Workplace safety groups gain staff under merger
Today's headlines in the Canberra Times seem to herald an exciting innovation!
An integrated approach and reduction of duplicity makes a lot of sense.
Perhaps this ‘mini territorial harmonization’ can collaborate compliance responsibilities of the inspectorate with proactively of education and awareness programs into a streamlined spearhead of Worlplace! We're in safe hands...Any thoughts?
Roger
Views: 12
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Richard Siddall on -
I agree some will take their time to adjust but letrs be positive
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Permalink Reply by Brian MacLeod on
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Well this is probably one of the better things to happen to OHS in the ACT but will we actually see inspectors out in the workplace taking a proactive approach to OHS instead of sitting back and waiting for incidents to occur and then going out and "belting people around the head" with their considerable powers and previously antagonistic approach to people.
I do hope and believe that the amalgamation is the way forward and is going to result in the necessary leadership to improve safety and safety attitudes in the workplace.
Of course, some people and employers do need to be "belted around the head" ie taken to court for their actions, but lets hope and see that this will result in much improved and proactive OHS by all party's
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Permalink Reply by Roger Grime on -
I agree with views stated here regarding the positive amalgamation of proactive and reactive measures. Hopefully this will reduce alleged antagonistic responses after the fact. With response to Brian’s "belting people around the head" strategy, I don’t have a background in this area but can see that has been effective in the past but maybe with employer’s education and awareness through this new approach may have new understanding and respect for PPE and will be wearing hardhats reducing the blunt instrument’s effectivness!
Only in jest Brian. I know what you meant. This unified approach of ‘walk gently with a big stick’ will ultimately reduce workplace injuries and we can even throw away the big stick if we’re on Valerie’s same page :-)
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Permalink Reply by Roger Grime on
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Hi Valerie,
Yes, the somebody - nobody thing is good! Like the if you're not part of the solution you're part of the problem thing. Your laughter is good but we havn't heard your singing voice yet :-D
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Permalink Reply by Brian MacLeod on
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Roger
That just about sums things up.
Brian
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Permalink Reply by Richard Siddall on
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It is definitely time to drop the phrase "belted around the head" and same with the pratice.
It is important to engage, educate and if necessary enforce. The changes and potential increase in inspectors will allow the inspectorate to take more time and do what I personally believe in. Enforcement is a last resort and only part of our tool kit to get compliance.
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Permalink Reply by Brian MacLeod on
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Hi Richard
Having worked in the construction industry for quite a number of years including several periods with an OHS regulator, and my use of the term the words "belted around the head" possibly you have taken my words out of context. I have always adopted the approach to talking to people, interacting with them in the workplace and as a last resort then using all relevant the powers within the OHS Act and appropriate regulations to ensure that safety does take place in the workplace.Many of my peers can testify to my approach.
Even the OHS inspectors have difficulty with some of the recalcitrants that operate in both the commercial and domestic building industry even as I type this, just study some of the accident reports and see what goes on in many of these areas.
Just look at the work practices that were taking place in the Insulation program that has just been cancelled
Education and training goes only so far and has been ongoing for many years but there still needs that enforcement at the end of the day.
Cheers
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Permalink Reply by Richard Siddall on
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Brian
The term I don't attribute to you Brian. It has been around for a long time and in fairness we both know that it has happened in the past. I am sure many businesses do not seek our advice for fear of inviting the rod so to speak. There will always be recalcitrants I am sure as well. I look fiorward to a new WorkSafe Inspectorate having all the necessary tools.
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Permalink Reply by Colin Emerson on -
Firstly, Congrats Mark. This is a great outcome.
I am sure the passion that you have for safety in the workplace will flow throughout ACT Work Safety.
It will be interesting to see the changes taking place over the next few months
Colin
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Permalink Reply by Brian MacLeod on
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I think that with the positive changes that will take place with the amalgamation combined with the continuing leadership provided by Mark that we will see a continuing improvement in OHS across all industry sectors not just the high risk ones.
This combined with a more visual presence by WorkCover in the workplace.
It will all take time and as someone else said "lets all sing off the same sheet".
Brian
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Permalink Reply by Peter Blayney on -
I say anything and any funding that can assist these people with their work is good news - "the real reason for working safely isn't at work at all" but unfortunately this is generally overlooked and too many people are exposed to unsafe behavioural hazards.
Having been an Inspector here and in Queensland, I know all too well, the issues an inspector faces from within the organisation and in the field - its a thankless job and in such a small jurisdiction it is a job that an inspector can never leave, because everywhere one goes, the problems are basically on their beat.
In the past, Inspectors were hampered by inadequate training, lack of funding, antiquated legislation and the confusion created by being a "border town". Some of these issues have been addressed and harmonisation when it comes to pass will also be of assistance.
WorkSafe ACT will distinguish us from NSW WorkCover and assist in a paradigm shift towards a safer ACT and better community attitudes towards Inspectors.
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