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Welcome to the first edition of Comcare's
e-newsletter, Safety Essentials.
This newsletter is designed to give you a quick snapshot of industry related news, legislative changes, publication or project updates and upcoming events - all focused around 'workplace health and safety'.
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 National Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Review
A national OHS review was announced by the Deputy Prime Minister on 4 April 2008. The review aims to harmonise Commonwealth, State and Territory OHS laws.
A discussion paper is currently being developed with formal public consultation commencing in June 2008.
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 New OHS Code of Practice coming soon
A new Commonwealth OHS Code of Practice (OHS Code 2008) is expected to be introduced shortly.
The new code will replace the 27 codes of practice that previously operated under the Commonwealth OHS Act. It will give organisations a more practical guide to achieving workplace safety outcomes. As a legal document, it is also admissible as evidence in proceedings under the OHS Act and associated regulations.
Comcare will contact OHS managers when the OHS Code 2008 is approved and registered.
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 Rehabilitation Update
Under the Safety, Rehabilitation & Compensation Act 1988 (section 36 and 37), employers are responsible for arranging the assessment of an injured employee's capability to undertake a rehabilitation program. Comcare recently amended its form Referral for Rehabilitation Assessment (SRC form 116) to include an area where employers can specify the cost, up to an agreed amount, that it is authorising in relation to the assessment of the employee. We’d like to remind you that for Comcare to pay costs incurred by employers under section 36 or 37, all costs must be specifically authorised by the employer.
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 Employing people with disability - no increase in OHS risks
The Australia Safety & Compensation Council (ASCC) has developed a factsheet outlining the benefits of employing people with disability. Employing people with disability can be a positive experience for employers and employees, yet there is unfounded concern about OHS risks for business when employing people with disability. Safe, Diverse and Productive - A Workplace with People with Disability gives employers a summary of the key points.
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 Publications
Check out our latest publications...
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 Comcare's national education program
1. Are your Health and Safety Management Arrangements (HSMA) in place?
Do your managers and/or staff have the skills and knowledge to undertake their roles and responsibilities under the OHS or SRC Act?
Can your managers understand how to identify and address the adverse impact of low morale and bullying and harassment in the workplace?
Are your rehabilitation case managers fully trained?
If your organisation requires training in any of the these topics, please contact Comcare’s Learning and Development Solutions Team or view the July - December 2008 training calendar.
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 Customer Seminars - April 2008 National Tour
Our 2008 series of Customer Seminars have now concluded and were a huge success with almost 900 delegates attending over nine cities Australia-wide. This year’s seminar series was based around the overarching theme of organisational health.
The seminars opened with an update from Comcare followed by attendees listening to presentations from John Holland Group, Australian Public Service Commission (APSC), Comcover as well as Comcare’s Prevention & Injury Management Services (PIMS) team. The afternoon session had attendees participating in two workshops presented by Comcare’s Compliance Assistance Section who discussed the new OHS Code of Practice 2008 and the incident notification process.
All presentations and handouts are now available online.
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 2008 National Conference
Comcare’s 2008 National Conference is one of the most eagerly awaited industry forums and will be held from 22-24 October 2008 at the National Convention Centre, Canberra.
This year’s conference will focus on physical and psychological injuries relating to slow onset conditions, OHS and rehabilitation in the workplace. Speakers will examine current issues and trends and explore progressive solutions to achieve the best outcomes in reducing the human and financial costs of workplace injury.
Exhibition and sponsorship opportunities are available.
Delegate registration will open in June 2008.
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 2008 SRCC Safety Awards
The 2008 Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Commission (SRCC) Safety Awards are open for nomination. The Awards are open to individuals, companies and Government agencies operating within the Commonwealth OHS and workers’ compensation jurisdiction. They are designed to showcase the sophisticated systems and innovative practices organisations are utilising to ensure all employees are safe at work. Through a formal recognition process, agencies and individuals who have achieved excellence in their respective fields through the introduction, development or improvement of safety standards will be rewarded for their initiatives.
Nominations close on Wednesday 18 June 2008
Download the 2008 Nominations brochure |
