Simple Safety Update – Issue 19 July 2011

Hi and welcome to our July Simple Safety Update.

I have to get something off my chest. There is a lot of fear mongering out there with the new legislation on its way. I recently read a bulletin screaming that employers (now PCBU) will be responsible for contractors under the new legislation. Uh well employers have always had these duties. The new Act just makes that fact clearer by putting the duties in one place. In fact recent decision of the High Court challenge the extent to which Principle Contractors will be responsible for expert contractors. See the article attached.

Let’s stop the panicking and just get on with calmly understanding the new legislation, in fact let’s not worry too much about the legislation and get on with proactive practical management of safety, then I am pretty sure compliance will take care of its self. Funny thing for a lawyer to say huh?

 

OHS News – SOS GROWING!

This is not really OHS news but SOS news. We are now proud to offer in accredited courses at our new premises in South Melbourne. We will be issuing a training calendar shortly. All training is fully accredited and delivered by TAE certified trainers. This is a great service to our clients, who can now access legal advice, expert OHS advice and now accredited OHS training. Click here to view dates and further training information

Harmonisation Countdown – 9

1. Only 5 months to go to the new Work Health and Safety Legislation
2. The Commonwealth has submitted its Work Health and Safety Bill to Parliament.
3. Victoria is expected to put its Work Health and Safety Bill to Parliament in October.
4. NSW has removed the reverse onus of proof on company directors to demonstrate due diligence in respect of safety.
5. The Model Regulations are up for approval by the Select Council for Workplace Relations in August.

Did you know?

In Mongolia in the 1990’s OHS legislation had as one of its specific provisions that employers must “provide protective clothing, milk, supplementary meals, soap, and other cleaning materials”.

To enforce OHS laws in Mongolia there are a total of 18 inspectors, in a country of 2.6 million people and covering a geographical area of 1565000 square kilometres. And our Inspectors think they have it tough.

Simple Safety Stuff Ups
 


 I would'nt want to be under that hoist.
 


Simple Links

DJR Environmental E-Newsletter Winter 2011
Return to Work - Klim says making a comeback is good news after injury

OHS Events

Freight Week 2011

Melbourne Park Function Centre from 5th - 9th September 2011.
Every second year, the VTA hosts Freight Week involving a key set of themed days on people, technology, environment, waterfront, safety and the freight agenda, all issues of vital importance to the future of the freight logistics sector.
The events throughout Freight Week are designed by industry for industry. You can view the full program at www.freightweek.com.au as well as what’s on each day.


Comcare National Conference 

The theme of this year's conference is: "A new era in work health and safety - lead and shape for impact". It will examine contemporary issues and explore ways of improving work health and safety and injury management.
When       September 12, 2011 to September 14, 2011
Location   Melbourne Convention Centre
Website    Click here for more information


WorkCoverSA Annual Conference - Staying Connected

The sixth annual WorkCover conference will show how workplace relationships, communication and working together can all contribute to helping achieve a successful and sustainable recovery for injured workers.
When      September 14, 2011 to September 14, 2011
Location  Adelaide Convention Centre
Website   Click here for more information


National Safety Psychology Conference

The conference will look at the psychological aspects of achieving safety in organisations through case studies and analysis of different organisations' programs, policies, values and attitudes relating to safety in the workplace.
When      October 18, 2011 to October 19, 2011
Location  Sydney Harbour Marriott
Website   Click here for more information


Q-COMP Return to Work Conference, Expo and Awards

The second Q-COMP Return to Work Conference will address the latest issues in the workers' compensation sector with industry speakers and interactive workshops.
When      October 26, 2011 to October 26, 2011
Location  Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre
Website   Click here for more information 
 

Work Safe Week
Work Safe Week will be held from 17 – 21 October 2011. Put it in your diary and keep checking back to the WorkSafe Victoria website for updates closer to the time.

Worksafe Information Sessions 
Join Worksafe for a free 60-minute information session to learn more about the latest news and developments in work health and safety, return to work and your WorkSafe premium. It’s a great opportunity for us to provide valuable information to help you improve safety and keep your premium down, and better understand the issues that are important to your business right now.
Click here for further information.