1. WorkSafe Victoria is a division of the Victorian WorkCover Authority Wednesday 4 July 2007 Occupational Health and Safety – Future Directions AUSA Conference Susan Allen Director Public Sector and Community Services Industry Program WorkSafe Victoria

2. 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

3. National OHS Regulatory Overview JurisdictionEmployersEmployees Public at workplace NSWYes VicYes QldYes WAYes SAYes TasYes NTYes ACTYes Aust GovtYes What does the OHS Act cover – 1 July 2005? Details: www.workplace.gov.au/cpm

4. 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

5. ABS Work-Related Injuries 2005-06

7. Achieving the national target

8. WorkSafe Victoria is a division of the Victorian WorkCover Authority The OHS picture for universities

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

10. Universities – Claims Frequency Rate 03/04-05/06 Five organisations with CFR above median CFR are classified by size as follows : 3 Large, 1 Medium, 1 Small.

11. 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.

12. Universities - Average Cost per Standard Claim

13. TAFEs - Average Cost per Standard Claim

14. Body Map – Common Injuries for Universities Neck 5.5% Hand and Fingers 5.0% Shoulder 7.1% Lower Back 13.1% Wrist Note: Based on 2002/03 – 2005/06 claim data 6.0% Knee 5.5% 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

15. Body Map – Common Injuries for TAFE Hand and Fingers 5.2% Shoulder 8.8% Lower Back 14.4% Note: Based on 2002/03 – 2005/06 claim data Knee 7.7% 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)

17. 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

18. WorkSafe Victoria is a division of the Victorian WorkCover Authority What else is happening at WorkSafe?

19. 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

20. Keep talking safety talk The ‘safety tram’ is running from May 1 to July 30 on 7 city routes

21. 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

22. WorkSafe Week 2007 22-26 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!

23. 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 info@workcover.vic.gov.au

24. WorkSafe Victoria is a division of the Victorian WorkCover Authority