AEN WH&S Benchmarking Results for 2016
The Apprenticeship Employment Network recently released its yearly WH&S Benchmarking results to members. Now in its 4th year the results and trends are starting to highlight a few consistent themes including:
Most frquent types of injuries
1st Year Apprentices
Sprains & Strains /back
Laceration /hand
Foreign object /eye
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2nd Year Apprentices
Sprains & Strains / back
Laceration / hand
Foreign object / eye
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3rd & 4th Year Apprentices
Laceration / hand
Sprains & Strains / back
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Pre-App
Trainees
The 4 year data represents over 50,000 apprentices and trainees.
AEN will be working on new video resources to assist in reinforcing the message of safetyfirst!
Manual Lifting
The importance of wearing gloves and safety glasses
Members of AEN can login to the website or call the office to access the full report.
New OHS amd EPS Regulations Have Commenced
The new Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2017 (OHS Regulations) and Equipment (Public Safety) Regulations 2017 (EPS Regulations) commenced on 18 June 2017.
Worksafe Victoria have developed a range of resources to assist you in understanding the new Regulations and what the changes mean for you. This includes summaries of the changes and comprehensive guides comparing the 2007 and 2017 Regulations.
You can access the new OHS Regulations 2017 and EPS Regulations 2017 online – visit the Victorian Law Today tab at www.legislation.vic.gov.au.
What has changed?
The new OHS Regulations 2017 are mainly the same as the OHS Regulations 2007. However, you need to be aware of the changes and make sure you are compliant.
If you are affected by the changes, the detailed information and guides available from the links below will help you identify how to stay compliant.
For further information you can contact the WorkSafe Victoria Advisory Service on 1800 136 089 or email ohsregsreform@worksafe.vic.gov.au.
Websites
Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2017
Equipment (Public Safety) Regulations 2017
Find out more about the New OHS Regulations 2017.
For further information please click here.
Tradie Health Month
August is Tradies National Health Month which aims to raise awareness of the risks posed to those who work in trade occupations — among individuals, their families, employers and the wider community.
While we’ve seen improvements, Australia’s trade industry continues to have among the highest health and safety issues of any sector. Time off work due to poor health and injury has a significant impact on families, businesses, communities, the health system and the economy. This impact will grow if we don’t take steps to change behaviour.
Anyone can get behind Tradies National Health Month. The APA is urging employers and unions of trade occupations to prioritise their employees’ health now and into the future. Everyone can spread the message—whether it’s your dad or mum, your partner, your employee, your patient or your mate, we all know a tradie and want them to place importance on their wellbeing.
Tradies’ health must be everyone’s priority—we’re giving all employers, physiotherapists, families and tradies the chance to be involved.
For further information please click here.
Labels on Hazardous Chemicals Identify Hazards
Labels on hazardous chemicals identify hazards and give instructions on how to use them safely. They help businesses identify any safety controls needed in the workplace, and tell workers how to deal safely with a chemical.
- Manufacturers and importers of hazardous chemicals need to make sure they are labelled correctly so workers using them know the hazards.
- A Global Harmonised System label is required for any hazardous chemical intended for predominantly workplace use.
In Australia, labels for workplace hazardous chemicals must be prepared in accordance with the model Code of Practice: Labelling of Workplace Hazardous Chemicals.
Information on hazardous chemical labels
A hazardous chemical is correctly labelled if it is packed in a container that has a label written in English that includes:
- The product identifier
- The name, Australian address and business telephone number of the manufacturer or importer.
- The identity and proportion of each ingredient - as per Schedule 8 to the model WHS Regulations.
- Any hazard pictogram consistent with the correct classification of the chemical.
- Any hazard statement, signal word and precautionary statement consistent with the correct classification of the chemical.
- Any information about the hazards, first aid and emergency procedures relevant to the chemical, which are not included in the hazard statement or precautionary statement.
- An expiry date, if applicable.
The label may include an emergency phone number for specific poisons or treatment advice.
The label should be clearly legible and firmly fixed to the container; it shouldn’t be obscured or in a spot where it could be removed, for example on the lid.
For comprehensive information about preparing labels for workplace hazardous chemicals, please refer to the model Code of Practice: Labelling of Workplace Hazardous Chemicals.
For further information please visit https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/labelling
An Introduction to the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals - Classifying Hazardous Chemicals under the WHS Regulations – Q&A Sheet
For further information please click here.
Safety in Action Melbourne Trade Show & Safety Conference 5-6 September
Safety in Action is Australia’s leading occupational health and safety event dedicated to the safety, security and well-being of the Australian workforce. Engage in three dedicated safety zones, network with over 120 exhibitors, learn from industry experts during free safety seminars and workshops, source the latest innovative products and services and get involved in the interactive opportunities the Show has to offer. A must-attend for every OH&S professional. Attendance is free for bona fide trade visitors.
Held concurrently with the tradeshow, Safety in Action presents three high-profile conferences focusing on Safety Strategy, Leadership and Culture, Workplace Wellness and Return to Work. With over 350 delegates and 70+ speakers and the conferences running in adjacent rooms, you will be able to switch sessions and plan a track to suit your requirements. Find out more on here.
Inspectors Target Structural Collapse After Spate of Incidents
WorkSafe inspectors will hone in on the risks of structural collapse during construction work as part of their latest safety blitz following a spate of incidents in recent months.
A timber-frame wall which struck a 17-year-old worker in Donvale, temporary hoarding falling down near pedestrians in a shopping area at Campbellfield and a scaffold collapsing onto a footpath in North Melbourne have all been the subject of WorkSafe inquiries last month.
Tragically, 16 workers and three members of the public have been killed since 2001 due to structural collapse at construction sites.
As part of the state-wide campaign, inspectors will focus on buildings and associated structures under construction including walls and frames.
WorkSafe Executive Director Health and Safety, Marnie Williams, said the collapse of a building or structure could have catastrophic consequences.
“We’ve seen the tragic aftermath of structural collapses at construction sites and the reality is that it just should not happen,” she said. “We want to be very clear to builders and contractors that they have a responsibility to ensure walls, roof structures, floors, formwork and pre-cast panels are appropriately installed, supported or braced during construction work and if they fail to do so there could be deadly consequences.”
During their site visits, WorkSafe inspectors will raise awareness of structural collapse risks and provide practical information and guidance to builders and contractors on the risks and safety measures required.
“Our aim is to assist the industry in preventing structural collapses during construction work but, ultimately, if inspectors identify that someone has failed in their duties to provide and maintain a safe workplace they will take appropriate enforcement action,” Ms Williams said.
Further Information available here.
Workplace Bullying Prevention Workshop - 26 September 2017
Workplace bullying is a serious issue that continues to adversely impact many workers and organizations throughout Australia. Recent research commissioned by Safe Work Australia revealed 6.8% of Australians had directly experienced bullying.
AEN is hosting a workshop that will cover some of the important issues related to bullying:
Topics include:
- Workplace bullying - culture & values of the workplace
- What is workplace bullying? Common forms of bullying in the workplace
- Conflict management and performance management
- Online issues/cyber bullying
- Duty of care - employer and employee responsibility
- Workplace bullying policy example, including social media
- Signs of bullying in the workplace
- The Law & consequences - Worksafe & Fair Work Commission
- General protections, adverse action, vilification & whistle-blowers
- Unfair & constructive dismissal
- What can employers do to stop/limit bullying behaviour?
For further information or to register please click here.
Bullyzero Australia Foundation – Charity Ball Saturday, 21 October – Tickets Now Available
Tickets are now available to the Bullyzero Australia Foundation – Charity Ball being held on Saturday 21 October – Melbourne Docklands.
Please show your support for this great cause.
For further information please click here.
Or download the Flyer.
Australian WHS Statistics
There have been 110 workplace fatalities reported in Australia, compared to 102 at the same time last year.
The industries with the highest number of fatalities are:
Agriculture, forestry & fishing – 23
Transport, postal & warehousing – 46
Construction – 18
More at Safe Work Australia
Safety Alerts
Use of glass in workplaces providing early childhood education and care services
A safety alert that provides guidance to persons with management or control of workplaces in the children service's sector about controlling risks associated with glass panels breaking from human impact.
For further information please click here.
SafetyFirst - Ahead of the Action
Your own branded learning management system not only benefits your apprentices and trainees, it also benefits you as a business. With SafetyFirst's online safety induction training, you'll enjoy benefits such as:
- Assist in meeting compliance - designed as tools to assist managers and supervisors to meet their Work Health and Safety obligations
- Do it anytime - The training course is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week
- Interactive and engaging - easy to use by various learners, entertaining content for a more enjoyable learning experience
- Cost-effectiveness
- Consistency - ability to maintain a particular standard with staff WHS training
- Results – immediate results and feedback that identify further training needs
SafetyFirst can assist you in creating a safe work environment for all your new employees, apprentices and trainees.
A free trial of the material can be found here - demo.safetyfirst.org.au
Learn more about SafetyFirst
SafetyFirst is an initiative of the Group Training Association of Victoria. Visit our site to keep up to date with the latest Health and Safety news Australia wide. SafetyFirst.org.au
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