Safety, liability and property risk
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Amendments to the Queensland Mining and Quarrying Safety and Health Act 1999
Sep 8th
Noel Arnold report on the background and details of the new amendments:
Since the Queensland Mining and Quarrying Safety and Health Act (MQSHA) came into effect in 2001, large mines and quarries have been required by law to develop and maintain a fully documented Safety & Health Management System (SHMS).
The 2006 – 2007 ‘Review into Fatal Accidents’, conducted by the DEEDI’s Mines Inspectorate, found a decreasing trend in the number of fatalities at large metalliferous mines and quarries in Queensland.
However, the review also found a disturbing and increasing trend in the number of fatalities at small mines and quarries. Furthermore, this trend was found to reflect national trends in fatalities, at smaller mines and quarries, across several other Australian jurisdictions.
Following an inquest into a worker’s death, at a small mine, the Queensland Coroner, Mr Scott Luxton, recommended that legislation be amended to require all mines and quarries with ten or fewer workers, to have a Safety and Health Management System (SHMS).
In New South Wales, small mines have been required to have a SHMS since 2001. This legislative requirement has led to a reduction in fatalities.
From this and other available evidence, the Queensland Government determined that regulatory intervention was needed to improve the safety and health performance of the small mining and quarrying sector.
Quit Smoking – Champix (Chantix) side effects
Sep 3rd
Headline news today was the story of the 2 year old Indonesian boy who successfully quit his 40 a day habit.
I know a lot of people who have recently successfully quit smoking using the new drug Champix (known as Chantix in the US). However, its only been available here since Jan 2008 and reportedly some longer term studies in the US show that around 80% of Chantix users relapsed within 12 months.
Champix works by blocking the effect of nicotine on the brain, thereby reducing the urge to smoke. The makers of Champix, Pfizer Australia, claim it can reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, but only if the smoker is committed to kicking the habit. Smokers continue to smoke during the first week or two of treatment and then quit whilst taking the remainder of the 12 week course of medication.
Prior to Champix there was another drug available called Zyban. Zyban was a re badged version of an anti-depression drug (bupropion hydrochloride). Zyban worked by suppressing nicotine withdrawal symptoms.
Users of both drugs report a variety of side effects, most commonly nausea, but also anxiety, head aches, frustration, anger and, in extreme cases, suicidal thoughts.
I’d be interested to hear about other’s experiences and whether any employers are offering to subsidise this treatment in the same way that some do for other quit smoking methods such as hypnosis and nicotine replacement.
Wacky Warning Labels
Sep 3rd
Wacky warnings — a light hearted look at product warning labels from the Australian Product Liability Reporter. Download the Full Article Here: Funny Warning Labels (18)
Some examples:
Directions: open packet. Eat contents. Instructions on a packet of airline peanuts.
Do not use as an ice cream topping. Directions on a bottle of hair colouring solution.
For external use only! On a curling iron
Warning: this product can burn eyes. On a curling iron.
Do not use in shower. On a hair dryer.
Do not use while sleeping. On a hair dryer.
Do not use while sleeping or unconscious. On a hand-held massaging device.
Media Release – WA Safety Show Success
Sep 1st
The WA Safety Show draws employers hungry for safety answers
Western Australia’s employers turned out in force to learn about new legislation and uncover solutions to workplace safety challenges at the WA Safety Show last week.
The state’s largest workplace safety trade show, it hosted 150 safety and materials handling suppliers and ran concurrently with the WA Safety Conference. Automation safety, cold storage, road safety, vibration and ventilation were among the attractions for visitors.
Alongside the products and services on display were workshops run by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA (CCIWA) and the Norton Rose law firm regarding the new work health and safety legislation due to come into effect in January 2012. The workshops drew large attendances from employers keen to assess their new obligations.
Those employers took the search for workplace safety solutions equally as seriously in the experience of exhibitors. Adrian Manessis of safety management and compliance software supplier myosh says his company was very impressed by the number of decision makers visiting his WA Safety Show stand.
“The volume of visitors who were exactly our target market – influencers and key decision makers like senior OHS and human resources managers – was excellent,” he says.
Early analysis of visitor statistics shows Western Australia’s largest employers were well represented, accounting for 52 per cent of show-goers.
“I’ve been to some shows where people just came for a day out of the office and to collect freebies but the WA Safety Show wasn’t like that,” Mr Manessis says. “We reached a lot of potential clients we wouldn’t find any other way. It also provided enormous networking opportunities with existing clients that we deal with over the phone but rarely see face to face. I can’t speak highly enough of it.”
Equally pleased was first-time exhibitor, Stephen McPherson of Alegra Safety. The boutique consultancy offered visitors the chance to win MP3 players and three free hours of consultancy time.
“We gave away 2800 show bags in three days and gathered 480 sales leads,” he says. “I have a dozen business cards from people who want me to call them this week. The WA Safety Show won’t be our last and we are already planning to exhibit at Safety In Action in Melbourne or The Safety Show Sydney next year.”
The WA Safety Show will return in 2012, while its Sydney counterpart, The Safety Show, will run from October 26 to 28 this year. For more information, visit www.thesafetyshow.com, email safetyvisitor@aec.net.au or phone Australian Exhibitions & Conferences Pty Ltd on 03 9654 7773.
Gas Shut Off Valve For Commercial Kitchen
Aug 29th
I was recently involved in an investigation into a potentially serious fire in the commercial kitchen of a Hotel.
As usual, there was no one single cause or issue highlighted by the investigation. Some of the findings were:
- Thermostat cut off switches weren’t properly checked or maintained
- Filters and exhaust hoods were not regularly cleaned
- Gas cut off valves in the kitchen were located behind equipment and very hard to access
- The main gas shut off valve was located remotely from the kitchen and none of the staff knew where it was
- Fire Blanket was missing and extinguisher was impeded by serving trolleys
- Staff had not been trained in what to do if a fire started and there were unnecessary injuries as a result
Gas shut off valves as shown below are simple to install and can reduce the damage and injuries caused by kitchen fires. All staff should know where it is, how & when to operate, and all be trained in proper fire emergency procedures including extinguishing and evacuation.
Gas Cut Off Valve in Commercial Kitchen
Why do we miss safety hazards
Aug 29th
This is a great resource to use at your next safety training session or tool box talk. Explains why sometimes we miss hazards in the workplace due to focus on other outcomes. This was a very famous experiment to prove that we don’t always see what is right in front of us. Read more about the experiment here (after you watch the video)
Blank Risk Assessment Form
Aug 28th
Example of a blank risk assessment form from YHA used to assess risks associated with school excursions. Download Here: Blank School Excursion Risk Assessment Form (39)
Blank Risk Assessment Template
Aug 28th
Free blank plant risk assessment template example in Word for adapting to your own needs. Download Here: Blank Risk Assessment Template (89)
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