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24.01.2022 New WA legislation bans live electrical work Following on from the deaths of three men in workplace accidents in the past two years, the West Australian Government has legislated to ban live electrical work. In 2013, an 18 year old apprentice, Jayden Zappelli, died from an electric shock while working in the roof space of a home in Bunbury in 2013.... Jayden was employed as trade assistant by JCW Electrical. He was working with a licensed electrician when the accident occurred. The cause was subsequently determined to be the unravelling of insulation tape around a live wire that Jayden was feeding through a ceiling. JCW Elecrical was subsequently fined $38,000 for failing to provide a safe working environment. The WA Worksafe Commissioner Lex McCulloch subsequently issued a statement saying that case tragic incident should serve as a reminder of the extreme importance of checking and re-checking that the circuits being worked on are indeed not live. He went on to say that, The case also sends a clear message to employers that electrical work should not, under any circumstances, be performed by assistants or anyone else who is not properly trained and qualified to undertake the work safely. In a separate accident in February of this year, Alan Cummins and Matthew Hutchins died in an explosion at Morley Galleria earlier this year while working in the switch room. A third suffered life-threatening burns. It is believed the men were working on a transformer at the time. Commerce Minister Michael Mischin has today said that he hopes to have new regulations in place by early next year banning electrical work on equipment that was energised. He said that while the changes might lead to some mild inconvenience for some households and businesses, worker safety was paramount. Earlier this year I asked EnergySafety to circulate a discussion paper to gauge the industrys views about banning live electrical work, Mr Mischin said in a statement. In general, they were very supportive of the proposal to prohibit live electrical work and sought assurances that special exceptions in certain cases would be factored in. I have requested EnergySafety and WorkSafe to prepare a preliminary impact assessment to enable the reforms to be implemented as soon as possible. Would simple procedures and Take 5s undertaken diligently assist in eliminating such incidence? When will the primary duty holders really take this seriously?

24.01.2022 Just heard this following news online: "A man has been found dead in the roof of a Melbourne property being renovated. Emergency services were called to Toorak Road, Camberwell, about 7.10pm on Wednesday where a man in his 20s was found dead in the roof space of a property.... Police say it is believed the man was at the home doing electrical work, but the cause of death is to be confirmed. WorkSafe is investigating and police will prepare a report for the coroner." Courtesy www.msn.com

23.01.2022 Saw these bamboo scaffolds during my recent trip to India. Could not resist a photo or two.

22.01.2022 https://www.abc.net.au//silicosis-death-dust-aud/10830452

22.01.2022 Awesome and inspiring.

20.01.2022 "Falling from heights" Is this topic adequately addressed in your workplace? Last years statistics in Queensland alone show five workers killed by falling from heights and 8 workers killed by being hit by falling objects..... Yes, you read it right, I did say killed and yes, I did say Queensland alone. We all know for every person killed there are lots more seriously injured. ... It happens here, These 13 workers did not believe it would happen to them, neither did their employers. Our current harmonised legislation sets out clearly defined risk management strategies when it comes to managing falls and falling objects in our workplace. We are required to undertake a reasonably practicable approach and have some defined risk management strategies. This would include (but not be limited to) using the correct equipment, provide training to your staff members, ascertain their competencies and maintain your ladders and other relevant equipment. For every activity, you as an employer or manager must consider if you have addressed the most likely hazards in that particular task. Do not forget to involve the employee that is performing this task in your consultation and risk assessment. For every activity, you as an employer or manager must consider if you have addressed the most likely hazards in that particular task. Do not forget to involve the employee that is performing this task in your consultation and risk assessment. I just came across an interesting campaign by our regulator in raising awareness for "Preventing workers falling from trucks". Here is the link if you have a couple of minutes. https://www.worksafe.qld.gov.au//preventing-falls-from-tru. Lets get serious about increasing our awareness of working at heights and of falling objects. Simple things can go a long way, not only achieving compliance, but also in saving lives.

18.01.2022 We all worry about long hours affecting our personal health, but what if research also proves that excessive work hours are also killing your bottom line? Whether youre a cog in a very big wheel or a sole proprietor, it may just be time to stop and take a look at productivity versus activity. Of course the first question to address is exactly what constitutes long hours. Clearly, that will vary between individuals but eight hours a day really does seem to be optimal. In fact...Continue reading

17.01.2022 Interesting articles I came across: There are many misconceptions regarding both the content requirements and use of SWMS and how they relate to the Office of Federal Safety Commission (OFSC) criteria. In table 1.3 below, the key misconceptions are listed to confirm... what is not required by the OFSC criteria: Table 1.3 What is NOT required: 1. Lists of legislation or legislative references within SWMS are not required so long as the actual controls reflect any specific legislative requirement (e.g. specific PPE required by legislation would need to be specified in the control measures for the identified hazard if it is relevant to the work being undertaken). 2. Complete quotes or sections from Codes of Practice and Australian Standards inserted as controls are not required. 3. SWMS for activities not defined as High-Risk Construction Work as per the jurisdictional WHS Act or Regulations are not required. 4. Initial and residual risk ratings within the SWMS are not required (so long as risk is assessed elsewhere within the Principal Contractors system). 5. Contractor using the same SWMS template as the Principal Contractor is not required. 6. Principal Contractor approval of SWMS is not required (though review and correction of issues prior to commencement of work is required) For complete document here is the link: http://www.fsc.gov.au//AZ/Documents/SWMS%20Fact%20Sheet.pdf

16.01.2022 Has anyone used this app?

16.01.2022 Media Statements Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations, Minister for Racing and Minister for Multicultural Affairs The Honourable Grace Grace Tuesday, August 22, 2017 Palaszczuk Government seeks new offence of industrial manslaughter ...Continue reading

15.01.2022 Electrical Safety in 5 minutes On 9th August 2016, a 28-year-old male worker died after receiving an electric shock when the pruning tool he was using came on contact with a 22kv conductor. This was in Atherton Tablelands. We have all also heard the story of Jason Garrels from Gympie, who was electrocuted while building apartments in Clermont in February 2012. Yes, a successful prosecution was handed down after a coronial inquest, but that didnt help Jason or his family. L...ets face it, there is no workplace that does not use electricity? Because of the risk, we two different sets of legislation that determine and clarify what we must comply with. First, we need to address two areas: one is of the electrical equipment and the other is of the power source. With electrical equipment you must: 1. ensure that the electrical equipment you are to use has been tested and tagged and is in current test date or that the power source is connected to a Residual Current Device (RCD) or both, 2. If using a portable safety switch you may test that it trips after the equipment is being plugged in by pressing the test button on the side of the safety switch; 3. Our legislation does not allow us to use a double adaptor or piggy back plug in a workshop or construction site or anywhere in a workplace for that matter; 4. Do not use electrical leads that are frayed or damaged, 5. You must comply with the Lock Out, Tag Out system for all damaged equipment and ports. With electrical power sources, you must: 1. Make sure that the switch boards are kept clear at all times; 2. That the switch boards or power panel is RCD protected, 3. Make sure that the RCD protection is tested as per the legislation (it differs by industry). You will need an electrical equipment register, maintenance schedules, log books, testing and tagging logs and training records. You must have risk assessments and standard operating procedures for all electrical equipment. It is advisable to consider electrical safety at the pre-purchasing phase of any electrical item. All old and out of service equipment must be disposed responsibly. Unlike most dangers, electricity is invisible. The risk of death is real and ever-present and must be managed. Who knows, the life you save may be your own! If you need any guidance or clarification of your industrys requirements, I am very happy to assist without cost to you. Think of it as paying it forward.

15.01.2022 PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE) COMPLIANCE IN 5 MINUTES Personal Protective Equipment includes clothing and/or equipment designed to be worn by a person to protect them from risk of injury or illness. We all agree that PPE is the last and the least preferred risk management strategy. PPE can be your strength or your weakness. If the principles are applied correctly you can use PPE to increase your compliance If not used correctly, PPE can become your biggest nightmare.... The PPE must be identified based on a risk management process and also in conjunction with the employee where required. Once the relevant and suitable PPE is identified and decided upon, it must be made available. So be aware that if you have identified a certain PPE as a control measure in your risk assessment, safe work method statement, job safety analysis or any other document, you must make it available at the first opportunity. With PPE, the following five requirements must be followed (along with any others that may apply): 1. PPE issued must be relevant, compliant and must assist in risk reduction, 2. PPE once issued to an employee, must be worn by that employee, 3. The employee must be trained in the use, maintenance, and storage of that PPE, 4. Worn, or damaged PPE must be discontinued and replaced with appropriate PPE, 5. PPE must be fitted to the employee and must not be misused. Do not forget to have standard operating procedures for all your PPE. It is advisable to also have a PPE register and an adequate and responsible used PPE disposal procedure. If you need any assistance in determining your responsibilities and obligations, call us. We dont bite and we dont charge for simple phone advice!

14.01.2022 Eaglefarm Racecourse deaths leads to manslaughter charges. Most of us have heard about the devastating deaths of Humberto Leite and Ashley Morris on October 6, 2016. They were killed when a concrete slab, weighing between five and 10 tonnes, fell on them. The victims died while performing construction work at Eagle farm Racecourse.... Yesterday a 58-year-old Merrimac man was charged with manslaughter for this incident and has appeared the in court today. This case will be closely watched as further details emerge. Thoughts???

14.01.2022 HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS MANAGEMENT IN 5 MINUTES Chances are about 99.999% that you DO use chemicals in your workplace! But are they legally classified as hazardous? Firstly, lets consider just what constitutes a chemical and why I am so certain you use them. Will I find any methylated spirits or window cleaner in your workplace? Any fuel or paint? These are just simple examples but if you look around, you may just surprise yourself. The question I get asked is, How can I tell i...f something is classified as hazardous?. Grab the chemical, have a look at the label. The label will tell you if the chemical is hazardous or non-hazardous. If you have a Safety Data Sheet (previously known as MSDS) have a look at it. In section 2 of the Safety Data Sheet, it will tell you if the chemical you use is hazardous or non-hazardous. And dont assume that, because you only have a small amount or volume of that chemical, its exempt or simply doesnt count. Our current legislation requires us to manage all hazardous chemicals regardless of the quantity on hand. So, what are the five major things to remember? 1. Check whether the chemicals you have are classified as hazardous? 2. If they are hazardous, then you may require, a. A safety data sheet (previously known as MSDS) for each chemical, b. Chemicals risk assessment to be completed, c. A standard operating procedure for each hazardous chemical, d. A Chemicals Register, e. Appropriate spills kit, PPE and adequate training for your staff. 3. You will be required to store the chemical/s correctly, 4. You will be required to dispose of the used and any excess chemical/s in an appropriate and responsible manner. 5. Lastly, you may need an emergency management plan. If you need any assistance in determining your responsibilities and obligations, call us. We dont bite and we dont charge for simple phone advice!

13.01.2022 Incident Investigation in 5 minutes Accidents or incidents are an unplanned event or events that cause injury, illness, damage or loss. Our current legislation requires us to manage certain incidents in a specific manner. This includes some that require notification to our regulators, also known as the Division of Workplace Health and Safety in Queensland. The incidents that require further investigation and notification are called Notifiable incidents. As per our curr...ent legislation they include: (a) the death of a person; or (b) a serious injury or illness of a person; or (c) a dangerous incident. Further information on what classifies as serious injury or illness and dangerous incident is also available in our current legislation. A complete process on how you should notify the division is also clearly outlined. Did you know that as an owner of the business, it is your responsibility to notify the Division of Health and Safety in a timely manner? Failure to notify can result in monetary fines and can lead to prosecutions. Every workplace, regardless of size, must have a system to register, analyse and review all incidents and accidents. The level of risk assessment undertaken should reflect the severity of the incident or accident (apart from those that are specifically stipulated in the legislation). When undertaking investigations it is important to: 1. Determine the contributory cause of incident 2. Identify hazards, unsafe work practices and unsafe working conditions, 3. Collate accurate and unbiased data. Sometimes you may also be required to preserve the accident site. Other questions you may want to ask yourself include: Do you use an incident register? Do you investigate all relevant incidents? Do you review your processes and train your staff members based on these investigations? If you need any assistance in determining your responsibilities and obligations, call us. We dont bite and we dont charge for simple phone advice!

13.01.2022 Another prosecution.

12.01.2022 Food for thought!

11.01.2022 We always think it will not happen to us. An 18-year-old lost his life in Southern Queensland this week, in Nindigully to be specific, south of St. George. So now the toll of last five years is 1500 quad bike related hospitalisations and a total of 69 deaths in the last 15 years. Yes, we are talking about Queensland, Australia.... How can this happen? Why can this happen? Time for a major rethink, I say. We have laws and we have road rules. We are required to wear appropriate protection and we are required to follow other simple rules around carrying load. Will the regulator please step up? What will it take? Yes, it is time this stops!

09.01.2022 Plant Safety in 5 minutes Do you know what is classified as Plant your workplace? Do you know how to manage the Plant, Machinery and Equipment in your workplace? Our current legislation, Work Health and Safety Act 2011 says, that any item that you provide your employees to undertake work at your worksite, can be classified as a Plant. So, what are the 5 major things to remember?... 1. Check the definition of Plant in the legislation (provided below) and list what Plant does your company possess? 2. Tools and Equipment can be broken in to two categories, hand held or all others, 3. Whilst hand held, manually operated equipment are exempt from the Health and Safety Regulations 2011, for all other Plant, do you have: a. A risk assessment b. A standard operating procedure c. A plant registers where this plant is registered/listed d. A maintenance schedule if required e. Testing and tagging if required. 4. Training and appropriate PPE for all your employees. 5. Adequate guarding for machinery and appropriate signage. Do you have Registrable Plant in your workplace? The legislation is prescriptive on how to manage each Registrable Plant in your workplace. If you need any assistance in determining your responsibilities and obligations, call us. We dont bite and we dont charge for simple phone advice! Definition of Plant as per Work Health and Safety Act 2011: plant includes (a) any machinery, equipment, appliance, container, implement and tool; and (b) any component of any of those things; and (c) anything fitted or connected to any of those things.

09.01.2022 Just as I post an article on Electrical Safety, here is some news from the regulator: Workplace Health and Safety Queensland and the Electrical Safety Office are investigating a fatal electrical incident that occurred on Monday 22 August 2016 outside a house in The Gap. A tree lopper died after he received an electric shock when the tool on an extension pole he was using came into contact with overhead powerlines.

07.01.2022 This horrifying roller coaster in Japan is pedal-powered.

07.01.2022 WHS/OHS LEGISLATION COMPLIANCE IN 5 MINUTES. Whether youre the employer or an employee, you have obligations under WHS legislation! Are you aware of your obligations? Yes, there is a law that applies to us all of. ... The size and type of business will determine the extent of the compliance topics you need to address. If you are the owner of the business, here are the top five questions to ask yourself: 1. Am I providing a safe workplace, safe access, safe machinery and equipment and safe processes to my workers? 2. Have I got a process to assist my workers (employees and/or contractors) in case of an emergency or fire? 3. Have I provided training to my workers (employees and/or contractors) on the job they are required to perform? 4. Do I consult with my employees on ohs (whs) topics on regular base? 5. Do I manage and notify injuries and accidents appropriately? If you are a worker in the business, you must ask yourself: 1. Do I follow all procedures in my workplace? 2. Do I act safely and responsibly so that I dont injure myself and/or others? 3. Do I use all equipment, machinery and personal protective equipment (PPE) responsibly? 4. Do I participate in training? 5. Do I report all injuries, accidents and near misses to my manager? WHS obligations extend past the employer and employee. They also include and bind: 1. Contractors 2. Visitors 3. Volunteers 4. Members of Public 5. Work Experience personnel 6. Labour-hire personnel. It is important for an employer to provide clear directions on these health and safety topics in your workplace and it is equally important for an employee to follow them. If you need any assistance in determining your responsibilities and obligations, call us. We dont bite and we dont charge for simple phone advice! See more

05.01.2022 Manual handling and Injury prevention in 5 minutes Do you know that Manual Handling means any activity requiring a force for a person to lift, lower, push, pull, carry or otherwise move, hold or restrain any object? Back pain and injuries related to manual handling are some of the most frequent types of injuries, both on and off the job. Should an employee injure themselves when using or abusing your equipment, machinery or furniture, you may be responsible for injury manage...ment. You are not only responsible for new injuries but you, as an employer, have an obligation to manage any pre-existing injury/ies your employee may have. Some common causes for manual task injury include; awkward postures, repetitive work, over-exertion, and vibration. So, how can you keep yourself protected and your employees safe? Here are the top five things you may need to do: 1. Provide appropriate training in manual handling, correct lifting techniques, team lifting and sitting postures, 2. Always undertake a basic risk assessment 3. Have some personal fitness programs in place, 4. Discuss concerns and useful techniques with your employees and discourage heavy lifts by one individual, 5. Have adequate breaks and insist on proper hydration. You will need to train all your employees and contractors about your company or site rules on manual handling. Our current legislation does not stipulate a specific weight that you can ask your employees to carry or move. It all depends on personal capacity and risk assessment. But discretion is essential if you want to minimize risk. If you need any assistance in determining your responsibilities and obligations, call us. We dont bite and we dont charge for simple phone advice!

04.01.2022 Do you remember when a wall collapsed on Swanston Street in Melbourne killing three pedestrians. A company called Grocon was fined $250,000 in November 2014. The magistrates court confirmed the breach in Health and Safety legislation and charged Grocon that it failed to ensure that a workplace it managed or controlled was, so far as was reasonably practicable, safe and without risks to health. We thought that was the end of that. ... Well, now another company, Aussie Signs Pty Ltd has also been charged and has pleaded guilty. The case is now in the courts. Will any PCBUs and Sign companies take notice!!!!

04.01.2022 https://www.facebook.com/neville.newman.35/posts/525522117612848 Saw this on my friends site.

04.01.2022 LADDER SAFETY IN 5 MINUTES: Do you use ladders in your workplace? Do you know that there is legislation regarding the safe use of ladders in your workplace? ... The legislation even encompasses the smallest of step ladders. Types of ladders covered include single and extension ladders as well as trestle ladders. If you intend to do any work including construction work that involves a single or extension ladder, prior to work commencing, you must: o Ensure that each hazard that may result in a fall is identified; o Ensure that each risk of injury is assessed; o Ensure that control measures required to prevent or minimise the level of exposure are implemented. So, how can you keep yourself protected and your employees safe? Here are the top five things you may need to do: 1. The ladder must be secured against movement at or near the top or bottom preferably both; 2. The ladder must be on a firm stable surface; 3. The ladder must be erected at an angle between 70 and 80 degrees; 4. The ladder must be extended one metre above the surface being accessed; and 5. You must always use both hands on the rails when climbing You will need an industrial grade ladder for construction work. Other rules that apply are: You must maintain the ladder. A visual check prior to use must be carried out and if the ladder is found to be unsuitable or damaged in any way that could affect performance, it must not be used. It is important to use ladders strictly within the limits of the manufacturers specifications and instructions. This is especially relevant when it says Do not step on this rung or beyond as it does effect the integrity and stability of the ladder. If you need any assistance in determining your responsibilities and obligations, call us. We dont bite and we dont charge for simple phone advice!

03.01.2022 Fire Safety compliance in 5 minutes Fire Safety is an integral part of any business. Our current health and safety legislation requires us to manage emergencies. Our current Fire Safety legislation requires us to manage all hazards associated with fire. We need to address two areas: ... The first is the preparation of an emergency plan in case if fire and the second relates to your fire wardens and fire safety installations. As per the Health and Safety legislation you must: 1. Ensure that an emergency management procedure relevant to the size and type of your business is available, 2. Information and training relevant to all emergency plans and equipment is to be provided to all workers, 3. Ensure that all plans remain current and viable, 4. Ensure that an effective emergency response and evacuation procedures are in place, 5. Ensure that adequate testing of the emergency procedures, including the frequency of testing is addressed. With your Fire Wardens and Fire Safety Installations, you must: 1. Make sure that an adequate system, relevant to your business is in place, 2. That you can get assistance from emergency services if required, 3. That you have completed adequate training for relevant employees and tested the fire safety installations periodically for effectiveness. You will need registers, maintenance schedules, log books, testing and tagging logs and training records. Remember if you and your business are in Queensland, you must also comply with the Building Fire Safety Regulations. If you need any assistance in determining your responsibilities and obligations, call us. We dont bite and we dont charge for simple phone advice!

01.01.2022 CONTRACTOR MANAGEMENT IN 5 MINUTES Do you use contractors in your workplace? If yes, do you know that you are responsible for the contractors health and safety whilst they are on your premises? If a contractor injures themselves whilst on your premises or whilst working on your behalf, you may be required to cover them under your insurance. Should a contractor injure your staff member, even when using his or her own equipment, you may still be liable. How far does this obl...igation go? A prudent workplace would have a Contractor Safety Management System in place. So, how can you keep yourself protected and your employees safe? You may need to make sure you have assessed your contractor/s for the work you engage them to do. Here are the top five things you may need to do: 1. Check that the contractor is actually capable of performing the work you are about to engage them to do, 2. Check that the contractor is adequately qualified and insured, 3. Check that the contractor maintains and services all machinery and equipment they use, 4. Check that the contractor has a Safe Work Method Statement or a safe working procedure for each activity, 5. You may need to sight/review all the licenses that may be required to be held. You will need to induct the contractors on your company or site rules. Our current legislation requires us to manage all contractors regardless of the size of your business. The contractors must be adequately managed and are required by law to follow your rules whilst on your premises. Some welcome news where sensibility has reigned: Contractor Management is a multi-layered topic. Recently, the NSW case of Lee v Wickham Freight lines saw the verdict issued in favor of the Principal Contractors. A welcome relief indeed. This case whilst it sets a precedent, is also a reminder that we are all responsible for workplace health and safety. For further information and details on what is required at your workplace, call us http://whs.services See more