WorkSafe Victoria is a division of the Victorian WorkCover Authority

Wednesday 4 July 2007

Occupational Health and Safety – Future DirectionsAUSA Conference

Susan AllenDirectorPublic Sector and Community Services Industry ProgramWorkSafe Victoria

Who we are

• Our vision – for Victorian workers to return home safe every day

• Our mission – working with the community to deliver outstanding workplace safety, together with quality care and insurance protection to workers and employers

National OHS Regulatory Overview

Jurisdiction Employers Employees Public at workplace

NSW Yes Yes Yes

Vic Yes Yes Yes

Qld Yes Yes Yes

WA Yes Yes Yes

SA Yes Yes Yes

Tas Yes Yes Yes

NT Yes Yes Yes

ACT Yes Yes Yes

Aust Govt Yes Yes Yes

What does the OHS Act cover – 1 July 2005?

Details: www.workplace.gov.au/cpm

Working across borders

• Multi-state ‘how-to’ guidance material for employers

• Common employer claim reports and worker claim forms

• Mutual recognition rules across states on RTW coordinators

• Establishment of ‘one-stop shop’ within each Agent to service multi-state employers

ABS Work-Related Injuries 2005-06

53.6

6162.2

64.3

67.6 68.5 68.970.5

50

55

60

65

70

75

VIC WA SA TAS NSW NT ACT QLDRa

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ork

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13

Achieving the national target

Jun-07 target:11.13

Jun-07 result: 11.10

Jun-0512.43 Jun-06

11.92

10.0

11.0

12.0

13.0

14.0

15.0

16.0

17.0Ju

l-03

Oct

-03

Jan-

04

Apr-

04

Jul-0

4

Oct

-04

Jan-

05

Apr-

05

Jul-0

5

Oct

-05

Jan-

06

Apr-

06

Jul-0

6

Oct

-06

Jan-

07

Apr-

07

Jul-0

7

Target Cp1000 Claims per 1000 Employees

WorkSafe Victoria is a division of the Victorian WorkCover Authority

The OHS picture for universities

Universities and TAFEs

0.00

0.05

0.10

0.15

0.20

0.25

0.30

2001/02 2002/03 2003/04 2004/05 2005/06 2006/07*

CFR

Uni

TAFE

Note: *2006/07 is YTD until 31May 2007. CFR = Claims per $ 1 million remuneration

Universities – Claims Frequency Rate 03/04-05/06

0.00

0.20

0.40

0.60

0.80

1.00

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

CFR

CFR Uni "Uni CFR Median 03/04/-05/06

Five organisations with CFR above median CFR are classified by size as follows :

3 Large, 1 Medium, 1 Small.

TAFEs - Claims Frequency Rate 03/04-05/06

Eight organisations with CFR above median CFR are classified by size as follows :

4 Large, 3 Medium, 1 Small.

0.00

0.20

0.40

0.60

0.80

1.00

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

CFR

CFR TAFE "TAFE Median 03/04/-05/06

Universities - Average Cost per Standard Claim

Average Cost per Std Claim - Financial Year

0

10,000

20,000

30,000

40,000

20012002 20022003 20032004 20042005 20052006

$

TAFEs - Average Cost per Standard Claim

Average Cost per Std Claim - Financial Year

0

10,000

20,000

30,000

40,000

20012002 20022003 20032004 20042005 20052006

$

Body Map – Common Injuries for Universities

Neck 5.5%

Hand and Fingers

5.0%

Shoulder 7.1%

Lower Back13.1%

Wrist

Note: Based on 2002/03 – 2005/06 claim data

6.0%

Knee5.5%

22.9% Psychological System

Neck pain/strain from computer use

Back pain/strain from muscular stress when lifting/handling objects or when no objects are involved (e.g. bending incorrectly)

Carpal tunnel syndrome from repetitive movements (e.g. computer use)

Knee pain/strain from falling (on same level or from heights) mostly when steps are involved

Tendinitis from muscular stress when lifting objects (e.g. heavy books, computer equipment)

Stress from work pressure or harassment

Carpal tunnel syndrome from repetitive movements (e.g. computer use), and non traumatic open wounds from broken glass or other tools and equipment

Body Map – Common Injuries for TAFE

Hand and Fingers

5.2%

Shoulder 8.8%

Lower Back14.4%

Note: Based on 2002/03 – 2005/06 claim data

Knee7.7%

23.2%Psychological System

Back pain/strain from muscular stress when lifting/handling objects or when no objects are involved (e.g. reaching), slipping and falling on wet floor

Stress from work pressure or harassment

Torn knee ligaments/joints from slipping on uneven/wet surfaces

Tendinitis and pain in shoulder from muscular stress when lifting objects (e.g. moving office furniture)

Carpal tunnel syndrome from repetitive movements (e.g. manual handling), and non traumatic open wounds from cutting fingers using tools (e.g. saw)

TAFE & University Projects 2007/08

Universities-Organisational Improvement Program – large Unis>More detailed focus on improvement plans to control risks

-Smaller Unis – similar to TAFE intervention>Focus on key risks, claims, controls

TAFEs-Focus on TAFEs not visited under current project & continue intervention with existing TAFEs

-Extension of compliance tool to strengthen:>Asbestos>Workstations>Bullying

WorkSafe Victoria is a division of the Victorian WorkCover Authority

What else is happening at WorkSafe?

New, more practical guidance and information

Regulations

Compliance codes

Your Health and Safety Guides

Guidance and information

OHS Act

Health and Safety Solutions

Workplace handbooks

WorkSafe positions

Keep talking safety talk

The ‘safety tram’ is running from May 1 to July 30 on 7 city routes

Consultation = talking safety together

• OHS Act 2004 requires employers to consult with workers

• Regulation further clarifies this requirement where there is an elected health and safety representative (HSR) at the workplace

• Regulation provides clarity on how to involve HSRs in consultation

• Supported by practical guidance and template procedures

WorkSafe Week 2007

Work Safe Week 200722-26 October

Find out about the latest in Occupational Health & Safety from

the experts, get into practical demonstrations, and learn from

others in your field - free!

Registration now available from WorkSafe website. Brochure

coming soon!

WorkSafe Advisory Service

Contact us by telephone toll-free in all parts of Victoria by calling

1800 136 089 or (03) 9641 1444

7.00 am – 5.00 pm weekdays

For complex questions, email info@workcover.vic.gov.au

WorkSafe Victoria is a division of the Victorian WorkCover Authority