

They also don’t have the confidence to raise issues, may not understand or know their rights and alarmingly don’t consider workplace safety as important as road or public safety.

Mr Merritt said that many Victorian employers had good systems in place to ensure that young workers’ first experience in the workforce was a good one, but many more did not.

“What we want employers to do is provide a good induction process, proper training, and supervision and to make sure that their young workers understand the safety policies and procedures,” Mr Merritt said.

OHS News Tip: Workplace Health and Safety Safe Work Method Statement

NSW: Apprentice Electrocuted To Death

Wednesday October 15th 2008 07:22 a.m. Source: The Herald

An apprentice plumber who was electrocuted while working under a Rutherford house yesterday may have received the fatal shock while trying to save his boss, police say.

Aberglasslyn man Brendan Allwood, 24, and his employer, 31-year-old Aaron Watt, were using a grinder to cut through a galvanised water pipe under the Buffier Crescent house when they received severe electric shocks about 2pm.

Police believe Mr Allwood may have realised that his employer was in some sort of trouble and tried to pull him free.

"He may have thought that he [Mr Watt] was only stuck or jammed against the pipe and has tried to help him by dragging him free," a police spokesman said.

"Either way, he has touched him and has been electrocuted as a result."

The owner of the house raised the alarm after he saw what happened.

Several neighbours who heard the commotion helped the owner provide first aid for the pair until paramedics arrived a short time later.

Mr Allwood, who had been a promising junior basketballer and had represented the Lower Hunter at a national level as part of the Northern Australia Basketball Challenge, suffered a cardiac arrest.

He was rushed to Maitland Hospital, where he died a short time later.

Mr Watt, a father of two from Rutherford, was airlifted to John Hunter Hospital to be treated for possible internal burns.

He remained in a stable condition last night.

Two WorkCover inspectors from the Strategic Investigations Unit were sent to the Rutherford house last night.

WorkCover said a full investigation was under way.

OHS News Tip: Working Around Electricity Safe Work Method Statement

First Aid Kits Go National

Tuesday October 14th 2008 12:35 p.m.

As part of the state by state OHS legislation, it appears something as simple as maintaining a First Aid Kit needs to be different in each state. For Employers purchasing a First Aid Kit has been a matter of understanding your particular state requirements and hoping that you have it right.

SafetyCulture has recently launched a national range of Occupational, Health and Safety First Aid Kits that are fully compliant with all state and territory workplace legislation.

The National Kits incorporate first aid equipment required in each of the individual state and territory First Aid Kits.  This means that employers no longer have to work out how many bandages they need, how many swabs they should have or whether they should have a syringe in their First Aid Kits.

The National Kits are suitable for use in all types of industries and are available in hard plastic portable, softpacks and wall mounted for low, medium and high risk First Aid Kits.

SafetyCulture Media Release - First Aid Kits 

NSW: Business Marks World Mental Health Day

Tuesday October 14th 2008 12:33 p.m.

Statistics reveal six million working days are lost by Australian business each year because of the affects of mental illness.

Last Friday, the Maitland Chamber of Commerce organised a social bowls afternoon to mark World Mental Health Day.

The day was designed to encourage employers and employees to have a “stress less” afternoon.

Chamber president Jennifer Nichols said the organisation was conscious of the impacts a stressful workplace could have on both employers and employees, and the consequential impact on business.

“We look after people’s physical health through OH&S, but we need to look after their mental health as well,” Ms Nichols said.

OHS News Tip: Workplace Safe Work Method Statement

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

VIC: Union opposes Workcover changes

Tuesday October 14th 2008 07:53 a.m.

Peter Hanks, QC has released his final report into Victoria's WorkCover legislation.

He was commissioned by the state Labor government last year to conduct an inquiry into the 1985 Accident Compensation Act.

Mr Hanks recommends changes to the current legislation, many of which are opposed by the Victorian Trade Hall Council (VTHC).

Last week, the VTHC called a meeting which was attended by around 500 workplace delegates and OHS representatives.

Amongst Mr Hank's proposals is a change in the law to exclude workers from stress-related claims, if the stress comes from any “reasonable management action”.

According to the VTHC this will knock out 90% of claims. Unions say all injuries should be covered by a “no-fault” system.

Mr Hanks also recommends that OHS repsentatives, instead of unions, should advocate for injured workers returning to work.  The Union claims this will effectively strengthen the employers’ ability to deny workers the right to return to their jobs.

The report also proposes to replace the present dispute resolution system with a litigation-based court system to determine disputes.  The VTHS claims this will prolong the dispute resolution process.

The meeting moved a motion opposing all recommendations not considered by the unions to be in the best interests of workers and demanded that the government reach agreement with the VTHC on key issues.

OHS News Tip: Workplace Safe Work Method Statement

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

VIC:Staff Injured in Restaurant Gas Explosion

Tuesday October 14th 2008 07:42 a.m.

Worksafe is investigating a gas explosion in a restaurant which injured four workers.

Firefighters and parademics attended the restaurant over the weekend after the gas bottle exploded in the kitchen.

The four, who have been hospitalised, suffered facial burns.

OHS News Tip: Food and Kitchen Safe Work Method Statement

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

VIC: Worker In A Coma After Explosion Re-enactment

Tuesday October 14th 2008 07:30 a.m. Source: The Geelong Advertiser

A man seriously injured by an explosion at Winchelsea remained in an induced coma yesterday after undergoing hours of surgery. 

Robin Mawson, 52, of Grovedale, suffered burns to the face, neck and hands, and fractured both wrists on Sunday after a military re-enactment at an Inverleigh Rd farm.

Winchelsea police said an investigation found the cause to be accidental and the matter was now being handled by WorkSafe.

Mr Mawson, an experienced pyrotechnician and mechanics teacher, was flown to The Alfred hospital in Melbourne soon after 10am  on Sunday.

It is believed surgeons operated on his hands for almost eight hours.

An Alfred spokeswoman said Mr Mawson was in a serious condition and  may remain in hospital for another two weeks.
Mr Mawson was leading a clean-up operation a day after the Battle of the Falaise Gap recreation, run by the Military Historical Society of Australia's Geelong branch.

Winchelsea Fire Brigade captain Rod Taylor said Mr Mawson was handling a 200-litre fuel drum when it exploded in his hands.

It is believed he has taken part in similar events for about 13 years, and was working with his 24-year-old son at the time of the accident.

Military Historical Society member and event commentator Ian Barnes said the committee had decided not to speak to the media about the incident.

``What happened to him was part of the clean-up. The whole thing was well and truly over,'' he said.
``(Mr Mawson) is one of our outstanding fellows.''

About 20 people participated in the recreation of the  WWII battle, in which an estimated 10,000 Germans were killed and another 30,000 captured, Mr Barnes said.

Explosives, guns and military trucks are part of the performances, and spectators are usually restricted to vehicles.

WorkSafe spokesman Michael Birt said injuries caused by flammable substances were fairly frequent and urged caution.

``It can happen so very quickly; you don't get a second chance to get it right,'' he said.
Mr Mawson's family and colleagues at the Gordon Institute of TAFE declined to comment yesterday.

OHS News Tip: Working Around Explosives Safe Work Method Statement

QLD: Man Crushed To Death Under A Vehicle

Tuesday October 14th 2008 07:15 a.m. Source: The Age

A 47-year-old man has died after being crushed under a vehicle when it slipped off a jack at a wrecker's yard south of Brisbane, authorities say.

The Brisbane man was working at Moss Street Motor Wreckers at Slacks Creek about 11.30am (AEST) Monday when the accident occurred, police said.

He died at the scene.

A spokesman for the Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations John Mickel said early investigations indicated the man had only been employed there for a short period of time.

"It looks like he was taking the springs out of a four-wheel drive using a scissor jack which is thought to have slipped off the axle," he said.

Workplace Health and Safety and police are investigating.

In a separate wrecking yard incident at Pinkenba in inner Brisbane on Sunday a fire engulfed around 100 cars.

Two firefighters were overcome by the heat and taken to hospital for observation.

OHS News Tip: Vehicle Accident Safe Work Method Statement

SA: Farm Company Fined for Poor Auger Safety

Monday October 13th 2008 08:07 a.m.

A farm company has been fined more than $18,000 for failing to maintain safe work policies.

A farm manager was operating an auger to mix feed when his hand got caught in the machine.

A cover had been removed to allow more mixed feed to be collected.  Another worker started the machine while the man was still scooping out the last of the grain, resulting in the farmer losing his hand.

Industrial magistrate Richard Hardy said the company should have identified the hazard.

The fine was reduced because of the company's co-operation with authorities.

OHS News Tip: Auger Safe Work Method Statement

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

WA: WorkSafe Auditing Boat Lifting Compliance

Monday October 13th 2008 07:58 a.m.

WorkSafe inspectors will be conducting compliance checks on maritime facilities around Western Australia in an attempt to reduce workplace injuries.

Last week, the Department of Consumer and Employment Protection launched a campaign to inform employers of the laws regarding boat lifting facilities.

Inspectors will be turning up unannounced at sites along the coast over the coming months to monitor compliance.

WorkSafe will also be distributing information to employers about adhering to the relevant legislation. 

Whilst the main aim of the campaign is to raise awareness about workers' safety, enforcement action may be taken if major breaches are found.

OHS News Tip: Transport Industry Safe Work Method Statement

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

VIC: New Damages Bill for Asbestos Sufferers

Monday October 13th 2008 07:50 a.m.

A bill has been introduced into the Victorian Parliament clarifying current laws relating to the claiming of damages for asbestos-related diseases.

Many asbestos-related diseases such as lung cancer or mesothelioma only surface years after the initial exposure. Victims may not initially experience symptoms of these diseases and often the diagnosis occurs too late for medical or surgical intervention.

The proposed law will enable the deceased person’s estate to recover damages in circumstances where a person has commenced proceedings but dies before the claim is resolved.

The legislation would also allow asbestos sufferers to make a claim for damages if their condition deteriorates.

OHS News Tip: Asbestos Removal Safe Work Method Statement

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

VIC: If it can move, it can kill – WorkSafe.

Monday October 13th 2008 07:40 a.m.

WorkSafe has warned about the dangers of crushing injuries after two deaths and a serious  injury in less than a week.

• A man died at a Powelltown sawmill on 2 October when a 4 metre high stack of timber fell as the man prepared to position another stack with a forklift.
• On 8 October a man died at Northcote when a truck tipped sideways trapping him as he used a truck-mounted crane to move a 4.3 tonne load from another truck. He was standing between the two vehicles which were parked side by side.
• A man suffered serious internal injuries when slabs of stone being unloaded from a shipping container fell at Epping also on 8 October.

WorkSafe’s Executive Director John Merritt said while the three  incidents were in different circumstances the warning to all workplaces and workers was that safe systems of work must be in place at all times.

“Six people have died at work as a result of crushing injuries this year. The potential for racking, vehicles or stacked goods to move must be considered in any workplace and steps taken to ensure the risk is minimised as far at practicable.

“Loads that have shifted in transit; storage racks not suited to the materials they’re holding or which  aren’t attached to walls, vehicles not properly supported or chocked and poor stacking practices   can  produce  consequences that can be instant and permanent.

“It may be a fatality or lead to someone being crippled, losing an arm or leg or with a permanent head injury.

“In the cases of so-called ‘near misses’ people should use it as a serious warning not just say ‘That was close.’”

“It is not good enough to say ‘we’ve always done it this way and never had any problems’, what you must do is understand the potential and do something about it,” Mr Merritt said. 

OHS News Tip: Tree Felling Safe Work Method Statements
OHS News Tip: Truck Mounted Crane Safe Work Method Statements
OHS News Tip: Workplace Safe Work Method Statements

VIC: Statistics Show Workplace Injury Results

Monday October 13th 2008 07:20 a.m. Source: The Courier

Ballarat has had almost $48 million in WorkSafe insurance claims in the last five years.

WorkSafe Victoria statistics showed claims came from the Golden Plains, Moorabool, Pyrenees, Hepburn and Central Goldfields shires.

Greater Geelong had 2000 more claims than Ballarat and 800 more than Bendigo.

In the past five years more than 152,200 Victorians were seriously injured while working and made a claim.

WorkSafe's Michael Birt said the number of claims from Victoria was falling.

"That's why we are running campaigns, to get a positive message out about safety and making sure people get the information needed and can pass it on," Mr Birt said.

"One thing we talk about is for people to not just be trained, but retrained and be kept up to date."

If small-medium businesses are prosecuted then it can be an enormous commercial cost, he says.

"A $50,000 fine for small-medium business is a person's wage," Mr Birt said.

"By putting WorkSafe skills into practice and applying them it eliminates the risk of prosecution.

"If someone is badly hurt or killed, word goes around a town fairly quickly, so (working safe) is a big thing."

WorkSafe executive director John Merritt said workplace safety should be a priority.

"The sad reality is that almost every one of these injuries is preventable," Mr Merritt said.

Statistics have been released in conjunction with WorkSafe Week, which begins on October 27 and runs until October 31.

"WorkSafe Week provides an opportunity for both workers and management to take stock and focus on how they can improve their health and safety standards," Mr Merritt said.

"One way to make your workplace safer is by attending WorkSafe Week."

Seminars and events will be held in Ballarat at Doherty Lodge over the week.

On Monday, October 27, at 3pm and Tuesday, October 28, at 10am, an interactive materials handling and safety trade show will demonstrate the latest developments in safety equipment, service and products.

A "Leading the Way with Safety" conference will focus on manual handling, occupational health and safety and an ageing workforce on Tuesday, October 28 at 9am.

A dinner will be held the same day at 7.30pm.

On Thursday, October 30, an all-terrain vehicle safety demonstration will feature at 10am at the Victorian Farm Safety Training Centre.

Registrations for WorkSafe Week are open and anyone interested in reserving a place can do so at www.work Safe.vic.gov.au

OHS News Tip: Workplace Health and Safety Safe Work Method Statements

QLD: Woman Injured In Tree Felling Accident

Monday October 13th 2008 07:09 a.m. Source: The Chronicle

A Highfield mother's quest to have potentially dangerous tree branches removed ended when she was struck down by a projectile branch at about 1.20pm yesterday.

The 36-year-old Kimdon Crescent woman suffered serious head and abdominal injuries, when a missile-like branch flew 20 metres through the air and knocked her to the ground.

Police said the mother had hired a tree-lopping service.

Contractor D & J Services tree lopper Dennis Distant said the woman had just stepped outside the house when the accident occurred.

"A branch fell, it hit the ground and it just snapped and part of it just flew and hit her in the head," a shell-shocked Mr Distant said.

"The ambulance guys did the first-aid and she was talking to them. I just rolled her over so she wouldn't choke on the blood."

Mr Distant said the horrifying accident was something he had never seen in 23 years of chopping trees.

"I've never witnessed anything like it," he said.

Neighbours said the woman's young child was the only other occupant in the house , and was believed to be quite shaken.

The woman's husband was at work, according to police.

Paramedics initially took the woman to Toowoomba Hospital with a skull fracture.

Queensland Ambulance Service spokesman said she was taken by road to Princess Alexandra Hospital last night.

Highfields Police officer-in-charge Paul Swann said the badly injured woman was conscious and was able to answer questions.

Senior Constable Swann said the incident was now in the hands of Workplace Health and Safety.

It was one of two tree-related accidents in the Southern Region yesterday, with a 54-year-old man falling four metres out of a tree at Killarney late yesterday afternoon.

He suffered suspected spinal and arm injuries and was being 8airlifted to Toowoomba Hospital last night.

OHS News Tip: Tree Felling Safe Work Method Statement

WA: WorkSafe Cracking Down On Boat Lifting

Friday October 10th 2008 07:09 a.m. Source: ABC News

WorkSafe inspectors will be carrying out spot checks on maritime facilities around Western Australia in a bid to reduce workplace injuries.

The Department of Consumer and Employment Protection has this week launched a campaign to inform employers of the laws regarding boat lifting facilities.

Inspectors will be turning up unannounced at sites up and down the coast over coming months to check on compliance.

WorkSafe's Joe Attard says, while enforcement action may be taken if major breaches are found, the main aim is to keep workers safe.

"The main message we're really trying to get across is that employers will be provided with information about how to comply with the requirement," he said.

"We do believe that raising awareness is the best way to prevent injury, and that's what we're trying to achieve. We should all be on the same side, employers, employees and us as the investigators."

OHS News Tip: Lifting Boats Safe Work Method Statement

VIC: Man Crushed To Death While Unloading Trucks

Thursday October 9th 2008 07:20 a.m. Source: NineMSN

The construction union has blamed cost cutting for the death of a truck driver as he was unloading a delivery of steel in Melbourne.

The man, aged in his 50s, was crushed between two trucks at a construction site in Northcote, in Melbourne's north on Wednesday morning, becoming the 15th work-related fatality in Victoria this year.

He had been operating a crane truck lifting steel from a semi-trailer parked beside it, when the crane truck tipped 45 degrees and he was crushed between the two vehicles.

WorkSafe spokesman Michael Birt said the man managed to free himself and workmates gave him CPR until ambulance crews arrived.

Metropolitan Ambulance Service (MAS) paramedic Craig Hazelwood said the man suffered extensive chest and neck injuries, and paramedics tried in vain to save him.

The man had been unloading steel for a new apartment block on McCutcheon Street when the accident occurred about 7.45am (AEDT).

The Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) said the man's death was entirely preventable.

CFMEU Victoria assistant secretary Bill Oliver said the crane truck had not been adequately steadied by its outriggers and did not meet set safety procedures.

"Had the right machinery been used, and the correct procedure been followed, this man would be returning home from work today," he said.

"What has occurred here is a tray truck and driver have been used in the place of a mobile crane and a trained mobile crane crew.

"It is completely unacceptable for a company to put workers' lives at risk to cut costs.

"This accident, like all workplace accidents, was completely preventable."

Mr Oliver said that under CFMEU guidelines, a mobile crane crew should be made up of three trained workers and follow procedures to ensure safe operation.

A road permit and road closure were also required for mobile cranes, as well as a set-up procedure to ensure the machinery was stable.

WorkSafe has launched an investigation into the accident, which comes just days after it launched a graphic advertising campaign to curb the number of workplace injuries.

OHS News Tip: Trucks - Loading & Unloading Safe Work Method Statement

Cth: Public Feedback Sought For Hazardous Chemicals Policy

Wednesday October 8th 2008 07:36 a.m.

The Australian Safety and Compensation Council (ASCC) has completed its review of the current frameworks for the control of workplace hazardous substances and dangerous goods.

The ASCC has created a single streamlined framework covering all chemicals in the workplace and is seeking public input on the draft National Standard for the Control of Workplace Hazardous Chemicals.

The new standard will use the United Nations’ Globally Harmonised System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals as the basis for hazard classification and hazard communication.

A Regulation Impact Statement is also being developed and is scheduled to be completed in December 2008 or early 2009.

Comments may be made up until 22 October 2008.

OHS News Tip: Chemical Handling Safe Work Method Statement

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

QLD: Audit Reveals Unauthorised Electrical Work

Wednesday October 8th 2008 07:25 a.m.

An audit conducted by the Electrical Safety Office (ESO) found 696 people had performed unlicensed electrical work in the 2007-2008 financial year.

This work should only be carried out by licensed electrical contractors since unlicensed work is potentially dangerous for both the worker and the client, and the lack of insurance means properties are at risk.

However, the ESO claims that as a result of QLD legislation which made safety switches compulsory in domestic rental properties from 1 March 2008, there has been an increase in the installation of safety switches in Queensland’s domestic rental market. 

OHS News Tip: Electricians Safe Work Method Statements

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

ACT: Workplace Contracted Disease

Monday October 6th 2008 07:56 a.m. Source: NineMSN

Two piggery workers have survived a potentially-deadly disease of the heart valves after contracting a bug from animals bound for the abattoir.

Doctors at Canberra Hospital have treated a 46-year-old woman and a 58-year-old man, both from NSW, for fevers, sweating and severe weight loss caused by endocarditis, a serious condition where bacteria settle on the valves of the heart and spread infection throughout the body. The woman required a heart valve replacement to survive.

The bacterium, called Streptococcus suis, is common in pigs and can be caught by humans through contact with live or dead pigs, though the exact mechanism for transmission is unknown.

It has caused large-scale death among humans, most recently in 2005 when 215 Chinese butchers and meat processors became infected, killing more than half.

Only two cases have been reported in Australia, the first in 1993 and a second in April last year, when a 41-year-old Melbourne meat processor developed toxic shock syndrome from the bug.

Canberra Hospital infectious diseases physician Dr Karina Kennedy said with four reported cases, the strain is emerging as a serious hazard for Australian piggery workers.

"These cases show that it is an occupational hazard in Australian piggeries, with potential public health, animal health and medico-legal implications," Dr Kennedy said in the latest Medical Journal of Australia.

The journal has detailed the latest cases, revealing that the woman developed fatigue and anorexia, and lost 20 kilograms in the months before she was diagnosed in October 2006, and required an operation to replace her severely damaged aortic valve.

The man, who was from the same unnamed NSW town, presented to the hospital in January this year with headache, fevers, neck stiffness and confusion, and recovered after drug treatment.

Paul Seale, a professor of clinical pharmacology at the University of Sydney, said the cases should be a wake-call for health authorities.

"On the back of this we need occupational health and safety experts to go into these piggeries and rigorously examine ways in which the workers can be better protected from this exposure before it happens again," Prof Seale said.

OHS News Tip: Workplace Disease Work Method Statements

NSW: Sydney Water Fined For Safety Breaches

Monday October 6th 2008 07:47 a.m.

The NSW Industrial Relations Commission has fined Sydney Water Corporation $150,000 after it pleaded guilty to breaches of the Occupational Health & Safety Act following the drowning of a worker in a reservoir in 1996. 

The Corporation's subsidiary, Australian Water Technologies (AWT) was fined $112,500.

A fitter employed by AWT died when an outlet pipe he was inspecting for leakage suddenly filled with water from the reservoir.

The pipe inspection was not part of the fitter's duties with AWT.

The Commission found that Sydney Water had failed to provide safe systems of work, to adequately supervise and monitor contractors, to conduct risk assessments and provide safety training for work in confined spaces.

Similarly, it was found that AWT failed to ensure effective isolation of water at the outlet pipe while workers were inside, had not undertaken a risk assessment to identify any confined spaces on the project, and failed to ensure that the work was carried out in accordance with the relevant standards.

WorkCover said that the case emphasized the importance of employers ensuring that safety procedures and instructions were actively complied with.

OHS News Tip: Workplace Work Method Statements

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

VIC: WORKSAFE TARGETS YOUNG WORKERS

Monday October 6th 2008 07:26 a.m. Source: WorkSafe Vic

WorkSafe Victoria has today launched a graphic new campaign aimed at Generation Y, their families and employers in a bid to reduce the rate of young workers ending up in the emergency ward at Victorian hospitals as a result of workplace injuries.

WorkSafe Victoria’s Executive Director of Health and Safety, John Merritt, said that despite Victoria having the best workplace safety record in Australia, figures show that the likelihood of younger workers admitted to hospital emergency departments compared to their older counterparts is close to double.

Mr Merritt said that research conducted by WorkSafe, ABS and DHS shows:

• in the last five years 15 young workers (aged 15 -24 ) had been killed at work;
• young males under 24 have the second highest rate of injuries all age groups by gender, only second to males aged 45 to 54;
• although females have lower rates of injury compared to males, young females (24 and under) have the highest;
• young males (Aged 15 to 19) in regional Victoria are 4 times more likely to be hospitalised compared to workers of the same age and gender in the city; and
• younger workers have a lower rate of claiming workers compensation, but it is believed that the figure is under-represented.

New research conducted by WorkSafe involving 1600 young workers also found that
younger workers are less likely to be consulted on safety in the workplace, don’t have the confidence to raise issues, may not understand or know their rights and alarmingly don’t consider workplace safety as important as road or public safety.

Mr Merritt said that many Victorian employers had good systems in place to ensure that young workers first experience in the workforce was a good one but many more didn’t.

“What we want employers to do is provide a good induction process, proper training, and supervision and to make sure that their young workers understand the safety policies and procedures” Mr Merritt said.

“Just as importantly we want young workers to speak up if they are unsure about work practices which might be hazardous as well as listening to their supervisor and of course not misusing or abusing workplace equipment”.

“If you are unsure then just ask. It’s simple but it saves lives”.

Any employer needing help in making their workplace safer for young workers should contact their local WorkSafe office or visit the WorkSafe website” Mr Merritt said.

ABS statistics show that most young workers in Victoria are concentrated in a few industries including Retail, Construction and manufacturing for Men 15 -24 years of age and Retail, hospitality and health and community services for women 15 – 24 years of age.

The new campaign features young workers in a variety of occupations sustaining traumatic injuries loosely based on real accidents investigated by WorkSafe Victoria.

The first commercials will be shown on Sunday night.

In coming weeks WorkSafe will be commencing an enforcement campaign involving inspections to industries with a high concentration of young workers including retail, hospitality, construction and manufacturing across the state.

OHS News Tip: Workplace Work Method Statements

VIC: Y Gen workplace injuries filling Victorian hospitals

Friday October 3rd 2008 07:45 a.m. Source: WorkSafe Vic

Graphic new WorkSafe Victoria commercials screened on prime time TV this Sunday night will alarm but hopefully make the community aware that the rate of young workers (15-24) are being treated at hospitals for workplace injuries is increasing.

Figures show that the future of the Australian workforce, often those in their first jobs, are almost twice as likely as their older counterparts to end up in the emergency section of Victorian hospitals for treatment after sustaining a workplace injury.

And it is getting worse.  As the rate of injuries for their Baby boomer and Gen X workmates continues to decline, the rate of Gen Yers presenting at hospitals is growing.

Find out why, who is at risk, and what can be done about it.

This Saturday morning WorkSafe Victoria will be launching its new commercial.

When:             10.30am, 4 October 2008

What:              Launch of new WorkSafe Victoria Young Workers campaign
Presentation of figures of young injured workers

Where:            WorkSafe Victoria, ground floor
222 Exhibition Street, Melbourne

Who:               John Merritt, Executive Director, WorkSafe Victoria

Young workers who have suffered workplace injuries will also be in attendance.

Copies of the three new campaign ads and an injuries report will be available.

OHS News Tip: Workplace Injuries Work Method Statements

WA: Energy Explosion Inflates Gas Prices

Friday October 3rd 2008 07:37 a.m. Source: ABC News

A Senate inquiry into the impact of the Varanus island gas explosion in Western Australia has been told that gas prices have surged by 70 per cent in the wake of the accident.

A gas pipeline owned by Apache Energy on the island, off the north-west coast, exploded on June 3, shutting off a third of the state's gas supply.

The incident caused numerous businesses around the state to scale back operations, and forced some businesses to lay off staff or shutdown.

The Australian Hotels Association (AHA) has told the inquiry that gas utility Alinta's rationing system was unfair.

The AHA says natural gas is now selling for up to 70 per cent more than before the explosion.

The Domestic Gas Alliance is also giving evidence.

It represents major industrial gas consumers such as Verve Energy and Burrup Fertilisers.

The Domestic Gas Alliance says gas was in short supply before the incident and still remains below requirements.

It says natural gas prices are no longer competitive with coal.

OHS News Tip: Gas Safe Work Method Statements

NSW: OHS Laws To Apply To Mining And Coal Workplaces

Friday October 3rd 2008 07:31 a.m.

The Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 2001 is now applicable to NSW mining workplaces and coal mines, after a legislative amendment came into effect last month.

The Occupational Health and Safety Amendment (Application to Mining Workplaces and Coal Workplaces) Regulation 2008 broadened the application of the 2001 legislation.

The NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) should be notified where workers at coal or mining workplaces have been exposed to hazardous substances, work with carcinogenic substances, or carry out work with lead risk.

However, WorkCover NSW should be notified of work involving the removal of bonded asbestos, or the demoltion of structures, regardless of location. WorkCover will then forward these notifications to the DPI on behalf of coal or mining workplaces.

For further information, go to the WorkCover NSW website.

OHS News Tip: Mining Industry Safe Work Method Statements

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

WA: Seafood Business Fined For Failing to Provide Records

Friday October 3rd 2008 07:20 a.m.

A seafood company has been fined $700 in the Perth Magistrate’s Court for failing to supply wage records and other documents after being served notices by WorkCover WA. 

The company was ordered to pay a further $1,019.20 in costs.

Employers are obliged pursuant to the Workers’ Compensation and Injury Management Act 1981 WA (the Act) to produce wage records and related documents when served a notice requesting such documents by the authority.

The business had been afforded an opportunity to rectify its lapsed workers’ compensation policy, but had failed to do so.

WorkCover said that it was important for employers to realise that they cannot avoid penalties just by ignoring notices served by WorkCover.

The Workers’ Compensation and Injury Management Scheme aims to provide a safety net for workers who suffer a work related injury or illness and facilitate a supported return to work.

WorkCover provides information to employers and employees to assist them in meeting their obligations regarding Workers’ Compensation, Injury Management and Return to Work programs under the Act.

WorkCover also conducts compliance programs across a range of industries to ensure that employers meet these requirements.

OHS News Tip: Workplace Safe Work Method Statements

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

QLD: Father Killed In Train Accident

Thursday October 2nd 2008 07:53 a.m. Source: Cairns

A Tully cane-hauler driver who died in a crash with a cane train west of Tully yesterday was a hardworking single father, distressed friends said.

Father-of-two Nigel Grey, 38, was flung from the cabin of his cane-hauling tractor on impact, landing metres from the vehicle. Police said he died instantly.

The horrific accident happened directly in front of a farmhouse beside Syndicate Rd in cane-farming country, about 200km south of Cairns.

Upset neighbours heard a train, then "the bang".

"These kind of things are horrible, it's terrible," one neighbour said yesterday as police and Workplace Health and Safety officers inspected the derailed train and damaged bin-hauling machine.

Ambulance officers tried unsuccessfully to resuscitate Mr Grey, who was lying about 4m from the railway and his vehicle.

He is believed to have suffered serious head and chest injuries.

Police said the Murray Harvesting employee was travelling on Harney Rd in a heavy vehicle used to transport freshly cut cane.

The collision happened on a railway crossing at the intersection of Harney Rd, just metres from Syndicate Rd and two homes on either side of the road.

The driver of the locomotive was not injured in the crash.

Tully Sugar Mill manager John King said the matter was being investigated by Workplace Health and Safety. He said the train had been headed for the mill.

The section of railway line was closed yesterday and the train, with its derailed bins, remained at the scene for several hours.

Shocked Tully residents described Mr Grey as a "lovely cheerful bloke" who was a single father with two children.

"It's terrible. Our hearts go out to the family," one resident said.

OHS News Tip: Vehicle Accident Safe Work Method Statements

NSW: Bus Drivers Feel Unsafe At Work

Thursday October 2nd 2008 07:53 a.m.

The Transport Workers Union held an illegal stop-work meeting at a bus company in the Hunter Valley last week over growing safety concerns.

The TWU voted to ban night bus trips without accompanying security guards after drivers were not told of an attack on a bus by a man wielding an iron bar.

In response, the bus company took the union to the NSW Industrial Relations Commission, which will this week consider OH&S issues at the company.

A drunken man broke his way onto the bus, jamming the doors open and stopping the vehicle, because of safety mechanisms that automatically halt a bus when an object is lodged in the doors.

The driver said his colleagues had not been told about the incident.

According to the TWU, drivers have been bashed.  The union also says that the company has failed to convene an OH&S meeting, as requested by WorkCover.

The bus company, which said it was committed to carrying out a risk assessment of its services, claimed the cost of supplying licensed security guards on every night bus would be prohibitive. 

According to the company, about half its fleet had some form of video surveillance, despite video equipment on the bus that was attacked not working at the time.

But the TWU maintained concerns were not being addressed, including the lack of cameras, manned radios at base during late shifts and signage.

Th company insisted each driver was supplied with a mobile phone with the police in the first speed dial position and the depot manager in the second.

OHS News Tip: Transport Industry Safe Work Method Statements

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

SA: Reduced Payouts For Injured Workers

Thursday October 2nd 2008 07:49 a.m.

New legislation passed by the South Australian Parliament in June will result in a reduction in injured workers' entitlements.

Pursuant to the new law, WorkCover SA will be reducing compensation payments to employees injured at work by 10%, if they have not returned to work by 13 weeks.

If these workers are still on the WorkCover salary maintenance scheme at 26 weeks, they will face another 10% cut.

The legislative changes took effect on 1 July and apply to new claims received after that date.

The government introduced the legislation in order to reduce WorkCover’s unfunded liabilities, which were approaching $1 billion.

Unions claim workers are being punished for not returning to work quickly, even though their return might be restricted by the lack of suitable duties or rehabilitation taking longer than expected.

OHS News Tip: Workplace Safe Work Method Statements

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

NSW: Mine Owner Fined $200k

Thursday October 2nd 2008 07:42 a.m.

A coal mine owner has been fined $200,000 after a worker suffered an electrical shock at its mine in 2005.

The contractor received an electric shock while working on a high voltage electrical switchyard. 

According to the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union, the accident could have been avoided if there had been full-board isolation on the panel, as opposed to just soft barriers.

OHS News Tip: Mining Industry Safe Work Method Statements
OHS News Tip: Electricians Safe Work Method Statements

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

WA: Employers Urged To Prepare For Cyclone Season

Thursday October 2nd 2008 07:36 a.m. Source: ABC News

WorkSafe is reminding employers in north-west Western Australia to prepare their workplaces and employees for the cyclone season, which starts in a month.

Occupational health and safety laws require employers to provide a safe workplace and protect employees from cyclones.

Staff from the Bureau of Meteorology and the Fire and Emergency Services Authority (FESA) will also be visiting north-west communities this month to promote cyclone awareness.

WorkSafe's Chris Kirwin says it is important that employers alert FESA of their plans.

"The outlying communities, or the work sites that are further away from the bounds of the town, those people need to let FESA know where they are so a rescue can be arranged, if required," he said.

"So it's important that everyone knows where everyone is and what their plans are."

OHS News Tip: Workplace Safe Work Method Statements

SA: WorkCover "Improves" Returns to Work

Thursday October 2nd 2008 07:25 a.m. Source: ABC News

The head of WorkCover says critics of workers' compensation reform in South Australia should look at the efforts to get injured people back to work.

Those on WorkCover benefits have their income cut by 10 per cent from today, as part of efforts to improve the scheme's finances.

SA Unions says injured workers are paying the price for successive governments' failures to control WorkCover's unfunded liability.

WorkCover chief executive Julia Davison says not everyone is worse off because of recent changes.

"There are some people who will be better off, for example, in relation to the lump sum payment that they will receive for serious injuries," she said.

"There are changes in relation to stepdowns, there are also changes and impacts on employers.

"We're actually monitoring all of the legislative reforms to see if they're delivering improved return to work, which will ultimately turn our scheme's funding around."

OHS News Tip: Workplace Safe Work Method Statements

QLD: Truck Driver Died After Being Squashed Between a Truck and Fence

Wednesday October 1st 2008 07:29 a.m. Source: Brisbane Times

A man died after becoming trapped between a truck and a gate on a central Queensland rural property last night.

Police said one of the man's colleagues found him about 9.15pm and performed CPR but he died at the scene. The dead man was the driver of the truck.

A Workplace Health and Safety spokesman said investigating officers were on their way to the property, situated about 180km south of Charters Towers and 240km north-west of Clermont.

OHS News Tip: Heavy Vehicle Safe Work Method Statements

NSW: Employee Died In Engineering Accident

Monday September 29th 2008 07:30 a.m. Source: NineMSN News

A 28-year-old machinist has been killed after being dragged into a coal conveyer at an engineering complex in Sydney's south west.

The Elderslie man suffered severe head injuries when he was pulled into the coal loading machine at the Narellan factory in Graham Hill Road just after 8am (AEST) on Friday.

He was working with two other men on the conveyor section of the machine at the engineering complex, according to police.

A WorkCover spokeswoman said from preliminary information it appeared a worker had been undertaking maintenance when a chain broke, the Camden Advertiser reported.

Paramedics who were called to the site were unable to revive him.

Police and WorkCover officers are investigating the incident.

OHS News Tip: Engineering Safe Work Method Statements

VIC: Tougher Regulations Called For After Mining Accident

Monday September 29th 2008 07:20 a.m. Source: ABC News

The Australian Workers Union (AWU) says an accident at the Ballarat gold mine on Wednesday is proof the industry needs tougher regulations.

Four workers inside the mine, in central Victoria, were injured on Wednesday evening when a winch cable attached to platform holding materials snapped.

The men were take to the Ballarat hospital, one with a cracked rib, another with an ankle injury.

The state secretary of the Australian Workers Union, Cesar Melhem, says it has been trying to gain access to the mine for 18 months.

"We need to move to tougher regulations and make sure that this sort of incident is being avoided in the future," he said.

WorkSafe Victoria has issued the mine an improvement notice, which it has one week to comply with.

It says investigators will return to the site today.

OHS News Tip: Mining Industry Safe Work Method Statements