February Updates
Axento Safety: Providing you with health and safety management solutions to enhance your business success.
Legislation update:
New health and safety legislation for WA
WA is expected to introduce their new health and safety act late this year. It is intended to combine their OHS and Mine Safety Acts and largely follow the harmonised legislation model in place in every other state and territory except Victoria (we are being left even further behind now)
Technical Amendments to the Model Work Health and Safety (WHS) Regulations
This document summarises key technical amendments to the model Work Health and Safety (WHS) Regulations and published on 9 January 2014.
Note: These amendments give prior notice of changes that may occur in all states and territories except Vic and perhaps WA.
New Draft Codes of Practice
Two new draft codes of practice were released in December 2013:
Code of Practice – Tree Trimming and Removal Work – Crane Access Method
This Code provides practical guidance on how to manage health and safety risks when accessing trees by crane to carry out tree trimming and tree removal work.
Code of Practice – Safe Design, Manufacture, Import and Supply of Plant
This Code provides practical guidance on how to eliminate or minimise health and safety risks when designing, manufacturing, importing or supplying plant that is used, or could reasonably be expected to be used at a workplace. The design of plant includes redesign and modification of plant.
Feedback sought on heavy vehicle industry regulations
A new discussion paper on use of in-vehicle technology in trucks, buses and coaches has been released for industry and public comment. Read more…
Health and Safety Performance Measurement
Safe Work Australia has published a paper called Issues in the measurement and reporting of work health and safety performance.
This publication is one of a series of research papers based on a project which will continue for 3 years, and is aimed at developing a standardised set of indicators businesses can use in annual reports as well as guidelines for the development of lead and lag indicators relevant to the size and nature of the business.
There is a lack of standardised and accepted indicators to measure the health and safety performance of businesses at an organised level. At the moment, health and safety information is being reported on a voluntary basis and is often selective and inconsistent.
Click here to learn more. If you would like assistance to develop performance measures that drive, the safe behaviours and productivity improvement you need, talk to Jon Temby.
Innovation
If we innovate we stay competitive, innovation in health and safety management should occur. Innovation across all business functions is important. Jon Temby can help you develop strategies to build employee innovation within a health and safety context. Here are some ideas from Canada to support a culture of innovation: Five Ways to Foster a Culture of Experimentation
Are your workers coping with the heat?
A reminder that health and safety laws in all states require workplaces to be safe and without risks to health – this includes the risk of heat-related illness and injury. The heat is on provides good advice.
New industry Standard: Piling and Foundation
WorkSafe have released a new standard for the piling and foundation (PF) engineering industry that covers the safe operation and maintenance of PF equipment and employee training. Check the link for information on the new standard: Piling and foundation
Key issues to be on top of in 2014 – AICD
RSM Bird Cameron’s Kim Hutchinson provides a list of changes and challenges that directors need to stay on top of in order to thrive in 2014.
The most successful businesses in 2014 will be those that recognise growth opportunities in a tighter market, ensure their due diligence and financing is appropriate and engage their workforce to drive productivity. Directors that stay on top of the following changes and challenges will achieve the best outcomes in 2014.
Corporate governance and probity issues:
As companies look to auditors and risk professionals, including internal auditors, to take on more risk than they did 12 months ago, the issues of corporate governance and probity remain high. It is essential to a company’s reputation and credibility that effective corporate governance practices are in place at all levels, are working effectively and that there is a process of continual improvement. Businesses should also focus on eliminating inappropriate behaviours and ensuring correct procedures are followed.
Read full article If you would like some assistance with health and safety related Corporate Governance, Due Diligence and Risk Minimisation strategies, please contact Axento Safety.
Axento Safety can offer your organisation and its executive team a combination of perspectives from health and safety (CFSIA), Management (AFAIM) and Director (MAICD) skills and experience.
Hazardous Substances Information System (HSIS) updated
The Hazardous Substances Information System (HSIS) is an online database of advisory chemical classification information published by Safe Work Australia for members of the public seeking information on chemical classifications.
Safe Work Australia has recently completed an update of the HSIS database to reflect the European Commission’s 3rd Adaptation to Technical Progress (ATP) to the CLP Regulation (Commission Regulation (EU) No 618/2012).
This update comprises changes to nine chemicals and the addition of ten new chemicals. As part of this update the consolidated lists available on the HSIS website have also been updated to reflect the data currently in HSIS.
For more information please visit the HSIS webpage http://hsis.safeworkaustralia.gov.au
If you need assistance with chemical registers, understanding MSDS/MDS, safe storage, handling, use or disposal of chemicals, please contact Axento Safety.
Jon Temby – Keynote Speaker Central Victorian OHS Group
SAFE WORK METHOD STATEMENTS (SWMS) STAGNATION OR INNOVATION?
We rely on SWMS: Workers know what to do, compliance is covered and directors as well as
our workers are safe……we all want to believe that (bleep). The key safety messages in most
SWMS are lost, workers are overloaded and don’t remember the important bits, Officer due
diligence is questionable, business doesn’t prosper, innovation is stifled and workers keep
getting hurt.
Jon Temby of Axento Safety will discuss the SWMS problem and open your eyes to a solution
that can lead to improved safety, coupled with greater situational awareness, accountability and
innovation. SWMS can be an investment, not a pain..
Tuesday 18th March 2014, 12.00 Midday. Lunch provided. Finish 1.30 PM.
Cost: FREE for Members, $50 per person for Non Members (Tax deductable receipt. Pay on the day)
Venue: All Seasons Quality Hotel, McIvor Highway, Bendigo
RSVP: By 16th March to info@cvohsgroup.com.au or phone 5441 1297
A copy of Jon’s presentation will be available on request for 1 week from the 18th March via the contact page on www.axentosafety.com.au