Structural Collapse

Worksafe Victoria – Safety Soapbox This month we’re reminding the construction industry about the risk of structural collapse. In this article, we cover the control methods that should be implemented on Victorian worksites. Recently an incident occurred on a residential construction site, where the external timber stud frame collapsed and fell inwards. There was inadequate …

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School fined $140,000 after tree breach

Monday February 21st, 2022 – Melbourne private school Haileybury was sentenced today in the Melbourne County Court after previously pleading guilty to two charges under the Occupational Health and Safety Act. The school was fined $90,000 for failing to provide or maintain safe systems of work and $50,000 for failing to provide information, instruction, training …

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Power Tool Battery Fires

Power tool battery fires – warning Lithium-ion batteries are sensitive to temperature, and flammable. They are a serious safety risk to health and safety if used, transported or stored incorrectly.  Businesses using lithium-ion powered devices are urged to make sure their workers are provided with information, training, and instruction to minimise the risk of flash burns, …

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Did you know you can register an AED with your states Ambulance provider?

Shockingly statistics show 600 people every week die from Sudden Cardiac Arrest, including kids, teenagers, and fit adults. While it’s fantastic that more businesses, community groups and private homes are now purchasing AED’s (Automated External Defibrillator), did you know you can register your defib with ambulance services in most states.  By registering your AED’s location …

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RME now provides Electrical Testing and Tagging Services

Risk Management Essentials now provides Electrical Testing and Tagging services in Canberra and surrounding NSW areas. Why Test and Tag? We Test and Tag electrical equipment in compliance with the AS/NZS 3760:2010 Australian Standard. This is to reduce the likelihood of workplace incidents involving faulty electrical equipment/tools, and the risks related to electricity such as …

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Returning To Work In A Covid Safe Environment

By: Dianne Rawlings As many of you are returning to work within Covid restrictions there are many new issues and tasks that are required.  While we’re now used to not shaking hands, physical distancing, and the hygiene practices needed to manage restrictions with our clients, customers, and contractors.  It is important to keep in mind and …

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Is Isolation Affecting Your Mental Health

By: WorkSafe Victoria Reduce risks for your employees associated with working alone or in isolation Understanding the risks People who work alone or in isolation face different levels of risk compared to other situations. They may be unable to access immediate assistance from team members, other people, or emergency services due to the location, time …

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Industrial Manslaughter/ss-6/20

By: VACC Recently there have been several bulletins distributed about the introduction of Industrial Manslaughter offences under the Victorian OHS Act 2004 which will come into effect on 1 July 2020.  Even before the legislation has commenced, a significant change has been passed by the government which increases the penalty from 20 years to 25 …

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Mt Waverley developer’s fine increased on appeal

By: Safety Solutions/NSCA Chloch Homes & Developments, a Victorian developer, has pleaded guilty to one charge of failing to ensure that the workplace was safe and without risk to health and safety. The developer was fined $15,000 without conviction. The Director of Public Prosecutions appealed the fine in the Melbourne County Court, where Chloch was convicted and …

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SA enforces exposure limit for respirable crystalline silica

By: SafeWork SA SafeWork SA  will implement a reduced workplace exposure limit (WEL) for respirable crystalline silica on 1 July 2020. Work health and safety (WHS) ministers have agreed by the requisite majority decision of Safe Work Australia to reduce the WEL for respirable crystalline silica to an eight-hour time-weighted average of 0.05 mg/m3. WHS ministers agreed …

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Covid Safety Products

As we begin to open our doors, if you need assistance managing your safety measures including, physical distancing, personal hygiene, and contact tracing RME and our partners may be able to help. RME has sourced the most commonly used products including, signage, thermometers, and hand sanitiser, however, there are more available so if you don’t …

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Being prepared to return to work

By: Safework Australia  Safework Australia has updated their website to provide a wealth of information in preparedness for lifting of restrictions or to help those still being able to operate.  They include:  Physical distancing  Hygiene   Cleaning, and  Personal protective equipment (PPE)   In addition to these there is also a number of checklists which will assist you in identifying practicable steps ensure the …

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Statement of Regulatory Intent – Regulatory approach to Australian Work Health and Safety legislation – COVID-19

By Safe Work Australia Safe Work Australia will take a modified approach to enforcement to ensure compliance with the Australia WHS Laws during Covid-19 pandemic. While realising there is ‘unprecedented pressure’ on the industry they will apply a common sense and practical approach when engaging with workplaces. Statement of Regulatory Intent – Regulatory approach to …

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