Technological advances, workplace safety and sustainability,

independent Engineering research in the Manufacturing,

Construction and Material Handling Industries.

Issue 1April 2009

THIS ISSUE:Strengthening ourNational Safety Alliances andpromoting Health and Safetyin the Workplace.

MAIN FEATURE: Forklift Safety

INDUSTRYUPLIFT

don’t let workplace safety

hang by a thread...

Res

earch • E

duc

atio

n • Health &

Safe

ty

Research • Education Health & Safety

page 2

CONTENTSINDUSTRY WATCH

3 Structural Failures of Large Span Semi-Portal

Gantry Cranes – signifi cant incident report

4 Crane Deaths Lead to Massive Fines

– case study

5 Failure of Imported Lifting Equipment – Cranes

6 CraneSafe Counts up Crane Faults in Australia

6 Crane Topples on Top of Building in Brighton

SAFETY FIRST … ALWAYS

7 Major Inspection of Cranes – WorkSafe guidance

11 Forklift Safety – the right tools and conditions for the job

16 Forklift Fatality – prosecution result summary

(case study 1)

17 Forklift Traffi c Risk – prosecution result summary

(case study 2)

18 Forklift Hitchhike Hijinx – company & worker prosecuted

18 Forklift Fun – comes at a cost

STRENGTHENING OUR NATIONAL

SAFETY ALLIANCES

20 Safety Institute of Australia

– creating business value and reducing social costs

23 WorkSafe Lifts the Bar on Crane Safety – new guidance

24 Bridge and Gantry Crane Guidance Launch

– collaborative enterprise of industry with government

SUPPORTING NEW EMERGING

TRADE ASSOCIATIONS

25 Vehicle Hoist Association of Australia

26 CraneSafe – mobilizing safety in Australia

MANUFACTURING SUSTAINABILITY

26 Industry Slashes Water Use

– encouraging news from the Premier of Victoria

27 RotaryLift – environmentally responsible

innovations in manufacturing

INNOVATION AND RESEARCH

28 Industry Innovations Under One Roof – NMW

29 Manufacturing Excellence in Victoria

MONEY MATTERS

30 $245 Million Lifeline for Victorian Industry, Jobs

– government initiative

30 New Investment Allowance Part of Business

Planning in First Half of 2009

– Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

AND ENQUIRIES

Welcome to our new publication. Industry Uplift magazine picks up

where Engineering Buying Advisory Service magazine left off. Its

mission is to make a difference to the Material Handling Industry in

particular, and the Manufacturing and Construction sectors at large.

We are broadening our horizons and our agenda.

Produced by Borgers Research and Publications Pty Ltd, this

magazine will continue to disseminate up-to-date information and

technical expertise based on sound research and the solid industrial

experience of top engineers and leading, innovative companies and

businesses. We aim to assist our readers in making better choices

and more informed decisions in the marketplace and workplace.

To remain essentially independent, apolitical and cause-driven

in the provision of this service, we avoid any paid advertising

content and align ourselves with individuals, organizations and

government agencies that philosophically refl ect our own ideals

and objectives geared towards uplifting the industry.

First cause in industry should always be safety. In this, our

inaugural edition, we promote occupational health and safety (OH&S)

in the workplace by seeking to strengthen national safety alliances

and support government and private enterprise similarly devoted to

improving OH&S outcomes at the coalface.

Our comprehensive feature article on Forklift Safety, written by one of

WorkSafe Victoria’s dedicated Field Inspectors, Roger Parry-Jones,

underlines the crucial role all stakeholders play in the creation of low-

risk, environmentally safe worksites. The critical but often thankless

role these Inspectors play in saving lives and protecting the welfare

of workers and the community on a daily basis must never be

underestimated. Every twelve minutes, one of these public safety

advocates (and there are over 200 active Inspectors out in the fi eld in

this State alone) visits a factory or offi ce or shop-front and campaigns

for the prevention of ‘accidental’ death and injury. Their job is to

educate, advise and regulate. Our job, when they appear, should be to

co-operate. Let’s make it easy for them to do theirs – at all times.

Safety consciousness and responsible business management are

never a waste of time or money. The most professional and progressive

companies see the ‘big picture’ – they understand that, ultimately, safe

procedures and equipment will translate into increased effi ciency,

reliability, productivity and profi t. Less downtime and absenteeism

(due to illness or injury) enhances business viability. Avoiding law suits

certainly helps – as our articles testify. So, if corporate success really

matters to you, and you want to ensure an optimal return on your

investments, develop correct product selection criteria – based

primarily on safety imperatives and protocols. Incorporate only the

very best, researched and tested products, and never cut corners

on quality and service. It all pays in the end!

EVA HETYEY, Founding Editor

Email: eva@borgerscorp.com.au

COVER DESIGN

Design: ERIC JOHN OCSON

Photography: KRISTIAN HETYEY

EDITORIALEDITORIAL

page 3

Structural failures of large span semi-portal gantry cranes

Signifi cant Incident Report

The upper bogie of a 40 tonne SWL semi-portal crane (25 metre span, 18 metres high) stopped suddenly during longitudinal travel. The suspended load and the lower bogie continued to travel for a short distance causing the semi-portal frame structure to twist signifcantly. This twisting action caused several bolts on both connections to fail in tension mode and the upper bogie box section was deformed. A suffi cient number of bolts remained intact to support the structure and thereby prevented a catastrophic collapse of the crane.

Two other similar incidents have occurred involving another semi-portal crane. This crane had a 20 tonne SWL, a 41metre span, was 11 metres high, and was located at the top of a process plant building.

Cause

The upper bogie of the fi rst mentioned crane stopped due to a seizure of the drive wheel bearing.

With the second crane, the anti-derailment plates scraped hard on the side of the crane rail in one case, and the bogie drive wheel became loose and twisted on the shaft in the other incident.

Preventative action

A risk assessment should be carried out for all semi-portal and portal gantry cranes to determine if damage can occur

to the crane structure when the motion of one bogie stops or slows relative to the other bogie. The following measures should be considered for those cranes identifed as being susceptible to such damage:

1. Provision of an effective electrical control system, which will cut the power supply to all bogies when the motion of one bogie stops or slows relative to another.

2. Reduction of the crane longitudinal travel speed

where necessary.

3. Stiffening of the semi-portal or portal frame structure including the connections where necessary.

4. Provision of guide rollers to both bogies.

5. Provision of a maintenance regime, which allows for regular inspections of critical brake components on both bogies. Particular attention should be given to the air gap between the friction material and the brake path.

6. Provision of a comprehensive maintenance regime for those components that could impede the motion of the bogies. Such components may include the bogie wheels, wheel shafts, wheel bearings, guide rollers and

anti-derailment brackets.

7. Regular inspections of the crane rails to ensure they are in proper alignment and have no signifi cant scoring marks caused by a faulty bogie or storm clamp.

J M Torlach State Mining Engineer Department of Minerals and Energy Western Australia

50 Tonne Portal Crane

INDUSTRY WATCHEDITORIAL INDUSTRY WATCH

page 4

CRANE DEATHS LEAD TO MASSIVE FINES – CASE STUDY

A company was fi ned $375,000 following a building

site incident, which killed a construction worker at

Southbank on 5 August 2001. The company pleaded guilty to three charges in relation to the death of the worker.

The fi ne was the second major penalty imposed by the County Court concerning Occupational Health and Safety charges within that week. Another contractor company was fi ned

$325,000 and ordered to pay a further $200,000 in other

penalties after a bridge beam collapsed, killing one man

and injuring four others near Geelong in October 2000.

WorkSafe’s Executive Director, John Merritt, said the

penalties show the courts are increasingly refl ecting

community concerns about the seriousness of

occupational health and safety issues. “The community will not accept people being hurt or killed at work,” he said.

“There’s no such thing as a workplace ‘accident’ when it

could have been prevented.”

In the Southbank case, Judge Wood said a tower crane on the Yarra Crest site in Whiteman St, was being raised or “jumped” so work at a higher level could be undertaken when 20 tonne counter-weights fell from the crane. The weights hit a site access hoist (known as an Alimak) containing a 53-year old construction worker.

The court was told that on the date of the incident the latch

plates, which should have held the counterweights,

had not been secured in place. This allowed the

counterweights to move when the boom of the crane

dropped suddenly in strong winds that had been forecast

by the Bureau of Meteorology.

The dropping of the boom caused the tower crane to “whiplash” several times, causing the counter weights to move and burst through stops.

The Alimak was at the 10th fl oor level and fell some

35m crashing through three levels of concrete into

the building’s basement. The construction worker was deceased when ambulance offi cers examined him a short time later.

Judge Wood said the company had failed to properly

assess the working conditions on the day of the incident. It had not heeded gale force wind warnings issued the night before by the Bureau of Meteorology. A strong wind warning had also been issued at noon on the day of the incident.

Judge Wood said the “jumping” operation was known to be potentially hazardous although such an incident involving the counterweights falling was unprecedented. He noted no

job safety analysis had been done for the lift.

“No one in the crew was nominated as the leading hand for the purposes of the jump and indeed no one was

designated specifi cally as the person in charge of the

operation… rather it was dependent upon each individual’s perception of their own task.

“It was within the power of the defendant to cancel

the jump.

“If the activity is a dangerous one with consequences that may involve a fatality or fatalities, the greater the obligation

of the employer to take all reasonable steps to avoid the

risk or the hazard created by the operation itself.”

Mr Merritt said this was yet another case where employers had missed the opportunity to improve workplace safety – at the cost of a worker! “What we implore businesses to do is take advantage of the mistakes of others before they end up in the same situation.

“Maintaining workplace safety is non-negotiable.

It makes good business sense.”

For further information contact WorkSafe

Inquiries: Michael Birt 0411 256 605 or 9641 1216

Public inquiries: Call the WorkSafe Advisory Service on 1800 136 089 between 8.30am and 5pm Monday to Friday

Write to: Advisory Service, PO Box 4306 Melbourne, 3001

Email: info@workcover.vic.gov.au

John Merritt - Executive Director (Health and Safety) WorkSafe

INDUSTRY WATCHINDUSTRY WATCH

page 5

FAILURE OF IMPORTED LIFTING EQUIPMENT – CRANES

This alert warns of the dangers of inadequately designed, untested and unmarked lifting equipment.

An imported engine-lifting crane failed when it was tested with the designated load (2 tonne – as marked on the crane). Similar cranes have distorted when lifting a load well below the marked capacity.

Manually operated lifting equipment, intended primarily for light industrial and/or domestic use, is often imported without

clear markings, and in some cases is under designed placing workers and the public at risk of serious injury.

Such lifting equipment is dangerous and should NOT be used unless it has been designed and tested to handle the

designated load.

Importers and suppliers of unsafe lifting equipment can be prosecuted and fi ned up to $250,000 (Corporation) or

$50,000 (Individual).

Equipment Requirements

In Victoria, the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (Sections 27, 29 and 30), requires any designer, manufacturer or supplier of plant for use in a workplace to ensure that it is designed, constructed and tested to be safe for normal use.It is further required that plant be supplied with adequate information to ensure its safe use. Sections 23 and 24 of theAct also require employers and self employed persons to ensure that persons other than employees are also not

exposed to risk.

Australian Standards AS 1418 (the Crane Code) and AS 3990 (Mechanical equipment - steelwork), or other relevant published technical standards should be used for the design, construction and testing of these cranes.

Duties of Suppliers

To ensure the safety of workers at workplaces, the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 imposes duties on suppliers of imported plant.

Designers, manufacturers and suppliers of plant, including lifting equipment, should ensure that the plant is designed

and tested to appropriate standards, and permanently labelled in accordance with those standards. The provision of appropriate test certifi cates is recommended. AS 1418 requires these markings to include Manufacturer, Model andSerial No., Safe Working Load, and Supplier details.

Additional requirements are also imposed for powered plant and equipment, under the Occupational Health and Safety(Plant) Regulations 1995.

Duties of Employers

Section 21 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 requires employers to provide a safe working environment

for employees. Any employer having a similar crane (to those described above) in the workplace should ensure that it is capable of safely lifting the rated loads. If the supplier of the equipment cannot supply written assurance, preferably in the form of copies of suitable test certifi cates, then independent testing should be undertaken.

Acts and RegulationsActs and regulations are available from Information Victoria on 1300 366 356 or order online at www.bookshop.vic.gov.au. View the legislation at Victorian Law Today at www.legislation.vic.gov.au.

Note: This material has been prepared using the best informationavailable to WorkSafe Victoria. Any information about legislativeobligations or responsibilities included in this material is only applicableto the circumstances described in the material. You should alwayscheck the legislation referred to in this material and make your ownjudgement about what action you may need to take to ensure youhave complied with the law. Accordingly, the Victorian WorkCoverAuthority extends no warranties as to the suitability of the information for your specifi c circumstances.

Overhead Crane 10T Load Test by Austin Hoist & Crane

INDUSTRY WATCH

page 6

CRANESAFE COUNTS UP CRANE FAULTS IN AUSTRALIA

A survey of more than 3,000 Australian mobile cranes by inspection body CraneSafe has found that one of the most common faults across all crane types except all terrain cranes are safe load indicators and load moment indicators.Other common faults were markings for alternate outrigger widths, markings with tare weight of boom and attachments, and main and auxiliary wire rope faults. The most common all terrain faults were leaking drive systems, suspension

and steering.

The most faults were found in lattice boom truck cranes (average of 2.84 faults per crane), and the least were in

crawler cranes. All terrain cranes and articulated (loader) cranes were found to have the youngest average age, less than six years. Lattice-boom crawler cranes and rough terrain cranes averaged about 12 years old, lattice-boom truck cranes more than double that, and telescopic crawlers averaged about eight years old.

CraneSafe is a voluntary crane inspection system across Australia.

(Cranes Today Magazine – 28 May 2008)

CRANE TOPPLES ON TOP OF BUILDING IN BRIGHTON

Inappropriately loaded or used cranes are involved in a number of serious incidents each year, according to statisticsrecorded by WorkSafe. Overloading, over-extension of the lifting boom, and ground that is too soft or unstable on

site are common causes of crane tip-overs.

An example of this occurred early in February this year, when a large crane lowering roofi ng steel on to the top of a retailoutlet in Nepean Highway Brighton lifted off the ground under its excessive load and toppled over onto the building. All ofthe truck’s wheels were raised several metres off the ground as the lifting boom crashed on to the side of the building,leaving the vehicle completely suspended in mid-air. A rescue operation involving four other cranes was needed to lowerthe crane to the ground.

(See: http://bayside-leader.whereilive.com.au/photos/gallery/crane-crash-in-brighton/)

Thankfully, no one was hurt in this incident. However, in October last year, a crane driver was unfortunately crushed and killed at Northcote when the truck tipped sidewards as he unloaded steel at a building site.

Crane tips and crashes on building in Brighton (Bayside Leader photo by Jason Sammon)

INDUSTRY WATCHINDUSTRY WATCH

page 7

MAJOR INSPECTION OF CRANES – GUIDANCE

Purpose and Scope

This Guidance Note provides guidance on the major inspections of cranes to assess their suitability for continuedsafe operation.

Background

Regulation 708(1) of the Occupational Health & Safety (Plant) Regulations 1995 (‘Plant Regulations’) requires employers

to ensure that plant is maintained to eliminate or reduce risk, so far as is practicable; and that the plant is inspected toensure that the risk associated with the plant is monitored.

Crane owners or other persons in control of a crane must undertake the hazard identifi cation, risk assessment and risk

control process in compliance with the Plant Regulations. Where manufacturers specifi cations are available this process must still be undertaken in order to ensure the maintenance requirements specifi ed by the manufacturer are adequate and that nothing has been omitted.

The Code of Practice for Plant (No. 19), clause 21.4, states, in part, that “published technical standards should be used as a starting point to help control risks”. The accompanying table of published technical standards includes the AS 2550 Cranes, hoists & winches - Safe use suite of Australian Standards. In particular, section 7 of AS 2550.1 Cranes, hoists and winches - Safe use, Part 1: “General requirements”, provides guidance on the maintenance, inspection and repair of cranes. AS 2550.4 and AS 2550.5 provide further guidance on the maintenance of tower cranes and mobile cranes respectively. The standards specify major inspections of cranes as a signifi cant component of a well-structured

preventative maintenance program – and necessary to enable proper assessment for continued safe operation.

Such an assessment is a critical part of any strategy to control the risks (i.e. likelihood) of failure or malfunction of the crane.

(Note: Any reference to AS 2550.1 in this document is to be also read as a reference to the other relevant parts of AS 2550.)

Maintenance Factors

The type of maintenance carried out on cranes and the length of time between maintenance should be determined after considering the following factors where known:

• Manufacturer’s recommendations or the recommendations of a competent person.

• Recommendations from published technical standards.

• Number of hours of operation and the type of loading the unit undergoes.

• The time spent in transit (oscillating loads applied during transit can increase the fatigue of a crane).

• Whether the unit is under the control of the owner or is hired out (units that are hired out generally require higher

levels of maintenance due to more severe use).

• Conditions in which the crane operates − in a corrosive or wet environment, or in abrasive conditions.

• Age and history of the unit.

• Special consideration of parts of the crane that may be prone to failure or high wear – the manufacturer,

supplier, authorised repairer, or a competent person may provide information on parts which need to be more

frequently replaced.

Note: The external visual appearance and the hours of operation of a crane may not be reliable indicators of crane

wear and fatigue.

INDUSTRY WATCH SAFETY FIRST . . . ALWAYSSAFETY FIRST . . . ALWAYS

page 8

Major Inspections

Major inspections are part of the following preventative maintenance program as outlined in the AS 2550 standards (for full details, refer to the relevant parts of the standard):

1. Pre-operational inspection

2. Routine inspection & maintenance

3. Periodic inspections

4. Major inspections

5. Third party inspections.

AS 2550.1 clause 7.3.5 requires the following cranes to be subjected to a major inspection:

Cranes that have reached the end of their design life or, where this is unknown, after a maximum of 10 years

of service for the mechanical components and 25 years for the structure.

Old cranes which are to be re-commissioned and that do not have previous records. Cranes that are to be upgraded or modifi ed.

The major inspection is comprehensive and includes inspecting for wear, fatigue and cracking of all components ofthe crane critical to its safe operation and use. The inspection includes attention to structural and mechanical (etc.) anomalies, based on strip-down inspection and non-destructive examination. Guidance on what items should be included in an inspection is provided in AS 2550.1 “Appendix B”.

Operators of cranes should schedule major inspections well in advance to avoid disruptions to production. The planning process should allow for consequential repairs of the particular crane and should also consider alternative measures, such as the hire of a stand-by unit.

Crane owners may choose not to conduct a single event major inspection by incorporating the requirements of the 10-year major inspection into the comprehensive periodic inspections. In such cases, the crane owner must:

Ensure that the periodic maintenance regime is developed by a competent person supervised by a professional

engineer, and includes all safety critical components, normally stripped down at the major inspection; and Keep all maintenance and repair records in order to be able to verify adherence to the maintenance regime.

Where the 10-year major inspection requirements have been incorporated into the periodic inspection program, the owner

of the crane should, when the 10-year major inspection would normally have become due, undertake a hazard identifi cation

and risk assessment in accordance with the Plant Regulations. This process provides the owner opportunity to identify any components that would normally have been inspected under the 10-year major inspection program, that have not been satisfactorily covered by the periodic inspections, and allows corrective action to be carried out.

Reasons for 10 and 25-year periods

The reasons for the specifi cation of 10 years for the major inspection of mechanical parts and 25 years for structures include:

• Plant and components likely to be designed to Australian or overseas standards are based on a 10 and 25-year

design life (e.g. AS 1418.1 clause 2.2).

• 10 years is regarded as a maximum period for checking wear limits of mechanical parts and verifying design assumptions.

• 10 years is regarded as a minimum period for the fi rst signs of fatigue to appear in mechanical parts.

A period of 10 years for a major inspection of mechanical parts should be used as a default where no other evidence of history of the crane is available and a hazard identifi cation, risk assessment, or risk control process does not identify a shorter time interval. (This is often the case with imported second-hand plant.)

SAFETY FIRST . . . ALWAYSSAFETY FIRST . . . ALWAYS

page 9

SAFETY FIRST . . . ALWAYSExtending the 10-year Major Inspection

Any decision to extend the major inspection past the 10 calendar years stipulated in AS 2550.1 should be verifi ed by themanufacturer or a competent person. This must be documented, using engineering as well as hazard identifi cation and risk assessment principles, in compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 and the Plant Regulations.

Records of previous maintenance and repair must be able to establish that all safety critical components that would normallyremain in service for the design life of the crane have not been subject to excessive wear or failure requiring their prematurereplacement. These written maintenance records should be maintained for the life of the unit.

Any decision to delay the major inspection past the 10-year requirement should also specify the proposed date for the majorinspection. Further extensions should not be considered.

Where unforeseen circumstances inhibit taking a crane out of service for a periodic or major inspection, a competent person

(preferably a representative of the manufacturer) shall determine if it is safe to operate the crane until the respective maintenance can be carried out. The assessment undertaken in reaching this decision must be documented.

Assessment for Continued Safe Operation

The assessment for continued safe operation of a crane should:

1. Be undertaken by a competent person and be supervised by a professional engineer experienced in the inspection, testing and assessment of the particular type of crane.

Note: a ‘competent person’ is a person who by their training or experience has the skills and knowledge to carry out the task.

2. Include the rationale which led to determining the extent (or limitations) of the major inspection and subsequent assessment for continued safe operation for continued use.

3. Include a summary of what items have been assessed, how the assessment was undertaken, and the results of the assessment.

4. The recommendations on what works need to be done to the crane to provide the equivalent level of safety to that which would be achieved by the current version of the applicable parts of AS 1418. These recommendations should consider the likely operational and environmental parameters under which the crane is intended to operate. The supervising engineer should also record the rationale for the recommendations made.

5. Include a documented maintenance program for the repair or replacement of components necessary to bring

the crane into conformance with the Plant Regulations. The program should include: a list of those items which should be undertaken prior to the crane returning to service in order to ensure the immediate safe operation of the crane; and the recommended time frames for remaining program works to ensure the ongoing safe operation of the crane.

6. Include a program for the ongoing maintenance and inspection of the crane. This program must include specifi c recommendation on the scheduling of further assessments for continued safe operation.

WorkSafe Expectations

As part of their obligations under the Plant Regulations, crane owners are required to undertake a preventative

maintenance program to the standard outlined in the relevant parts of AS 2550, which includes consideration of the manufacturer’s recommendations.

In respect of major inspections, WorkSafe expects the supporting records, including the ‘Assessment for continued safe operation’, to be available for inspection on request by a WorkSafe fi eld offi cer. Records should be readily accessible at the crane owner’s Victorian business offi ce.

The above documentation should include a record of the implementation of the recommendations set out in theassessment report.

page 10

Acts and Regulations

Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004

Occupational Health and Safety (Plant) Regulations 1995

Acts and regulations are available from Information Victoria on 1300 366 356or order online at www.bookshop.vic.gov.au.

View the legislation at Victorian Law Today at www.legislation.vic.gov.au.

Standards Australia

AS 2550 Cranes, hoists and winches - Safe use

Part 1: General requirements

Part 4: Tower Cranes

Part 5: Mobile Cranes

AS 1418 Cranes (Including hoists and winches)

Part 1: General requirements

Part 4: Tower Cranes

Part 5: Mobile Cranes

Copies of standards can be obtained by contacting −

Standards Australia on 1300 654 646; website: www.standards.com.au.

WorkSafe Victoria Publications

Plant (Code of Practice No. 19, 1995)

Special Note on Codes of Practice: Codes of Practice made under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 1985 provide practical guidance to people who have duties or obligations under Victoria’s OHS laws. The Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 allows the Minister for WorkCover to make Compliance Codes which will provide greater certainty about what constitutes compliance with the OHS laws.

Codes of Practice will continue to be a practical guide for those who have OHS duties and WorkSafe will continue to regard those who comply with the topics covered in the Codes of Practice as complying with OHS laws. WorkSafe will progressively review all Codes of Practice and replace them with guidance material and, in appropriate cases, with Compliance Codes.

Call WorkSafe on: 1800 136 089

Email: info@worksafe.vic.gov.au

SAFETY FIRST . . . ALWAYSSAFETY FIRST . . . ALWAYS

Glenn Hester PhotographyAustin Hoist & Crane

Roger Parry-Jones, WorkSafe Inspector

page 11

SAFETY FIRST . . . ALWAYSFORKLIFT SAFETY – the right tools & conditions for the jobBy Roger Parry-Jones – WorkSafe Victoria Inspector (Manufacturing, Logistics and Agriculture)

Forklifts: boon or gloom for business – it’s up to you!

Forklifts were relatively uncommon 40 years ago. Today they are commonplace and essential operational equipment in industries ranging from manufacturing, construction, warehousing and logistics to airports and the waterfront, even newsagents and bottle shops.

It is estimated that more than 330,000 forklifts are in use throughout Australia today. These modern machines have effectively shifted the load from the labourer’s back, performing work far more quickly, more reliably and more conveniently than was possible 40 years ago. But they are potentially among the most dangerous pieces of equipment around

and can present a real engineering challenge in terms of risk control management and the prevention of manual

handling injuries.

Between 2000 and 2005, more than 500 safety compromised incidents involving forklifts were reported to WorkSafe Victoria, representing only perhaps 10% of the total number of reportable forklift incidents requiring notifi cation under Victorian workplace safety laws.

Victorian OHS legislation requires employers to report any incidents that expose a person to risk of injury – even when

no one was actually hurt!

Such incidents have been largely responsible for the 56 forklift related deaths in Victorian workplaces over

the past 23 years (please refer to chart on page 14). Half of these fatalities were pedestrians. Every single one

was avoidable! For every death there are hundreds of injuries (often permanent) resulting in workplace injury insurance claims, family and workmate trauma and potential prosecutions. The commercial costs run into the tens of millions

of dollars.

People are often devastated after “something went wrong” – they can’t believe it. Inspectors are frequently told: “Nothing like this has happened before!” “We’re big on safety!” or that the operator was “always so careful”; but on examination, the causes and means of preventing deaths and injuries are usually clear.

For starters, many forklifts seen by workplace safety inspectors date way back to the1970s and ’80s – often in poor condition with chains, hydraulic rams and tines worn to a point well below the manufacturer’s specifi cations. Safety equipment is

often broken and load charts unreadable or poorly understood.

Assumptions about the safety of forklifts, a reliance on the skill and experience of the operator, and the mistaken belief that safety is merely a matter of ‘common sense’ can all lead to complacency.

So-called ‘near miss’ incidents are clear opportunities for safety improvements to be made – often at little or no cost or simply by ensuring that procedures are established and carefully followed. If there is no system for investigating and implementing safety action plans, the next incident could result in a death.

Driving safety – the forklift operator

The skill and responsibilities required of a professional forklift operator deserve our appreciation – without a doubt – however forklifts can easily become ‘lethal weapons’ in the hands of poorly trained or inexperienced operators.

The knowledge, expertise and discipline required of the average forklift operator to perform his/her tasks are often not readily recognised, but they also have very real responsibilities to follow the safe work instructions provided by

their employers.

It is worth noting that it isn’t enough for an employer to simply check whether a forklift operator has a Certifi cate of

Competency and thus assume that the operator is responsible for safety. Operator competency should be assessed with the particular plant and attachments supplied and within the designated workplace – so that they clearly understand the specifi c hazards they may be exposed to.

page 12

SAFETY FIRST . . . ALWAYSSAFETY FIRST . . . ALWAYS

Social expectations are changing

Whereas safety was once regarded as an ‘extra’ component of running a business, today it has become a core activity.When built into day-to-day operations it will refl ect current community expectations and meet the requirements of a

range of laws, Codes of Practice, and Australian and International Standards.

Where safety failings lead to prosecutions however, the courts are imposing signifi cant penalties. In a recent Victorian case, a forklift trainer was convicted and fi ned $20,000 after leaving trainees alone to operate forklifts while he went to the offi ce. In another matter, a company was fi ned $400,000 after a truck driver died from head injuries he received from a crate, which fell while being moved by an unlicensed forklift operator.

Each state or territory has different means of dealing with identifi ed safety breaches and it is in your interests to understand what these are and how they can be applied.

Forklift designers, workplace designers, suppliers, employers and employees all have specifi c responsibilities in

legislation to identify and eliminate workplace hazards. All stakeholders have a responsibility to exercise due diligence

in referring to technical standards, guidance and legislation in order to fulfi l their obligations.

OHS Inspectors can be the best source of advice on meeting this need. Although their primary role is as enforcement offi cers, their role as competent advisors cannot be underestimated in making your workplace safe, effi cient and successful.

Workplace consultation via health and safety representatives, health and safety committees or toolbox meetings also provides opportunities to develop safety improvement protocols.

The world of forklifts is getting more complex

Whereas a one tonne forklift would once have been acceptable for typical loads in an average warehouse, the norm now

is to have one with a carrying capacity of two to 2.5 tonnes (irrespective of the many forklifts and attachments designed for special tasks) – indicating just one of the many changes introduced as businesses adapt to bigger and more complex worksites such as distribution centres.

The many models now on the market must be assessed against engineering principles laid down in Australian

Standard AS 2359 before being supplied to Australian workplaces along with the information needed to allow them to be operated safely.

With only three points of weight distribution due to the need for a rear steering axle, forklifts are inherently unstable and can be vulnerable to road surface irregularities and inappropriately positioned loads. The load capacity over a

range of mast movements must be determined by a person suitably qualifi ed for calculating safe working loads.

The weight of attachments, reach, distance from the counterweight, loads to be shifted, and carriage tilt – all need to be takeninto consideration.

Use of jib attachments, for example, will lower the maximum Safe Work Load (SWL) by 20% even if it is within the standard Australian tine 600 mm load centre, due to the potential for slightly swinging loads to alter the effective load centre and

thereby increase instability.

A typical two-tonne counterbalance forklift may weigh more than four tonnes with sideshift or drum grab loaded. Placing a load centre beyond the standard forklift tine 600-millimetre load centre, or raising loads, will dramatically infl uence the designed stability of a nominal safe working load.

Imported forklifts – beware!

There is a range of potential safety issues associated with imported second-hand forklifts. Overloading and unstable

loads can occur if SWL plates are in pounds, not kilograms. Furthermore, purchasing from countries that use a smaller

standard pallet can produce inherent stability issues. In these cases, a suitably qualifi ed person needs to recalculate load

capacity at height and tilt.

For instance, a Japanese forklift designed to use a standard one-metre pallet (as compared with Australia’s standard 1.2-metre pallet), will need to have the load centre placed 100mm further out from the “triangle of stability” when used locally. Though not a huge distance, this can still be signifi cant particularly if the load is raised, poorly loaded or carried on uneven ground.

page 13

SAFETY FIRST . . . ALWAYSDesign for safety – the low risk worksite

You don’t need a purpose-built greenfi eld site to manage forklift safety, but many businesses have outgrown their original sites and ‘making do’ with what they have may no longer be acceptable.

The fi rst consideration in reducing potential human risk factors is to design safe workplaces.

Designers must ensure safe design, testing and dissemination of relevant information to recipients, includingergonomic considerations.

They need to demonstrate a clear understanding of the business to be conducted and plan workplace layouts with full recognition of the hazards created by the introduction of mobile plant – factoring in risk reduction strategies, andengineering-out forklift stability hazards as key considerations.

The workplace must be well lit, with wide aisles to allow backing and turning, and fl at, well-maintained surfaces capable of taking the weight of mobile plant and their loads. If these basic requirements cannot be provided, the added risks that are

produced must be managed.

In Victoria, failure to design a workplace building or structure to be safe can incur a penalty as high as $270,000 for a

company and $55,000 for individuals.

Plant design, manufacture and supply companies also face indictable offences and fi nancial penalties of close to

$1,000,000 if they don’t comply and people are exposed to subsequent risk of injury. Individuals may face fi nes of up

to $200,000.

Manufacturers must make and test plant and provide information about safe operating procedures to avoididentifi ed hazards.

Suppliers are obligated under the Act to ensure that the supplied plant is safe for the purpose it is intended to be used and to supply appropriate information to the recipients and users.

So what does it take to make your workplace safe?

• Thorough risk assessments, training, supervision involving employees, contractors and labour hire workers – also forklift operators trained in the use of specifi c machines and attachments, and who are familiar with the workplace layout and safe work procedures;

• Systems to ensure the right tool (forklift and attachment) is used on each job;

• Regular reviews of work practices and workplace design issues (some warehouses operate with one-way traffi c or a drop-and-spin system to limit the number of traffi c movements and eliminate unexpected traffi c movements);

• Trainee operators must be under the control of a qualifi ed, supervising operator with line of sight and hearing;

• Systems for recording incidents (including ‘near misses’) and eliminating reported hazards;

• Operators who complete a daily checklist to ensure safe operating condition (e.g. check if warning signals such as lights and reversing buzzers work, test and use restraints);

• Means of physically separating pedestrians and mobile plant – fi xed guarding, marked walkways, signage and chains are part of the safety equation;

• Operators who are appropriately restrained within the roll over protective structure in the event of a lateral tip (WorkSafe Victoria supports retro-fi tting of ergonomic seatbelt seats and/or operator restraint devices meeting Australian Design specifi cations as per AS 2359.1, Clause 7.5).

Forklifts with ergonomic seating and seatbelts or other restraints reduce injuries;

• Safe Working Loads which consider not just the weight of loads but also safety when the tines and load is raised or tilted;

• Attachments with load capacity plates which are manufactured in accordance with specifi cations supported by the forklift manufacturer or AS 2359.1, and used in accordance with AS 2359.2,

• Protective measures to ensure forklifts and their operators are safe from hazardous zones such as fi xed plant,

and service pits – for example, automatic loading dock levellers with suffi cient capacity and edges clearly defi ned

page 14

with high visibility markings, and automatic trailer braking chocks or hook engagement and parking brakes to prevent truck movements while loading is underway;

• Loads which are strapped or wrapped to standard pallets before movement;

• Pallet racks installed in accordance with AS 4084 – with protective structures, load capacity signs, regularly inspected racking, and damaged sections immediately repaired;

• Proper maintenance of forklifts and attachments in line with manufacturer’s recommendations and conducted only by professional forklift maintenance personnel whose formal service reports can confi rm that the machine is fi t to be used (or “tag it out” as not to be used pending repairs). Keep maintenance records always on site;

• Acknowledged and eliminated potential dangers (if any), which can include: overhead obstructions, loading trucks over gutters, potholes, unrated loading bays, narrow aisles, poorly maintained pallet racking with distorted footings, and inadequate housekeeping in general;

• Measures to ensure workers are not exposed to dangerous fumes from forklift exhausts.

The ‘dream machine’

The major manufacturers are constantly updating their forklifts, but the fact remains that there are thousands of older machines on the market and in use. If you are purchasing a new forklift, or leasing one, look for a model incorporating these latest

technology features:

• Load scales on forklift tines, which read the weight of the load and display it for the operator’s calculations;

• Active stability systems to control a wide range of functions (load handling, turning for mast height, weight, tilt, forklift speed, yaw rate, steering wheel and rear tyre angles);

• ABS brake systems;

• Infrared or microwave workplace controls which limit access to forklifts to authorised operators, and control speeds or lift in hazardous zones (such as blind corners). These can limit operation to certain areas and tasks to only specifi cally trained operators;

• Seat sensors which prevent start up unless the operator is on the seat with the seatbelt latched and the handbrake applied;

• Lateral restraint devices to hold operators limbs and head within the roll over protective structure;

• Ergonomic seating to reduce musculoskeletal injuries from long shifts and repetitive actions;

SAFETY FIRST . . . ALWAYSSAFETY FIRST . . . ALWAYS

Operator overcome by

exhaust fumes (1)

56 reported fatalities involving forklift trucks

1 January 1985 to 13 November 2008

Pedestrian crushed by

falling loads (15)

Pedestrian struck by

travelling forklift (7)

Pedestrian crushed by

manoeuvering forklift (7)

Operator crushed

forklift in

tipover/rollover (11)

Operator crushed

by unexpected

movement of forklift (7)

Fell from forklift,

forkarms or load (8)

page 15

SAFETY FIRST . . . ALWAYS • Mounted video cameras to enable precise load placement (e.g. to high racking) and reduce physical risks to operators;

• Proximity detectors to complement reversing buzzers; and

• Dual tyres at the mast end to increase stability.

Also, the skills of the company service provider performing maintenance on technologically advanced forklifts should be up to date, and the mandatory service report should be suitably thorough and precise.

Consider procuring or leasing forklifts with load capacities above your known calculated requirements to provide additional inherent stability. Computer controlled electronic bar code sensors and automated palletising and conveyor systems have eliminated the use of counterbalance forklifts in some warehouses.

Be proactive – Where to go now?

Contact your workplace safety regulator or industry association for advice on how you can improve safety and increase resultant productivity in your business.

Meet (and even exceed) the manufacturer’s specifi cations and the Australian Standard AS 2359 and have a clear understanding of your workplace safety authority guidance materials (all considered basic procedure).

Read WorkSafe Victoria guidance materials for the Manufacturing, Logistics and Agricultural Industry, including “Forklift Safety: Reducing the Risk” which is available online or in printed form.

Apply for a free, three-hour consultation by an independent OHS consultant (Victorian small businesses with fewer than 20 employees are eligible).

References

Australian Standard AS 2359.1 to AS 2359.15Forklift Safety: Reducing the RiskGuidance Note on Pallet RackingCode of Practice for Plant 1995WorkSafe Advisory Service – Tel: 96411444 Toll free: 1800 136089 Email: info@worksafe.vic.gov.auWebsite: www.worksafe.vic.gov.au

Glenn Hester Photography

"A safe workplace is

no accident!"

page 16

FORKLIFT FATALITY

Prosecution Result Summary Case Study 1

Incident Summary: On 8 November 2005, an incident occurred at the warehouse premises of a VictorianFood/Beverage Company, involving an employee aged 44. On that date, the employee died when the forklift that he

was operating struck a roof support pole, toppled over and crushed him underneath it. The path the employee was taking with the forklift generated a blind spot by the left upright of the mast and this kept one of the roof support poles hidden. The poles were thin and easily hidden in a forklift’s blind spot. An expert engineer engagedby WorkSafe concluded that the metal ring or sleeve at the base of the pole caused the machine to ride up the pole andtopple over onto its side. The employee driver of the forklift was not wearing a seatbelt. A WorkSafe investigationrevealed that the roof support poles had been struck many times by forklifts. The employees gave evidence of at leasttwo previous occasions when this occurred and markings on many of the poles also made this apparent. One employee stated that, on occasions, her forklift had backed into support poles due to the tightness of the area for manoeuvring. Another employee stated that he had trouble with the post base plates prior to this incident.

Although incident reports were created in respect of these incidents, the Company was unable to produce any documentation

recording these previous incidents, or remedial action. A traffi c management expert – engaged by the Company at the direction of WorkSafe after the incident – was of the opinion that there was no traffi c management plan in place at the time, which was a totally inadequate situation.

Charges

Act & Section [Maximum Penalty]

OH&S Act 2004 - s 21(1) & (2)(a) Employer failed to provide & maintain so far as was practicable for employees a safe working environment − plant & systems of work[1800 penalty units: individual; 9000 penalty units: body corporate]. Indictable offence triable summarily.

Count(s)

1

Outcome

Plea: GuiltyFine: $200,000.00Result: Conviction

Defendant: Food/Beverage Company

Industry: Manufacturing and Agriculture

Defendant Type: Company (ACN)

Date of Offence: 08/11/2005

Date of Determination: 14/03/2008

Incident: Forklift Fatality

Judge/Magistrate: Judge Pilgrim

Jurisdiction: County Court

SAFETY FIRST . . . ALWAYSSAFETY FIRST . . . ALWAYS

Photos by Kristian Hetyey

page 17

SAFETY FIRST . . . ALWAYSFORKLIFT TRAFFIC RISK

Prosecution Result Summary Case Study 2

Incident Summary: The rear of this Geelong fruit and vegetable business opens onto a public car park where foodproduce is loaded and unloaded from vehicles via a forklift. There is also an arcade entrance leading from the car park.In October 2005, a forklift operated by the fruit and vegetable Company was seen by a WorkSafe inspector working in the public car park behind its shop. Inadequate control measures (signs and witches hats) were in place to ensure pedestrians were not hit by the forklift. The inspector issued an Improvement Notice, which was lifted several weeks later whenan improved traffi c management system was established. WorkSafe inspectors revisited the workplace on 19 January2007, and observed a forklift owned by the same Company operating in and around pedestrians and cars with no

controls to prevent a collision with members of the public. The Inspectors issued two more Improvement Notices.

An improved traffi c management system was again put in place.

The Company agreed to enter into an Enforceable Undertaking as an alternative to prosecution. In the undertaking, the Company agreed to: 1) place a half-page advertisement urging safe operation of forklifts in the Saturday morning Geelong Advertiser within one month; 2) make a $5,000 donation to the Salvation Army; and 3) a principal of the Company attending a 5-day Occupational Health and Safety course.

Charges

Act & Section [Maximum Penalty]

OH&S Act 2004 - s 21(1) & (2)(a) Employer failed toprovide & maintain so far as was practicable foremployees a safe working environment − plant &systems of work [1800 penalty units: individual;9000 penalty units: body corporate]. Indictable offence triable summarily.

OH&S Act 2004 - s 23(1) Employer failed to ensurethat their undertaking did not expose people(other than employees) to health & safety risks[1800 penalty units: individual; 9000 penalty units:body corporate]. Indictable offence triable summarily.

Count(s)

1

1

Outcome

Plea: No PleaFine: $0.00Result: All Charges Withdrawn

(Enforceable Undertaking

entered into by the

company as an

alternative to

prosecution.)

Defendant: Fresh Food Company

Industry: Manufacturing and Agriculture

Defendant Type: Company (ACN)

Date of Offence: 19/01/2007

Date of Determination: 13/03/2008

Incident: Forklift Traffi c Management

Judge/Magistrate: Judge Klestadt

Jurisdiction: Magistrates Court

page 18

FORKLIFT HITCHHIKE HIJINX – Company & Worker Prosecuted

A worker hitching a ride on a forklift and another playing around with a fi re hose has resulted in

a company and one young worker being prosecuted by WorkSafe.

In April last year, a 17-year-old fellow worker’s leg was run over and broken (requiring two permanent pins to be inserted)after he fell (or jumped) from a forklift as its driver swerved to avoid the prankster’s jet of spray.

A Benalla sawmilling company pleaded guilty to two health and safety charges relating to its failure to provide and maintain

a safe workplace (Sections 21(1) & (2)(a) of the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004) and failing to report the incident

to WorkSafe (Section 38(1) & (3) of the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004).

Benalla Magistrate Paul Smith ordered a comprehensive package of requirements on the company under new ‘alternate penalty’ provisions now allowed under Victoria’s Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act.

The Court undertakings were:

To issue a media release and to take part in a briefi ng, urging other businesses to improve their safety standards;

To provide $40,000 to the Goulburn-Ovens Institute of TAFE (Benalla) for safety equipment and OHS training programs;

To develop and implement a comprehensive induction program for the company’s own use – covering plant and forklift safety, employee safety requirements, the role of supervisors, management of contractors and labour hire employees;

The company’s director to complete a fi ve-day OHS course within 12 months;

All forklift operators to undertake refresher training; and

The 18-year-old worker with the fi re hose (prosecuted, convicted, and placed on a 12-month good

behaviour bond) to do an appropriate Certifi cate 1 TAFE course within 12 months

The Director of WorkSafe’s Manufacturing, Logistics and Agriculture Division, Ross Pilkington, said the penalties

should send a clear message to employers and workers to ensure safety standards were maintained.

“Health and safety failings can result in prosecution and convictions which can have serious short and long-term effects, as well as the potential for injury and death.

“Young and inexperienced workers are particularly vulnerable,” he says, “and often have a sense that ‘it can’t happento me’, but the reality is that it can, and does.

“Ensuring they’re properly trained and supervised, and that those superior to them are maintaining safety standards,

will ensure they get to go home at the end of the day.”

FORKLIFT FUN – Comes at a Cost!

Dangerous forklift driving has cost a young worker his job and his forklift licence, and earned

him 50 hours of community work and an order to do a 5-day health and safety course.

WorkSafe prosecuted a 20-year-old Seymour man employed by a pipeline company in Kilmore, after he posted a video of

himself doing stunts on a forklift on YouTube.

The video, which has now been removed, showed him deliberately crashing into concrete pipes, doing burnouts and overloading the machine so he could do wheelies. He was not wearing a seatbelt and this put him at risk of serious injury

or death.

SAFETY FIRST . . . ALWAYSSAFETY FIRST . . . ALWAYS

page 19

The clip was on YouTube for nearly two months before it was seen by his boss in July last year. The young employee was subsequently sacked for misconduct.

Seymour Magistrate Caitlin English convicted him and ordered him to:

do 50 hours of unpaid community work

complete a fi ve-day Occupational Health and Safety course, and

pay WorkSafe’s court costs of $1,200

His suspended licence was also cancelled following the hearing.

WorkSafe’s Executive Director (Health and Safety), John Merritt, said forklifts were among the most dangerous pieces

of equipment in Victorian workplaces, accounting for 56 lives since 1985. Of these 19 were forklift drivers.

Mr Merritt said that unless forklifts were used correctly, the consequences were often serious, especially if a seatbelt was not used and the machine tipped.

“In this case, the young man has put himself at risk, and while he suffered no physical injury, he has had to face legal and other ongoing consequences.

“With WorkSafe currently running a campaign targeting young workers, our message continues to be:‘Don’t take unnecessary risks’.

“You might think you’re in control of the situation, but when something goes wrong, it will happen quickly, with little warning, often with permanent consequences.

“Posting stunts like this on the internet encourages other people to do the same thing, putting them at risk as well.”

“Safety at work” Contest

HOW NOT TO RUN YOUR BUSINESS!

The Erection TeamWMD Transport Unit

SAFETY FIRST . . . ALWAYS

page 20

SAFETY INSTITUTE OF AUSTRALIAOHS professional excellence creating business value and reducing social costs

Why is Workplace Safety Important?

As revealed in an Australian Safety and Compensation Council (ASCC) media release issued on 17 October 2008, in association with Safe Work Australia Week 2008:

“Over 140,000 Australians are seriously injured at work every year and more than 250 die as a result of work-related

injuries. Many more die as a result of work-related disease such as mesothelioma.

“This means 17 in every 1,000 employees will be off work for at least a week due to work-related injury and diseasewith two of these needing over six months off work to recover from their injuries or illness.

"The tragedy is that work-related injury, illness and death can be prevented through the adoption of safer

work practices.”

No wonder the World Bank considers injury the fastest growing cause of morbidity and mortality in the world and

describes it as “… the least researched epidemic of the 20th Century”. In this country typically, injuries account for

almost 10 per cent of both deaths and hospital admissions and impact disproportionately on the young. In terms of

years of potential life lost (up to age 75) injury outweighs cancer and heart disease (combined) by a factor of more

than two.

History and Function of the Safety Institute of Australia

The Safety Institute of Australia Inc (SIA) is a not-for-profi t, apolitical, independent peak body that began in 1949,

when the fi rst group of students in the Industrial Safety and Accident Prevention Course at Melbourne Technical College formed the Industrial Safety Research Group. Within 15 years, a Division of this Group had been formed in each State. In 1954 the name was changed to the Safety Engineering Society, and in 1977 the Society became the Safety Institute of Australia Inc. Over the last 60 years, the SIA has grown from a few local students with a shared passion for health and safety promotion to a well established and highly respected professional association nationwide. Today, it has a total of over 3,200 members

within Australia and internationally.

SIA Aims and Objectives

The primary aim of the SIA is to promote the highest possible standards of health and safety at work, on the roads,

at play and at home.

The objectives of the SIA are:

• To promote health and safety consciousness; • To advance the science and practice of health and safety;

• To research and develop health and safety procedures and protocols;

• To encourage community recognition of the Institute’s involvement in all aspects of health and safety; and

• To foster professional acknowledgement and develop ethical awareness and integrity through the Institute’s involvement in industrial, domestic and commercial health and safety issues.

The Institute believes that the distinctive advice of qualifi ed and experienced health and safety practitioners is a

prerequisite to the specifi cation of health and safety responsibilities at all levels of government (federal, state, territory or local), and of employers (across all industry sectors) and community organisations.

“In all these areas, the SIA has signifi cant opportunities for involvement and growth,” according to the Chief Executive

Offi cer Gary Lawson-Smith, whose own prestigious background (prior to joining the SIA in May 2007) spanned 37 highly successful years in civil aviation and aviation safety.

He believes occupational health, safety, and environmental imperatives are now all fi rmly entrenched in the mainstream of business governance. “And as a result, corporations and organisations are looking way beyond mere compliance to using these crucial factors to unlock emergent business and community values … SIA wants to be part of this process and to become a major infl uence in business development and government policy,” says Gary.

As Nelson Mandela once said, “We must use time wisely and forever realize that the time is always ripe to do right”.

STRENGTHENING OUR NATIONAL SAFETY ALLIA

page 21

SIA Code of ConductAll members of the SIA (individuals or corporate partners) are bound by a Code of Conduct − summarized as follows:

• Members will give priority to the health, safety and welfare of the community – in accordance with accepted standards of moral and legal behaviour – during the performance of their professional duties;

• Members will perform their professional duties with integrity, honesty and equity while adhering to legal principles and operating within their area of competency;

• Members will not engage in any illegal or improper practices;

• Members’ words or deeds must not adversely affect the reputation of the Institute or the professional reputation of another person;

• Members will fulfi l the terms and conditions of their employment or contract and avoid real or apparent confl icts of

interest; and

• Members will actively continue their professional development, and thereby the development of their profession as a whole.

Who Can Join the SIA?

Membership of the SIA is available to any person, corporation, organisation, company or association (government or private sector) that has a genuine interest in advancing the science of safety and health through professional excellence.

SIA Professional Membership

There are three grades of SIA professional membership, namely Chartered Professional Member (CPMSIA), Fellow (FSIA), and Chartered Fellow (CFSIA). Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is a prerequisite to maintaining certifi cation.

SIA Corporate Partnerships – categories and benefi ts

Similarly, the SIA has established a graduated list of Corporate Partnership categories (Diamond, Gold, Silver and Bronze) with associated meaningful benefi ts to attract an expanding range of government and private sector Corporate Partners.(Our own Australian icon, Qantas Airways, has been welcomed on board as one such signifi cant Corporate Partner,

along with WorkSafe Victoria, Protector Alsafe and Pro-Visual Publishing.)

This initiative provides opportunities for Corporate Partners to raise their own safety profi le and gain public recognition by demonstrating to all Australians their steadfast commitment towards helping the SIA reduce risks and prevent accidents – through adopting the SIA’s Code of Practice for instance, or even by listing their company name and links on the SIA website.

Such corporate partnerships also assist the SIA to increases its scope of infl uence across Australia and internationally.

Strategic Partnerships

To help raise SIA’s profi le, and to more effectively promote health and safety across all industry sectors and the media and public at large, Letters of Cooperation have been drawn up to establish national and international strategic partnerships under categories such as “Standards”, “Research & Development”, “Investigation” and “Youth - Injury Prevention”. To date, Australian Exhibition & Conferences, Standards Australia, Monash University Accident Research Centre, and the

Australian Transport Safety Bureau – to name just a few – have already formed such mutual alliances.

Standards Australia is recognised by the Federal Government as this country’s leading non-government standards development body. Australian Standards and its international counterparts (ISO/IEC) apply widely in workplace OH&S practice and thus contribute to the prevention of workplace injuries and fatalities. Standards applications play various signifi cant roles and are extensively relied upon, not only for test methods and management systems, but also for other standardisation matters critical to OH&S, including: Electrical safety regulation; Intrinsic safety and explosive atmosphere control; Risk management (generic and industry specifi c); and Personal protective equipment specifi cation. Nearly one third of the 6,500 Australian Standards are called up into legislation by one or more Australian Governments.

Monash University Accident Research Centre (MUARC) is Australia’s largest multi-disciplinary research centre

specialising in the study of injury and injury prevention. The Centre undertakes applied research contracts for government and industry clients throughout Australia and overseas. More fundamental research is undertaken through research grants.

ANCES

page 22

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) is an operationally independent bureau within the Australian Government’s Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government. Under the Transport Safety Investigation Act 2003 (CTH) (TSI Act), the Executive Director of Transport Safety Investigation in the ATSB is responsible

for the investigation of aviation, rail and marine transport safety matters (with some involvement in the area of road safety). The ATSB conducts independent investigations in accordance with ‘no-blame’ principles; unlike transport regulators, it seeks to positively infl uence transport safety by facilitating awareness and action in response to safety issues rather than by prescribing or enforcing safety solutions.

A word from the CEO

“In our 60th Anniversary year, the SIA’s National Board of Management and I are very enthusiastic about the future of the Institute and we are ready for a new and exciting phase in the organisation’s development, infl uence and reach – nationally and internationally – in conjunction with our proud corporate and strategic partners and members.

“New members/organisations are always welcomed,” Gary adds. “So please join today online via our website:www.sia.org.au (or contact the SIA’s National Secretariat) and enhance your organisation’s commitment to continuous improvement and universal health and safety promotion.”

SIA Major Events in 2009 – to be conducted in conjunction with Australian

Exhibition & Conferences (AEC):

• Safety In Action 2009, Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre, 31 March – 2 April 2009 (Register online at www.siaconference.com.au)

• Queensland Safety Show & Conference, Brisbane Conference & Exhibition Centre, 16-18 June 2009

• The Safety Show & Conference, Sydney Showground, 27-29 October 2009.

Contact: Gary Lawson-Smith

CEO SIA

www.sia.org.auT: 03 8336 1995

STRENGTHENING OUR NATIONAL SAFETY ALLIA

page 23

WORKSAFE WORKSTO KEEP YOU SAFEWORKSAFE LIFTS THE BAR ON CRANE SAFETY

WorkSafe Victoria has released new guidance to help improve the safety of people who own,

use or maintain bridge and gantry cranes.

“Working safely with bridge and gantry cranes (2008)”

was developed together with industry groups, unions and employers. It has been designed to illustrate issues relating to the safe use of cranes and describes the best risk

controls as well as practices that are not acceptable.

WorkSafe’s Manufacturing, Logistics and Agriculture

Industry Program Director, Trevor Martin said people had to recognise that bridge and gantry cranes were potentially dangerous and needed to be correctly used and maintained.

“There can be a complacency relating to the use and maintenance of bridge and gantry cranes in the workplace,” Mr Martin said.

“There is a lack of understanding about the dangers of their use. Many people think they are simple to use, the risks are little understood and the need for maintenance is often overlooked. It is not uncommon for WorkSafe Inspectors to see cranes carrying loads heavier than what they are

rated for or using incorrect slinging equipment.

“It is always more dangerous to wait for a failure to learn a lesson. The reality of this danger is often seen in the courts.”

In April 2008, a company was fi ned $150,000 after pleading guilty to two breaches of workplace safety laws following an incident in which a man was seriously hurt by being struck by a moving gantry crane. The incident occurred on an oil rig and the court was told that, in 2001, a similar incident involving a gantry crane on another oil rig operated by the same company, resulted in a worker being killed.

In June, another company was committed to stand

trial in the County Court to face charges laid relating to the November 2006 death of a man who was killed whilemoving a seven metre steel roller-door drum with an overhead gantry crane.

“It is a simple equation – with the right procedures and

practices in place, people will not be exposed to the risk

of being killed or injured by bridge and gantry cranes,” Mr Martin said.

“If you are an employer who uses bridge and gantry cranes, WorkSafe urges you to actively use the handbook to undertake a review of the cranes and use the information in the guide to determine which control measures you should be implementing.

“WorkSafe Inspectors will also use the handbook as abasis for inspections of bridge and gantry cranes in the coming year.”

“Working safely with bridge and gantry cranes” is supported by a WorkSafe Health and Safety Solution – a short, topic-based, step-by-step solution plan focussing on maintenance records and a poster to remind workplaces to carry out inspections of cranes, slings and accessories.

To order a copy of: A handbook for workplaces – Working

safely with bridge and gantry cranes; A health and safety

solution – Bridge and gantry cranes – Maintenance

records; or a copy of the crane inspection poster, go towww.worksafe.vic.gov.au or call WorkSafe’s Advisory

Service on 1800 136 089 for assistance.

WorkSafe Victoria’s Bridge and Gantry Crane Guidance LaunchDarebin Arts and Entertainment Centre, 31 July 2008

Safety saves lives and saves you money!

ANCES

page 24

BRIDGE AND GANTRY CRANE GUIDANCE LAUNCH

Alex Ruscuklic, Business Development Director of Borgers

Corporation, was a guest speaker at the July 31 launch of

the WorkSafe handbook: “Working safely with bridge and

gantry cranes” – and delivered a few hard-hitting and timely

words on the subject.

He spoke passionately about the fundamental need to

adopt safer and more sustainable practices throughout

the lifting industry, and he urged businesses to assume more responsibility and leadership in bringing about the necessary changes in attitude and behaviour.

Having played a formative part – together with chief engineers at Austin Hoist and Crane – in the actual inception of the new guidance, Mr. Ruscuklic also emphasizedthe vital importance of reliable qualitative research and

information to facilitate “better choices and procurement

decisions” in the marketplace.

“Purchasing the cheapest product rather than the best

and safest doesn’t pay in the long run, and is false

economy, ” he said. Instead, he believes that a steadfast commitment to optimal safety and sustainability standards – as well as the preferred use of superior quality equipment

– ultimately leads to increased effi ciency, productivity and profi tability for prudent companies.

Another speaker on the day, Jonathon Gray, a senior lawyer from WorkSafe’s Legal Services and Investigations Division, talked about the inevitable price you pay for industrial

irresponsibility. He warned of the dire consequences when companies failed to comply with the Occupational Health

and Safety Act and behaved negligently – resulting in people

being killed or injured by bridge and gantry cranes.

Maximum penalties of around $1 million for culpable organizations were not inconceivable in serious cases, while illegal breaches by individuals could easily incur substantial fi nes up to $200,000 – even if no actual “incident” occurred!

“The point is,” Mr. Gray said, “you can put yourself and your employer at risk of prosecution and a signifi cant fi ne if you are negligent in inspecting and recording.” Sometimes the “housekeeping” is just not good enough and “there clearly needs to be an inspection regime in place” and a “chain of

responsibility” operating.

“You are only responsible for what you are contracted

to do,” he explained to an audience of manufacturers, suppliers and repairers of bridge and gantry cranes, and there is “a clear obligation to tell you what needs to be

done to make things safe”. “But you cannot contract out of liability,” he added, and the bottom line is that “a safe

system of work needs to be provided at all times”.

Crane operators can no longer defend their ignorance

or risky practices with the unacceptable excuse:

“But we’ve always done it like this!”

“The fact that they have been doing something for thirty years doesn’t make it safe – it just means they’ve been lucky,” Mr. Gray said.

According to him, around ninety per cent of reported

WorkSafe cases result in a successful prosecution; so “to err on the side of caution” might not be such a bad idea!

Mr. Alex Ruscuklic, Business Development Director, Borgers Corporation − Guest Speaker at the July launch

SAFETY ALLIANCESSAFETY ALLIANCES

page 25

VEHICLE HOIST ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA

Next edition: World-class practitioners, Morris Material Handling, lead the fi eld — investing $18 million annually in product research alone.

Origins

Arising out of an industry long prone to division and fragmentation, The Vehicle Hoist Association of Australia Inc. (VHAA) was established early in 2004 following a

successful WorkSafe Seminar on Vehicle Hoists at the Darebin Arts and Community Centre in Melbourne.The idea was to provide a concerted voice at last for the vehicle hoist industry as a whole.

A group of concerned individuals from the industry set up the fl edgling organisation to identify and address the pressing needs within the sector and to provide an authoritative source of reliable information on all matters pertaining to vehicle hoists.

This enterprising Victorian association has further plans to ultimately become the National Body for all vehicle hoist related issues, and meanwhile works closely with the WorkSafe Plant Unit and representatives in the formulation of mutual policy guidelines.

Code Of Practice

The VHAA is continually developing a Code of Practice for its members. Important matters include:

• Compliance with Australian Standards

• Ethical behaviour

• Compliance with local OH&S regulations

• Members’ competence

• Quality assurance, workmanship & warranty

• Property maintenance of service records

• Availability of spare parts

• Demonstration, training & documentation for owners/operators.

ContactPO Box 151,Altona North 3025Email: vhaa@bigpond.com

Aims

• To produce training courses that will facilitate the accreditation of vehicle hoist installers and service professionals to a requisite level of competence, and to work within an established code of conduct − thus ensuring industry standards are maintained at the highest levels;

• To standardize all vehicle hoist service and maintenance issues;

• To establish a forum for vehicle hoist service and maintenance issues;

• To disseminate relevant information regarding vehicle hoists to the membership and interested industry stakeholders;

• To become an offi cial advisory body to government and the automotive industry at large − based on the pooling of knowledge, input and expertise.

Recommendations to

Authorities

The VHAA is currently developing recommendations for submission to state based authorities detailing the industry body’s position on items such as:

• Fitting of non-genuine parts and accessories to hoists (after-market modifi cations, retrofi tting of parts such as arm locks, etc.); and

• Defi ning the maximum design life of a hoist in line with the Australian Standard (when should they be scrapped?).

Membership

The VHAA invites interested parties to become actively involved in the association. Membership is open to anyone participating in the vehicle hoist industry − manufacturers, importers, installers, or service/maintenance, sales and trading personnel. All are welcome. Why not bring your experience and expertise to our next meeting?

SAFETY ALLIANCES SUPPORTING NEW ESUPPORTING NEW EMERGING TRADE ASSOCIATIONS

page 26

Melbourne’s industry, businesses and local councils have cut water use by a further 8 billion litres over the past12 months, building on the signifi cant savings made in recent years. Victorian Premier John Brumby said non-residential customers had slashed water use to 100 billion litres in 2007/08.

“Industrial water users and big business are making

massive water savings which is contributing to the

reduction in water consumption across Melbourne,”

he said. “These savings are due to the fantastic efforts

industry, businesses and local councils are making to

reduce consumption and use alternative water supplies

including stormwater and recycled water.

“Water conservation by industry is a key part of the

Government’s plan to secure Melbourne’s supplies, along with Australia’s largest desalination plant, upgrading irrigation infrastructure, a state-wide water grid and increased recycling.”

The Victorian Government now requires all non-residential customers across Victoria using more than 10 million litres of water each year to submit a water management action

plan (WaterMAP) to their water authority. These plans have water saving targets and outline water saving and recycling measures which will ensure these targets are met.

Non-residential customers account for approximately

30 per cent of Melbourne’s total water supply usage,

compared to household use of around 60 per cent.

Mr Brumby said recent support from leading business groups VECCI and Australian Industry Group for the Government’s Sugarloaf Pipeline and Food Bowl Modernisation project

demonstrated the importance of boosting water supplies with vital infrastructure. “Industry needs water security to

keep and create jobs,” he said.

INDUSTRY SLASHES WATER USE — News from the Premier

GO WITH THE FLOW…Your business can do its bit and add to the critical groundswell of infl uential change by adopting simple strategies such as capturing and utilizing rain or storm-water, recycling, installing fl ow control valves on taps and placing water conservation signage on site, for example. Your co-operation counts!

Hon John Brumby MLAPremier of VictoriaMinister for Multicultural Affairsand Veterans’ Affairs

CraneSafe MOBILIZING SAFETY IN AUSTRALIA

The mobile crane industry initiated a voluntary crane assessment program throughout Australia, which is playing its part in making the industry safe. Developed in consultation with the mobile crane industry as a whole, and supported by Crane Associations, State Trade Unions, and Workcover Authorities, the program aims to augment existing safety standards with annual assessments of mobile cranes now being made by CraneSafe(a division of the Crane Industry Council of Australia).

The CraneSafe Assessment Program provides crane owners and operators with:

a process for third party assessment of safety aspects of their cranes

a common, industry-wide system for assessment of their cranes

a single method by which crane operators, owners, manufacturers, suppliers designers and importers may fulfi l

their relevant duty of care obligations under the State Occupational Health and Safety Acts (OH&S).

Assessments are undertaken by independent competent persons (endorsed Assessors) approved by the Committee(not CraneSafe) to perform annual inspections as part of the Australian Standards requirement to have 12-month inspections. Although the CraneSafe assessment program is voluntary, crane owners and users always have a duty of care obligation

under individual State OH&S (Plant) Regulations to ensure that their cranes are constantly in a safe condition.

For further information

contact:

National CoordinatorCraneSafe AustraliaPO Box 136Mt Waverley Vic 3149

Email:

admin@cranesafe.com.au

SUPPORTING NEWSUPPORTING NEW EMERGING TRADE ASSOCIATIONS

page 27

Green Environment Initiatives

Since 1995, RotaryLift’s focus on environmentally friendly inground lifts has led to the pioneering designs of the SmartLift® and the MOD30.

Rotary’s SmartLifts were installed in the fi rst LEED certifi ed dealership in the United States, Pat Lobb Toyota, and continue to be chosen for several other LEED certifi ed car dealerships around the country.

The MOD30 heavy duty lifts have also been a preferred choice for its sustainable design. The fi rst self contained heavy-duty in-ground lift has been installed in areas that in the past would not allow for the installation of traditional in-ground lifts.

Rotary Inground Lifts:

• Protect the environment with a 60% recycled polymer housing (Smartlift) or with exclusive Enviroguardâ„¢ coating (MOD30)

• Reduce oil usage by an average of 75% over traditional style inground lifts

• Bio-fl uid compatible

• Contain 90% steel components, by weight, which can be reclaimed at the end of the lift’s life cycle

• Have a smaller overall footprint than comparable surface lifts which allows for the same number of lifts in less space — reducing utility usage, construction costs and overall emissions.

ROTARYLIFT

Environmentally responsible manufacturers of 2 Post, 4 Post automotive truck lifts and heavy duty lifts.

HAS YOUR COMPANY MADE A SUSTAINABLE START?

SUPPORTING NEW MANUFACTURING SUSTAINABILITY

page 28

INDUSTRY INNOVATIONS UNDER ONE ROOFNational Manufacturing Week 2009

Don’t miss National Manufacturing Week (NMW) 2009 – Australia’s 41st fully integrated, annual manufacturing exhibition – to be held between 12th and 15th May at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, South Bank. Australia’s major industrial exhibition, NMW is the only event that gathers together world-class national and international manufacturers and market leaders to share their innovative ideas and technologies in a unique face to face, ‘one-stop-shop’ forum.

Eleven separate industry-specifi c pavilions (covering an area of over 5,000 sq m in available space) showcase a wide range of manufacturing sectors, including the universally important Health and Safety section. In 2007, more than 13,000 visitors attended to view the 613 brands of products displayed by 275 different companies.

NMW organiser, Reed Exhibitions, along with its exhibition partners, has been working on a number of new initiatives designed to further increase the profi le of NMW so it continues to be a keen destination for manufacturers from all around the country.

“New features this year will include Austech’s ‘Factory Of The Future’ and a dedicated Logistics and Materials

Handling section,” said Mr Paul Baker, NMW exhibition manager. “These two sections will add a fresh and exciting dynamic to the event.”

Co-ordinated by AMTIL, ‘Factory of the Future’ will cover over 750 sq m of fl oor space, and will feature the very latest in fully automated laser-controlled machine tools, separate ‘cells’ demonstrating robotics and laser technology, as well as design and prototyping.

“Seminars are planned alongside the feature exhibits so visitors can learn about the latest technologies and manufacturing techniques – and then be able to see them operating,” Mr Baker said.

“This will allow visitors to tap into the very latest developments and technologies, and see how they can have an impact on increasing effi ciency, reducing costs, and raising their profi ts.”

Mr Baker said that NMW’s Logistics, Materials Handling & Distribution (LMHD) pavilion is set to grow dramatically.

“Companies are looking at ways to increase productivity and effi ciencies throughout the entire supply chain and the effi cient movement of fi nished products is an integral discipline.

“So LMHD will feature the latest in forklift developments, storage and racking solutions as well as new technologies in radio frequency-controlled warehousing and RFID."

Together with the recently opened Victorian Enterprise Connect Manufacturing Centre in Dandenong, this signifi cant event puts Victoria defi nitively on the map as one of the key manufacturing centres of Australia.

Editor’s comment:

“If you don’t go, you’ll never know!

Judicious product selection, based on fully informed choice, will impact favourably on all aspects of business enterprise – from production effi ciencies and profi tability to the health and safety of employees, and even conservation of the environment.”

For more information about NMW, contact:John Delpech at Reed Exhibitions –

Ph: 02 9422 2568,Email: john.delpech@reedexhibitions.com.auWebsite: www.nationalmanufacturingweek.com.au

NMW Exhibition Photo: Spitfi re Communications

INNOVATION AND RESEARCHINNOVATION AND RESEARCH

page 29

MANUFACTURING EXCELLENCE IN VICTORIA

$32m Dandenong Manufacturing Centre

opens for business

Victoria’s 4,000 small and medium manufacturers now have ready access to world-class services to help them become more productive and internationally competitive through the new $32 million Victorian Enterprise Connect Manufacturing Centre

at Dandenong.

At the opening ceremony in October last year, Senator Kim Carr, Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, said the Centre is an integral part of the Rudd Government's $251 million Enterprise Connect – a national network of manufacturing and innovation centres designed to help build businesses and create a higher skilled workforce by focusing squarely on innovation, creativity and excellence.

"Victorian fi rms can now tap into the latest ideas and technologies

by accessing a network with local roots and a global reach,"

Senator Carr said. "In this turbulent economic environment, the

need for fi rms to innovate, improve productivity and fi nd new

effi ciencies is more pressing than ever."

The Dandenong Centre will act as a hub for Enterprise Connect services in the state, offering companies free business reviews, tailored assistance through existing government programs, client management support and other relevant services, as well as discretionary grants of up to $20,000 for business improvements. It will also work closely with the Enterprise Connect Innovative

Regions Centre in Geelong. Senator Carr said an added feature of the Centre is that it will incorporate the Industry Capability

Network of Victoria.

Mark Dreyfus MP, Federal Member for Isaacs, invited local manufacturers to become involved: “This is an exciting opportunity for local businesses to benefi t from business advice, mentoring and fi nancial grants,” he said.

“The Centre, and the Business Advisers, will help our businesses

succeed, providing specialist advice about strategies and

operations, benchmarking in business and manufacturing

processes, and access to latest research and technology.”

For more information on Enterprise Connect:Call the Enterprise Connect hotline on 131 791Or visit: www.enterpriseconnect.gov.au

Top right and middle: The "Enterprise Connect" Manufacturing Centre at Dandenong, Victoria (Photos by: Kristian Hetyey)

Bottom right: Mark Dreyfus MP (left) and the Hon Senator Kim Carr (right) at the Launch of the Dandenong Manufacturing Centre

INNOVATION AND RESEARCH

page 30

$245 MILLION LIFELINE FOR VICTORIAN INDUSTRY, JOBSThe Victorian government has thrown the state’s fl agging industry and manufacturing sector a

$245-million lifeline to help secure local business and jobs.

NEW INVESTMENT ALLOWANCEPART OF BUSINESS PLANNING IN FIRST HALF OF 2009

Tuesday 23 December 2008 MR 148/08

Statement by Mr Peter Anderson, Chief Executive

The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) has encouraged business enterprises across the country to actively consider using opportunities for business development through the recently announced investment allowance, particularly as business planning decisions are made in the fi rst half of next year.

The Prime Minister announced the initiative on 12 December 2008 with the Treasurer also releasing a statement providing specifi c details.

The Investment Allowance will:

• Provide a tax deduction of 10% when business invests in depreciating assets. This is over and above existing depreciation allowances that may apply;

• Be applicable to most new tangible depreciating assets, including most items of plant and equipment over

$10,000 (including motor vehicles) which are acquired or ordered by the end of the current fi nancial year;

Victorian Premier John Brumby announced the long-awaited industry and manufacturing strategy on 19 November 2008, saying it would help stimulate jobs and make the sector internationally competitive in the face of tough economic conditions.

A key point of the strategy is the government’s

commitment to favour local bidders for state contracts

over offshore tenders.

Mr Brumby said this would mean sourcing 40% of materials

for new trains and rail locally.

“When two or more bids are comparable in terms of quality and whole-of-life pricing, the government will continue to give preference to bids that maximise local industry benefi ts,” he said.

“Major projects that are declared of strategic signifi cance will have additional criteria that can include minimum local content requirements and an additional weighting given to local content.”

The strategy includes $123 million for a manufacturing

action plan, including a $50-million fund to help companies move into emerging markets, $97 million for the services sector and $25 million to help local industries expand into export markets.

“The Victorian government is taking action to ensure

industry and manufacturing can turn the rapidly

changing global economic conditions into opportunities

to build future growth, secure and create new jobs and

develop more innovative industries,” Mr Brumby said.

Images From Southern Shorthaul Railroad

MONEY MATTERSMONEY MATTERS

page 31

• Be available for businesses who start to hold or start to construct the asset after 12.01am AEDT 13 December 2008

and before the end of June 2009. Assets must be ready for use by the end of June 2010; and

• Apply to tangible assets used in carrying on a business for which a deduction is available under the core provisions of Division 40 (Capital Allowances) in the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 (ITAA97). Land and trading stock are excluded from the defi nition of depreciating assets, and will not qualify for the investment allowance.

The structure of the arrangement means business only has to order the relevant assets by 30 June 2009 provided they are ready for use by 30 June 2010. This may provide signifi cant cash fl ow relief to business in many instances.

It is estimated the potential value of the proposal will be $1.6 billion over the forward estimates period. This represents a substantial stimulus to encourage investment, which is particularly important to help maintain economic growth and employment.

ACCI strongly encourages business to take advice on the matter and will welcome any additional material that is provided by the Australian Taxation Offi ce to help inform these decisions.

For further information:

Peter Anderson Chief Executive 02 6273 2311 / 0417 264 862

Greg Evans Director, Industry Policy & Economics 02 6273 2311 / 0407 204 559

Brett Hogan Director of Communications 03 9668 9950 / 0407 273 884

www.acci.asn.au

ACCI represents over 350,000 businesses in every State and Territory and all industries. Our network employs around 4 million employees, ranging from the top 100 companies to tens of thousands of small and medium businesses.

LEADING AUSTRALIAN BUSINESS

Glenn Hester Photography

MONEY MATTERS

Disclaimer: The information in this publication is intended only to provide a general overview of matters of interest and does not constitute professional advice. As technology and the law are continually evolving, the information may not be defi nitive or up to date. Borgers Corporation does not accept liability for any loss or damage, which may result directly or indirectly from the information contained in this publication.

Copyright: Unless otherwise specifi cally indicated in this publication, the copyright subsisting in the information contained in this publication is owned or licensed by Borgers Corporation Pty Ltd and Borgers Corporation Research and Publications Pty Ltd. No part of the information contained in this publication may be reproduced, adapted or published without the express prior permission of Borgers Corporation Pty Ltd.

Privacy: If you do not wish to receive any further information from Borgers Corporation about itsongoing work or its publications, or about industry issues affecting your business generally,please call Borgers Corporation.

Borgers Corporation Pty Ltd is a progressive business development and

marketing consultancy geared to assist Australian manufacturing companies to develop their sales and marketing strategies and improve their ‘visibility factor’ and effectiveness in the marketplace.

Borgers’ intention is to strengthen businesses and create teams and structures that will facilitate a company’s own success whilst boosting the

manufacturing sector at the same time. Operational strategies are based on the principle of co-operation rather than on adversarial competition,and on achieving macro solutions through the collective enterprise ofregional and national cluster groups of like-minded manufacturing businessesand organizations.

Borgers believes that a core strategy for economic survival and consolidation is the formation of viable working partnerships and strategic symbiotic alliances.

Borgers Corporation is fast becoming a signifi cant driving force behind

collaborative enterprise in Victoria and uses its organizational and industrial networks to further this cause. Close alignment with prevailing government policies and resources is carefully maintained. In particular, Borgers andits publications wholeheartedly support WorkSafe Victoria and other proactive associations in their promotion of occupational health and safety in the workplace.

Borgers Research and Publications Pty Ltd (production)Eva Hetyey (Founding Editor)Eric John Ocson (graphic design, layout and typesetting)Special editorial thanks to contributing writers and organizations,government departments, technical advisors, and photographers:Hon John Brumby MLA – Premier of Victoria,Minister for Multicultural Affairs and Veterans’ AffairsSenator the Hon Kim Carr – Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science & Research

Mark Dreyfus MP – Federal Member for IsaacsWorkSafe Victoria Publications (research, articles, case studies, photographs)Roger Parry-Jones – WorkSafe Victoria Inspector(Manufacturing, Logistics and Agriculture)Michael Birt – Media Advisor(Communications and Marketing) WorkSafe VictoriaJohn Merritt – Executive Director (Health & Safety) WorkSafe VictoriaJonathon Gray – Senior Lawyer(Legal Services and Investigative Division) WorkSafe VictoriaAlex Buckle – Project Manager (Manufacturing, Logistics and Agriculture)WorkSafe VictoriaJ M Torlach – State Mining Engineer WA(Department of Minerals and Energy, Western Australia)Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Go Green Design Pty Ltd (sustainability consultants)Gary Lawson-Smith – Chief Executive Offi cer, Safety Institute of AustraliaCraneSafe Australia

Standards Australia

David Pearson – Secretary, Vehicle Hoist Association of AustraliaAustin Hoist and Crane Pty Ltd (photographs and technical assistance)Morris Material Handling Ltd

Southern Shorthaul Railroad Pty Ltd

RotaryLift

Glenn Hester – Glenn Hester Photography Pty LtdKristian Hetyey (photography)Cranes Today Magazine

Bayside Leader Newspaper (Jason Sammon photograph)Safety at Work Contest (international images)Snap Printing Heidelberg (printing)

BORGERS CORPORATIONACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

ENQUIRIES AND SUBSCRIPTIONS

Featured here are two Morris Material Handling (UK) hoist units built for 35t crane kits - as part of a joint venture in Saudi Arabia.

Alex Ruscuklic

Business Development DirectorBorgers Corporation Pty LtdMobile: 0414 539 382Email: borgerscorp@iprimus.com.au