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Health and Safety Month and OHS updates in Victoria

13/09/17
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On 5 October 2017, Health and Safety Month commences across Australia.  As a part of Health and Safety Month, WorkSafe Victoria and SafeWork Australia will be hosting events on WHS/OHS topics. Schools and other workplaces are also encouraged to host their own events to inform their workplace about WHS/OHS requirements and improvements. In the lead-up to this national event, schools should review their workplace safety policies and procedures.

On 18 June 2017, the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2017 (Vic) (OHS Regulations) came into force, repealing the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2007 (Vic). The OHS Regulations apply to all industries operating in Victoria such as construction, mines and plant based work. These changes also affect all Victorian schools. The main changes affecting Victorian schools relate to hazardous manual handling requirements (commonly referred to as ‘manual handling’), using the Globally Harmonised System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) to label hazardous substances, and the management of asbestos.

Both events shine the spotlight on a school's workplace safety.

Manual handling

The definition of manual handling has been amended in the OHS Regulations.  Manual handling is now defined as work requiring the use of force exerted by a person to lift, lower, push, pull, carry or otherwise cover, hold or restrain:

  • a thing if the work involves repetitive or sustained application of force, sustained awkward posture, repetitive movement, high force, and exposure to sustained vibration;
  • live persons or animals; or
  • unstable or unbalanced loads.

Under regulation 26 of the OHS Regulations, an employer, so far as is reasonably practicable, must identify any manual handling undertaken, or to be undertaken, by an employee. Regulation 27 of the OHS Regulations places another obligation on an employer, so far as is reasonably practicable, to eliminate any risk of harm associated with the manual handling. This can include:

  • altering the workplace layout, workplace environment, and systems of work involving manual handling;
  • changing things used in the manual handling;
  • using mechanical aids; or
  • any combination of the above.

If the above list does not address or reduce the risk of the harm associated with the manual handling, the employer can use information, instruction, or training.

The GHS

The OHS Regulations now requires hazardous substances to be labelled in accordance with the Globally Harmonised System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS).  This is in line with the harmonised WHS states and territories.  Hazardous substances must be labelled in accordance with the third, fourth or fifth revised editions of the GHS, published by the United Nations.

Below is a diagram example of how the GHS labelling system works.

Schools must make sure that all chemicals or hazardous substances are labelled in accordance with the GHS to comply with the OHS Regulations. WorkSafe Victoria and Safework Australia provide some useful guidance on how to deal with and interpret, the GHS.

Asbestos

When it comes the management and handling of asbestos on work premises nothing much has changed under the OHS Regulations.  There is still the requirement in the OHS Regulations for employers to have and maintain an asbestos register, designate a person to manage it, and control any risk of exposure to asbestos.

The OHS Regulations go one step further when it comes to the removal of the asbestos.  Under regulation 301(1), if there are asbestos removal works occurring, the employer must inform their employees before the asbestos removal works commence at the premises. There are also similar requirements for asbestos removal works that may affect neighbouring properties and businesses.

What schools need to know

Victorian schools should make sure that their policies and practices are up to date with the current OHS Regulations.  Victorian schools need to pay particular attention to the changes to the manual handling, GHS and asbestos removal requirements.  Given that October is national Health and Safety Month, now is a great time to review your WHS/OHS program!

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About the Author

William Kelly

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