February 2022: Kevin Jones

Kevin Jones

Date & Time: Tuesday 8 February 2022 at 12:00pm 

PLEASE NOTE: ONLINE ZOOM Event:

Speaker: Kevin Jones Freelance writer, SafetyAtWorkBlog

Topic: New Perspectives on OHS


Note: RSVP by close of business Monday 7 February 2022.  When booking, please ensure you select the February Event from the dropdown list (shaded orange), to RSVP.

RSVP Here

 

Goodbye 2021 & looking ahead to 2022

Central Safety Group networking get-together

CSG had a relaxed finish to the end of the year with an informal zoom event on December 14th.

The results of our recent survey on topics for 2022 seminars were discussed, with the top five listed below. Interestingly, the least popular topic was COVID. I wonder why?

  1. Latest OHS research
  2. Regulatory & legal issues
  3. Leadership & culture
  4. Mental health & wellbeing
  5. Design, ergonomics & manual handling

 

There is a clear preference for continuing recorded zoom sessions, though there is still a demand for face-to-face networking opportunities. The committee has already been considering how to offer hybrid events to meet these needs.

The zoom attendees were invited to share their workplace experiences over the past year. Cameron spoke about his work with a national recruitment business that includes electrical drafting. As an essential service, business has continued as usual under COVID, except for the challenges of site visits and new rules, such as mask wearing and vaccinations.

As Bryce is based in Albury/Wodonga working for a global company, he has spent most days dealing with multi-jurisdiction COVID issues rather than core business.

David shared his experiences in a national role with Coles, with 120,000 team members across 850 stores. Like many businesses, Coles has had to develop new COVID-safe ways of working.

This forum was a great opportunity to hear from our members and share some personal experiences.

We hope you all enjoy a wonderful safe Xmas and will join us in our 60th Anniversary year.

If you would still like to particpate in our VERY SHORT survey, the link is below. We are always keen to hear your views on which topics and types of events are of interest to you. CSG Network Survey

 

CSG committee bulletin 003

Central Safety Group Survey

As Central Safety Group approaches the impressive milestone of its 60th anniversary in 2022, the Committee is busy planning the year's speakers and events.

We are seeking your input via a VERY SHORT survey -just 4 questions. Please click on the link below and take a few minutes to tell us which topics you want to hear about next year and the types of events you'd be interested in attending.

CSG Network Survey

Thank you in advance and we will share the results at our networking event on December 14th.

 

November 2021 Presentation: Return to work in COVID times: managing psychosocial risk

Presentation & Full Event Video Now Available
CSG Event: November 2021
Speaker: 
Dr Natasha Lazareski, Managing Director, PsyFlex
 
Check out the latest presentation from our November 2021 event, along with the full event video, now available to members.
 
 

Return to work in COVID times: managing psychosocial risk

We had an amazing turnout for our last presentation of the year, which was not surprising considering the topic and the calibre of speaker. Natasha Lazareski's presentation covered some interesting ground that included the inherent contradictions one must face as we all venture back to work post the latest phase of the pandemic.

One such contradiction is within our reactions to situations, where our instinct can be in conflict with a more rational response. Natasha advised organsiations to normalise the fact that we all have different responses to COVID, but still to establish clear guidelines for the workplace that all must follow. Another aspect of this balancing act is to ensure that you don't give out mixed messages, because this can erode trust. We only have to think of how that played out in the community when authorities communicated ever-changing rules and information.

With communication being such a key to successful return to work, Natasha said she believes that workplace Health & Safety Representatves will become the new frontline heroes. That was a great way to emphasise the importance of those roles!

Natasha's presentation went at a cracking pace with a lot of information in her slides, some of which were skipped over due to time constraints. Therefore, do check out the powerpoint slides as well as the video itself.

If you'd like to hear more from Natasha, you can also take a look at her short video as part of our free CSG Talks series last year, Workplace safety in pandemic times.

View Presentation & Full Event Video
members only, please login first.

December 2021: CSG Networking Get-together

CSG networking get-together

Date & Time: Tuesday 14 December 2021 at 12:00pm 

PLEASE NOTE: ONLINE ZOOM Event:

A FREE zoom event
for both members and friends of CSG
Host: Nan Austin, President, Central Safety Group.

Topic: CSG networking get-together

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... Read more...

Note: RSVP not required for this event.

Shift work study - call for participants

Do you have night shift workers in your workplace?

An important study at Monash University is seeking interest from companies employing night shift workers to participate in an upcoming trial commencing February 2022.
 
The trial aims to improve workers' body clocks' adaptation to shift work, their sleep and their health (e.g., fatigue, mental wellbeing). It also expects benefits to the workplace in the form of increased alertness as well as improved workplace performance and safety.
 
Click here for a summary of the research project and its benefits for your organisation. The research procedure will be adapted to comply with each workplace's operational requirements.  This includes timing participation to suit the organisation (e.g., avoiding overly busy/ peak periods if needed) and employees' rosters.
 
The research team has had proven success in improving workplace safety and alertness, and employee sleep and wellbeing in various shift working sectors, such as manufacturing, transport and hospitals.
 
Earlier work by this team was presented to Central Safety Group by Dr Tracey Sletten in August 2019. It attracted a lot of interest and is readily accessible to financial members: The Real Impact of Shift Work and Workplace Fatigue  –log in first.
 
This study will be building on the latest findings and recommendations in this area outlined by Tracey.

For more information, please contact the project coordinator Dr Linda Shen on 0423 855 748 at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

View study details

 

 

CSG committee bulletin 002

Central Safety Group Inc.

We are proud to announce that, as of 16th October 2021, we are an Incorporated Association. Financial Members will recall that, at the 2020 Annual General Meeting in February this year, a resolution was passed to commence the process of incorporation, and now that is complete.

As a result there have been a few changes to roles within the Committee and these remain until the next Annual General Meeting to be held in 2022. The Committee comprises 4 office bearers and 3 ordinary members.

Office Bearers:
President - Nan Austin
Vice President - Frank Imbesi
Secretary - Heather Turner
Treasurer - Cameron Cranstoun

Ordinary Members:
Jane Loudon - Events Co-ordinator
Marina Milankovic - Membership Co-ordinator  
Christina Rennick

The Constitution has been replaced by the Rules of CSG Inc. In addition there is a one-page Membership Policy. We urge all Financial and prospective members to read these documents.

View the CSG Inc. Rules

View the Membership Policy

This is an important step for the Association, and the Committee continues to work hard to provide value for members and our broader network.

 

Upcoming conference: Pandemic Trauma- Person, Place & Environment

CIMA conference 2021

Upcoming conference: Pandemic Trauma- Person, Place & Environment

CSG Member Jacqui Bloink has alerted us to the Crisis Intervention Management Australasia (CIMA) Biennial Conference titled “Pandemic Trauma- Person Place Environment”.  It will be an interactive 3.5 hr Live Streamed event on Wednesday 10th November, 2021 at noon (AEST).

Jacqui runs the St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne (SVHM) STAR Peer Support Program, of which CIMA is the professional affiliate.  CIMA is a not-for-profit organisation that provides education, training and support for workers in emergency services, health care and related agencies in managing the impact of psychological stress and trauma in their work.  

The conference will offer insight into models of practice by leaders in the field, who have implemented change using critical response frameworks during the pandemic. Speakers include Patty Stewart McCord from Canada and Angela Lewis from the UK, both of whom will have specific lessons for health care workers as we plunge into the Wave 3 surge.

Dr Antony Tobin will be representing SVHM on the panel and his expertise as an Intensive Care Specialist & Epidemiologist and current experience as their Chief Medical Officer is a great drawcard.

For more information and to register, here is the link: https://www.cima.org.au/conferences/pandemic-trauma-2021-short-virtual-conference

As the flyer for the event says, the words Pandemic and Trauma were probably not seen together before 2020. It should be a fascinating session.

Jacqui actually gave a great presentation to us in August 2017 outlining SVHM’s award-winning Peer Support Program, so I urge you to check it out here (log in first).

November 2021: Dr Natasha Lazareski

Return to work in Covid times: managing psychosocial risk

Date & Time: Tuesday 9 November 2021 at 12:00pm 

PLEASE NOTE: ONLINE ZOOM Event:

Speaker: Dr Natasha Lazareski, Managing Director, PsyFlex.

Topic: Return to work in Covid times: managing psychosocial risk

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.
She says that, if not appropriately assessed and managed, psychosocial risks increase stress levels and can lead to physical and mental health problems. Psychological responses may include low mood, low motivation, exhaustion, anxiety, depression and burnout. Read more...

Note: RSVP by close of business Monday 8 November 2021.  When booking, please ensure you select the November Event from the dropdown list (shaded orange), to RSVP.

RSVP Here

 

October 2021 Presentation: The current OHS job scene

Presentation & Full Event Video Now Available
CSG Event: October 2021
Speaker: 
Helen O'Keefe, Founder & Principal Consultant, HOK Talent Solutions
 
Check out the latest presentation from our October 2021 event, along with the full event video, now available to members.
 
 

The current OHS job scene

There was a lot of interest in this very timely and fascinating presentation. As Helen said, the current job scene in OHS is HOT and, as it is likely to stabilise next year, now is the time to pursue new opportunities if that has been on your mind. It's a candidate's market!

It was heartening to hear that the pandemic has had one positive effect in that the reputation of OHS has been boosted, making it a great career choice.

Helen shared some interesting national statistics on recruiting that showed the most sought-after job categories. She also offered valuable advice to both potential candidates and organisations looking to fill roles.

Helen conducts a regular podcast series where she talks to CEOs about OHS, which you can learn more about at https://www.hoktalentsolutions.com.au/podcast-webinars/

If you are interested in OHS job opportunities a bit further afield, check out Nan Austin's presentation from July 2020 about her experiences in New Zealand: Safety shake-up across the Tasman, which you can access here (log in first)

View Presentation & Full Event Video
members only, please login first.

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