Central Safety Group (CSG) is a networking group for health and safety professionals in Melbourne CBD and beyond.
Members from a range of industries and organisations share their interest in improving all aspects of health and safety in their workplace and keeping informed on key initiatives.
CSG holds events featuring specialist speakers on the second Tuesday of the month from February and November. These can be attended in person in Melbourne's CBD or via Zoom. Presentations are available afterwards online for members.
Our program also includes site visits and an annual networking lunch. CSG is a not-for-profit incorporated association.
Read WorkSafe Victoria's congratulatory letter for our 60th anniversary:
Presented by: Dr Marilyn Hubner, Manager, OHS Body of Knowledge
Date: 14 November 2023, noon
How: CSG Hybrid Lunchtime Presentation -via zoom or in person
Venue: Regus Yarra Room, 50th floor, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne
(Important: Current building works mean you need to enter the building from Little Collins Street. It is well signposted.)
Non-Members welcome to attend
Recent research results
Recent research results in OHS and their relevance in the workplace Some recent research findings in OHS and their relevance in the workplace will be discussed by Dr Marilyn Hubner in a presentation to Central Safety Group on Tuesday, 14 November. Marilyn is Manager of OHS Body of Knowledge (OHS BoK) with the Australian Institute of Health & Safety (AIHS), which publishes collective knowledge that should be shared by generalist OHS professionals.
A leading professional in safety education and training, Marilyn promotes the importance of safety professionals being engaged in evidence-based research and applying it in their workplace programs.
Her talk will be followed by questions and discussion.
Note: OHS BoK has recently released Chapter 39.1: The OHS professional as a ‘critical consumer’ of research.
Dr Marilyn Hubner has been developing and delivering safety training programs for over 20 years, and was appointed OHS Body of Knowledge Manager with the AIHS in January 2023.
Marilyn’s background includes Managing Director of Buildup Research, and eight years as National Research and Training Support Co-ordinator for the National Safety Council of Australia (NSCA). She has also been an Awards Judge with NSCA for the past 11 years.
Marilyn’s PhD thesis, completed in 2016 from Victoria University, is titled Constructing Safety Training: Foundations of Attitudes and Perceptions of the Construction Site Supervisor.
It is never too late to join and support Central Safety Group, at $80 per calendar year.
Helen O'Keefe
Date: February 2023
(day TBA)
Speaker: Helen O'Keefe, Manager, OHS Book of Knowledge, Australian Institute of Health and Safety
Topic: TBA
Followed by CSG Annual General Meeting
Details coming soon.
Note: When booking, please ensure you select the February Event from the dropdown list (shaded orange).
Members & non-members welcome to attend.
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CSG Annual Networking Event
Date: FRIDAY 15 December 2023
Event: CSG Annual Networking Lunch
Come and join us at our Annual Networking Event.
A Middle Eastern Feast at Mama’s Canteen that includes 3 courses, soft drinks, tea & coffee
(vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options available).
Numbers are limited, so Book Now via the button below to secure your place.
WHEN: Friday, 15 December, 12:00 - 2:00pm.
WHERE: Mama’s Canteen, The Main Square, Federation Square (corner of Flinders and Swanston Streets) Melbourne CBD
COST: Financial Members: $20; Non-members: $60
RSVP: By Monday 11 December 2023
Members & non-members welcome to attend.
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Marilyn Hubner
Date: 14 November, 2023
Speaker: Marilyn Hubner, Manager, OHS Book of Knowledge, Australian Institute of Health and Safety
Topic: Recent OHS research results
Recent research results in OHS and their relevance in the workplace
Some recent research findings in OHS and their relevance in the workplace will be discussed by Dr Marilyn Hubner in a presentation to Central Safety Group on Tuesday, 14 November.
Marilyn is Manager of OHS Body of Knowledge (OHS BoK) with the Australian Institute of Health & Safety (AIHS), which publishes collective knowledge that should be shared by generalist OHS professionals...read more
Members & non-members welcome to attend.
Become a member now:
Professor Helen Lingard
Tuesday 10 October 2023
Speaker: Prof. Helen Lingard, Director of The Centre for Construction Work Health and Safety Research at RMIT University
Topic: Changing the safety culture in construction
In the past the construction industry has been known for being resistant to improvements affecting worker safety and wellbeing. However, the situation is now changing, according to Professor Helen Lingard, a leading expert in construction safety, whose research over the years has been widely translated into improved work health and safety policy and practice in the construction industry...Read more
Members & non-members welcome to attend.
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Professor David Caple AM
Tuesday 12 September 2023
Speaker: David Caple AM, Adjunct Professor, Centre for Ergonomics & Human Factors, La Trobe University
Topic: New thoughts on the role of ergonomics
On 12 September Professor David Caple AM will share some of the key issues and new findings from two international conferences he has just attended.
The question of what systems performance is and how it can be achieved was the subject of a number of sessions at the July conference of Organizational Design and Management in Bordeaux, France.
David will share insights from this conference on how ergonomics can adapt to improve wellbeing and systems performance across multiple industries. The conference’s aim was to provide ‘insights, revelations and recommendations’ on the role of ergonomics...read more
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Amy Lynes
Tuesday 11 July 2023
Speaker: Amy Lynes, Senior Workplace Relations Consultant, National Retail Association
Topic: OHS and the Retail Industry
Facing a rise in customer aggression
Retail workers are currently confronted by a trend of rising bad behaviour from customers, manifest as frustration, anti-social behaviour and aggression, which is affecting employees’ workplace safety and wellbeing.
This issue will be discussed in a presentation on 11 July by Amy Lynes, Senior Workplace Relations Consultant with the National Retail Association (NRA). She will talk about the impact of customer aggression on frontline retail employees...read more
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Victorian Tunnelling Centre Tour
Wednesday 14 June 2023
Site Visit - Location: Victorian Tunnelling Centre - Holmesglen Institute Drummond Street campus, Chadstone
Time: 12 noon sharp
Numbers limited -book early to secure your place
Site Visit -Victorian Tunnelling Centre
The Victorian Tunnelling Centre (VTC) at Holmesglen Institute’s Drummond Street campus in Chadstone offers specialist training to workers in the construction and operation of a variety of tunnels including rail, road, and utilities tunnels.
Join CSG for a tour of this unique facility that includes a replica mined tunnel and a replica rail/Tunnel Boring Machine tunnel similar to the Metro Tunnel, with a full-height entrance, two multi-purpose engineering workrooms and training facilities, including tunnel shaft and concrete lining spray simulators, as well as augmented and virtual reality experiences. A cutterhead, a refuge chamber and the only four-motion bridge and gantry crane located in a TAFE also form part of the facility.
The Australian-first tunnelling training centre is training thousands of workers as part of the Victorian Government's rail projects.
Tours are designed to raise awareness of what it is like to work in tunnel construction and tunnel operations, and are led by industry experts with extensive knowledge in civil and tunnelling construction and operations, and virtual and augmented reality.
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Mike Craig
Tuesday 9 May 2023
Speaker: Mike Craig, HSR Support Officer, WorkSafe Victoria
Topic: HSRs – Partners in safety
Health And Safety Representatives (HSRs), elected to represent their fellow employees, along with workplace Health and Safety Committees can make an important difference to workplace safety culture and outcomes.
Mike Craig, Health and Safety Representative Support Officer with WorkSafe Victoria, will discuss how Safety Managers can assist in making these workplace safety roles and relationships as productive and constructive as possible in a lunchtime CSG presentation on 9 May...read more
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Rosie O’Halloran
Tuesday 4 April 2023
Speaker: Rosie O’Halloran, Ergonomist, University of Melbourne
Topic: Green ergonomics: Designing a sustainable workplace
How do you gain a green star rating for ergonomic design? You can learn what’s involved from Rosie O’Halloran, an award-winning Human Factors and Ergonomics practitioner, in her presentation to Central Safety Group on Tuesday 4 April.
She will present a methodology she developed for evaluating and certifying the interior of buildings with a green star rating credit for ergonomic design. Following her success with this at the University of Melbourne, Rosie won the 2022 University Safety Association’s Safety Professional of the Year award...read more
Members & non-members welcome to attend.
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Kevin Jones
WEDNESDAY 15 March 2023
Speaker: Kevin Jones, Editor, SafetyAtWorkBlog
Topic: The hot topics of OHS today
Some of the latest books on workplace OHS will be discussed by Kevin Jones in a lunchtime presentation on Wednesday 15 March. This is a chance to find out what’s new, what’s getting attention, and some of the fastest growing trends in OHS.
Kevin is internationally recognised for his commentary and analysis on safety-related matters and is involved in different areas of safety...read more
Members & non-members welcome to attend.
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Helen O'Keefe
Tuesday 14 February 2022
Speaker: Helen O'keefe, Director, HOK Talent Solutions
Topic: Recruiting and retaining OHS staff
CSG Hybrid Lunchtime Presentation -via zoom or in person
Recruiting and retaining OHS staff in an inflated job market
Like many areas of the current job scene, employers looking for quality OHS professionals are finding themselves in an inflated job market, where there are more roles available than suitable applicants.
So what’s required to attract and retain OHS talent when good candidates are spoilt for choice? What do you need to be doing differently? Some useful advice will be offered by Helen O’Keefe, who runs a leading national health & safety executive search agency, at a presentation for CSG at noon on Tuesday 14 February...read more
Note: When booking for the Event, please ensure you select the February Event from the dropdown list (shaded orange), to RSVP to this meeting.
Members & non-members welcome to attend.
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CSG Networking for members & friends
Tuesday 13 December 2022
Event: Special networking opportunity for members and friends of CSG
FREE: A free event on Tuesday 13 December at noon
As our 60th Anniversary year draws to a close, we are delighted to announce that we will be having our first ‘hybrid’ event on 13 December – where people can attend in person or via Zoom.
This will be the first time we have gathered for a Tuesday lunchtime event since March 2020. It marks the return of opportunities for you to network in person, which is a key part of CSG...read more
View CSG 2022 in Review
Note: When booking for the Event, please ensure you select the December Event from the dropdown list (shaded orange), to RSVP to this meeting.
Members & non-members welcome to attend.
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Ross Macfarlane
Tuesday 8 November 2022
Speaker: Ross Macfarlane, Director, RM The Risk Manager Pty Ltd
Topic: Five top tips for successful auditing
Ross Macfarlane is a highly experienced consultant and auditor who has conducted external and internal audits for a number of JAS-ANZ accredited certification bodies.
Ross has assisted many organisations achieve and maintain certification to occupational health and safety, environment and quality management standards. He has also assisted them whilst undergoing internal and external audits, and has helped them to improve their safety performance and business effectiveness...read more
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60 years, how time flies.
FRIDAY 14 October 2022
CSG 60th Anniversary Celebration
What a celebration - 60 years of promoting safety!
For those who missed it, or others who would like to re-live this special occasion, we have produced a memorable package. There were a few technical challenges on the day, including our original plan for filming the speakers. However, our wonderful secretary Heather Turner saved the day by filming it with her phone and, while it will not be nominated for an Academy Award, it certainly captures the atmosphere well.
There were so many highlights of the day, not least of which was having David Caple AM as MC for the event. He features at the beginning of the video, along with President Nan Austin.
We were honoured to have Dr Narelle Beer from WorkSafe Victoria attend and give the keynote address. She had some very interesting things to say about future developments in OHS in Victoria. The transcript of her speech is available as part of this package. We also welcomed Narelle's commitment on behalf of WorkSafe Victoria to maintaining ties with our group...read more
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Ben Thomson
13 September 2022
Speaker: Ben Thomson, Safety Manager, Flight Academy Australia
Topic: When a company is small and risks are high
Aviation demands particularly sound safety management systems and behaviours. Ben Thomson, Safety Manager for Flight Academy Australia (FAA), a light aircraft pilot training business, faces special challenges with instructors and students from a wide range of backgrounds.
In a Zoom talk on 13 September, Ben will discuss his approach and actions that could be applied equally to other small companies wanting to refresh and strengthen their safety management systems.
Members only access to catch-up video (full event video), now available.
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Phil Lovelock
9 August 2022
Topic: OHS and Social Sustainability
Speaker: Phil Lovelock, Senior Health, Safety and Wellbeing Consultant and Policy Advisor, Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry
CSG Zoom Lunchtime Presentation - noon
Non-Members welcome to attend.
As the concept of social sustainability becomes more important, businesses and organisations are treating people more as an asset to be valued and looked after.
How can OHS practitioners support their businesses in building and maintaining social sustainability? Phil Lovelock has some answers when he presents a model for doing this in a CSG lunchtime Zoom talk on 9th August....Read more
Members only access to video catch-up.
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Dr Carys Chan
12 July 2022
Topic: Return to Work – What research is telling us
Speaker: Dr Carys Chan, Research Fellow, Griffith University - Centre for Work, Organisation and Wellbeing.
CSG Zoom Lunchtime Presentation - noon
Non-Members welcome to attend.
What are the psychological effects of workplace injury? How can an understanding of this help employers support workers’ return to work? Research findings on this will be discussed in a Zoom presentation on 12 July by Dr Carys Chan of Griffith University, one of the authors of a recent paper commissioned by Safe Work Australia.
The aim was to advance knowledge and generate recommendations for Safe Work Australia’s National Return to Work Strategy 2020-2030. Safe Work Australia develops national policy to improve WHS and workers’ compensation arrangements across Australia...Read more
Members & non-members welcome to attend.
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Jason Green
14 June 2022
Topic: OHS without borders - helping overseas
Speaker: Jason Green, President, Australian branch - Workplace Health Without Borders
CSG Zoom Lunchtime Presentation - noon
Non-Members welcome to attend.
There are 3 billion workers in the world - and around 2 billion of them work in unhealthy and unsafe conditions. Millions die each year from workplace causes, and hundreds of millions are incapacitated by occupational injuries and disease.
Do you want an opportunity to make a difference? We now have an Australian branch of Workplace Health Without Borders (WHWB), which is seeking members and volunteers.
Jason Green, President of the Australian branch, will talk on 14 June about the work done by WHWB around the world in countries where help is needed to create healthier and safer workplaces.
...Read more
Members & non-members welcome to attend.
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Keith Govias
10 May 2022
Topic: Ethics in Safety
Speaker: Keith Govias, Principal Consultant - Workplace Risk, Gallagher
CSG Zoom Lunchtime Presentation - noon
Non-Members welcome to attend.
As an OHS practitioner, how important is it to have an ethical approach in your role? And what is involved? For some answers to this, join Keith Govias, an expert on the subject, in a lunchtime Zoom talk on Tuesday, 10 May.
Keith is the first OHS professional to become a Vincent Fairfax Fellow in Ethical Leadership, and is also a peer-reviewer of the Ethics and Professional Practice chapter for the Body of Knowledge produced by the Australian Institute of Health and Safety.
He will discuss the ethical challenges in our profession and how an ethical framework can be applied to OHS decision making, performance measurement, injury management and other areas, and give examples from his own professional experience... read more
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Tracey Browne
12 April 2022
Topic: New psychological hazard regulations
Speaker: Tracey Browne, Manager - National Safety & Workers' Compensation Policy and Membership Services, Ai Group
CSG Zoom Lunchtime Presentation - noon
Non-Members welcome to attend.
Victoria has developed draft regulations for psychological health, and work is happening at the national level to develop Model WHS Regulations on this topic. What responsibilities will employers have under this new legislation? How might it affect the workplace? Will it have an impact on workers compensation?
These and other issues will be discussed in a zoom presentation at midday on 12 April by Tracey Browne, Manager, National Safety & Workers' Compensation Policy and Membership Services at Australian Industry Group (Ai Group)....Read more
Members & non-members welcome to attend.
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Pam Pryor AO
8 March 2022
Topic: The changing role of the OHS professional
Speaker: Pam Pryor AO, Manager OHS BoK Development, Australian Institute of Health and Safety
CSG Zoom Lunchtime Presentation - noon
Non-Members welcome to attend.
OHS is now suffering from 'disciplinary ambiguity' according to a recent international study. You will hear why from Pam Pryor, Manager OHS Body of Knowledge Development for the Australian Institute of Health and Safety, in a CSG lunchtime Zoom presentation on 8 March.
Changes affecting the OHS profession include the COVID-19 pandemic opening new ground on workplace safety; the growing discussions around psychological health and safety, and the fact that many OHS professionals now include ‘wellness’ as part of their role.
These all highlight the lack of clarity around the role of the generalist OHS Professional, according to Pam.
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Kevin Jones
8 February 2022
Topic: New perspectives on OHS
Speaker: Kevin Jones, Editor, SafetyAtWorkBlog.com
CSG Zoom Lunchtime Presentation - noon
Non-Members welcome to attend.
Catch up with some of the latest thinking and writing on OHS with Kevin Jones. He will discuss some of the latest ideas and information he’s found in recently-published books by leading OHS and economics experts and political scientists in Australia and elsewhere... read more
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CSG AGM
2022
CSG Annual General Meeting
Date: Tuesday 8 February 2022
CSG Zoom AGM after Lunchtime meeting at noon
Members welcome to attend.
The CSG AGM will commence directly after the February 2022 at 12 noon Event.
Members welcome to attend.
Become a member now:
CSG President ~ Nan Austin
14 December 2021
CSG Networking get-together on zoom
Hosted by Nan Austin, President, Central Safety Group
A free zoom event
for both members and friends of CSG
December is the time of year for us to celebrate our CSG network, share ideas and get to know each other a little better.
While circumstances prevent us from gathering in person for a second year, please join us via zoom for an informal networking function. Let’s share our experiences and valuable lessons from 2021, as well as exploring next year's events.
We are looking forward to celebrating our 60th year in 2022 and welcome your thoughts about the future of Central Safety Group to ensure we continue to remain relevant to our members and the wider safety community.
Note: RSVP before close of business Monday 13 December 2021.
When booking for the Event, please ensure you select the December from the dropdown list (shaded orange), to RSVP to this meeting.
Members & non-members welcome to attend.
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Dr Natasha Lazareski
9 November 2021
Return to work in Covid times: managing psychosocial risk
Speaker: Dr Natasha Lazareski, Managing Director, PsyFlex
CSG Zoom Lunchtime Presentation - noon
Non-Members welcome to attend.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a drastic impact on workplace conditions and work arrangements. This has brought new psychosocial risks that can affect the health and wellbeing of workers. Occupational health expert Dr Natasha Lazareski will discuss this issue, along with strategies to manage it, in a Zoom presentation to Central Safety Group Inc. on Tuesday 9 November at noon. Read more...
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Helen O'Keefe
12 October 2021
The current job scene for OHS – what’s different now
Speaker: Helen O'Keefe, Founder & Principal Consultant, HOK Talent Solutions
CSG Zoom Lunchtime Presentation - noon
Non-Members welcome to attend.
What’s the current job scene for OHS? The news is that at the moment there are more roles on offer than candidates, according to Helen O’Keefe, who runs a leading national health & safety executive search agency. This will be the subject of her zoom presentation for CSG at midday on Tuesday 12 October.
Helen will discuss the reasons for the current shortage of applicants happening across the board in a range of industries, as well as in different levels and roles in the OHS field. Read more...
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Professor David Caple AM
14 September 2021
Topic: New research on manual handling injuries
Speaker: Professor David Caple AM, OHS Consultant and Adjunct Professor, Centre for Ergonomics & Human Factors, La Trobe University, David Caple & Associates
CSG Zoom Lunchtime Presentation
Work-based musculoskeletal injuries remain a major issue, but research is telling us more about how and why these injuries occur, along with better prevention and management strategies.
Professor David Caple AM has recently been involved in a range of projects related to manual handling injury prevention in hospitals. These injuries account for around 70% of Workcover claims in hospitals for both clinical and non-clinical staff. Read more...
Members & non-members welcome to attend.
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Alison Hunt-Sturman
10 August 2021
Topic: Living through COVID-19 in healthcare and aged care
Speaker: Alison Hunt-Sturman, Group Manager, WHS, Mercy Health Australia
When the Covid-19 crisis arrived, organisations everywhere were hit with a massive task without warning and precedent. The healthcare industry faced significant challenges in managing and implementing new and complex requirements.
Alison Hunt-Sturman, Group Manager, WHS, at Mercy Health Australia, will present a compelling account of what happened across the healthcare industry as well as within her organisation. Mercy Health manages four public hospitals, 30 aged care homes, in-patient and outpatient mental health services, and home care services around Australia. Read more...
Members & non-members welcome to attend.
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Dominic Melling
13 July 2021
Topic: COVID-19 response in Victoria: A union perspective
Speaker: Dominic Melling, Lead Organiser, OHS Team, Victorian Trades Hall Council
The COVID-19 crisis brought some major challenges to unions affiliated with the Victorian Trades Hall Council (VTHC), their members and workers. These challenges, along with lessons learned and solutions, will be discussed by Dominic Melling, Lead Organiser of the OHS Team at the VTHC in a zoom presentation at midday on Tuesday, 13 July.
Dominic’s talk will cover essential workers who reported to their usual workplaces throughout the lockdowns as well as people working from home. He will review the structural problems that facilitated the spread of COVID-19 and the Union’s role in advising Health and Safety Representatives and members. Using case studies from high risk industries, he will discuss what happened when OHS structures and procedures failed and what lessons can be learned from these failures. Read more...
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Dr Kate Branford
8 June 2021
Topic: Safety risks and Understanding Human Factors
Speaker: Dr Kate Branford, Senior Human Factors Specialist, V/Line
CSG Zoom Lunchtime Presentation - noon
Non-Members welcome to attend.
Human Factors issues constitute a significant source of risk in many industries. Human error contributes to an estimated 60-80% of incidents, while other Human Factors issues also play a part in a large proportion of incidents.
Understanding human error, how it contributes to safety incidents and how it can be managed, will be the subject of a zoom talk by Dr Kate Branford at midday on 8 June... Read more
Note: Full video of this meeting has now expired. View presentation package from the 'View Presentation' button below. Available to members only.
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Gavin Kenny
11 May 2021
Topic: Using technology to make work safer
Speaker: Gavin Kenny, Manager SHEQ - Service Delivery, Melbourne Water
CSG Zoom Lunchtime Presentation - noon
Non-Members welcome to attend.
Melbourne Water will share how technology has improved its safety systems and performance in a zoom presentation to Central Safety Group at midday on Tuesday, 11 May. The presenter will be Gavin Kenny, Manager SHEQ - Service Delivery at Melbourne Water, who has introduced a number of digital technology improvements to safety processes there.
Melbourne Water is a statutory body which supplies high-quality water, provides reliable sewerage services, integrates drainage systems to prevent flooding and enhances waterways and land for Melbourne and its surrounds. Gavin will talk about the changes involved, how they were introduced and the resulting efficiency gains.
These new systems are integrated with and supported by the organisation’s existing IT systems. He will describe the transition from using cumbersome, paper-based processes to easy-to-use digital systems. Among other things, this has made safety data at Melbourne Water more transparent and easy to access, making it easier to analyse trends.
Gavin will answer questions from participants after the presentation.
Note: Full video of this meeting now available from the 'View Presentation' button below. Available to members only.
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April Zoom Meeting 2021
13 April 2021
Topic: Musculoskeletal issues – what’s new in risks and prevention
Speaker: David Trembearth, Safety Business Partner, People and Product Safety, Coles.
Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs), often referred to as ‘Body Stressing’, are the highest category of serious workers’ compensation claims for Australian workers, representing 36% of all claims in 2017-18.
Research and experience show there is a lot can be done to prevent these injuries, which was the topic of a talk by David Trembearth to Central Safety Group via Zoom on Tuesday, 13 April 2021.
David chaired the working group that developed a position statement on WMSDS for the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society in 2020. He provided an overview of this and spoke about evidence-based causes of WMSDs as well as intervention strategies for the prevention and management of these injuries.
Musculoskeletal injuries can affect any worker, not just manual labourers, says David. It can happen in any workplace and cover a wide range of life-changing lower back and repetitive strain injuries.
Significantly, these injuries can result from both physical and psychological hazards in the workplace. They also present psychosocial hazards and are recognised as critical workplace risk factors.
Note: Full video of this meeting now available from the 'View Presentation' button below. Available to members only.
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March Zoom Meeting 2021
9 March 2021
Topic: Hospital safety during the pandemic
Speaker: Christine Rennick, General Manager, Health Safety and Wellbeing, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne.
When the Covid-19 crisis exploded just over a year ago, the demand for special safety measures in our hospitals was massive, sudden and urgent. Christina Rennick, General Manager Health, Safety and Wellbeing at Melbourne’s St Vincent’s Hospital, will do a presentation via Zoom at 11 am on 9 March about how her workplace responded.
The hospital has a big and complex structure, a workforce of 7,000, and a large number of patients and visitors to protect. Beyond implementing large-scale basic requirements for Covid protection, the safety team had to develop new rules and systems, learn from experience and adapt. This has been ongoing as knowledge of the coronavirus unfolds and the situation in the community changes.
Christina will talk not only about physical safety measures, but also the need to monitor and manage the wellbeing of people in the hospital system during this time... Read More
Note: Full video of this meeting now available from the 'View Presentation' button below. Available to members only.
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February Meeting 2021
9 February 2021
CSG Annual General Meeting 2020
AGM Agenda & Model Rules for an Incorporated Association available below.
Members welcome to attend.
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Professor David Caple AM
8 December 2020
Topic: Covid-19 Impact on Workplace Safety.
Presenter: Professor David Caple AM, OHS Consultant and Adjunct Professor, Centre for Ergonimics & Human Factors, LaTrobe University
2020 – what a year! Central Safety Group wrapped it up with the subject that has had such an impact on our lives and work these past eight months.
Professor David Caple discussed Covid-19 and workplace safety via zoom on Tuesday 8 December. David has been working on Covid-related projects with the healthcare and government sectors during the crisis.
He reflected on the psychological and physical risks, ways these can be managed and what long-lasting impacts coronavirus could have on the workplace. He then opened the session for questions and discussion, in which participants were encouraged to talk about what is being done in their own industry or workplace. It was a great session!
Note: Full video of this meeting now available from the 'View Presentation' button below. Available to members only.
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Michael Connory
17 November 2020
Topic: Web safety – are you taking risks?
Presenter: Michael Connory, CyberCertified
Cyber crime is at an all-time high with so many people working from home and shopping online. Most of us could do a lot to improve our cyber security.
Michael Connory of CyberCertified gave invaluable advice and answered questions on this topic during a lunchtime zoom presentation to Central Safety Group on Tuesday 17 November.
As one of Australia’s leading voices in cyber security, Michael’s session gave viewers a practical demonstration and plenty of useful tips.
About the presenter:
Michael Connory of CyberCertified has had over 20 years experience in the global security sector, and has held a number of senior roles with companies specialising in this field. He is a strong advocate for better privacy protection for individuals and businesses, and is often called upon to give expert commentary in the media.
Note: Full video of this meeting now available from the 'View Presentation' button below. Available to members only.
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Barry Naismith
Ahead in 2020
Topic: What does the data reveal about the state of OHS in Victoria?
Presenter: Barry Naismith, OHS Intros
Barry Naismith shares his latest research into reducing the impact of work harms.
About the presenter:
Prior to a career in OHS, Barry Naismith worked as a journalist and editor. He spent more than 14 years with the Victorian WorkCover Authority before working independently as an OHS consultant. He has also worked with Uniting Victoria on a program to reduce the impact of work harms on the community. Barry has qualifications in science from Melbourne University and media studies from RMIT.
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Nan Austin
July 2020
Topic: Safety shake-up across the Tasman - update
Presenter: Nan Austin, Consultant, Management Systems Consulting & Auditing
A brief recap of Nan's presentation from November 2019, updated to include latest developments resulting from the COVID-19 response in New Zealand.
About the presenter:
Prior to her three years as Health and Safety Manager at the University of Waikato in New Zealand, Nan held a number of senior national safety roles in Australia. This included Manager, Work Health and Safety at the Red Cross Blood Bank and National OHS Manager at Healthscope.
Throughout her career Nan has specialised in the development of auditable systems for safety and injury management. Her work experience has been complemented by studies at Masters level in Business Administration and Personal Injury Management.
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Dr Natasha Lazareski
June 2020
Topic: Building safety consciousness in pandemic times – How to ensure people follow OHS guidelines in your workplace.
Presenter: Dr Natasha Lazareski, Managing Director, PsyFlex
The latest presentation in the new series of CSG Talks videos exclusive to Central Safety Group while normal physical meetings are suspended.
Returning to the workplace after the Covid-19 shutdown presents OHS challenges from both a physical and psychological perspective.
In this video, Dr Natasha Lazareski talks about how OHS managers can help employees adjust to the new reality and pandemic-safe workplaces. She outlines an easy to apply guide for employees to embrace the new safety requirements and interact with respect and tolerance towards others.
As an occupational health and behavioural science specialist, Natasha offers six helpful points in this video for managing occupational and psychosocial risk in a post-lockdown workplace that requires everyone to comply with Covid-19 guidelines.
Natasha explains that we all feel differently about this new situation, and while we cannot control our feelings, we have control over our actions. At work our actions should show respect, compassion, caring and understanding towards those who have different feelings about the impact of Covid-19.
About the Presenter:
Natasha Lazareski is a medical doctor, specialising in occupational health, with 21 years of experience in Australian organisations. She is also trained in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), a mindfulness-based cognitive behavioural therapy.
In 2006, in the wake of the SARS pandemic, as medical and injury management services manager at IAG, Natasha was actively engaged in developing an organisational response to a possible influenza pandemic. At the time, medical experts knew that another airborne or droplet-borne pandemic was imminent.
Natasha has been following COVID 19 developments closely since January and has been supporting workplaces worldwide with their response to infection control and occupational stress management.
Natasha's other work with a wide range of organisations, including government institutions, has resulted in the successful development of sustainable risk management strategies and holistic health frameworks that build resilient employees and a positive workplace culture. Her approach, as well as providing occupational safety advice, is to help employees initiate and maintain desired occupational safety behaviours in their workplaces.
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Sue Bottrell
May 2020
Topic: A Legal Analysis of Truck Incident Killing Four Police Officers
Presenter: Sue Bottrell, Lawyer, Contractor Safe
Upcoming presentation in the new series of CSG Talks videos exclusive to Central Safety Group while normal physical meetings are suspended.
A Legal Analysis of Truck Incident Killing Four Police Officers
The session will be a synopsis of the legal implication of the incident on the Eastern Freeway, Melbourne on 22 April 2020, which resulted in the deaths of four Police Officers. It will outline the application of WHS, Heavy Vehicle and Criminal Law and the possible prosecutions that could be brought by Worksafe Victoria, the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator and the Police.
Sue Bottrell is an expert WHS and Transport Lawyer who specialises in the application of the Heavy Vehicle National Law and specifically the Chain of Responsibility.
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SafetyAtWorkBlog
12 May 2020
CSG Talks - New Video Content
Topic: A look at some new thinking
Speaker: Kevin Jones, SafetyAtWorkBlog
Welcome to the first of a series of CSG Talks videos exclusive to Central Safety Group while normal physical meetings are suspended.
Some new books about key OHS issues are discussed in this 10-minute video by Kevin Jones, author of the influential SafetyAtWorkBlog.com.
The Bystander Effect: The Psychology of Courage and Inaction
Author: US psychologist Professor Catherine Sanderson
The COVID19 Pandemic: Lessons on building more equal and sustainable societies
Authors: Professor Michael Quinlan and a dozen of his global colleagues
Michael Tooma on Mental Health
Author: Michael Tooma Read more...
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No April 2020 Meeting
April 2020
CSG will not be holding a meeting in April, due to Easter Holidays.
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Kenn Rogers
10 March 2020
Topic: Customer abuse: The Reject Shop’s frontline solutions
Speaker: Kenn Rogers, The Reject Shop
Venue: DXC Technology, Level 19 (Board Room 1), 360 Collins Street, Melbourne (Between Queen & Elizabeth Street)
Customer abuse is a growing problem in the retail industry that can take a heavy toll on workers’ confidence and wellbeing. Of the Reject Shop’s 6,000 team members, a majority are part-time and 60% are under the age of 25. This means many are inexperienced and particularly vulnerable when faced with customer aggression.. Read More.
Members & non-members welcome to attend.
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Mary Kikas
11 February 2020
Topic: Rebuilding Safety Culture – a case study
Speaker: Mary Kikas, Action OHS Consulting
Venue: Room B411 – Level 4, CAE building, 253 Flinders Lane, Melbourne
AGM will be held after the February Meeting.
Rebuilding safety culture – a case study.
When employee morale, trust and job satisfaction plummet in the wake of major changes, how do you restore a strong safety culture? Mary Kikas faced that exact challenge when asked to help the Health and Safety team of a utilities company that had undergone a significant change management process and redundancies... Read More..
Members & non-members welcome to attend.
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Annual General Meeting
11 February 2020
Annual General Meeting 2020
AGM was held after the February Meeting.
Meeting minutes coming soon.
Members & non-members welcome to attend.
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Save the date for our 2019 Christmas networking lunch!
10 December 2019
Join us in the grand surroundings of Parliament House Victoria and enjoy a meal showcasing the state’s fresh produce.
When: Tuesday 10 December, 12:00pm
Where: Parliament House Dining Room, Spring Street, Melbourne
Cost: Members FREE; non-members & guests $55
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Nan Austin
12 November 2019
Topic: Safety Shake-up Across The Tasman
Speaker: Nan Austin
Venue: DXC Technology, Level 19 (Board Room 1), 360 Collins Street, Melbourne (Between Queen & Elizabeth Street)
The death of 28 miners in an underground explosion at New Zealand’s Pike River Coal Mine nine years ago led to anger, accusations and the call for a major inquiry into the country’s safety laws. The result was a major re-engineering of New Zealand’s safety systems with the introduction of the new Health and Safety Work Act in 2016. Read More..
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Dr David Provan
THURSDAY 10 October 2019
Topic: Safety Clutter & What to do About It
Speaker: Dr David Provan, Managing Director, Forge Works, & Lecturer & Researcher, Griffith University, Queensland.
Does OHS in your workplace feel weighed down by paperwork, rules and procedures? Dr David Provan said this can be due to ‘safety clutter’, described in a study he co-authored as "the accumulation of safety procedures, documents, roles and activities that are performed in the name of safety, but do not contribute to the safety of operational work." Worse, this can create negative beliefs and attitudes to safety, according to the research.
David spoke about how to identify ‘safety clutter’, what to do about it and how to remove it in a lunchtime presentation to Central Safety Group on Thursday, 10 October.
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Prof. David Caple
10 September 2019
Topic: Annual Address to the CSG:- When Workplace Changes Outpace OHS Standards
Speaker: Professor David Caple, OHS consultant and Adjunct Professor, Centre for Ergonomics & Human Factors, La Trobe University
Venue: DXC Technology, Level 19 (Board Room 2), 360 Collins Street, Melbourne (Between Queen & Elizabeth Street)
More and more jobs today require working on mobile devices including laptops, Surface Pros and tablets. Some workplaces ‘dock’ these with monitors and keyboards and others are being used as the primary input device. When it comes to assessing ergonomic risks linked to this, compliance is measured by long-established OHS Codes and Australian Standards Read More..
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Dr Tracey Sletten
13 August 2019
The Real Impact of Shift Work and Workplace Fatigue
Speaker: Dr Tracey Sletten, Senior Research Fellow - Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University and Project Leader - Cooperative Research Centre for Alertness, Safety and Productivity
Venue: DXC Technology, Level 19 (Board Room 1), 360 Collins Street, Melbourne (Between Queen & Elizabeth Street)
It is estimated around 20% of the Australian workforce is involved in some form of shift work, many of them in roles critical for public safety. The challenges of shift work and occupational fatigue have long been acknowledged, but recent research has increased understanding of the negative consequences of working against the body clock.
Dr Tracey Sletten of Monash University and the Cooperative Research Centre for Alertness, Safety and Productivity will be presenting some of the latest findings and recommendations in this area to Central Safety Group on Tuesday, 13 August.
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Michael Carley
9 July 2019
Safety and the Aged Care Sector
Speaker: Michael Carley, Manager, Safety and Risk at Villa Maria Catholic Homes
PLEASE NOTE CHANGE OF VENUE
Venue: DXC Technology, Level 19 (Board Room 1), 360 Collins Street, Melbourne (Between Queen & Elizabeth Street)
The challenges of safety in the aged care & disability sectors
The aged care and disability sectors are among the fastest growing sectors in Australia. Employment in this area has exploded, growing 36% in the past five years – three times the rate of growth across all other occupations.
The particular OHS challenges for these industries will be discussed by Michael Carley, Safety and Risk, Villa Maria Catholic Homes, on Tuesday, 9 July at the Central Safety Group lunchtime meeting. Read More...
Members & non-members welcome to attend.
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Rohan Sykes
11 June 2019
The True Impact of Workplace Accidents
Speaker: Rohan Sykes, workplace accident survivor
PLEASE NOTE CHANGE OF VENUE
Venue: DXC Technology, Level 19 (Board Room 1), 360 Collins Street, Melbourne (Between Queen & Elizabeth Street)
Safety Lapses and Real Life Consequences
Rohan Sykes was a healthy, active young family man when he suffered an horrific workplace injury that caused severe burns to 35% of his body. He was seriously injured by exposure to radiant heat from molten glass, despite wearing full PPE and following procedures.
He emerged from a long and painful recovery and rehabilitation with a strong passion to raise awareness about new approaches to safety that go beyond the standard thinking. Rohan will share his experiences and discuss his special insights and perspectives on safety at the Central Safety Group lunchtime meeting on Tuesday, 11 June. Read More...
Note: When booking for the Event, please ensure you select the June Meeting from the dropdown list (shaded orange), to RSVP to this meeting.
Members & non-members welcome to attend.
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Claire Nivarovich
14 May 2019
Prevention of mental injury at work – where can employers best direct their efforts?
Speaker: Claire Nivarovich, Director Mental Health Programs, WorkSafe Victoria.
Venue: Xchanging, Level 10, 390 La Trobe Street, Melbourne (near Queen Street)
Work-related mental injury is the second most common cause of workers' compensation claims in Australia, and accounts for around 13% of workers' compensation claims in Victoria.
What can employers do to prevent mental injury in their workplace? Where can they best direct their efforts?
Claire Nivarovich, Director Mental Health Programs, WorkSafe Victoria, will speak about this topic in a lunchtime presentation on 14 May.
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Kristen Richardson
9 April 2019
Managing Inappropriate Customer Behaviour
Speaker: Kristen Richardson, Wellbeing and Safety Business Partner Team Leader, ANZ.
Venue: Xchanging, Level 10, 390 La Trobe Street, Melbourne (near Queen Street)
Staff safety and difficult customer interactions
Many businesses have seen an upsurge in staff impacted by difficult customer interactions that may place them at risk of a physical or psychosocial illness.
This has particularly been the case in the banking industry and is varied across customer contact, whether it is face-to-face or telephone interactions.
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Note: When booking for the Event, please ensure you select the April Meeting from the dropdown list (shaded orange), to RSVP to this meeting.
Members & non-members welcome to attend.
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Richard Greenwood
12 March 2019
An Explosive Hazard Hidden in Plain Sight
Speaker: Richard Greenwood, RG Chemical Safety.
Please note change of venue.
Venue: DXC Technology, Level 19 (Board Room 1), 360 Collins Street, Melbourne.
Combustible dust can be a hidden chemical hazard in workshops, factories, storage facilities and many other places. Because it’s not classified as a hazardous substance or as dangerous goods, it is often ignored in workplace procedures and risk control. The significance of this will be discussed by chemical hazards expert Richard Greenwood in a lunchtime presentation to Central Safety Group on 12 March.
The consequences of not recognising the presence of combustible dust were dramatically demonstrated recently when two workers doing routine maintenance were seriously injured in a workplace explosion in Victoria.
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Rachel McGregor and Ebonie Martello
12 February 2019
OHS Careers & Recruitment - what’s hot and what’s not
Speakers: Rachel McGregor and Ebonie Martello of Safety People
Venue: Level 19, 360 Collins Street, Melbourne (Xchanging).
Key job market trends in safety in Australia will be the subject of a presentation at Central Safety Group’s first meeting for 2019 on 12 February.
OHS recruitment specialists Rachel McGregor and Ebonie Martello of Safety People will give a presentation followed by a Q&A session with the audience.
They will talk about:
-industry trends
-salary trends
-the world of safety consulting
-what employers are looking for in a safety professional
-what candidates are looking for in an employer
-other issues raised by the audience... Read more
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MONDAY 10 December 2018
CSG Annual Networking Christmas Lunch
Join us!
Book now for our annual Networking Christmas lunch.
Date: Monday 10th December 2018, from 12 noon.
Cost: Central Safety Group financial members free; Non-members & guests $55
Join us in the grand surroundings of Parliament House Victoria. Enjoy a meal showcasing the...
MONDAY 10 December 2018
CSG Annual Networking Christmas Lunch
Join us!
Book now for our annual Networking Christmas lunch.
Date: Monday 10th December 2018, from 12 noon.
Cost: Central Safety Group financial members free; Non-members & guests $55
Join us in the grand surroundings of Parliament House Victoria. Enjoy a meal showcasing the State’s fresh produce, while enjoying the company of fellow CSG members and friends.
This is the annual event not to be missed.
Numbers are limited, so book now!
Members & non-members welcome to attend.
Become a member now:
Like to view all presentations and catch-up videos? Then join today and enjoy full access!
Members can view our library of recent presentations from the CSG monthly meetings.
Interesting topics and speakers such as:
Managing fatigue: getting it right
David Caple;
What safety success looks like – across industry sectors
Rocky Armstrong;
Rethinking incident investigation
Greg Splatt.
Like to view presentations? Not a member? Then join today and enjoy full access!
Annual Membership Fee:
View our Archive library of past Events, Presentations, Minutes and more...
Missed a presentation, or just like to revisit a presentation from the past? Then look no further, all our archives are available to CSG Members.
Annual Membership Fee:
Get involved with our CSG Network. Join now and start networking today.
Exchange ideas with like-minded people, with a common interest in improving all aspects of occupational health and safety
within their organisations. Join now and start networking today.
Annual Membership Fee:
Enjoy full access to the CSG Archives, including past presentations and more...
Membership costs $60 per calendar year ($300 corporate). Members have online access to the presentations, free attendance to events & presentations and a complimentary Christmas lunch for the December Meeting. To inquire contact: events@centralsafetygroup.com.
We welcome members from all sized businesses, organisations and industries.
Non-members are always welcome to our monthly events / presentations at a cost of $10 per meeting.
Annual Membership Fee:
My special interest is the prevention of injury / fatality at work. I show people the real impact of a workplace injury and ask them to think about the CHOICES they make.
I went to work one day and I came home 9 months later. My injury could have been prevented!
I enjoy trying to change people's views on what safety is all about. It's not just a bunch of rules, systems and procedures, it's a way of life!
I currently work at the PACT Group, helping to drive consistent implementation of HSES systems across PACT’s diverse global operations.
I studied Aquatic Science many years ago and have supplemented that degree with diplomas in OHS and Auditing.
I love working in a field that is challenging, ever-changing and provides endless opportunities to make things better.
LinkSafe specialises in online contractor management solutions.
I am a state committee member of the Facilities Management Association (Victoria).
My current motivation is to create simplistic solutions within appropriate evidence-driven frameworks to assist our clients to manage contractors and suppliers.
My key expertise is development and implementation of safety management systems.
During lockdown in 2020, I qualified as an ISO45001 auditor.
While the COVID-19 pandemic provides many challenges, my primary motivation for working is that every one has the right to return home from work to their friends and family uninjured.
I’m also involved in Health and Safety for a business that does electrical detail drafting and electrical survey work, both overhead and underground cabling, including 3D modelling of the power infrastructure in Australia.
As well as previous experience in recruitment of blue-collar employees, I have worked in the construction industry Australia-wide: asbestos removal, passive fire protection and light demolition.
The variety of challenges I come across, and being able to achieve positive outcomes, is a good motivator for my work in safety.
My foray into the world of safety came when I was EHS Co-ordinator for The Australian Ballet for 9 years. In 2007 we won a WorkSafe Victoria Award for our dancers injury prevention program.
I hold an Advanced Diploma of OHS and a Bachelor of Arts.
It has been heartening to see the development of health & safety in the entertainment industry over the decades. The most rewarding challenge is to balance safety with creativity.
My special interests are dangerous goods and auditing.
Qualifications include B.Sc. (Chemistry) & M.Sc. (Safety). I was Exemplar Global OHSMS Lead Auditor for 20 years (10 years with WorkSafe Victoria).
I enjoy learning about the hazards in different industries and the work taken to control them.
