WorkSafe ACT

We had some fantastic questions raised during our Health and Safety Representative (HSR) industry breakfast last month that we wanted to share. Q: I work in an industry where it's difficult to encourage people to volunteer as HSRs because they’re already overworked and don't want additional responsibilities. Any tips? A: HSRs play a vital role by representing their colleagues on important WHS issues and making a real difference in workplace safety. They help enhance workplace health and safety, while also building their own WHS knowledge, consultation and problem-solving skills. It's important to note that PCBUs have specific obligations to support HSRs. This includes providing paid time and resources for HSR duties, as well as covering the cost of and granting paid time off for approved training. This support ensures that HSRs can fulfill their responsibilities without additional burden, making the role more accessible for those interested in stepping up. Visit our events page for information on upcoming events and get involved: https://lnkd.in/g9UHzPXX #WorkSafeACT #HSRs #IndustryBreakfast #WHS #WorkplaceSafety

Mandatory training for ACT construction sites WorkSafe ACT inspectors are seeing a disappointing trend on ACT worksites, with a high number of notices being issued for workers not having the mandatory training required to work on construction sites in the ACT. As a reminder, all workers on ACT construction sites must complete the following training: + White Card (Construction Induction) – WorkSafe ACT: https://lnkd.in/gWAPEV7M + Asbestos Awareness Training – WorkSafe ACT: https://lnkd.in/gtDYG6ek + Silica Awareness Training – WorkSafe ACT: https://lnkd.in/gW4Q8NVB Depending on the specific tasks being undertaken, workers may also need Working Safely with Asbestos-Containing Materials training: https://lnkd.in/gJGbzqrS It is the responsibility of the PCBU to ensure that all workers on their construction sites have completed the required training. #WorkSafeACT #WHS #WorkplaceSafety #AllWorkers #AllWorkplaces #MandatoryTraining

Australia has over 140,000 full-time first responders, including police officers, paramedics, and firefighters. This number doesn’t account for volunteers such as those in the State Emergency Service and Rural Fire Services. Every day they arrive at work knowing they may be exposed to dangerous or traumatic situations. First responders are at a higher risk of serious harm from psychological workplace injuries compared to the general population, with one in three first responders experiencing high or very high psychological distress. This month WorkSafe ACT is hosting an industry breakfast exploring the challenges faced by our first responders in the ACT and how they can be better supported. Visit our events webpage to secure tickets and get involved: https://lnkd.in/g9UHzPXX #WorkSafeACT #FirstResponders #IndustryBreakfast #WHS #WorkplaceSafety

First Responders Industry Breakfast Tickets are going fast for WorkSafe ACT's final Industry Breakfast of the year, which will focus on the ACT’s first responders. At this breakfast, we’ll gain valuable insights into the challenges first responders face while serving our community, the profound impact these experiences have on their lives, and how they can be better supported. Panelists for this event include: Jacqui Agius, ACT Work Health and Safety Commissioner Wayne Phillips, Commissioner of the ACT Emergency Services Agency, and Carrie Leeson, CEO of Lifeline Canberra. This breakfast will be held at Hotel Realm, Barton ACT, on Wednesday, 27 November 2024, at 7:00am. Tickets are free but limited, secure your registration: https://lnkd.in/gPgdZWbX Keep an eye on our events page for information on our Industry Breakfast Series in 2025 – https://lnkd.in/g9UHzPXX #WorkSafeACT #WHS #WorkplaceSafety #FirstResponders

Do you have apprentices or trainees?     It is essential that apprentices and trainees receive proper supervision as they develop their skills and build confidence in the workplace. Ensuring appropriate supervision is the responsibility of the person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU).    To determine the appropriate level of supervision, a PCBU should consider the specific requirements of the apprenticeship or traineeship and the tasks involved. The PCBU must then apply the same risk management process used for other workplace risks to assess what level of supervision is reasonably practicable for each apprentice or trainee.    WorkSafe ACT has updated the Guidance Note – Supervision of apprentices to help PCBUs fulfill their duties in relation to the supervision of apprentices: https://lnkd.in/gvKafuSs   You can find further information on young workers’ supervision on our young workers webpage: https://lnkd.in/g6gvMsBN   #WorkSafeACT #WHS #WorkplaceSafety #WorkersSupervision  

Thank you to everyone who donated or bought a snag at our Bunnings BBQ during National Safe Work Month. This year we raised OVER $1,800 for Lineline Canberra. Lifeline provide support to Australians experiencing emotional distress with access to 24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention services. They exist so that no person in Australia has to face their darkest moments alone. Visit their website to find out more: https://lnkd.in/gHZ3wAM3 #LifelineCanberra #WorkSafeACT #WHS #SafeWorkMonth2024

WorkSafe ACT inspectors have attended a number of sites this month in response to underground utilities being struck     A risk assessment is not mandatory for excavation work. However, in many circumstances it is the best way to identify the hazards and the risks and determine the best control measures. Excavation work that is carried out on or near pressurised gas distribution mains or piping; or is carried out on or near energised electrical installations or services, is classified as high-risk construction work. This means a safe work method statement (SWMS) must be prepared. When excavation work is undertaken near underground assets, a PCBU must: - ensure controls are implemented and in place to reduce the risk of an asset strike by excavation plant - advise the utilities provider of proposed works, and - incorporate any requirements of the utility’s owner into the SWMS for the excavation work. It is strongly recommended that workers undertake Evoenergy training to be authorised to work on or near the Evoenergy electrical apparatus and in accordance with Evoenergy Electrical Safety Rules. If you hit an underground asset, you MUST immediately cease work and notify WorkSafe ACT by calling: Business hours: 13 22 81  After hours: 0419 120 028    Depending on the underground asset that was struck, you will also need to contact the respective provider. In the ACT, our main providers are Evoenergy and Icon Water and can be contacted via: Electricity: 13 10 93  Gas: 13 19 09  Water: 02 6248 3111    Report damage to street light cables to Access Canberra on 13 22 81.    For more information please visit:  Trenching and excavation work, WorkSafe ACT: https://lnkd.in/gbMkRQbJ Work Health and Safety (Excavation Work Code of Practice) 2020: https://lnkd.in/gTiWyasc Before You Dig Australia: https://lnkd.in/gaKE4QFE #HighRiskWork #WorkplaceSafety #AllWorkers #AllWorkplaces #WHS

The hot weather looks to have arrived and while it’s great for relaxing and enjoying the outdoors everyone needs to make sure they are managing the risks of working in the heat. When planning work this time of year, consider the following: How hot is it? Is it humid? What time of day is the work being done? How often can workers take breaks? Are the workers wearing hot clothing? Are workers experienced and acclimatised? Do workers have access to cool drinking water? For more information see our working in heat webpage: https://lnkd.in/ghXhXeGS #WorkingInHeat #WorkplaceSafety #WHS #WorkSafeACT

Notification requirements for work with legacy engineered stone now in effect.    From today, 1 November 2024, you must notify WorkSafe ACT if you intend to carry out permitted work on legacy engineered stone.  Legacy engineered stone includes any engineered stone benchtop, panel, or slab that is already installed and, for the purposes of disposal, includes engineered stone stocks that were not installed prior to the prohibition. The engineered stone prohibition does not apply to work that involves the controlled processing of legacy engineered stone benchtops, panels and slabs if the work is carried out:  - to remove, repair or make minor modifications to installed engineered stone, or   - to dispose of engineered stone whether installed or not.  This type of work, referred to as ‘permitted work with legacy engineered stone’, may be carried out but must first be notified to WorkSafe ACT. The Notification of permitted work with legacy engineered stone form can be found on the WorkSafe ACT website: https://lnkd.in/g-FTDSG2 WorkSafe ACT Inspectors will commence checking compliance with the notification requirement from 14 November 2024.   If you have any concerns, you can contact WorkSafe ACT at: [email protected] #WorkSafeACT #WorkplaceSafety #AllWorkers #AllWorkplaces #WHS

With October coming to an end, so does National Safe Work Month 2024. During the month, we looked at the basics of WHS and workers’ compensation, particularly for CALD workers in our community. We explored what makes a safe small business and took a deep dive into the ACT’s workers’ compensation data to understand the mechanisms and industries behind the claims. We highlighted the role of WorkSafe ACT and showcased some of the people and processes behind the work we do. Finally, we looked at the crucial role Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs) play in promoting workplace safety. Thanks to everyone who got involved with National Safe Work Month 2024. Keep stepping up safety in your workplace all year round. Stay engaged, follow us on socials and subscribe to our mailing lists. Instagram: https://lnkd.in/g9BNbbrs LinkedIn: https://lnkd.in/gQGrXv8m Email us at: [email protected] You can find all the resources from National Safe Work Month on our Safe Work Month webpage here: https://lnkd.in/gH3EqrW5 This Safe Work Month we have raised funds for Lifeline, you can donate here: https://lnkd.in/gM7-5FQT #SafeWorkMonth #WorkSafeACT #WorkplaceSafety #SteppingupSafety #WHS #NSWM24