Health & Safety Stakeholder Reference Group

31 May 2012 2 - 4pm Level 7, 222 Exhibition Street

Agenda

Time 2.00

2.10

3.10

3.30

3.40

3.45

Agenda item Welcome, Minutes, Action items David Caple – HSR Support Evaluation Report Prevention Strategy Update LPIS update Other Business Close

Page 2

Apologies, Minutes, Actions

Apologies Previous Minutes - SRG dated 26 April 2012 Action items from previous meeting

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WorkSafe Victoria – HSR Project

Evaluation of the support that WorkSafe Victoria provides to Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs) in the workplace.

Prof. David C Caple

David Caple & Associates Pty Ltd

Project Scope

1.

What has been the current strengths and weaknesses of the current support that WorkSafe provides to HSRs, in particular, the HSR Support Officers (HSRSO) program?

2.

What factors contribute to successful HSR support, and what are the barriers?

3.

What are the most effective ways for WorkSafe to provide support to HSRs?

David Caple & Associates Pty Ltd

2012

Current WorkSafe Support to HSRs

• • • • • • Funding Unions to engage HSRSOs Dedicated HSR support resource and HSR training course approvals and audits WorkSafe Inspectors attending workplaces to address OHS issues WorkSafe Advisory Service providing a contact point for OHS advice Annual HSR Conference and WorkSafe Awards for HSRs Funding at the Victorian Trades Hall Council (VTHC) website for HSRs David Caple & Associates Pty Ltd

2012

Sources of Advice

     WorkSafe survey indicate HSRSO as a source of advice for HSRs HSR website – third party practical advice WorkSafe website – difficult to navigate and not targeted to HSR needs WorkSafe Advisory Service – general advice Majority of advice from company websites and OHS advisors David Caple & Associates Pty Ltd

2012

Project Methodology

1. 19 Case studies 2. Literature review 3. Reviewing data from WorkSafe’s Social Research Unit 4. Stakeholder consultations  WorkSafe Victoria   Union representatives Employer representatives David Caple & Associates Pty Ltd

2012

Key Findings

 The total number of HSRs in Victorian workplaces is unknown

HSRs in Unions with HSRSOs – 3,000 HSRs elected and trained Health & Safety Advocates

 Estimated 20,000-25,000 in Victoria David Caple & Associates Pty Ltd

2012

HSR Support from WorkSafe Inspectors

  Inspectors need to respect the role of HSRs through consultation and engagement when onsite Inspectors need to support resolution of technical OHS issues and reinforce the importance of consultation arrangements David Caple & Associates Pty Ltd

2012

Types of Support HSRs Say They Need

HSR Support OHS process OHS technical support OHS non technical support

David Caple & Associates Pty Ltd

2012

OHS Process Support

Examples include:     Issuing PIN Issuing Cease Work Notice Strategies for OHS Issue Resolution Clarifying consultation obligations of employers David Caple & Associates Pty Ltd

2012

OHS Technical Support

Examples include:  Industry specific knowledge on workplace hazards     Options for risk controls Networking and targeted OHS training Preference for telephone or face-to-face, rather than web-based or reading Frequently use “Google” David Caple & Associates Pty Ltd

2012

Non Technical OHS Support

Examples include:     Problem solving and communication strategies OHS Committees and decision making processes Leadership and peer support skills Communication and literacy skills David Caple & Associates Pty Ltd

2012

Importance of HSR Support

   HSRs need to feel “passionate and empowered” Where there are poor work place relationships, they can feel “alienated and frustrated with management” HSRs are generally “time poor” to conduct research on technical advice David Caple & Associates Pty Ltd

2012

Health & Safety Advocates

     Generally not elected and with limited OHS training Typical in small and medium sized workplaces Seen as “eyes and ears” of management The “go to person” by workers and managers Identify themselves as “HSRs” David Caple & Associates Pty Ltd

2012

HSR Training

     Generic 5 day training courses less targeted than industry based Learning outcomes from the approved providers.

Focus on OHS legal requirements Insufficient content on OHS processes such as job safety analysis, risk assessment, and consultation skills Adult learning principles required with more case study and scenario based learning David Caple & Associates Pty Ltd

2012

Recommendations

1. Develop state-wide HSR database.

2. Proactively communicate with HSRs using newsletters, safety alerts, and targeted industry based OHS information.

3. Develop a dedicated HSR portal on the WorkSafe website.

4. Proactive support to HSRs particularly in regional Victoria from state-wide Hazard Management Branch and WorkSafe Inspectors.

5. Continue third party groups supporting HSRs through the HSRSO initiative and Trades Hall website.

David Caple & Associates Pty Ltd

2012

Recommendations

6. Develop simple OHS tools and resources to address frequently asked questions from HSRs to the Advisory Service.

7. Initiate a program of industry specific OHS tools such as industry specific inspection checklists.

8. Review the learning outcomes from the HSR 5 day training program based on the Safe Work Australia package (2012).

9. One day refresher training program should be reviewed.

10. HSR support and training requires greater recognition of non technical skills.

David Caple & Associates Pty Ltd

2012

Recommendations

11. Review the objectives and outcomes of the HSR Training Day during OHS Week.

12. Review the support and status of non elected OHS Advocates.

David Caple & Associates Pty Ltd

2012

Many thanks, David C Caple Project Leader

David Caple & Associates Pty Ltd

2012

Prevention Strategy Activity update for SRG May 31 2012

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1.Initial views on the Caple Review 2.Update on business priorities 3.Update on bullying guidance development 4.Update on Industry Solutions Workshop (Small/medium)

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Initial views on the Caple Review Stage 1 Direct service and support

•

Database: find them

•

Community: build awareness

•

Engage and empower: Discussion/ tools

•

Support: Advisory and SME support Stakeholder engagement Stage 2 Systemic reform

•

Process for review of training

•

Training pathways

•

Skills focus

•

Inspectorate support for HSRs

•

3 rd party support

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Update on business priorities

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Lifting and lowering- a compelling case

Claims are just another input, but they’re a pretty valuable one If claims

were a city, we’ve got the Eureka Tower. (and no other building on the block is more than about 10 storeys high in comparison) 14000 12000 10000 8000 6000 4000 2000 0 Fractures Musculoskeletal Disorders Other disease Other injury Other mechanism of injury Manual handling Falls, Trips and Slips Being Hit by Moving Object Stress

Business Performance Management 2012

If

our improvement notices

issued under the Regs were a city, the Eureka tower would be notices on the absence of a control of risk. Less than 1% are written about the lack of information, training, instruction related to the risk involved. This would be a two storey house.

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#1- Lifting and lowering things

Continue

to drive employers to eliminate hazards, or have controls in place Use public awareness campaigns to build awareness of obligations on employers to provide information, instruction and training, and then verify whether employers have them in place. Where controls are in place but aren't supported by information, instruction and training, use powers to direct employers to demonstrate they are utilised.

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Dangerous machines that have to be registered

The current system is outdated, and we’re hardly compelling employers to register.

Pressure vessel Lift Crane Dom lift Amusement

• • •

Key facts

54,500 certificates of ownership About 9,500 certificate holders About 7,000 notifications each year and growing (21,000 f/cast for 12/13) 28

#2- Dangerous machines- Prescribed Website design nearing completion Operational from July (date TBC) No fees, on-line Remaining works during June:

•

Client testing of system

•

Education materials

•

Internal training

•

Stakeholder engagement

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Guarding dangerous machines

If claims

related to dangerous machines were a city, MSDs and wounds are the Eureka Tower.

What happened

MSDs Open Wound .Fractures

Deafness Contusion/Crushing

Claims

2172 871 592 587 482

The way it happened Claims

Body Stressing Being Hit by Moving Objects Slips, trips, falls 1443 1026 822 If

our improvement notices

issued under the Regs were a city, the Eureka tower would be notices on guarding. Hardly any notices are written about the lack of information, training, instruction related to the risk involved. These would be a two storey house.

2000 1800 1600

1887

1400 1200 1000 800 600

908 686 808

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51 Plant Regulations sections

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#2 – Dangerous machines- Other High risk machines- guarding

Focus: Specific types of machines Role of Inspector: focus on three (3) key types of machinery and two (2) supporting administrative controls Machinery that

conveys

stuff Machinery that

mixes

stuff Machinery that

stamps & cuts

stuff GUARDING CONTROL OF RISK Information, Training & Supervision Isolation of machinery – Tag & Lock out Administrative measures to ensure guarding is successfully implemented and maintained Then, let’s isolate the most common/comp elling high-risk machines and try to go up the supply chain to get the problems ironed out before they get to market 31

#3 – Asbestos- how things could play out Stage 1-

Help Councils and EPA get the right tools to the DIY market

Stage 2-

Councils, EPA, DOH help us develop a single source of info and guidance 32

#5- Construction

The perennial problem.

By any measure the sector continues to require dedicated focus and investment.

In 2010/11, the construction sector accounted for approximately 12% of claims and 14% of scheme costs and 27% of fatalities (14 out of 51).

We’ve got mature relationships with many parts of the sector and stakeholder interests, providing scope for us to have a good look at what’s working and what might be the next big thing.

During 2012/13 we will: Apply the lifting and lowering, dangerous machines and HSR programs in the sector.

Continue with the Top Tradie campaign targeting civil, residential and general construction- focus on housekeeping; job planning; supervision; & right tool for the job Other focus elements include: safe work method statements for high risk construction work; hire yard campaigns; regional blitzes; falls from height.

Conduct a stocktake of existing programs to identify gaps and potential focus areas.

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Other priority hazards Dangerous Goods

We will continued our focus on tankers, DG sites and imports to ensure industry compliance on high risk activities. In addition we will build on our experience with the road freight campaign from recent years to ensure that tanker maintenance is being undertaken and systems are in place in industry through the tanker supply chain.

Agriculture

Beyond presence and awareness via Field Days and other key events, we will: 1.keep going on quad-bikes; 2.focus in on the key risks of people suffering MSDs when interacting with animals in enclosed spaces 3.Deploy the dangerous machines campaign where it makes sense.

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Employer focussed programs

The Owner-visit and Integrated Approach programs provide a treatment option for us to deal with

poor performing employers

for which our traditional compliance and enforcement approach is not delivering sustained behavioural change in safety or RTW performance.

In 2012/13: Owner visit program

•Revised resource spread: • 40% on verification visits for employers already done • 40% on new visits • 20% on more intensive OV module

Integrated Approach

Refining existing tools used in the program Selecting fewer targets for new work- chosen through partnership ,

and including some key Self Insurers

35

Update on psych hazard guidance Bullying guidance refresh Consolidation and re-write of stress guidance

36

Bullying guidance refresh project

Stakeholder engagement

• Psychological Health Stakeholder Forum is the engagement forum for the project (Invitees: VTHC, CEUA, MBAV, CPSU, AEU, ANF, AIG, VECCI, DTF) • First engagement meeting held on 14 May • Stakeholder feedback obtained at that meeting is informing drafting

Next steps

• Circulate comment draft to stakeholders including SRG (late June/early July) • Forum meeting to gather formal feedback on comment draft (late June/early July) • SRG Update (July) • Finalise guidance (est. August) #Stakeholder engagement on Stress guidance in July 2012

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Proposed timelines

May Jun Jul Aug 2012 Sept Oct Nov Dec Psych Health forum engaged Drafting Draft to forum early July Revisions as required Product finalised

Psych Health forum engaged Drafting Draft to forum late August Revisions as required Forum meeting Product finalised

SRG updated regularly about progress Page 38

Industry solutions workshop- 15 May The day The ideas

Next steps

•Feedback and ideas on what’s working well in the sector, and what needs to change (3hr free OHS consultancy etc) •Improve consistency of approach across providers •Establish clear expectations of employers receiving the services •We want a shared vision of the future for our programs supporting improved OHS and RTW performance in small and medium enterprises •Involve HSR’s in the process more deeply •Improve follow-up to identify opportunities for improvement and help employers see the value of participation •Options paper for Small/Medium Business Reference Group •Recommendations to WSV Executive •Further refinement and consultation •Changes after July 2013

Page 39

Update on National Health and Safety Reform

Angela Jolic & Cath Duane Stakeholder Reference Group 31 May 2012

Codes Review Project

Mapping of

• Victorian Compliance Codes • Other Victorian guidance materials • National Model Codes

Purpose

• To clarify what codes and guidance materials are available • To identify any gaps

Page 41

Report on national OHS forums

Safe Work Australia Members Group, 27 April

• Draft Safe Work Australia Strategic Plan 2012 - 15 • Draft Safe Work Australia Operational Plan 2012 - 13 • Process for managing urgent issues arising with the implementation of WHS legislation • Workers Compensation future work plan • Next meeting on 6 June to workshop Australian Strategy

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Report on national OHS forums

Strategic Issues Group – WHS meeting, 17-18 May

• Mines regulations – exclusions for low risk mines • Agreed to submit to SWAMG for 5 Codes of Practice to be released for public comment • Managing risks in cable logging & Tunnelling to be drafted as guidance • Range of Guidance material presented for approval: Health monitoring, Vibration, Cyanide poisoning • Biological hazards framework • Workplace exposure standards for airborne contaminants • Implementation Update • Reports – carbon nanotubes / particle emissions measurements

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Regulators Harmonisation Project

Heads of Workplace Safety Authorities (HWSA) next meets 5 June 2012 and will consider the following RHP matters:

• Overall project status • Proposed Letters of Warning operational procedure • Proposed harmonised “Working in Heat” publication and substitution workplan for other topics • Proposed evidence guide/audit tool for monitoring approved HSR training • Proposed model guide on EPH/right of entry • Proposed points of proof guides for WHS Act offences

Other HWSA agenda items:

• Consideration of new issues arising from WHS laws implementation • Workshopping HWSA’s future role/activities • Updated forklift safety guide

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SWA Implementation TAG

Last met 2 May 2012

• Various “workability” and “technical” amendments to model WHS Regulations discussed (to go to SIG-WHS or for further work) • Comparison table of authorisation fees across jurisdictions considered • SWA activity relating to fact sheets noted (and comment sought from TAG members out-of-session on 5 new draft fact sheets ) • Exemptions issued under WHS laws – jurisdictions’ reporting template considered

Next meets 14 June 2012 – no agenda as yet Page 45

Any Questions?

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Close

Next SRG meeting - 28 June 2012, 2 - 4pm Page 47