/ Draft unconfirmed
MINUTES
MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY REFERENCE GROUP

TIME AND DATE9.30 am –12.30PM

Wednesday 27th June 2007

LOCATIONMeeting Rooms 1 &2, Level 10,

Building C, Centennial Plaza Building

300 Elizabeth Street

Sydney NSW 2000

PRESENT

Steve Ball / AWU
Ken Hocking / Timber Trade Industrial Association
Mark Haslam / WorkCover
Susanne Hollis / WorkCover IRG Branch, Convenor
Daniel Beavon / WorkCover OHSD Representative (Manufacturing Team)

APOLOGIES

Phillip Khoo / Furnishing Industry Association of Australia
Sharyn Buck / Self Insurers Association
Dave Waterhouse / WorkCover Construction Team
Rob Stobo / WorkCover, Manufacturing Team

1.WELCOME, INTRODUCTIONS AND APOLOGIES

The Convenor opened the meeting at 9.30am, noted apologies and welcomed all members.

The Convenor informed the group that the presentation on Noise Induced Hearing Loss would be held at a later date. Dave Waterhouse, Senior Inspector, Construction Team was unavailable to present the material developed for the Construction IRG which was identified by the Construction industry as a priority area at the 2005 Safety Summit.

2.MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING

2.1Confirmation of Minutes of Previous Meeting

The Minutes of the Manufacturing IRG meeting held 16th May 2007 were accepted (in committee) as an accurate record.

Moved:Ken HockingSeconded:Stephen Ball

2.2Matters arising:

Papers sent (OHSD report,) were emailed prior to meeting.

Action arising from the previous meeting: Mark Haslam agreed to raise the matter of the abbreviation ‘CARS’ (Confirmation of Advice Record) with the Statewide Programs Team.

Mark informed the group that he had requested that WorkCover give consideration to this matter when evaluating the use of 'Confirmation of Advice Record' forms and advise him of the outcome.

He was informed that this was probably an issue WorkCover would have to address if a significant number of people are put in mind of Corrective Actions. The term is being used to avoid using the word Notice. The general view of members present was that it would not be an issue for many employers.

In response to a question whether CARS forms can be downloaded, Daniel explained that the forms are available in hard copy only.

Action: Daniel Beavon to obtain a copy of a ‘Confirmation of Advice Record’ form for distribution to IRG members for their information.

Action from previous meeting: Susanne asked that if there were any members of the IRG who were interested in joining a Manual Handling Focus Group, they should email her and she will pass the details on to Lisa Willis.

To date no one has expressed interest.

Action from previous meeting: Susanne asked that any members who are interested in ‘Industry Solutions’ should notify her so that she can gauge the level of interest

Susanne advised that she has received no response to the above to action items that were raised at the last Manufacturing IRG meeting.

Susanne followed up with Mary Hawkins regarding the cost of re-training an injured worker and informed the group that the cost comes out of the "scheme" funds - it is not an individual cost to a claim and therefore to an employer's premium.

Action: Ken Hocking to seek further clarification regarding the cost of re-training and he will raise this for further discussion at the next meeting.

3.PRESENTATIONS

3.1Manual Handling (Mark Haslam)

Mark Haslam provided a presentation on specific Manual Handling issues within the Manufacturing sector. Two documents relating to this presentation were circulated at the meeting and are provided as an attachment to these minutes.

MANUAL HANDLING PROGRAM UPDATE

Manual Handling Summit Response Program (MHSRP) Coordination

  • Recruitment: Draft alternative recruitment strategy under development.
  • Data Analyst and DPO recruitment was unsuccessful.

Cooperative Links Forum (CLF) & Task Force (TF)

  • Meetings organised for 2008.

Research

  • Literature review in progress due for completion August.
  • OHS Focus Group Final report awaiting approval to publish to website.
  • Awaiting final report for CALD focus group due end June.
  • Draft report re community awareness qualitative findings received, quantitative research via online survey ongoing.

Promotions

  • MH Conference successfully completed 13th June – evaluation report in progress.
  • Quotes received for advertising campaign – to be assessed by end June.
  • 13 new publications finalised, disseminated at conference, to be on website by end June.
  • MH kits to be disseminated to NSW TAFE libraries by end June.
  • Smart Move website quotes received to be assessed by end June.

Strategic Partnerships

  • Draft strategic partnership brochure, letter and agreement prepared.
  • Preliminary meetings with potential partners and discussions with various internal groups continuing.

Interventions

  • Industry Teams 2006 post intervention study – data being processed.
  • HWSA non-metallic minerals sector workshops conducted. Site visits planned.
  • Government Schools Project - Workshops being conducted. Site visits planned.
  • 2007 interventions model developed and approved by Senior Managers – to commence July.

WorkCover Capability

  • Capability Action Plan & Training Needs Analysis under development
  • Mantra training & Posture at Work training scheduled for July – August.

The breakdown of age was obtained from the ABS.

Labour Hire workers are not captured in the data with any real accuracy.

4.WORKCOVER REPORTS

4.1Occupational Health and Safety Division Report

Daniel Beavon, Coordinator Manufacturing Team provided a report to the meeting. A copy of the report was tabled and will accompany the minutes.

Daniel addressed a variety of OHSD activities such as the National Moving Plant on Civil Construction Sites Project; National Manufacturing Week 2007; the Harmonisation Project; the OHS Act and Regulation Review; and the new industry safety standards. Daniel also spoke about the progress of a number of Manufacturing Team projects.

Q.Are you looking at standardising OHS legislation across all States?

A.Probably not. We’re trying to bring all the States into line so that there is a higher degree of consistency between the various State OHS authorities. It may also be that Federal legislation will be amended to comply more with State legislation.

Action: Daniel Beavon to circulate the harmonised draft document on Manual Handling to IRG members for comment.

Steven Bali commented that the stakeholder focus groups should be more correctly called employer focus groups since the unions were not represented. Daniel explained the focus groups were aiming to develop trust with employers and get feedback to identify critical issues.

4.2WorkCover’s Workers Compensation Division Report

There was no new Workers Compensation Division Report this month.

5.IRG PRIORITY ACTIVITIES

5.1Workplace Safety Culture Project

As no members of the working group were present, this item was held over to the next meeting.

Susanne will also organise a working party meeting if possible with members.

Manufacturing Associations Susanne asked members to outline the work of their associations for the purpose of developing promotion strategies for IRG work.

Action Daniel can supply a list of manufacturing associations

The group identified that there are many associations in Manufacturing including Printers, Bakers, AIG, Steel, Employers First, the NSW Chamber and the Safety Institute of Australia as notable associations.

Ken explained that the TTIA offers services to members including a telephone information service, on site visits, seminars in twelve locations, a circular and a safe work service.

5.2Transient Workers Project

As no members of the working group were present, this item was held over to the next meeting.

6.IRG PLANNING

Given that the current projects were incomplete, there were not enough resources to commence new work yet, however, the Noise Induced Hearing Loss issue is a significant problem in Manufacturing and there is an excellent body of work already completed by the Construction IRG that the IRG can draw on.

7.OTHER BUSINESS

7.1Member Reports

Given the small number of people in attendance, it was decided to dispense with member reports at this meeting.

7.2Information distribution

Susanne distributed information packages about WorkCover’s Safety Solutions Rebate Program. Each package contains:

  • an application brochure, which explains how to apply for a rebate and includes an application form
  • frequently asked questions sheet
  • an activities guide which provides detailed guidance about the types of activities that would qualify for the rebate and those that would not
  • information about WorkCover workshops and advisory visits – WorkCover offers a variety of free workshops throughout regional and metropolitan NSW
  • an advisory visit request form – a local business advisory officer or inspector can provide free advisory visits to a workplace to help the business owner identify and address specific safety issues
  • contact details for business advisory officers
  • sample action plans
  • information about the Business Assistance Unit

Further assistance or information about the Rebate Program is available by phoning 1800 624 097 to speak with a Rebate Program Officer.

7.3Bonded Asbestos Fact Sheet

The bonded asbestos fact sheet is now available on the internet at:

It provides a brief description of asbestos, the common forms of bonded asbestos, information about the threshold changes and what is required to apply for a bonded asbestos licence. It also describes the training and experience requirements for supervisors and employees.

Q.What do you have to do if you think you have asbestos on site?

A.You should have it tested to see if it is asbestos. If it is (and it’s of no immediate danger), you need to keep a register of all asbestos on site.

7.4Food consultation

Ian Prattent from Dairy Farmers will facilitate the next meeting of the Food Industry Stakeholder group. In consultation with Billy Hopkins WorkCover they have set the date as Wednesday 25 July 2007 at Test Safe, Londonderry.

At this time the proposed agenda is as follows:

1) Stats Review: The group will review injury statistics and discuss common problems and measures to assist in lowering or eliminating them.

2) Susanne Hollis, IRG Convenor-
Susanne will report on IRG initiatives in respect of promoting a "Safety Culture" within the industry and members will be asked to participate in a survey to assist the IRG in developing further strategies.

3) Ian Prattent, Dairy Farmers-
Ian will present the Dairy Farmers Early Intervention and Injury Management Policy for information and discussion.

7.5Minister announces WorkCover Inspector recruitment drive

NSW Minister for Industrial Relations, John Della Bosca, today announced a recruitment drive for new WorkCover inspectors.The new personnel will join the nation’s largest workplace safety inspectorate and be drawn from a wide range of industry backgrounds.

The recruitment drive commenced 15 June 2007 with WorkCover advertisements in public sector notices and various media.The successful candidates will spend 18 months participating in the nationally accredited Diploma of Government (Workplace Inspection) training program as part of their on the job training.

7.62007 SAFE WORK AWARDS

The convenor outlined information concerning the Safe Work Awards.

Industry members who have developed an innovative safety solution or system that reduces workplace injury or illness or developed a program or driven an activity aimed at improving occupational health and safety in the workplace can enter the 2007 SAFE WORK AWARDS

The Awards aim to encourage public and private workplaces throughout NSW to develop and implement initiatives that help to achieve safer workplaces. By entering the Awards the benefits to your business could include:

  • Statewide promotion and recognition of your product or innovation:
  • Peer recognition of your business as a leader in workplace safety
  • Opportunity to share ideas and network with other similar business owners
  • Networking opportunities to self promote their business
  • Use of “winner” or "finalist” award logos for business promotion
  • Case studies of winners and finalists are promoted on the WorkCover NSW and the 2008 Safe Work Awards websites
  • Winners in each category will automatically be entered in the National Safe Work Australia Awards
  • Gain a competitive edge for being recognised as having developed a safety solution in your workplace
  • All finalists are promoted in the “Awards Booklet” which is viewed by all dignitaries and guests at the Safe Work Awards black tie dinner and placed on the WorkCover NSW website
  • Possible speaking engagements.

The Awards program opened for entries on Monday 14th May and will close on Monday 9th July. Winners will be announced at a black tie dinner on Thursday 25 October 2007 at the Waterview Convention Centre, Homebush, during The Safety Show, Sydney 2007.

To apply simply enter online prior to the 9th July 2007 by visiting

7.8Chemicals of Security Concern Presentation

In the current global security environment and the potential for chemical attacks, nations are increasingly considering the need to control chemicals of security concern to prevent their use by terrorists. In December 2002, the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) agreed to a national review of the regulation, reporting and security surrounding the storage, sale and handling of hazardous materials.

Following the review of ammonium nitrate, radiological and biological materials, COAG are now reviewing hazardous chemicals (chemicals of security concern). The review aims to assist counter-terrorism efforts by limiting opportunities for, and enhancing detection of, the illegal/unauthorised use of hazardous materials (the counter terrorism objective). This is to be achieved through improvements in Australia's monitoring, control, educationand regulation systems concerning such materials.

Alongside this review, NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet and the NSW Police Force are workingclosely with industry and government agencies in undertaking a stock take of existing programs and regulation that could contribute to the framework and assist law enforcement agencies counter terrorism.

As part of the consultation process, the NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet would like to present to Manufacturing IRG members to seek their views and perspective on the work that is being undertaken in relation to the security of chemicals.

This consultation will be scheduled for the next meeting.

8.NEXT MEETING:

22nd August 2007

WorkCover Offices, Level 10
300 Elizabeth Street, Sydney

The meeting closed at 12.30pm

Susanne Hollis

Convenor Manufacturing IRG

Ph: 02 4321 5103

Fax: 02 9287 5103

Mob: 0421 611 164

Email:

Attachments

  1. OHS Divisional Report to Manufacturing Industry Reference Group –June/ July 2007
  2. Manual Handling Pres 27th June 2007.ppt
  3. MH Presentation Handouts 27th June 2007.doc

S:\OHSD\Strategic Interventions Group\IRG\IRG 04 - Manufacturing 2005-07\2007 Minutes and Agendas\June 07\IRG4 Minutes June 2007 draft unconfirmed.doc Page 1 of LastSaved: 9/07/2007

UNCONFIRMED