ThinkSafe vol. 2 no. 2 May 2020

SAFETY AND HEALTH IN THE WORKPLACE

VOL. 2 NO. 2 MAY 2020

ISSN 2651-9577

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COMMISSIONER'S CORNER – COVID-19; PLUS FALLS FROM HEIGHT

A RISK-BASED APPROACH TO MAINTENANCE

OCCUPATIONAL DISEASE FOCUS: LEGIONNAIRES’ AND PONTIAC FEVER

ARE YOU OUR NEXT WORKSAFE INSPECTOR?

Government of Western Australia

Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety

Š State of Western Australia (Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety) 2020

LIST OF CONTRIBUTORS (FROM DMIRS UNLESS OTHERWISE INDICATED)

ThinkSafe is published by the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DMIRS). It is distributed free of charge to industry and interested members of the public.

Judith Abbott

Chris Kirwin

Andrew Ballam

Greg Little

Gillian Carter

Stephanie Mayman, COSH Chair

Reproduction of material from ThinkSafe for wider distribution is encouraged and may be carried out subject to appropriate acknowledgement. Contact the editor for further information.

Andrew Chaplyn

Mention of proprietary products does not imply endorsement.

Janette Gerryn

Comments and contributions from readers are welcome, but the editor reserves the right to publish only those items that are considered to be constructive towards workplace safety and health.

Reader contributions and correspondence should be addressed to: ThinkSafe Editor Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety Locked Bag 100 EAST PERTH WA 6892 Enquiries: 08 9358 8153 Email: SafetyComms@dmirs.wa.gov.au This publication is available on request in other formats for people with special needs.

Government of Western Australia

Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety

Tse Yin Chang Lizzie Craine Caroline De Vaney Amy Douglas-Martens Tony Gray

Justine McGillivray Samira Mohamed Lindy Neild Sally North Jay Ranasooriya Laura Rodriguez

Erin James

Bruce Saunders

Darren Kavanagh, WorkSafe WA Commissioner

Lin Stain Nicole Tucker

Quinn Kearney

Tracy Wynands

Dragana Vukmirovic

PHOTO ATTRIBUTION TYC = Tse Yin Chang COVER PHOTO A risk-based approach to maintenance helps workplaces reduce the risk of failures and improve safety [TYC] The State of Western Australia supports and encourages the dissemination and exchange of its information. The copyright in this publication is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY) licence.

Safety Regulation Group Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety Locked Bag 100 EAST PERTH WA 6892 Telephone: + 61 8 9358 8001 Email: SafetyComms@dmirs.wa.gov.au Website: www.dmirs.wa.gov.au

@DMIRS_WA

Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety

www.dmirs.wa.gov.au/subscribe

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Under this licence, with the exception of the Government of Western Australia Coat of Arms, the Department's logo, any material protected by a trademark or licence and where otherwise noted, you are free, without having to seek our permission, to use this publication in accordance with the licence terms.

We request that you observe and retain any copyright or related notices that may accompany this material as part of the attribution. This is a requirement of the Creative Commons Licences.

For more information on this licence, visit creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ legalcode

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IN THIS ISSUE

WHAT DO YOU WANT MORE OF?

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We want to hear from you!

Working with industry to deliver relevant and useful information and guidance is important to the Department.

Is there a particular type of publication or method of communication you prefer?

How would you like to receive information from us?

Send your feedback and comments to SafetyComms@dmirs.wa.gov.au

COMMISSIONER'S CORNER

EVENT NEWS

2 Update: COVID-19; plus falls from height

23 2020 Safety Regulation events update

SAFETY AND HEALTH ALERTS AND GUIDANCE

INDUSTRY NEWS

4 A risk-based approach to maintenance 6 Human and organisational factors for safe workplaces 9 Latest safety alerts 10 Safe storage of dangerous goods in transit areas 12 Dangers of lightning in open areas and vehicles 16 Tailing storage facilities 18 Occupational disease focus: Legionnaires’ and Pontiac fever

24 Commission for Occupational Safety and Health 35th Anniversary

DEPARTMENT NEWS 26 Enhanced Safety Regulation System – Business Intelligence Reports for the mining industry 27 WorkSafe triages for effective results 28 Are you our next WorkSafe inspector?

21 Safe storage and handling of dangerous goods in the waste industry 22 Have your say on the draft Occupational diving in Western Australia – code of practice

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COMMISSIONER'S CORNER

UPDATE: COVID-19; PLUS FALLS FROM HEIGHT COVID-19 PANDEMIC These are uncertain and unprecedented times, presenting numerous challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic is changing the way we all live and work and WorkSafe has worked hard to ensure the advice provided by health experts is contextualised for workplaces to assist both employers and employees.

Work health and safety regulators across the country recognise the COVID-19 pandemic has created exceptional circumstances that have significant impacts on workplaces, including employers, workers and other persons with duties under occupational safety and health laws.

To capture the approach of safety regulators to deal with unprecedented circumstances, a National Statement of Regulatory Intent has been developed.

This statement articulates an approach which is in accordance with existing practices and should signal to workers and employers that inspectors will utilise appropriate regulatory enforcement while remaining cognisant of COVID-19 risks.

WorkSafe has responded to many queries about an employer’s obligations to employees when they are working from home, and employer requirements in relation to hand sanitiser and personal protective equipment. All workplaces are different and present different risks. Employers have a general duty of care to provide and maintain a safe working environment, and what is required to comply with this varies from one workplace to another based on specific workplace risk factors.

Employees also need to take care of their own health and safety and avoid impacting others. This includes reporting any health concerns they have to the employer.

Western Australian regulations require a risk assessment to be undertaken to ascertain exactly what actions need to be taken to lower or eliminate risks to employees. Regulation 3.17 of the Occupational Safety and Health Regulations 1996 requires employers to ensure that the workplace is maintained in such clean condition as is necessary to avoid hazards to persons in the workplace.

As far as hand sanitiser is specifically concerned, it is not mandatory. Nationally consistent health advice tells us that washing hands with soap and water is a safe and reliable form of hygiene.

Work from home can only be considered if it is workable and practical for that specific business.

Anyone who is concerned and believes they are being put at risk should raise the concerns with their employer. WorkSafe can be contacted for further information to report a hazard or to raise concerns about a workplace.

I am encouraged by the significant efforts of workplaces, employers and employees to find innovative and collaborative ways in which to ensure the workplace and employees are safe from pandemic risks. Essential industries such as health, retail, agriculture, construction and transport and logistics have contributed to reducing the risk of spreading the virus and should be acknowledged for their efforts.

To access a wide range of COVID-19 business resources from the Department, visit DMIRS COVID-19 coronavirus information webpage.

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COMMISSIONER'S CORNER

FALLS FROM HEIGHT Tragically we have recently seen lives lost through falls from heights in WA workplaces.

Since 2014-15, thirteen Western Australian workers have lost their lives as a result of work-related falls from height. Add to this the number of workers who have sustained permanent and life-changing injuries in falls, and the size of the problem is readily apparent.

It’s well known – especially in the construction industry – that working at heights is hazardous, and hazards such as unprotected edges present a significant risk to workers. The various means of removing or mitigating the risks are also well known throughout the industry.

Therefore employers should always operate in accordance with the relevant legislation and codes of practice when it comes to fall protection. The Occupational Safety and Health Regulations 1996 have prescriptive requirements concerning working at heights, including conducting comprehensive risk assessments to identify fall hazards, assessing the risks associated with those hazards and controlling those risks.

Where brittle or fragile roofing materials form any part of a roof, people accessing the roof need to be informed and be provided with a safe system of work along with instructions or training about the safe systems of work to be used. Where construction work involves a risk of a person falling more than two metres, the main contractor or building owner must ensure that a Safe Work Method Statement is prepared before the work begins.

In addition, the Code of practice – Prevention of falls at workplaces has been in use in WA since 2004, and should be followed by anyone who has a duty to prevent falls at workplaces. The code provides practical advice on the safe systems of work that should be in place where the risk of falls exists.

Employers need to be aware of all the laws involved when there is a fall risk at their workplace and ensure that they have suitable safe work procedures in place.

I hope you remain safe and healthy during these challenging times.

Darren Kavanagh WorkSafe WA Commissioner

Common fall hazards can include: • stability, strength and slipperiness of surfaces • changes in levels • ground conditions • edges • scaffolding • openings or holes • weather conditions.

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SAFETY AND HEALTH ALERTS AND GUIDANCE

A RISK-BASED APPROACH TO MAINTENANCE TYC

Recent worksite incidents prompted the Department to take a close look at the ways industry can improve maintenance using a risk-based approach.

Some of these incidents occurred despite there being a maintenance plan in place.

When large structures, fixed and mobile plant and machinery fail, it can lead to: • • • •

catastrophic safety incidents risks to the health and safety of workers disruptions production downtime.

Understanding the safety hazards of structures, plant and machinery will help workplaces to maintain safe operation, manage and reduce the risk of failures.

KNOWING THE HAZARDS Large structures, plant and machinery on mine and industrial sites have both common and unique hazards. However, sites may not always be equipped to know the potential hazards and associated risks, and this itself can be a hazard.

Identifying each hazard and measuring it against the likelihood and severity of risk is the first step in a risk-based maintenance approach.

Performing this step early in the process allows designers and manufacturers to mitigate identified hazards and risks during the original design, engineering and development phases. This is done by embedding controls in the maintenance procedures that comply with or exceed recommended relevant standards.

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When decisions are made about whether or when maintenance tasks are undertaken, the design, manufacturer instructions and Australian Standards must not be compromised.

Therefore it is important to: • use the structure, plant or machinery as it was intended • always maintain the original design without removing or adding parts • use only recommended original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts • follow all design and manufacturer instructions • seek appropriate advice to double-check any inconsistencies.

RISK-BASED MAINTENANCE PLANS Individual documented risk-based plans address the safety hazards for every structure, plant and piece of machinery. Maintenance should be planned, actioned and recorded in detail throughout the life of the equipment.

When integrating safety into the risk-based maintenance plan, consider the following.

• Life cycle stage of the equipment – Where in the life cycle is this structure/plant/equipment?

• Current condition of the equipment – Has this item been well-maintained and repaired using authorised or manufacturer parts? Given its current state, how many years will the equipment last in good working order before replacement is necessary?

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SAFETY AND HEALTH ALERTS AND GUIDANCE • Communication – Does the work site encourage regular and open communication with all parties about the safety of each item? How does this happen and what are the ways to improve?

• Competencies – Are workers and contractors trained and knowledgeable about the item they work with, inspect or maintain?

• Safety documentation – Are there documentation, manuals and structural drawings detailing the safety aspects of maintenance and repair? Where are they kept? Are they accessible?

• Breakdown or failure – What safety reactions, training, lock-out procedures and temporary safe work-arounds are in place in cases of foreseeable failures or unexpected breakdowns?

• Environment – What are the localised impacts of weather and weathering?

• Corrosion – What are the specific corrosive effects of substance build up (e.g. salt, minerals, chemicals, dust, grease) that will affect the operation of the item or cause deterioration?

• Inspection – Is there scheduled time for thorough inspection and adequate testing to ensure the integrity of each item?

• Cleaning – Is the specific item cleaned of dirt and build-up regularly and prior to inspection?

• Access – Are there adequate and safe access points to properly inspect, maintain and repair the item?

• Interplay – Do any of the above interplay? Will the maintenance or breakdown of one piece of equipment affect other structures, plant or machinery?

Maintenance, inspection and testing error is one of the Department’s top human and organisational factors for the resources industry. For more information, visit the Department’s new Human and organisational factors hub.

HUMAN AND ORGANISATIONAL FACTORS IN MAINTENANCE ACTIVITIES Some of the most catastrophic global industrial accidents were due to maintenance error and skewed risk assessment of the early warnings signs.

The Piper Alpha incident is still the most famous catastrophic accident of this nature.

However, maintenance hazards do not exist in isolation and often interact with all levels of the work environment, including human performance.

Understanding and managing human and organisational factors – all elements within a workplace that have an impact on the people who work there – is key to developing and maintaining safe workplaces.

FURTHER INFORMATION Structural • SIR No. 274 Structural failure of fixed conveyor stacker • SIR No. 269 Structural failure of a corrugated steel water tank • MSB No. 140 Structural collapse of buildings and temporary structures during wind events

Mechanical • MSB No. 164 Wheels detaching from graders • MSB No. 162 Inspection and maintenance of special purpose lifting plant and hoists • MSB No. 145 Uncontrolled movement and derailment of fixed cranes during storm wind events NOPSEMA The Regulator (Issue 1 2020) Managing ageing infrastructure

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SAFETY AND HEALTH ALERTS AND GUIDANCE

HUMAN AND ORGANISATIONAL FACTORS FOR SAFE WORKPLACES

People are involved in all aspects of work and keeping them safe should be a priority for all workplaces.

With this in mind, the Department has developed educational resources on human and organisational factors, otherwise known as HOF. The new online hub aims to promote safe and productive workplaces by educating management and workers on the top ten factors that affect safety and performance.

WHAT IS HOF? The term HOF refers to all elements within a workplace impacting the people who work there.

In HOF, these elements generally fall into three categories.

• Organisational factors refer to the organisation and its attributes (e.g. organisational priorities, decision-making and strategy, culture of the company or team, availability of resources).

• Job factors describe the task and its characteristics (e.g. physical working environment, human-machine interface, workload, task requirements).

• Individual factors relate to the person doing the job (e.g. personality, competence and skill, mood, attitude, mental ability, individual health factors).

Managing human and organisational factors is the process of recognising human limitations and capabilities and then designing work and workplaces with these in mind.

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WHY IS HOF IMPORTANT? Human and organisational factors influence human reliability and performance, contributing to how effectively and safely a worker is able to do their job.

Optimising human and organisational factors reduces the likelihood of error, improve safety performance and help prevent reoccurrence of safety incidents.

Not only will integrating HOF principles improve physical safety, when done well it can: • improve productivity • have a positive impact on workplace culture • help develop mentally healthy workplaces.

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SAFETY AND HEALTH ALERTS AND GUIDANCE

WHAT IS THE ROLE OF HUMAN ERROR IN HOF? When incidents occur, some version of human or user error is often cited as the reason. Human error by itself has little meaning when cited as the cause of an incident. Applying HOF principles enables us to move away from blaming and correcting the individual to looking at the broader context in which the error occurred.

It is not enough to identify a lack of training or limited understanding of what was required by the worker as the root cause. Instead, HOF encourages an unpacking of the incident.

The following questions may help get you started.

• Usable procedures: Were the procedures clear? Was there a step missing?

• Training and competence: Was the worker’s skillset right for the task? What led to an untrained person being involved in the task?

• Safety-critical communication: Were the task requirements communicated clearly and ensured that they were understood?

• Health and safety culture: Is there a culture of taking shortcuts in the workplace?

Organisational change

Simply, HOF is about designing workplaces and tasks to reduce the likelihood of human error, and reduce the opportunities for decisions and actions that people take to negatively impact safety.

Integrating human and organisational factors into your safe system of work can help improve physical safety, and have a positive impact on productivity, workplace culture and the development of mentally healthy workplaces.

THE DEPARTMENT'S TOP HUMAN AND ORGANISATIONAL FACTORS Rationale During the annual Mines Safety Roadshow presented by the then Department of Mines and Petroleum (DMP) in 2015, a workshop was undertaken to identify areas where DMP could assist Western Australian mine sites to improve their safety performance. Improving safety culture was a common response.

Following an assessment of literature and activities being undertaken by other regulators, DMP recognised that human factors would provide a useful framework for managing safety culture.

The DMP review found that, in particular, the UK HSE top 10 human factors framework was relevant to the Western Australian mining industry. More importantly, with minor modifications, it could provide a useful framework for operational and safety and health professionals wishing to adopt a strategic approach to managing human reliability.

Safety-critical communication

Designing for people

Staffing and workload

Training and competence

Usable procedures

Managing human reliability

Human and organisational factors

Fitness for work

Health and safety culture

Maintenance, inspection, and testing error

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SAFETY AND HEALTH ALERTS AND GUIDANCE

Factors in focus Managing human reliability means considering and optimising the factors that shape human performance.

Managing human reliability increases the likelihood of achieving desired performance outcomes and reduces the likelihood of worker error.

Usable procedures help to ensure that the entire workforce operates from the same information.

Provision of clear, concise and accurate procedures can help prevent, control and mitigate unwanted outcomes.

Training and competence together, can reduce errors caused by lack of knowledge and teach people behaviours that will keep them safe.

Training achieves and maintains levels of staff competency and improves their consistency.

Staffing and workload at appropriate levels is an important factor in maintaining a safe workplace.

Appropriate staffing and workload management can improve effective decision-making and reduce the known contributory causes of safety incidents like fatigue and burnout. One way to effectively manage workload is to ensure appropriate staffing levels.

Organisational change refers to any changes to business processes, organisational structure, staffing levels or culture within a company.

Managing change effectively is essential to avoid increasing the likelihood of human error occurring as a result of the change.

Safety-critical communication provides workers with the essential information to negotiate hazards in the workplace.

Effective safety communication has specific content, which is delivered in a clear, reliable and timely way.

Designing for people involves designing work to meet the characteristics and needs of workers.

During the design and redesign phases of all work, human physical and cognitive abilities and limitations, should be considered. Thoughtful design can reduce human error and improve safety performance.

Fitness for work relates to the capacity of workers to do their role safely and productively.

Fitness for work covers individual factors such as fatigue, medical fitness, mental health and wellbeing, and alcohol and other drug use.

Health and safety culture is a reflection of the organisation’s commitment and prioritisation of health and safety.

A positive safety culture reflects in the safety management systems and the values, attitudes, perceptions, competencies and behaviours of the people working there.

Maintenance, inspection, and testing includes preventative work to maintain plant in sound operating condition, and reactive work for repair of plant that has broken down or failed. Testing and inspection are an important part of maintenance.

It is essential that factors that increase the likelihood of error during maintenance are considered to design, manage and improve safe maintenance, inspection and testing activities.

To access the wide range of resources on human and organisational factors, visit the Department’s HOF hub.

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SAFETY AND HEALTH ALERTS AND GUIDANCE

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MINES SAFETY

DANGEROUS GOODS SAFETY

Significant incident reports

Safety Bulletin 0120 Safety considerations for alcohol-based hand sanitisers

SIR No. 279 Paste wall failure SIR No. 280 Bulldozer operator crushed between ladder and handrail – significant injuries

Safety bulletins MSB No. 169 Managing noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) in the Western Australian mining industry

Safety Bulletin 0220 Safety considerations when manufacturing alcohol-based hand sanitisers

WORKSAFE Safety alert 1/2020 Worker electrocuted in roof space

MSB No. 170 Braking performance of relocation systems for heavy mining MSB No. 171 Pit wall failure management MSB No. 172 High pressure compressor systems on drill rigs – fire and explosion hazard MSB No. 173 Inspection and maintenance of handrails

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SAFETY AND HEALTH ALERTS AND GUIDANCE

SAFE STORAGE OF DANGEROUS GOODS IN TRANSIT AREAS

TYC

Transit areas provide short term storage and handling systems on dedicated sites to the transport industry. Transport providers use transit areas to assist them to deliver a range of site-to-site cartage and as a depot for consignment operations.

Agricultural chemical businesses, the transport industry and transit organisations all have a role to play to ensure dangerous goods transported through the transit area are handled and stored safely.

These sites typically have laydown areas, hardstands and warehouses, and regularly store and handle dangerous goods. Dangerous goods can be normally kept at the transit area site for up to five consecutive days.

During the annual cropping season an expected upsurge occurs in the transport of chemicals and the use of transit areas.

Hazards may arise when there is a ‘late break to the season’, meaning that the busy cropping season and late rain can lead to extra identifiable risks in relation to the safe handling and storage of dangerous goods at transit areas.

RISKS TO BE MANAGED Storage holding periods – coordinate the load delivery and dispatch times to ensure dangerous goods are not held beyond time limits.

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Know the load – understand what is being delivered by insisting on safety data sheets. Consider the potential fire load of dangerous goods and large quantities of non-dangerous goods.

For example, in a fire situation, some large quantities of non-dangerous goods have high potential for ignition and the combustible by-products might be toxic.

Stockpiling and separation – regularly monitor the storage of large inventories of dangerous and environmentally hazardous goods for safe separation of toxic and flammable goods.

For example, significant risks arise when large volumes of oxidising agents, like peroxide, nitrate or hypochlorite, are stored near or with flammable solvents, combustible liquids or fumigants.

Placarding – pay attention to on-site placarding requirements.

Vehicle storage – be aware regulations apply to trucks loaded with dangerous goods parked in secured private premises as they may constitute as dangerous goods storage.

Peak periods – manage the size and types of consignment containers on the transit site to improve organisation and maximise access in case of emergency.

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SAFETY AND HEALTH ALERTS AND GUIDANCE

TYC

REGULATIONS AND AUSTRALIAN STANDARDS • Dangerous Goods Safety (Storage and Handling of Non-explosives) Regulations 2007 require a licence for sites handling or storing ‘manifest quantities’ of dangerous goods, typically exceeding 10 tonnes for PG II/III agricultural chemical goods.

• Regulations apply to sites that store placard quantities, typically in excess of 1 tonne of PG II/III agricultural chemical goods.

• Australian Standards apply limits to individual transit storage areas to 200 tonnes. AS/NZS 3833 The storage and handling of mixed classes of dangerous goods, in packages and intermediate bulk containers.

FURTHER INFORMATION Dangerous Goods Safety Act 2004 Risk assessment for dangerous goods Dangerous Goods Safety (Storage and Handling of Non-explosives) Regulations 2007 – guide • Segregation of incompatible dangerous goods – use of freight containers, bunded chemical containers and consideration of separate hardstand areas [r. 52] • Spill containment – typically 110 per cent of largest individual dangerous goods container plus 10 per cent of aggregate quantity of liquid dangerous goods [r. 51] • Fire protection – accessible equipment appropriate to the class and subsidiary hazards [r. 73].

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SAFETY AND HEALTH ALERTS AND GUIDANCE

DANGERS OF LIGHTNING IN OPEN AREAS AND VEHICLES Lightning is a hazardous weather phenomenon and common across Western Australian mine sites and workplaces. ...

LIGHTNING HAZARDS Employers and workers must take precautions to prevent exposure to lightning, as it is an occupational hazard in Western Australia with a high probability of injury if a worker is struck.

Employees involved in working outdoors, on or near tall objects, near conductive structures or in vehicles during a lighting storm are at an increased risk.

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HOW WORKERS CAN BE AFFECTED

BY LIGHTNING There are different ways people can be affected by lightning.

Direct strike During a direct strike to a person, the electrical lightning current that appears at the base of the lightning channel is injected into the body from the point of strike.

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SAFETY AND HEALTH ALERTS AND GUIDANCE

Side flash

Touch or contact voltage

People may be hit by a side flash. These occur when lightning strikes an object, for example, a tree or a sea container, creating a potential difference1 between the object and the person.

Touch voltage happens when lightning current flows along an object, for example along a structure, tree or a wire fence that has been struck by lightning, and a potential difference1 is created between the ground and any other point on the object.

Touch voltage

Earth-termination system

Earth surface

Step voltage and ground current

Shock waves

When a lightning flash strikes the ground, the electrical current flows radially outward in all directions from the strike point. As the current disperses out from the strike point, and if the ground is resistive, the current flow creates a very high voltage that decreases as one moves away from the strike point. Ground current can enter and exit the body through the feet.

Shockwaves caused by rapid air expansion can seriously injure a human at close vicinity of a lightning flash. As the channel3 temperature rises to about 24,000 – 30,000 degrees Celsius in a few microseconds, the pressure in the channel increases causing rapid expansion of air creating a significant shock wave. The overpressure generated by thunder at the source may approach 10,100 kPa (1,470 psi) whereas a shock wave of 275 to 344 kPa (40-50 psi) might rupture an eardrum.

1 metre

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SAFETY AND HEALTH ALERTS AND GUIDANCE

Connecting leaders A stepped leader2 comes to within approximately a few hundred metres of the ground, as several connecting leaders rise from grounded objects, including people.

Only one of these connecting leaders makes the connection between the stepped leader and the connecting leader on the ground.

Unsuccessful connecting leaders may harbor currents as high as 10 amps and may also cause significant injury.

Point where the path of the subsequent stroke deviated from the first stroke

Path taken by both first and subsequent strokes

Second strike

First strike

TYPES OF INJURY Medical attention should be sought immediately for all lightning related injuries.

Mild injury The person may be able to answer questions but may be confused and amnesiac regarding the event.

Short term memory may be affected for days.

Moderate injury The person may experience cardiac arrest but recover spontaneously, be disoriented, paralysed in the lower limbs, suffer burns and lose consciousness during the event.

Severe injury 2

1

The table below shows lightning scenarios of overpressure [or blast overpressure] versus predicted injuries.

Connecting leaders

4 3

Footnotes: 1. Potential difference is the distance between zero charge and the significant charge of the lightning 2. Stepped leader is a step-like series of negative charges that race toward earth along a channel 3. Channel is what a lightning bolt forms to move the energy through 4. Faraday cage is an enclosure that shields nonstatic and static electricity

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The person may suffer respiratory arrest and cardiac arrest which may result in brain and organ damage.

Overpressure [or blast over pressure]

Predicted injury

199 kPa 29 psi

Minor eardrum rupture

275 to 344 kPa 40-50 psi

Rupture of the eardrum

199 to 499 kPa 29-72.5 psi

Chest or lung trauma

275 kPa [206-344kPa] 40 psi [30-50 psi]

Minimum threshold for lethal injury

427 kPa [344-517 kPa] 62 psi [50-75 psi]

50 per cent chance of lethal injury

634 kPa [517-792 kPa] 92 psi [75 psi – 115 psi]

100 per cent of lethal injury

689 kPa 100 psi

Bodily disruption and/ or disfigurement

Source: Reference: Blumenthal, R. (2016). The Explosive Effects of Lightning: What are the Risks?

Academic Forensic Pathology, 6(1), 89-95.

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SAFETY AND HEALTH ALERTS AND GUIDANCE

SAFE ACTIONS REQUIRED BY EMPLOYERS AND WORKERS

VEHICLES, TYRES AND FARADAY 4 CAGES

Safe work systems, procedures, training and safe management practices should be in place as preparation for potential lightning strike hazards.

A lightning strike on a vehicle introduces increased hazards to employees.

Sheltering in an appropriate building is the lowest risk option during lightning. Providing sufficient warning to workers will allow them time to seek shelter in an appropriate building.

Appropriate buildings should have electrical earthing systems and lightning protection. Sea containers and small sheds without appropriate earthing systems do not provide adequate protection.

Advise workers sheltering inside buildings to avoid: leaning against walls; handling electrical equipment; touching plumbing including sinks, taps and coldwater dispensers; and stay clear of windows, doors, awnings or breezeways.

If workers are caught outside without building or vehicle shelter, the following actions will reduce the risk of being injured by lightning: • Stay away from objects that conduct electricity such as wire fences and gates, power lines, electrical and instrumentation circuits.

• Avoid elevated areas including waste dumps, hills, ridges and peaks.

• Never lie flat on the ground – it is better to crouch down with your feet together.

• Stay more than three metres away from other people caught outside.

• Never shelter under trees.

• Stay away from bodies of water.

Hazards include risk of vehicle fire, short-circuiting electrical systems and if the vehicle is being driven, loss of vehicle control due to tyre failure, driver injury or failure of braking or steering system.

A lightning strike on a heavy tyred vehicle may cause pyrolysis. Pyrolysis causes the inner liner of the tyre to rapidly heat, releasing gaseous, volatile, organic compounds into the tyre air chamber.

Under certain conditions, this mix can auto-ignite, be explosive immediately or with delay.

When pressure exceeds 6,900 kPa, debris may be propelled hundreds of metres which is potentially lethal to workers in the vicinity.

Sheltering in a stationary vehicle is safer than being in the open however, vehicles, including heavy tyred vehicles are not designed to be a faraday4 cage.

Enclosed rollover protection structures (ROPS) may offer minimal and uncertain protection.

During a lightning storm, never step onto the ground from the vehicle and never touch metal connected to the outside of the vehicle.

FURTHER INFORMATION Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety • Lightning and outdoor work – fact sheet Bureau of Meteorology • Preparation and safety during thunderstorms Australian Standards • AS/NZS 1768 Lightning protection

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SAFETY AND HEALTH ALERTS AND GUIDANCE

TAILING STORAGE FACILITIES Tailings are by-products of processed ore minerals.

Depending on the type of ore and the method of processing, tailings could contain toxic and environmentally harmful substances or could be totally benign.

Tailings are stored in different types of tailings storage facilities (TSFs), with the most common TSFs having embankments to contain the tailings.

Mined-out open pits are also used as TSFs with no

containment embankments. Tailings are also stored within mine waste rock dumps.

Regardless of being toxic or benign, sudden release of tailings could cause significant safety, health and environmental hazards. Such incidents could occur if the TSF embankments are not designed, constructed, operated and closed to comply with acceptable standards.

In other countries, several catastrophic failures of TSF embankments have occurred and have destroyed lives, property and the environment.

TSFS IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA There are about 500 TSFs in Western Australia, with the majority located on relatively flat ground in low rainfall regions of the State. The flat topographic and dry climatic conditions reduce the potential for sudden failures of TSFs.

TSF with an embankment

Nonetheless, minor failures in the form of embankment erosion and overtopping (where material flows over the embankment) have occurred without causing much damage. To reduce the risk of TSF failure, a stringent regulatory process is followed in Western Australia.

The process includes:

In-pit TSF with no embankment

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• thorough scrutiny of the design proposals for any new TSFs and any changes to existing TSFs, before granting approval for construction • enforcement of the construction quality control measures to ensure compliance with the approved design and relevant standards • mandatory twice daily inspection, plus ongoing maintenance and record keeping by nominated mine site personnel during TSF operation • mandatory periodic review and audit of the TSF performance by third party experts

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SAFETY AND HEALTH ALERTS AND GUIDANCE

• regular inspections and audits by safety, health and environment regulators • enforcement of stringent closure requirements before the TSF operation is ceased permanently.

THE PROCESS IN WA Design For regulatory approval, the design process must begin by assigning a hazard rating (high, medium or low) to the TSF. The hazard rating reflects the potential impact on safety, health and the environment in the event of TSF failure, and takes into account the location, ground conditions, tailings tonnage, type of tailings, deposition method, surface water bodies, rainfall runoff, groundwater conditions, and the surface area of the TSF. TSFs are then categorised into 1, 2 and 3.

All TSFs with a high hazard rating fall into Category 1. Any TSF with an embankment higher than 15 metres, regardless of its hazard rating, also falls into Category 1.

Only the TSFs with a low hazard rating and less than five metres in height fall into Category 3. Other TSFs will be Category 2.

TSF designs must be supported with details of technical data, analyses, construction method, quality control and operation procedures.

Category 1 requires the highest level of details, followed by Category 2 and 3. The details must conform to the Department's Tailings storage facilities in Western Australia – code of practice published by the Department and TSF guidelines published by the Australian National Committee on Large Dams (ANCOLD).

Before being approved, the designs are thoroughly scrutinised by the Department to ensure regulatory compliance. TSF proposals are also reviewed by the Department of Water and Environment Regulation and other relevant government agencies.

Construction During construction, suitably qualified and experienced specialists are engaged for construction quality control. The specialists prepare a detailed report confirming compliance with the approved design and relevant standards and then submit the report to the Department for review.

Non-compliance with the approved design and the relevant standards could result in the annulment of the approval for TSF operation.

Operation Operation of TSFs comply with the approved operating conditions, specified at the time of the design approval. Failure to comply could result in the issuance of directives to cease the TSF operation.

Closure The closure requirements include third party review of the TSF status, and site rehabilitation measures such as reshaping, capping, runoff control and revegetation.

These measures take into account the chemical and physical stability of the TSF and future land use of the area. The performance of these measures are monitored for an extended period, before accepting the closure and relinquishment of the TSF sites.

Introduced in early 1990s, the requirements have been continuously improved through a proactive consultation between the industry, researchers and regulators. This process has been recognised as one of the best in the world.

Further information on the requirements for TSFs operation in WA is available at the Guidance about tailings storage webpage.

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SAFETY AND HEALTH ALERTS AND GUIDANCE

OCCUPATIONAL DISEASE FOCUS: LEGIONNAIRES’ AND PONTIAC FEVER The Australian Department of Health reports the highest number of notifications for Legionella infections is during autumn. It is important for workplaces to understand the risks posed and how these can be reduced. ...

LEGIONELLA Legionella bacteria, first identified in the mid-1970s, causes a range of disease which remains prevalent and is without vaccine.

The mortality rate from Legionella infection is usually ranges between 5 to 10 per cent, yet worldwide it may be as high as 40 to 80 per cent in untreated immune-suppressed patients. Fortunately, early antibiotic treatment greatly improves the rate of survival.

Legionella infections can cause serious respiratory illness ranging from a short flu-like condition (Pontiac Fever) to severe pneumonia (Legionnaires’ disease) or organ failure.

Legionella bacteria naturally inhabit fresh water ponds, streams, lakes, rivers, underground and brackish water and is found in soil and mud.

The Legionella bacteria thrives in domestic and commercial plant and machinery where there are warm, moist conditions.

Legionella infections are most commonly linked to cooling towers, air conditioning units and garden soils.

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Around 400 cases of Legionella infections are reported to the Australian Department of Health annually.

Western Australia comprises about 95 of those cases, with an approximate 80/20 split of Pontiac fever and Legionnaires’ disease respectively.

In Western Australia, the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984 (the OSH Act), the Mines Safety and Inspection Act 1994 (the MSI Act), require the notification of Legionnaires’ disease.

Legionella – an infectious group of bacteria Legionella pneumophila – the primary human infection of Legionella bacteria Legionnaires’ disease (Legionellosis) – a severe form of pneumonia caused by Legionella pneumophila Pontiac fever (Legionella longbeachae) – a form of pneumonia with flu-like symptoms caused by Legionella

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SAFETY AND HEALTH ALERTS AND GUIDANCE

LEGIONNAIRES’ DISEASE

LEGIONNAIRES’ SYMPTOMS

Legionnaires’ disease is a severe form of pneumonia. Infection is caused from inhaling droplets or mists of water infected with Legionella bacteria.

The incubation period for Legionnaires’ disease is usually two to ten days.

The risk of contracting Legionnaires’ disease can be reduced to very low through the careful design, installation and regular maintenance of cooling towers, air-handling systems, hot water services and other potential sources of water vapour.

Legionella is known to accumulate in: • • • • • •

evaporative condensers hot and cold water systems spas humidifiers, foggers and water misting systems industrial milling machines coolant high pressure cooling and cleansing processes, such as drill-sprays and high pressure washers • potable water aerosols, such as shower heads • nebulisers • other domestic and industrial-based water systems.

Legionella survives in water between 20-50oC and thrives in 25-42oC and is promoted by: • stagnant or low turnover water • high concentrations of algae, amoeba, slime and other bacteria • presence of biofilm, scale, sediment, sludge corrosion products or other organic matter • degraded plumbing materials, such as rubber fittings, which may provide nutrients to enhance bacterial growth.

Acute infections can affect bodily systems leading to diarrhoea, vomiting, mental confusion and kidney failure.

Early symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease can include some or all of the following: • • • • • • • • •

fever up to 40oC chills aching muscles and joints dry cough headaches tiredness gastro-intestinal disorders loss of appetite shortness of breath.

PONTIAC FEVER In Australia, a common type of Legionella illness is Pontiac fever.

Legionella longbeachae bacteria causes Pontiac fever and is found in potting mix, garden soils, mulch or compost. Infection occurs with inhalation of dust or aerosolised particles from contaminated soil.

Legionella longbeachae also forms in water systems especially if these are infrequently used or not regularly maintained. Examples include: • • • • • • • • •

evaporative air conditioners artesian bores decorative fountains fire sprinklers fixed garden sprinklers commercial aquariums car washes water-based dust suppression systems above ground storage tanks, which feed aerosol generating equipment • any water system generating an aerosol where the water temperature ranges between 20oC and 45oC.

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SAFETY AND HEALTH ALERTS AND GUIDANCE

RISK FACTORS

Legionnaires disease

Legionella pneumophila can be transmitted through inhalation of aerosolised water droplets. Drinking and washing in water containing low numbers of Legionella bacteria is not known to cause infection.

Identify all sources of water that generate aerosols or mists, especially where conditions are known to enable Legionella to accumulate and thrive, and:

Factors increasing the likelihood of infection: • • • • • • • • •

smoking chronic heart or lung disease diabetes HIV/AIDS some forms of cancer steroid or immunosuppressive medication renal disease or kidney failure being over 50 years of age and/or being male excessive alcohol consumption.

REDUCING THE RISKS Pontiac fever Safe handling of potting mix, garden soils and compost will reduce the risk of inhaling contaminated aerosols. To minimise the risk of infection, workers are advised to: • open bags with care to avoid inhaling airborne particles • moisten the contents to avoid creating dust • wear gloves and an appropriate mask • wash hands after handling potting mix, even if gloves were used.

• assess the risk of exposure to the sources • review risk management strategies for tasks that generate aerosols • implement controls to restrict Legionella growth and prevent exposure • apply the hierarchy of controls: – use alternate, clean water sources – use engineering controls, such as residual biocides, drift-eliminators, or extraction ventilation – if required, use personal protective equipment, such as respirators • implement a Legionella monitoring strategy to verify control effectiveness • enact planned maintenance, remedial treatment or corrective actions to prevent Legionella • ensure work site emergency response plans includes management of infection outbreaks.

DID YOU KNOW? • Legionnaires’ disease is a prescribed disease under the OSH and MSI Acts and must be reported to the Department.

• Legionella infection is also specified under the Public Health Act 2016 and is a notifiable disease in Western Australia.

• Legionella pneumophila infection must be reported urgently by telephone to a public health unit.

Guidance material • Prevention and control of Legionnaires’ disease – code of practice

Reporting and notification • Report an injury or disease, Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety • Notification of infectious disease and related conditions, Department of Health

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SAFETY AND HEALTH ALERTS AND GUIDANCE

SAFE STORAGE AND HANDLING OF DANGEROUS GOODS IN THE WASTE INDUSTRY New Information available outlines essential ways the dangerous goods waste industry can comply with legislation, improve waste management practices and reduce the safety risks associated with hazardous goods.

The information is useful for any workplace that handles, stores or transports dangerous goods.

Topics include: • • • • • • •

how dangerous goods waste is regulated identifying the waste knowing the quantity placarding and labelling segregating incompatibles decanting and transferring good housekeeping.

Dangerous goods waste – safe storage and handling of dangerous goods in the waste industry – information sheet

DID YOU KNOW? If disposed lithium batteries are damaged, short circuited or overheated, they can catch fire or explode.

The 3S’s of lithium battery safety • Separate lithium batteries from other batteries and any flammable or combustible materials.

• Secure battery terminals with tape or other insulating material to prevent short circuits.

• Store batteries in fire resistant containers and in cool dry location away from sources of heat.

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SAFETY AND HEALTH ALERTS AND GUIDANCE

HAVE YOUR SAY ON THE DRAFT OCCUPATIONAL DIVING IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA – CODE OF PRACTICE

The Commission for Occupational Safety and Health seeks your views and comments on the draft Occupational diving in Western Australia – code of practice.

The draft code provides guidance for occupational divers in Western Australia on the management of occupational safety and health issues relevant to preparing for and performing tasks while submerged in a fluid using artificially-supplied compressed gas.

This code applies to workers with any part of their employment consisting of diving work, regardless of their job title or main duties.

The Commission will consider the feedback before releasing the final version of the code.

The consultation period ends 5 pm, Friday 28 August. Please submit feedback using the feedback template by email.

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EVENT NEWS

2020 SAFETY REGULATION EVENTS UPDATE

THE DEPARTMENT'S SAFETY EVENTS

Due to COVID-19 and the Federal Government advice about the cancellation of all ‘nonessential’ gatherings, all events for 2020 are being reviewed.

The health and safety of attendees and our staff is of the utmost importance to us.

The 2020 Work Health and Safety Excellence Awards have been cancelled, however the awards will be back in 2021 and we look forward to promoting your health and safety achievements then.

DMIRS is working hard to bring you alternative ways to connect and keep you informed. We want to continue to raise awareness by sharing ideas and solutions through our events.

Events such as the Mines Safety Roadshow, the Registered Managers Forum and the WorkSafe information sessions are being considered in different ways. We will continue to keep you informed.

AUSIMM MINESAFE INTERNATIONAL DIGITAL CONFERENCE 2020 The conference will be a completely new digital experience and showcase the latest developments in health and safety.

Government regulators, health and safety practitioners and other resource industry professionals will come together to share the achievements and challenges within their operations and showcase new safety innovations.

Conference themes include: • COVID-19 – impact and learning, principles (risk assessment, pandemic planning, hygiene practices) and mental health • Innovation and human interaction – technology, communications and automation • Legislation, compliance, policies and strategies (legal issues) • Accident and incident investigation best practice • Effective leadership strategies ensuring a healthy workplace culture – workers’ health, wellbeing and productivity.

Visit www.minesafe.ausimm.com for information on dates, programs and registration details.

The Department is pleased to be a major sponsor at AusIMM Minesafe International Digital Conference 2020.

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INDUSTRY NEWS

COMMISSION FOR OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH 35TH ANNIVERSARY 1985-2020

This year, the Commission for Occupational Safety and Health (the Commission) proudly looks back on 35 successful years of improvements to worker safety for Western Australians.

Worker safety was re-prioritised in the hearts and minds of Western Australians when the new Occupational Health, Safety and Welfare Amendment Act 1987 and Regulations 1988 were proclaimed.

Originally known as the Occupational Health, Safety and Welfare Commission, the group was established on 4 April 1985 with the inaugural meeting held on 29 April the same year.

After proclamation, 96 per cent of the State’s workforce was covered. For the first time hospitals, schools, offices, banks and the rural and public sectors had clear responsibilities to make workplaces safer.

The Commission was founded as a tripartite body with representatives from employer organisations, trade unions, expert representatives and the State Government.

This structure continues today, with the Commission playing a lead role in informing and achieving the occupational health and safety legislative program.

These laws had a positive effect on reducing injury and disease to workers by introducing a statutory mechanism for the ‘general duty of care’ of employers and employees, and safety and health representatives and committees.

REVIEWS

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH, SAFETY AND WELFARE ACT 1984 AND REGULATIONS 1988

As part of the Commission’s regulation review process, public comment was sought, resulting in the modernised Occupational Safety and Health Regulations 1996.

During the 1980’s, the Commission revised 21 sets of regulations into a single consolidated set of regulations.

Significant legislative reforms in 2005 introduced Provisional Improvement Notices (PINS) improved consultation mechanisms between employers, employees and extended the duties of care to include a broader scope such as labour hire.

Those repealed acts and regulations had covered just 40 per cent of the workforce.

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INDUSTRY NEWS

The first official COSH meeting. Clockwise from left: R. George, B. Bradley (Secretary), B. McGuirk (Chairman), P Shaw, J. McGinty, R. Gillet, J. Spatcher, B. McCarthy, R. Hannaford, M. Phillips, S. Mayman, R. Reid (absent B. Chesson)

CODES OF PRACTICE AND GUIDANCE NOTES Commission codes of practice and guidance dramatically improved awareness of specific safety and health issues.

The first code of practice and the first guidance note, released in 1989, were Noise control in the workplace and Notification of accidents.

To date, the Commission has approved 75 codes of practice and guidance notes.

WORK HEALTH AND SAFETY BILL 2019 In 2017, the Ministerial Advisory Panel (MAP) was formed to advise the Minister on a single amalgamated work health and safety act.

The MAP was made up of members of the Commission and the Mines Industry Advisory Committee (MIAC), and was chaired by Stephanie Mayman, a founding member and current Chair of the Commission.

The Bill for the amalgamated laws was introduced into parliament on 27 November 2019.

These new laws will bring together several pieces of existing Western Australian occupational safety and health legislation, incorporating mines and the critical risk industries.

COMMISSION ROLE AND FUNCTIONS • Make recommendation to the Minister about workplace safety and health laws.

• Develop and publish occupational safety and health information, codes of practice and guidance material.

• Promote education and training in occupational safety and health.

In 2020, as the Chair of the Commission of Occupational Safety and Health, at a time when the harmonised laws are safely in the Western Australian Parliament, this is the time to reflect how little the Commission has changed in all these years. WA retains the truly tripartite nature of policy making for occupational health and safety as it did 35 years ago with employers, workers, experts and governments coming together to develop that policy.

Stephanie Mayman April 2020

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DEPARTMENT NEWS

ENHANCED SAFETY REGULATION SYSTEM – BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE REPORTS FOR THE MINING INDUSTRY The Department has updated the suite of Business Intelligence reports available to mining operators through the Safety Regulation System (SRS).

Comparative performance report – compare the safely performance with the whole of the WA mining industry, and benchmark against mines in the same commodity.

Lost time injuries (LTI) and restricted work injuries (RWI) – view performance for duration rates, incidence rates and frequency rates, for the past year, and the year before.

Monthly status reports – data relating to workforce hours from previous month’s reports.

Detailed reports – now include all ‘open’ items regardless of when they have been issued. This means that a complete list of all ‘open’ items is viewable including open improvement and prohibition notices, defects, other matters for action, exceedance actions and tasks.

For information on SRS including instructions on how to and video tutorials, visit the SRS online help webpage.

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DEPARTMENT NEWS

WORKSAFE TRIAGES FOR EFFECTIVE RESULTS

Over the past three financial years, WorkSafe’s Customer Help Centre has dealt with more than 80,000 calls and emails per year. ...

In the 2017-18 financial year, WorkSafe received 1,853 notifications of injuries and illnesses, and this number increased to 2,308 in 2018-19.

Reports of hazards, injuries and illnesses must all be assigned a priority with consideration to the best possible use of resources. Appropriate choices are made as to where resources are applied. The greater share of resources is devoted to the more serious circumstances.

The factors that are considered when deciding whether an investigation will take place include: • compliance with legislation • causes • whether action has been taken or needs to be taken to prevent a recurrence and to secure compliance with the law • lessons to be learnt and to influence the law and guidance • what response is appropriate to an alleged breach of the law.

In selecting which complaints or reports to investigate and what resources to assign, the following factors are taken into account: • severity and scale of potential or actual harm • seriousness of any potential breach of the law

• duty holder’s compliance history, including prior convictions and notices issued • high risk and strategic enforcement priorities • practicality of achieving results • wider relevance of the event, including matters of significant community concern or emerging issues • nature and quality of the information provided • knowledge of the effectiveness of any consultative mechanism used at the workplace.

In deciding whether any further investigation should take place, priority areas include: • work-related fatalities and serious injuries or health effects, and where there is a risk of such consequences • non-compliance with notices or directions • offences against or obstruction of inspectors • offences against persons exercising OSH responsibilities at the workplace (e.g. safety and health representatives or other persons authorised under the legislation) • discrimination against employees on the basis of their OSH activities • failure to notify incidents • breaches of the consultative provisions of the Act. If an inspection or investigation reveals any breach of workplace safety laws, including failing to report a notifiable injury or illness, appropriate enforcement action is taken. This can include improvement notices, prohibition notices, prosecution action, other sanctions or a combination of these.

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DEPARTMENT NEWS

ARE YOU OUR NEXT WORKSAFE INSPECTOR? Last year, Premier McGowan announced a State Government investment of $12.9 million in new initiatives to enhance workplace safety and health. ...

TYC

Initiatives included an additional 24 full-time staff with 21 new inspectors. This funding will help ease community and industry concerns about the number of inspectors.

This is a significant boost in the number of inspectors, bringing WA into line with numbers in New South Wales and Queensland and ensuring the ratio is met of one inspector per 10,000 employees in Western Australia.

Multiple inspector positions are being advertised.

Inspector positions have been specifically allocated to the construction, transport and retail teams, for regional centres and in specialist areas such as asbestos.

Nine additional inspectors will join the Industry and Regional Team, four will be added to the Service Industries and Specialists Team and a further eight will join the Investigations Team.

Recruitment of new inspectors is progressing with new inspectors undergoing inspector training, or at varying stages in the process of recruitment.

WHAT DO INSPECTORS DO? WorkSafe inspectors play an important part in workplaces by enforcing the occupational safety and health laws and by helping workplaces to improve and resolve safety and health issues.

Inspectors have a wide range of responsibilities and duties, along with the authority to enter, inspect and examine workplaces to investigate breaches of safety and health laws.

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Inspectors discuss the management of safety issues at work with employers, employees and supervisors and managers. Depending on the circumstances, inspectors may issue improvement and prohibition notices, conduct inspections and interviews, take samples, photographs and copies of documents and take possession of materials as evidence.

Inspectors often deal with sensitive and at times emotional situations. They require effective communication, analytical and negotiation skills.

Inspectors need to be able to: • gather and analyse detailed information to formulate workable solutions to workplace safety issues • plan and schedule work to deal with competing priorities • gain the cooperation of others even when a situation is challenging or confronting.

THE PROCESS OF BECOMING A WORKSAFE INSPECTOR When an applicant is successful in attaining a position as an inspector, he or she is placed into a specific team of skilled inspectors. Training is undertaken for seven to eight weeks, during which time the recruit visits workplaces with an experienced inspector on one day a week.

Practical training, guidance and support alongside the program of formal training is provided.

The WorkSafe Western Australia Commissioner conditionally appoints new recruits as inspectors with the provision that they can only use the Act powers when with an experienced inspector.

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DEPARTMENT NEWS Recruits are mentored in the field by experienced inspectors until the recruit develops the applied skills.

Once the recruit is signed off as competent, the Commissioner removes the conditions from the inspector’s appointment.

During the first 12 months in the job, an inspector will: • carry out preliminary investigations on less complex workplace incidents • gather evidence and make recommendations about prosecutions • promote workplace safety and health, e.g. deliver presentations to workplaces about meeting legislative requirements • liaise with a wide range of client groups including employers, employees, government, unions and industry organisations • continue professional development through a variety of opportunities while gaining further experience on the job • coordinate and participate in team projects and have input on future policies and directions.

Being a WorkSafe inspector presents many challenges, both professionally and emotionally.

Serious incidents, including fatalities, are distressing for everyone in the workplace and for the families and friends of those affected.

Inspectors may encounter situations where people at a workplace are confrontational or even hostile, particularly when enforcement action needs to be taken. However, the rewards are great when an inspector’s work has resulted in positive safety and health changes.

EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS FOR A WORKSAFE INSPECTOR Broadly, WorkSafe inspectors have relevant industry and occupational safety and health experience. This experience can be gained from a variety of previous positions, for example: • safety manager • safety and health representative or committee member • rehabilitation officer • law enforcement or compliance officer • trade and industry experience • occupational health nurse.

Typical qualifications held by current inspectors include: • Certificate IV in Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) • Diploma in OSH • Graduate diploma in OSH or • University degree in OSH or related field.

Scientific officers and specialised inspectors must hold university qualifications relevant to their technical area.

If you think you’ve got what it takes, keep an eye out for WorkSafe Inspector roles on the Government of Western Australia’s Jobs Board.

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SAFETY REGULATION GROUP Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety Postal address: Locked Bag 100 EAST PERTH WA 6892

MINES SAFETY

WORKSAFE

including exploration, mining and mineral processing

for general industries

Telephone: 1800 SAFEMINE (1800 723 364) (general enquiries, mines safety reporting and safety and health representatives) Email: MinesSafety@dmirs.wa.gov.au (general enquiries) mineshreps@dmirs.wa.gov.au (safety and health representatives)

Telephone: 1300 307 877 (general enquiries) 1300 424 091 (licensing) 1800 678 198 (24 hours serious incident and fatality reporting) Email: WorkSafeCallCentre@dmirs.wa.gov.au (general enquiries)

DANGEROUS GOODS SAFETY

Mason Bird Building, Level 1, 303 Sevenoaks Street, Cannington WA 6107

including explosives and fireworks

WORKSAFE LIBRARY

Telephone: +61 8 6251 2300 MINE PLANS Email: dgsb@dmirs.wa.gov.au Telephone: 1800 SAFEMINE (1800 723 364) (dangerous goods safety enquiries) Email: rsdmineplans@dmirs.wa.gov.au cso@dmirs.wa.gov.au (dangerous goods licensing enquiries)

PETROLEUM SAFETY including pipelines and operations, major hazard facilities and geothermal energy Telephone: +61 8 9358 8001

SAFETY REGULATION SYSTEM (SRS)

Telephone: +61 8 9358 8001 (select option 3) Email: SRSManager@dmirs.wa.gov.au

SAFETY COMMUNICATIONS including publications and events Telephone: +61 8 9358 8154 Email: SafetyComms@dmirs.wa.gov.au

Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety

RSDMay20_1058

@DMIRS_WA