Central Safety Group Melbourne

November 2017

Working at heights – are the regulations safe?

Presentation by: David Davis, Director, Working at Heights 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 was discussed by David Davis, a member of the Executive Committee of the Australian Working at Heights Association at the November meeting of Central Safety Group. David outlined 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 included 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 were detailed in a report submitted to Standards Australia when the 2013 standard was released. He gave a number of examples where people working in OHS need to be aware that the current revised AS1657 is inadequate.

The presenter:

David Davis became a Director of the Working at Heights 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.

September 2017

The Future of OHS

Presentation by: Professor David Caple, OHS Consultant and Adjunct Professor, Centre for Ergonomics & Human Factors, La Trobe University, David Caple & Associates

Presentation package now available (members only)

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 these questions in his talk to the Central Safety Group on 12 September. David spoke about how the field of workplace safety has evolved, looking at the most important trends and changes over the years. He discussed what he sees as the latest significant developments in the area and where he sees things heading in the future. This included what OHS practitioners will be expected to know and do and the skills, background and experience they will need in the years ahead.

The presenter:

David Caple, who has a background as an ergonomist, has been a leading figure in occupational health and safety in Australia for many years. He has advised a wide range of businesses, industry groups and public sector organisations and worked with Australian and overseas governments on work health and safety strategy. He is an OHS consultant and Adjunct Professor, Centre for Ergonomics & Human Factors, La Trobe University.

July 2017

Safety Behind the Scenes at Arts Centre Melbourne

Presentation by: Chris Hayes, Senior Manager, Venue Operations - Production, Arts Centre Melbourne

Presentation package now available (members only)

There are many unique and complex safety challenges in the live performance industry, ranging from high risk work of theatre rigging and powerful electrical lighting, to manual handling of heavy sets and working with children and animals.
Chris talked about their approach to risk management that involves looking after the safety of entertainers, production teams and audiences. Chris believes there is a need for clearer universal standards and codes of practice in the industry and is working to have these established.

The presenter:

There are many unique and complex safety challenges in the live performance industry, ranging from high risk work of theatre rigging and powerful electrical lighting, to manual handling of heavy sets and working with children and animals. Chris talked about their approach to risk management that involves looking after the safety of entertainers, production teams and audiences. Chris believes there is a need for clearer universal standards and codes of practice in the industry and is working to have these established.

May 2017

The role of leadership in safety culture

Presentation by: Wayne Richards, General Manager, Group Health Safety Environment & Quality, Transdev Australasia

Presentation package now available (members only)

A lot is said about ‘safety leadership’. But what specifically can leaders do to shape an organisation’s safety culture? This was discussed by Wayne Richards, General Manager, Group Health Safety Environment & Quality, Transdev Australasia at a lunchtime presentation to Central Safety Group on 9 May. Wayne talked about what is being done in Transdev. He also drew on his experience in senior safety roles with the MFB and the aviation and environmental services sectors. Transdev is a leading transport provider in Australia and NZ, operating train, bus, coach, ferry and light rail operations in partnership with public authorities and private companies. In Melbourne, this includes operating passenger transport services and school bus services on behalf of Public Transport Victoria.

The presenter:

Wayne commenced his role with Transdev in mid-2016. He was previously Director of Work Health and Safety with the MFB and Executive General Manager of SHEQ with Veolia. He holds a Masters of Business and Technology from the University of NSW as well as technical certificates in electronics. He is also a chartered professional member of the Safety Institute of Australia and Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

February 2017

Demystifying Psychosocial Risk

Presentation by: Dr Natasha Lazareski, Managing Director, PsyFlex

Presentation package now available (members only)

The emphasis on psychosocial risk in the workplace is fairly new in the area of health, safety and wellbeing. Although there has been a huge amount of research on it globally and locally, there is limited understanding on how to assess and manage it.
The subject was discussed by occupational health specialist Dr Natasha Lazareski, who specialises in this area, at Central Safety Group's meeting on Tuesday, 14 February 2017.
She outlined what psychosocial risk is and how to assess it, and provided insight into some of the latest developments in this field.
Taking action can improve the workplace environment and culture by reducing bullying, conflict, complaints, absenteeism, poor teamwork and mental health issues.
Natasha talked about some of the most powerful and effective actions organisations can take to control the impact of work-related stress and improve the mental wellbeing of their employees.

The presenter:

Dr Natasha Lazareski is Managing Director of Psyflex, which provides expertise in workplace mental health and wellbeing. She has been Health and Wellbeing Manager for a number of organisations including National Australia Bank and Ambulance Victoria. She has also worked as a medical officer for personal injury insurance and was National Manager of CGU Workers Compensation Injury Management Services. Through Psyflex Natasha now develops programs for businesses in a range of industries as well as government organisations, schools, and health and emergency services.