Simple Safety Update – Issue 15 March 2011

Welcome to issue 15. Well the year has been a busy one so far, as predicted. We are busily working on projects to help our clients get ready for the new legislation and to keep their workers safe.

There is a lot of information around about Directors and the new duties being placed on them. SOS encourages all senior managers and business owners to get informed. See the explanation of the duties below. SOS is pleased to announce we are working closely with the transport industry through the Safety Assist Project. We are also very pleased to be working with the community sector on a project to improve safety in the foster care sector and we continue to be very hands on with our clients in providing day to practical safety advice.

This month we have added a new feature to our newsletter Simple Links (see below). 

I hope you enjoy the newsletter.


OHS News

Employer/ Directors face $180,000 fine after Death of Western Australian Employee

In Western Australia D & G Hoists & Cranes Pty Ltd was fined $90,000 and two of their Directors who allowed the use of an "inherently dangerous" practice were fined $45,000 each after an employee was killed by a falling object in October 2007. The employee was struck on the head by a 375 kg section of crane mast that fell out of a pack of 16 sections being moved by a crane.

If you are a company director do you have $45k lying around to pay a fine like this? As we know the pressure on Directors is reaching higher and higher levels as they are held directly responsible for what happens in their workplace.

Contact Simple OHS Solutions to get your systems under control 1300 654 843 or www.simpleohssolutions.com.au


Harmonisation Countdown - 4

Officers and Due Diligence – Division 4

Officers have always had obligations under Victorian OHS legislation but the new Act increases that obligation and places a positive duty on Officers to show that they exercised due diligence in respect of workplace safety.

Who is an Officer? An Officer is a person who makes decision which affect the whole or a substantial part of a business. So it includes the CEO, MD, CFO. COO. It does not include operational managers, supervisors or divisional managers.

How to meet your obligations – You must show that you are proactive in safety, you are informed and you take action when knowledge of issues comes your way. For example approving money to get advice, getting reports on safety activity and risks, following up that safety risks have been fixed. See the story above as an example of the fines that might be handed out.


Did you Know?

Lifting objects from the ground or from a low level is the most common cause of lifting-related injury. The best approach for managing lifting injuries is to eliminate manual lifting, where possible. The following principles for reducing risk of injury from lifting apply across industry:

• Eliminate lifting by using technological solutions (e.g. robotics, cranes, bulk supply systems).
• Reduce lifting by increasing the size of objects and using mechanical aids instead of by lifting by hand.
• Do not lift objects from the ground, floor or low levels as far as is reasonably practicable.
• Reduce the need to lift objects by locating and storing objects at waist height.
• Minimise the impact of lifting by reducing the size and weight of objects to be lifted, while ensuring that a reduction in the size of the load does not increase the frequency of lifting).
Worksafe Victoria

 

Simple Safety Stuff Ups

If this guy falls not only will he be sorry but I suspect the guy below will end up with a bang on his head.

Click here to view images of safety stuff ups


Simple Links

OHS harmonisation - from the Act to the codes at Safety In Action Article
 

OHS Events

The Resources Sector & National Harmonisation of OH&S laws – Piper Alderman Law Firm
Date: See full event details for date in your state
View full event details

Dr Eric Wigglesworth Memorial Lecture – Safety Institute of Australia
Date: Mon 4 Apr 2011
Location: BMW The Edge Federation Square, Melbourne
View full event details

Safety In Action 2011 Melbourne
Date: Tue 5 Apr 2011- Thu 7 Apr 2011
Location: Melbourne Convention Centre
View full event details
 

AIOH Musculoskeletal Disorders Seminars 2011

SYDNEY: 3M Innovation Centre, 25 Bridge St, Pymble
When: Friday 1 April 2011, 8:30am - 4:30pm

MELBOURNE: AIOH Training Room, Level 1/49 Keilor Park Dr, Keilor Park
When: Friday 8 April 2011, 9:00am - 5:00pm

ADELAIDE: Quality Hotel Old Adelaide, 160 O'Connell St, North Adelaide
When: Friday 15 April 2011, 9:00am - 5:00pm

BRISBANE: Virginia Palms International, Cnr of Sandgate Rd & Zillmere Rd, Boondall
When: Wednesday 20 April 2011, 9:00am - 5:00pm

PERTH: Victoria Park Hotel, 605 Albany Highway, Victoria Park
When: Friday 29 April 2011, 9:00am - 5:00pm

HOBART: IPM, 176 New Town Rd, New Town
When: Friday 6 May 2011, 9:00am - 5:00pm
View full event details