New health and safety codes – December 2021
Safe Work Australia
Updated guidance material: Managing the risks of working in heat
The guidance material on managing the risks of working in heat has been updated to include information on first aid for heat-related illnesses, such as heat stroke.
New model Code of Practice: Respirable crystalline silica engineered stone
This new model code provides practical information on how to manage health and safety risks associated with respirable crystalline silica from engineered stone.
New guide: Managing the risks of elevating work platforms
The guide steps through the process of identifying the hazards associated with elevating work platforms in the workplace and how to do all that is reasonably practicable to manage the risks to health and safety.
New guide: Managing risk in construction: Concrete pumping
There have been a high number of injuries (including 2,100 workers’ compensation claims) and three fatalities associated with concrete pumping in the past five years. The guidance is to help PCBUs to identify and manage the work health and safety risks associated with concrete pumping.
Work-related traumatic injury fatalities Australia 2020 report
Safe Work Australia recently released the report which provides national statistics on all workers and bystanders fatally injured at work.
https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/doc/work-related-traumatic-injury-fatalities-australia-2020
ACT
OHS Codes of Practice – https://www.worksafe.act.gov.au/laws-and-compliance/codes-of-practice
New South Wales
OHS Codes of Practice – https://www.safework.nsw.gov.au/resource-library/list-of-all-codes-of-practice
Northern Territory
OHS Codes of Practice – https://worksafe.nt.gov.au/forms-and-resources/codes-of-practice
Queensland
Rural Plant Code of Practice Review
The Rural Plant Code of Practice is currently under review. The review will consider what changes are necessary to ensure the Code remains fit-for-purpose and supports the agriculture industry to meet legislative obligations and ensure worker safety. Written submissions are sought from all interested parties on the specific questions and key issues identified in the Issues paper. Consultation closes 5pm, Monday 29 November 2021.
https://www.oir.qld.gov.au/public-consultation/rural-plant-code-of-practice-review
SA
OHS Codes of Practice – https://www.safework.sa.gov.au/resources/codes-of-practice
Victoria
Storage and handling dangerous goods [June 2021]
This code includes information on what dangerous goods are; duties for manufacturers, suppliers and occupiers of premises where dangerous goods are stored or handled; how to control risks; and planning emergency responses.
https://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/resources/code-practice-storage-and-handling-dangerous-goods
First aid in the workplace [Nov 2021]
WorkSafe Victoria recently updated this code which guides employers on how to provide adequate first aid facilities in the workplace. It provides guidance on assessing first aid needs, first aid kits, first aid rooms, the number of first aid officers and training, and first aid procedures. It replaces the 2008 code.
https://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/resources/compliance-code-first-aid-workplace
Hazardous substances [Jun 2021]
This code is relevant if you are an employer or self-employed person who uses hazardous substances, or a manufacturer, importer, or supplier of hazardous substances. It is also relevant for employees and health and safety representatives who work with hazardous substances. It includes information such as definition of a hazardous substance, the duties for employers working with hazardous substances and how to control risks.
https://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/resources/compliance-code-hazardous-substances
Public consultations open: Compliance codes
WorkSafe Victoria, in collaboration with key stakeholders, has prepared the following two proposed compliance codes (the codes) on behalf of the Victorian Government.
1. Communicating OHS Across Languages Compliance Code
https://engage.vic.gov.au/communicating-ohs-across-languages-compliance-code
2. Lead Compliance Code
https://engage.vic.gov.au/lead-compliance-code
Both codes are now available for public comment until 5 pm on Monday 6 December, 2021.
The codes provide practical guidance for those who have duties or obligations under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (OHS Act) and the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2017 (OHS Regulations).
WA
New information sheet: Gendered violence: Notification of Sexual harassment and/or assault to Mines Safety.
The WA government’s Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety has released a new information sheet which provides guidance on reporting incidents of gendered violence, including sexual harassment and/or assault, to the department.
