SAFETY SOLUTIONS JUNE/JULY 2013
ON THE COVER
CONTENTS 4
Prescription drug misuse in the workplace
14
Confined space entry - a few words from a wise supervisor
The SpanSet Xtirpa range of confined space
21
Shock absorber technology in fall arrest lanyards
the most difficult confined space challenges.
access equipment offers simple solutions to From ground-level manhole access, including
26
Supporting project delivery with active safety management
32
Respiratory protection for woodworking
37
Resources
the answers.
38
In my opinion
Portable Manhole Guard System. An ex-
standby personnel fall protection and public safety, to the most awkward side entry and rescue applications, the Xtirpa range has For working in public spaces there is the tremely lightweight assembly, this system has a stabiliser that can be changed out for wheels, allowing the system to be easily moved around by a single person. Our Tow Bar Hitch Davit System is said to be the most versatile fall protection and retrieval system on the market. Fitting most 50 mm square vehicle receiver hitches, this system has accessories available that include an anchor bolt adapter that fixes to gridmesh walkways. SpanSet understands your varying industry requirements. As each system uses the same mast and davit arm, by changing out the other system components you can adapt Xtirpa for a multitude of applications. We also provide floor and wall adapters to convert to permanent or semi-permanent use and a range of brackets to suit your existing winches and SRLs. For a free site assessment contact SpanSet
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PRESCRIPTION DRUG MISUSE
IN THE WORKPLACE A/Prof Apo Demirkol, Assess Medical Group AMG
4
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Illicit drug use and alcohol misuse are now recognised as factors that can affect health and safety in the workplace. The same may not be true for prescription drugs.
What is prescription drug misuse? Prescription drug misuse can be defined as the use of prescription or over-the-counter pain relievers, prescribed stimulants or sedatives without a prescription of the respondent’s own or simply using the prescription drug for the effect the drug causes. This definition covers a wide range of behaviours, which could vary from misusing prescription medications to get high, stay awake or get to sleep to using someone else’s medication to address a legitimate medical need. Often, it is the case that this sort of behaviour can lead to lead to addiction, misdiagnosis of illnesses, life-threatening circumstances and death.
Is prescription drug misuse a problem in Australia? In Australia as a part of the National Drug Strategy, a survey is conducted every three years by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare which measures the prevalence of alcohol, tobacco and drug use, and attitudes toward these substances, across Australia. In the last survey, for the very first time, prescription medications were included among the questions and Table 1 (on the next page) summarises its findings for the prescription
medication. The striking finding is that almost one in 10 people between the ages of 20-29 used prescription medications for non-medical purposes. The regular users appear to be around 1% of the population, which is way higher than illicit substance users. If we look at the trends in economies and cultures similar to that of Australia, such as the US and Canada, prescription medication misuse is now their number one problem. It is important to note that prescription drugs are safe when they are taken as directed by a treating doctor. Fear of complications related to taking these medications long term should not stop an individual from taking medications that can help treat his or her problems, nor prevent a doctor from prescribing appropriate medications. Proper usage of prescription drugs can help workers protect their health and thus perform more productively in the workplace. However, when taken for non-medical or recreational purposes, prescription drugs are no safer than illicit or street drugs. The misconception of prescription drugs as legal and ‘safe’, even when abused, is particularly strong among young adults.
How do people get access to prescription medication? The most common way of obtaining these type of medications is generally from friends and relatives. Young people refer to obtaining drugs from older relatives as ‘fossil fossicking’. Other ways of acquiring prescription drugs include ‘doctor shopping’ to get multiple prescriptions, taking them from a friend or relative, or buying them from a friend, relative or dealer. The internet is not a common source for obtaining these kinds of medications for Australians. However, people who travel to Asian and Southeast Asian countries where most medications are sold over the counter without a script tend to bring back large quantities of these medications and then sell them back in Australia.
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© iStockphoto.com/Factoria Singular
P
rescription drugs, when used without a prescription and without the supervision of a doctor, can also have adverse effects. Workers can become sleepy, anxious, depressed or confused from the improper use of prescription drugs. In addition, when these drugs are used improperly, they can pose risks to employees, their co-workers and the overall workplace itself. The risks associated with non-medical use of prescription drugs in workplaces can escalate when workers’ jobs require caution and safety to prevent injury, such as those of transportation workers, assembly line workers, construction workers, nuclear power plant workers and the like.
© iStockphoto.com/Factoria Singular
DRUG MISUSE IN THE WORKPLACE
EMPLOYERS CAN PLAY AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN PREVENTING THE UNHEALTHY AND HAZARDOUS USE OF SUBSTANCES INCLUDING PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS.
What are the most commonly misused drugs? Painkillers: This group of medications includes morphine, codeine and oxycodone. These drugs can cause feelings of euphoria or a high. Some users alter the method of ingestion to intensify these feelings (eg, snorting or injecting OxyContin). Since these drugs can affect breathing, even a single dose can be dangerous in an individual who has never used this type of medication. Mixing painkillers with other substances such as alcohol or antihistamines is equally risky since it increases the risk of respiratory depression. Sedatives are used to treat anxiety and sleep disorders and include barbiturates and benzodiazepines. These drugs produce a calming effect by slowing normal brain function. The body quickly adapts to some of these drugs, thus requiring greater doses to achieve the same effect. It is dangerous to suddenly stop taking these drugs, which can lead to seizures and other harmful side effects. These medications should not be combined with painkillers or alcohol, since together they can slow the heart and respiration to the point of death. Stimulants, which are used to treat sleep disorder narcolepsy and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, include methylphenidate and dexamphetamine. Misuse of stimulants produce a sense of euphoria and can lead to addiction. Stimulants are sometimes abused for ‘performance enhancement’ (eg, weight loss, better focus, increased attention) as well as to get high. These drugs can decrease sleep and appetite, which can lead to malnutrition, and increase blood pressure, heart rate and body temperature, which can lead to serious cardiovascular complications such as stroke. Abuse can also lead to paranoia and feelings of hostility.
What are the risks associated with workplace prescription medication misuse? Risks associated with this type of substance misuse are no different than alcohol or illicit
6
Period
20-29
30-39
40+
In lifetime
10.3
9.7
6.2
In last 12 months
5.6
4.5
3.8
In last month
2.1
1.8
2.1
In last week
0.9
1.0
1.1
Table 1: Use of pharmaceuticals for non-medical purposes, people aged between 20-40, AIHW, 2010* *National Drug Strategy Household Survey 2010, Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
substance misuse and can be summarised as: • higher healthcare expenses for injuries and illnesses; • higher rates of absenteeism; • reductions in job productivity and performance; • more workers compensation and disability claims; and • safety and other risks for employers.
What can be done in the workplace? Employers can play an important role in preventing the unhealthy and hazardous use of substances including prescription medications by: • sending the message that drinking and illicit drug use are not condoned; • combating the stigma against seeking help and telling employees they can seek treatment confidentially without jeopardising their jobs; • incorporating information on the appropriate use of alcohol and legal substances like prescription medications into overall wellness and risk prevention strategies; • providing factual information on the harmful health effects of excessive use of alcohol; and • reminding employees that excessive or binge drinking outside of work has an impact on safety and job performance at work.
Is there a treatment? Like other chronic diseases, addiction - a disease of the brain - can be treated. Usually, treatment includes detoxification and drug treatment or behavioural interventions - or a combination of all of these. Detoxification is a process of supervised withdrawal from a drug; it is often the first step in a drug treatment program. Behavioural treatments may include individual therapy, group counselling, contingency management or cognitive behavioural therapy, each of which helps individuals learn how to handle situations that may trigger cravings or use and how to handle relapse. Drug or pharmacological treatments can be used to counter the effects of the drug on the brain, relieve withdrawal symptoms and overcome cravings. No single treatment is appropriate for all individuals. Frequently, multiple treatment rounds may be needed for an individual to fully recover.
Assessments Assess Medical Group can assist organisations by providing independent specialist medical assessment and reviews of cases related to substance misuse that could be helpful in deciding what course of action needs to be taken. Assess Medical Group Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/U074
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NEW PRODUCTS
Lighting system The Duro-Flash double-sided lighting system features six
Fixed gas detection instruments
heavy-duty lights in a recharging carry case. It is a safe, eco-
Ampcontrol has released the
nomical alternative to a standard
IQguard range of fixed toxic
flare for delineating danger zones. It can be used in applications such as to mark off hazardous roads, show safe driving areas under water, direct traffic or warn of a breakdown. Available in red, blue or a combination of both, the system has a die-cast aluminium construction designed to withstand a drive-over weight of up to 9000 kg. It is sealed to protect it against water and dust, making it suitable for use in both floodways and extreme dust situations. The individual lights are stored in a heavy-duty carry case which doubles as a charging unit using a cigarette lighter adapter. Convenient LEDs on the outside of the case show when the units are fully recharged. The lithium battery lasts for approximately five hours between charges. The on/off switch has been incorporated into the recharge design - plug it in to turn it off and charge it, and unplug it to turn it on and put it to work. Vision Safe (PPE)
and combustible gas detection instruments. Locally designed and manufactured, the range has been targeted to fit applications requiring accurate and reliable gas monitoring where a high degree of safety is required. The detectors are simple to set up and use, reliable in operation and, along with their robust construction, provide for high-integrity monitoring solutions. The product is designed to
Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/U048
accommodate a wide range of options and configurations, including but not limited to:
Soft-shell workwear The Chassis soft shell, which is part of the Huski workwear range, is a high-visibility soft-shell garment with the handy option of zip-off sleeves to form a vest. Two styles have been added to the range - the Kimberly, which is a ladies version of the Chassis, and the Nero, a plain black men’s soft shell suitable for applications where hi-visibility is not required. Soft shells combine the comfort and breathability of fleece with the wind and waterproof features of hard shells. This makes them a good option when traditional heavy weight restrictive protection is unsuitable. The garment is very flexible relative to other traditional waterproof materials, stretching naturally with movement without constricting, giving the wearer a full range of motion. It is also generally more breathable than traditional waterproof jackets, yet still compares favourably for water- and wind-proof qualities. Breathability simply means that moisture (sweat) can escape from inside without letting it penetrate from outside, maintaining a more even body temperature and therefore ensuring a more comfortable workday. In comparison to fleece, a soft shell doesn’t pill, therefore it can keep looking better for longer. It is also resists water whereas some fleece can act like a sponge in the rain. The soft shell is claimed to block wind more effectively than fleece and it doesn’t attract stray dust and dirt like polar fleece. The Chassis range features internal and external pockets, adjustable hem and cuffs, 3M 8910 reflective tape and piping, and complies with AS/NZS 1906.4:2010 high-visibility materials and AS/NZS 4602.1:2011 class D/N: day or night use. It is available in sizes S/92 - 5XL/127 in colours safety orange/navy and safety yellow/navy. Huski Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/T795
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moulded PVC or folded stainless steel enclosures; display or non-display; built-in relays. Communication options include Modbus RTU or ethernet, facilitating connection to a wide variety of controllers and building management systems. All iQguard detectors carry EMC and EMI approvals and incorporate in-built sensor self-testing. Ampcontrol Electronics Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/R625
Mongrel SP >S Work Boots that punch way above their weight The Mongrels SP>S range is designed for those with jobs that require all the comfort and safety features of regular work boots but in a lightweight package like courier drivers or those working in warehouses or some retail situations. For SP>S our Mongrel designers borrowed great ideas from Sports shoe technology and added a lightweight aluminium toe cap and long lasting but lightweight duo colour TPU/PU sole and included all the important safety and comfort features of Mongrel Boots. So if you’re on your feet all day but, don’t need a boot made for rugged conditions, check out our Mongrels SP>S range. The latest addition is the black leather SP>S 360 020 featured above. For more information – visit mongrelboots.com.au or see your local work wear specialist.
Aussie Born and Bred
Victor Footwear 15 George Young Street Auburn NSW 2144 p: 02 8667 2555 f: 02 8667 2500 e: sales@mongrelboots.com.au w: www.mongrelboots.com.au
NEW PRODUCTS
Online contractor workforce compliance software Rapid Contractor Management is a fully hosted web-based system for the management of contractor compliance and documentation. Configurable to any business profile or work health safety procedures and systems, the online system provides both a mechanism for determining compliance as well as a central database for the storage of all contractor-related information, enabling efficient tracking and management of contractor compliance documentation. The online system acts as a gatekeeper for the management of contractor workforces, providing online processing of contractor information to determine their risk level and compliance as well as capturing and tracking expiry of contractor documents such as insurance certificates and industry licences. Contractor companies register through the online portal and are assessed for their suitability and safety risk using an intuitive online form. Documentation is able to be sent and received between all parties, providing all stakeholders with a transparent communication pathway and record. When used in conjunction with Rapid Induct, an online learning system, the compliant and approved contractor companies are able to issue passwords to their employees to complete relevant induction or training courses, thus ensuring only compliant individuals are inducted into the worksite. User-specific business models can be incorporated into the system to ensure a cohesive fit with business practices. Rapid Global
Safety poles protective barrier The Gala safety pole device is a safety sign and protective barrier that can be used to warn and restrict access to a particular area that could be potentially hazardous.The increase in demands being made by WHS to ensure greater workplace safety has created a demand for signs that act as protective barriers as well as providing a message. Compared to other safety signs such as an A-frame sign, the safety pole device is not as easily evaded as the only way past it is to remove it or crawl under it. The device is suitable for applications such as toilets and washrooms that need regular cleaning yet can create a potential hazard for slips and falls during that wet cleaning operation. It consists of two tough, plastic
Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/T693
telescopic arms that are kept extended to the maximum of 115 cm by way of a stainless steel spring and can be retracted against
Signalling product range
average 80 cm doorway as an example, the arms are retracted to slightly less than 80 cm
To complement the NHP
and then the device is placed in between the
Ex Hazardous Area
door frame uprights at about chest height.
Equipment, the com-
The two arms extend to the width of the
pany has released
doorway and the device remains jammed in
an extensive range of
the door frame. Once the danger has past
Moflash HAE signalling
(for example, the floor has now dried), the
products for the Australian and New Zealand markets.
device can be removed. A flat sign, which is imprinted with the
The Moflash Ex signalling range in-
words ‘closed for cleaning’, clearly hangs
cludes electronic sounders, strobes and manual
beneath the pole. Custom messages for the
call points, all of which will be certified to IECEx and
sign are available to order should the device
suitable for use in hazardous area Zones 1, 2, 21 and 22.
be required for other types of applications.
Manufactured using glass fibre reinforced polyester (GRP),
A typical message for the sign could be ‘do
the dust and weatherproof signalling products are suitable for
not enter’, which is use-neutral and does not
hazardous area applications including: oil refineries, off-shore
refer to cleaning.
gas platforms, chemical/petrochemical and grain processing. NHP Electrical Engineering Products Pty Ltd Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/T712
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the spring to a minimum of 72 cm. With the
Pall Mall Manufacturing Co Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/T870
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NEW PRODUCTS
Confined space gas detector The BW Gas Alert MicroClip Confined Space 4-Gas Detector can be rented from TechRentals. The BW Gas Alert MicroClip 4-Gas Detector prevents harmful exposure to hazardous gases commonly encountered. H2S, CO, O2 and combustible concentrations are displayed in real time on the LCD screen. The user is also alerted by visual, audible (95 dB) or vibration alarms if set levels are exceeded within close proximity. Alarms can be set into categories: instant low and high alarm for all gases, time weighted average, short term exposure limit for H2S, CO or over limit.
Head and face protection range 3M has launched an extensive range of head and face protection, including the 3M Headgear G500. The G500 provides a versatile and comfortable solution for wearers who require both face and hearing protection. It has
The Micro Clip is lightweight and compact for comfort. Due to the critical nature of the unit, a calibration certificate accompanies each rent. Features include: simple one-button operation, data logging of concentrations is provided and concussion-proof boot for
special design features making it easy to combine the
use in rugged environments.
headgear with a wide range of 3M Peltor passive and
TechRentals
communicative earmuffs.
Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/T766
The front cover has ventilation for increased comfort and is designed as a cable holder for use with Peltor communication products. The robust design of the headband allows the headgear to be used with and without earmuffs. The slot is 30 mm wide, which is made to take the Peltor P3Eattachment. The industrial model has a clear SF-1 faceshield made of polycarbonate. It is a high-impact visor, 1.5 mm thick with an anti-fog coat on both sides. The visor is tested to AS/NZS 1337.1. The G500 forestry combination has a stainless steel mesh visor (5C). 3M Personal Safety Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/T923
Drug and/or alcohol testing workplace training Reasonable Suspicion training is a 2½-hour course designed for team leaders, supervisors and managers to assist in determining when to request a reasonable suspicion or for cause drug and alcohol test. Reasonable Suspicion drug and/or alcohol testing is when peers, managers and/or supervisors are concerned one of their colleagues may be at risk of misuse of alcohol and/or other drugs. Participants will learn to identify the signs, symptoms and physical, behavioural, speech and performance indicators of probable alcohol and/or other drug use or misuse. This leads to confidence and improved decision-making when considering a reasonable suspicion
www.krausnaimer.com.au SYDNEY MELBOURNE Tel: (02) 9797 7333 Tel: (03) 9720 9777 Fax: (02) 9797 0092 Fax: (03) 9720 9766
BRISBANE ADELAIDE Tel: (07) 3252 8344 Tel: (08) 8371 1443 Fax: (07) 3252 1497 Fax: (08) 8371 0901
Linked with an Australian Wide Distribution Network
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drug and alcohol test. The course is conveniently delivered at the workplace by educators experienced in drug and alcohol testing across a wide variety of industries. Medvet Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/U141
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CONFINED SPACE ENTRY
Mike Platek*
- A FEW WORDS FROM A WISE SUPERVISOR 14 SAFETY SOLUTIONS - JUNE/JULY 2013
www.SafetySolutions.net.au
CONFINED SPACES
Globally, there are a wide range of laws concerning work in confined spaces with generally the same intent, which is to protect workers when they enter such spaces. They lay out training guidelines and entry procedures and, in most cases, explain the hazards associated with entry. Where the information falls short is the experiences of the people that actually enter the spaces to do the work and the supervisors that oversee it. On-the-job training is a valuable asset that needs to be shared more often.
A
ccording to the Health and Safety Executive, a confined space is a place which is substantially enclosed (though not always entirely) and where serious injury can occur from hazardous substances or conditions within the space or nearby (eg, lack of oxygen). Having entered confined spaces before, here are a few things that I have learned and would like to share.
Did you know atmospheric pressure can act as an invisible lid? Atmospheric pressure, or high pressure, is often associated with good, clear weather conditions. It is also responsible for holding gases that are known to be lighter than air into confined spaces, just as a manhole cover would do. To explain this, I’ll illustrate my mining experience. At every coal mine there is a barometer located in the safety office. This is monitored for changing conditions, typically low pressure associated with a cold front that may be approaching. When there is a severe drop in pressure, more methane is liberated from the mine. So, as high pressure holds the methane gas back, low pressure allows more to escape. For instance, when smoke leaves a chimney in the winter months and travels at a 90° angle, this is due to an unseen ceiling holding the smoke down. Regarding confined space entry, that ‘invisible lid’ can be dangerous in that gas sampling may be ignored because the entrant assumes all of the combustible gases have escaped.
Do you know when combustible and flammable gases can be detected? The next tip starts with a question I always get asked when conducting training in the field: “Why am I seeing a combustible gas reading on my instrument now (after lunch) but I didn’t this morning?” A common misunderstanding about combustible or flammable gases is when they can be detected. The reason I use both terms, ‘combustible’ and ‘flammable’, is very important. Here is information from the NFPA (US National Fire Protection Association) regarding the two. Definition and classification of flammable and combustible liquids are addressed in Section 1.7 of NFPA 30. A flammable liquid is defined as a liquid whose flash point does not exceed 100°F (37.7°C), when tested by closed-cup test methods, while a combustible liquid is one whose flash point is 100°F (37.7°C), or higher, also when tested by closedcup methods. These broad groups are further classified as follows: • Class IA - Flash Point less than 73°F (22.7°C); Boiling Point less than 100°F (37.7°C); • Class IB - Flash Point less than 73°F (22.7°C); Boiling Point equal to or greater than 100°F (37.7°C); • Class IC - Flash Point equal to or greater than 73°F (22.7°C), but less than 100°F (37.7°C); • Class II - Flash Point equal to or greater than 100°F (37.7°C), but less than 140°F (60°C); • Class IIIA - Flash Point equal to or greater than 140°F (60°C), but less than 200°F (93.3°C); • Class IIIB - Flash Point equal to or greater than 200°F (93.3°C).
A very simple example is kerosene. Kerosene has a flash point of 100°F (37.7°C), which means that kerosene will not give off any vapours that are detectable with a combustible meter until its temperature is close to that 100°F (37.7°C) mark. If you have ever used a kerosene lamp or a backyard torch, when lighting it you would place a match up to the wick and start to warm the kerosene. White vapours start appearing and finally a flame would appear. It is those same vapours that are ignited that can also be detected by a combustible gas meter. Gasoline, on the other hand, is much different. Its flash point is -45°F (-42.7°C). Gasoline will always have vapours that can be detected. Styrene’s flash point is somewhere in the middle of these temperatures with a flash point of 88°F (31.1°C). That leads us back to the question of when combustible and flammable gases can be detected. The answer can be found in knowing what material(s) may be present, and when they will produce vapours that can be detected. A great tool to assist with this information is the NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards. It has 677 chemicals listed in its 2005 edition with information on exposure limits, chemical and physical properties, synonyms and even emergency treatments.
Are you prepared to enter the confined space? One common mistake I see when people are preparing to enter a confined space is the sampling time it takes to properly detect the atmospheric conditions of their space. First, you need to understand the tools used for this task. Most instruments’ manufacturers use electrochemical sensors for detection of oxygen and toxic gases, and Wheatstone-bridge catalytic sensors for combustible gas detection. In both cases, the methods of detection are not instantaneous. The electrochemical sensors need time for the chemical reaction to occur. That is the sensors’ ability to change the chemical reaction into a form of electricity that the instrument can display. The readings are in either parts per million (PPM) for toxic gases or percent by volume for oxygen. The catalytic sensor burns the gases on its surface and requires the temperature to stabilise for a proper display of information. A typical response in both cases is referred to as ‘T90’ or the time it takes to see a 90% response. Finally, allow two minutes for complete sampling. You must check with your instrument manufacturer of choice regarding their guidelines for sensor response. Using a remote sampling device (pump) along with your instrument is the only sure way of knowing you are getting the information you need to safely enter a confined space. Experience is a great teacher; however, when dealing with confined spaces and their inherent dangers, learning those dangers before you enter may save your life. Look to those people who have experience and listen, then put their knowledge to work for you, and finally train, train and train some more. Industrial Scientific Corporation Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/U206
*Mike Platek is a Training Specialist for Industrial Scientific Corporation. With over 25 years of experience in gas detection, Mike has worked in many industries training them in instrumentation, confined spaces and hazardous materials.
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CASE STUDY
Don’t overheat in fire-retardant workwear A product launched by Hard Yakka means that workers don’t have to overheat on the inside to avoid burns on the outside. The Hard Yakka Protect with Tecgen Select is a range of inherent fireretardant (FR) workwear that provides workers with comfort and protection from arc flash, flash fire and heat stress. Speaking at the recent product launch, Dr Howard de Torres, burns specialist and plastic surgeon, said, “Unpredictable fires can cause serious burns. Burn injuries can lead to skin grafts, infection, months in hospital and even amputation. Even if the individual thinks the chance may be small, why would you take the chance? Prevention is definitely better than the cure.” The Hard Yakka Protect with Tecgen Select FR range meets and exceeds the most stringent fire safety standards, currently set in the USA (including NFPA 70E and NFPA 2112). Suitable for oil, gas, electrical and mine workers, the product also meets Australian and New Zealand Standards for High Visibility AS/NZS 4602.1:2011. The range is claimed to be the lightest-weight FR workwear available in Australia which meets NFPA Hazard Risk Category 2 (HRC 2) requirements of Arc Thermal Performance Value (ATPV) 8 cal/cm2 or above. Tests conducted by independent laboratory Precision Testing Laboratories found Hard Yakka Protect with Tecgen Select shirts to be on average 25% lighter and pants 14% lighter than other FR products that also meet HRC 2 requirements. The test results showed the range to be 63 - 68% more breathable than competitors and wicks sweat on average 15% better. In hot climates or extremely labour-intensive work, some tradespeople forgo the traditionally heavy FR workwear in order to stay cool and comfortable. This includes opting for cotton-based workwear with no FR qualities at all, which is one of the worst types of workwear to be wearing in the case of an arc flash or flash fire - both of which can occur spontaneously. Cotton fabric burns and will continue burning, while Hard Yakka Protect garments are self extinguishing. Brenna Mathews, Senior Product Manager, Hard Yakka, said: “When arc flash or flash fire events do occur, those dressed in
NEW PRODUCTS
cotton or poly-cotton garments are the least protected. Until now, traditional FR workwear was typically heavy, thick and can get very hot. Hard Yakka is proud to significantly step-up the level of protection workers can now get, without compromising the comfort and breathability that Hard Yakka is known for.” The Tecgen fibre used in the construction of Tecgen Select consists of two characteristics. One is a outer carbon sheath that’s heat resistant and will not burn. The other is a durable inner visco-elastic core capable of stretching and twisting in order to provide maximum wear comfort. The inherent fabric ensures that the fire-retardant qualities won’t wash or wear out and the selfextinguishing nature of the fabric means it acts fast to reduce the extent and severity of burns to the body. The product will be available in June 2013 from safety specialist workwear and PPE distributors, specialist workwear stores, Hard Yakka Workwear Centres and www.hardyakka.com.au. The range comes in hi-visibility shirts, coveralls and pants.
Shock absorbing lanyard range Capital Safety has launched the improved DBI-SALA Force2 Shock Absorbing Lanyard Range which is lighter, stronger and more durable. It features: Hi-10 energy management material, a small shock pack, light and strong connector combinations, durable Repel technology webbing and a rugged and durable soft cover with protected labels. The Hi-10 shock pack is claimed to be 66% smaller and 40% lighter than comparable products. Consisting of high-tenacity fibre energy management material, it is resistant to abrasion, moisture, chemicals and cuts, and is claimed to use less than half the material content than competing products. Constructed with Repel technology water-repellent webbing to reduce the attraction of mould and dirt and provide better abrasion resistance, the lanyards are also equipped with an expanded range of lighter and stronger connector combinations including triple action karabiners, snap and scaffold hooks. The range also includes the WrapBax lanyard, specifically designed to withstand the rigorous requirements of tie-back applications, making the application simple, fast and efficient. DBI-SALA’s i-Safe intelligent safety system using RFID technology is built into each product in the Force2 shock absorbing lanyard range to track inspections, control inventory and manage information. The range meets all the strict requirements of the AS/NZS 1891.1:2007 standard. Capital Safety Group (Australia) Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/U172
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CASE STUDY
Vaccination programs are being implemented by an increasing number of businesses to minimise the impact the flu will have on their workplace, according to health and safety service provider Medvet. Employers Mutual has experienced the benefits of a workplace vaccination program against influenza for the last six years. The company worked with Medvet last year to offer flu vaccinations to all its staff and it was reported more than 30% of the workforce participated in the program. “We all lead busy lives and often don’t have time to make an annual appointment with our GP for a flu vaccination,” Employers Mutual General Manager Greg Connor said. “We found that providing our staff with the opportunity to be vaccinated during work hours not only enhanced their personal health and wellbeing, but also helped to limit the spread of the flu through our office. “We will continue to offer our staff Medvet’s flu vaccination service in 2013.” According to Medvet Managing Director Greg Johansen: “The 2013 flu season has arrived early in Australia and has officially been declared a pandemic in the Northern Hemisphere. “Influenza constitutes 10-12% of all absenteeism in the workplace, costing Australian businesses an average of 1.5 million days of sick leave and at least $175 million every year. “It has been predicted that the number of people affected by influenza in 2013 will be double that of last year, which will considerably impact Australian businesses.” Johansen said more businesses were realising that workplace vaccination programs
© iStockphoto.com/Catalin Stefan
Workplaces prepare for flu season
could significantly reduce absenteeism resulting from the spread of influenza and subsequently increase productivity. “Implementing a ‘hassle-free’ vaccination program for employees can increase the percentage of your workforce who have some form of protection against the virus,” he said. Medvet offers a vaccination program that can provide on-site vaccination services against influenza, hepatitis A, hepatitis B and tetanus (which also provides protection against diphtheria and whooping cough). Experienced and qualified vaccination nurses administer the vaccines. Medvet Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/T577
NEW PRODUCTS
Coverall for liquid and particulate protection The DuPont Tyvek Classic Xpert coverall is designed to provide a high level of protection and comfort in the Type 5/6
category. According to test data, it provides six times more particle protection (holds out 99.2% of dust) and three times more protection against liquids than the Tyvek coveralls it replaces. The lightweight, durable suit provides the wearer with good liquid protection due to its patent-pending seam technology. It passes the Type 6 test method (EN ISO 17491-4 Method A:2008) and also demonstrates greater protection when tested according to the more stringent whole suit Type 4 spray test (EN ISO 17491-4 method B). The fabric is certified as offering protection against infective agents (EN 14126), as well as against chemical permeation by some water-
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based dilute chemicals. With only 0.8% whole suit inward leakage, it also reaches Class 2 for nuclear particulate protection. Features include: hood design that fits to the contours of the face and neck reducing exposure risk; longer sleeve design ensures a good fit; glued-in elastic waist reduces the number of seams; bigger zipper puller to make it easier for the wearer to fasten and unfasten when wearing gloves; and locking zipper ensures that the coverall will not accidentally unzip when working. The suit is robust and abrasion resistant with antistatic treatment on both sides. It is silicon free, low linting and both air and moisture vapour permeable, which maximises breathability and wearer comfort while providing a high level of liquid and particulate protection.
W: www.paqs.com.au T: 4949 4500 E: admin@paqs.com.au
DuPont (Aust) Limited Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/T973
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NEW PRODUCTS
Arc-safe wet weather protection Workers in the electrical industry are often exposed to hazardous and potentially dangerous workplace conditions while working outdoors in the rain. Improvements have been made to the fabric of the Zetel ArcSafe wet weather apparel, developed to protect workers against electric arc flash in wet weather conditions, including modifications to the components and construction to improve the ATPV rating from 8.9 to 11.0 Cal. ArcSafe wet weather gear is available in two levels: ArcSafe Wet Weather that provides HRC 2 level protection in a full waterproof wet weather jacket and trousers; and ArcSafe GR FRAS (flame-retardant, antistatic), which is the same ArcSafe material with an interwoven carbon grid to provide antistatic properties to the garment. The clothing is highly visible, waterproof, breathable, windproof, flame-resistant and offers protection against electric arc hazards.
Siphon-fed spray nozzles Exair’s siphon-fed spray nozzles atomise fluids in a range of spray patterns for a wide variety of uses.
Zetel ArcSafe is a three-layer, flame-retardant, durable, breathable, waterproof
They require no liquid pressure and can be
and windproof fabric that offers electric arc flash protection of HRC2 (ATPV 11). It
used with gravity-fed liquids or lift liquids from a
conforms to the requirements of EN1149-3:2004 - Protective clothing electrostatic
siphon height as much as 91 cm. They combine
properties-surface resistivity.
liquid and compressed air to create a thin coat-
Zetel ArcSafe GR is a three-layer, flame-retardant, antistatic, durable, breathable, waterproof and windproof fabric that offers electric arc flash protection of HRC2 (ATPV
ing of liquid that can be easily adjusted to meet specific needs.
8.9) and incorporates core conducting trilobial yarns which offer good antistatic perfor-
The nozzles can coat, cool, treat and paint a
mance and durability. It conforms to the requirements of EN1149-3:2004 - Protective
variety of products using compressed air and
clothing electrostatic properties-surface resistivity.
liquids with a viscosity of up to 200 cP. Used with
Features of the ArcSafe jacket include: weight - 271 gsm; garment rating HRC 2 ATPV (Cal/m2) = 11; test shot rating HRC 2 ATPV (Cal/m2) = 11. Features of the ArcSafe trouser include: weight - 271 gsm; garment rating HRC 2 ATPV (Cal/m2) = 11; test shot rating HRC 2 ATPV (Cal/m2) = 11.
water, atomising nozzles are suitable to evenly cool hot items in automated processes. The stainless steel construction provides durability and corrosion resistance. The nozzles are
Zetel ArcSafe wet weather jackets and trousers have been tested by Kinetrics
available in a variety of flow patterns and rates
Laboratory in the US to ensure they meets the highest possible standards required
and internal and external mix atomising nozzles
by electrical workers. The arc-safe jacket and trouser showed no failures in the test
are also available. All models are adjustable.
results and are said to be the most effective arc flash wet weather gear available. Elliott Australia Pty Ltd Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/T718
Compressed Air Australia Pty Ltd Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/R580
New ProTag Optima System Australia’s Most Compact Appliance Testing and Tag Printing System. The new ProTag Optima System tests portable appliances and RCDs, and prints test tags in a compact system weighing only around 2kg. No interface cables between the tester, printer and scanner provide maximum mobility on construction sites, factories and workshops. Light weight, wireless, battery powered and with logging of visual inspections and risk assessments, the Optima System guarantees greater efficiency, huge time savings and a lower cost per tag. Call EMONA Instruments on tel: 1 800 632 953 email: testinst@emona.com.au or www.protag.com.au 20
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SHOCK ABSORBER TECHNOLOGY
IN FALL ARREST LANYARDS Michael Biddle, Managing Director, Capital Safety
You have heard of a ‘shock absorber’ before, but what does it have to do when it comes to fall protection? Or, maybe you have heard of a shock absorber but have you ever wondered how it works?
W
hen people originally designed equipment to protect you from a fall, they designed body belts that would wrap around the waist, fitted with 6 foot (1.86 m) 3-strand polyester rope without any energy-absorbing properties, which were designed to either prevent you from reaching an edge where you could fall or, in the worst case, suspend your body after a fall. The result of a fall in a body belt is never pretty - the fall forces applied in a concentrated area of the body can bring about severe internal injuries. So much so that belts were removed from recognition in fall arrest applications, along with the polyester rope lanyards without energy absorbers, some time ago. They were replaced with full body harnesses and fall arrest lanyards or self-retracting lifelines with energy-absorbing systems, both of which offer a higher degree of user safety during and after the fall, as well as lower impact on the body as a result of the fall itself. The inclusion of shock-absorbing systems has now been part of fall protection for over 20 years. As their name suggests, they are designed to absorb energy that is created as the body falls towards the ground under that almighty force - gravity. The ‘shock’ of the fall is reduced with an energy-dissipating system that starts to take up energy applied to it over 200 kg of force. Under the Australia/New Zealand design standard AS/NZS1891.1, this must not allow the body to receive a force exceeding 6 kN (kilo Newtons - a measure of force named after the famous scientist Sir Isaac Newton). In estimated terms, 1 kN of force is approximately equal to 100 kg of force. So even in
the event of a fall where a person is subjected to the full force of gravity, this is a lot of force, but the average human can well survive such an event provided that they correctly use the equipment that has been designed for such a purpose.
So how does a webbing shock absorber actually work? The predominant methodology of achieving shock-absorption properties is the use of sacrificial ‘tear webbing’ as a component of a total lanyard assembly. In such applications where a person uses the lanyard in ‘restraint technique’, the device will not deploy. This means that anyone can easily ‘lean’ into a lanyard and place their full body weight against the device at its full length and there will be no effect on the lanyard. It is only when a significant, sustained dynamic force exceeding 200 kg is applied to the lanyard (such as would occur in a fall) that you will start to see the device deploy. Tear webbing is designed differently to other webbing as might be used in a harness. It generally involves using two strips (or halves) of webbing that are then woven together again a second time to form a single piece of webbing, but with two end ‘ears’. The ears are then sewn together with a piece of regular webbing in a circular loop, which is designed to be a ‘back-up’ device. This is very important as if the tear webbing were to separate completely in the event of a major fall, the separation could allow the person to fall right through and not be saved. This was actually typical of the first shock-absorbing lanyard
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SHOCK ABSORBER
THE INCLUSION OF SHOCK-ABSORBING SYSTEMS HAS NOW BEEN PART OF FALL PROTECTION FOR OVER 20 YEARS. AS THEIR NAME SUGGESTS, THEY ARE DESIGNED TO ABSORB ENERGY THAT IS CREATED AS THE BODY FALLS TOWARDS THE GROUND UNDER THAT ALMIGHTY FORCE - GRAVITY.
designs in the 1980s where the length of tear webbing was quite short. However, these were soon replaced by those with the back-up strap feature once the consequences were fully understood. Testing has shown that in most fall events, it is very unlikely that a full deployment of the shock absorber will occur. Along with testing, the laws of science also prove that the shorter the fall distance, the lower the amount of deployment (or tear-out) that actually occurs. This is, therefore, a reminder that you can minimise fall distance and impact on the body from a fall by using an adjustable lanyard or connecting at the highest anchorage point possible. Energy-absorbing lanyards are provided with a worker weight limit and care should be taken to ensure that the user does not exceed these levels. In the event a fall arrest lanyard is involved in a fall, it must be immediately removed from service and never used again. There is no such thing as keeping it for a ‘second use’. And when in doubt, tag it out!
1. Deployed shock pack 2. Modern-day shock-absorbing lanyard in use
Capital Safety Group (Australia) Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/U168
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NEW PRODUCTS
Monitor vest for emergency personnel A vest that uses Bluetooth and can monitor the heart rate, breathing rate, activity level and movement has been manufactured by Tait Communications. It also monitors core body temperature, stress levels and posture of the wearer. The vest can sound alerts when sudden changes in these measurements occur, give location information via GPS and is lightweight and machine washable. The Tait BioLink vest is the result of a collaborative project designed to give vital information to incident commanders so they can make critical decisions quickly. The company worked with partners Zephyr Technology. The vest is still in the early development phases, initially focusing on firefighter training scenarios. Beta trial cycles are due for completion in mid-2013. Tait Communications Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/S977
Machinery safety training An internationally recognised machinery safety course is to be offered in Australia in September to provide an expert level of training and an industry-wide recognised level of competence. A collaboration between two international leaders in their respective fields, Pilz and TÜV NORD, the Certified Machinery Safety Expert (CMSE) training is targeted at professionals who require a thorough understanding of the safety life cycle and who actively lead, coordinate and review the more complex and demanding activities in machinery safety. Training is delivered over four days in the form of individual modules containing lectures, discussions, problem solving and practical workshops. The final day is an open-book examination conducted by the independent TÜV NORD Group to verify understanding and enable certification. The course is aimed at professionals involved in machine specification, design, construction, maintenance and/or upgrades. Gaining certification will enable participants to:develop a greater understanding of the requirements of the relevant regulations and standards; discover how these may be applied to the design, build, maintenance and operation of machinery; understand the obligations to be met when specifying, designing, constructing or putting machinery into service; manage projects from risk assessment to safety upgrade and implementation; design functional safety systems in accordance with ISO 13849 and IEC62061; and attain an internationally valid certificate from TÜV NORD. The training is available in Melbourne from 10 to 13 September and in Sydney on 16 from 19 September. To book, call 03 9544 6300 or email training@machinesafe.com.au and for further information about about CMSE visit CMSE.com. Pilz Australia Industrial Automation LP Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/T952
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NEW PRODUCTS
Diesel bunding tank Silvan Australia has added to its range a bunding tank for its 400 L Diesel Pro transfer tank which is suitable for farmers, contractors, resource companies, earthmovers and civil engineering businesses. In accordance with the relevant standard (AS 1940-2004), the tank has a 440 L capacity or 110% of the unit it houses. In the event that the 400 L capacity tank is penetrated or subject to an overfill or accidental spillage, the volume will be immediately captured and retained in the bund. The need for a clean-up or collection and repair of any damage is therefore avoided. With dimensions of 1800 x 960 mm and a height of 470 mm, the tank is manufactured from impact resistant UV stabilised polyethylene. The tank can also be suitable for a number of original low profile Selecta diesel tanks. Silvan Australia Pty Ltd Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/S548
Test and calibration station The Dräger X-dock series allows automatic bump testing and calibration at reduced test gas consumption and short test duration. At the same time, the networked database system provides extensive documentation and evaluation. The X-dock is available in different versions. The Xdock 5300 comprises a control unit including a module for a gas detector of the X-am 1/2/5x00 or Pac product range. The X-dock 6300/6600 versions are fully configurable, include a control unit and are expandable with up to 10 modules. The device is operated via a touch screen at the master station. Up to three test cycles can be configured freely. In addition to the bump test, several other options can be activated, such as the testing of the gas detectors’ alarm elements. The X-dock also automatically recognises all sensor combinations and automatically tests and adjusts them if all required test gases are connected. The station operates independently and can be configured without a PC. Once a gas detector is inserted, the device is automatically detected by the X-dock, which records all data in the database. The X-dock Manager evaluation software analyses the data of the calibration system and the gas detector and processes them. This allows for a quick overview, for instance, of the level of gas concentrations in certain areas of the plant, if all tests have been performed and if all devices are ready for use. In addition, a complete log is recorded, which includes when each device was tested and what the result was. The reduced gas flow of 300 mL/min instead of the 500 mL/min currently used per conventional module reduces the expenses for test gases. The testing period is reduced to between 8 and 15 s (for standards such as CH4, O2, CO and H2S), which reduces the daily testing effort. The patent-pending valve concept largely eliminates the use of pumps. The valves manage the test gases and, if connected, even compressed air. All Dräger test gas cylinders are already registered in the database - by entering the item number, the required fields for the gas configuration are automatically filled. Draeger Safety Pacific Pty Ltd Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/T976
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CASE STUDY
Taxi drivers to receive lifesaving first aid skills At least one taxi passenger a week will require urgent first aid while en route to their chosen destination. As a result, 13CABS is providing their drivers with sufficient knowledge and confidence to be the first responder when an incident arises. The new online Introduction to First Aid (IFA) awareness course which has been launched by St John Ambulance Victoria will equip more than 11,000 existing Melbourne cab drivers with basic first aid skills including: First steps to take in an emergency • How to respond to fainting or an unconscious passenger • How to treat sprains and strains as well as wounds and burns • What to do if a passenger is choking The IFA awareness course will be included in all new driver training and provided to all existing 13CABS drivers . 13CABS COO Stuart Overell said the most common first aid incidents experienced by passengers are falls, breathing difficulties and fainting. “Our drivers are regularly faced with situations in which passengers become sick or injured, or have overindulged on a night out and require first aid,” said Overell. “Equipping our drivers with these lifesaving skills is part of our long-term commitment to our passengers and to the Victorian community.” The online IFA awareness course is now available to all businesses across Victoria and is recommended for businesses with a large employee and customer base. The course is particularly relevant to retail, hospitality and tourism. St John Ambulance Victoria CEO Stephen Horton said the course is quick, simple and a cost-
effective way for businesses to equip employees with the basic lifesaving skills to respond in a wide range of emergency situations that may affect staff, patrons or customers. “We’ve specifically designed this course for businesses so their staff can access first aid training anytime and anywhere,” said Horton. “How you respond in the first five minutes following an incident can critically change its outcome. The new IFA awareness course will equip employees to act quickly, and we’re proud to be working with 13CABS to help improve the safety of their passengers.” Horton said St John is calling for all employers to follow 13CABS’ lead and include the 60-minute, IFA awareness course in workplace induction programs. “The development of the IFA awareness course is another step towards our goal of making first aid a part of everyone’s life. This course will equip employees with valuable life skills that can be applied both in and out of the workplace,” he said. For businesses committed to workplace and/or community safety, the IFA awareness course starts the first aid certification process by providing basic awareness which will be enhanced by face-to-face training from St John. St John Ambulance Australia Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/T711
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SUPPORTING PROJECT DELIVERY WITH
ACTIVE SAFETY MANAGEMENT Safety precautions are everywhere. Whether it be a handrail and kick boards on a pump station platform or personal protective equipment and safety briefings on a construction site, safety is a critical part of all we do. Initiatives such as ‘Zero Harm’ support the importance of vigilance and safety in every aspect of working life.
G
ary Neave, Director Program Delivery Services, Parsons Brinckerhoff, contributed to outstanding safety outcomes through innovation and initiative on a benchmark project in South Australia for the state’s water utility, SA Water. As Project Director for SA Water’s $400 million North South Interconnection System Project (NSISP), Neave actively influenced team behaviours and contributed to all safety forums: in the office, in the client’s office and on site. “By delivering consistent safety messages and driving behaviours across all project sites and personally acknowledging outstanding safety leadership and initiative I was ‘active’ and effectively communicated the expectation that team members do the same,” said Neave. But safety is more than just completing one observation a year because it is mandated. Active safety management proactively involves every project team member in everything that influences the safety and wellbeing of the team members, their colleagues and the project’s end users.
Active safety management Being active in the management of safety goes beyond mere compliance. It requires engaging broadly to support colleagues, construction contractors, clients, project owners and operators, and the community to deliver safety outcomes. Everyone from the CEO to the project director to the graduate engineer plays a significant role.
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Establishing an effective framework that supports an active safety management culture is arguably more important than setting the project or business unit budget and schedule. Senior management plays a key role in ensuring safety’s ongoing inclusion in the culture, discipline and behaviours of staff. And every team member is part of the safety team. The key components of active safety management include: • ensuring every hazard, no matter how minor, is identified, recorded, considered and mitigated; • reporting and investigating every incident and near miss accurately; • supporting colleagues every step of the way if they feel at risk, unwell or are hurt, however slightly; • maintaining a consistent approach to the safety of all team members, regardless of their role or location; • collaborating widely to ensure representatives from all project stages are included in all safety forums (eg, construction and operations staff must attend Safety in Design sessions when there is still opportunity to influence concept and preliminary design); • implementing a charter or similar agreement that establishes a behaviour platform across the team; and • building a team culture that truly supports the behaviours required for successful delivery (eg, no blame and reward/ celebration of safety achievements.
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© iStockphoto.com/ 36clicks
ACTIVE SAFETY MANAGEMENT
A major project delivery team typically includes a group of safety professionals who identify and assess risks and hazards, write and implement work method statements, educate and advise team members, and monitor performance and compliance. Good safety outcomes result from rigorous compliance to mature safety policy, proven standards and comprehensive procedures. “The challenge and innovation for active safety management is to move away from a compliance-based culture to one where everyone is actively thinking and involved,” said Neave. This approach is supported by two elements: everyone’s actions are an example to others, and everyone at all levels participates in ongoing, active engagement.
Active safety management on NSISP SA Water’s $400 million NSISP is a crucial component of the Government of South Australia and SA Water’s Network Water Security Program, a long-term strategy to deliver a flexible, integrated solution for water transfer and distribution until 2050 and beyond. It has upgraded and connected metropolitan Adelaide’s northern and southern water supply networks. This has given SA Water the flexibility it needed to use its water resources efficiently and has increased the community’s security of water supply. NSISP was delivered by an integrated project team whose main resources were selected on a best-for-project basis, regardless of their source or employer.
Parsons Brinckerhoff provided key members of the project leadership team, design services, construction and commissioning resources, and supported the stakeholder engagement and project controls teams throughout the project life cycle. It worked with the client and partner professional services providers to ensure exemplary safety outcomes for all stakeholders. Neave said the innovative approach taken to safety heavily influenced the project’s safety outcome. “Safety was embedded in the culture through team behaviour; a safety charter; and continuous engagement with the contractors, the client and all members of the team regardless of their role and location. “This resulted in safety being every project team member’s responsibility, from the designers holding Safety in Design workshops to technical managers and contractors talking about safety and applying policy and process to site activity,” explained Neave. The NSISP team used SA Water’s existing safety management systems and developed new safety initiatives during the project delivery phase to meet the challenge of a complex and high-risk work environment. They focused on continuous improvement and introduced new initiatives that augmented the existing systems to ensure strong safety performance and culture across the entire project. The safety group, supported by the wider NSISP team, established systems that encouraged shared learning and a ‘safety first’ culture. The complexity of the construction, challenges and high-risk nature of work across multiple sites throughout metropolitan Adelaide necessitated active safety awareness and a commitment to meeting daily site safety challenges. Contractors in the field, SA Water staff and NSISP senior management supported these aims by upholding the Zero Harm vision and considering the future. Celebrating safety successes reinforced the active safety management message. A major safety milestone was reached in February 2012 when the NSISP team celebrated one million hours of work completed safely, with zero recorded lost-time injuries. “The event acknowledged the efforts of the entire team and reinforced the team safety culture,” said Neave. The team celebrated at a BBQ for more than 400 workers across eight sites. The festivities included a motivational speech on safety from leadership and an NSISP drink bottle inscribed
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ACTIVE SAFETY MANAGEMENT
THE CHALLENGE AND INNOVATION FOR ACTIVE SAFETY MANAGEMENT IS TO MOVE AWAY FROM A COMPLIANCEBASED CULTURE TO ONE WHERE EVERYONE IS ACTIVELY THINKING AND INVOLVED," SAID GARY NEAVE, DIRECTOR PROGRAM DELIVERY SERVICES, PARSONS BRINCKERHOFF. THIS APPROACH IS SUPPORTED BY TWO ELEMENTS: EVERYONE'S ACTIONS ARE AN EXAMPLE TO OTHERS, AND EVERYONE AT ALL LEVELS PARTICIPATES IN ONGOING, ACTIVE ENGAGEMENT.
with a safety message for over 1000 safety contributors. NSISP was handed over on time, within budget and with outstanding safety outcomes. The project achieved zero recorded lost-time injuries and a benchmark low ‘all recorded injury’ frequency rate over more than 1.8 million hours worked on highly complex and challenging tasks across more than 120 sites. The excellent safety record continues well into operations, which is a testament to the rigour applied to the management of safety from concept to handover.
The future of active safety management With safety, success for one is a success for all. A true active safety management project regards safety as a top priority at all times. And active safety management will become increasingly important. It will include all the currently practised elements of good communication, Safety in Design in initial stages following through to construction and completion, commitment from leadership - including the client - to drive initiative and embedding safety in team culture. Innovations in technology and systems offer exciting possibilities, such as safety reporting through mobile devices making critical information, reports,
guidelines and notices available in real time. Several elements are essential to ensuring active safety management is incorporated in projects. “It is important to break through barriers that prevent collaboration among multiple partners, to reflect on lessons learnt from previous projects, to incorporate behavioural charters in contractual frameworks and to drive individuals’ KPIs beyond their technical role to ensure shared safety responsibility,” said Neave. Every stakeholder can contribute to safety. When everyone, whether they be client, community member or worker, is active and accountable, safety becomes more than a plan and register. It is inherent in everything - every project planning document, every budget, every conversation. Zero Harm is no longer an aspiration - it is real. Gary Neave Parsons Brinckerhoff Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/U182
NEW PRODUCTS
Rescue kits The Miller QuickPick Rescue Kits provide a solution during unexpected, peerrescue situations involving those working at height. The rescuer can remotely attach the system to the suspended worker while remaining securely anchored to the working surface. All rescue components are included in an easy-to-store kit with no assembly required and only requiring an overhead anchorage. The kit comes with a back-up braking system to eliminate accidental release during a rescue situation and an efficient hauling system with a 5:1 lifting ratio, making heavy loads easy to lift. The kit contains: back-up braking system; high-strength colour-coded aluminium pulleys for easy orientation; 1 mm kernmantle rope; remote connection rescue pole - 1.2 m collapsed, 3.6 m fully extended; karabiner clip and pigtail; tool lanyard; cross arm anchor connector; backpack for easy transportation; and a carry case for the pole. Honeywell Safety Products Australia Pty Ltd Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/U143
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NEW PRODUCTS
Anchorage device
Fixed cable and hose retainer
The Protecta Dual-Ring Cable Tie-Off
Swift Metal Services has expanded its range
Adapter anchorage device has been
of cable and hose brackets to include the
designed to provide an alternative to
fixed cable and hose retainer.
‘choker’ style anchors and as a safe
From working with site managers and project
replacement for material handling
coordinators at large infrastructure and construc-
slings that are being used for fall
tion companies, the company identified a need to
protection. The design replaces
suspend larger diameter and heavier hoses, cable
incompatible ‘basket’ type configura-
and pneumatic lines on building sites, energy in-
tions such as those used with some
frastructure, mines and machinery workshops. This
slings, or slings requiring multiple
has resulted in the Swift retainer bracket that allows
hooks into a single connecting element,
for multiple mounting positions including hooked
or connecting combinations of hooks or
or bolted configurations.
karabiners together.
Designed primarily for the power and energy
Lightweight and durable, the dual ring design
industries, the cable brackets can used across a
provides a safe and compatible fall arrest-rated
broad spectrum of applications and industries in
connection for personnel, as recommended in
any area that requires hooks or brackets to lift cables,
the AS/NZS 1891 standard. Portable and re-
power leads or hoses out of walkways or traffic areas.
usable, the tie-off adapter is easily repositioned
Typical sizes hold up to 50 mm cables with custom designs
without disconnecting or loosening the device
available. Cable hooks are available in 304 stainless steel,
and can easily be slid across a beam.
powder-coated or hot dip-galvanized finishes.
Capital Safety Group (Australia)
SWIFT Metal Services Pty Ltd
Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/T581
Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/S073
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CASE STUDY
Fire detection solution across three campuses at university
With over 42,000 students, Deakin University comprises three separate campuses in Melbourne, Geelong and Warrnambool, which are over 260 km apart. The Wormald team installed advanced MX Technology fire detection systems at each of the three campuses, which are interconnected using the university’s intranet. Applying the MX fire detection systems across such a vast area is claimed to be a first for the industry. The comprehensive fire detection solution includes 17 MX1 fire indicator panels. Wormald provided 4000 high-performance analog addressable detectors, including MX814H heat detectors and MX814P smoke detectors. The system provides staff with improved control over potential fire risks on the university’s campuses, which include multiple disconnected buildings. The system’s graphical interface instantly displays the status of the fire detectors at each building. University employees now have the ability to monitor the fire detection systems from any computer with an internet connection. They can also investigate or deactivate alarms without physically visiting the building. By receiving information from each individual detector, the location of a fire can be easily identified and an appropriate response devised quickly. Russell Ormston, Building Services Engineering Manager at Deakin University, said, “The Wormald MX system has given us control over the fire detection systems at multiple campuses from a single point. I was very happy with Wormald’s project planning and management. The team completed the work within a very tight time frame and minimised disruptions by completing the installation during university holidays.” According to Tony Antoniou, Business Development Manager with Wormald, “While the installation at Deakin University presented some challenges, the advanced capabilities of the MX system made it an ideal solution. To help control costs, our team re-used much of the original fire detector wiring and integrated the system through the university’s existing intranet. Furthermore, the system’s flexibility means it can be expanded or reconfigured as new buildings are added or existing buildings change function.” The MX Technology system complies with Australian Standard AS 1670.1-2004 - Fire detection, warning, control and intercom systems - System design, installation and commissioning - Fire. Wormald (Tyco/Fire & Security) Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/T895
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Fluke_SafetySolutions_Jun-Jul_Ad_Corrected.indd 1
4/06/12 10:04 AM
NEW PRODUCTS
Thermal imaging and security cameras FLIR’s range of A310 cameras can be used for both temperature monitoring and security applications. The A310 f and A310 pt thermal imaging cameras are dualuse systems - temperature monitoring of critical installations and perimeter security. They can be installed almost anywhere to monitor critical equipment and other valuable assets. They will safeguard plants and measure temperature differences to assess the criticality of a situation. The A310 f is a fixed mounted camera. Once installed it always looks in the same direction. It is suitable for monitoring critical installations and to protect the perimeter at the same time. The A310 pt pan/tilt has the features and functions to build single- or multicamera solutions. It can pan ±360º continuously and tilt ±45º. It is suitable to cover large areas. Typical application examples are wood and coal pile, waste bunker and substation monitoring. It is a multisensor and includes a lowlight 36x zoom colour CCD camera. With a thermal A310 pt, the operator can monitor the perimeter security continuously, while equipment in the field of view can be monitored at the same time. At selected times, it can also audit temperatures of equipment in other locations, then return to the main task of security monitoring. A fixed A310 f camera can also perform both functions simultaneously. Other applications include: power generation and distribution; critical equipment monitoring; natural gas processing, transport and storage; fire prevention in waste storage areas; flare detection. Both cameras can detect temperature differences as small as 0.05°C and contain analysis and built-in alarm functions. MPEG-4 video output can be streamed over ethernet to show live images on a PC. Composite video output, PAL and NTSC is available. The cameras come standard with a built-in 25° lens with both motorised focus and autofocus. Optional lenses are available. FLIR Systems Australia Pty Ltd Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/S432
Speed hump AWS has speed humps that conform to Australian Standards AS 2890.1 2004 and are made to withstand a high amount of traffic. The high-profile speed hump is made out of tough thermoplastic, the same material that is used to make motorcycle helmets. It has reflectors to show location at night and a cable protector tunnel underneath. The hump is simple to install and comes in 250 mm modules of black or yellow so it can be built to different sizes. Australian Warehouse Solutions Pty Ltd Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/S116
This issue is sponsored by — People & Quality Solutions Pty Ltd — www.paqs.com.au 31
RESPIRATORY PROTECTION FOR WOODWORKING
Terry Gorman, Senior Occupational Hygienist, 3M
32 SAFETY SOLUTIONS - JUNE/JULY 2013
www.SafetySolutions.net.au
RESPIRATORY PROTECTION
Wood dusts and other contaminants are produced in various tasks commonly carried out both in the workplace and in the home/hobby situation. These materials, if present in high enough levels, are a respiratory hazard and suitable precautions should be taken.
I
n 1995, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) designated wood dust as a known human carcinogen (Group 1). This was on the basis of the confirmation of the correlation between inhalation of wood dust and a rare type of adenocarcinoma involving the nasal sinuses. Hardwood and exotic woods, rather than softwood, are the most likely candidates for inducing this cancerous effect. Certain types of hardwoods (eg, beech, oak) are potentially a source of more severe outcomes. Research has found that there is evidence of an increased incidence of nasal cancers in chronic exposure areas like the furniture and cabinet-making industries and a similar outcome is suspected in sawmilling, carpentry and joinery, and in the paper and pulp industry. This type of cancer has a latency period of around 40 years. However, cases have been reported as little as five years after exposure. This makes the use of exposure controls and suitable respiratory protection essential where overexposure to wood dusts occurs routinely. The most common effect from overexposure to wood dust is irritation of the respiratory tract, starting from the nose and reaching down into the throat. The dust in these areas can cause coughing, irritation and hoarseness. Respiratory and dermal hypersensitivity in woodworkers has also been observed resulting in asthma, rhinitis and dermatitis. The complex chemical compounds in wood are thought to be responsible for these allergic reactions. Symptoms of overexposure may include: • coughing, sneezing, breathing problems • nose bleeding, vomiting, nausea • headache, giddiness, vision disturbance Potential exposure processes: • sawing, milling, planing • chipping, sanding, routing • shaping, thicknessing, tenoning • moulding, jointing, turning The wood that has been most studied is Western Red Cedar. Researchers in British Columbia have identified asthmatic responses provoked by inhalation of plicatic acid, a water-soluble component in Western Red Cedar. In Australia, Safe Work Australia has set exposure standards for certain hardwoods at 1 mg/m3 and for softwoods at 5 mg/m3 as the 8 h average concentrations, which should not cause discomfort or adverse effects in nearly all workers. Note that sensitised individuals may have reactions to much lower levels. The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) has recommended an exposure standard of 0.5 mg/m3 for Western Red Cedar in TLV publication for several years.
Solutions Preventative measures such as extract ventilation, filtered air and water sprays can help control dust exposures. However, where these are not available or not practicable, use of respiratory protection is indicated. This will be the case in the majority of situations encountered during common woodworking tasks. For exposures to levels up to 10 times the exposure standard, the respirators are available that will provide suitable protection.
3M has available the following suitable respirators: valved flat fold respirator 9312 P1; flat fold respirator 9310 P1; valved cupped respirator 8812 P1; cupped respirator 8710 P1. These products used and fitted correctly will provide protection against wood dust up to 10 times the exposure standard. Higher concentrations of dusts will require respiratory devices with higher protection levels such as full face respirators or powered air purifying respirators like the 3M Jupiter with the M-106 headtop.
Lead paints Working with recycled painted wood has hazards related to the possible presence of lead in the paint. High levels of lead can be released during stripping or sanding operations, either into the lungs or as particles swallowed into the stomach. High lead intake can cause long-term health problems. For heat stripping of the lead paint, there can be amounts of lead fume released. Respirators suitable for sanding tasks available from 3M include: valved flat fold respirator 9312 P1; flat fold respirator 9310 P1; valved cupped respirator 8812 P1; cupped respirator 8710 P1. Respirators suitable for heat stripping of lead paint include 3M’s valved flat fold respirator 9322 P2; flat fold respirator 9320 P2; valved cupped respirator 8822 P2; cupped respirator 8210 P2.
MDF and formaldehyde Use of MDF (medium density fibreboard) raises the added possibility of exposure to formaldehyde vapours - this is used in the bonding process during manufacture of MDF. As well as wood dust, formaldehyde can be released during cutting or milling of the MDF product. Eye and upper airway irritation are common symptoms from overexposure to formaldehyde while using MDF. Formaldehyde has been designated a sensitiser that can cause a specific immune response in some people. Exposure to a sensitiser, once sensitisation occurs, may manifest itself as a skin rash or inflammation or as an asthmatic condition, and in some individuals this reaction can be extremely severe. Formaldehyde is also designated by IARC as a Group 1 carcinogen and exposures should be kept as low as possible by well-maintained ventilation systems. Where these measures are insufficient, other means of control are required, PPE being one such approach. Specific respiratory protection solutions for formaldehyde that meet the performance requirements of Australian Standard 1716 are available from 3M. These include: premium half face respirator 7500 series (7501 small, 7502 medium, 7503 large) and standard half face respirator 6000 series (6100 small, 6200 medium, 6300 large). The 7500 and 6000 series respirators need to be fitted with the company’s organic vapour and formaldehyde filter 6075 or organic vapour/acid gas filter 6057. The filter, fitted with the company’s particulate filter 5925 P2 and particulate filter retainer 501, will provide combined protection against formaldehyde and wood dust up to 10 times the exposure standard for a trained, fitted, clean-shaven wearer. 3M Personal Safety Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/U201
This issue is sponsored by — People & Quality Solutions Pty Ltd — www.paqs.com.au 33
NEW PRODUCTS
Heavy-duty work glove The VisionSafe Guardsman range of protective work gloves is designed to suit a wide variety of applications and workplace needs. Comfort and style have been retained without sacrificing safety and user dexterity. A work glove needs to protect the user without restricting their ability to perform an extensive range of tasks with a degree of precision. With this in mind, VisionSafe developed the Warrior - a heavy-duty work glove that is light and easy to wear. Offering maximum protection and comfort, the Warrior is a fully lined glove suitable for heavy-duty applications. The tough synthetic leather palm and finger pads ensure durability in hardwearing areas. Neoprene knuckle pads provide good protection to the user against the accidental scrapes and knocks. The spandex and lycra support fabrics enable maximum dexterity and a comfortable fit. A snug-fitting wrist lock ensures that the glove stays firmly in place on the hand even
Are you prepared for sudden cardiac arrest? Sudden cardiac arrest claims the lives of nearly 30,000 Australians each year. It can affect anyone at anytime. The only definitive treatment is high-quality CPR and defibrillation, and every
while under pressure. The glove is comfortable to wear the glove and available in a full range of sizes from small to 2XL. It is also machine washable for easy cleaning and maintenance. Vision Safe (PPE) Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/U046
Retractable hose reels Technicians working within vehicle service bay workshops are at constant risk of exposure to poisonous carbon monoxide, an
second counts. The ZOLL AED Plus® features Real
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even the mildest exposure can
to help you provide compressions at the proper depth and rate. The audio and visual prompts
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guide you to rescue with confidence and clarity
fumes which contain known
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benzene and nickel. A solution to this problem is the use of ‘at-source’ vehicle tailpipe extraction, and the Fumex
Call 1-800-605-555 or visit www.zoll.com.au
range of retractable hose reels provides a solution to eliminating health risks. The hose reel can be either wall or roof mounted and, in either case, takes into consideration the elimination of trailing hoses and subsequent tripping hazards. The retractable hose reel is available in a spring-retractable configuration or can be provided in a motorised version with remote-control operation and is available to suit applications from the smallest car right up to large trucks. Laboratory Systems Group Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/T186
34
This issue is sponsored by — People & Quality Solutions Pty Ltd — www.paqs.com.au
NEW PRODUCTS
Safety app The Sentis Safe Leader iPhone app is designed to enhance and improve the delivery of safety prestart meetings. Built around a variety of safety share topics which prompt and enrich critical conversation, the app is designed to ensure your meetings are both interesting and effectual. Providing an intuitive user experience, the app was developed around four practical functions for everyday use: activities - prompts for daily action, focusing your team’s
Safety light curtains
safety attention; questions - targeted inquiry to stimulate mindful safety behaviour;
The safety light curtains with thermowell and protection
conversations - powerful topics to get your team talking safety; and information -
rating IP69K are designed without corners and edges.
motivating facts and statistics to reinforce your safety message.
They have properties which are required in hygienic as
The app also provides the end user with an observation tool that can help with
well as robust applications. It has an ECOLAB certifi-
safety reporting. Sychronised with the iPhone camera functionality, the app allows users
cation for material resistance in cleaning processes.
an integrated forum to: photograph hazards; apply notes and observations; set GPS
The safety light curtains and light grids have been
coordinates of the location; store hazard report if outside internet service provision
developed in accordance with the current standards
or; email report for internal action.
and certified by TÜV Süd. They conform to the re-
It also has a favourites list for quick retrieval of preferred content; useful inbuilt
quirements of the type 2/SIL or type 4/SIL 3 and to the requirements of type 2/SIL 2 or type 4/SIL 3 with
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ranges of 6, 9 or 15 m.
Sentis
ifm efector pty ltd
Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/T352
Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/T216
LaneWorkSafe are wholesalers of Urine Drug and Saliva Testing Equipment. LaneWorkSafe offer competitive prices and can guarantee continuity of supply on our quality equipment.
The LaneWorkSafe Split Specimen Cup is made to meet Australian Standard AS4308:2008 cut-off levels. Used by NSW Police for testing serving Police Officers.
LaneWorkSafe deliver all clients the highest quality and best value on-site devices currently available in Australia. Unlike others we stand behind our product with after-sales and backup support.
www.laneworksafe.com.au
Ph: 1800 429 219
This issue is sponsored by — People & Quality Solutions Pty Ltd — www.paqs.com.au 35
CASE STUDY
Construction company improves safety compliance Hansen Yuncken, one of Australia’s largest construction firms, is carrying out major extensions to the Burwood campus of Victoria’s Deakin University. The site foreman at the university construction site, Jason Malouhos, said the company was anxious to increase the level of safety for its workers and reduce the number of injuries and lost time throughout its construction projects. “We have recently introduced a ‘glove and clip policy’ to encourage broad acceptance of the need for hand protection. This way, whether or not the worker wishes to wear gloves, they always have the right hand protection ready for any task. “Ansell introduced us to a number of alternative protection solutions. We found that while the Ansell medium-duty gloves are quite suitable for on-site management staff, their ActivArmr Heavy Laborer Glove and the ActivArmr Carpenter Glove are ideal for many of the tough manual tasks found on our sites. “Our people have found these gloves enable them to carry out their tasks easily and, just as important, are easy on their hands. They’re a real upgrade from the bulky riggers’ gloves, which we have been accustomed to for the last 20 years and which haven’t given us any flexibility of style for the task being undertaken. “With the task-specific ActivArmr gloves, we now have a glove that’s comfortable for the work and avoids the frustration caused by the old gloves, which often had restricted movement and a lack of feel for those activities that require finer hand movements.
“Thanks to the range of Ansell’s task-specific gloves, we are experiencing a higher level of compliance with our glove policy, and it’s been a really good safety outcome for Hansen Yuncken and its people,” Jason said. Ansell Healthcare Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/T938
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www.safetysolutions.net.au/social 36
This issue is sponsored by — People & Quality Solutions Pty Ltd — www.paqs.com.au
RESOURCES
from the editor
Website for public safety apps April’s tragic building collapse in Bangladesh, which killed over 1000 workers, has © iStockphoto.com/ Oleksiy Mark
A website dedicated to public safety and emergency response apps for use by the general public, app developers and first responders was launched by APCO International on Wednesday (24 April).The not-for-profit Association of Public Safety Communications Officials (APCO) International, based in the US, created the Applications Community or ‘AppComm’, where visitors can view, search, rate and comment on public safety apps. Many apps related to public safety are already available and in use by the general public and public safety agencies. Recent initiatives aimed at advancing public safety communications technology are also driving new apps designed to serve a public safety or emergency response purpose. “APCO members are especially qualified to evaluate existing apps and drive development of new apps that most effectively aid public safety and emergency response,” said APCO President Terry Hall. Hall continued, “APCO is determined to lead the way in fostering the development of appropriate standards and criteria for public safety apps.” According to APCO Executive Director Derek Poarch, “AppComm was created to provide a single, trusted online forum where public safety professionals, the general public and app developers can rate and comment on apps, submit ideas for new apps to serve unmet public safety needs and suggest additional apps for inclusion on the site.” The site provides links to download the apps from external websites and app stores. The global context of the AppComm initiative will be discussed by the APCO Global Alliance, which includes representatives from APCO International, APCO Australasia, British APCO and APCO Canada in Manchester at the British APCO 2013 Conference next week. “We strongly support the AppComm initiative and we are excited about what it will mean for the Australia and New Zealand community and public safety communications and information technology sector,” said Des Bahr, CEO of APCO Australasia. Bahr continued, “AppComm will assist in creating a new wave of app innovation for public safety and emergency response.” Visit www.appcomm.org to view the site.
and lack of safety provided for millions of workers across the country’s garment sector. A government investigation found poorquality construction materials and building code violations were among the series of irregularities at the site. The report also claimed that the building was not built for industrial use, so the weight and vibrations of the factory machinery also contributed to the building collapse. Since the disaster, many international clothing retailers have reportedly signed on to contracts that require them to help pay for fire safety and building improvements in Bangladesh. Other reforms that have been announced include the immediate voluntary closure of a number of other factories believed to be unsafe; a lifting of restrictions on forming trade unions in most industries; and the establishment of a new mechanism
Drug safety conference
to guarantee a reasonable minimum wage for garment industry workers. In this edition, we take a look at a safety © iStockphoto.com/ josemoraes
T2013: the 20th International Council on Alcohol, Drugs and Traffic Safety Conference will be held from 25-28 August at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre and will bring together over 400 delegates from around Australia and overseas, drawn from the areas of public health and safety, traffic and transport psychology, public health, law, medicine, economics, law enforcement, public policy, education, pharmacology, toxicology, forensic science, human factors, and alcohol intervention and rehabilitation. The Designer Drugs Session to be held in conjunction with the conference will profile synthetic cannabinoids as the new face of drug abuse, investigate the epidemiological background on the latest new drugs in Europe, present case studies on driver intoxication, and unveil new ways for screening and confirmation of the presence of these new drugs in drugged drivers. The Australasian Road Safety Research, Policing and Education Conference will immediately follow T2013 in the same Brisbane venue from 28-30 August 2013. Organised by The Centre for Accident Research & Road Safety Queensland (CARRS-Q) and ICADTS. Visit http://t2013.com to view the site.
highlighted the hazardous working conditions
issue which is causing problems across many industries in Australia - drug misuse. Employers have a number of challenges in addressing this problem, including determining when to request a reasonable suspicion drug test, providing appropriate education and creating a safety culture in the workplace that doesn’t tolerate workers impaired by drugs. We also feature the topic of working in confined spaces with a few words from a wise supervisor on page 14.
Carolyn Jackson - Editor ss@westwick-farrow.com.au
In my opinion Testing not enough for designer drugs While designer drugs are one of the current hot topics in workplace drug and alcohol programs, we have to remember that the drugs that cause the most harm in the workplace are the drugs that cause the most harm in the community - and the first one is alcohol. I’m not trying to understate the potential harm of these designer drugs, but it’s important to firstly put it in context.
A.B.N. 22 152 305 336 www.westwick-farrow.com.au
Head Office: Cnr. Fox Valley Road & Kiogle Street, (Locked Bag 1289) Wahroonga NSW 2076 Australia Ph: +61 2 9487 2700 Fax: +61 2 9489 1265 Editor: Carolyn Jackson ss@westwick-farrow.com.au
One of the primary reasons why some workers are using designer drugs is because they are difficult to detect. While some of the drugs can be detected, they are generally more difficult to detect and once you develop a mechanism to test for one drug, all they have to do is change a molecule and move to another drug that will still have the same effect and can’t be as easily detected.
Chief Editor: Janette Woodhouse
What these new synthetic drugs have identified is actually one of the primary flaws of basing your whole drug and alcohol management strategy on testing. You only have to look at the history of sports performance enhancing drugs, which is based on testing, to see why. Once a certain substance was identified and banned, another substance appeared that wasn’t identified. And this still goes on and on.
Circulation Manager: Sue Lavery circulation@westwick-farrow.com.au
If you look at other examples such as the drink driving program, yes, we have used drug testing as a deterrent but we have also spent a lot of time and energy on community education and changing the community’s opinions and attitudes about the behaviour, about driving drunk and about being impaired while driving - and this is where we have achieved a good return on our dollar. Some workplace programs have tended to focus on the easy way out by getting an external drug tester to tick the boxes and this has been interpreted by the workers as you can’t get caught positive rather than thinking you shouldn’t turn up to work impaired and endanger both yourself and your fellow workers. After nearly two decades of workplace drug testing, we have to shift to the next generation of workplace drug and alcohol strategies that are much smarter. I’m not saying we don’t test but we have got to say what else are we going to do - how do we change the culture? How do we change the opinion and behaviour of the workers? The users of designer drugs (and any other drugs) have the potential to turn up to work impaired and are turning up to work impaired. So why are fellow workers accepting the impaired workers and why isn’t the work group saying this is enough? More sophisticated programs that are tailored for the unique characteristics of the site and the workers at the site are needed to change the behaviours of the workplace. A good analogy to look at is how an engineering problem is solved at a mining or industrial site - the history, theory and traditional engineering will be looked at but the unique characteristic at the site will also be examined. Generally you find that workplaces that have a good comprehensive drug and alcohol program don’t have as many problems as those that rely solely on testing. We know that the combination of testing, education and cultural programs is a much more effective long-term strategy than just the concept of workplace testing.
Publisher: Geoff Hird Art Director/Production Manager: Julie Wright Art/Production: Tanya Scarselletti, Colleen Sam, Jeanette Teuma
Copy Control: Mitchie Mullins Advertising Sales: National Sales Manager - Nicola Fender-Fox Ph: 0414 703 780 nfenderfox@westwick-farrow.com.au NSW, QLD - Kerrie Robinson Ph: 0400 886 311 krobinson@westwick-farrow.com.au VIC, SA, WA - Sandra Romanin Ph: 0414 558 464 sromanin@westwick-farrow.com.au New Zealand - Gemma Burr Ph: 0800 44 2529 gburr@westwick-farrow.com.au USA - Huson International Media East Coast Ph: +1 212 268 3344 West Coast Ph: +1 408 879 6666 ralph.lockwood@husonmedia.com UK - Huson International Media Ph: +44 1932 56 4999 gerryb@husonmedia.com Asia - Lachlan Rainey Ph: +61 3 9381 2952 If you have any queries regarding our privacy policy please email privacy@westwick-farrow.com.au
March 2013 total CAB audited circulation (Aust + New Zealand) 7839 readers (78% personally requested)
Subscriptions: For unregistered readers - price on application ISSN 1447-8277 PP100007391 Printed and bound by Pegasus Print Group Co. Pty. Ltd. Ph: +61 2 8822 0600
Professor Jeremy Davey is Deputy Director, Centre for Accident Research and Road Safety at Queensland University of Technology (CARRSQ). He has been a drug and alcohol researcher for over 20 years.
38
NOTICE: All material published in this magazine is published in good faith and every care is taken to accurately relay information provided to us. Readers are advised by the publishers to ensure that all necessary safety devices and precautions are installed and safe working procedures adopted before the use of any equipment found or purchased through the information we provide. Further, all performance criteria was provided by the representative company concerned and any dispute should be referred to them. Information indicating that products are made in Australia or New Zealand is supplied by the source company. Westwick Farrow P/L does not quantify the amount of local content or the accuracy of the statement made by the source.
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