safe work australia annual report

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ANNUAL REPORT 201112


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No.ii

SafeWorkAustraliaANNUALREPORT201112

Creative Commons

With the exception of the Safe Work Australia logo and all other images, this report

is licensed by Safe Work Australia under a Creative Commons 3.0 Australia Licence.

To view a copy of this l icence, visit

http://creativecommons.org/licences/by/3.0/au/deed.en

In essence, you are free to copy, communicate and adapt the work, as long as you

attribute the work to Safe Work Australia and abide by the other licensing terms.

The report should be attributed as the Safe Work Australia Annual Report 2011-12.

Enquires regarding the licence and any

use of this publication are welcome at:

Copyright Officer

Safe Work Australia

GPO Box 641

Canberra ACT 2601

Email: [email protected]

ISSN 1838-059X

Published by Safe Work Australia

Contact Officer: Linda Prattley

Postal AddressGPO Box 641

Canberra ACT 2601

Officer Address

220 Northbourne Avenue

Braddon ACT 2612

Phone: 02 6121 5317

Email: [email protected]

www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/AboutSafeWorkAustralia/

WhatWeDo/Publications/Page/Annual-report-2011-12.aspx

Design: Jodie Ward

Printing: New Millennium Print


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No.iii

SafeWorkAustraliaINTRODUCTION

220 Northbourne Avenue, Braddon ACT 2612

GPO Box 641, Canberra ACT [email protected]

www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au


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No.iv


Guide to the Report

This report provides information on the activities, achievements and

performance of Safe Work Australia for the 201112 financial year.

Part 1 - Overview

Part 1 provides information about Safe Work Australia as well as its key

achievements and events. In this part the Chief Executive Officer, Rex Hoy

gives his review of the year.

Part 2 - Performance report

Part 2 reports on the performance of Safe Work Australia during 201112against its Portfolio Budget Statements and Strategic and Operational Plans.

Part 3 - Corporate governance

Part 3 introduces Safe Work Australia Members and details Safe Work

Australias management and accountability processes including internal

governance arrangements.

Part 4 - Our organisationPart 4 provides Safe Work Australias organisational structure and profiles of

the Executive Management Team. This part also includes information on Safe

Work Australias people, financial and work health and safety management.

Part 5 - Financial performance

Part 5 contains the audited financial statements for 201112.

Part 6 - AppendicesThe Appendices contain information about: the establishment of Safe Work

Australia; advertising and market research; Safe Work Australias commitment

to the National Disability Strategy and ecologically sustainable development

principles; 201112 publications and Safe Work Australias functions.

Part 7 - References and indexes

References and indexes include a list of abbreviations and acronyms,

glossary of terms and compliance and alphabetical index.


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No.1


Table of contents

Part 1: Overview 4Chief Executive Officers review 6

Part 2: Performance report 10

Planning and reporting framework 10

Progress against key performance indicators 12

Strategic outcome 1 13





Part 3: Management and accountability 41

Government and parliament 41

Decision making framework 41

Safe Work Australia 42

Corporate governance framework 50

Part 4: Our organisation 57

Executive profiles 58

Our staff 59

Financial management 66

Safe Work Australia Resource Statement 2011-2012 68

Part 5: Financial performance 71

Table of contents 71


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Part 6: Appendices 113

APPENDIX A: Establishment of Safe Work Australia 113

APPENDIX B: Functions of Safe Work Australia 115

APPENDIX C: Publication list 116

APPENDIX D: List of model codes and guidance material 120

APPENDIX E: Advertising and market research 122

APPENDIX F: National disability strategy 122

APPENDIX G: Ecologically sustainable development

and environmental performance 123

Part 7: References and indexes 125

Acronyms and abbreviations 125

Glossary of terms 126

Compliance index 128

Alphabetical index 132


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No.3



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Safe Work Australia is a statutory agency established on 1 November 2009 under the

Safe Work Australia Act 2008(the Safe Work Australia Act) with primary responsibility to

develop national policy relating to work health and safety and workers compensation.Safe Work Australia leads and coordinates national efforts to prevent workplace death,

injury and disease.

The establishment of Safe Work Australia was provided for in the Intergovernmental

Agreement for Regulatory and Operational Reform in Occupational Health and Safety

(the IGA) and agreed by the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) on 3 July 2008.

Further information about Safe Work Australias establishment is inAppendix A.

Safe Work Australia is responsible for coordinating and developing national policy and

strategies, developing model work health and safety (WHS) laws, undertaking researchand collecting, analysing and reporting data. Safe Work Australia works collaboratively

with the community, work health and safety authorities, industry groups and unions

to achieve the national vision of Australian workplaces free from death, injury

and disease.

The agency is jointly funded by the Commonwealth and state and territory governments.

This funding arrangement promotes collaboration with jurisdictions on policy

development, implementation, compliance, enforcement and communication activities.

Our Members work with staff to deliver the objectives of the Safe Work Australia StrategicPlan 2010-13and Safe Work Australia Operational Plan 2011-12. These Members include

an independent Chair, nine Members representing the Commonwealth and each State

and Territory, two Members representing the interests of workers, two representing the

interests of employers and the Chief Executive Officer of Safe Work Australia.

OverviewPart 1


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SafeWorkAustraliaOVERVIEW

The agencys functions are set out in the Safe Work Australia Act. Since the establishment

of Safe Work Australia, a central function has been to progress the development of model

WHS laws. Other functions include:

development of theAustralian Work Health and Safety Strategy 201222

conducting and publishing research and collecting, analysing and publishing dataor other information relating to work health and safety and workers compensation

to inform the development or evaluation of policies

developing proposals relating to improving workers compensation arrangements

particularly for businesses with workers in more than one jurisdiction, and

developing and promoting national strategies to raise awareness of work health

and safety and workers compensation.

A full list of Safe Work Australias functions is provided in Appendix B.Safe Work Australia is subject to the Financial Management and Accountability Act 1997

(FMA Act).

Safe Work Australias Chief Executive Officer is responsible for managing the

administration of Safe Work Australia and assisting it to perform its functions.


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20112012 has been a busy and exciting

period for Safe Work Australia. Working

together with the Commonwealth, stateand territory governments, industry

and unions we have played a major role

in improving work health and safety

standards across Australia. For the first

time in Australias history over 60 percent

of Australias workforce now has the same

work health and safety protections.

On 1 January 2012 the new work health

and safety (WHS) laws commenced in

the Commonwealth, New South Wales

(NSW), Queensland, the Australian Capital

Territory (ACT) and the Northern Territory

(NT). The WHS laws will commence in

Tasmania on 1 January 2013 and are

currently in front of the South Australian

(SA) Legislative Council for consideration.

Victoria and Western Australia (WA) have

delayed implementation to assess the

impacts of the model WHS laws.

We have also delivered on our priorities

of contributing to national mine safety

reform through the development of

model WHS Regulations for mining and

establishing a national framework for

granting exemptions under the model

WHS Regulations to ensure a nationallyconsistent approach. An evaluation plan

for the harmonisation of work health and

safety was also developed.

Chief Executive Officers Review

Safe Work Australia has taken the lead

in assisting volunteers and volunteer

organisations to better understand thenew WHS laws. We have developed the

Volunteer Assistance Programa practical

and easy to use resource kit including a

website and direct email and telephone

help lines for volunteers to speak with

experts on their rights and obligations

under the new WHS laws. Work has also

begun on a resource kit for small business.

I am pleased to say our work on the new

WHS laws and supporting model Codes

of Practice and guidance material has

been recognised at both national and

international levels.

This year marks the end of the National

OHS Strategy 20022012. We have been

working hard to progress a realistic and

achievable strategy for work health andsafety in Australia over the next decade.

TheAustralian Work Health and Safety

Strategy 20122022(Australian Strategy)

was developed following workshops,

expert consultation and public comment

and provides a nationally consistent

framework to approaching work health

and safety. The Australian Strategy will be

launched in late 2012.


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SafeWorkAustraliaOVERVIEW

We have also been working closely

with the Minister for Employment

and Workplace Relations, the Hon Bill

Shorten MP, on raising awareness of

work related fatalities. All work related

fatalities reported to Safe Work Australia

from jurisdictions or in the media are

provided to the Minister as briefings

within three days of the incident. This real

time reporting gives the Minister a better

picture of the number of work related

fatalities in Australia on an almost daily

basis. It is sobering to see these fatality

briefings and the number of Australianskilled at work as the months pass by.

The past year has seen Safe Work Australia

become more involved in promoting

accountability in work health and safety

across Australia. We have been working

with other government agencies to

improve reporting of work health and

safety information and performance

in company annual reports. We havecommissioned research into reporting

options for all Australia incorporated

organisations and this will continue to

be a priority in 201213.

Our community engagement activities

have helped to raise awareness of work

health and safety issues and increase

participation in Safe Work AustraliaWeek and the annual Safe Work

Australia Awards.

In 2011 Safe Work Australia Week saw

over 500 workplace leaders from around

Australia become Safety Ambassadors.

This is a great example of how work health

and safety has become a key community

issue for large and small workplaces.

The inaugural Safety Ambassador of the

Year Award was established as part of

Safe Work Australia Week to recognise

the efforts and leadership of our Safety

Ambassadors to promote safe work

practices and help colleagues return

home from work safely every day. I was

honoured to be on the judging panel and

able to look through the 46 impressive

entries for the award. Ms Janine Coleman

from Macarthur Disability Services was

announced as the winner in December

2011 and said her involvement in Safe

Work Australia Week had a very positiveimpact in her workplace on both

colleagues and clients.

Minister Shorten hosted the 7th annual

Safe Work Australia Awards in Canberra.

It was an outstanding night with the

winners of Commonwealth, state and

territory safety awards coming together

to be finalists in the national awards.

The Minister acknowledged the finalistsdedication, passion and commitment

to work health and safety and was

overwhelmed by the ingenuity of some

finalists to ensure their workers and

colleagues were safe at work.

Safe Work Australia has continued its

ongoing international activities through

organisations like the United NationsSub-Committee of Experts on the Globally

Harmonised System, International

Organisation for Standardisation

Nanotechnology Technical Committee,

Organisation for Economic Co-operation

and Development Working Party for

Manufactured Nanomaterials, World

Health Organisation (WHO) and

International Labour Organisation.


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Safe Work Australia strengthened its

involvement with the WHO Network for

Collaborating Centres in Occupational

Health by becoming one of the leaders of

a priority area for the networks 201217

Global Master Plan. Safe Work Australia will

help facilitate knowledge networks in high

risk sectors like mining, agriculture and

construction.

In September 2011 I travelled with two

staff to the XIX World Congress on Safety

and Health at Work in Istanbul, Turkey.

Safe Work Australia hosted a symposium

highlighting the development of themodel WHS Act. I was joined by several

Safe Work Australia Members including

John Watson (NSW) and Michael Borowick

(ACTU). Safe Work Australia was also

represented at the 30th International

Congress for Occupational Health in

Cancun, Mexico.

This year we looked at how we do ourwork and achieve ongoing success. We

reviewed our strategic direction to better

reflect our current operating environment

and revised our Strategic and Operational

Plans. Next year we will comprehensively

review these documents and develop

innovative approaches to delivering our

priority work and continuously improving

Safe Work Australias business processes.

In the next 12 months Safe Work

Australia will continue to oversee the

implementation of the model WHS laws

and respond to and resolve issues as

they arise. We will continue to develop

Codes of Practice and guidance material

through consultative processes and begin

evaluating the model WHS laws.

Safety initiatives like the Volunteer

Assistance Program will continue to be

developed for sectors like small business.

We will be working more with industry,

unions and local government to raise

awareness of safety issues in agriculture,construction and road transport and

improve safety outcomes for workers,

bystanders and equipment operators

in these industries.

I would like to thank the staff of Safe Work

Australia for their professionalism and

diligence throughout the year and Safe

Work Australia Members for their supportthrough the implementation of the new

WHS laws. I look forward to building on

our achievements in 201213 and leading

our activities as we continue to strive

for safe and healthy workplaces for

all Australians.

Rex HoyChief Executive Officer

Safe Work Australia


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SafeWorkAustraliaPERFORMANCEREPORT


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Safe Work Australia works towards:

achieving significant and sustained reductions in the incidence of death,injury and disease in the workplace

achieving nationally harmonised work health and safety laws, and

improving outcomes for injured workers and their employers through clearly

understood and sustainable workers compensation arrangements.

Planning and reporting framework

201112 Portfolio Budget Statements

The Portfolio Budget Statements state

the outcome Safe Work Australia is to achieve.

Strategic Plan 201013

The Strategic Plan outlines five strategies

Safe Work Australia will use to achieve its outcome.

Operational Plan 201112The Operational Plan supports the Strategic Plan

and details the operational activities to be undertaken.

Business plans

Detailed business plans help Safe Work Australia

achieve activities set out in the Operational Plan.

Performance agreements

Performance agreements align individuals work to the business plans and help staffunderstand how their work assists Safe Work Australia achieve its outcome.

PerformanceReport

Part 2


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Portfolio budget statements

Safe Work Australias 201112 Portfolio Budget Statements (PBS) outline a single program

structure that is reflected by the outcome statement:

safer and more productive Australian workplaces through harmonising nationaloccupational health and safety and workers compensation arrangements.

Performance against this outcome is measured by five strategies and three key

performance indicators also outlined in the PBS.

The five strategies are:

the community regards work health and safety as a key community issue to be

addressed

Australia has harmonised work health and safety laws, guidance material andenforcement policies that provide a uniform, equitable and high level of protection

to all workers

national work health and safety and workers compensation policy is developed,

informed by knowledge, understanding and prioritisation of emerging and

existing issues

work health and safety is improved through understanding what influences

and changes cultures in Australian workplaces

opportunities for greater harmonisation in workers compensation arrangementsare identified and assessed for:

employers with workers in more than one jurisdiction, and

the Commonwealth, states and territories through an improved understanding

of the workers compensation operational environment.

The three key performance indicators measure Safe Work Australias progress in achieving

its outcome.


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Progress against key performance indicators

PORTFOLIO BUDGET STATEMENT

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATOR

2011-12 ESTIMATE ACTUAL PERFORMANCE

Model legislation is developed in

accordance with COAG timelines

COAG agreed timelines

are met

Model WHS Regulations

apart from the mining

component approved

for implementation on

1 January 2012. COAG

timeframes extended for

completion of mining

regulations

Level of satisfaction of the Chairof Safe Work Australia with

how the services of the agency

are directed at achieving the

outcomes of its Strategic and

Operational Plans

Very good or above Very good to excellentin all areas

Level of satisfaction of the

Members of Safe Work Australia

with how the services of the

agency are directed at achievingthe outcomes of its Strategic and

Operational Plans

80 percent of Members

agree the services

of the agency are

appropriately directedat achieving the

outcomes

Over 90 percent of

Members agreed

Level of satisfaction

For the third consecutive year Safe Work Australia has met all its key performance indicators.

For the second consecutive year Safe Work Australia Members satisfaction of the

agencys overall performance was more than 90 percent. In 2011-12 the satisfaction

rating from Members of the agencys performance was 91.5 percent.

Strategic and operational plans

The five strategies outlined in the PBS are reflected in Safe Work Australias Strategic Plan

20102013and Operational Plan 20112012. In developing these plans Safe Work Australia

undertook a review of its strategic direction to ensure the activities undertaken support

these strategies. The strategic plan was refreshed in 2011-12. The launch of the Australian

Strategy will facilitate the redevelopment of the strategic plan in early 2013 to reflect theAustralian Strategys vision, goals and outcomes.


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Safe Work Australias strategic plan covers a period of three years. The strategic plan sets

out the five strategies as outcomes Safe Work Australia will achieve in those three years.

Each outcome has a number of strategies to be used to complete this work.

The operational plan covers a period of one year and is reviewed annually. It reflects the

strategies set out in the strategic plan and sets out the activities Safe Work Australia willundertake to achieve its outcomes in that year. Both plans require approval by the Select

Council on Workplace Relations (SCWR).

The strategies and activities set out in the Operational Plan 20112012have been used

to report on Safe Work Australias performance during 201112.

Strategic outcome 1: Work health and safety

is regarded as a key community issueSTRATEGIES

1.1 Stakeholder engagement through a range of mechanisms to elevate the

importance of work health and safety

1.2 Deliver a consistent national message on the importance of work health

and safety

1.3 Develop and widely disseminate national publications on key strategic

objectives and work health and safety and workers compensation matters

The attitudes of the Australian community toward work health and safety are a key

contributor in bringing about positive change. Motivating the public to take action

to improve work health and safety is crucial to ensuring it is regarded as a key

community issue.

Key achievements to meet this outcome were:

National Safe Work Australia Week

the 7th annual Safe Work Australia Awards

communication on the model WHS laws

public consultation periods

improving organisational level work health and safety reporting, and

the publication of research and statistical reports.

Public consultation occurred on several key Safe Work Australia documents:

second stage draft model WHS Codes of Practice

third stage draft model WHS Codes of Practice


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draft model WHS Regulations and Codes of Practice for Mining, and

draft Australian Strategy.

The bi-yearly Safe Work Australiannewsletter and promotional activities also kept

the community informed of work health and safety activities.

National Safe Work Australia Week

National Safe Work Australia Week was held from 23 to 29 October 2011. The week

provided an opportunity for all Australians to promote and raise awareness of health

and safety in their workplace. The theme for 2011 was Putting safety in the spotlight.

Workers and organisations across Australia supported the Week by hosting safety

activities in their workplace. The Safety Ambassador Program had the highest

registration since the Program commenced in 2008 with more than 500 registrations.

Across Australia in October safety weeks and/or months were hosted by state

and territory regulatory authorities.

More information on Safe Work Australia Week is on page 17.

Safe Work Australia Awards

The 7th annual Safe Work Australia Awards were held on 26 April 2012. The Awards

recognised the outstanding contributions made by governments, organisations and

individuals to work health and safety. Award winners and highly commended recipientswere announced at the gala awards ceremony and dinner attended by 300 guests.

There were 37 finalists in four categories.

More information on the Awards is on page 19.

Stakeholder engagement

The Chair, the Chief Executive Officer and senior staff presented at several conferences,

forums and seminars during 201112 to raise awareness of the development and

implementation of the model WHS laws and the development of the Australian Strategy.This included the:

Safety Institute of Australia Construction Forum in July 2011

National Safety Council of Australias National Awards of Excellence and the Sydney

Safety Show in October 2011

National High Risk OHS Summit in February 2012

Melbourne Safety ShowSafety in Action in April 2012

Australasian Reporting Awards in June 2012, and

a range of presentations to various volunteer groups including the Australian

Emergency Management Volunteers Forum and the Department of Veterans Affairs.


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Safe Work Australia sponsored a number of key awards and conferences during 2011-12.

This included the:

National Safety Awards of Excellence Best Communication of a Safety Message Award

Australasian Reporting Awards Special Award for Occupational Health and Safety

Comcare National Conference 2011

Australasian Safety Conference 2011

Sowing the Seeds of Farmer Health Conference 2012

Annual Australian Institute of Occupational Hygienists Conference, and

Annual Human Factors and Ergonomics Society of Australia Conference.

These events give Safe Work Australia an opportunity to engage with industry, business

and individuals to better communicate the impact of the new WHS laws and theimportance of work health and safety. Awareness raising and liaison with stakeholders

across Australia is crucial to work health and safety being regarded as a key

community issue.

Implementation of model WHS laws

Safe Work Australia developed interpretative guidance to help ensure an agreed and

consistent approach is taken to interpreting key concepts and provisions in the new

model WHS laws. This guidance has included: interpretative guidelines on the meaning of person conducting a business or

undertaking, health and safety duties of officers, what reasonably practicable means in

the work health and safety context and application of the anti-discrimination provisions

a worker representation and participation guide

guidance for entry permit holders, and

miscellaneous fact sheets and guidance material.

Improving organisational work health and safety reporting

Current work health and safety legislation already requires businesses to collect and

maintain information on a range of health and safety matters as well as notifying the

relevant health and safety authority when a range of incidents occur. However with the

exception of the Commonwealth and Victorian Government entities, organisations have

no mandatory reporting requirements of work health and safety information in their

annual reports. This means stakeholders are not informed about hazards and controls,

the focus and effectiveness of risk management processes and the high consequence

injury and illness outcomes that can occur in some organisations. It can lead toindividuals being unable to make informed assessments of the financial or non-financial

impact of poor work health and safety performance.


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During 2011-12 Safe Work Australia began work to improve this. Research was

commissioned for options on improving work health and safety reporting for all

Australian incorporated organisations and work has commenced on developing

indicators to assist organisations with voluntary reporting. Safe Work Australia is also

an active member on Business Reporting Leaders Forum (BRLF), Australias roundtable

group examining integrated reporting to feed into the International Integrated Reporting

Committees work towards universal integrated reporting for all organisations.

Publication of reports

Safe Work Australia produced 76 publications during 201112. A list of these publications

is in Appendix C.

Several research publications were produced on workplace hazards, hazard surveillance

and workplace culture and organisational behaviour. These reports focused on thecauses and consequences of occupational skin disease including occupational contact

dermatitis, chemical exposure, nanoparticles from printer emissions in the workplace,

the health effects of laser printer emissions and workers motivations, attitudes,

perceptions and skills.

A report on the economic costs of work-related injury and illness to the Australian

economy was published in March 2012. The report estimates the total economic cost

of work-related injury and illness for the 200809 financial year is estimated to be

$60.6 billion.

A series of monthly and annual statistical reports on work-related injuries, illnesses

and fatalities was also published. Publishing this data raises awareness of Australias

performance in work health and safety and encourages preventative action from

all parties.

In addition to the monthly and annual statistical reports the Comparison of Workers

Compensation Arrangements in Australia and New Zealandwas extensively revised and

reformatted. The Comparison of Workers Compensation Arrangements in Australiaaims

to provide all stakeholders with information to assist them in understanding workers

compensation arrangements in Australia and New Zealand.

Outlook for 201213

Safe Work Australia will promote work health and safety as a key community issue in

201213 by:

communicating the implementation of the model WHS laws including the model

WHS Regulations for mining

developing nationally consistent guidance material design and content and

coordinating the development of more detailed industry-specific guidance


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SafeWorkAustralia

FEATURESTORY

organising and promoting national Safe Work Australia Week and the annual Safe

Work Australia Awards

participating in events and activities promoting work health and safety including

sponsorship of key events

promoting improved organisational level work health and safety, reporting includingconsultation with stakeholders during 201213. A discussion paper about this

initiative is expected to be released in early 2013, and

developing and disseminating work health and safety and workers compensation

data, statistical analysis, comparative and research reports including producing

a series of reports on the common causes of work-related deaths using eight years

of data from the Traumatic Injury Fatalities database.

National Safe Work Australia Week 2011

The 7th national Safe Work Australia Week was held from 23 to 29 October 2011

to encourage all working Australians to think about health and safety issues in

their workplace.

The theme for 2011 was Putting safety in the spotlight. Safe Work Australia

facilitated participation through the Safety Ambassador program, Take 10@10

and by encouraging state and territory participation in the week.

Safe Work Australia employees

enjoy participating in the

Wellness Walk as part of the

national Safe Work Australia

Week activities.


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SafeWorkAustralia

FEATURESTORY

National Safe Work Australia Week 2011 (continued)

Safety Ambassadors

Safety Ambassadors help promote work health and safety in their workplace and

organise activities to support Safe Work Australia Week. A total of 529 workplaceleaders from large and small corporations, governments, schools and not-for-profit

organisations around Australia became Safety Ambassadors during 2011.

For the first time a Safe Work Australia Safety

Ambassador of the Year was awarded. Forty-

six entries were received. In December 2011

Ms Janice Coleman from Macarthur Disability

Services in Campbelltown, NSW was

announced as the 2011 Safety Ambassadorof the Year.

Ms Coleman received the award for her hard

work, passion and enthusiasm for raising

awareness of work health and safety not only

during Safe Work Australia Week but all year.

Australia Week but all year. She said Macarthur Disability Services involvement in

Safe Work Australia Week had a positive impact in their workplace and showed staff

that safety should be a priority every day of the year.

Take10@10

Take 10@10 proved to be one of the most popular activities during the week with many

organisations finding it an easy way to incorporate safety into their work day. Take

10@10 is a simple concept you stop work for 10 minutes at 10.00am to talk about

safety or undertake a safety activity. To encourage participation Safe Work Australia

developed 10 Take10@10 activity cards. Each card contained a different health and

safety activity that can be done in 10 minutes.

Celebrating Safe Work Australia Week around the country

All states and territories participated in national Safe Work Australia Week or held their

own safe work week or month. The Australian Industry Group (Ai Group), the Australian

Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) and the ACTU supported national Safe

Work Australia Week by participating in a number of work health and safety activities

and events.

Across Australia state or territory work health and safety awards were announced,

work health and safety free community information sessions held, and safety shows,forums and symposiums hosted by work health and safety regulators.

Pictured left, Safety Ambassador of the

Year Award winner, Janine Coleman

from Macarthur Disability Services.


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SafeWorkAustralia

FEATURESTORY

Safe Work Australia Awards

On 26 April 2012 the 7th annual Safe Work Australia Awards were held at Parliament

House in Canberra. The Awards celebrated the achievements of business, governments

and individuals from across Australia who made work health and safety improvementsand contributions in their workplace.

The Awards were hosted for the first time by the Hon Bill Shorten MP, Minister for

Employment and Workplace Relations. Thirty seven finalists were recognised for their

dedication, passion and commitment to work health and safety. Each finalist was

already a winner from their respective category in their state, territory or the Safety

Rehabilitation and Compensation Commission (SRCC) Awards.

Minister Shorten commended finalists for their commitment and recognised how

the finalists were a testament to how Australian workplaces can achieve the goalof all workers coming home safely every day.

Six winners and four highly commended recipients received awards at this years ceremony.

Safe Work Australia announced the winners of the 7th annual Safe Work Australia Awards

in The Australian newspaper on Friday 27 April 2012. Media releases were issued to

national and regional media and tailored media releases were distributed to winners

local areas and industries. The Safe Work Australia website and Facebook page were also

used to announce award winners and showcase a promotional video about the awards

ceremony. Safe Work Australia continues to seek promotional opportunities for awardwinners and encourages them to participate in other Safe Work Australia activities

and events.

Safe Work Australia Chair,

Tom Phillips praised the

efforts of organisations

and individuals who are

dedicated to work health

and safety at the 7th annual

Safe Work Australia Awards.

The Hon Minister Bill

Shorten MP with the

winner of the best

workplace health and

safety management

system Private sector,

Grocon Constructions.


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No.20

SafeWorkAustralia

FEATURESTORY

Winners of the 7th annual Safe Work Australia awards

Category Winner Highly

commended

Best workplace health and safety

management system Private sector

Grocon Constructors

(VIC)

Decmil Australia

(WA)Best workplace health and safety

management system Public sector

ENERGEX (QLD) Public Transport

Authority (WA)

Best solution to an identified

workplace health and safety issue

The Australian Reinforcing

Company (QLD)

Wellington Dam

Alliance (WA)

Best workplace health and safety

practice/s in a small business

The Hub Fruit Bowl (SA) Briar Maritime

Services (TAS)

Best individual contribution to

workplace health and safety by an employee

Leading Seaman Natalie

Irvine, Royal AustralianNavy (SRCC)

N/A

Best individual contribution to

workplace health and safety

by an OHS manager

Peter Rogers, Jeff Hort

Engineering (NSW)

N/A

Category 3 winner: The Hub Fruit Bowl, South Australia (SA)Best workplace health and safety practice/s

in a small businessThe Hub Fruit Bowl is a small fresh fruit and vegetable

shop in the Hub Shopping Centre, Aberfoyle Park in SA.

The Hub Fruit Bowl is a family friendly business

passionate about work health and safety. Following

an expansion and refurbishment in 2008 the Hub Fruit

Bowl developed a comprehensive safety management

system which covers potential high-risk situations like

spills, electrical hazards, hold ups and evacuations.

Owners John and Judy Peresano are the driving force

behind the companys success. They are not only

passionate about ensuring their business, staff

and customers are safe, they are also committed to

setting safety examples their staff and other small

businesses can follow. Mr and Mrs Peresano

pride themselves on equipping their predominantly young casual staff with health

and safety knowledge and skills they can use throughout their careers. Their safety

management system and commonsense approach to workplace safety is an exampleto others of what small businesses can achieve.

Judy Peresano, co-owner of

the Hub Fruit Bowl accepts the

award for best workplace health

and safety practice/s in a small

business.Judy highlighted

the importance of training and

mentoring young workers in

work health and safety practices

as they enter the workforce for

the first time.


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No.21

SafeWorkAustralia

FEATURESTORY

Category 4a winner: Leading Seaman Natalie Irvine,

Royal Australian Navy

Best individual contribution to workplace health and safety by an employee

Leading Seaman Natalie Irvine from the Royal Australian Navy won the awardfor the best individual contribution to workplace health and safety by an employee.

Leading Seaman Irvine was recognised for her personal commitment to work health

and safety in difficult circumstances. She identified a number of discrepancies between

two crucial documents governing radiation hazard procedures for aircraft operations.

This work then resulted in the documents being rewritten.

Ms Irvine showed tenacity and determination to overcome barriers of rank to

improve safety of aircraft not only assigned to HMAS Parramattabut the wider

fleet. Her commitment to ensuring these safety measures were implemented is

an outstanding example of what can be achieved with persistence and passion.

Ms Irvines work also demonstrates

a proactive approach to workplace

safety does not have to come from

the topanyone at any level can

take the lead on improving safety

in their workplace.

Leading Seaman Natalie Irvine,

Royal Australian Navy, winner of

the best individual contribution

to workplace health and safety

by an employee.Natalie

accepted her award from the

Hon Russell Wortley MLC.


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No.22

SafeWorkAustralia

FEATURESTORY

The cost of work-related injury and illness

Work-related injuries, illnesses and deaths impose costs on employers, workers and

the community. A report on the economic costs of work-related injury and illness to

the Australian economy was published in March 2012. This report estimates the costof work-related injury and illness based on an updated methodology developed and

applied in 2004 by the National Occupational Health and Safety Commission (NOHSC).

The study included:

developing a framework for classifying costs in terms of the burden on each

economic agent including employers, employees and the community, and

the major sources of indirect costs

classifying incidents based on the severity of the incident from minor to total

incapacity or death, and

estimating the number of incidents and the typical cost associated with an incident

in each severity category.

The updated methodology provided more accurate estimates of the number of full

incapacity cases and the extent of disease morbidity due to work-related causes.

The study combined information and workers compensation claims with data from

the Australia Bureau of Statistics Work Related Injury Survey to produce an estimate

of the total number of work-related injury and illness cases occurring within

a 12 month period.

Using the 200809 financial year as a reference, the study estimated the total

economic cost of work-related injury and illness to the Australian economy was

$60.6 billion, or 4.8 percent of Gross Domestic Product.

A summary of the report has been submitted to be published in the Asian-Pacific

Newsletter on Occupational Health and Safety. The European Agency for Health and

Safety at Work commended the study and is considering adopting the methodology.


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No.23

SafeWorkAustralia

FEATURESTORY

Strategic outcome 2: Work health and safetyis improved through understanding what influencesAustralian workplace culture and then putting in place

mechanisms to effect change

STRATEGIES

2.1 Identify champions of work health and safety, nurture and maintain effective

relationships

2.2 Develop and maintain collaborative Australian and international partnerships

on work health and safety

2.3 Undertake research to identify the factors that positively influence workplace

culture and organisational behaviour

2.4 Coordinate, monitor and encourage innovative strategies to improve work

health and safety outcomes

Key achievements were:

recruiting 529 Safety Ambassadors as part of national Safe Work Australia Week

and awarding the first Safety Ambassador of the Year

participating in national and international activities and hosting international

delegations

undertaking research on Australian workplace culture as it relates to work health

and safety, and

the development of the Australian Strategy.

Safety Ambassadors

Safety Ambassadors have a passion for work health and safety and are dedicated to

making their workplaces safe. The target for 2011 was to recruit 500 Safety Ambassadorsto spread the safety message by setting safety examples in their workplace, promoting

safety messages and organising activities to support Safe Work Australia Week. This

was an ambitious target with only 50 Ambassadors recruited in 2010. This target was

exceeded with 529 workplace leaders from large and small corporations, governments,

schools and not-for-profit organisations around Australia signing up to become Safety

Ambassadors. Each ambassador received a kit from Safe Work Australia containing

information and tools to help them promote national Safe Work Australia Week in

their workplace.


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The Safety Ambassador of the Year Award was a new initiative in 2011. It was an

opportunity for registered Safety Ambassadors to showcase their hard work and their

organisations involvement during Safe Work Australia Week. The winner of the award

was Janine Coleman from Macarthur Disability Services. More information on why

Ms Coleman received the award is on page 18.

International activities

Safe Work Australia has continued to be an active participant in the international work

health and safety community and regularly delivers presentations at national and

international conferences. Staff participated on a range of national and international

committees in the area of hazardous chemicals and nanotechnology including the:

United Nations Sub-Committee of Experts on the Globally Harmonized System

of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Nanotechnology Technical

Committee

International Life Science Institute Research Foundations NanoRelease Project, and

Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Working Party

for Manufactured Nanomaterials.

During 201112 Safe Work Australia hosted overseas delegations from China, Singapore

and Russia. Delegates learnt about Safe Work Australias key role in undertaking and

disseminating research, data analysis, promoting work health and safety and Australias

work health and safety legislative framework.

More information on Safe Work Australias involvement in international activities

is on page 26.

Research

Safe Work Australia has continued to implement a program of engagement, collaboration

and research to increase the understanding of Australian workplace culture as it relates

to work health and safety.

Collaboration has occurred with Australian universities and work health and safety

regulators, industry partners and unions on research projects and programs, along with

the sharing of ideas, research, evaluation and data. For example, Safe Work Australia sits

on the Advisory Board of the Cochrane Occupational Health Review Group. In 201112

the agency was selected to be part of the Cochrane Systematic Review on Occupational

safety and health regulation and legislation enforcement tools for preventing

occupational diseases and injuries.


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In 2011-12 Safe Work Australia has continued to:

commission work on motivations, attitudes, perceptions and skills and other

behaviours relating to work health and safety. The first stage of this work was

conducted in collaboration with the Regulatory Institutions Network at the Australian

National University (ANU). Three reports have been published collaborate with the ANU in a successful Australian Research Council (ARC) bid for the

second stage of the Socio-psychological factors, compliance and safety outcomes

at work project to be undertaken from 2012 to 2014. A pilot study for this work was

completed during 201112, and

collaborate with Monash University to assess work ability. Work ability is about the

interaction between an individuals resources and their work and how this affects their

values, attitudes, motivation and job satisfaction. A national representative survey

of Australian workers was conducted.Safe Work Australia also began working with the Centre for Research on Ageing, Health

and Welfare at the ANU on the Personality and Total Health (PATH) through Lifeproject.

The PATH project is a longitudinal study on mental and physical health. Managed by the

ANU the study has been running for 12 years out of a planned 20 years and follows three

cohorts of people initially aged in their 20s, early 40s and early 60s. Safe Work Australia

contributed to the fourth study.

Outlook for 201213Safe Work Australia will continue to ensure work health and safety is improved through

understanding what influences Australian workplaces and then putting in place

mechanisms to effect change through:

the Safety Ambassador campaign in 201213 as part of national Safe Work

Australia Week

national and international activities with a focus on strategic collaboration

opportunities in the Asia Pacific region collaboration with the ANU on the second stage of the Socio-psychological factors,

compliance and safety outcomes at work project with interviews to be conducted

with both businesses and regulators in Queensland and South Australia

collaboration with Monash University on the research to increase the understanding

of factors which impact on workplace culture and organisational behaviour.

The findings of Monash Universitys Australian workers and work ability survey

are expected to be published, and

participation in the Cochrane Systematic Review.

Safe Work Australia will also finalise and implement a Research, Evaluation and Data

Strategy as part of the Australian Strategy.


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No.26

SafeWorkAustralia

FEATURESTORY

International activities

In September 2011 Safe Work Australias Chief Executive Officer Rex Hoy and two

staff members participated in the XIX World Congress on Safety and Health at Work

in Istanbul, Turkey.

With around 5400 participants from more than 140 countries, the Congress is the

premier international work health and safety conference. Safe Work Australia presented

a two hour symposium on the harmonisation of work health and safety legislation in

Australia. The symposium was moderated by Richard Johnstone and presentations

were given by Rex Hoy, Toula Papadopoulos of ACCI, Alena Titterton of Norton Rose

and Safe Work Australia Members Michael Borowick from the ACTU and John Watson

from NSW WorkCover.

The Safe Work Australia delegation also travelled to Abu Dhabi where a Letter of

Agreement was signed with the Abu Dhabi Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS)

Centre. The Letter of Agreement defines areas of cooperation between the two

agencies. Since the agreement was finalised, Safe Work Australia has assisted the

EHS Centre by reviewing documents on Abu Dhabis work health and safety regulatory

framework and providing advice on work health and safety awareness activities

and media management.

Other international activities included Dr Fleur Champion de Crespigny attending the

30th International Congress for Occupational Health in Cancun, Mexico in March 2012.

Dr Champion de Crespigny presented papers focussing on the research work of Safe

Work Australia.

Dr Champion de Crespigny also attended the 9th Meeting of the Global Network of

World Health Organisation Collaborating Centres for Occupational Health. Safe Work

Australia is one of three Australian collaborating centres in this network. The meeting

focussed on finalising the 20122017 Global Master Plan. Safe Work Australia is the

leader for the High Risk Sector Priority Area of the Plan and has taken on the role as

secretary for the Knowledge Network on Occupational Health in Mining.

Safe Work Australia Chief

Executive Officer, Rex

Hoy signing a Letter of

Agreement with Majid

Al Mansouri, Secretary

General of the Abu Dhabi

Environmental Agency and

Chairman of the Abu Dhabi

Environmental Health and

Safety Higher Committee.


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SafeWorkAustralia

FEATURESTORY

International delegations

In November 2011 Safe Work Australia hosted a delegation from the Chinese StateAdministration of Work Safety. The visit was part of the second stage of a joint project

between the Chinese National Institute for Occupational Health and Poison Control

and the Monash Centre for Occupational and Environmental Health and Safety.

The aim of this project is to help improve occupational disease detection and

occupational health and exposure surveillance and prevention in China.

In July 2011 and June 2012 Safe Work Australia hosted delegations from China

including officials from the Legislative Affairs Office of the State Council of China.

A focus of the discussions was the development of the model WHS laws due to anupcoming review of Chinas work health and safety legislation.

In June 2012 Safe Work Australias Chief Executive Officer, Rex Hoy and staff welcomed a

travelling Chinese delegation from the Legislative Affairs Office of the State Council of China.

Dr Fleur Champion de

Crespigny presenting research

on combating occupational

disease at the InternationalCongress for Occupational

Health in Cancun, Mexico.


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No.28


Strategic outcome 3: Australia has uniform workhealth and safety laws complemented by consistentcompliance and enforcement policies which contribute

to provide improved safety for all workers

STRATEGIES

3.1 Develop regulations, Codes of Practice, guidance material and compliance and

enforcement policy.

3.2 Implement, monitor and evaluate the harmonised national work health and

safety framework.

3.3 Identify and recommend areas for improvement related to uniformity, equity

and the standard of safety provided.

Key achievements were the:

approval of model WHS Regulations and several Codes of Practice

commencement of model WHS laws

approval of an evaluation plan to evaluate the harmonisation of the work health

and safety and the commencement of its implementation, and

revision of 23 assessment instruments.

Model WHS Regulations and Codes of Practice

Since its establishment Safe Work Australias main focus has been the development

of model WHS laws. The model WHS laws consist of an integrated package of a model

Work Health and Safety (WHS) Act,supported by model WHS Regulations, model Codes

of Practice and a National Compliance and Enforcement Policy. The model WHS Act was

endorsed by the Workplace Relations Ministers Council in December 2009.

The model WHS Regulations with the exception of the WHS Regulations for miningwere agreed by Safe Work Australia on 29 July 2011. On 10 August 2011 the model

WHS Regulations were agreed in principle by the majority of SCWR subject to approval

of a Decision Regulation Impact Statement (RIS).

The Decision RIS which explains the overall costs and impacts of the model WHS

Regulations and several Codes of Practice was assessed by the Office of Best Practice

Regulation as meeting the COAG best practice regulation requirements on

9 September 2011.

The model WHS Regulations were subsequently approved by SCWR for implementationon 1 January 2012.


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COAG agreed to extend the timeframe for completion of the WHS Regulations for mining

so extensive consultation could be undertaken with key stakeholders and a cost benefit

analysis could be completed.

Commencement of model WHS lawsOn 1 January 2012 a significant milestone for Safe Work Australia was reached with

the commencement of harmonised WHS laws in NSW, Queensland, ACT, NT and

Commonwealth. The WHS laws also passed the Tasmanian Parliament with a start date

of 1 January 2013. A work health and safety bill giving effect to the model WHS laws is

currently in front of the SA Legislative Council for consideration.

For the first time over 60 percent of Australias workforce have the same work health

and safety protections, which is a significant achievement for workers and industry.

Victoria and WA have delayed implementation and have been assessing the impactsand benefits of the model WHS laws.

National mine safety reform and work on the model WHS Regulations for mining

progressed during the year. Safe Work Australias role has been to draft regulations for

inclusion as a chapter in the model WHS Regulations. The draft regulations are based

on policy developed by the National Mine Safety Framework (NMSF) Steering Group

endorsed by mining ministers.

In July 2011 Safe Work Australia, together with the NMSF released draft model

WHS Regulations, model Codes of Practice and an Issues Paper for public comment.A Consultation RIS was released in October 2011. Safe Work Australia is continuing

to work with the NMSF to finalise the regulations.

Throughout 2012 work has continued on developing additional model Codes of Practice

and key guidance material in support of the model WHS laws. This work includes

developing guides to assist stakeholders transition to the Globally Harmonized System

of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals. A list of the model Codes of Practice and

guidance developed in 201112 is at Appendix D.

Safe Work Australia is monitoring the implementation of the new WHS laws to quicklyidentify and resolve any issues. A national framework for granting exemptions under

the model WHS Regulations was established to ensure a nationally consistent approach

particularly for sensible and practical transitional arrangements.

A Volunteer Assistance Program has been implemented to assist volunteers and

volunteer organisations understand their responsibilities under the model WHS laws.

More information on the assistance being provided is on page 32.


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Evaluation plan

In July 2012 Safe Work Australia Members approved an Evaluation Plan for Harmonisation

of Work Health and Safety. This plan will guide the collection of data through to 2016 to

report on the progress made and changes that have occurred in achieving a harmonised

approach to work health and safety in Australia and enable reporting against theobjectives of the IGA.

In 2011-2012 Safe Work Australia has worked with the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS)

to draw nationally representative samples of businesses to conduct surveys on aspects

of the IGA objectives. Safe Work Australia has designed surveys on business activities to

meet their work health and safety duties, their costs of compliance and the consistency

of their regulatory experience following harmonisation. Safe Work Australia will begin the

first rounds of surveys and interviews with businesses and workers in 2012-13. Safe Work

Australia and the work health and safety regulators will work together to examine the

ways in which harmonisation has resulted in efficiencies for governments.

In April 2012 COAG agreed the current WHS laws will be reviewed by the end of 2014.

The research undertaken as part of the evaluation will assist in this review.

Units of competency and licensing of high risk work

The model WHS Regulations established 29 classes of high risk work requiring a licence

in Australia. Safe Work Australia mandates the assessment instruments that must be used

to assess candidates against the prescribed Vocational Education and Training outcomes.

During 201112 Safe Work Australia revised 23 assessment instruments.

Safe Work Australia also commissioned the Construction and Property Services Industry

Skills Council (CPSISC) to develop units of competency to support the introduction of the

new licensing requirements for Asbestos Removalists. Four units of competency were

developed and endorsed by the Australian Skills Quality Authority in late 2011 for use

by registered training organisations across Australia.

Stevedoring

In 201112 Safe Work Australia Members agreed to review national guidance material

Working Safely on the Waterfront and develop a model Code of Practice for

stevedoring. Public comment will be sought on the national guidance material as part

of the review and the outcomes will inform the development of a model Code of Practice

for stevedoring.


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Australian Forum of Explosives Regulators

The Australian Forum of Explosives Regulators (AFER) is a government cooperative forum

reporting to the Ministerial Council. AFERs key function is to develop of nationally

consistent explosives legislation regulation including harmonisation through Safe Work

Australia. AFER also maintains theAustralian Code for the Transport of Explosives by Roadand Rail.

Through AFER Safe Work Australia continues to promote the development of nationally

consistent explosives legislation and has been working collaboratively with NSW

WorkCover on this issue.

Vibration

In September 2011 Safe Work Australia conducted a series of workshops in Perth,

Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney with a broad range of stakeholders to gauge the extentof exposure to workplace vibration and the need for guidance materials.

Safe Work Australia also commissioned a review of the health effects of exposure to

vibration and an assessment of the effectiveness of the current European regulatory

regime for vibration.

Review of workplace exposure standards for airborne contaminants

Safe Work Australia began a review of the framework for the regulation of airborne

contaminants in workplaces. The aim of the review is to provide a responsive andeffective regulatory framework that improves the health and safety of workers,

reflects best practice and is able to respond and adapt to changes in scientific

and technical knowledge.

Outlook for 201213

In 201213 Safe Work Australia will:

continue to oversee the implementation of the model WHS laws to respond andresolve implementation issues as they arise

develop supporting Codes of Practice and guidance material in consultation with

relevant stakeholders

continue monitoring implementation to ensure the model WHS laws operate as

intended and that unintended consequences arising from the implementation

of the new WHS laws are quickly identified and resolved

finalise and publish the units of competency and assessment instruments for all

29 classes of high risk work. A program of ongoing maintenance and continuousimprovement of the licensing units of competency and assessment instruments

will be implemented


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finalise the review of the stevedoring national guidance material. It is anticipated

the draft model Code of Practice will be released for public comment towards the

end of 2012, and

continue the development of guidance for vibration including vibration health

monitoring.

Volunteer Assistance Program

Safe Work Australia is assisting volunteers and volunteer organisations to understand

their responsibilities under the model WHS laws.

In January 2012 Minister Shorten convened a round table meeting with peak volunteer

organisations to discuss the model WHS laws. A key outcome of this meeting was to

establish a Volunteer Working Group to guide the development of an information

package to assist volunteers and volunteer associations to understand their rights

and obligations under the model WHS laws. The Volunteer Working Group included

representatives from peak volunteer organisations, Safe Work Australia, the Fair Work

Ombudsman, the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations

(DEEWR) and the Office of the Not for Profit Sector.

In February 2012 a resource kit was released including a dedicated website, helpline

for volunteers and organisations who engage volunteers and direct email address

for volunteer enquiries. The number of enquiries received through the helpline and

web-based enquiry line has steadily decreased as organisations and volunteers havebecome more informed of how and when the WHS laws apply to them.

Safe Work Australias coordinated response ensures a nationally consistent level

of support is provided to all volunteers throughout Australia covered by the new

WHS laws.


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SafeWorkAustralia

FEATURESTORY

Strategic outcome 4: National work health andsafety and workers compensation policy is informedby knowledge and evidence, understanding and

prioritisation of emerging and existing issues

STRATEGIES

4.1 Collect, analyse, monitor and report on data and research to inform national

work health and safety and workers compensation policy development and

evaluation.

4.2 Identify and understand issues which require accelerated progress and develop

associated policies.

4.3 Identify, assess and report on emerging and current work health and safety and

workers compensation issues.

4.4 Strengthen the capacity of governments in all its roles to influence work health

and safety outcomes.

4.5 Continued implementation of the National OHS Strategy 20022012.

4.6 Commence the development of the new National Strategy.


the maintenance and improvement of national datasets

the commencement of the Australian Mesothelioma Registry (AMR)

research projects focussed on psychosocial hazards, chemical exposures and dermal

exposures

development of national workers compensation policy, and

development of the Australian Strategy.

Data collection

Safe Work Australia maintains and funds a range of national datasets for work health and

safety and workers compensation statistics including the:

National Dataset for Workers Compensation Statistics (NDS)

National Notified Fatalities Collection

Traumatic Injury Fatalities Database

National Coroners Information System, and AMR.


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Monitoring and reporting on Australian and international work health and safety and

workers compensation trends supports the development of evidence informed and

responsive national policy, programmes and practice. Safe Work Australia publishes

a wide range of data and research reports on key issues and emerging trends.

In consultation with jurisdictions the NDS was improved to capture more information onthe return to work outcomes of injured workers.

The scope of the National Notified Fatalities Collection was revised to capture all

notifiable fatalities, including those occurring on public roads. Since January 2012 Safe

Work Australia has worked closely with work health and safety authorities to provide

more timely and accurate information on work-related fatalities through this collection.

Monthly reports using the expanded scope were published from January 2012.

Australian Mesothelioma RegistryThe AMR became operational during 201112. Safe Work Australia began collecting

information on all new cases of mesothelioma as well as information on past asbestos

exposure of consenting patients diagnosed with mesothelioma.

More information on the AMR is on page 37.

Research programs

In 201112 Safe Work Australias research projects focussed on psychosocial hazards,

chemical exposures, and dermal exposures. Safe Work Australia has collaborated witha range of organisations including the Centre for Applied Psychological Research at the

University of South Australia, Monash University, the Skin and Cancer Foundation Inc

and Massey University on these projects. Project reports are published on the Safe Work

Australia website.

Safe Work Australia is a co-funding partner with Workplace Health and Safety Queensland

and WorkSafe Victoria on a three year ARC project conducted by the University of

Queensland and the ANU. The second phase of this project People @ Work examines the

management of work demands and resources to minimise the risk of psychosocial injuryin the workplace.

To guide further hazard surveillance research work, Safe Work Australia commenced

a review during 201112 and began development of a national hazard surveillance

program combining multiple data collection methods. This work will measure hazard

exposure as well as the management of risks and hazards in the workplace.

Safe Work Australias research on occupational disease in 201112 has focussed on factors

impacting on the development of cardiovascular disease. Safe Work Australia used the

longitudinal data PATH project to examine causal factors.


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Through the Nanotechnology Work Health and Safety Advisory Group Safe Work

Australia, commissions research and reports on various aspects of health and safety

associated with nanomaterials and nanotechnologies. The reports generated through

this program are held in high regard nationally and internationally and are used to inform

health and safety programs. During 201112 Safe Work Australia published several

research reports on work health and safety issues relating to nanotechnologies.

These reports are listed in Appendix C.

Information was also collected during the year for the final triennial review of the

National OHS Strategy.

Workers compensation

Safe Work Australia is developing national workers compensation policy through

the Strategic Issues Group for Workers Compensation (SIG-Workers Compensation).

Further information about this work is provided in Strategic Outcome 5.

Development of the Australian Strategy Work Health

and Safety Strategy 2012-2022

The Australian Strategy will establish the framework for continued improvement in work

health and safety arrangements. Each jurisdiction will use the strategys priorities, targets

and action areas to input into their own strategic and operational plans and to identify

opportunities to support the strategys vision of healthy, safe and productive working lives.

More information on the Australian Strategys development is on page 36.

Outlook for 201213

Safe Work Australia will continue to:

improve data collection, quality and analysis to increase the understanding of

emerging and existing issues impacting on national work health and safety and

workers compensation collect information on all new cases of mesothelioma and past asbestos exposure

of consenting patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. The AMR will publish its first

annual report in the second half of 2012

report on significant current and emerging work health and safety and workers

compensation issues

publish further reports on key research projects including reports on physical and

mental causal factors for cardiovascular disease based on the PATH data, and

finalise the Australian Strategy and begin implementation. The strategy is scheduled

to be launched in late October 2012. Safe Work Australia will be involved in

promotional activities with jurisdictions, professional bodies and any other interested

organisations throughout 201213.


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SafeWorkAustralia

FEATURESTORY

Developing the Australian Work Health and Safety Strategy 2012-2022

TheAustralian Work Health and Safety Strategy 2012-22(Australian Strategy) provides a

framework to drive improvements in work health and safety in Australia. It provides a

collaborative approach between the Commonwealth, state and territory governments,

industry and unions and other organisations to achieve the vision of healthy, safe and

productive working lives.

During 201112 extensive consultation occurred in every capital city and some regional

centres around Australia. The draft strategy was released for public comment on 26

March 2012 for eight weeks. A total of 82 submissions were received from academics,

work health and safety professionals, non-government organisations, community

organisations, and employer and worker representatives. Following analysis of all

submissions received a revised draft strategy was prepared for endorsement by

Safe Work Australia Members.

The Australian Strategy consists of four outcomes to help achieve the vision by 2022:

reduced incidence of work-related death, injury and illness achieved by

reduced exposure to hazards and risks using

improved hazard controls supported by

an improved work health and safety infrastructure.

Seven action areas were identified that are required to support the outcomes: healthy and safe by design

supply chains and networks

health and safety capabilities

leadership and culture

research and evaluation

government, and

responsive and effective regulatory framework.

Three targets were set to measure progress in achieving the vision:

a 20 percent reduction in the number of fatalities due to traumatic injuries

a 30 percent reduction in incidence rates of all work-related injury claims resulting

in one or more weeks off work, and

a 30 percent reduction in the incidence rate of claims for musculoskeletal disorders

resulting in one or weeks off work.


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SafeWorkAustralia

FEATURESTORY

Australian Mesothelioma Registry

The AMR is managed for Safe Work Australia by the Cancer Institute NSW in

collaboration with the Monash Centre for Occupational and Environmental Health.

Mesothelioma is a usually fatal cancer which typically occurs 20 to 40 years after

exposure to asbestos although exposure does not necessarily result in the disease.

Asbestos was banned in Australia in 2003. In the past Australia was one of the biggest

users of asbestos in the world. As a result Australia has one of the highest incidence

rates of mesothelioma in the world and there is still a large amount of asbestos in

Australian buildings and other infrastructure. Due to the length of time between

exposure to asbestos and the onset of mesothelioma it is estimated the number

of new cases will not peak until after 2014.

The AMR collects information on all new cases of mesothelioma diagnosed since

July 2010 from the state and territory cancer registries to which notification of

mesothelioma is mandatory. Information about asbestos exposure is collected from

consenting patients through a postal questionnaire and a telephone interview.

In 201112 ethics approvals were received from all state and territory cancer registries

and the AMR became fully operational. The AMR has received strong support from the

asbestos disease support groups and these groups have helped to promote it. The AMR

has also been promoted through its own website (www.mesothelioma-australia.com)as well as through Safe Work Australias website, newsletters and medical organisations.

Notifications were received from all state and territory cancer registries and over

100 interviews were conducted with consenting patients about their past asbestos

exposure.

The AMR will publish its first annual report in the second half of 2012. The report will

include information on all new cases of mesothelioma diagnosed between July 2010

and December 2011. It will also include an analysis of the types of asbestos exposure

resulting in mesothelioma diagnosed in 2011. Safe Work Australia intends to continuefunding the AMR.

Participants at

the Australian

Strategy

consultation

workshops.


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Strategic outcome 5: Opportunities for greaterimprovements in workers compensation arrangementsare identified and assessed and policy proposals

developedSTRATEGIES

5.1 Undertake policy research on high priority workers compensation

arrangements, particularly for employers with workers in more than

one jurisdiction.

5.2 Provide evidence to inform and evaluate workers compensation policy

and performance.

5.3 Communicate effectively on nationally significant workerscompensation matters.


progressing national workers compensation policy

establishing the Dust Diseases Temporary Advisory Group (TAG), and

reviewing the Comparison of Workers Compensation Arrangements in Australia

and New Zealand.

Temporary advisory groups

Safe Work Australia is progressing national workers compensation policy with the

assistance of six TAGs working on death entitlements, definitions, permanent impairment,

return to work, self-insurance and multi-state employers policy. These TAGs were

established during 201011 and comprise representatives from the jurisdictions, unions

and employer groups.

Each TAG is working towards improved national consistency in workers compensation

arrangements and includes progressing policy proposals on the priority areas identifiedin the National Workers Compensation Action Plan 201013. The Action Plan was

endorsed by Safe Work Australia Members in December 2010.

The TAGs are working on a range of matters including:

tools and guidance on return to work matters

arrangements for the assessment of permanent impairment

definitions for the purposes of workers compensation

death entitlements and determination of dependants


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approaches for multi-state employers

approaches to self insurance, and

approaches to the compensation of asbestos and other dust related diseases.

A seventh TAG for dust diseases was established in September 2011. This TAG is assistingSafe Work Australia develop nationally consistent approaches to how dust disease

workers compensation claims are managed.

Review of the Comparison of Workers Compensation Arrangements

in Australia and New Zealand

In 201112 a comprehensive review of the Comparison of Workers Compensation

Arrangements in Australia and New Zealand was undertaken. This publication was updated

to better reflect the needs of its audience.

Outlook for 201213

In 201213 Safe Work Australia will:

undertake the first national Return to Work Survey in November 2012. The survey

will be jointly funded by Safe Work Australia and the Australian and New Zealand

workers compensation authorities. It will collect information from employees of both

premium payers and self insurers to assist in improving the return to work experience

and outcomes of injured workers

provide options on nationally consistent approaches to asbestos and dust diseases

compensation to SCWR for its consideration

undertake interviews with large multi-state employers. These interviews will focus

on identifying solutions for resolving multi-state employer issues, and

progress each of the Action Plans four objectives:

communicate effectively on nationally significant workers compensation matters

undertake policy research on high priority workers compensation arrangements

provide evidence to inform and evaluate workers compensation policy and

performance, and

evaluate and report on the Action Plan.


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SafeWorkAustraliaMANAGEMENTANDACCOUN

TABILITY

Government and parliament

Under the Safe Work Australia Act the Chief Executive Officer is to keep the Minister

informed of Safe Work Australias progress in performing its functions.

Senator the Hon Christopher Evans, Minister for Workplace Relations, was the Minister

responsible for Safe Work Australia from July 2011. Following a Cabinet reshuffle on

12 December 2011, the responsible Minister became the Hon Bill Shorten MP, Minister

for Employment and Workplace Relations.

Throughout 201112 the Minister was regularly advised of progress on key matters

including being provided with monthly reports on Safe Work Australias key activities,monthly Notifiable Fatalities Reports and advice each time Safe Work Australia was

notified of a work-related fatality.

Decision making framework

Select Council on Workplace Relations

Comprises Commonwealth, state and territory ministers with responsibility for

workplace relations and work health and safety. The Ministerial Council endorsescertain decisions on work health and safety and workers compensation referred to

it by Safe Work Australia Members. The Ministerial Council also approves Safe Work

Australias strategic and operational plans.

Safe Work Australia

Safe Work Australia Members consider and decide on recommendations provided

by the Strategic Issues Groups and agree to progress matters to the SCWR for

endorsement.

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Strategic Issues groups

Strategic Issues Groups make decisions on policy and technical matters, reports and

publications and make recommendations to Safe Work Australia Members.

Advisory groups

Advisory groups are established by both Safe Work Australia Members and Strategic

Issues Groups on either a permanent or temporary basis to focus on particular matters.

These groups comprise policy and technical experts and make recommendations to

Safe Work Australia Members or Strategic Issues Groups for consideration and decision.

Safe Work Australia

As outlined in Part 1 of this report, Safe Work Australia comprises 15 Members including

an independent Chair, nine members representing the Commonwealth and each state

and territory, two members representing the interests of workers, two representing the

interests of employers and the CEO of Safe Work Australia. Members are supported by the

staff of Safe Work Australia and various committees and groups for both technical and

policy matters.

Safe Work Australia is required to convene at least three meetings each financial year. Safe

Work Australia met five times in 201112.

Safe Work Australia Chair, Mr Tom Phillips AMMr Phillips was appointed as the Chair of Safe Work Australia in

2009. He is the presiding member of the SafeWork SA Advisory

Committee that advises on work health and safety standards, policy

and legislative matters and the promotion of work health and safetyeducation and training. Mr Phillips has over 30 years experience

working in the Australian automotive industry.

Mr John Watson NSW

Mr Watson is the General Manager, Occupational Health and Safety

Division, WorkCover Authority NSW. Mr Watson is the current Chair

of the Heads of Workplace Safety Authorities. Mr Watson has over

25 years experience working on work health and safety matters inAustralia. Mr Watson is the chair of the Strategic Issues Group on

Work Health and Safety (SIG-WHS).


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TABILITY

Mr Greg Tweedly VICMr Tweedly was appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Victorian

WorkCover Authority in February 2003. He has extensive experience

working for the Victorian WorkCover Authority and its predecessorthe Accident Compensation Commission. Mr Twe

safe work australia annual report

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