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Welcome to the summer edition of Comcare's
e-newsletter, Safety Essentials.
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 Health and safety representatives survey results are in
In August Comcare ran an online survey inviting health and safety representatives (HSRs) to share their feedback about the challenges and issues they face in improving workplace health and safety.
Response rates were terrific, with over 800 responses received. High level results are available online. As a result of the findings, Comcare is focusing on redeveloping HSR online facilities and improving communication channels with HSRs.
Comcare would like to thank everyone who responded to the survey – your participation has been invaluable.
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 2008 National Conference
A record number of delegates participated in the recent Comcare National Conference which took place on 22 - 24 October 2008 at the National Convention Centre in Canberra.
The three-day conference was facilitated by Dr Norman Swan, host of the Health Report on ABC Radio National. Conference speakers explored the culture and systems that underpin effective management methods of psychological and slow onset musculoskeletal injuries.
An image gallery of the National Conference is now available online.
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 New guidance notes
Comcare has released a new guidance note to assist employers who are contractors on mining sites.
 The Australian Safety and Compensation Council has released an updated guidance note on how to assess and minimise exposure to solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation at work.
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 'Tis the season to stay safe
Comcare has received several enquiries from employers about their duty of care obligations for employees attending endorsed social functions and events.
When organising an endorsed event or function, employers should conduct a risk assessment and develop effective risk controls in line with a ‘reasonably practicable approach’ as detailed in the Commonwealth OHS Act.
It’s also important to note that attendance at a staff party held outside of the employee’s place of work may attract workers’ compensation coverage under the SRC Act.
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 International Day of People with Disability
The Australian Employers’ Network on Disability has recently released a publication titled ‘Opportunity’. This publication has been developed to clearly articulate the relevance of people with disability to Australian businesses.
A website has also been developed which contains information, advice and more detailed information about the issues addressed in the booklet.
On 3 December every year, International Day of People with Disability is celebrated worldwide recognising the achievements and contributions of people with disability.
The Day brings together people with disability and the general community and aims to:
• showcase the skills, abilities, contributions and
achievements of people with disability
• promote a positive image of people with disability
• involve people with disability and the broader community in activities to celebrate and raise awareness of the Day.
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 New Comcare website
Later this month Comcare will be launching a new website. Designed with the end user in mind, the site will be more user friendly and appealing...watch this space!
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 Christmas close down
Comcare will close over the Christmas period from
12.30pm on 24 December 2008
to 1 January 2009.
During this period, you will still be able to notify Comcare of OHS incidents by calling 1300 366 979.
Comcare will re-open on 2 January 2009.
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In short...
Comcare Annual Report released
Comcare's Learning & Development Solutions have released the latest training calendar
2008 SRCC Safety Awards - winners announced
Comcare National Conference - speaker presentations available to download for conference delegates
Download the updated version of Comcare's publication - Body Stressing Injuries Key messages for rehabilitation providers
Reminder: the new suite of products on Incident Notification Guidance is now online
Diary dates:
2009 Comcare National Conference, 23-25 September 2009, National Convention Centre Canberra
2009 SRCC Safety Awards, 24 September 2009, The Great Hall, Parliament House...information for both events will be available soon
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