I am pretty sure banks do not consider occupational violence risks when they set up their processes to deal with customers on the phone. Customer service officers bear the brunt of customers being put on hold for extended periods of time, then being redirected or even being told to hang up and call another number. … Read more
ust the sound of all the acronyms used in safety makes me need a lie down and a bex. JSA, SWMS, SOP, WI, AFARP, ALARP, HAZOP, ICAM…… Not only is the use of acronyms effective at shutting “non-safety” people out of safety, they are usually used so loosely and exchangeably that they lose all meaning. … Read more
I usually find contractor management systems attempt to categorise contractors by ht level of risk they pose to the organizations hiring them. Whilst it can be helpful to flag contractors whom you may wish to have a higher degree of involvement with in terms of consulting with them about how they are going to manage … Read more
For 5 weeks I will be delivering a lecture series on contractor safety management at Federation Uni in Ballarat Victoria. The course starts on 26 July 2022 and I am really excited to be a part of bringing the safety profession along in this largely misunderstood area of law and safety practice. Thanks for the … Read more
Here are some pithy comments from a very well-respected legal colleague on a position articulated by someone who should know better: “It is entirely illogical (if not plainly idiotic) to suggest that on one hand a PCBU should be able to rely on the expertise of a contractor in relation to work which the PCBU … Read more
On 25-26 May 2022, the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre will host Australia’s biggest and brightest minds in health and safety for the Workplace Health & Safety Show 2022 (that includes me!). My session titled “Baiada 10 Years On” will look at what has changed in the contractor safety management space since this landmark case. … Read more
Western Australian District Court Judge Troy Sweeney has confirmed the importance of clearly delineating the work of contractors and coordination of that work by a Principal Contractor and confirms that a Principal Contractor is not responsible for directing the methods of work of those contractors. The case is very very long but very very good … Read more
To all my facilities management colleagues I am presenting at the FM Association Conference. Hope to see you there. Click here for more information Sue
In a recent case, two employers, a Principal Contractor and a Contractor, were fined after a worker was killed when operating a pile driver. Why was the Principal Contractor prosecuted and fined I ask? As usual, the Principal Contractor got themselves involved in the work methods of the contractor When pile driving the contractor’s worker … Read more
I was helping a client out today explaining the health directives requiring covid 19 vaccinations to attend work and thought I would share it. To confirm no State in Australia has legislated to mandate covid 19 vaccinations (or in fact any vaccination) i.e. if you are working from home and have no contact with others … Read more