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July 2021

 
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.

 
 

June 2021

 
Human
Factors &
Human Error
CSG June 2021 Presenter: Dr Kate Branford, Senior Human Factors Specialist, V/Line

Human factors and human error

Presentation by: Dr Kate Branford, Senior Human Factors Specialist, V/Line

Presentation package now available (members only)

Human Factors issues constitute a significant source of risk in many industries. Human error contributes to an estimated 60-80% of incidents, while other Human Factors issues also play a part in a large proportion of incidents.
Understanding human error, how it contributes to safety incidents and how it can be managed, was the subject of a zoom talk by Dr Kate Branford on 8 June, 2021.
Kate is the Senior Human Factors Specialist at V/Line, which operates Victoria’s regional public transport network, and has worked in this role for seven years.She spoke about what Human Factors is, how it relates to human error and how it can be applied in the workplace to help improve health and safety performance.
The rail industry attracted her due to its collaborative approach to safety and the many opportunities for improvement; she gave examples of these in her talk.

The presenter:

Dr Kate Branford studied at the ANU, majoring in Sociology, with a focus on industrial accidents. She wrote her Honours thesis on the role of blame in accident investigation and then completed an industry-based Doctorate in Human Factors with the Defence Science and Technology Organisation. Her supervisor was Professor Andrew Hopkins, who is internationally recognised for his ground-breaking work in industrial safety and accident analysis. Before joining V/Line in 2014, Kate worked as a Human Factors consultant focusing on defence, aviation and nuclear power projects. At V/Line her role includes error management, incident investigation, Rail Resource Management and supporting Human Factors integration into rail projects and changes.

 
 

May 2021

 
Safety
Benefits
of Technology
CSG May 2021 Presenter: Gavin Kenny, Manager SHEQ-Service Delivery, Melbourne Water

Using technology to make work safer

Presentation by: Gavin Kenny, Manager SHEQ-Service Delivery, Melbourne Water

Presentation package now available (members only)

Melbourne Water shared how technology has improved its safety systems and performance in a zoom presentation to Central Safety Group on Tuesday, 11 May. Gavin Kenny, Manager SHEQ - Service Delivery at Melbourne Water, has introduced a number of digital technology improvements to safety processes there.
Melbourne Water is a statutory body which supplies high-quality water, provides reliable sewerage services, integrates drainage systems to prevent flooding and enhances waterways and land for Melbourne and its surrounds. Gavin spoke about the changes involved, how they were introduced and the resulting efficiency gains.
These new systems are integrated with and supported by the organisation’s existing IT systems and range from large-scale solutions, such as VR design, to the smaller-scale, where policies are adapted to a simple app. Gavin described the transition from using cumbersome, paper-based processes to easy-to-use digital systems. Among other things, this has made safety data at Melbourne Water more transparent and easy to access, making it easier to analyse trends.

To view the video, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The presenter:

Gavin Kenny has been with Melbourne Water since 2016, where he has held a number of specialist safety improvement roles. Before that, his career included senior roles in HSE at Worley Parsons and ABB. He has an honours degree in science from Deakin University and qualifications in OHS and Project Management. It is never too late to join and support Central Safety Group. At $75 per calendar year.

 
 

April 2021

 
Musculoskeletal
Issues -
What’s New
CSG April 2021 Presenter: David Trembearth, Safety Business Partner, Coles

Musculoskeletal issues – what’s new in risks and prevention

Presentation by: David Trembearth, Safety Business Partner, Coles

Presentation package now available (members only)

Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs), often referred to as ‘Body Stressing’, are the highest category of serious workers’ compensation claims for Australian workers, representing 36% of all claims in 2017-18.
Research and experience show there is a lot can be done to prevent these injuries, which will be the topic of a talk by David Trembearth to Central Safety Group via Zoom on Tuesday, 13 April at noon.
David chaired the working group that developed a position statement on WMSDS for the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society in 2020. He will provide an overview of this and talk about evidence-based causes of WMSDs as well as intervention strategies for the prevention and management of these injuries.
Musculoskeletal injuries can affect any worker, not just manual labourers, says David. It can happen in any workplace and cover a wide range of life-changing lower back and repetitive strain injuries.
Significantly, these injuries can result from both physical and psychological hazards in the workplace. They also present psychosocial hazards and are recognised as critical workplace risk factors.

To view the video, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The presenter:

David Trembearth has had a long career providing expertise in ergonomics and human factors to small industry, government and large commercial enterprises. He is currently Safety Business Partner with Coles, providing technical and operational safety support to diverse business units. He also teaches Occupational Ergonomics to students in RMIT’s postgraduate OHS Management program. David is a Certified Professional Ergonomist with the Human Factors & Ergonomics Society Australia Inc. and a Certified Chartered Generalist OHS Professional and Fellow of the Australian Institute of Health & Safety.

 
 

March 2021

 
Hospital Safety
during the
Pandemic

CSG March 2021 Presenter: Christina Rennick, General Manager Health, Safety and Wellbeing, St Vincent’s Hospital, Melbourne

Hospital safety during the pandemic

Presentation by: Christina Rennick, General Manager, Health Safety & Wellbeing, St Vincent’s Hospital, Melbourne

Presentation package now available (members only)

When the Covid-19 crisis exploded just over a year ago, the demand for special safety measures in our hospitals was massive, sudden and urgent. Christina Rennick, General Manager Health, Safety and Wellbeing at Melbourne’s St Vincent’s Hospital, gave a presentation via Zoom on 9 March about how her workplace responded.
The hospital has a big and complex structure, a workforce of 7,000, and a large number of patients and visitors to protect. Beyond implementing large-scale basic requirements for Covid protection, the safety team had to develop new rules and systems, learn from experience and adapt. This has been ongoing as knowledge of the coronavirus unfolds and the situation in the community changes.
Christina spoke not only about physical safety measures, but also the need to monitor and manage the wellbeing of people in the hospital system during this time.

The presenter:

Christina Rennick has worked in the Occupational Health and Safety field for over 25 years. She has been in her current role as General Manager Health, Safety and Wellbeing at Melbourne’s St Vincent’s Hospital for nearly six years. Before that, she was with Mercy Health and held different roles in a number of other organisations, starting out in the health industry then later returning to it. Christina started her career as an Occupational Therapist and, with the ergonomic work she still undertakes, has retained her registration. She is also a Committee member of Central Safety Group.

 
 

December 2020

 
Covid-19 and
Workplace
Safety

CSG December 2020 Presenter: Professor David Caple OM

What Covid-19 means for workplace safety

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

Presentation package now available (members only)

2020 – what a year! Central Safety Group wrapped it up with the subject that has had such an impact on our lives and work these past eight months.
Professor David Caple discussed Covid-19 and workplace safety via zoom on Tuesday 8 December. David has been working on Covid-related projects with the healthcare and government sectors during the crisis.
He reflected on the psychological and physical risks, ways these can be managed and what long-lasting impacts coronavirus could have on the workplace. He then opened the session for questions and discussion, in which participants were encouraged to talk about what is being done in their own industry or workplace. It was a great session!

The presenter:

Professor 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 is currently an OHS consultant and Adjunct Professor, Centre for Ergonomics & Human Factors, La Trobe University.

 
 

November 2020

 
Web
Safety
Risks
CSG November 2020 Presenter: Speaker: Michael Connory, CyberCertified

Web safety – are you taking risks?

Presentation by: Michael Connory, CEO, CyberCertified

Presentation package now available (members only)

Cyber crime is at an all-time high with so many people working from home and shopping online. Most of us could do a lot to improve our cyber security.
Michael Connory of CyberCertified gave invaluable advice and answered questions on this topic during a lunchtime zoom presentation to Central Safety Group on Tuesday 17 November.
As one of Australia’s leading voices in cyber security, Michael’s session gave viewers a practical demonstration and plenty of useful tips.

To view the video, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The presenter:

Michael Connory of CyberCertified has had over 20 years’ experience in the global security sector, and has held a number of senior roles with companies specialising in this field. He is a strong advocate for better privacy protection for individuals and businesses, and is often called upon to give expert commentary in the media.

 
 

July 2020

 
Victorian
OHS Data
Analysis

CSG July 2020 Presenter: Barry Naismith, OHS Intros

What does the data reveal about the state of OHS in Victoria?

Presentation by: Barry Naismith, OHS Intros

Presentation package now available (members only)

CSG Talks LogoWelcome to the fifth in a series of videos exclusive to Central Safety Group while normal physical meetings are suspended.

What does the data reveal about the state of OHS in Victoria?
Barry Naismith has once again produced a fascinating and frank analysis of the current state of OHS in Victoria.
Should we stay the course or shoot the rapids? That’s the question Barry poses, offering some invaluable insights and assessments based on his review of the latest full-year data from WorkSafe Victoria and other sources.
You can enjoy it here in PowerPoint form, provided by Central Safety Group as part of our video series during the Covid shutdown.
Says leading blogger Kevin Jones, "This level of analysis and interpretation is rarely available outside of formal academic research, and Naismith provides the all-important social and political context from which much academic occupational health and safety (OHS) research shies."
This presentation is based on Barry’s most recent research paper "Deaths at Work in Victoria 2019", available to financial members.

The presenter:

Barry Naismith spent more than 14 years with the Victorian WorkCover Authority before working independently as an OHS consultant. This currently includes working with Uniting Victoria on a program to reduce the impact of work harms on the community. Barry has qualifications in science from Melbourne University and media studies from RMIT as well as practical qualifications in OHS/HSR. He has worked previously as a journalist and editor.

 
 

July 2020

 
Safety Shake-up
across the
Tasman -Update

CSG July 2020 Presenter: Speaker: Nan Austin, Nan Austin, Consultant, Management Systems Consulting & Auditing

Safety Shake-up Across The Tasman Update

Presentation by: Nan Austin, Management Systems Consultant & Auditor

CSG Talks LogoWelcome to the fourth in a series of videos exclusive to Central Safety Group while normal physical meetings are suspended.

Safety shake-up across The Tasman-update.
An interesting insight into OHS in New Zealand is provided by Nan Austin, who recently spent almost four years as Manager, Health and Safety at the University of Waikato on New Zealand’s North Island.
The death of 28 miners in an underground explosion at New Zealand’s Pike River Coal Mine ten years ago led to the call for a major inquiry into the country’s safety laws. The result was a major re-engineering of New Zealand’s safety systems with the introduction of the new Health and Safety Work Act in 2016.
Nan gives a first-hand account of some of the safety reforms in New Zealand, and how the new system is working out. This talk is of particular interest to anyone who works for an organisation with operations in New Zealand or, indeed, to anyone contemplating a move across the Tasman and looking for job opportunities in the field of health and safety.
Note: This video is an abridged and updated version of a presentation Nan gave to CSG in November 2019.

The presenter:

Prior to her time in New Zealand, Nan Austin held a number of senior national safety roles in Australia. This included Manager, Work Health and Safety at the Red Cross Lifeblood and National OHS Manager at Healthscope. Throughout her career Nan has specialised in the development of auditable systems for safety and injury management. Her work experience has been complemented by studies at Masters level in Business Administration and Personal Injury Management. Nan is also Vice-President of Central Safety Group.

 
 

June 2020

 
Workplace
Safety in
Pandemic
Times

CSG June 2020 Presenter: Dr Natasha Lazareski, Managing Director, PsyFlex

Building safety consciousness in pandemic times – How to ensure people follow OHS guidelines in your workplace

Presentation by: Dr Natasha Lazareski Managing Director, PsyFlex

CSG Talks Logo 2Welcome to the third in a series of videos exclusive to Central Safety Group while normal physical meetings are suspended.

Building safety consciousness in pandemic times – How to ensure people follow OHS guidelines in your workplace.
Returning to the workplace after the Covid-19 shutdown presents OHS challenges from both a physical and psychological perspective.
In this video, Dr Natasha Lazareski talks about how OHS managers can help employees adjust to the new reality and pandemic-safe workplaces. She outlines an easy to apply guide for employees to embrace the new safety requirements and interact with respect and tolerance towards others. As an occupational health and behavioural science specialist, Natasha offers six helpful points in this video for managing occupational and psychosocial risk in a post-lockdown workplace that requires everyone to comply with Covid-19 guidelines.
Natasha explains that we all feel differently about this new situation, and while we cannot control our feelings, we have control over our actions. At work our actions should show respect, compassion, caring and understanding towards those who have different feelings about the impact of Covid-19.

The presenter:

Natasha Lazareski is a medical doctor, specialising in occupational health, with 21 years of experience in Australian organisations. She is also trained in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), a mindfulness-based cognitive behavioural therapy. In 2006, in the wake of the SARS pandemic, as medical and injury management services manager at IAG, Natasha was actively engaged in developing an organisational response to a possible influenza pandemic. At the time, medical experts knew that another airborne or droplet-borne pandemic was imminent. Natasha has been following COVID 19 developments closely since January and has been supporting workplaces worldwide with their response to infection control and occupational stress management.

 
 

Next Event

 

Aikenhead Centre
for Medical
Discovery

CSG September 2026 event - Presenter: David Caple AM, David Caple & Associates


Site Visit -The Aikenhead Centre for Medical Discovery (ACMD)

Where: 27 Victoria Parade, Fitzroy VIC 3065, Australia
NE corner of Victoria Parade and Nicholson St, Fitzroy - next to St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne

How: On site only, please note early RSVP: COB Monday 31 August

Date: Tuesday 8 September 2026, 12 noon
Non-Members welcome to attend

Site Visit -The Aikenhead Centre for Medical Discovery (ACMD) The Aikenhead Centre for Medical Discovery (ACMD) – Australia’s first hospital-based medical discovery centre –officially opened its doors in June this year, marking the culmination of more than two decades of planning, collaboration and investment in Australia’s biomedical engineering future.
Central Safety Group is privileged to have the opportunity to visit this brand new centre on Tuesday 8th September. Located on the corner of Victoria Parade and Nicholson St, Fitzroy, the ACMD is a $206 million state-of-the-art biomedical engineering centre. Our tour will include a look at cutting-edge laboratories, a human kinetics lab, a clinical simulation lab, and dedicated education facilities to train the next generation of clinical, nursing, allied health and biomedical research leaders.
The ACMD’s unique collaborative model – placing researchers, engineers, clinicians and industry partners under one roof for the first time – is designed to deliver ground-breaking technologies that improve patient outcomes, enhance health equity and transform Australia’s health system.
The ACMD stands on the site of the former Aikenhead Wing – St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne’s residence for trainee nurses. The ACMD is named after Mary Aikenhead, the founder of the Sisters of Charity, the order of nuns who established St Vincent’s.
The tour is fully accessible for attendees with mobility issues.
Please note: this is an in-person event only – there will be no video recording of the tour.

Date: Tuesday 8 September 2026 2026
Time: 12:00pm to 1:00pm
Where: 27 Victoria Parade, Fitzroy VIC 3065
NE corner of Victoria Parade and Nicholson St, Fitzroy - next to St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne
Note: Please note early RSVP date: COB Monday 31 August
N.B. A video recording of the session will NOT be available on the website .
Cost: Financial members* free. Others $15
RSVP: COB Monday 31 August 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 31 August.
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


Don’t forget to put every second Tuesday from February to December in your Calendar!

 

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PO Box 139,
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Tuesday 8 September 2026
Site Visit: The Aikenhead Centre for Medical Discovery (ACMD)
Location: 27 Victoria Parade, Fitzroy

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AHEAD IN 2026

Tuesday 10 October 2026
Speaker: Pete Gardiner, Group Health & Injury Manager, Protech Group
Topic: Innovations in Injury Management

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Tuesday 13 November 2026
Speaker: Dr Kat Page, author 'Good Work – Transform Your Work from the Inside Out'
Topic: Designing Good Work

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Tuesday 8 December 2026
Event: December networking lunch
Venue: The Angliss Conference Centre
Details coming soon

WHAT YOU MIGHT HAVE MISSED
Catch-up: Didn't make it to the event?
You can watch the event in full with our new catch-up video & now podcast feature also available.

CSG August 2026 Event
Speaker: David Caple AM, David Caple & Associates
Topic: Sharing OHS knowledge across sectors
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CSG July 2026 Event
Speaker: Scott McMillan, Director of Safety, Melbourne Park
Topic: Innovation in action – simplifying safety through technology & engagement
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CSG June 2026 Event
Speaker: Sam Hall, Researcher & PhD Candidate, La Trobe University
Topic: Climate Change as an OHS Issue
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CSG May 2026 Event
Speaker: Kevin Jones, Editor, SafetyAtWorkBlog
Topic: The OHS leadership dilemma
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CSG April 2026 Event
Speaker: Dr Natassia (Tas) Goode, Director, Psychological Health Division, WorkSafe Victoria
Topic: Working with the new Psychosocial Regulations
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CSG March 2026 Event
Speaker: Professor Jodi Oakman, Centre for Ergonomics and Human Factors, La Trobe University
Topic: Using the APHIRM Toolkit
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CSG February 2026 Event
Speaker: Helen O'Keefe, Director, HoK Talent Solutions
Topic: What makes a great OHS executive
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CSG December 2025 Event
Event: CSG annual networking lunch
Venue: Angliss Conference Centre
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CSG November 2025 Event
Speaker: Jane Skillen, OHS Advisor, Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine
Topic: Fatigue management in a high-risk environment
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CSG October 2025 Event
Speaker: John Ansley, co-founder of Knowby + Gavin Kenny, Head of Health & Safety Business Partnering, Opal
Topic: AI Know-how & OHS
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CSG September 2025 Event
Speaker: David Caple AM, David Caple & Associates
Topic: New Manual Handling Initiatives
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CSG August 2025 Event - Site Visit
Host: Gavin Kenny, Opal Specialty Packaging
Venue: Opal South Oakleigh
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CSG July 2025 Event
Speaker: Craig Ramadge, Health Safety & Wellbeing Advisor, Forensicare
Topic: OHS & Forensic Mental Health
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CSG June 2025 Event
Speaker: Kevin Jones, Editor, SafetyAtWorkBlog
Topic: Challenging mainstream OHS views
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