The Safety Dimensions Blog
A Christmas safety message for busy retailers
As Victoria's retail sector heads into its busy Christmas and January sales period, employers and employees are being reminded to pay attention to workplace safety. Victorian WorkCover Authority (VWA) inspectors have begun visiting retail stores across the state to...
‘Managing’ WHS Risks, Not ‘Mitigating’ Them
Taking the Next Step¦.'Managing' WHS Risks, Not 'Mitigating' Them Dr Paul Johnston - Lead Consultant & Facilitator, Safety Dimensions We use the WHS risk management cycle on a daily basis. However, in many instances, we only consider the overt management issues,...
Do mature workers really add value to a business?
Do mature workers really add value to a business? Bruce Helyard - Senior Facilitator, Safety Dimensions and Leadership Dimensions. Subject to the passing of legislation, the Federal government is attempting to keep older workers in the workforce though with $304...
First prosecution of an officer under WHS ACT
Canberra construction company Kenoss Contractors and its acting director have been accused of safety breaches related to a failure to maintain safe work systems and a safe work environment without risks to health and safety. The Director of Public Prosecutions will...
Workplace Injury Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2013 (the WIRC Act) Explained
The new Workplace Injury Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2013 (the WIRC Act) will become operational in Victoria on 1 July 2014. Worksafe Victoria has published a video outlining the benefits of the new Workplace Injury Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2013...
The top 10 jobs by frequency of harassment
In 2012, the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Education and Employment report, Workplace Bullying, We Just Want It To Stop requested an annual statement of trends in workers’ compensation data relating to psychosocial health and safety generally and...
Walking the Talk – What does it really mean?
"Walking the Talk" - What does it really mean? While facilitating our leadership programs, the Certificate IV in Frontline Management or Workplace Health and Safety, or in on-site and one-to-one coaching, we hear thousands of employees express common sentiments...
Amphlett’s awareness anthem
Chrissy Amphlett's I Touch Myself' becomes a breast health awareness anthem On the 14th April 2014, the Cancer Council launched a video featuring leading female artists - Olivia Newton John, Megan Washington, Sarah McLeod, Katie Noonan, Sarah Blasko, Suze DeMarchi,...
Are we legislating for accidents?
Are we legislating and managing for accidents? Observations of a safety professional. Dr Paul Johnston - Lead Consultant & Facilitator Safety Dimensions. WHS legislation and management frameworks are intended to jointly define a systematic means by which we keep...
The Alarming Cost Of Stress
Safe Work Australia reports that the costs of mental stress-related claims in Australia is more than $10 billion per year. And it is estimated that the effects of stress on those who are at work but not performing to their potential costs Australian businesses a...
Half empty or half full?
A psychologist walked around a room while teaching stress management to an audience. As she raised a glass of water, everyone expected they'd be asked the half empty or half full question. Instead, with a smile on her face, she inquired: How heavy is this glass of...
Dealing With Stress Programs
Dealing With Stress Programs Stress comes in many forms, sometimes positive and useful for peak performance and sometimes counterproductive when built up over a period of time. Stress shows up as higher absenteeism, higher workcover claims, poor performance, bullying...
Cancers from workplace exposure
The Cancer Council estimated that around 7,000 new cases of cancer in Australia each year are caused by exposure to carcinogens in the workplace. The report estimates that as many as 1.5 million Australian workers, engaged in 51 different industries, may be exposed to...
Staying Cool Under Extreme Heat
As summer temperatures soar around the country, Worksafe Victoria shares some advice about how to prevent heat illness from working outdoors in hot weather or where heat is generated as part of work. With temperatures predicted to reach above 40 degrees Celsius across...
Donald’s Disney Safety Video – A Blast From The Past With Relevance Today
Sometimes it takes the ridiculous to remind us how our behaviours and safety standards can be in complete contrast from one environment to the next. In this classic slap-stick Disney cartoon from 1956, J. J. Fate follows Donald Duck through his workday, contrasting...