LOCAL STORIES

from Find Maroondah - July 2022 Edition

Will we see record snow falls in 2022?

By Warren Strybosch

The ski season started off with high expectations and predications are that 2022 would be the season for record snow falls. We saw Victoria’s ski fields covered in early-season snow that broke 22-year records but was that an early prediction of what is yet to come or just mother nature teasing us once again. A great ski season may still become a reality but so far, the season has been a mixed one, with high snow falls one week and then rain the next turning all the snow into mush.

As at time of writing this article, Falls Creek had 80 out of 90 trails open, Mt. Baw Baw Alpine Resort only had 2 out of 17 open, Mt. Buller had 14 out of 61 open, Mt. Hotham only had 63 of its 100 trails open.

Currently, most of the snow can be found at Mt. Buller. Personally, I am hoping that the best of the season is yet to come as I am heading up to Falls with the family in September.

“In terms of getting snow this early and before Queen’s Birthday, it has only happened twice in the last 50 years [on record].”

Bureau of Meteorology senior forecaster Matthew Thomas said the strong snowfalls were a result of a burst of cold air pushing over south-east Australia and high precipitation.

With Victorian ski resorts been hit hard over the past 2 years due to Covidrestrictions leading to shortened seasons,

Wet Snow

1/1 1/1

N.A. 3/14

2/17 3/7

14/61 18/22

63/100 10/13

many ski business operators are really hoping that this year will be a great year for their businesses and those who love going to the snow.

Many business owners are feeling optimistic for the remaining season.

If you happen to be up at Falls Creek and see a guy with a ‘Find’ cap on having a coffee, feel free to stop and have a chat. Happy skiing everyone.

Do You Have Forklifts Operating in Your Business? You Need an Effective Traffic Management Plan

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH & SAFETY

By Mark Felton

WorkSafe Victoria has announced that a food service wholesaler has been fined $35,000 after a worker was struck by a forklift and seriously injured at a Dandenong South warehouse last year.

C.C.B. Enterprises Pty Ltd pleaded guilty in the Dandenong Magistrates' Court on Thursday to a single charge of failing to provide a safe working environment, and a single charge of failing to notify WorkSafe immediately after being aware that an incident had occurred.

The company was fined $35,000 without conviction.

In April 2021, the worker was walking across the warehouse floor when a forklift operated by another worker reversed around a corner and struck him, running over his foot and leg.

The injured warehouse assistant was taken to hospital where he underwent surgery to repair a compound fracture of his leg, multiple fractures of his foot, and muscular damage that required a skin graft. The employee suffered postoperative infections and has not since returned to work.

The court heard that the company did not have in place a traffic management plan to separate pedestrians and forklifts, and that it was reasonably practicable for the company to have implemented clearly designated exclusion zones, pedestrian walkways and safety barriers.

WorkSafe Executive Director of Health and Safety Narelle Beer said duty holders will be held accountable for failing to protect workers from the known risks associated with forklifts.

"It's frustrating that forklift injuries are still so prevalent considering the enormous amount of guidance, information and regulation that occurs," Dr Beer said.

"WorkSafe will continue doing everything it can to protect workers who work with or around forklifts through inspections, investigations and prosecutions." adequate? Often businesses have at least rudimentary WHS management systems, but documentation is poor. We assist business owners identify what they need to have in place, and then ensure effective systems and documentation are implemented. Checks are put in place to monitor effectiveness, to ensure that going forward they are sound and comply with the Act, and most importantly keep them and their employees informed, and healthy and safe. Please feel free to contact Mark Felton at Beaumont Advisory on 0411 951 372 or mfelton@beaumontlawyers. com.au for an obligation and cost-free initial discussion.

• A traffic management plan is in place for pedestrians and powered mobile plant and that it is reviewed and updated as appropriate. • Pedestrians are separated from moving machinery and that an effective communication system between operators, transport contractors and ground staff is in place. • Signage is in place and barriers are erected where appropriate. • Visibility issues are identified and controlled, particularly if lighting is poor. • Workers operating equipment have the appropriate high risk work licences, as required. • Machinery and vehicles and regularly inspected and maintained by a suitably qualified person. • Employees and health and safety representatives are consulted about health and safety issues.

Do you have forklifts operating around pedestrians in your business? Do you have effective traffic management plans in place? Are you adequately keeping your employees and yourself healthy and safe? Is your documentation

Mark Felton

Occupational Health & Safety BEAUMONT ADVISORY www.thebeaumontgroup.com.au

Will we see record snow falls in 2022?

Open

Dinner Plain

Falls Creek Alpine Resort

Mt. Baw Baw Alpine Resort

Mt. Buller

Mt. Hotham

1"

0"

4"

3"

3"

1-3"

24-29"

12-12"

19-19"

20-29"