вторник, 23 декабря 2014 г.

Австралия (охрана труда). Январь - месяц в котором наиболее часто происходят несчастные случаи на производстве.


Health & Safety Bulletin
Home | About UsTwitter LinkedIn

Prepare now for 2015 – don’t let your workers 

become complacent

Tuesday, 23rd December, 2014, by Joanna Weekes
In today's Health & Safety Bulletin:
  • Why January is a risky time of year
  • 4 essential steps to reduce risks in the new year
Dear Reader,
Many of you will no doubt be planning to shut down operations over the Christmas period. This is an important time for both you and your workers to rest and recharge ahead of the coming year.
But remember that when workers do return to work in January, they may be less diligent in meeting their health and safety requirements.
In today’s Health & Safety Bulletin, Michael Selinger will discuss the added risks that can come after an extended break, and a recent case in which a senior manager was injured on the first day of operations in the new year. He will also outline four essential steps you should follow to ensure your workers are prepared for the year ahead.
See you in the new year!
Joanna Weekes
Joanna Weekes
Editor
Health & Safety Bulletin
.................................................Advertisement.................................................
Want a simple way to save time, avoid hassle and be able to act with absolute confidence when a safety incident occurs in your workplace?
Click here to find out more about the Health & Safety Handbook
...........................................................................................................................
Why January is a risky time of year

By Michael Selinger
Editor-in-Chief, Health & Safety Handbook

As businesses close down for the Christmas break it is important to keep in mind that when your workers return to work there is an even greater need to be vigilant about safety.
While your workforce will enjoy the benefit of a well-earned rest over the Christmas break, be careful about the return to work in January. As discussed in last Tuesday’s bulletin, a culture of risk-taking and rule-breaking operate within all workforces. Not only is the start of the new year a time when there is a greater tendency to break rules or take risks, it is also more likely that complacency will take hold or that there will be a lack of focus by workers.
In a recent case in NSW, a business was prosecuted when a senior manager was struck by a forklift in its manufacturing premises on its first day of operations in the new year. Although the manager was the most senior person onsite at the time and was aware of the operations of the business, there was a lack of an appropriate start-up for the workforce in returning after the holiday period to focus their minds on safety.
Although the Court decision mainly focused on the lack of adequate separation between pedestrians and mobile plant, the judge also considered the time of year when the incident occurred. The judge noted that January is a period when workplace incidents are more likely to occur due to a higher level of complacency and a general lack of focus.
Some steps you can take in the new year to reduce the risk of incidents include:
  • conduct a return to work meeting with all your workers to revise the safety management system you have in place at the organisation and workers’ obligations to follow the rules;
  • ensure that workers are fully aware of all relevant safe operating procedures before allowing them to operate tools or equipment;
  • where possible, aim to ramp up production slowly so as to allow workers to settle back into the routine and shake out the cobwebs from the summer break; and
  • stay alert and make sure there is sufficient supervision to ensure workers are following the procedures correctly.
Warm regards,
a
Michael Selinger 
Editor-in-Chief
Health & Safety Handbook



Like the Health & Safety Bulletin? Check out our other free bulletins:
Workplace BulletinWorkplace BulletinGet the very latest employment law tips, ideas, news and practical advice sent straight to your inbox. Click here to sign up now.
Self-Managed Super Fund
Self-Managed Super Fund Bulletin
Receive all the information, ideas and tips you need to manage your own super fund. Click here to sign up now.


Please whitelist the Health & Safety Bulletin to make sure you get every edition delivered to your inbox.
The information in this email is intended solely for the addressee. Access to this email by anyone else is unauthorised. If you are not the intended recipient, please return the message to the sender and delete it from your records. All content is © 2007-2013 Portner Press Pty Ltd All Rights Reserved.
Disclaimer: We research our recommendations and articles thoroughly, but disclaim all liability for any inaccuracies or omissions found in our publications. Click here to view our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions.
Queries: For general enquiries, email cs@portnerpress.com.au or call 1300 782 911.
Health & Safety Helpdesk: Paid subscribers to the Health & Safety Handbook can ask our experts for advice.
Syndication: To republish an Health & Safety Bulletin article, please email cs@portnerpress.com.au for information.
Health & Safety Bulletin ISSN 1837-6533
Portner Press Pty Ltd
96-98 Bridport Street
Albert Park VIC 3206
Australia