NGMW469

Individual / Organisation name:Robert Lumsden

What state/territory: Vic

Review of the National Guidance Material for Working Safely on the Waterfront

Public Comment Response Form

Complete and submit this form by5pmAESTfriDAY 10 AUGUSt 2012to

Comments on content of the national guidance material
Section/page no. / Comment
Comments on additional issues identified in section 4.2 of the Discussion Paper
Section/page no. / Comment
Hatchmen / I have worked in the bulk and general area and the role of the hatchman is VITAL. I would hate to see the removal of it only to be reinstated after a loss of a life. A crane driver is blind sided regularly and even though in radio contact with a foreman down below it does not have the same effect as his 2nd pair of eyes. Please dont allow the increased possibility to lose the life of a human being all in the name of money or shareholder responsibility.
Stevedoring qualifications / Should the guidance material refer to the qualifications (Cert II, Cert III and Cert IV in Stevedoring) that have been developed for the stevedoring industry?
It would appear to be an argument that you couldnt possibly argue in the negative over. To be able to take control over qualifications and the manner in which these are attained would appear a 'no brainer'. With clear and concise guidelines over training this can only lead to a clear and concise code of practice.
Safety Induction skill-set / Should the newly developed stevedoring ‘safety skill-set’ be used to underpin safety inductions?
I would have thought that ALL companies would be keen to cover off as much as possible on the future safety of a new employee which in turn protects the ongoing safety of current employees. There should be universal common or generic safety units with add ons to cover work place specifics.
Use of checklists / Should the safety checklists, which set out examples of the types of hazards, and acceptable/unacceptable ways of handling those hazards, be maintained in the guidance material?
Specific check lists are by their name self explanatory. SPECIFIC. Thats the whole idea of them, to be specific-no grey area to be interpreted as suits.
Comments on the implementation of the national guidance material in each jurisdiction which may have included launches, information and training sessions, and whether it has been useful in the workplace as a resource for improving safety practices.
Section/page no. / Comment
Other comments