CSG Monthly Meetings
The topic of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is being met with rising interest and speculation about how it can be applied in the workplace. An example of the successful use of AI in OHS will be presented to Central Safety Group on Tuesday 14 October by John Ansley, co-founder of Knowby.
They have developed a digital tool, Knowby Pro, that takes the complexity out of instructions, giving instant access to critical information. John will demonstrate how the Knowby Pro platform works, and the different ways it can be applied in business.
CSG Committee member Gavin Kenny, who is Head of Health and Safety Systems Transformation at Opal, will contribute to the presentation by talking about how he uses the tool at his workplace. He will give his perspective on its application at Opal, and how it has improved their OHS communications.
Billed as an alternative to those painful how-to manuals and instructional videos, Knowby Pro allows users to create SOPs or work instructions using a combination of text and images and/or video, with the help of AI.
John and Gavin’s presentation will include an opportunity for questions from the audience.
Note: RSVP by close of business Monday 13 October 2025. When booking, please ensure you select the October Event from the dropdown list (shaded orange), to RSVP.
The esteemed David Caple AM will join us on 9 September to talk about new initiatives in manual handling that have been assessed and implemented in a range of workplaces, including libraries, childcare and large retail stores.
David will provide an overview of the methodology involved, and give examples of the initiatives. Manual handling..read more.
About the speaker:
David Caple AM is a leading figure in occupational health and safety here and overseas. He has advised a wide range of businesses, industry groups and public sector organisations, and has worked with Australian and overseas governments on work health and safety strategy.
He has spent 40 years as an OHS consultant, and was an Adjunct Professor, Centre for Ergonomics & Human Factors, La Trobe University for 20 years. David was President of the International Ergonomics Association (IEA) 2006-2009, in which capacity he represented the profession in 23 countries, to governments, universities, researchers and practitioners.
In 2024 he was co-author of a new international publication Giving your business the human factors edge.… Making it Happen!
David is a Financial Member of Central Safety Group.
Note: RSVP by close of business Monday 8 September 2025. When booking, please ensure you select the September Event from the dropdown list (shaded orange), to RSVP.
Opal Specialty Packaging provides tailored cardboard-based packaging solutions for small, medium and large businesses. Their fully integrated packaging development service is based on circular economy principles.
Join CSG for a tour of their Oakleigh South production facility on Tuesday 19th August and see Opal’s advanced manufacturing capabilities. Learn how they deal with hazards such as mobile plant, traffic management, noise and machine guarding.
We will also hear about recent safety programs related to video SOPs and streamlining the on-boarding of casuals.
Opal’s sustainable corrugated cardboard packaging solutions cover every application you can think of, from smartly designed bespoke boxes and vibrant digital print to high-end corrugated cardboard point-of-purchase displays for retailers. ..read more.
Numbers limited: book early to secure your place.
Non-Members welcome to attend
Note: RSVP by close of business Monday 18 August 2025. When booking, please ensure you select the August Event from the dropdown list (shaded orange), to RSVP.
As many of you know, Victoria is entering a new era of workplace safety with the upcoming implementation of the Occupational Health and Safety (Psychological Health) Regulations, set to take effect in December 2025. Craig Ramadge’s presentation to Central Safety Group on July 8 will draw on his experience working in the area of forensic mental health to explore the implications of Victoria’s new psychosocial regulations for employers and employees.
These regulations place a stronger emphasis on identifying and managing psychological hazards - including exposure to trauma, violence and high-stress environments - all of which are highly relevant in forensic settings.
Craig will take us through the unique physical and mental health challenges faced by workers in forensic mental health roles, and how the changes to WorkCover Mental Injury claims in Victoria impact these workers.
..read more.
Note: RSVP by close of business Monday 7 July 2025. When booking, please ensure you select the July Event from the dropdown list (shaded orange), to RSVP.
We can always count on Kevin Jones to broaden our horizons via new books and publications on a range of topics. His presentation to Central Safety Group on Tuesday 10 June 2025 will be no exception.
Kevin's discussion will include publications that are not directly related to OHS, but provide valuable insights that can stimulate an OHS professional's thinking about their approach to OHS.
By challenging mainstream views on topics such as leadership, Kevin aims to inspire discussion and widen our knowledge of important topics.
Kevin's overview will include topics directly related to OHS as well, such as a recent study about employee well-being and mental health.
The presentation will be followed by a question and discussion session.
Note: RSVP by close of business Monday 9 June 2025. When booking, please ensure you select the June Event from the dropdown list (shaded orange), to RSVP.
Details coming soon
Note: RSVP by close of business Monday 12 May 2025. When booking, please ensure you select the May Event from the dropdown list (shaded orange), to RSVP.
Business imperatives and safety outcomes are not always compatible, but Catherine Itman will be offering a good-news story to Central Safety Group at the April lunchtime presentation.
As a safety specialist in the Safety and Property Risk team at Industry Super Property Trust (ISPT), Catherine will talk about how ISPT maintains a ‘do no harm’ investment and operating philosophy, with HSE principles integrated into all business activity....Read more
Note: RSVP by close of business Monday 7 Aril 2025. When booking, please ensure you select the April Event from the dropdown list (shaded orange), to RSVP.
Effective communications are a key part of creating a safe workplace, but what works and what doesn’t? Some valuable insights and answers were provided by Dr Tristan Casey in his 11 March presentation to Central Safety Group.
Dr Casey, an Implementation Scientist (Workplace Health, Safety & Wellbeing), conducted a detailed study on safety communication, in the field, as a joint project between Queensland’s Griffith University and the nation-wide Protech employment group....Read more
Note: RSVP by close of business Monday 10 March 2025. When booking, please ensure you select the March Event from the dropdown list (shaded orange), to RSVP.
We were privileged once again to have Helen O'Keefe share her knowledge and advice about the latest employment trends in the OHS sector at our first event for 2025.
This is of particular interest to our cohort, who no longer remain with an organisation for their entire career. Rather there is considerable movement between roles and industries, due to the transferable skills of the OHS professional. This presentation showed the scope of what's out there and how best to navigate it, including dealing with the impacts of AI...Read more
Note: RSVP by close of business Monday 10 February 2025. When booking, please ensure you select the February Event from the dropdown list (shaded orange), to RSVP.
Here Comes the Sun
Summer brings with it increased risk of skin cancer, heat exhaustion and heat stroke in the workplace.
This session will raise awareness of risks from exposure to heat, and discuss the roles and requirements of employers and employees in dealing with these.
General dangers from working in high temperatures, both indoors and outdoors, will be discussed by Dominic Melling, OHS Unit Coordinator at Victorian Trades Hall Council.....Read more
Note: RSVP by close of business Monday 11 November 2024. When booking, please ensure you select the November Event from the dropdown list (shaded orange), to RSVP.
Workplace mental health research findings
Workplace mental health research findings
Research findings on the state of mental health in Australian workplaces will be discussed on October 8 by psychologist Daryan Rosic, Mental Health Programs and Initiatives Specialist at Allianz Insurance Australia. His talk will draw on several years of external research by Allianz, surveying over 12,000 employees and managers.
Daryan says today’s workforce is experiencing a profound shift towards greater diversity, due to globalisation, changing social dynamics and more inclusive hiring practices...Read more
Note: RSVP by close of business Monday 7 October 2024. When booking, please ensure you select the October Event from the dropdown list (shaded orange), to RSVP.
What's new in ergonomics – here and overseas
Our popular annual speaker David Caple, fresh back from the International Ergonomics Association Congress in Korea, will give an update to CSG on 10 September on emerging issues in ergonomics, followed by some interesting local case studies.
The first case study is about the risk of heavy paint cans to store staff and customers. This has resulted in changes to the industry, but there are further findings from an industry review related to lighter weight cans.
This will be followed by case studies related to reviews and solutions for occupational violence for frontline staff in public spaces.....Read more...
Note: RSVP by close of business Monday 9 September 2024. When booking, please ensure you select the September Event from the dropdown list (shaded orange), to RSVP.
Safety beyond city limits
How do you keep in contact with safety colleagues and issues out in the country? Phil Dwyer, from regional Warrnambool in Victoria, will give us an insight into this on 13 August when he talks about regional safety networks and his own job as OHS Officer - Audit, Risk and Compliance, at multi-campus South West Institute of TAFE.
Phil is a keen member of safety networking groups: Warrnambool Area of Safety and Health Group (WASH Group) and the TAFE Safety Network Group that covers Victoria. He is also a member of Central Safety Group...Read more...
Note: RSVP by close of business Monday 13 May 2024. When booking, please ensure you select the August Event from the dropdown list (shaded orange), to RSVP.
Site Visit: Melbourne & Olympic Parks
How: In-person attendance only.
Non-Members welcome to attend
Enjoy the chance to see inside the safety systems of some of Melbourne’s biggest event and sporting venues with Scott McMillan, Director of Safety at Melbourne & Olympic Parks on 9 July.
Melbourne & Olympic Parks (M&OP) is home to seven national, elite sporting teams and welcomes millions of visitors annually. The precinct is acclaimed for hosting the Australian Open, a range of sporting codes, as well as top international acts and musicians.
On the site visit, Scott will show the safety side of what goes into putting on some of its main sporting events. This includes discussing the challenge of providing safe delivery, in a short time frame and on a very large scale. Read more...
Note: RSVP by close of business Friday 5 July 2024. When booking, please ensure you select the July Event from the dropdown list (shaded orange), to RSVP.
