Output Group 5
WORKPLACE STANDARDS
Workplace Standards Tasmania (WST) is responsible for the administration of much of the legislation which regulates business in Tasmania, including occupational health and safety, workers compensation, long service leave, shop trading hours and statutory holidays. WST is also responsible for investigation and compliance activities ensuring effective workplace standards, conducting accident and incident investigations, undertaking audits for compliance with legislation, and assisting industry by delivering educative programs.
Other responsibilities include promotion of occupational health and safety and workers compensation matters, provision of assistance on complaints about underpayment of entitlements and other industrial relations matters, along with the processing of dangerous goods registration and licensing permits.
The WST structure consists of the Inspectorate, the Information and Compensation Branch, the Policy, Planning and Services Branch, and a small Executive Support Unit.
WST also provides significant support to the WorkCover Tasmania Board. The Board, established under the Workers Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988, is charged with overseeing the Tasmanian workers rehabilitation and compensation arrangements. Complete details of the Board's activities can be obtained from the Board's annual report, published on its website
http://www.workcover.tas.gov.au/node/workcover.htm.
In December 2000, Parliament passed the Gas Act 2000 and the Gas Pipelines Act 2000. This legislation has had a significant impact on the operations of WST, which is responsible for gas safety and regulation.
Following agreement between the State and Federal Ministers, WST delivers, under contract, Federal award advice. This agreement provides employers and employees with a one-stop shop for wages and conditions enquiries.
WST undertook two projects which had a significant impact on the Division's resources: the Review of the Printing Authority of Tasmania and the development of a legislative mechanism to provide fairness in forestry contracting arrangements.
Development of the dangerous goods/hazardous substances/major hazard facilities legislative packages by the National Occupational Health and Safety Commission (NOHSC) has also consumed considerable resources, which will be on-going over the next two years as WST overhauls the dangerous goods and hazardous substances legislation.
The Inspectorate Branch activity is divided according to industry sectors. Sector statistics indicate that a downward trend in lost time injuries continued over the past twelve months. While the target of 10 per cent has been difficult to maintain, strategies have been developed and implemented to address this issue.
The focus is to improve the standard of Tasmanian workplaces. Outputs within the Inspectorate include:
conducting workplace inspections and investigations which contribute to the enforcement of health and safety standards;
ensuring compliance with conditions of employment matters such as entitlements in respect to workers compensation, long service leave and industrial awards and agreements;
ensuring the safe transportation, storage and handling of dangerous goods;
ensuring safe construction of the natural gas pipeline infrastructure, development of licensing systems including natural gas appliance safety; and
improving electrical safety and managing licensing functions.
In a rapidly changing industrial awards and safety environment, WST actively reviews and develops legislation, standards, codes of practice, licensing, registration and accreditation procedures. The Division also provides strategic policy advice to the Minister, the State Government and the WorkCover Tasmania Board.
Key clients
Workplace Standards key clients include the Minister for Infrastructure, Energy and Resources, the Government, employers, employees, unions and employer organisations. There is also close liaison with other agencies, relevant industry bodies and the broader community.
How this Output Group is delivered
This Output Group is delivered by departmental officers. There is also close liaison with other agencies, the Local Government Office, local government, relevant industry bodies and the broader community.
Achievements Against Strategies Identified For 2001-2002
Promotion Of Awareness With All Industry Parties On Legislative Obligations
By attending and sponsoring workplace seminars, workshops and public forums, and through publications, face-to-face contact and the telephone advice service (the Helpline), WST imparts information to industry as well as hearing industry representatives' concerns on complying with legislation.
As a result, industry awareness and motivation to comply with its obligations is enhanced and the Inspectorate is able to further develop and improve the advice given. During the year a specially-designed mobile display unit was purchased. It has been in use at a large number of venues around the State.
The Workplace Safe campaign, funded by the WorkCover Tasmania Board and strongly supported by the Division, has been extremely successful in increasing awareness of workplace health and safety and injury management. Research conducted during the development of the campaign identified manual handling as a very significant safety issue across all industry sectors. A manual handling kit for use at the workplace was developed and was extremely well received. Early indications show that the campaign, together with Inspectorate activity, are decreasing the incidence of manual handling injury.
Projects Completed
A Guide to Developing Codes of Practice was published in October 2001. This guide clarifies the status of approved codes of practice under the Workplace Health and Safety Act 1995 and explains the process by which codes of practice are developed and submitted for approval by the Minister under Section 22 of the Act. Codes of practice developed in accordance with the guide comply with the Acts Interpretation Act 1931.
The Electricity Standards and Safety section completed designing and installing a website calculator tool to assist the public, staff and Service Tasmania to calculate the correct amount of pro rata payment for electricians' licence applications.
The Electricity industry is kept informed of developments through 'Electricity Industry Bulletins'. Bulletins Nos. 44, 45 and 46 were published and distributed.
The mobile display unit has been used at many venues around the state, including
rural townships including Sheffield, Strahan, Smithton, Latrobe, Deloraine, Campbell Town, St Helens, St Marys and George Town;
during National Youth Week at five district high schools in Launceston;
at rural shows (Agfest, Bream Creek and Hamilton Shows).
An implementation program for the two new codes of practice in the construction sector was completed. The program included seminars with stakeholders to better inform them of code requirements and their implementation.
The Dangerous Goods Storage Application and Information Kit has been reviewed and completed and the revised document issued to applicants.
A manual handling kit for use at workplaces to identify and minimise the risks of manual handling injury was completed and rolled out to industry.
The shot firer training system was substantially revised to minimise the risk of the likelihood of undesirable persons being trained in the use of explosives. This was a response to the terrorist threat.
New computer systems were introduced to improve the processing of occupational and dangerous goods licences, registration and permit applications.
Projects Underway
Developing the second stage of the dangerous goods database;
Improving electrical safety standards in the construction industry;
Developing a safety management plan for the construction industry;
The mining industry review stage one (impact of working hours on employees and their families) is complete and the report will be completed early in the new financial year. The second stage review will look closely at the legislative issues;
Revising the Employees' Safety Representative information kit;
Safety Bulletin No 44: A Guide to the Operation of Mobile Equipment near Overhead Power Lines, is under review to bring the Guide in line with performance-based legislation and the amendments made to Australian Standard AS 2550.1.
Ongoing Activity
Minister's Award for Excellence in Workplace Health and Safety: During 2001-02, three Tasmanian companies were rewarded for their commitment to workplace health and safety.
Workplace Issues magazine: A forum for sharing safety solutions, continues to encourage safer workplaces; its circulation and readership continue to increase.
Workplace Safe Awards: Held annually to reward innovative safety programs, focus enterprises on the benefits of safe work practices and helps to share workplace safety solutions.
Ensuring That Non-Compliant Enterprises And Industry Sectors Are Encouraged To Abide By The Legislation
COMPLIANCE AUDITS: Based on workers rehabilitation and compensation data, observation, enquiries and complaints, WST targets various industry groups and conducts compliance audits.
Projects Completed
A private high school legislative assessment program was completed across the State. The program resulted in a high level of compliance being detected.
Public hospitals -- desktop assessments and site visits ensuring compliance were conducted. A high level of compliance was found.
Retail sector -- case management of selected companies was completed. A good level of compliance was found.
Labour hire -- further audits were undertaken across targeted organisations in the south of the State. A high level of compliance was found.
Food processing industry -- a high level of compliance was found with the ammonia plant compliance program undertaken as part of the plant accreditation compliance program.
Commercial sector -- manual handling self-assessment compliance audits of sections of the commercial sector were conducted. A high level of compliance was found.
Hairdressing organisations -- compliance audits found a good level of compliance with workplace standards. Follow-up has resolved outstanding matters.
A statewide plant compliance program aimed particularly at ensuring registration of high hazard plant has resulted in a good level of compliance. Follow-up of outstanding matters is continuing.
A statewide annual dangerous goods licensing program has resulted in a high level of compliance.
Forestry road transport operations -- in conjunction with the road transport inspectorate, a log truck inspection program run in the south of the State resulted in a high level of compliance being achieved.
Bulk LPG terminal operation -- a high level of compliance was found with respect to dangerous goods legislation.
King Island fuel terminal operation -- a high level of compliance was found with respect to dangerous goods legislation.
Case management program -- across a number of industry sectors, poor-performing enterprises have been audited to bring about improved performance.
Retail compliance audit of electrical appliances documentation found non-compliance. The issue was also raised at a national level.
Dry Cleaning establishments -- self audit and spot compliance audits found good levels of compliance.
Projects And Audits Underway
Furniture removal industry -- manual handling is being targeted.
Labour hire -- compliance audits, particularly of employee induction procedures, are continuing.
Electrical testing -- audits of electrical workers testing procedures have commenced.
Third party certificate of competency assessors of industrial equipment are being desktop and performance audited.
Licensed asbestos removalist contractors are undergoing desktop audit for systems compliance.
Restaurant industry compliance audits in the south of the State are continuing.
Retail businesses compliance audit is continuing.
Private high schools -- legislative assessment is continuing.
Public hospitals -- desktop audits have commenced.
Selected mine sites -- auditing of shaft inspection and maintenance programs has commenced.
Hazardous plant compliance program follow-up is continuing.
Forestry operations -- mechanical harvesting compliance audits have commenced.
Forestry operations -- high risk occupations -- fallers compliance audits have commenced.
Drafting of new regulations for notification of electrical work has commenced.
Amendments to electrical licensing regulations have commenced.
Inclusion of OHS and Workers Compensation Requirements in Government Contracts and Tenders -- in conjunction with the Department of Treasury and Finance, a project to research and make recommendations for the inclusion in government contracts and tenders of OHS and workers compensation requirements has been instituted.
Projects Planned
Forest cable logging operations audit
Poor-performing organisations targeted to measure compliance activities
Dangerous goods site operations audits
Explosives manufacturing plant audits
Bulk fuel road tanker inspections
Certificate of competency assessor audits
Registered plant inspector desktop audits
Licensed asbestos removals desktop audits
Dangerous goods bulk driver training provider audits
Security industry industrial relations compliance audits
Manufacturing industry manual handling audits
Aged care centres legislative compliance assessments
Public high school legislative assessment focussing on high risk areas
Compliance auditing of safety in the construction of roofs
GAS SAFETY STANDARDS
The Gas Safety and Standards unit has been created to provide for the new statewide initiative involving natural gas reticulation. The unit is consolidating its role of overseeing the major pipeline construction phase to evolve as a regulator of gas transmission and gas installation safety standards. This has brought about involvement with other government agencies and industry stakeholders in developing the Gas Pipeline Regulations 2002 and the Gas Safety Regulations 2002.
To ensure harmonisation of appropriately qualified personnel for the gas distribution industry, considerable effort has gone into liaison and assisting in the development of a National Gas Industry Training package through the Department of State Development.
Work is continuing on developing and implementing processes and systems to regulate the natural gas industry, recognising that a number of Tasmanian organisations will undertake significant natural gas conversion projects in compliance with gas safety standards.
FEDERAL INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS
The second year of State and Federal industrial relations harmonisation was completed with the WST Helpline receiving nearly 6,900 telephone calls. A total of 131 compliance cases were dealt with and a total $137,949 in unpaid entitlements were identified.
WST continued to service the contract with the Federal Department of Employment Workplace Relations and Small Business by ensuring compliance with federal awards and agreements (131 breaches this year realised a recovery of $95,379). WST maintained a high level of service delivery, exceeding the national performance benchmarks.
CODES OF PRACTICE
Based on workers rehabilitation and compensation data, observation, enquiries and complaints, various industry groups and stakeholders are targeted and, when a need is established for the development and implementation of a code of practice, the Branch assists industry with the development and implementation.
The Code of Practice for the Safe Use of Reinforced Plastics was approved by the Minister under Section 22 of the Workplace Health and Safety Act 1995.
Codes Of Practice Under Development
Forest Safety
Cable Logging
Sawmill (green mills, chippers, kilns and planing mills)
Construction Industry (induction)
Construction Industry (electrical safety)
Construction Industry (safety management plans)
Quarrying
Abalone Diving
Abrasive Blasting and Protective Coatings.
Note: Several of these codes of practice are in the final stages of Ministerial approval.
Projects Planned
Feasibility of a Code of Practice for Rural Plant
Industry guidelines rather than a Code of Practice for first aid requirements
INVESTIGATION REVIEW COMMITTEE
The Investigation Review Committee (IRC) comprises the Chief Inspector of Industry, the three Regional Managers and the Manager, Advocacy and Prosecution. The committee meets monthly to review current investigations and recommend further action to be taken after considering the investigation findings and recommendations. Such action might involve prosecution in the Court of Petty Sessions (CPS), referral to the Tasmanian Industrial Commission (TIC), a compulsory conference with the employer or employee, and/or issuance of an improvement notice or other appropriate action. All prosecutions are widely publicised and successful industrial commission cases encourage businesses to improve their workplaces to avoid possible prosecution.
Workplace Health and Safety -- twenty cases were referred to the CPS. Five defendants were found guilty, while a further thirteen cases are still before the CPS. Two prosecutions were withdrawn.
Industrial Relations --ten cases were referred to the TIC and three award breaches were determined. Seven cases were resolved prior to or during the hearing.
Long Service Leave (state employees) -- one dispute is proceeding before the Commission.
Long Service Leave (1976 Act) -- six disputes were referred to the TIC; four were determined and two are proceeding before the Commission.
Workers Rehabilitation and Compensation -- nine cases were referred to the CPS. Six defendants were found guilty, while a further three cases are still proceeding.
Industrial Relations --three cases were referred to the CPS with all defendants being found guilty.
Dangerous Goods -- four cases have been referred to the CPS and all are still before the court.
In Line With Industry 'Best Practice' Principles, Informing Industry Training Providers (Trainers And Assessors) Of The Need To Become Nationally-Registered Training Providers And To Have Their Courses Nationally Accredited
There is a need to inform all known assessors and trainers of their obligations under current legislation, in particular the need to have their training courses accredited to the national criteria and to have their own credentials registered by the national training body or its equivalent state body. There is a need to inform industry groups and stakeholders to ensure that all training and training providers and assessors are nationally accredited and recognised in line with the requirements of the legislation.
Projects Completed
An education campaign for lighting wholesalers and retailers on new electrical safety requirements
The publication Industrial Equipment Requiring an OHS Certificate of Competency to Use or Operate was amended and republished. Copies were circulated to all registered assessors.
Projects Underway
Forest industry competency-based training assessment instruments have been received from the training provider which will enable competency standards to be compared against OHS risk assessment profiles to determine adequacy.
Training providers are being audited against registration performance criteria.
Content of courses is being audited against national benchmark criteria.
An industry-wide information program is being run to inform stakeholders of the need to ensure training providers and course content are nationally accredited and recognised.
Integration of OHS Training into the Australian National Training Authority System. In conjunction with the National Occupational Health and Safety Commission, WST is participating in a project to facilitate the identification and inclusion of OHS competencies into the national training agenda.
Projects Planned
Development of occupational licensing legislation for utilities, including gas, plumbing and electricity.
Development of strategies in conjunction with training providers and industry representatives for the implementation of competency-based training for auto gas fitters.
Development of competency standards for employee safety representative (ESR) training courses in conjunction with stakeholders.
Review of present arrangements used for shot firer training and assessment with the view to requiring deliverers of training to become registered and have course/s accredited through the Tasmanian State Training Authority (TASTA) process.
Undertaking a review and preparing recommendations for consideration to move the approval of ESR training courses to the TASTA accreditation process.
ACCIDENT STATISTICS
Four compensible fatal industrial accidents were reported, an improvement on the nine fatalities recorded in 2000-01. Safety in industry, as measured using the rate at which workers compensation claims are made, also improved. Statistical details can be found in the WorkCover Tasmania Board's Annual Report.
Improving And Developing Legislation That Meets End User Needs
LEGISLATION ENACTED
The Forestry (Fair Contract Codes) Act 2001 received Royal Assent on 17 December 2001.
Workers Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment Act 2002, amending the Workers Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988, was proclaimed on 1 July 2001.
The Workers Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment Act 2001, to address problems such as those presented by the collapse of HIH Insurance, commenced on 15 July 2001. These included adding two additional members of the Nominal Insurer committee and determining a levy on insurance premiums to meet the Nominal Insurer's liability.
The Workers Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment Act 2002, enabling the Nominal Insurer to borrow money and including procedures in the event of acts of terrorism, received Royal Assent on 30 May 2002.
The Shop Trading Hours Amendment Act 2002 received Royal Assent on 3 May 2002, resulting in virtual deregulation of trading hours effective 1 December 2002.
An amendment to the Statutory Holidays Act 2000 created a public holiday for the Circular Head area on the occasion of Agfest 2002.
LEGISLATION REPEALED
The Hairdressers Registration Act 1971 was repealed on 25 June 2002.
LEGISLATION REJECTED
The recommended amendments to the Printing Authority Act 1994 were rejected by the Legislative Council.
LEGISLATION IN PROGRESS
A Cabinet Minute was submitted for consideration seeking approval for amendments to the Construction Industry (Long Service Leave) Act 1977 to strengthen the ability of TasBuild to recover entitlements for workers in the industry.
MINING INDUSTRY REVIEW
An independent review of shift and roster arrangements in the mining industry was commissioned, with the comprehensive report being compiled at the end of the year. The results of the report should have considerable impact on the health and safety outlook of the mining industry.
BUILDING STANDARDS AND REGULATION
The new Building Act 2000 has resulted in the creation of a Building Regulation Advisory Committee. Draft Accreditation Guidelines are out for public comment, and appointments are being considered for the Building Appeal Board. A Director of Building Control was appointed.
Reviews are being undertaken on disabled access, aged care facilities, aerated wastewater treatment systems, sullage water disposal and national minimum energy conservation measures for buildings.
A national Plumbing Code of Australia has been drafted and is awaiting conclusion of consultation.
Maintaining Awareness Of Developing And Emerging Issues To Enable The Provision Of Timely And Considered Advice To All Key Stakeholders
WST participates in the following national forums:
Workplace Relations Ministers' Council:
National Occupational Health and Safety Commission (NOHSC)
NOHSC Prevention Committee
NOHSC Information Committee
Federal Department of Workplace Relations Advisory Committee.
Heads of Workplace Safety and Compensation Authorities (HWSCA):
HWSCA Occupational Health and Safety Committee
HWSCA Workers Compensation and Injury Management Committee.
Standards Australia Committees:
WST is heavily involved in the development and maintenance of Australian Standards in the electrical, building, mining and sawmilling areas.
WST's stakeholders have been informed of WST's strategic approach through the publication of the Divisional Strategic Plan. Legislative advice is provided to stakeholders both directly and through the Minister. WST also provides advice and support to a large number of boards and committees.
Activities:
Hidden Hazards in the Workplace - The production of a kit providing advice to employers on preparing workplace policies on bullying, stress and alcohol and other drugs in the workplace. The kit will also provide advice to employees.
Electricity Standards and Safety produces a monthly report to the Electrical Licensing Board.
WST produces a comprehensive quarterly report to the Minister, Secretary and the WorkCover Board. Copies are provided to the Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Unions Tasmania and the Tasmanian Minerals Council.
All publications and application information are accessible electronically over the internet (www.wst.tas.gov.au). This site also has an e-mail based feedback and enquiry service.
The Helpline (1300 366 322) is a telephone-based advisory service that resolves over 90% of the
matters raised with it. The capacity of this service was increased by 20% during the year.
STATISTICAL REPORTS AND ACTIVITIES
Quarterly statistical reports:
Accident statistics -- published in the Workplace Issues magazine and on the internet
Federal Awards Contract performance -- confidential report to the Department of Workplace Relations (Commonwealth).
Annual reports:
WorkCover Board of Tasmania
DIER Annual Report contribution.
Notional premium calculations
Regular industry statistical reports to insurers for underwriting (e.g. Insurers ANZSIC Report and Claims History Report)
Inspectorate reports
Compliance statistics
Statistics to support promotional activities
Technical advice on data collection including form reviews
Technical report on Workers Compensation Monitoring System development.
National
Contribution to various Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) publications, e.g. Tasmanian Yearbook, Regional Statistics Tasmania, Mining Industry Directory
Participation in various committees and national projects, e.g. the Tasmanian Statistical Advisory Committee, national performance-monitoring reports (OH&S, Industrial Relations and Workers Compensation), National Return-to-Work Monitor, Workers Compensation Data Supply Forum (NDS--NOHSC working group)
Participation in national and local forums, along with consideration of inter- and intra-governmental issues, places WST in a position to provide advice to NOHSC.
Internal
Provision of special statistical reports, e.g. Potential Targets for the Strategic Prevention of Workplace Injuries, including 'Black Spot' Occupations; Manual Handling Injuries Tasmania 1999--2000
Provision of ad hoc statistical reports for industry associations and service providers such as rehabilitation, medical, lawyers, students and other government agencies
Divisional Strategic Plan
Legislative advice
Advice and support to Boards and Committees
Stakeholder collaboration.
Ongoing Activity
Improved public access to workplace information through:
meeting national performance benchmarks
regularly updated statistical reports published on the WST internet
providing quarterly reports to the WorkCover Board and Minister on the performance of the Scheme
regularly contributing statistical information to the ABS for their publications
providing internal and external clients with statistical data and reports.
Tasmanian Projects
Development of suggested industry premium rates for workers compensation
Review of notional premium calculations for self insurers
Development of improved performance indicators for OHS and workers compensation scheme performance for quarterly statistical reporting
Feasibility of electronic lodgement of claim forms
Participation In National Projects
National Comparative Performance Monitoring System -- to develop a set of high-level performance indicators for OHS and workers compensation to facilitate comparison between Australian jurisdictions.
National Workers Compensation Return-to-Work Survey Project -- to establish a national benchmark for measuring return to work across Australian workers compensation jurisdictions; to report to the WorkCover Tasmania Board on key outcomes; to investigate the suitability of the survey as the source of return-to-work indicators; and evaluation of Tasmania's continuing participation in the RTW Survey Monitor.
ABCB (Australian Building Codes Board) Projects -- to review and amend the provisions in the Building Code of Australia to reflect the requirements of the new Commonwealth legislation covering aged care facilities and the Commonwealth Disability Discrimination Act.
ABCB -- National Accreditation Framework -- to develop nationally consistent criteria for building certifiers.
ABCB -- National Minimum Energy Conservation Measures for Buildings -- to develop national minimum energy conservation measures for buildings as part of the National Greenhouse Strategy in response to the Kyoto Agreement.
Ensuring That Support Services To WST Are Effective And Efficient And Meet The Needs Of Staff
DELIVERY AREAS
Identification of requirements and provision of training
Budget development and administration
Provision of effective and efficient records system
Delivery and maintenance of contemporary computer software and hardware
Management of Divisional assets including motor vehicles, property, plant and equipment
Reception and security services
COMMUNITY AWARENESS ACTIVITIES AND DISPLAYS
WST mounted displays at a number of events including rural shows and Agfest 2002. The display at Agfest, Tasmania's premier agricultural expo, was again extremely popular with visitors, especially children.
Displays coordinated by WST included:
Visits to five district schools by the mobile display unit during National Youth Week
Presentations to various TAFE colleges' electrical courses on legislation and electrical licensing requirements
Bream Creek Show, March 2002
Hamilton Show, March 2002
Three Peaks Race, Beauty Point, April 2002
Bracknell Community Fair, June 2002.
Workshops open to both genders and from all workplace backgrounds were held throughout northern Tasmania. The workshops were coordinated jointly by the Working Women's Centre and WST to assist employers, employees and the general public with workplace issues including:
industrial relations
workplace health and safety
workers compensation and rehabilitation
long service leave
discrimination, harassment and unfair dismissals.
THE HELPLINE
A telephone enquiry service for employers and employees, the Helpline is often the first contact the public has with WST. It provides information on wages and conditions under both State and Federal awards, workplace health and safety information (including receipt of accident reports), information on long service leave, public holidays, and workers rehabilitation and compensation enquiries.
The Helpline provides support to the activities of the WorkCover Tasmania Board by being the initial contact point for Workplace Safe publications and information. This has resulted in an increasing awareness and understanding of workplace safety and injury management issues.
PUBLICATIONS
New publications included the Body Strain Prevention Kit: Your Guide to Avoiding Manual Handling Injuries in the Workplace, a comprehensive information kit designed as a tool to help Tasmanian businesses systematically manage manual handling risks in the workplace and provide detailed information about the risk management process and the prevention of body strain. It is also useful for occupational health and safety representatives, safety committees, supervisors and consultants.
The kit outlines the significance of the manual handling problem in Tasmania, including the cost to the community, to the worker and to the employer, and explains how body strain injuries can be prevented by following the SAFE steps of risk management-Spot the Hazard, Assess the Risk, Fix the Problem, Evaluate Results.
The Promotions section has been working on a Publications Review Project, the purpose of which is to review all publications to ensure that they are relevant, current and accurate; and are the most appropriate format for their continued publication.
Consultation with the Inspectorate Management Group establishes whether a publication can be either discontinued, or delegated to an appropriate inspector for review.
The following publications were reviewed during year:
GB068 The Long Service Leave Guide
GB087 The Workplace Health and Safety Regulations
GB051 Welcome to the Workplace -- A Safety Kit for New Workers
GB112 A Guide to Workers Compensation in Tasmania
GB046 Rural Workplace Human Resource Management Guide.
GB024 Forestry Industry OHS Information.
A new kit to advise employers and employees on Hidden Hazards In the Workplace, which include bullying, stress, alcohol and other drugs, is nearing completion after a period of extensive public consultation.
