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Welcome to the 12th edition of prOHnewS
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It is terrific to be sending our final edition for 2011 in time to wish you a merry Christmas and provide further information on the direction of the OHS professional industry.
In this edition there is an update on WorkSafe’s owner visit program for medium businesses and an explanation of the key role OHS professionals are having in this program.
WorkSafe has established relationships with SIA, HFESA, and AIOH with a view of providing OHS professional directory services. Now is the time for uncertified consultants to become qualified and be a part of WorkSafe’s extensive panel of OHS professionals. This service will continue to assist employers to access and engage suitably qualified OHS consultants and receive a recognised scientific solutions-based approach to OHS issues.
The Safety in Action conference is a great opportunity to scout the extensive range of products, services, and interactive live demonstrations on occupational, health and safety.
I hope you enjoy this issue and continue to assist the development of the OHS profession.
On behalf of all at WorkSafe, have a safe and healthy festive season.
Clarke Martin
Chair, HaSPA
WorkSafe Victoria
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WorkSafe and OHS professionals
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WorkSafe is building a panel of OHS professionals to provide services to Victorian businesses. At the moment, small business employers with 20 or less workers are entitled to access three hours of free OHS consultation from an independent health and safety consultant.
The consultant will visit your workplace, identify safety issues and provide useful advice to address the issues. WorkSafe also funds 10 industry/employer associations that also offer this service.
This program provided about 500 consultancies in 2011, of which we’ve received positive feedback from our inspectors.
We are reviewing the program to ensure small businesses receive tailored support and advice to improve their health and safety, and return to work capabilities.
WorkSafe is also working with medium-sized businesses and OHS professionals to assist in the development of safety improvement plans (SIPs). The SIPs are developed by the businesses but fleshed out using advice from consultants. They map out activities for managers to use in line with agreed timelines.
The owners/directors sponsor these projects and ensure they are properly implemented. WorkSafe inspectors follow up with workplace inspections to monitor the progress and to see if hazards are being controlled.
WorkSafe has established relationships with the Safety Institute of Australia, Human Factors and Ergonomics Society of Australia and Australian Institute of Occupational Hygienists to provide OHS professional directory services. This service assists employers accessing and engaging suitably qualified OHS consultants.
For further information please click here
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National harmonisation
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The Victorian Government has confirmed its support for the principle of harmonisation subject to a satisfactory assessment of the impact and benefits to Victoria. It has stated that it is essential a national scheme benefits Victorian businesses, protects Victorian jobs and ensures Victoria’s position as the safest place to work is maintained.
The state government has initiated a supplementary Victorian-specific assessment looking at the impact of the proposed laws in Victoria. This process will take several months. The state government will evaluate the completed supplementary impact assessment and determine the best way forward to capture any benefits of harmonisation not already secured in the Victorian system, while minimising the costs of any regulatory increase for Victorian employers.
In the interim, WorkSafe continues to enforce Victoria’s existing Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004, Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2007 and Compliance Codes.
For further details of the Victorian Government’s position, refer to the following media releases of 14 September 2011 and 28 September 2011.
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OHS body of knowledge update
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The OHS body of knowledge is almost complete. The project will develop a consistent set of standards for OHS professionals. Launching in 2012, it will be the basis for OHS university courses. University OHS professional education program accreditation is underway with the establishment of the Australian OHS Education Accreditation Board, supported by the SIA.
Four major professional bodies are working on a proposal for certified OHS practitioners and professionals. The proposal includes three levels of certification for generalist OHS personnel - certified OHS practitioner, certified OHS professional and chartered OHS professional. A small pilot certification program will be done early next year.
For further information, please email pampryor@bigpond.com.
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Safety in Action 2012
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The annual Safety in Action conference will be held from Tuesday April 17 to Thursday April 19 at the Melbourne Convention Centre. It is a good opportunity to learn more about OHS, and explore a range of products, services and interactive live demonstrations.
To register go to thesafetyshow.com.au.
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Safety Institute of Australia’s new era
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The SIA has adopted a new strategy focusing on building capability and credentials of health and safety professionals and those with OHS responsibilities. It will engage partners from all areas of the OHS arena, providing exemplary services to its members and positively influencing the shape of OHS.
New chief executive officer, Keith Brown will drive SIA’s strategic direction and recruit senior managers for business development, marketing and membership development.
Membership, which has recently exceeded 4000, is representative of all aspects of industry and commerce, and all levels of involvement in OHS.
‘Our growing membership base will enable us to provide better development and improved networking opportunities for those members, as well as build platforms to influence OHS outcomes more broadly,’ Mr Brown said.
For further information go to sia.org.au.
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ACCC issues public warning notice
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The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission have issued a public warning notice in relation to the conduct of Safety Compliance Pty Ltd.
This NSW business sells workplace safety material to small businesses across Australia through telephone calls.
The public warning is in response to conduct reported in all states and the Northern Territory.
The ACCC released a public warning last month advising consumers (including businesses requiring further information with regard to their obligations under the relevant workplace safety laws) contact their respective state and/or territory workplace safety agency.
This is an example of two regulatory bodies working together for the greater benefit of the Australian community.
For further information please visit accc.gov.au. |
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Important information
- The Victorian WorkCover Authority collects personal information to enable us to perform our functions. For more information about the use, access and disclosure of this information, refer to our privacy policy at our website worksafe.vic.gov.au.
- prOHnewS includes material from a variety of other sources.
- Material from other organisations is provided in good faith as representing the views and policies of those organisations. It does not necessarily reflect the views or policy of the Victorian WorkCover Authority.
- Please consider the environment before printing.
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This email was sent by prOHnewS, WorkSafe Victoria,
222 Exhibition Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia.
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