NGMW534

Individual / Organisation name: David Ross Fairbairn

What state/territory: at sea

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

Public Comment Response Form

Complete and submit this form by 5pm AEST friDAY 10 AUGUSt 2012 to

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 been going to sea for the last 29 years on a variety of vessels, rigs, construction barges, etc.. During that time I have seen, and been aware of, many accidents and near misses, including some serious injuries and one fatality. In recent years, the number of these incidents has dropped dramatically, mainly due to the increased awareness of preventative safety measures and the pressure that has been brought to bear on companies to ensure that safe working practices are adhered to. Having a hatchman, or cargo space lookout, is an essential safety measure to prevent accidents and injuries when a crane operator is working unsighted,and his dogman only has limited vision as the cargo is being moved. I would respectfully suggest that Safe Work Australia should have grave misgivings about any attempt to remove this position.
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?
As with any industrial workplace, but especially so with one which is a high risk area, it is essential that properly trained and qualified personnel are employed in the majority of positions to minimise the risk of accident or injury.
Safety Induction skill-set / Should the newly developed stevedoring ‘safety skill-set’ be used to underpin safety inductions?
Safety inductions are the most important tool for any new employee. It should be compulsory for all new starters to be able to understand, and be aware of their duty to comply with, all safety measures which are in place. The Safety Skill Set is a "no-brainer"!
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?
Checklists are a "must" in any industrial situation (and in many other areas....have you ever seen a pilot NOT go through his pre-flight?). It is a simple and easy way to ensure that ALL safety precautions are in place.
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