Managing the hazards of working in heat and air pollution

Its that time of year again….

Hot weather and bushfire danger!

Some facts from Safe Work Australia –

This time last year, parts of Australia were badly affected by extreme heat and bushfires. Working in heat and/or in air pollution can be hazardous and can cause harm to workers in both indoor and outdoor work environments.

Over the 10 years from 2009-10 to 2018-19, there were 1,774 workers’ compensation claims resulting from working in heat.

• 1,679 of these claims were from working in the sun
  • 940 of these claims were cancer-related
  • 441 of these were claims regarding heat stroke or heat stress 
• 95 of these claims were from working in hot indoor conditions

There are a whole range of Working in Heat and Air Pollution/Bushfire Smoke resources available for employers and workers to help manage these risks

Stay cool

Welcome to 2021

It’s a new world and a different workplace in 2021

Things are different this year and 2021 will have an additional safety focus and workplace changes with COVID

This article from Gallagher Bassett explains some of the key risk areas

https://blog.gallagherbassett.com.au/blog/a-risk-managers-guide-to-2021-health-and-safety-planning

#safetygeek #2021

Healthy Workplaces

What is a healthy workplace and why should you have one?

https://www.healthyworkplaces.sa.gov.au/

This website has been developed by the Collaborative Partnership to provide a central source of information, tools and resources to help South Australian businesses create healthy, safe and thriving workplaces.

A safe and healthy workplace leads to

• greater productivity outcomes

• fewer work-related injuries and illnesses and

• improved health and wellbeing outcomes for workers

Good, safe and meaningful work is a positive contributor to the physical and mental health and wellbeing of all South Australians including workers, their families and communities.

Don’t Risk A Fine Or A Workplace Accident – Top 10 Safety tips from Business SA

Here are Business SA Top 10 Tips for WHS

1. Revisit Your WHS Policies And Procedures To Ensure They Are Up To Date
2. Undertake A Workplace Inspection
3. Ensure Fire Extinguishers Have Been Checked By An Appropriate Contractor Within In The Past Six Months
4. Confirm That The Contents Of The First Aid Kit(S) Are Within Date And Comply With The Recommendations In The First Aid In The Workplace Code Of Practice
5. All Identified Officers Are Up To Date With Their Due Diligence
6. All Compliance Training (Including First Aid And Fire Warden) Is Current
7. Communication And Consultation Across The Business Is Regular
8. Managers And Supervisors Take Appropriate Action To Address WHS Issues, Concerns Or Incidents Raised By Workers
9. Schedule An Emergency Test (Fire Drill) If One Has Not Been Held During 2020
10. Check That WHS Records Are Maintained

National Safe Work Month – October 2020

Safe Work Month will be a little different this year

Go to https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/national-safe-work-month/whats-on to see what events are happening in your region and online

NSW Mine Safety Regulator’s Report

The NSW mine safety regulator has issued its annual report for 2018/2019

You can read more here https://www.amsj.com.au/nsw-mine-safety-regulators-report/

MUSIC SA COVID-19 BEST PRACTICE GUIDE FOR SA LIVE MUSIC VENUES

Music SA has a great resource to help manage the risks for the music industry

This guide has links to

• Covid awareness training – A free 30-minute online course has been developed by the South Australian Tourism Commission
• Best practice hand hygiene
• Contact tracing requirements for venues

Have a look at http://www.musicsa.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/COVID-venue-best-practice-guide_WEB.pdf

Farm Safety Week

National Farm Safety Week is July 20 – 25.

As explained by Safework SA, this week is about highlighting the importance of business and industry working together to increase the wellbeing of Australian farmers through innovation and improved attention to health and safety outcomes.

Have a look here https://www.safework.sa.gov.au/news-and-alerts/news/news/news-alerts/farm-safety-week,-20-25-july-2020

Safety Geek has a background working in farm safety so #asksafetygeek if you need help.

National Safe Work Month 2020

October is National Safe Work Month and this year’s theme, Work Health and Safety through COVID-19, is about the impacts of COVID-19 on Australian businesses, employers and workers. 

Check out the website to find out more https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/national-safe-work-month

Return to Work SA Online Webinars

Return to Work SA have free online skill building workshops available
for Employers

Topics include

• Introduction to Mentally Healthy Workplaces
• Supporting return to work: A guide for managers
• Back to basics – A Return to Work Coordinator refresher

The 2020 / 21 training calendar is here

RTWSA training and events can be found here https://www.rtwsa.com/about-us/returntoworksa/events

safetygeek is qualified in Return to Work injury management if you need any advice on the RTW Act and work injury response