MINUTES
MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY REFERENCE GROUP
TIME AND DATE / 9.30 am –12.30PM
Wednesday 27th February 2008
LOCATION / Meeting Rooms 1 & 2, Level 10,
Building C, Centennial Plaza Building
300 Elizabeth Street
Sydney NSW 2000
PRESENT
Maria Hooker / AMPC / NSW FITCAlan Mansfield / AMWU
Martin Lewis / Furnishing Industry Association of Australia
John Lynch / JL Engineering/ NSW Business Chamber
Sharyn Buck / Self Insurers Association
Steve Ruff / Self Insurers Association
Ken Hocking / Timber Trade Industrial Association
Ian Girkin / WorkCover (BAB)
Susanne Hollis / WorkCover (IRG Branch, Convenor)
Karyn Davidson / WorkCover (IRG Branch, Minutes)
Sarah Nicholson / WorkCover (Manufacturing Team)
Andrew Theakstone / WorkCover Plant (Policy and Programs)
APOLOGIES
Andrew Papandreas / AI Group / Sims MetalStephen Bali / AMU
Ken Mc Kell / AMIC
Regina Dunlea / NSWFITC
Dave Henry / AMWU
1. WELCOME, INTRODUCTIONS AND APOLOGIES
The Convenor opened the meeting at 9.30am, noted apologies and welcomed all members and speakers.
2. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING
2.1 Confirmation of Minutes of Previous Meeting
The Minutes of the Manufacturing IRG meeting held Wednesday 17th October 2007 were accepted as an accurate record.
Moved: Sharyn Buck Seconded: John Lynch
2.2 Matters arising:
There were no matters arising.
3. PRESENTATIONS
3.1 BAB Mentor Program
Ian Girkin from the WorkCover Business Assistance Branch reported on the BAB mentor program
This program encourages larger organisations to take on a mentoring role to a selected group of smaller businesses within the same industry, to assist them with improving their level of workplace safety, whilst complying with the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS), workers compensation and injury management legislation.
The program has been very successful and is now in its third year. In 2008 the program is focused on construction and manufacturing with a small pilot targeted at retail and consumer services. Industry teams at WorkCover will be working closely to provide technical advice and guidance.
The pilot program is currently working with Westfield (originally a Construction Mentor) who will assist two small businesses at each participating Westfield site either in coffee/food or clothing. The smaller businesses will not be a franchise or linked to a large parent company.
Ian provided Information packs containing application forms for large and small businesses and advised a closing date of 10th March 2008. Eligible small businesses must employ between 1 –20 workers but will also consider 20-30 employees. The program will have an official two-day launch:
Day 1 – Orientation, Workshops and Formal opening by the Minister
Day 2 – For Mentees (Small Business) 2 or 3 workshops with previous Mentees presenting their experiences.
3.2 Asbestos Demolition Developments Andrew Theakstone Technical Specialist/ Senior Inspector (Plant (Policy & Programs) Team)
Andrew Theakstone provided a presentation to the IRGs on the recent developments in the Asbestos and Demolition area. WorkCover has already given briefing sessions to most of the inspectorate and information branch and this presentation has been adapted to include maximum relevance to Manufacturing.
Andrew advised that a recent guide is available. A copy of the presentation is attached.
3.3 WorkCover Assist (Film & TV) DVD
Under a WorkCover Assist grant, the Screen Producers Association of Australia has produced a CD ROM that delivers an interactive self-paced risk management training system. Susanne provided a demonstration and highlighted the main features of using a DVD as an educational tool.
4. WORKCOVER REPORTS
4.1 Occupational Health and Safety Division Report
Sarah Nicholson, Inspector Manufacturing Team provided a report to the meeting. A copy of the report was tabled and sent out prior to the meeting.
Sarah advised that the Metal Fabrication and Wood Industry documents are close to being finalised.
The Machine Guarding harmonisation document is available now.
Machine Guarding and Timber Manufacturing have 15 workshops scheduled between February and March. The workshops are designed to provide advice and guidance and will give good and bad examples of safety equipment and procedures. Time will then be given to apply this information to their workplace. Intervention visits will take place in April.
5. IRG PRIORITY ACTIVITIES
5.1 Workplace Safety Culture Project
The Survey has been edited and the spreadsheet corrected. Feedback is being incorporated.
The draft CD was tabled for review and member feedback included the following comments:
· Decision made on appropriate and non-appropriate photos
· Karyn to contact Daniel regarding photos that Maria has given him or Maria will forward directly to Karyn
· Karyn to investigate photos from websites ie ocha, google
· Karyn to email all members for any further comments on Case Studies
· Members to reply by Tuesday 11 March 2008
· Members were happy with the title of the CD Rom- “the Workplace Safety Culture toolkit.”
· Sharyn and Maria agreed to assist with Manufacturing Week if an opportunity exists
· Maria to contact Susanne or Karyn regarding opportunities to promote kit through Food Stakeholder Consultation in May.
Promotion and Distribution Strategy
· Launch at Manufacturing Week – May 2008. As no members have a stall Susanne/Karyn will follow up with Safety Show organiser for a different or alternate option.
· Susanne to contact Kristina Barrett re AIG intentions re Manufacturing week.
· Distribute via membership - Susanne confirmed numbers of CDs requested by members for distribution through member networks.
6. OTHER BUSINESS
6.1 Information Dissemination
6.1.1Meat Industry Conference Maria Hooker
Maria spoke of harmonisation project Safe working at Height that is close to being finalised but discussed further challenges in the process with QLD.
6.1.2 Manual Handling Cross IRG Meeting Report Maria Hooker
Poor attendance as only 2 representatives was available. The meeting discussed possible solutions on a national level and included various ideas such as online surveys, focus groups, stakeholder consultation, site visits and pre and post intervention awareness. Barriers were identified including demographic – old and young workforce, environmental – new technology, hot and cold climates, vulnerable workers – disabilities, language, very young and unfit workers. It was decided that further work on this project would not occur until more members are present at the next meeting.
6.1.3 Fatigue Guide
Victoria has had the Lead role in this harmonisation project. The Guidance is taking shape and the 'post consultation version' is now available. A final meeting is scheduled in Melbourne later this month to complete this project that will be followed by joint-Ministerial launch (probably early May). The new Guide does not override existing guidance and should be ready in about 10 weeks. Susanne gave draft copy to John Lynch.
6.1.4 Safe Design
In response to recommendations emerging from the 2002 Workplace Safety Summit, the New South Wales Government convened the Safe Design Advisory Group. The Advisory Group agreed on three principles for systematically developing a design that is safe:
1. Understanding that good design can contribute to safety.
2. Systematic risk identification and control.
3. Considering user requirements.
It was agreed that the most effective strategy for encouraging safe design is to raise awareness of the importance of Safe Design through the provision of high quality information and education. With this in mind, the Safe Design Advisory Group Report highlights twelve recommendations of the Advisory Group as being necessary for the promotion of Safe Design.
Design has a significant impact on safety across each stage of a building or structure's life cycle, and that improvements in design practice will result in improved safety for constructors and end users. Buildings and structures that are inherently safer are more useable, pleasant and productive places to work.
WorkCover encourages designers involved in the design of a building or structure likely to be used as a workplace to ensure, as far as is reasonable, that it is designed to be safe and withoutrisk to people using it as a workplace, as well as safe to those involved in its construction, maintenance, renovation and eventual demolition.
6.1.5 HWSA launch new website
The Heads of Workplace Safety Authorities (HWSA) have launched a website which includes information detailing the organisation’s vision and objectives; current campaigns; reports; jurisdictional contacts; meeting schedules, and associated internet sites. Anyone interested in obtaining alerts and updates from the site can register to be notified by email. Visit the website: http://www.hwsa.org.au/
Chemicals of security concern
An email was sent to members
Attorney-General Robert McClelland has released of a draft report on the control of chemicals of security concern for public consultation and comment. The report is the outcome of the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) Review of Hazardous Materials, which has examined the regulation, reporting and security surrounding the illegal or unauthorised use of chemicals for terrorist purposes.
The public has until the 4th of April 2008 to review and comment on the draft report. The report will then be finalised for COAG consideration. Consultation sessions are scheduled to take place in all States and Territories to assist the public in providing feedback on the report.
Copies of the draft report can be obtained by registering on the website of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet at www.pmc.gov.au.
The NSW Government is conducting information sessions across regional and metropolitan NSW on security issues for chemicals to decrease their risk of being used for terrorist purposes.
To register and for furtherinformation please refer tothe secureNSW website at www.secure.nsw.gov.au
WorkCover Publications Pricing andDistribution Policy
NEW policy commenced 11 February 2008
A new pricing policy has been developed for all WorkCover NSW Publications. Thenew policy ensures workers and employerswill be able toreceive the OHS, Injury Management and Workers Compensation publications they need, free of charge, or at a fairer price.
·
Single copies of core publications are available free. Multiple copies of core publications are available at list price plus postage and handling.
All non-core publications are charged at list price plus postage and handling. All forms are available free.
Publication prices do not include development costs such as authorship, editing or design.
Proposed Amendments to Recognise Lifts as Plant
Comcare is seeking comments from stakeholders on proposed amendments to Part 4 - 'Plant' of the Occupational Health and Safety (Safety Standards) Regulations 1994, for the control of risks associated with lifts.
View the consultation paper:http://www.comcare.gov.au/safety/public_consultation
Any Other Business
· Martin Lewis requested an update on WorkCover performance in the WC Scheme. Susanne advised that Lynette Parker would be presenting at the next IRG meeting regarding matters relevant to the WC Scheme. This presentation will take approximately 1 hr.
· Ken Hocking requested information regarding WorkCover grants as he is under the impression that WorkCover Assist will no longer exist as of July 08.
Action: Susanne to find out more information.
7. NEXT MEETING:
9.30 AM – 12.30PM
Wednesday 9th April 2008
WorkCover Offices, Level 10
300 Elizabeth Street, Sydney
The meeting closed at 12.30pm
Susanne Hollis
Convenor Manufacturing IRG
Ph: 02 4321 5103
Fax: 02 9287 5103
Mob: 0421 611 164
Email:
Attachments
1. OHSD Report
2. Asbestos presentation
3. Safe Design report
C:\Documents and Settings\kmckell.000\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files\OLKDC4\IRG4 Minutes Feb 2008 draft unconfirmed.doc Page 6 of LastSaved: 7/03/2008
UNCONFIRMED