Welcome
Submitted by admin on Thu, 2006-08-31 04:00.
The value of worker participation in health and safety was proven today after a fire at iconic bathroom manufacturer Clearlite was handled by the book, says the Engineering, Printing and Manufacturing Union. The fire, which occurred in the company’s fibreglass department, had the potential to be far worse than it was. It was dealt with quickly and safely due to Heath and Safety procedures developed by EPMU members and management.
In this months Unions Talking Health and Safety we profile Workers Memorial Day, the Safeguard Awards and cover the recent report on the effectiveness of ACC. As our training refresher we have the Bodymapping Tool, so make sure you have a look at how useful this can be in your workplace.
In this months 'Unions Talking Health and Safety' (PDF doc 278 kb) we cover Workers Memorial Day including events being planned throughout New Zealand.
The Department of Labour recently launched a campaign called “The Grim Harvest”. The campaign focuses on those at increased risk of a workplace fatality during the Summer months, mainly those involved in the agriculture, construction and forestry sectors. However, there are lessons we can all learn about staying safe during the summer months while at work.
The inaugural Ross Wilson NZCTU Most Influential Employee category was awarded to Geoffrey Reed, a Meatworkers Union member from Oamaru who works for Alliance. Geoffrey Reed has been an elected H&S rep for over 3 years and has worked hard to earn the respect of management in his workplace. “At first this was difficult,” says Geoffrey. “But when they saw I was not going to be sidetracked away from the main issues, I received more respect”, said Geoffrey.
In this months edition of Unions Talking Health and Safety ( downloads a PDF doc 472kb) we have a Summer Safety checklist and a refresher on Stage One Hazard Management. We have information about how to reduce occupational cancer as well as how to contact DoL if you think you've been exposed to asbestos.
The Council of Trade Unions says there are still concerning questions remaining about the exposure of New Zealanders to asbestos, following the Patea fire this week.
“Have we got adequate guidelines to cover situations like what occurred in Patea this week, when it is still unclear what asbestos risk remains in this community?,” CTU secretary Carol Beaumont said.
Public submissions are being called for on the IPRC Amendment bill - Injury Prevention, Rehabilitation, and Compensation Amendment Bill (No 2). The closing date for submissions is Tuesday, 12 February 2008.
The purpose of this bill is to continue the Government’s commitment to a fair and sustainable ACC scheme for reducing the incidence and impact of personal injury, by proposing amendments to cover for work-related injuries, changes in weekly compensation eligibility and entitlement, and changes in entitlement and processes around vocational rehabilitation and independence. The bill also includes a number of other issues that arise out of ongoing policy development, and some technical changes.
In this months 'Unions Talking Health and Safety' we cover the DoL campaign to reduce fatalities during the summer, the 'Grim Harvest'.
Jan is a Debt Management Officer for the Ministry of Social Development Southern Collection Unit.
