Simple Safety Update – Issue 20 August 2011

Hi and welcome to our August Simple Safety Update.
Well life just rolls on and despite the economic doom and gloom everyone I know continues to be busy. As they say when the going gets tough the tough get going. There is much to do before the new legislation and making sure we are ready. Simple OHS Solutions has developed an audit tool against the new legislation so you will know where you stand. Give us a call to arrange a review.
On another note SOS is very excited to welcome Tracy Bentley our new Sales and Marketing Manager. Tracy brings a much needed pair of hands to making sure our training is spot on and our clients know what we are up to.

OHS News 
 

Unions are pressing the WA government to implement higher OHS fines after a workers death at a RIO Tinto site in the Pilabara. The WA government has previously indicated it will not adopt the new penalty regime in the harmonised WHA Act (up $3 million for a corporation).

Unions WA secretary said "WA workers and their families are right to question the Government's priorities in this area and to question why the life of a West Australian worker is considered by this Government to be worth so much less than that of a worker anywhere else in Australia."

Harmonisation Countdown – 10
 

Work Place Relations Ministers Council of Regs and Codes of Practice – Yes... No... Maybe

YES - The August meeting of the Workplace Relations Minister Council endorsed in principle the draft model Work Health and Safety (WHS) Regulations and the first stage Codes of Practice.

No - NSW Government is strongly committed to harmonisation but requires additional time to consult with NSW Ministerial colleagues whose portfolios are impacted by the changes.

MAYBE - The Victorian Government supports the principle of harmonisation subject to satisfactory assessment of the regulatory impacts and benefits to Victoria.

All Ministers agreed to advise their decision with respect to approval of the draft model WHS Regulations and the first stage Codes of Practice upon consideration of the final Regulation Impact Statement as quickly as possible out of session; along with any further approval processes that need to be undertaken in individual jurisdictions.

 

Did you know?
 

Each year, an estimated two million women and men die as a result of occupational accidents and work-related diseases. Across the globe, there are some 270 million occupational accidents and 160 million work-related diseases each year. (International Labour Organisation)

 

Simple Safety Stuff Ups

 

Simple Links

Safe Work Australia - http://safeworkaustralia.gov.au/Pages/default.aspx
Safety Institute of Australia – www.sia.org.au
WRMC Communique - http://www.deewr.gov.au/WorkplaceRelations/WRMC/Pages/Communiques.aspx

Simple OHS Solutions Training Coming Up

20 September - First Aid – Workplace Level 2
26 & 27 September - Confined space entry (awareness/ initial and refresher)
BOOK NOW www.simpleohssolutions.com.au/training

OHS Events
 

Freight Week 2011
Melbourne Park Function Centre from 5th - 9th September 2011.
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
"A new era in work health and safety - lead and shape for impact".
When        September 12, 2011 to September 14, 2011
Location   Melbourne Convention Centre
Web site   Click here for more information 

Work Safe Week 17 – 21 October 2011.