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The Department has a number of procedures and programs in place to facilitate the occupational health and safety (OH&S) of its workplace.
Key activities in this area during the year were:
- the re-establishment of an OH&S committee, which met on eight occasions during the year;
- development of a new OH&S Agreement between the Department and the Community and Public Sector Union; and
- the conduct of a Safety Audit at the Department's premises at Forrest in May 2003.
The safety audit, conducted by the National Safety Council of Australia (NSCA), noted that the overall safety standards were good and commended the dedication and commitment of the Health and Safety Representatives. The audit did identify a number of areas for minor improvement including housekeeping, workplace environment, first aid, electrical hazards and fire control. The recommendations are being addressed by the Department as a matter of priority and action is being monitored by the OH&S Committee.
One of the pre-conditional components of the 2003 base salary increase under the Certified Agreement was a demonstrable increase in the level of reporting of minor incidents, such as slips or trips, and identification of potential hazards in the workplace. During the year, a total of 20 incidents were reported, which has enabled the Department to promptly investigate and rectify potential hazards, thereby improving the safety of the workplace for all staff.
The Department is considering implementation of an annual Health Week aimed at increasing staff awareness of preventable health issues and encouraging participation in a range of sponsored activities designed to provide participating staff with an enhanced appreciation of the linkages between health and quality of life. It is proposed that the first event will be held in the second half of 2003.
Other significant initiatives include:
- OH&S representatives and First Aid Officers are available in all DCITA locations;
- OH&S training sessions were provided to ensure the Health and Safety Representatives are sufficiently skilled and knowledgeable about the principles and practices of OH&S;
- SRC Solutions are engaged to manage issues such as return to work, rehabilitation and workstation assessments for the Department; and
- all departmental staff have access to a contracted Employee Assistance Program Provider. This service can be accessed free of charge to the staff member, to deal with any issues that disrupt their life at work and/or home.
There were no incidents that required giving notice under Section 68 of the Occupational Health and Safety (Commonwealth Employment) Act 1991 this reporting period, nor were any investigations conducted.
ScreenSound Australia
The close attention given to OH&S matters by management and staff was reflected in ScreenSound Australia's Comcare Premium reducing from $209 664 in 2001-02 to $129 560 for 2002-03. There were four active compensable claims being managed with three staff members working full hours and one on a graduated return to work program.
OH&S information sessions were conducted during the year on risk awareness, manual handling and OH&S awareness. As part of a proactive approach to OH&S responsibilities, ScreenSound Australia arranged for its external provider to conduct 37 workplace assessments for individual employees, most of whom had recently joined the organisation.
A number of activities were undertaken as part of ScreenSound Australia's Employee Health Program, a commitment in the 2003-05 Certified Agreement. Employees were offered free on-site influenza vaccinations, with 39 staff taking up the offer. A survey will be undertaken in 2003-04 to gauge the results of the vaccination program.
In addition, another successful Health Week was conducted in December 2002 incorporating a wide range of information and activity sessions. The program resulted in cost neutral physical health initiatives for staff.
Employees were also able to access a professional, confidential counselling service under ScreenSound Australia's Employee Assistance Program. Despite a number of changes in the workplace resulting from reallocation of resources, general statistical information supplied by the service provider showed reduced usage of the Program and a relatively high proportion of cases relating to personal rather than work issues.
There were no accidents or incidents reported to Comcare under sections 68 and 69 of the Occupational Heath and Safety (Commonwealth Employees) Act 1991 and no provisional improvement notices issued.
Questacon-The National Science and Technology Centre
Questacon is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for employees, contractors and visitors. It is committed to the continuation and improvement of its good record for OH&S and for the care it exercises in relation to visitor safety and wellbeing.
Questacon's OH&S Committee includes management representatives, representatives of designated work groups and union representatives. The Committee meets every six weeks to review progress and to address new issues. OH&S representatives attended refresher training during the year to update understanding of their responsibilities under current legislation.
The Centre held a Health Week focusing on physical and mental health from 26 May to 6 June 2003. Guest speakers presented information on a range of topics. The ten activities held during Health Week attracted 325 participants. An assessment of the program is in progress.
During the year, there were no accidents or incidents reported under sections 68 and 69 of the Occupational Health and Safety (Commonwealth Employment) Act 1991, and no provisional improvement notices were issued. Staff reported 67 minor accidents or near misses, with 11 resulting in compensation claims. A total of 165 minor accidents or near misses involving members of the public were reported, with three accidents being reported to Comcover and one of these being settled. Questacon has strict reporting requirements in relation to accidents. Investigations were processed in a timely manner, resulting in quick resolutions. | 
