A lot of news in a 10 minute slot
In May 2016, the Safety Institute of Australia (SIA) and Herbert Smith Freehills (HSF) held their annual safety breakfast. The speakers were the usual blend of WorkSafe representative, SIA, Herbert Smith Freehills and remuneration survey results but there is always bits of useful information for the old hands and a lot of information for new entrants in the occupational health and safety profession.
Heavy Vehicles
Steve Bell, of HSF, has been mentioning the importance of the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) and the Heavy Vehicle National Regulator. Bell advised that a review of the HVNL is likely to lead to a regulatory approach that is reminiscent of the OHS and Work Health and Safety laws by focussing on a set of principles and outcomes, and the application of a "reasonably practicable" standard of safety in the transport sector. He suggested that these reforms will, initially, lead to a lack of clarity (as occurred when OHS laws changed) due to the transition from prescriptive to risk-based criteria.
Drug and Alcohol Testing
Steve Bell also spoke about how recent changes to the National Building Code requiring drug and alcohol testing have been received and quickly implemented by his firm's clients. But also about how those outside of the construction industry are struggling with similar activities.
Public Safety
Bell also mentioned a couple of recent OHS cases that may cause a rethink about the role of safety management and its role as a social good. He mentioned that the OHS regulators are showing an increased attention to public safety issues. Bell mentions a prosecution concerning a floating boom rollover, where there was no injury or fatality:
"noting that the penalties there were $A250,000 for the risk to the workers and a penalty of $A300,000 for the risk occasioned to members of the public."
The blend of speakers with different perspectives and from different sectors makes these sorts of events important to attend.
A longer, more detailed version of this article is available at SafetyAtWorkBlog
Coach for senior H&S leaders & their teams
8 年Sounds like worthwhile session Kevin, in addition to the networking opportunities which are so important. Looks like the SIA are lifting the game and bringing great content to us, well done for that. I'm enjoying the content and the connections at the SA 2016 SIA Symposium this week. It's great to feel part of a profession which is actually going somewhere and making a dent in the world!