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January 2020
silica safe, quad safe
Read about our new media campaigns
summer safety
Prepare your workplace for
UV and heat
SAFETY AND WELLBEING
Plan for a healthy and safe 2020
Contents
Publisher
Published three times a year by
WorkSafe Tasmania.
Online
To see current and past editions,
our warnings about telefraud and
NEWS + EVENTS COVER
graphic images, and to subscribe,
go to worksafe.tas.gov.au then
STORY
choose the ‘Resources’ button
4 New quad bike safety media campaign then the ‘Workplace Issues
magazine’ link.
8 Workplace dust exposure: Be Silica Safe
Phone:
10 WorkSafe Month 2019 1300 366 322
11 The Mind Game Races for Research Email:
wstinfo@justice.tas.gov.au
17 National return to work strategy launched
17 Have you seen WorkSafe’s new website
Disclaimer
WorkSafe Tasmania and the
21 Prosecutions Crown in the right of the State
of Tasmania, its employees and
agents disclaim liability for the
safety accuracy or comprehensiveness of
the information, data and advice
provided in Workplace Issues; and
7 Asbestos lurks in more places than you’d will not be responsible for any
loss, however arising and whether
think or not due to negligence, arising
from reliance on, or action taken
9 Bullying: How to identify it in your workplace
on the basis of any information,
12 Spotlight on health care and manufacturing data or advice provided in
Workplace Issues.
14 Prepare your business for heatwaves The Mind Games Race for Research Any information, data and advice
15 Q&A Summer safety WorkSafe Tasmania was a stage sponsor of the inaugural is provided solely on the basis that
Mind Games in 2019. Here’s one of the other competing readers will be responsible for
making their own assessment and
16 Be an epilepsy smart workplace teams with their safety masterpiece; see the full story on
verification of such information,
page 11. data and advice before any
regulars
reliance is placed upon it.
Views expressed in Workplace
3 From the Minister page 8 Issues are those of the individual
contributors or the editorial
committee and are intended to
18 Build a safety system stimulate discussion. They do not
necessarily reflect the policy of
19 Build a wellbeing program the Government or WorkSafe
Tasmania.
20 About workers compensation
22 Business Tasmania: Here to help ISSN 1444-6316 (Print)
23 Everybody’s Talking ISSN 2204-5597 (Online)
Throughout, the acronyms
‘WHS’ stands for work health
A little bit of dust and safety and ‘PCBU’ stands for
can be deadly. person conducting a business or
Inhaling even a tiny amount of silica dust can cause deadly silicosis. So if you’re ever
undertaking.
unsafe around silica, even if you normally protect yourself, you’re in a lot of danger.
Learn more about silicosis and how to be silica safe at worksafe.tas.gov.au/silicasafe
2 Workplace Issues No. 95 January 2020 Don’t breathe dust. Be silica safe.
ELISE ARCHER MP
MINISTER FOR BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION
Make 2020 your safest and healthiest
year
legislate a presumptive provision that a post- You can see one of these compelling
traumatic stress disorder diagnosis is work advertisements in this magazine.
related.
Finally, this edition highlights WorkSafe’s
Also featured was the well attended ‘Silica safe’ campaign, which raises
wellness walk, practical workshops on awareness of silica dust exposure and the
mental health first aid and positive work terrible — sometimes fatal — diseases that
culture, plus online learning with webinars can be caused by inhaling silica dust. The
and videos. All these events continued the campaign’s TV and newspaper ads were
Month’s tradition of helping managers, aimed at tradespeople and others who
employers and workers learn how to may be exposed to silica dust through their
manage workplace hazards, to work work. This includes those who work with
safely, and to understand their rights and natural and engineered or composite stone
responsibilities. (for example making kitchen benchtops) and
in the construction industry. It also includes
I hope you were able to participate in one
home renovators who may be working with
or more of these events, and take away
these materials.
practical information to improve physical
and mental safety and wellbeing in your The ultimate aim of this campaign is to
workplace. prevent the diseases caused by workplace
dust exposure by encouraging employers
Quad bike safety is a priority for WorkSafe
and workers to take measures and act now.
Tasmania and the Tasmanian Government
in 2019-20. Together, we produced online Hopefully, you’ve seen these advertisements
and printed guidance, held free information and their important messages on your
Welcome to the first edition of Workplace sessions around the State, subsidised televisions or appearing in newspapers
Issues magazine for 2020. training courses on King and Flinders Islands, or your social media feed. If you or your
and introduced a quad bike safety rebate workers could be exposed to silica dust,
This edition captures the highlights of 2019’s
scheme to help farmers purchase rollover please see the practical resources at
WorkSafe Month events. These included
protection devices. worksafe.tas.gov.au/silicasafe.
the biennial WorkSafer Expo, hosted in
Launceston, which promoted innovative Capitalising on this important work, I hope you all have a safe, happy and healthy
and collaborative ways to make workplaces WorkSafe has taken quad bike safety to a new year.
safer, healthier and more productive. Guest broader audience, with powerful TV and
speakers and workshops covered leadership, newspaper advertisements highlighting the
mental health, anti-discrimination law, return life-saving importance of wearing a helmet
to work and much more, and were well when riding a quad bike, getting proper
received by participants. training, and not letting children use quad
bikes.
The Month included the PTSD: Mental
Health Matters Conference. Aimed at The advertisements promote the
specialists, injury management professionals, unfortunate, and often devastating, facts
at-risk workers and employers, this around quad bikes. In the last eight years,
conference supported the Tasmanian 128 Australians have died riding quad
Government’s nation-leading work to bikes. That includes 18 Australian children.
Workplace Issues No. 95 January 2020 3
news
+
events
New quad bike
safety media
campaign
About our new campaign Rebate scheme for farmers
Quad bike safety is a priority for WorkSafe Tasmania and the WorkSafe Tasmania and the Tasmanian Government continue to
Tasmanian Government in 2020, and a powerful new media offer rebates for Tasmanian farmers to improve safety on quad
campaign takes the quad bike safety message to a broader audience. bikes.
Designed to be thought-provoking, the TV and newspaper ads and The 12-month rebate scheme allows farmers to claim up to 50%
social media content highlight the life-saving importance of wearing of the purchase price (to a maximum of $500) for an approved
a helmet when riding a quad bike, getting proper training, and not operator/rollover/crush protection device, with up to a total of
letting children use adult size quad bikes. $1,000 available for each eligible farm workplace.
The ads promote the unfortunate facts around quad bikes. In the Rebates will be available until 30 June 2020 or until funds run out,
last eight years, 128 Australians have died riding quad bikes. That whichever occurs first. Rebates will be allocated on a first-in, first-
includes 18 Australian children. served basis to eligible applicants with complete applications.
To apply, go to worksafe.tas.gov.au and search for ‘rebate’.
Providing practical help
ike
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4 Workplace Issues No. 95 January 2020
73 people without a helmet.
73 dead.
In the last 8 years, 128 people have been killed riding quad bikes in Australia.
73 weren’t wearing helmets. A quad bike is not a toy, always wear a helmet.
2011–2018 national statistics. Source: Safe Work Australia.
Ride safe
Asbestos lurks in more places than you’d think.
safety
Asbestos
lurks in more places
than you’d think
Many people are unaware of the full range of materials containing
asbestos that can be found in and around many Australian homes.
The versatility of asbestos made it attractive to many industries.
It’s thought to have more than 3,000 applications worldwide; and
Australia was one of the highest users per capita in the world up
until the mid-1980s.
For a non-residential building: ask the
At a glance person with management or control for a
copy of the asbestos register before you
start work. If there’s no register, make sure
Whether you’re a tradesperson or a DIY
the building is inspected to determine if any
home renovator, if you’re doing renovations,
asbestos is present — or simply assume it
repairs or building work, it’s important
is present.
to first know whether asbestos may be
present and how to deal with it safely. To find a licensed assessor and/or
removalist, go to worksafe.tas.gov.au and
If a house/building was built or renovated
search for ‘removalist’.
before the 1990s, it probably contains some
form of asbestos.
The use of asbestos-containing materials Find it in the codes of practice
(ACMs) in homes has been extensive. There
are many areas where ACMs can be found,
For full guidance, see the codes of practice
such as:
How to Manage and Control Asbestos in
• carpet and tile underlays, vinyl sheet
the Workplace and How to Safely Remove
flooring
Asbestos in the Workplace.
• carports and sheds
• concrete formwork These codes have easy to understand,
practical guidance (including samples and
• fencing templates) for managing the risks associated
• guttering, roof sheeting and capping with asbestos in a workplace, and therefore
• imitation brick cladding, wall sheeting (flat reduce the incidence of asbestos-related
or a weatherboard style) diseases such as mesothelioma, asbestosis
and lung cancer.
• waterproof membranes.
Go to worksafe.tas.gov.au and search for
Approximately one third of all homes built
‘codes’.
in Australia contain asbestos products. The
widespread use of asbestos has left a deadly
legacy.
What to do: DIY homeowners
What to do: Tradespeople It’s important to know where asbestos is in
your home. You should consider engaging
an experienced asbestos assessor to identify
For houses: you should make sure any
any potential asbestos materials. To find
asbestos is identified and if possible, have it
one, go to worksafe.tas.gov.au and search
removed by a licensed asbestos removalist.
for ‘removalist’.
Workplace Issues No. 95 January 2020 7
news
+
events
Workplace dust exposure: Be Silica Safe
WorkSafe’s new campaign When these materials are worked on or
cut, silica is released as a fine dust.
tasks that could release silica dust.
WorkSafe’s new campaign raises awareness You should do a risk assessment for these
of silica dust exposure and the terrible — Depending on factors such as how much tasks at your workplace, to:
sometimes fatal — diseases that breathing dust a worker breathes in and for how long, • identify which workers are at risk of
in silica dust can cause. The ultimate aim crystalline silica can cause: exposure
of this campaign is to prevent the diseases • silicosis, a scarring of the lung which can • determine what sources and processes
caused by workplace dust exposure by result in a severe shortness of breath. are causing that risk
encouraging employers and workers to take Severe cases can result in complications
• identify if and what kind of control
measures and act now. leading to death. It is fast-acting. It is
measures should be implemented
not reversible — but it is a preventable
The campaign’s taglines are ‘Don’t breathe disease • check the effectiveness of your existing
dust’ and ‘Be silica safe’. It is aimed at control measures.
tradespeople and others who may be • lung cancer
exposed to silica dust through their work. • kidney disease.
This includes those who work with natural Control measures
and engineered or composite stone (for
example making kitchen benchtops) and in
At-risk occupations • Where possible, cutting, grinding, and
shaping should be done wet.
the construction industry. It also includes In the past, silicosis was associated with
• Ventilation and filtration systems should
home renovators who may be working with mining, quarrying, drilling and foundry work.
be used to collect silica-containing dust at
these materials. Its occurrence in these industries gradually
its source.
lessened as successful control measures
The campaign went live on 1 November • PPE should be used as a last resort. Face
(such as using water to keep dust down)
last year and is running statewide for three masks alone are not sufficient to protect
were introduced.
months. workers.
Silicosis is now reappearing, especially
The campaign includes television and print
where workers cut and shape stone,
commercials (see our back cover) and bus
advertising, supported by posts on our
sandstone or manufactured stone to Health monitoring
make kitchen, bathroom and commercial The Work Health and Safety Regulations
Facebook and Linked In sites, and a flyer
benchtops and other products. Other tasks 2012 require health monitoring to be
and poster that workplaces can print and
putting workers at risk include sandblasting, done for workers who may be exposed to
display. You can view, share and download
bricklaying, cutting bricks and tiles. Those crystalline silica during the course of their
these from our website at
working in demolition, construction and work.
worksafe.tas.gov.au/silicasafe.
mining are also at risk.
Home renovators should also follow
About silica dust guidelines to reduce their risk of inhaling
Resources
Silica is found in stone, rock, sand, gravel silica dust. For links to practical resources, go to
and clay, and bricks, tiles, concrete and worksafe.tas.gov.au/silicasafe.
some plastic materials. Engineered materials
containing silica, such as composite stone,
Controlling risks
are used to fabricate kitchen benches and If you’re a Person Conducting a Business or
countertops. Undertaking (PCBU), you must manage the
risks to health and safety associated with
8 Workplace Issues No. 95 January 2020
safety
Bullying: How to identify it in
your workplace
There’s a risk of workplace bullying insecurity, an acceptance of unreasonable Checklist: Key actions to take
wherever people work together. There behaviours or lack of behavioural standards,
may not be obvious signs of bullying at your unreasonable expectations of clients or • Consult or survey your workplace,
workplace, but this doesn’t mean it’s not customers. including those leaving your workplace.
happening.
• Check reporting systems.
Workplace bullying is best dealt with by Leadership styles • Look for work stressors.
preventing it before it creates a risk to
Autocratic behaviour that is strict and • Examine leadership styles.
WHS. The first step is to identify the
potential for workplace bullying or if it’s directive and does not allow workers to be • Review systems of work.
already occurring. involved in decision making. • Check workplace relationships.
Behaviour where little or no guidance is • Identify at-risk workers.
How to identify workplace bullying provided to workers; or responsibilities are
inappropriately and informally delegated to Why people don’t report it
• Regularly consult with your workers, subordinates.
managers, supervisors, health and There are many reasons why people don’t
Abusive behaviour.
safety representatives, and health and report being bullied or witnessing it, or
safety committees. You might consider don’t co-operate in inquiries. These may
conducting an anonymous survey. Systems of work include:
• Get feedback from workers who leave • lack of response from their PCBU,
the business; for example, through exit Lack of resources, lack of training, poorly
manager or supervisor
interviews. designed rostering, inappropriate scheduling
and shiftwork, unreasonable performance • lack of knowledge about bullying
• Monitor incident reports, workers measures or timeframes. behaviours and their effects
compensation claims, patterns of
• not knowing if there are policies and
absenteeism, sick leave, staff turnover,
and records of grievances. This may show Workplace relationships procedures in place for reporting and
managing bullying
regular patterns or sudden unexplained
changes. Poor communication, isolation, low levels of • uncertainty about where to seek help
support, work group hostility. • fear of retribution from the bully
• Recognise any changes in workplace
relationships between workers, • feeling intimidated or embarrassed
customers and managers. At-risk workers • believing the behaviour is part of the
The following factors may increase the risk workplace culture
Workers who are more at risk of
of workplace bullying. Do you have these in workplace bullying include casual workers, • thinking nothing will change
your workplace? young workers, new workers, apprentices/ • thinking their opportunities for
trainees, older workers, injured workers promotion at work or in the wider
Work stressors and workers on return to work plans, piece industry will be affected.
workers, and workers in a minority group
This is a summary from our guide How to
High job demands, limited job control, because of their ethnicity, religion, disability,
prevent and respond to workplace bullying.
organisational change (such as restructuring, gender or sexual preferences.
Find it at worksafe.tas.gov.au by searching
downsizing or significant technological for GB374.
change), role conflict and ambiguity, job
Workplace Issues No. 95 January 2020 9
news
+
events
WorkSafe Month 2019
WorkSafe Month 2019 was a excellent feedback from
great success! Our Safe Bodies, participants. Presented by
Safe Minds theme proved Garry Mills Peak Performance,
insightful and holistic, focusing the workshops highlighted the
on mental and physical health benefits of mentally healthy
and wellbeing at work. Our workplaces, how leaders can
events allowed employers create and maintain a positive
and workers to refresh their and healthy workplace, and
knowledge and learn new the steps that can be taken to
solutions for improving work support someone at work who
health and safety, wellbeing and may be struggling.
return to work; and reducing
The Australian Physiotherapy
work-related injury, illness and
Association Tasmanian Branch’s health and wellbeing. These are importance for mental health
death.
presentation on reducing the be available at www.worksafe. and wellbeing.
The Hon Elise Archer, Minister risk of manual handling tasks tas.gov.au by searching for
for Building and Construction, empowered supervisors, Jon Fletcher from Good to
‘month’.
launched WorkSafe Month at managers and workers to Great Tasmania discussed
Parliament Lawns at the Steps identify the early signs of Unions Tasmania hosted culture and performance
for Wellness walk. Participants musculoskeletal discomfort successful Health and Safety leadership; and Nic Stephen
enjoyed a lovely walk around St and appropriate work practice Representatives (HSR) from Advance Workforce
David’s Park before returning strategies to reduce the risk of conferences in Launceston and Development explained how
for some healthy refreshments. physical injury. Hobart. HSRs (and others with to align leadership with physical
an active role in WHS) heard and mental health and wellbeing.
Our PTSD: Mental Health OzHelp ran four Mental Health from and networked with Kate Gofton from Riverdale
Matters Conferences in Hobart First Aid courses around the experts, employers, injured Dairies delivered a powerful
and Launceston provided state, and these two-day workers and other HSRs. presentation on her experience
ground-breaking insights into courses taught participants how of a witnessing a tractor fatality.
the advancements made in to offer initial support to adults The month wrapped up
traumatic stress research and who are developing a mental with our WorkSafer Expo in Planning is already underway
how this knowledge can be health problem, experiencing Launceston. An exciting range for next year’s month, where
applied in various workplace the worsening of an existing of exhibitors from multiple we see the return of our
settings. The conference mental health problem or industries offered participants biennial WorkSafe Awards and
attracted medical practitioners, are in a mental health crisis, strategies and solutions to help Conference. So go to
researchers, employers and until appropriate professional keep workers safer, healthier worksafe.tas.gov.au/contact
workers from around the help is received or the crisis and more productive. and choose the ‘subscribe for
state, and all left with a greater resolves. The course curriculum updates and alerts’ option so
The Expo’s keynote speakers
understanding of the intricacies is evidence-based, informed you don’t miss our updates.
and workshops were also a
of post-traumatic stress by the Mental Health First Aid
great hit. For example, former
syndrome. Australia guidelines.
netballer and Australian
Diamonds Captain and
Work
Our Positive Work Culture During the month there was
workshops (held in Hobart, also an extensive webinar series. current AFLW player Sharni
Launceston and Ulverstone) Subjects ranged from asbestos Layton shared lessons from
were a great success with and sun protection to mental the sporting field and their
Safer
Work Health Safety
& Wellbeing Expo
2019
10 Workplace Issues No. 95 January 2020news
+
events
The inaugural Mind Games Race for Research was
held in October last year in Hobart. It was a fun,
action-packed event to raise money for mental
health research in Tasmania. Fifty corporate teams
were put through their paces in a series of fun
challenges at Macquarie Point.
‘Our WorkSafe Tasmania stage was a lot of fun!’
said WorkSafe’s Senior Communications Officer
Angela Davies. WorkSafe was a stage sponsor of
the event. Teams had 25 minutes to create a ‘safety
masterpiece’ from various materials. ‘Competitors
threw themselves into the challenge and produced
some amazing artwork!’
Other challenges on the day included life-size games
of snakes and ladders, a silent disco, re-creating one
of the sponsor’s TV ads, building a Tassie icon out of
bread, and creating new flavours of salmon and gin.
The Most Fabulous Five team, sponsored by
Clennett’s Mitre 10, took out the title of Inaugural
Mind Games Champions.
$70,000 was raised from the event for the Menzies
Institute for Medical Research to fund critical
research into the prevention and treatment of
mental health problems.
Workplace Issues No. 95 January 2020 11Spotlight
on health care and
Each edition we focus on different industries that WorkSafe has identified as priority industries.
HEALTH CARE This edition we will throw the spotlight on the Health Care and Social Assistance industry and the
Manufacturing industry.
AND SOCIAL
ASSISTANCE
INDUSTRY SNAPSHOT 2018 Tasmania’s health care industry
15%
of the total
Health Care is our state’s largest
employer. There are an estimated
37,000 employees in this industry which
Who reported the most injuries?
• personal carers and assistants
• health and welfare support workers
Tasmanian workforce making it the is around 15% of the total Tasmanian
largest employing industry in the state workforce. It includes: • midwifery and nursing professionals.
• hospitals, residential care and child care There has been one reported work-
services related fatality in Health Care in the last
14.1 serious injuries per million
hours worked
HIGHEST OF ALL INDUSTRIES
• pathology and diagnostic imaging
services
ten years.
Body stressing, falls slips and trips, and
• social assistance services. being hit by moving objects are the top
62% higher than the
state average
three causes of injury in this industry.
Health Care workforce
of
8.7 Over half of workers in this industry
are over 45, which is the second highest
Occupations with the highest
proportion after the Wholesale Trade
percentage of serious injuries
industry. Resources
The following resources on
The majority of health care workers are
worksafe.tas.gov.au are relevant
41% employed in hospital settings.
to both Health Care and
Manufacturing:
Personal Carers and Assistants
Health Care injuries • to manage the risk of body
Health Care reported the highest number stressing injuries, see the
of injuries each year for the last five years, hazardous manual tasks code of
practice. Search for ‘CP110’
13% and more than any other industry in 2018
(1,615 injuries). This is around 20% of all • to prevent falls, slips and trips,
reported injuries that occurred in the search for ‘slips’
Health and Welfare Support Workers previous year. • to manage new and young
workers, or older workers,
The industry reported 14.1 serious
search for ‘new’ or ‘older’
injuries per million hours worked: 62%
11% higher than the state average of 8.7. Fifty For resources specific to your
industry, click on the ‘Health and
four percent of serious injuries occurred
in residential care services. safety’ square then choose ‘safety
Midwifery and Nursing Professionals by industry’.
12 Workplace Issues No. 95 January 2020safety
manufacturing industries
All data, unless otherwise noted, is for 2018.
A serious injury is one that results in the worker requiring at least one week of time off work due to
their injury.
MANUFACTURING
Tasmania’s manufacturing industry INDUSTRY SNAPSHOT 2018
Manufacturing is 7% of the total
Tasmanian workforce. It includes the
Manufacturing injuries 44% decrease
in serious injury frequency rate
manufacturing of: There were 798 injuries in the over the last ten years
Manufacturing industry in 2018. Higher than the statewide decrease of
• food (meat, dairy, bakery, beverages)
• furniture
• fabricated metal products.
Thirty percent of injuries over the last
ten years resulted in at least one week off
work.
16% in the same period
Manufacturing workforce The Manufacturing industry has seen
dramatic improvement in its serious injury
Workers aged
Almost 80% of workers in this industry frequency rate over the last ten years 24 and under
are employed full-time, and there is an — dropping significantly by 44%. The report a higher serious
even representation of all age groups. industry is now in line with the statewide injury frequency rate than
average. other age brackets
Who reported the most injuries?
• workers aged 24 and under Occupations with the highest
Industry snapshots • miscellaneous factory process workers
percentage of serious injuries
WorkSafe’s Industry snapshot • food process workers.
reports and posters, which these
columns draw on:
Body stressing, falls slips and trips, and 18%
being hit by moving objects are the top
• survey the WHS performance three causes of injury in this industry.
of each industry group Miscellaneous Factory Process Workers
• identify emerging or existing
WHS issues for evaluation and
action
17%
• compare most current WHS
performance relative to
previous years and, where Food Process Workers
applicable, to other industries
across Tasmania.
Find your industry’s snapshot: go to 10%
worksafe.tas.gov.au and search for
‘industry snapshots’.
Fabrication Engineering Trades Workers
Workplace Issues No. 95 January 2020 13safety
Prepare your business
for heatwaves
Whether or not you agree with Some people experience the effects prevent them and how to prepare for
climate change, it does seem like each of extreme heat more than others; for hot weather. It includes a useful list of
summer gets hotter and hotter. And example, the elderly, babies and young emergency phone numbers and websites.
there is evidence to support this. The children. Outdoor workers are also at risk.
Tasmanian State Natural Disaster Risk While it’s not specifically aimed at
Assessment (TSNDRA) examines the workplaces, the guide’s information
state’s risk for natural disasters and What workplaces can do (including a checklist) can apply. Have
severe weather events such as storms, plenty of cold water and even ice freely
The work health and safety laws don’t
bushfires and coastal inundation. Its latest available, and encourage workers to drink
state a precise temperature where work
risk assessment for Tasmania states the plenty of water to stay hydrated, avoiding
should stop. This is because exposure to
annual number of heatwave days observed caffeinated and sugary drinks which can
heat-related illness depends on factors
in Hobart has increased from over the make dehydration worse.
such as humidity, air movement, the work
last half-century. There’s also been an being done and how long for, and worker’s
increase in the frequency and intensity of clothing and their health and fitness.
heatwaves across Australia, too.
If a heatwave or unusually hot
temperatures are forecast, make sure
The effects of heatwaves your workplace is prepared. Our Q&A on
The Bureau of Meteorology defines a summer safety (opposite page) provides
heatwave as ‘three or more days of high some practical advice for protecting your
maximum and minimum temperatures workers from hot temperatures, including
that are unusual for that location’; so a adaptations and features to include in your
heatwave in Hobart or Launceston is working environment.
different to one in Perth or Adelaide.
Our website has guidance and resources;
According to the TSNDRA, heatwaves kill go to www.worksafe.tas.gov.au and search
more people in Australia than all other for ‘hot and cold’.
To find the Tasmanian
natural disasters combined. They also
cause expensive livestock and crop losses,
The Department of Health has practical State Natural Disaster
resources for coping with extreme heat,
and damage to infrastructure such as Risk Assessment and a
go to dhhs.tas.gov.au and search for
roads and railways.
‘extreme heat’. Its guide to Coping in heat wave fact sheet,
Heat-related illness includes dehydration, Extreme Heat has detailed information go to ses.tas.gov.au and
heat cramps, heat exhaustion and about how to recognise the symptoms of search for ‘TSNDRA’.
heatstroke. The last two in particular can heat-related illnesses such as heat stroke,
be life-threatening and require urgent what to do for someone suffering from
medical treatment. the heat, and importantly what steps to
14 Workplace Issues No. 95 January 2020safety
Summer safety
We had a Christmas party Employers should consult with workers,
and specialists if necessary, on the most
How do I protect my
at work, but things got a effective ways to keep the workplace at a outdoor workers from the
bit out of hand with the comfortable and safe temperature. sun?
drinking ... Keep in mind that: People who work outdoors are exposed
Next year, how do we have a • the temperature inside non-air- to more radiation than indoor workers,
and they have a higher than average risk of
good time but a safe time? conditioned premises can exceed the
outside air temperature developing common skin cancers.
Options include: • once ‘heated up’ and depending on its Control measures should include:
• serve plenty of non-alcoholic drinks construction and insulation, your building • planning to work indoors or in the shade
• provide food, and not just salty, may retain heat for some period of time. during the middle of the day when
greasy food that will make people Measures that you might consider for UV radiation levels are strongest; and
thirsty. Foods rich in protein and alleviating uncomfortably hot conditions planning to do outdoor work tasks early
carbohydrates stay in the stomach include: in the morning or later in the afternoon
longer and help slow the absorption of when UV radiation levels are lower
alcohol • using blinds and curtains to minimise
sunlight • providing shade for breaks if it’s not
• anticipate the need for taxis or public available in the environment. Examples
transport, or organise a designated • using a fan or portable air conditioner to
include tents, caravans, windbreaks or
driver schedule before the party starts keep air circulating
portable shade canopies
• designate people to implement your drug • taking breaks in or even transferring
• providing and maintaining personal
and alcohol policy if necessary, to ensure work to cooler areas
protective equipment such as long
no one over-indulges or drives home over • re-organising work schedules so work pants, shirts with long sleeves and turn-
the legal limit. can be done in cooler parts of the day up collars, and hats with broad brims
such as early morning. or legionnaire-style flaps (you can get
For more information, go to
worksafe.tas.gov.au and search for ‘alcohol’. If your workplace is not air-conditioned, attachments for helmets and hard hats),
understand that your workers could be and sunglasses that meet the appropriate
at risk of a heat-related illness such as Australian Standard
What temperature should dehydration or heatstroke, which can be • providing sunscreen of at least SPF
my workplace be in the life-threatening and require urgent medical 50 that is broad spectrum and water
summertime? attention. resistant.
The code of practice Managing the Work Cancer Council Australia has a detailed
Optimum conditions for sedentary work
Environment and Facilities provides more safety guide ‘Skin cancer and outdoor
are between 20 and 26 degrees Celsius.
information and practical guidance on work: A work health and safety guide’ that
Temperatures outside this range can lead
ensuring your work environment is safe includes risk assessment, sun protection
to fatigue and heat or cold-related illnesses,
for workers. Go to worksafe.tas.gov.au and policies, training and skin checks. Go to
depending on the time of year and the
search for ‘CP124’. cancer.org.au and search for ‘skin cancer
clothing you wear. The ideal temperature
and outdoor work’.
for people doing other work varies, again
depending on what they’re doing and wearing.
Workplace Issues No. 95 January 2020 15safety
Be an epilepsy smart
workplace
In Australia it is unlawful to deny people supportive environments free of stigma You should also:
with epilepsy access to employment or any and discrimination are among their most • keep walkways clear
activity because of their epilepsy. Yet new pressing concerns.
• consider the placement of toilet roll
research released during WorkSafe Month
holders, in case of a seizure in bathroom
2019 by Epilepsy Tasmania shows that
significant barriers still exist for people with
What workplaces can do • be able to unlock toilets from the outside
epilepsy. Employers play a role in improving this in event of a seizure
situation by inviting employees who are • provide lidded cups for hot drinks
Epilepsy Tasmania’s report, Epilepsy –
carers to seek help through their workplace • place sharp objects face-down in the
A Focus On Tasmania, reveals 52% of
assistance program and access extra dishwasher
Tasmanians living with epilepsy (whether
support and information; by ensuring all
they have epilepsy or a family member • keep cupboards, drawers and
staff have undertaken seizure first aid
does) report unfair treatment in the dishwashers closed when not in use
training; and by understanding epilepsy and
workplace. Stigma and discrimination are • ensure all staff undertake training in
how it impacts people.
significant contributors to poor physical and epilepsy management and understanding.
mental health in people with epilepsy. Recommended priorities for all workplaces
include:
Epilepsy Tasmania launched a public
• creating a health room with bedding
Workplace resources
awareness campaign during WorkSafe
and dimmed lighting to facilitate seizure Epilepsy Tasmania can visit your workplace
Month to encourage workplaces to become
recovery and provide Epilepsy Smart Workplace
Epilepsy Smart.
• keeping a seizure first aid poster, small Training, or you can do online training to
‘It’s not just employees who might increase your practical knowledge. For
pillow and a blanket near the workplace
have epilepsy — it could be customers, more information call 6344 6881 or go to
first aid kit
contractors, friends and family members epilepsytasmania.org.au.
who visit the business’, said Epilepsy • ensuring all staff undertake seizure first
Tasmania CEO Wendy Groot. aid training.
‘With one in 10 Australians experiencing Priorities for workplaces with an employee
a seizure during their life and one in 26 who experiences seizures include having:
going on to develop epilepsy, seizures are • outward opening doors in bathrooms
not uncommon and organisations need to • temperature-controlled hot water taps
know what to do should one occur in the • shatter-proof crockery
workplace’.
• recessed handles This article was supplied by Epilepsy Tasmania, a
Between 2016 and 2019, Epilepsy Tasmania • rounded corners on desks and tables
not-for-profit community organisation improving the
quality of life of Tasmanians with epilepsy, and those
surveyed Tasmanians with epilepsy and their
• laminated glass on full-length windows around them, through education, co-ordination and
family and carers, and ascertained their support. For more information go to
main challenges to be almost exclusively • flicker-free computer screens epilepsytasmania.org.au.
related to social, cultural and economic • carpeted (softer) floors.
issues. Lack of public awareness and
16 Workplace Issues No. 95 January 2020news news
+ +
National events events
return Have
to work you seen
strategy WorkSafe’s
launched new
Safe Work Australia launched the National safety ministers. Consultation was also
Return to Work Strategy 2020–2030 in
September 2019, an ambitious 10 year
action plan to improve return to work
undertaken with academics, peak bodies,
organisations and representatives from the
insurance, legal and health sectors to help
website?
outcomes for workers across Australia. identify national policy issues and action
areas to address them.
Prioritising workers It is aimed at those who can influence
work and workplaces, including:
Workers are at the heart of the Strategy’s
vision to minimise the impact of work- • policy makers
related injury and illness and enable • workers compensation authorities
workers to have a timely, safe and durable • employer, industry and union groups
return to work.
• insurers and claims management
Supporting workers through their organisations
recovery and return to work is a priority • treating health practitioners
for all jurisdictions and stakeholders
• workplace rehabilitation providers
involved in the process. The Strategy WorkSafe Tasmania has
paves the way for national collaboration • other worker advocates.
to improve return to work outcomes over launched its new website at
the next decade. Context for change worksafe.tas.gov.au, with new
and expanded content to meet
More than half a million Australians sustain
Action areas a work-related injury or illness each year
all your health and safety,
The Strategy has five action areas: at an estimated cost of $61.8 billion. licencing, compensation and
• supporting workers Australia’s workers compensation systems return to work needs in one
• building positive workplace culture and alone bear direct costs of $9 billion each location.
leadership year from income support, treatment and
rehabilitation and lump sum payments. The new site merges the
• supporting employers
However, the broader impact on workers, websites of the WorkCover
• supporting other stakeholders their families and society is estimated to
Tasmania Board, WorkSafe
• building and translating evidence. be far greater.
Tasmania and Better Work
The Strategy complements the Australian While the rate of work-related injury and
Work Health and Safety Strategy 2012– illness has improved markedly over the
Tasmania. It provides a
2022, strengthening connections between last 15 years, return to work rates have more streamlined ‘one stop
work health and safety and return to work remained largely the same. shop’ experience for our
outcomes. To date, jurisdictions have largely worked stakeholders: whether that’s
The Strategy will be reviewed after the separately to address issues of return to employers, workers, small
first five years to ensure it continues to work. The new national Strategy paves the business, medical and rehab
be responsive to current priorities and way for national collaboration to improve
providers, and insurers.
emerging trends. The outcomes of this outcomes for workers.
review will guide national action for the
In the past, you may have had to
last five years of the Strategy. Find the Strategy jump across the different sites to
Working together You can find the National Return to get what you needed: now you
Work Strategy 2020–2030 at Safe Work
can go to one single website,
The Strategy was developed in partnership Australia’s website at safeworkaustralia.
with governments, business, industry and gov.au/national-return-to-work- worksafe.tas.gov.au.
unions, and endorsed by work health and strategy-2020-2030.
Workplace Issues No. 95 January 2020 17regular
Build a safety system:
taking stock in the new year
The start of the new year is a
good time to review your business
Training (Dec 2016, March 2017) Reporting (Sept 2018)
practices and goals, including your Have you listed the competencies, Do you have tools and procedures for
safety management system. qualifications, training and experience reporting and recording incidents, injuries/
workers need to safely do their work? illnesses, near misses, and hazards? Do
Let’s look back at the instructions and
Have workers been trained to match you report on safety performance to your
topics covered in this regular column to
these requirements or address any gaps? workers? Do you keep records of how
review your system as you enter into
Do you provide regular refresher training? you’re managing WHS, complying with
2020. This is a brief summary only, so
Have managers been trained so they the laws, and how you came to decisions
if there is any topic you need to review
understand their WHS responsibilities, about safety issues?
or fix, find the previous editions of
Workplace Issues at worksafe.tas.gov.au. and can they make sure the workers they
manage are working safely? Document it (Dec 2018)
Safety policy (Sept 2015) This series has promoted the need to
A key element of managing safety is a
Recruitment (Sept 2017) document your policies, procedures,
Do job descriptions identify specific WHS plans, hazards, inductions and more. Do
WHS policy. It ensures everyone knows
requirements? Does the way you recruit you display key safety documents and/or
what is required and what they have
ensure you’ll choose the people with the make them easily accessible around your
responsibilities for. Does your policy cover
best competencies for the job? workplace? Do you review and keep them
these? Did you involve your workers (or
up to date?
their representatives) to develop it? Do
your workers know and understand the Inductions (June 2017) Risk management (May 2019)
policy?
Do you induct all new workers? Have
all workers been inducted, including Have you identified hazards, assessed their
Planning (Dec 2015) contractors and outsiders who come to risk, and developed control measures using
your workplace? Do you have a system the hierarchy of control? Tools to do this
Do you have safety objectives and specific,
for ensuring workers understand what include job safety analyses and hazard
achievable (but aspirational) targets? Do
they are learning? Have you tailored your registers.
you have the resources needed to achieve
these? Are you tracking your performance induction for the specific work tasks and
against these? hazards at your workplace? Emergencies (Sept 2019)
Have you identified potential emergencies
Resourcing (Mar 2016) Consultation (Dec 2017, Mar in and near your workplace? Do you have
For a successful and sustainable safety 2018, June 2018) an up-to-date plan of what needs to be
done in an emergency?
system, you need dedicated resourcing. Do you have procedures (developed with
What time, money, people, equipment, your workers) that outline how your Do you have staff with emergency duties,
training and information do you need to workers are involved in and consulted such as fire wardens? Have you trained
reduce your safety risks? with on WHS matters and on proposed all workers in emergency procedures?
changes in the workplace? Do you have the emergency and first aid
equipment on hand appropriate to the
Who is responsible (June 2016) What role do HSRs play in consultation potential emergencies you’ve identified?
Do your senior managers understand their in your workplace? How do you
communicate your WHS information Are you clear on what you need to
legal WHS responsibilities? Do they stay tell emergency personnel about your
up to date with the workplace’s safety (policies, procedures, updates, names of
health and safety reps, info about hazards)? workplace: for example, the hazards and
performance? Are people’s responsibilities chemicals present?
and authority documented in their job Do you need to provide it in languages
description or your WHS policy and other than English? Do you share it with
plan? This includes people who maintain your contractors, suppliers and even
equipment, conduct WHS training, and customers? In turn, do they need to
health and safety reps. provide you with safety information (such
as safety data sheets for chemicals)?
18 Workplace Issues No. 95 January 2020regular
Build a wellbeing program:
review for the new year
A new year and the summer season is
the time for fresh starts. Many of us
Get the ball rolling (Mar 2018) Policies and plans (Dec 2018)
make plans for healthier living, kick Check that your program has assessed Do you have a written wellbeing policy
start an exercise routine while the workers’ needs and identified health and plan in place, to keep you focussed
sun is shining, or overhaul our diets issues in your workplace, and that you’re and organised, and demonstrate your
when there’s delicious summer fruit addressing those needs. Make sure all your workplace’s commitment to wellbeing? Do
around. There’s no reason we can’t workers have the ability to participate, you review these as your program grows,
take a fresh eye to our workplace regardless of their role, employment and workers’ needs change? Do you
wellbeing too. status, shifts/hours, and of course health communicate these to all workers?
status. And remember that a successful This edition also explained the specifics
Let’s use the start of the new year to look
program doesn’t need to be expensive of setting specific and practical goals and
back at the ground we’ve covered in this
for you to run or for your workers to strategies, so check it out if you need a
column. Our aim has been to help you
participate in. refresher.
build a sustainable wellbeing program; let’s
use this guidance to review your program If you’re the program’s co-ordinator, make
as you enter into 2020. sure you have the time, resources and
management support/commitment to plan
Engage for success (May 2019)
your program for long-term sustainability. Have you provided your senior managers
Why workplace wellbeing? with information on the cost of your
(June 2017) Get organised (June 2018) wellbeing program, the time it takes to
implement and the benefit to workers and
Do you need a refresher on the business
If you’re the program co-ordinator, do the business? Have you been able to show
case for workplace wellbeing? In this
you have a working group or committee them the link between wellbeing, safety
edition we established the benefits of
to share the workload, and represent and productivity?
boosting workers’ health and wellbeing
workers’ interests and needs? Have you communicated with workers,
during work hours; and the benefits to
business, safety and productivity as well as Responsibilities for this group can include addressing any reluctance or concerns
to individual workers. working out what health issues need to be they have, and making sure they know the
addressed; identifying potential barriers to health benefits of participating?
your program’s success and solutions for
Wellbeing and safety (Sept 17) overcoming these; coming up with your
Do you have some enthusiastic champions
in your workplace? And have you
In this edition we explored the links program’s activities, strategies and goals; consulted with your health and safety
between workplace safety and wellbeing, and identifying resources and facilities. committee members or representatives,
and strategies for making wellbeing a focus
human resources department, even
in your workplace.
What do you need (Sept 2018) relevant unions to get them on board?
Have you made wellbeing an agenda item
Have you asked workers what their health
for your health and safety committee?
Have you built wellbeing actions into
concerns are, so you know what issues Engaging external providers
safety procedures; for example, making
to address? What method works best for (Sept 2019)
your workers: a suggestion box, email, or
stand-and-stretch breaks part of lengthy In this edition we ran through a ‘checklist’
discussion at a team meeting? Have you
meetings? Do you encourage workers to help you choose an external service
ensured confidentiality so workers can
to identify wellbeing hazards, such as provider. This includes accreditation,
safely tell you their health concerns? Have
sedentary work or stressful situations? Do insurance, qualifications, testimonials,
you reached all workers, including those
you run training and information sessions equipment and more. So if you’re
who work night shift, part-time or ‘on the
on wellbeing matters, such as mental considering calling in a yoga teacher for
road’?
health in the workplace? some classes or a medical practitioner for
Have you looked at your workplace to health checks, use our guidance to ensure
see if it supports your wellbeing goals and you make the right choice.
planned activities? For example, is there
somewhere for workers to change in and
out of exercise clothes for a lunchtime
walk, or to securely store their bikes?
Workplace Issues No. 95 January 2020 19regular
About workers comp:
Return to work co-ordinators
What’s a RTW co-ordinator? Workplace examples
A return to work (RTW) co-ordinator is someone who provides Our auditor recently came across the following situations
an injured worker with workplace-based support and assistance. (identifying details have been changed):
A RTW co-ordinator helps injured workers achieve the best • example 1: An employer had multiple worksites. Its main site in
possible return to work outcomes through their intimate knowledge the north of the state had 100 workers, but its other regional
and understanding of the various jobs, processes, people and sites had less than 100. The employer appointed a RTW
management systems within the workplace. Co-ordinator for the northern site, but not for the others
• example 2: An employer had two worksites. Its southern site
Their functions may include: had more than 100 workers and its east coast site had less than
• helping identify suitable alternative duties within the workplace 100. The employer did not appoint a RTW co-ordinator at all.
for the injured worker
The laws require an employer who employs more than 100 workers
• helping develop and implement return to work plans and injury to appoint a RTW co-ordinator. It does not state ‘at each site’. The
management plans number of RTW co-ordinators appointed should take into account:
• co-ordinating injury management • the number and remoteness of worksites
• monitoring the injured worker’s return to work progress, and • case load
providing them with moral support
• cover for RTW co-ordinators during absences.
• providing input into workplace health and safety, having
knowledge of the workplace’s approved injury management So for both of the above two situations, the employer must appoint
program, and providing input into the development of the a RTW co-ordinator who is able to perform the functions of the
workplace’s injury management policy and associated processes. RTW co-ordinator at both/all of the sites or alternatively appoint a
separate RTW co-ordinator for each site.
A good RTW co-ordinator is:
• someone with a genuine desire to perform the role
• respected and supported by staff and managers
• sensitive and empathetic to workers’ needs
Resources
• familiar with/has access to the workplace
For more detailed information about a RTW co-ordinator’s
• objective and can weigh up the needs of the worker and the functions and skills, how to appoint them, and the training they
workplace. should receive, go to worksafe.tas.gov.au and search for ‘RTWC’.
Our Workers Compensation Handbook: The Basics is also a good,
easy to understand reference to the workers compensation and
What’s the legal requirement? injury management processes. Find it at worksafe.tas.gov.au by
searching for ‘GB010’.
Section 143D of the Workers Rehabilitation and Compensation Act
1988 requires employers:
• with more than 100 workers to appoint a RTW co-ordinator
• to assign an injured worker who has suffered a significant injury
(that is, is likely to be totally or partially incapacitated for more
than 5 working days) to the appointed RTW co-ordinator.
Employers with less than 100 workers are also encouraged to
consider the benefits of appointing and training an existing worker
to undertake this valuable role.
20 Workplace Issues No. 95 January 2020news
+
events
Pizza shop fined after
worker’s hand caught
in dough mixer
Building company prosecuted after
apprentices exposed to asbestos Sole trader Carlee Chirichiello, trading as
Nan’s Pizzeria, was prosecuted and fined
$7,000 after a worker suffered significant
R & D Rimmelzwaan Pty Ltd was prosecuted and fined $4,000 after two apprentice damage to his left hand while operating a
carpenters were exposed to asbestos during an illegal removal. pizza dough mixer.
The incident The incident
The company purchased a residential property with the intention of demolishing the The sole trader had been in operation for
residence and constructing a three unit development. around 12 months, and the worker was
employed on a casual basis.
WorkSafe Tasmania identified that the property was likely to have asbestos containing
materials (ACMs) when the relevant council advertised it in its list of recent planning On 22 April 2017, the worker was mixing
applications. pizza dough using an IGF Atlas 2200/S42
Mixer when his left hand became tangled in
On 6 December 2016, two apprentices employed by the company were instructed the mixer between the spiral and the bowl.
by a company director to strip some of the internal linings in the kitchen, some of The worker suffered significant injury to his
the external fake brick cladding on the rear of the residence, and some of the roofing left thumb; muscle was torn away from the
covering a partially-enclosed carport. Essentially this was asbestos removal work. heel of his left hand; and he suffered tendon
damage to his fingers.
WorkSafe Tasmania inspectors attended the site the next day to confirm the existence
of ACMs. They found the two apprentices working at the back of the residence with no WorkSafe Tasmania’s investigation found:
signage or barricades erected to advise that asbestos removal was taking place. • the mixer’s control card was
WorkSafe’s investigation found the apprentices were exposed to risks from ACMs, and unserviceable
that the company: • the stop/start push buttons on the front
• had not provided training on the identification, safe handling and suitable control of the mixer were not functioning
measures for ACMs • the safety switches for the guard and the
• had not provided health monitoring for the apprentices bowl had been bypassed.
• did not have a building audit undertaken to identify ACMs before directing the
apprentices to carry out the asbestos removal work. What could have been done?
The sole trader could have tested the safety
What could have been done? switches, emergency stop and safety shut-
off switches before introducing the mixer
The company could have:
into the workplace.
• provided training in identification, safe handling and suitable control measures for
asbestos before the apprentices were directed to carry out asbestos removal work
• provided health monitoring to the apprentices before they carried out the work The charges
where there was a risk of exposure to asbestos The sole trader was charged with one
• engaged the services of a licensed asbestos removalist. count of failure to comply with a health and
safety duty under Section 33 of the Work
Health and Safety Act 2012.
The charges
The sole trader plead guilty to the charge,
R & D Rimmelzwaan Pty Ltd was charged with: and was convicted on the charge and fined
• one count of failure to train workers about asbestos contrary to regulation 445(1) of $7,000.
the Work Health and Safety Regulations 2012
• two counts of failure to provide health monitoring contrary to regulation 435 of the
Work Health and Safety Regulations 2012.
The company pleaded guilty to all charges, and was convicted on all charges and fined
$4,000.
Workplace Issues No. 95 January 2020 21You can also read
