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Showing 'July 2021: COVID-19 response in Victoria: A union perspective'.
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COVID-19
in Victoria:
A union
perspective

CSG July 2021 Presenter: Dominic Melling, Lead Organiser, OHS Team, VTHC

COVID-19 response in Victoria: A union perspective

Presentation by: Dominic Melling, Lead Organiser, OHS Team, Victorian Trades Hall Council

Presentation package now available (members only)

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, were discussed by Dominic Melling, Lead Organiser of the OHS Team at the VTHC in a zoom presentation to Central Safety Group on Tuesday, 13 July.
Dominic’s talk covered essential workers who reported to their usual workplaces throughout the lockdowns as well as people working from home. He reviewed the structural problems that facilitated the spread of COVID-19 and the Union’s role in advising Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs) and members. Using case studies from high risk industries, he discussed what happened when OHS structures and procedures failed and what lessons can be learned from these failures.
The presentation outlined VTHC initiatives to support HSRs and workers, and Unions’ lobbying efforts that led to changes in Government policy designed to protect workers and the community and to eliminate the spread of COVID-19.

The presenter:

Dominic Melling has been the Lead Organiser of the OHS Team at the Victorian Trades Hall Council since January 2020. In this role he works with affiliated unions in their collective efforts to campaign for safer workplaces and better conditions for workers. Recent examples of campaigns include the introduction of industrial manslaughter as an offence; exposure standards to crystalline silica and the introduction of psychological health regulation. Dominic also assists WorkSafe Victoria by liaising with relevant VTHC affiliates in relation to health and safety and workers’ compensation matters. After graduating in law from Monash University, he had extensive experience representing workers in both industrial and health and safety matters. Prior to working at VTHC, Dominic worked with the National Union of Workers as an Industrial Officer, Organiser and Trainer.

 
 

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MSD Risks
- a New
Approach

CSG March 2026 event - Presenter Jodi Oakman, Head of the Centre for Ergonomics and Human Factors, La Trobe University - MSD risks – a new approach


MSD risks – a new approach

Presented by: Professor Jodi Oakman, Head of the Centre for Ergonomics and Human Factors, La Trobe University

How: CSG Lunchtime Presentation - via zoom only

Date: Tuesday 10 March 2026, noon
Non-Members welcome to attend

The APHIRM toolkit –a tool to manage MSDs and stress-related mental health
Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) account for more than 50% of workplace injuries and diseases, and are among the most expensive and prolonged work-related compensation claims. A pioneering approach to reducing MSDs and stress-related mental health has been developed by Professor Jodi Oakman and colleagues at La Trobe University.
Join us for an interactive Zoom session with Professor Oakman on 10 March exploring the APHIRM Toolkit. APHIRM stands for A Participative Hazard Identification and Risk Management and the free online toolkit guides workplaces through the process of identifying, assessing and controlling physical and psychosocial hazards (www.aphirm.org.au).
An evidence-based system, it addresses risks from both types of hazards that, Jodi says, offers a comprehensive approach for managing workplace MSDs. Significantly, it also involves the participation of workers.
The presentation will be followed by questions and a discussion session.

About the Speaker:

Jodi Oakman is a Professor and head of the Centre for Ergonomics and Human Factors at La Trobe University. Her background is a mix of industry and academia, across a range of industry sectors including health, manufacturing and logistics.
She joined the teaching staff of La Trobe University 20 years ago after working as a corporate ergonomist, initially with Ford, and then as a consultant. Her initial degree was in physiotherapy, followed by a Master’s degree in ergonomics, and a Doctorate on the influence of an organisation on employees' retirement intentions.
Her current research projects include developing a model of sustainable work to facilitate longer working lives, and using evidence to guide risk managements in organisations to reduce the risks of stress and MSDs.

Date: Tuesday 10 March 2026
Time: 12:00pm to 1:00pm
How: Online via Zoom only - the link will be sent out on the afternoon of the Monday preceding the event
N.B. A video recording of the session will be available on the website exclusively for financial members.
Cost: Financial members* free. Others $15
RSVP: COB Monday 9 March 2026. Online using our RSVP form
Join: Join CSG now [Individual membership fee: $85.]
*If unsure of your membership status, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
   RSVP: by Monday 9 March.
Online using our RSVP form or Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., phone the secretary T: (03) 9387 9768 Mobile 0417 040 252
The Zoom event link will be emailed on the afternoon of Monday 9 March.

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