Southern Ultimate Sign Installations Pty Ltd (Southern USI) pleaded guilty at the Heidelberg Magistrates’ Court this week to one charge of failing to provide a safe system of work.

The incident happened on 9 November 2010 when the worker and his colleague were dismantling an advertising sign at Northland Shopping Centre in Preston.

The court heard the worker was taking off a metal rod at the top of the sign – which had to be removed so he could install a new banner – when it hit an overhead power line, sending 22,000 volts though his body.

The worker remained in intensive care for five days and has since undergone extensive skin grafts to treat third degree burns, the court was told.

A WorkSafe investigation found the company failed to ensure employees had sufficient training when working near powerlines at this particular site.

The investigation also found the company could have installed “fixed tracking” at the site, which would have prevented the worker from being able to remove the metal rods over his shoulder, striking the power lines.

The court heard that following the incident, Southern USI undertook a range of remedial measures, including fixing the metal tracking at the site, providing training in “no go zones” areas for its employees and mandating the use of a “spotter” in all jobs.

Magistrate Anthony Parsons convicted and fined the company $50,000 and ordered it pay almost $6000 in legal costs.

WorkSafe Construction and Utilities Acting Director, Allan Beacom, hoped this case served as a reminder of the dangers associated with working near powerlines.

“Understanding “no go zones” when working near power lines is essential and strict procedures must be implemented,” he said.

“Not doing so greatly increases the risk of workers receiving an electric shock through either direct contact with the powerlines or due to arcing of the electricity.”

Want to know more or need help? Why not contact us here.

Five new national work health and safety model Codes of Practice are currently open for public comment. They are:

• Safe Design, Manufacture, Import and Supply of Plant
• Working in the Vicinity of Overhead and Underground Electrical Lines
• Traffic Management in Workplaces
• Scaffolding Work
• Formwork and Falsework.

To submit a comment on these draft model work health and safety Codes of Practice, visit the Safe Work Australia website.

The public comment period for these Codes of Practice will close at 5 pm Friday 22 June 2012.

Draft Australian Work Health and Safety Strategy 2012-2022

Safe Work Australia invites all Australians to provide comments on the draft Australian Work Health and Safety Strategy 2012-2022. The input received will help shape the final Strategy and ultimately the future coordination of work health and safety in Australia over the next decade.

You can view the draft and make a comment until 5.00pm (AEST) Monday 21 May 2012.

Public comment closed for:

Recreational Dive and Snorkelling Industry Reference Group recommendations

Twelve recommendations were made by the Recreational Dive and Snorkelling Industry Reference Group.

Comment on the proposed changes is now closed. (Closed 31 March 2012).

Rural Plant Code of Practice 2004

The public comment period on the proposed changes to the Rural Plant Code of Practice 2004 is now closed (Closed: 31 March 2012).

Consultation Regulation Impact Statement on precursor chemicals to homemade explosives

The community and businesses were invited to provide comment on four options that serve to reduce the national security risks posed by chemicals of security concern (Closed: 30 March 2012).

A list of the submissions received, and further information on the development of the Decision RIS is available at the Chemicals Security website (non-Queensland Government link).

The first of seven action areas targeted by the draft strategy is Health and Safety by Design. In this section is an outline of how structures, plant, equipment and substances can be designed so risks are eliminated or minimised before they enter the workplace.

It also wants work processes and systems to be designed and managed to eliminate or minimise risks.

Supply chains are the number two action area. The draft strategy outlines a range of issues, including how all those in the supply chain must “understand their cumulative impact and actively improve the health and safety of the supply chain”.

The other action areas include Work Health and Safety Capabilities, Culture and Leadership, Research and Evaluation, Government, and a Responsive Regulatory Framework.

By 2022 the draft strategy is aiming for a 20 per cent reduction in the number of injury fatalities, a 30 per cent reduction in incidence rates of claims resulting in one or more weeks off work, and a 30 per cent reduction in the incidence rate of claims due to body stressing.

The draft strategy is open for public comment until May 2012.

We understand  Safe Work Australia will release more draft model work health and safety codes of practice for public comment in April, while other draft codes are being tweaked before they are submitted to the Workplace Relations Ministers’ Council for final approval.

Want to know more or need help?

Why not contact Safety Concepts and speak with one of our Safety Consultants.

Workers have died or sustained serious injuries after their work vehicles exploded. These explosions occurred when gas from leaking portable gas cylinders ignited inside the vehicles. In many cases, the ignition source was the vehicle’s electrical system.

Flammable gas cylinders include those containing oxygen, acetylene, liquefied petroleum gas and propane or butane throwaway-style cylinders.

These incidents could have also killed or seriously injured members of the public.

Control measures

Gas cylinders should be stored and transported in vehicles with cargo areas open to the air, and not stored inside closed type vehicles. When storing or transporting fuel gas cylinders,

ensure:

• main cylinder valves are tightly closed

• there is no leakage from the main valve area (e.g. using a gas detector or soapy water test)

• cylinders are secured in an upright position to prevent them tipping or falling over

• cylinders cannot be struck by other objects (e.g. loose tools and materials)

• cylinders are always removed from the vehicle before the gas is used

• at least one 10B dry-powder fire extinguisher is fitted in the driver’s cabin.

Open-type vehicles

Open-type vehicles have cargo areas open to the air with unrestricted ventilation. The cargo areas of some open-type vehicles with sides (e.g. utility vehicles) can potentially retain escaped gas. This is due to escaped gas flowing to and accumulating in low, enclosed and poorly ventilated areas. If you are not sure if your cargo area may allow gas to accumulate, assume it can until a competent person determines otherwise.

The cargo area should be assessed by a competent person for its potential to retain gas, and to identify the likely areas where gas could accumulate. Consider installing vents in these areas.

Closed-type vehicles

Closed-type vehicles are vans, utilities and other vehicles that have cargo areas with restricted natural air movement and ventilation. This includes vehicles where gas cylinders are stored under canopies, inside service bodies or toolboxes, and vehicles where cylinders are covered by tarps or tonneau covers.

If you cannot avoid using a closed-type vehicle, it should be fitted with a separate gas storage cabinet that is vapour-tight from the rest of the vehicle.

The gas cabinet must be secured to the vehicle and be big enough to store all cylinders carried in the vehicle, including empty cylinders. It must be designed to ensure gas from leaking cylinders cannot accumulate inside the cabinet but is vented to the atmosphere outside the vehicle (see Figure 2). The cabinet door must be securely sealed whenever cylinders are stored in the cabinet.

The cabinet must have:

• one or more permanent vents or drains positioned at the bottom of the cabinet (either floor or side), with an internal diameter of at least 25mm

• vents located so they cannot be blocked when the cylinders are in the cabinet

• a way of securing cylinders in an upright and stable position (e.g. straps)

• a visible flammable gas label on the outside

• regular inspections and maintenance of door seals and vents.

Gas cabinets must also be installed and maintained in accordance with the manufacturers’ instructions. Gas cabinets are available from plumbing wholesalers, gas suppliers and safety equipment suppliers.

Information and training

Ensure workers are informed and trained in procedures for:

• checking and testing for leaking cylinders

• securing cylinders and sealing gas cabinets

• regularly checking cabinet seals and vents

• dealing with damage to the gas cabinet, gas leaks or explosion.

Want to know more or need help? 

Why not contact Safety Concepts and speak with one of our Safety Consultants.

General

•Ensure work method statements prepared, signed off and available

•Ensure workers have general safety induction cards

•Display appropriate site signage

•Use appropriate safety gear

Work at heights

•Keep controls in place if risk of fall = 2 m for commercial and 3 m for domestic e.g. edge protection, catch platform

•Provide and use adequate work platforms e.g. 5 planks

•Ensure no gaps in perimeter protection

•Make sure penetrations covered/secured

Tools/equipment

•Ensure tools and equipment maintenance are in good condition

•Use tools and equipment for intended purposes only

•Make sure guards are in place when using tools and equipment

Falling objects

•Do not throw tools and materials down from heights

•Make sure brick guards/mesh are in place in scaffold

•Use exclusion zone and/or catch platform

•Ensure controls implemented for loads being lifted over adjoining areas e.g. adjoining area closed/gantry erected

Electrical

•Keep electrical equipment away from water

•Make sure earth leakage switch installed on mains supply

•Secure and protect extension leads from damage and used from individual power points with leads not exceeding 30 metres Keep testing and tagging current e.g 3 monthly

 Access/housekeeping

•Keep working area clear/tidy

•Manage trip hazards e.g. material neatly stacked

•Dispose excess mortar appropriately e.g. designated areas

Manual tasks

•Use mechanical equipment (e.g. forklifts, trolleys, cranes) to reduce the force needed to lift, carry, move, hold or restrain material and tools.

•Adjust equipment to minimise bending, twisting and over-reaching (e.g. adjust height of work platforms to avoid over-reaching).

•Change work practices or equipment to avoid repetitive actions or prolonged tasks (e.g. use a crane or elevator to lift bricks to work level to avoid throwing bricks).

Noise

•Wear Hearing protection when cutting timber and metal

•Ensure controls implemented to minimise exposure e.g. hearing protection.

Hazardous substances

•Make Materials Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) available for substances classified as hazardous (e.g. cement, lime, hydrochloric acid)

•Store hazardous substances safely and securely when not in use

•Train workers in safe handling of hazardous substances (e.g. wear gloves when handling hydrochloric acid)

•Label hazardous substances (includes safety and risk phrases)

•Do not store hazardous substances in food and/or drink containers (e.g. hydrochloric acid not stored in drink bottles)

Personal Protective Equipment

•Ensure workers wearing steel capped boots, hard hat with shade brim, high vis shirts and sunglasses if necessary

Amenities

•Provide sheltered meal area

•Ensure workers have access to toilets (1 toilet for each 15 workers or part thereof)

•Provide hand and face washing facilities (separate from toilets)

•Ensure workers have access to potable, clean and cool drinking water

•Make sure first aid equipment provided is hygienic and appropriate for the size and complexity of the project

Emergency preparedness and response

•Keep fire extinguishers available and testing current

•Make sure emergency evacuation plan available

•Brief workers on emergency evacuation plan

· Ensure that you have first aid facilities available

Sun protection

•Recognise ultraviolet radiation 3-7 protection required; 8-11 extra protection required

•Ensure protection by seeking shade, wearing sun protection clothing, broad brim hat, sunglasses and using sunscreen

•Wear clothing with a 30+ ultraviolet protection factor

•Wear safety helmets extra brims and neck covers fitted

•Wear sun glasses and 30 + sun protection

Occupational stress

•Monitor work demands and control over work

•Provide support systems for talking about tough situations at work

•Provide clear work structures, particularly through times of change

•Recognise and reward workers

Occupational violence

•Use design or engineering measures to change the physical characteristics of the workplace, to reduce the risk, where possible.

•Change the systems of work or work practices to help reduce risks. For example, train workers in aggressive behaviour management, including the recognition and diffusion of potentially volatile situations; ensure sufficient number of appropriately trained staff, where possible; provide for emergency communication; implement a system of communication and support for home visits.

Here’s a Manager’s Safety Mantra that is all about the big picture. This little mantra can be a good focus for both you and your people when the nitty-gritty threatens to breakdown communication or create a ‘them versus us’ mentality.

1. All work injuries and illnesses can be prevented.
2. The majority of injuries and illnesses are a result of below standard procedures, education or behaviour.
3. As a company / business we are one entity.  Health and safety of that entity is paramount. Therefore every part of that entity has a responsibility for the whole (ie. every worker – whether it be administration, the accounts department or a subcontractor - has a responsibility for the safety of themselves and every other staff member).
4. Just as all other business activities are measured (eg. profit and loss, stock taking, etc.) OHS (WHS) should be recorded and measured for effectiveness and improvement.
5. All complaints, concerns, or ‘near-misses’ are opportunities to improve work procedures.

Just having a written safety policy will not keep people from being hurt. You need to make sure you are taking an active effort to keep your employees harm free. Here are some ways:

1. First Aid Training – No office wants any sort of accident where someone gets hurt, but if it were to happen, are your staff trained to help a hurt colleague? Basic First Aid training should be offered to all of your employees so they will know what to do in the event of an emergency.  By knowing what to do, and what not to do, an employee’s injuries may be kept from becoming worse.
2. Lessen Stress – While some think that stress is a ‘mental problem’, it also has many physical ramifications. Stress can lead to illnesses, keeping an employee from being able to attend work. At work stress can cause an employee to be less focused and more prone to making mistakes in which they, or someone else, can be hurt. Offer stress management seminars or even known stress reduction courses, such as yoga, or a quiet break room where they can take short time-outs as necessary.
3. Know Your Risks – While you may think you know all there is to know about the risks facing your workplace, there are a lot of things you may not notice that are threats. Once in a while, it pays to call in a professional. There are plenty of risk assessment groups that will come into your business and look for any potential threats that you had not noticed.
4. Learn Safety Laws – There is nothing to get your mind noticing problems like really knowing what the laws are.  Keep on top of the safety laws relating to your industry. The more you know, the more you may notice what needs to be fixed or improved in your workplace.
5. Routine is the Enemy – It’s too easy to get used to the routine of the workday. As you go through the mechanics of the job, you may not be noticing problems. Mix up your work schedule to help avoid this. In addition to keeping from complacency, you could also be keeping yourself from suffering with repeat work strain injuries.

Chances are that those least likely to be involved in incidents or accidents but are, are in fact victims of their own complacency, a lack of vigilance due to familiarity of task. One reason why people are assumed less susceptible to accidents or incidents is because they are deemed experienced. They have been doing what they do for a long time and know their job like the proverbial back of their hands. Herein lies the trap. As confidence grows, so too does the very real risk of becoming unaware of latent task related hazards. A loss of situational awareness occurs.

Living and working safely is a time-acquired existence. It is not something that automatically befalls us. We need to proactively maintain workable safety conditions in and around our personal space, and that is both at home and at work, to guarantee an acceptably safe environment. Now, before that’s misinterpreted as cocooning ourselves in cotton wool or donning suits of armour in the interests of safety, I did say “workable safety conditions.” So how do we achieve “workable safety?” We improve our basic levels of vigilance, which guards against complacency and thus, a loss of situational awareness.

So, how does complacency develop, how does it creep into your existence? It has to do with ongoing exposure to experiences that remain free of undesirable outcomes. A generic example to put it all into context:
 
Travelling along in your car, you decide to change lanes. Your recent attendance of a defensive driving seminar has you applying all of your newly acquired driving skills. You indicate with the mandatory 5 flashes of your indicator, check your blind spot by looking over your shoulder and gently accelerate into the vacant right lane. All very cool. A few months later, travelling on the same stretch of road at the same time of day, making for the same destination, you decide to change lanes. Five mandatory flashes of your indicator, you apply your now somewhat forgotten driving skills and gently accelerate into that “vacant” right lane.
 
The blaring hooter of an irate baseball bat wielding bogun has you realising that you’re about to become part of your state Road Rage Statistics. Veering back into your lane you look sheepishly ahead as Conan the Barbarian cruises past giving you the thousand foot stare for your transgressions, eagerly seeking opportunity to belt you with his bat! Sound familiar? I’m sure it does!! You’ve just become a victim of complacency by not checking your blind spot.

The key to avoiding complacency lies in proactively doing the following:

• Develop and practice your own safety habits until you are spontaneously safe.
• Share your complacency-related incidents no matter how big a “Goose” you feel.
• Find out what others are doing to stay vigilant.

Improve your situational awareness by thinking about what it is you’re about to do and whether your “doing” will achieve the desired outcome.

Remember, to err is human. Error consequence is directly proportional to your situational awareness.