Central Safety Group Melbourne

ISO 45001 is here – what now?

This was a well-attended meeting of great interest to all present. Kevin's presentation outlined the main aspects of the new Standard and he also provided a handout with a summary of the different sections of the Standard in comparison to AS 4801 & OHSAS 18001. 

The key message was to reassure organisations that the new Standard will not be overly disruptive; in fact, it can support and strengthen the work of OHS professionals within organisations. Kevin's advice is to start using the Standard now even if it is still a couple of years before it becomes an official element of Australian OHS systems.

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Psychological Conditions & Return to Work

As well as having a vast experience in this area, Frank was also the recipient of the National Outstanding Achievement in RTW Award in 2017, and so we were very fortunate to have him as our first speaker for the year.

He shared some very valuable information about the challenges associated with return to work for people who have suffered workplace psychological injury or illness.

Research data he presented showed how important it is to aim for a timely return to work. There has also been a recent increase in the reporting and acceptance of mental injury conditions and claims, which has found many employers unsure and unprepared when it comes to dealing with the challenges of rehabilitation and preventing recurrence of the problem.

Frank outlined a number of ways to assist employers -and consequently the workforce -with these challenges.

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At our AGM on February 13, members voted to adopt amendments to the Constitution.

To summarise the main changes in the new version:

• The sections about Individual & Corporate Membership have been altered to simplify the joining process and encourage growth of membership.
• All 3 levels of membership now include an outline of the benefits of each level.
• The composition of the Executive has been altered to reflect current practice, including the addition of the role of Membership Secretary, which was added in 2016.
• The duties of the position of Membership Secretary have been included.

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Networking at Parliament House

Members & guests of CSG enjoyed a wonderful Christmas networking lunch on Tuesday 11 December 2017 at Parliament House Victoria.

This new venue for our Christmas lunch proved a great success, not only for the excellent service and delicious food featuring seasonal Victorian produce, but also for the elegant surroundings. Being set up in our own private area in the dining room facilitated great conversation without having to compete with the usual clatter of a restaurant setting.

We hope to make this venue a regular fixture for our Christmas lunches in the future as we continue to offer this benefit to our members.

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Date & Time: Tuesday 13 March 2018 at 12:00pm Venue: Level 1, 333 Queen Street Melbourne (AMS Consulting Group)

ISO 45001 is here – what now

Kevin Jones, editor of the SafetyAtWorkBlog.

The new international standard for OHS Management Systems – ISO 45001 – has been finalised and is due to be published in mid-March 2018.

Kevin Jones has been closely following the evolution of this new Standard and its implications for Australia. At our next meeting he will be providing his perspective on the Standard that many are claiming is a “game changer”. Kevin believes it’s not, but that it is still important because it includes support for some effective OHS Principles. He will be inviting discussion during his talk, which should make it a lively meeting. We expect no less from Kevin!

About the Speaker

Kevin Jones is well known for his award-winning safetyatworkblog.com. He has been a consultant, writer and commentator on OHS matters for many years, and recently launched a podcast series of interviews with leading safety experts (safetyoz.podbean.com)

Note: When booking for the Event, please ensure you select the March Meeting from the dropdown list (shaded orange), to RSVP to this meeting.

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Date & Time: Tuesday 13 February 2018 at 12:00pm Venue: Level 1, 333 Queen Street Melbourne (AMS Consulting Group)

Mental/Psychological Conditions and Return to Work

Frank Imbesi, Managing Director of AMS Consulting.

Return to work for people who have suffered workplace psychological injury or illness can be a complicated and challenging process.

The best-practice approach and potential problems when helping employees recovering from mental health issues will be discussed by Frank Imbesi at Central Safety Group’s meeting on Tuesday, February 13 2018.

This area is of special interest to Frank, who has been working in in the field of return-to-work planning, management and support for many years and is Managing Director of an occupational rehabilitation company.

He says a lot is known about rehabilitation and return to work after physical injury, but far less about how to help people recovering from events or situations in the workplace that led to mental injury.

There has been a recent increase in the reporting and acceptance of mental injury conditions and claims, which has found many employers unsure and unprepared when it comes to dealing with the challenges of rehabilitation and preventing recurrence of the problem.

Please note: this presentation will be followed by a brief AGM.

About the Speaker

Frank Imbesi is Managing Director of AMS Consulting, an award-winning company specialising in injury management and occupational rehabilitation. He began his career as a physiotherapist, working in sports medicine and clinical private practice, before moving to the field of occupational rehabilitation. He is also Director & Co-founder of R2W Group and been a Clinical Panel Consultant with WorkSafe. He has degrees from Latrobe University and RMIT and attended Harvard Business School.

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OHS in Victoria … where are we going?

Leading OHS lawyer Graham Dent talked about recent developments in OHS law in Victoria on 10 October 2017.

This included the relevance of the harmonised WHS laws in Victoria, trends in cases, courts and penalties, and the use of Enforceable Undertakings.

Graham gave examples to illustrate the implications of some of the changes we see going on around us. He also discussed changes which may have quietly slipped past us

.

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The future of OHS - What will OHS look like in the future?

What jobs are likely to be available and skill sets required?

Professor David Caple, a close participant and observer in the safety industry for over 40 years, examined those questions on 12 September 2017.

David talked about how the field of workplace safety has evolved, looking at the most important trends and changes over the years.

Both the transcript and pdf for his presentation are available to members.

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Date & Time: Tuesday 14 November 2017 at 12:00pm Venue: Level 1, 333 Queen Street Melbourne (AMS Consulting Group)

Working at heights – are the regulations safe?

David Davis, Director of the Working at Height Association of Australia.

Falls are a major cause of death and serious injury in Australian workplaces. But are current safety standards and regulations adequate to ensure protection for workers?

This important issue will be discussed by David Davis, a member of the Executive Committee of the Australian Working at Heights Association in his CSG lunchtime presentation on Tuesday, 14 November.

David will outline a number of concerns the Association has about current industry guidelines and standards, as well as areas where there is a need to raise awareness.

This will include his own review and critique of AS1657, the main Australian Standard covering fixed platforms, walkways, stairways and ladders, which was revised in 2013. David identified 20 shortfalls, omissions or areas of potential confusion in the revised standard. These have been detailed in a report submitted to Standards Australia when the 2013 standard was released.

He will give a number of examples where people working in OHS need to be aware that the current revised AS1657 is inadequate.

About the Speaker

David Davis became a Director of the Working at Height Association of Australia in 2016. He is the owner of Hi-Rise Access Pty Ltd, a consulting and engineering company specialising in height safety, fall protection and suspended access.

David became interested and involved in the safety industry through a friend who was working in the field. He acquired his current company 12 years ago. Prior to that, he had a successful career in the computer software industry, creating and selling his own company and looking at retirement at the age of 40. His plans changed when he discovered and developed his passion for industrial and workplace safety.

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