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Appendix 8 - Occupational health and safety
Department of Communications, Information Technology and the Arts
The Department recognises the importance of achieving its corporate goals through healthy and productive employees and is committed to providing a safe and healthy work environment for all staff, in accordance with the requirements of the Occupational Health and Safety (Commonwealth Employment) Act 1991.
Managers and supervisors play an important role in promoting and implementing the Department's Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) policies and in maintaining communication with staff, health and safety representatives and employee organisations on workplace health and safety issues. The Department's occupational health and safety framework includes the Health and Safety Committee, Designated Work Groups and Health and Safety Representatives and occupational health and safety staff.
The Department's Occupational Health and Safety Committee is a staff/management consultative forum which discusses health and safety issues in the Department. The Committee comprises four management representatives, union representatives as agreed and an OH&S representative.
Training was provided throughout the year for OH&S representatives to assist them in fulfilling their roles in accordance with the Act. Ongoing first aid training was also provided during the year.
The Department has commenced a review of its OH&S policy. The review will be undertaken in consultation with employee organisations. SRC Solutions has been contracted to assist with this review and to continue to provide advice on all aspects of OH&S relating to:
- policy and procedures;
- work-station assessments (providing recommendations on equipment and information on correct work practices and procedures);
- OH&S audits, accident and injury investigation and reporting; and
- rehabilitation and case management.
The Department continues to operate a Healthy Life and Work Program to raise awareness of health issues, promote better health and prevent health problems. Subsidised yoga classes are conducted weekly and copies of Health Your Self magazine are distributed monthly.
To ensure the Department&s ongoing commitment to provide support mechanisms for staff and their families, the Department provides access to a professional confidential counselling service through its Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
During the year there have been no incidents that have required giving notice under Section 68 of the Occupational Health and Safety (Commonwealth Employment) Act 1991, nor were there any investigations conducted during the year that relate to undertakings carried on by the employer.
Questacon
Questacon's Occupational Health and Safety Committee includes representatives of designated work groups and unions. The Committee, chaired by the Centre's Deputy Director, Finance and Business Services, meets regularly to review progress and address new issues. The Committee is reviewing current policies on OH&S, hazard assessment and risk management.
During 2000-2001, a number of staff undertook training in risk management and hazard identification. Ongoing training in emergency procedures has seen the majority of staff trained to fire warden level.
A large number of front-of-house staff is trained as first aid officers.
During 2000-2001, no directions were given under s.45 of the Occupational Health and Safety (Commonwealth Employees) Act 1991 and no notices were given under s.30, 46, 47 or 48. Staff reported 22 minor accidents, the lowest level in five years, with six resulting in compensation claims. While there have been 100 incidents reported during the year involving members of the public, many have been minor in nature and only one has been referred to Comcover for action. Questacon has strict reporting requirements in relation to accidents, resulting in quick investigations and resolutions.
ScreenSound Australia
An independent review of ScreenSound Australia's first aid facilities was carried out. The Health and Safety Committee endorsed all of the recommendations contained in the consultant's report, which were generally of a minor nature, and follow up action was undertaken.
Training sessions were conducted for OH&S representatives and supervisors to ensure they understand their responsibilities under the legislation and are aware of relevant issues. Awareness training was also provided for new employees as part of ScreenSound Australia's orientation program, which is held quarterly.
There was a significant increase in the Comcare premium for the financial year 2000-2001. The increase reflects the increase in staffing numbers over the past 12 months and the cumulative effects of claims over the previous four years, as well as the work environment of the organisation such as handling chemicals. While the premium is above the average for APS agencies, the average cost per claim is more consistent with the APS average and is reducing. With the resources that ScreenSound Australia has directed towards rehabilitation and assisting staff to return to work, which are well above the public service average, it is expected that the premium for 2001-2002 will reduce.
The major injury types were strains and Occupational Overuse Syndrome (OOS).
ScreenSound Australia undertook several initiatives this year to inform staff of the risks of OOS and to help them prevent injury. They included:
- issuing staff bulletins providing background information on OOS and steps that can be taken to minimise the risks;
- arranging for a presentation about ergonomic awareness at an all-staff meeting;
- installing a computer application that is available to all employees and 'pops up' on the screen to encourage individuals to take regular breaks; and
- continuing to undertake individual workstation assessments.
During the year ScreenSound Australia reported nil accident/incidents to Comcare Australia under sections 68 and 69 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act. No provisional improvement notices were issued.